Going into the holiday season, there are many things that can provide inspiration, but there is nothing that motivates more than listening to our elder statesman. A constant source of knowledge and wisdom, it is our elders who have blazed the trails we now travel. You want to find motivation, ask your grandparents what they had to endure so you could have the opportunities you take for granted. You want inspiration, ask someone twice your age how much they were able to accomplish with less than half the resources you have at your disposal. You want to truly learn what it means to have appreciation, ask anyone over sixty how much it means to see you chase your dreams when they were denied basic civil liberties.
Motivation is at your fingertips – a phone call or a visit away. This holiday season, I would like to thank all those that sacrificed so that I may be able to pursue my passion and have the chance to live out my purpose. As you are celebrating the holidays, take a moment to thank those that persevered and overcame so that we could live out our dreams. Then take up the mantle and make sure the torch stays lit for the next generation.
“If you wish to succeed in life, make perseverance your bosom friend, experience your wise counselor, caution your elder brother, and hope your guardian genius.” ~ Joseph Addison