I remember when

I can remember growing up in the northern United States. Winters were cold and we always had snow. My friends and I would bundle up for the cold, which was quite a task in itself with the many layers of clothing to keep warm. then we would drag our inner tubes or sleds outside and walk to the nearest hill.


We would struggle to climb this hill, dragging our sleds behind us all the way to the very top of the hill. Once we were at the top, we would look down at the adventure that awaited us. Finally we would climb on our sleds and with a little push, we were off and racing down the hill.


The ride down the hill never lasted as long as the long climb up again, but this didn't seem to matter to us. It was fun. Although the climb was work, our focus was always on that brief but exhilarating ride back down. This remained fun for many years during the winter months.


As we grew, however, the thrill seemed to fade as it seemed the work of climbing for such a brief ride was no longer worth it. Our idea of fun changed and we began to look for other things.


Years later we look back at those times. They will always be times to be remembered with fondness. the memories were planted deep in our psyches and they will be treasured for a lifetime.


I don't see kids doing this with the intensity we did nowadays. Sure you can still see it happening, but the sight is not so commonplace. Life has changed and become busier for most kids these days.


Thinking about this, I think about the many ways life seemed to be such a struggle when I was younger. I suppose every generation views life in this same way. How often have you heard someone say "Back in my day..."?


But you know something? For as much as we (or anyone) has struggled just to have a little fun, we don't dwell so much on the struggles we endured as much as the fun times we experienced as a result of these struggles. Anyone who struggled to achieve something when they were young to accomplish something, no matter how small, will remember these struggles with a smile.


Think about this when you are faced with struggles in your endeavors today to live your dreams. If the dream is worthy, whatever struggle you may face will be worth the trouble when you look back later.


Memories are not made only during childhood. Your whole life should be lived in the pursuit of creating even bigger and greater memories. Just remember the perspective you had when you were a young child. You were not focusing on the immediate struggle you faced to get to the top of that snow-covered hill. Your focus was always on the exciting ride you were about to experience.


When this becomes your focus, you are in the process of creating wonderful memories for some future day, when you will look back and smile at your struggles. This is life. It is meant to be lived, to be experienced. Challenge is only resistance which makes you better prepared for even bigger challenges ahead. And bigger challenges mean bigger rewards.



I want YOU to succeed!!



Jeffrey Brandt

Author of Close Your Eyes to Find Your Way.


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