From 2 Columns to 3 Columns, Successfully!

1. Create a test blog using the same template that your current blog is on.
2. Copy over some posts, your blog header and some of your side bar stuff, just some
3. Go to this site: http://weblensblogs.blogspot.com/2007/04/3-column-widgets-compliant-blogger.html and read the post
4. Go to the “New Widget Version” http://www.weblens.org/3%20column%20widgets.txt
5. “Select all”
6. “Copy”
7. Open up “Notepad” and “Paste”
8. Save
9. On your test site go to “Template”, “Edit HTML”
10. Check off “Expand Widget Templates”
11. “Select All”
12. “Copy”
13. Open up “Notepad” and “Paste”, then save
14. Go back and erase the code form your template on the test blog
15. Go back to the notepad and “Select All” and then “Copy” (the new code)
16. “Paste” the new code where the old code was
17. Click “save template”
18. You will lose most of your sidebar information, including all widgets.
    
19. “View Blog”
20. Take a look and see if you like it.
21. If you do, then copy everything form your sidebar, including all widgets, from your old blog over to the test blog and put them in the order that pleases you.
22. No need to copy “Labels”, “Archives”, “Posts” or blog header
23. If you are satisfied, then do it for real on your site.
24. When completed, copy back the widgets to your real blog
25. Fine tune; font sizes and colors.
26. You are done.

Disclaimer - I take no responsibility for any issues or lost data that may result.

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I DID IT!!

I Successfully converted to a 3 column blog. I need to do some fine tuning yet. I will let everyone know what the process is that I used in my next post.

Yeah me!!!!!


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Videos for the Mind

MindMovie for Success


Affirmations



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Wish Me Luck

Sometime over the next few weeks I will be converting my site over to three columns. I have found the code for a three column blogger site. I have set up a test blog. I have converted the test blog from two columns to three columns and it was successful. I did lose some of the widgets so now I know to copy them over from this site to the test site and then copy them back. I think I have tested for every major contingency. I just haven't quite worked up the nerve to actually make the conversion....but I will very shortly. Wish me luck. (And yes, this is a picture of my hand with my fingers crossed.)

If the conversion is a success I will post where I found the code.

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Are You Prepared For Success? (Section II - Installment #21 "It Can’t Be Done” – Male & Female versions)

(If this is your first time on this site, you may want to begin with "Are You Prepared For Success?" [Introduction])

It Can't Be Done

The people who miss all the fun
Are the ones who say "It can't be done."
In solemn pride they stand aloof
And greet each venture with reproof.
Had they the power they'd efface
The history of the human race;
We'd have no radio or motor cars,
No streets lit by electric stars;
No telegraph nor telephone,
We'd linger in the age of stone.
The world would sleep if things were run
By people who say, "It can't be done."

(Based on a poem of unknown authorship)

I strongly suggest that you write down your immediate reaction, after passionately reading this poem.

• Look deep inside yourself and try to identify what you have always considered as "can't”s.
• Are they really??

Go to Section II (Installment #22)

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The 10 Things in Life that You Control

I found the following article to be very clear, concise and useful.

The 10 Things in Life that You Control
by Jim M. Allen

There are just a few aspects of life that we can truly control, and it's useful to know just what those areas are. If you don't know, you'll spend a lot of time blaming others for your own failings. Try and exert too much control in areas you shouldn't and the universe will create some interesting ways to remind of your place.

So be prepared an learn the 10 things in life that you DO control:

1. What you do

Your actions are yours alone. You choose to make them or not make them and you are responsible for the effects of those actions.

2. What you say

Likewise, the words you speak (or write) are also consciously chosen. Like actions, they have an impact on your life and the lives of those you contact.

3. What you think

Yes, there are some subconscious thoughts that you can't control. But the things that you really think about, your beliefs, your ideals, etc. are concepts you have chosen to accept and believe in.

4. Your work

Many people like to overlook this one, it being much easier to say "Oh, I'm trapped in my job because I don't have a degree, experience, etc." Hogwash! That's simple a way of denying one's responsibility in having chosen the job in the first place.

It's your job and you chose it. If you stay (or go), that's a choice as well.

5. Who you associate with

There's a famous t-shirt that states: "It's hard to soar like an eagle when you're surrounded by turkeys."

Your friends can either lift you up or bring you down. You make the decision which type of friends you wish to have.

6. Your health

Much of our health is a factor of genetics, environment, and exposure. Much more of our health is simply a matter of the things we choose: diet, excercise, drugs, sleep, routine physicals, check-ups, etc.

7. The environment you live in

Your house, the condition of your home, the town you live in, the amenities available to you are all things you can control, although some to a lesser degree (i.e., you decide to tolerate them or move someplace else).

8. Your finances

Having or not having enough money is a factor of what you make versus what you spend.

9. Your time

You choose how to "spend" your time and how much of your time to give to various activities. You'll never get more time than the 24 hours your given each day.

10. Your legacy

All your actions, words, and knowledge that you share while you are living become the gift that you leave when you are gone.


Jim Allen is a professional life coach, speaker, and writer. Get more great ideas in you email every week by subscribing to Jim's weekly newsletter, THE BIG IDEA, by sending a blank email to: mailto:Subscribe@CoachJim.com (©2001 Jim Allen & CoachJim.com ALL RIGHTS RESERVED)


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Male Vs. Female at the ATM Machine

I just made the greatest new friend "Little Aussie Cynic.". You must read her post entitled Male Vs. Female at the ATM Machine

Attitudes for the Aging

• Are You Feeling Old Yet? (Humor)
• Baby Boomers Unite
  
• How Does It Feel To Be Old?
• PERKS OF BEING OVER 50
  
• Positive Attitudes for the Aging

Are You Prepared For Success? (Section II - Installment #20m "Can’t” – Male version)

(If this is your first time on this site, I recommend that you begin with "Are You Prepared For Success?" [Introduction])

If you are a female reader please go to #20f.

Can't

Can't is the worst word that is written or spoken;
Doing more harm here than slander and lies;
On it is many a strong spirit broken,
And with it many a good purpose dies.
It springs from the lips of the thoughtless each morning
And robs you of courage you need through the day:
It rings in your ears like a timely sent warning
And laughs when you falter and fall by the way.

Can't is the father of feeble endeavor,
The parent of terror and halfhearted work;
It weakens the efforts of artisans clever,
And makes of the toiler and indolent shirk.
It poisons the soul of a man with a vision,
It stifles in infancy many a plan;
It greets honest toiling with open derision
And mocks at the hopes and dreams of a man.

Can't is a word none should speak without blushing;
To utter it should be a symbol of shame;
Ambition and courage it daily is crushing;
It blights a man's purpose and shortens his aim.
Despise it with all of your hatred of error;
Refuse it the lodgment it seeks in your brain;
Arm against it as a creature of terror,
And all that you dream of you someday shall gain.

Can't is the word that is foe to ambition,
An enemy ambushed to shatter your will;
Its prey is forever the man with a mission
And it bows but to courage and patience and skill.
Hate it, with hatred that's deep and undying,
For once it is welcomed 'twill break any man;
Whatever the goal you are seeking, keep trying
And answer this demon by saying: "you can."

(Based on a poem by Edgar Guest)

I strongly suggest that you write down your immediate reaction, after passionately reading this poem.

• What would you like to do but think you can't (within the bounds of physics, decency, morality and the law)?

Go to Section II (Installment #21)

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Are You Prepared For Success? (Section II - Installment #20f "Can’t” – Female version)

(If this is your first time on this site, I recommend that you begin with "Are You Prepared For Success?" [Introduction])

If you are a male reader please go to #20m.

Can't

Can't is the worst word that is written or spoken;
Doing more harm here than slander and lies;
On it is many a strong spirit broken,
And with it many a good purpose dies.
It springs from the lips of the thoughtless each morning
And robs you of courage you need through the day:
It rings in your ears like a timely sent warning
And laughs when you falter and fall by the way.

Can't is the mother of feeble endeavor,
The parent of terror and halfhearted work;
It weakens the efforts of artisans clever,
And makes of the toiler and indolent shirk.
It poisons the soul of a woman with vision,
It stifles in infancy many a plan;
It greets honest toiling with open derision
And mocks at the hopes and dreams of a woman.

Can't is a word none should speak without blushing;
To utter it should be a symbol of shame;
Ambition and courage it daily is crushing;
It blights her purpose and shortens her aim.
Despise it with all of your hatred of error;
Refuse it the lodgment it seeks in your brain;
Arm against it as a creature of terror,
And all that you dream of you someday shall gain.

Can't is the word that is foe to ambition,
An enemy ambushed to shatter your will;
Its prey is forever the one with a mission
And it bows but to courage and patience and skill.
Hate it, with hatred that's deep and undying,
For once it is welcomed 'twill break any plan;
Whatever the goal you are seeking, keep trying
And answer this demon by saying: "you can."

(Based on a poem by Edgar Guest)

I strongly suggest that you write down your immediate reaction, after passionately reading this poem.

• What would you like to do but think you can't (within the bounds of physics, decency, morality and the law)?

Go to Section II (Installment #21)

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Trail of Joy

Trail of Joy

Over the last couple of weeks I have taken a journey of wonder and excitement. You know, it’s funny, how finding one beautiful and wondrous place can lead to another and still another. I want to tell just a little about this journey that I took and some of my new friends that I found along the way.

This journey started with “Kissing the Dogwood.” I am sad to say that I do not remember how I found this wonderful site. “Kissing the Dogwood” is subtitled “Being The Best You Can Be.” It is written beautifully with both flair and skill. It is poignant and sensitive with beautiful pictures and an absolute joy to read. Selina, you, in a sense, started my journey; for that, I will always be in your debt.

“Kissing the Dogwood” then led me to “A Nice Place In The Sun.” This site is subtitled “The Children's Book Site For Parents and Other Grown-ups.” This site is an absolute must for anyone who has or even knows small children. Ann, your site is an absolute charmer.

“Kissing the Dogwood” also led me to a very spiritual site called “gurushabad.” If you are looking for introspection or just feel spiritual, this is the place to go. After visiting “gurushabad” you may just know yourself a little better. I recommend this site to everyone. Surjit, we can all learn from you.

“gurushabad” then led me to one of the most visually pleasing sites I have ever seen. It is called “The Painted Veil.” One look and you are hooked. This site is also very introspective and just plain wonderful. Shinade, you obviously have put a great deal of time and love into your site; it shows. I am very impressed with the way that you have related to me on a personal level.

“A Nice Place in the Sun” led me to and absolute gem called “Comedy Plus.” Ladies, you all must visit this site. Gentlemen, if you are comfortable with your manhood, if you like strong women, or if you are just curious what the “other” side is thinking and if you are not easily offended, then take a deep breath and take a look. “Comedy Plus” is funny…no, I mean FUNNY! Sandee, you are now and forever a part of my life. At the risk of personal peril, I have shared your site with my wife and she loves it.

Well that is my current adventure in the blogesphere, truly a place of wonder and enlightenment. To all of you on my blogroll, you wouldn’t be there if I didn’t think your sites were worth reading and sharing. I truly hope that I didn’t offend anybody by omission.

I have never felt as fulfilled and passionate about life as I do when I am sharing and reading with my friends. I am actually getting a little teary eyed, so I think I will stop now.

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Happiness Is a Moral Obligation

One of the people that I admire, in regards to his clarity and stance on happiness, is Dennis Prager. He is a conservative talk show host. I do not agree with much of his political or social ideology, but my site is not for either political or social debate. There are many sites that take care of that very well. My site is dedicated to the pursuit, capture, care and feeding of a positive mental attitude. Happiness fits dead center!

This particular essay was written on Townhall.com. As both a writer and an aggregater of essays on Attitude, this one is a natural to reprint.

Happiness Is a Moral Obligation
By Dennis Prager

For much of my life, I, like most people, regarded the pursuit of happiness as largely a selfish pursuit. One of the great revelations of middle age has been that happiness, far from being only a selfish pursuit, is a moral demand.

When we think of character traits we rightly think of honesty, integrity, moral courage, and acts of altruism. Few people include happiness in any list of character traits or moral achievements. But happiness is both.

Happiness -- or at least acting happy, or at the very least not inflicting one's unhappiness on others -- is no less important in making the world better than any other human trait.

With some exceptions, happy people make the world better and unhappy people make it worse. This is true on the personal (micro) and global (macro) planes.

On the micro plane:

Consider the effects of an unhappy parent on a child. Ask people raised by an unhappy parent if that unhappiness hurt them.

Consider the effects of an unhappy spouse on a marriage.

Consider the effects of unhappy children on their parents. I know a couple that has four middle-aged children of whom three are truly extraordinary people, inordinately well adjusted and decent. The fourth child has been unhappy most of his life and has been a never-ending source of pain to the parents. That one child's unhappiness has always overshadowed the joy that the parents experience from the other three children. Hence the saying that one is no happier than one's least happy child.

Consider the effects of a brooding co-worker on your and your fellow workers' morale -- not to mention the huge difference between working for a happy or a moody employer.

We should regard bad moods as we do offensive body odor. Just as we shower each day so as not to inflict our body odors on others, so we should monitor our bad moods so as not to inflict them on others. We shower partly for ourselves and partly out of obligation to others. The same should hold true vis a vis moods; and just as we avoid those who do not do something about their body odor we should avoid whenever possible those who do nothing about their bad moods.

The flip side of the damage unhappy people do when they subject others to their unhappiness is the good that people do when they are, or at least act, happy. Just think of how much more you want to help people when you are in particularly happy mood and you realize how much more good the happy are likely to do.

On the macro plane, the case for the relationship between happiness and goodness is as apparent.

It is safe to say that the happiest Germans were not those who joined the Nazi Party. Nor did the happiest Europeans become Communists. And happy Muslims are not generally among those who extol death. The motto of Hamas and other Islamic groups engaged in terror, "We love death as much as [Americans, Jews] love life," does not appeal to happy Muslims.

Cults, hysteria and mass movements all appeal to the unhappy far more than to the happy. It is one more example of the genius of America's Founders to include "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" in the Declaration of Independence. No other major civilization so enshrined happiness as a core value. This American belief in the moral and societal merit in pursuing happiness is a major reason America has developed differently than Europe. The American emphasis on happiness is one reason no fanatical political or religious movement, Left or Right, has been able to succeed in America as such movements have repeatedly succeeded in Europe.

The pursuit of happiness is not the pursuit of pleasure. The pursuit of pleasure is hedonism, and hedonists are not happy because the intensity and amount of pleasure must constantly be increased in order for hedonism to work. Pleasure for the hedonist is a drug.

But the pursuit of happiness is noble. It benefits everyone around the individual pursuing it, and it benefits humanity. And that is why happiness is a moral obligation.

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A Movie Review?

Okay, movie reviews are not my thing, however, I was compelled in this case. It was an overwhelming compulsion.....I just had to.

It all started when my wife was trying to convince me to go and see this movie. I had absolutely no desire. Well, she won. I went kicking and screaming, but I went. I really didn't want to go see a fat girl sing, and John Travolta in drag in a movie that takes place in 1962. After all there were no special effects. No one died. there was no sex. What a bore!

Tonight I just got back from seeing this movie for a second time. Yes, you heard me right, a second time and this time it was my idea. Gals, I think you know what I mean. Guys, you will just have to trust me.

"Hairspray" is probably the best feel good movie I have seen in years! I was smiling the entire time. I came out wanting to sing and dance. I can't sing and I sure can't dance....but I wanted to anyway. I had to see it for a second time to see if the feeling I had the first time was real, or if someone slipped me some kind if happy pill.

Believe me, it is for real. WOW, what a feeling. If you haven't seen this movie yet, see it. If you have seen it, then you know what I mean. I can't get the music out of my, and I don't want to.





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Are You Prepared For Success? (Section II - Installment #19 "Don’t Quit” – Male & Female versions)

(If this is your first time on this site, you may want to begin with "Are You Prepared For Success?" [Introduction])

Don't Quit

When things go wrong like they sometimes will;
When the road your trudging seems all uphill;
When the funds are low, and the debts are high;
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh;
When care is pressing you down a bit-
Rest if you must, but don't you quit.

Life is queer, with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about
When you might have won if you’d stuck it out;
Stick to your task, though the pace seems slow;
You may succeed with one more blow.

Success is failure turned inside out;
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt;
And you never can tell how close you are;
It may be near when it seems afar.
So, stick to the fight when you're hardest hit-
It's when things go wrong that you mustn't quit.

(Based on a poem by an unknown author)

I strongly suggest that you write down your immediate reaction, after passionately reading this poem.

• Can you identify something worthwhile in your life (ie. school, job, relationship)...be specific...that you would like to run away from, quit; because it's too hard, or takes up too much time?
• What would happen if you quit?
• What is the reward of you don't quit?
• Now, compare.

Go to Section II (Installment 20f - Female version)
Go to Section II (Installment 20m - Male version)

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Why MondayMorningPower?

Why MondayMorningPower? Even though the answer, at least to me, seems obvious, I still believe that I need to express it. Let’s start by my asking you a few questions:

1. Are you sad when the weekend is over?
2. Do you not look forward to the week?
3. Do you have a really hard time waking up on Monday Morning?
4. Do you wish Monday Mornings were never invented?
5. Does the week seem to drag on like it will never end?

If you answered “yes” to 2 or more of these questions you are “Monday Morning Averse.” In other words, Monday morning is anything but a friend. What you need, what most of us need, is a way to make Monday Mornings a friend; to actually look forward to the week; to be excited about Monday Morning; to accept the challenge of the week with enthusiasm; to have “Monday Morning Power,” the power to take you all the way through the week; to have the right attitude and to change the negative internal messages into positive ones when it comes to Monday morning, and all aspects of your life.

There you have it. I believe that reading my blog on a regular basis will help cultivate within you a positive mental attitude (PMA) . If you already have PMA, then this blog will help in it's care and feeding. I believe that we need to look at every minute of every day with wonder, excitement and enthusiasm. We need to live life to the fullest. We need to choose to be happy; after all we only have a short time on this earth. We need to keep negative energy at bay. We need to be grateful for what we have. Changing your attitude can change your life. You need to be able to laugh. You should treat others with respect and give them the benefit of the doubt, whenever possible.

The actual name of this site is "Attitude, the Ultimate Power." This name is explained quite nicely in my series of articles called "The Process." However, most of my readers refer to this site, on their links, as MondayMorningPower. I am considering changing the name to MondayMorningPower. Any and all input on this would be very much appreciated.

As usual, I have a tendency to go off on tangents when it comes to positive energy. Getting back to the original theme of this post "Why MondayMorningPower?"; what better way to start off the week than feeling empowered, in control with loads of enthusiasm for the challenges that lay ahead.



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Music Videos - Animusic

I'm not sure how much these music videos have to do with a positive mental attitude. All I know is that I love the way they make me feel and I amazed by the technology behind them. I hope that you enjoy them as much as I do.

Pipe Dream


Starship Grove


Pogo Sticks


Resonant Chamber


Drum Machine


Gyro Drums


Heavy Light


Future Retro


Beyond The Walls


Fibre Bundles




animusic pipe+dreams startship+grove pogo+sticks resonant+chamber drum+machine gyro+drums heavy+light future+retro beyond+the+walls fibre+bundles

Music Videos - Positive Attitude / Feel Good

Don't Worry, Be Happy


New Attitude


You Got To Be You


Hold On Tight To Your Dream


What a Wonderful World


You Can't Stop The Beat


Bright Side of the Road


The Time of Your Life


Have A Nice Day by Bon Jovi

Are You Prepared For Success? (Section II - Installment #18m "The Race” – Male version)

(If this is your first time on this site, please begin with "Are You Prepared For Success?" [Introduction])

If you are a female reader please go the Female version of this post.

The Race

I
"Quit! Give up! You're beaten!"
They shout out and plead.
"There's just too much against you now.
This time you can't succeed!"

And as he started to hang his head
In front of failure's face,
His downward fall was broken by
The memory of the race.

And hope refilled his weakened will
As he recalled the scene;
For just the thought of that short race
Rejuvenated his being.

II
A children's race--young boys, young men;
How he remember well.
Excitement, sure, but also fear;
It wasn't hard to tell.

They all lined up so full of hope:
Each thought to win the race.
Or tie for first, or if not that,
At least take second place.

And fathers watched from off the side,
Each cheering for his son.
And each boy hoped to show his dad
That he would be the one.

The whistle blew and off they went!
Young hearts and hopes afire.
To win, to be the hero there
Was each young boy's desire.

And one boy in particular
Whose dad was in the crowd,
Was running near the lead and thought,
"My dad will be so proud."

But as he speeded down the field
Across a shallow dip,
The little boy who thought to win,
Lost his step and slipped.

Trying hard to catch himself
His hands flew out to brace,
And mid the laughter of the crowd
He fell flat on his face.

So down he fell and with him hope
He couldn't win it now--
Embarrassed, sad, he only wished
To disappear somehow.

But as he fell his dad stood up
And showed his anxious face,
Which to the boy so clearly said:
"Get up and win the race!"

He quickly rose, no damage done
Behind a bit, that's all--
And ran with all his mind and might
To make up for his fall.

So anxious to restore himself
To catch up and to win
His mind went faster than his legs:
He slipped and fell again!

He wished that he had quit before
With only one disgrace.
"I'm hopeless as a runner now;
I shouldn't try to race."

But in the laughing crowd he searched
And found his father's face.
That steady look which said again:
"Get up and win the race!"

So he jumped up to try again.
Ten yards behind the last--
"If I'm to gain those yards," he thought,
"I've got to move real fast."

Exerting everything he had,
He gained eight or ten,
But trying so hard to catch the lead
He slipped and fell again!

Defeat! He lay there silently
A tear dropped from his eye--
"There's no sense running anymore:
Three strikes I'm out, why try?"

The will to rise had disappeared
All hopes had fled away;
So far behind, so error-prone:
A loser all the way.

"I've lost, so what's the use," he thought.
"I'll live with my disgrace."
But then he thought about his dad
Who soon he'd have to face.

"Get up," an echo sounded low.
Get up and take your place.
You were not meant for failure here.
Get up and win the race."

With borrowed will, "Get up," it said,
"You haven't lost at all,
For winning is no more than this:
To rise each time you fall."

So up he rose to win once more,
And with a new commit
He resolved that win or lose,
At least he wouldn't quit.

So far behind the others now.
The most he'd ever been--
Still he gave it all he had
And ran as though to win.

Three times he'd fallen stumbling:
Three times he rose again.
Too far behind to hope to win
He still ran to the end.

They cheered the winning runner
As he crossed, first place,
Head high and proud and happy;
No falling, no disgrace.

But when the fallen youngster
Crossed the line, last place,
The crowd gave him the greater cheer
For finishing the race.

And even though he came in last
With head bowed low, unproud,
You would have thought he won the
Race to listen to the crowd.

And to his dad he sadly said,
"I didn't do so well."
"To me you won," his father said.
"You rose each time you fell."

III
And when things seem dark and hard
And difficult to face,
The memory of that little boy
Will help you in your race.

For all of life is like that race.
With ups and downs and all.
And all you have to do to win
Is rise each time you fall.

"Quit!" "Give up, you're beaten!"
They still shout to your face.
But another voice within you says:
"GET UP AND WIN THE RACE!"

(Based on a poem of unknown authorship)

I strongly suggest that you write down your immediate reaction, after passionately reading this poem.

• When have you wanted to quit, but something made you keep going and you were glad you did? (Be Specific!)

Go to Section II (Installment #19)

Are You Prepared For Success? (Section II - Installment #18f "The Race” – Female version)

(If this is your first time on this site, please begin with "Are You Prepared For Success?" [Introduction])

If you are a male reader please go to the Male version of this post.

The Race

I
"Quit! Give up! You're beaten!"
They shout out and plead.
"There's just too much against you now.
This time you can't succeed!"

And as she started to hang her head
In front of failure's face,
Her downward fall was broken by
The memory of the race.

And hope refills her weakened will
As she recalled the scene;
For just the thought of that short race
Rejuvenated her being.

II
A children's race--young girls, young women;
How she remember well.
Excitement, sure, but also fear;
It wasn't hard to tell.

They all lined up so full of hope:
Each thought to win the race.
Or tie for first, or if not that,
At least take second place.

And mothers watched from off the side,
Each cheering for the one she nursed.
And each girl hoped to show her mom
That she would come in first.

The whistle blew and off they went!
Young hearts and hopes afire.
To win, to be the hero there
Was each young girl's desire.

And one girl in particular
Whose mom was in the crowd,
Was running near the lead and thought,
"My mom will be so proud."

But as she speeded down the field
Across a shallow dip,
The little girl who thought to win,
Lost her step and slipped.

Trying hard to catch herself
Her hands flew out to brace,
And mid the laughter of the crowd
She fell flat on her face.

So down she fell and with her hope
She couldn't win it now--
Embarrassed, sad, she only wished
To disappear somehow.

But as she fell her mom stood up
And showed her anxious face,
Which to the girl so clearly said:
"Get up and win the race!"

She quickly rose, no damage done
Behind a bit, that's all--
And ran with all her mind and might
To make up for her fall.

So anxious to restore herself
To catch up and to win
Her mind went faster than her legs:
She slipped and fell again!

She wished that she had quit before
With only one disgrace.
"I'm hopeless as a runner now;
I shouldn't try to race."

But in the laughing crowd she searched
And found her mother's face.
That steady look which said again:
"Get up and win the race!"

So she jumped up to try again.
Ten yards behind the last--
"If I'm to gain those yards," she thought,
"I've got to move real fast."

Exerting everything she had,
She gained eight or ten,
But trying so hard to catch the lead
She slipped and fell again!

Defeat! She lay there silently
A tear dropped from her eye--
"There's no sense running anymore:
Three strikes I'm out, why try?"

The will to rise had disappeared
All hopes had fled away;
So far behind, so error-prone:
A loser all the way.

"I've lost, so what's the use," she thought.
"I'll live with my disgrace."
But then she thought about her mom
Who soon she'd have to face.

"Get up," an echo sounded low.
Get up and take your place.
You were not meant for failure here.
Get up and win the race."

With borrowed will, "Get up," it said,
"You haven't lost at all,
For winning is no more than this:
To rise each time you fall."

So up she rose to win once more,
And with a new commit
She resolved that win or lose,
At least she wouldn't quit.

So far behind the others now.
The most she'd ever been--
Still she gave it all she had
And ran as though to win.

Three times she'd fallen stumbling:
Three times she rose again.
Too far behind to hope to win
She still ran to the end.

They cheered the winning runner
As she crossed, first place,
Head high and proud and happy;
No falling, no disgrace.

But when the fallen youngster
Crossed the line, last place,
The crowd gave her the greater cheer
For finishing the race.

And even though she came in last
With head bowed low, unproud,
You would have thought she won the
Race to listen to the crowd.

And to her mom she sadly said,
"I didn't do so well."
"To me you won," her mother said.
"You rose each time you fell."

III
And when things seem dark and hard
And difficult to face,
The memory of that little girl
Will help you in your race.

For all of life is like that race.
With ups and downs and all.
And all you have to do to win
Is rise each time you fall.

"Quit!" "Give up, you're beaten!"
They still shout to your face.
But another voice within you says:
"GET UP AND WIN THE RACE!"

(Based on a poem of unknown authorship)

I strongly suggest that you write down your immediate reaction, after passionately reading this poem.

• When have you wanted to quit, but something made you keep going and you were glad you did? (Be Specific!)

Go to Section II (Installment #19)

The+Race, give+up beaten succeed slipped face fell embarrassed anxious Laughing disgrace win+the+race

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