9

Look into my eyes. What do I see? Flexibility, through and through.

However, as the tale begins, most people are in two camps. Let me explain:

A Beacon

Since 1998, I have been a guest speaker, sharing my personal stories and leveraging the power of positive thinking. Drawing from years of my recovery after my stroke (which, also, hampered my communicate caused by global aphasia,) my story is motivational and humorous. Most audiences are very impressed, not only of the meaning on my topics but, as they put it, they think of me as an inspiration and a beacon.

Evidently, I am quite stunned and honored to hear this comments and I thank them very much. However, in my travels, I have seen two different patterns that are significant when I am talking to the audience.

As an illustration, one subject I speak about is how anyone can have a “can do” attitude and determination with gusto. Another word, to be flexible. I show examples are how I regained my speech over time with hard work and consistency.

And this is why I got concern…

TV and Bonbons

Because of some people in the audience, (and especially people with disabilities that are trying,) no matter what they do, no matter what they say, no matter what they think, they are always very dejected.

Isolated.

Distressed.

They think that the world is unfair. Society, in their opinion, has not treated them in some senses. They are not going to fight for what’s right or appropriate. Not now, not ever.

Whether it’s at work, home or just in general, they have a malaise that is poignant. It’s almost like they can’t help it.

You have seen this in the past yourself, haven’t you? People that are doing the same routine, time and time again with no results. Blue and frustrated, they can’t figure it out.

These individuals are not only in their demeanor, but even their body language and approach are apparent. They are not going to go further. They want to just sit, watch television and eat bonbons the rest of their life. No energy or excitement.

On Fire

On the other side of the spectrum are those people who are on fire. Burning. They want to learn more new matter what the cost. Innovators. For those people, they look it obstacles or roadblocks as challenges and create and mold their skills and passions.

Hence, one of the interesting observations (at least for me,) is these dynamos are trailblazers who realize, patiently and grasps something so magnificent and unique that blows everyone else away. These people have the ability and zeal to have all the small things disappear and look at the larger goals consistently. To act. To be curious. In other words, they will not say, “No!”, period.

A Query

So, the question is simple, yet direct. Look into your eyes. What approach do you take to be flexible? The end result may be quite revealing…

License

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This work (Unmistakably Herb by Herb Silverman) is free of known copyright restrictions.

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