When We Are Young

When we are young, it hurts to say many things

'I behaved like an idiot' is one of them

Instead of admitting to being foolhardy or foolish

We justify and maybe even do those things again and again.

When we are young, it hurts to say many things

For example it's hard to say 'I am wrong' 

9 times out of 10, we will not admit errors in our facts, arguments, or thinking

Because we think doing that makes us less strong.

When we are young, it hurts to say many things

"I am sorry" is something most everyone will find hard to say

Typically we will just justify our wrongdoings

In an "It was X's fault"  or "It was your fault" way.

When we are young, it hurts to say many things

Like to say to someone "I do not know"

We think our importance and reputation is at stake

If any kind of inferiority we show.

When we are young, it hurts to say many things

Saying okay to something we should do, but don't want to do is one

When it comes to that, this is what we do

We think of all sorts of excuses under the sun.

When we are young, it hurts to say many things

Believe me I know, because that used to be me

Now when I look back, I shake my head and think

What a character-less way to be!

What's at the Heart of Your Work?

 

A desire to change how the world uses resources?

A desire to point people to knowledge and sources?

A desire to bring clarity of vision?

A desire to give a process more precision?

A desire to help people look their best?

Or maybe a desire to help a group of people (a group that might even extend to a whole country) progress, or suffer less?

A desire to create spaces where people may work, pray, play or dwell?

A desire to help people stay healthy, cope with illness, or get well?

It could be a desire to add to the world's stock of art, pleasure, enjoyment and mirth

Or perhaps, a desire to plumb the mysteries of this earth.

You may have a desire to help people learn

Or perhaps a desire to help people earn.

Or you may have a desire to mend things which are broken

Or a desire just to say (or sing) the words that must be spoken.

And as time passes, you will find things which are brand new

Because there is an endless list of things you can desire to do.

And frankly, even if your desire is just to pitch in and keep the wheels of civilization turning

It's fine, the world needs all hands on deck to keep the world turning

And the world needs all hands on deck to keep the fires of human ingenuity burning.

Everyone has a role to play in the destiny of the world.

And here's how to think about the role you play

Someone is trusting you to do the work you do

So you should bring your heart to your work, dear reader

And bring art to your work, dear reader

And bring your full enthusiasm

Nothing less!

If you let disillusionment secretly cloud your vision

Or let doubts secretly keep you in a state of indecision

You cheat the people who are trusting you

And you cheat yourself.

So bring your heart to your work, dear reader

Bring art to your work, dear reader

Bring your full enthusiasm

Honor the trust that has been put in you

Honor yourself!