Last week I had the opportunity to be at the seashore in Florida. It was colder than usual – but warmer than Northwest Illinois, so I am not complaining. But as I walked along the beach in the fifty-degree wind, I saw this group of birds all huddled together on the beach. I was really intrigued because they were all lined up in order, like little feathered soldiers in a row.
And, I supposed it’s safer that way; falling into line. You get protected from the wind. You are more shielded from danger. You fit in with all the other birds in the area. You don’t stick out, you don’t make waves (excuse the seashore pun) and you do what’s expected of you.
Then I saw this bird, facing the other way. He wasn’t looking where everyone else was looking and he wasn’t falling in line with the crowd. He had his sights set on a different horizon.
Be that guy! Don’t fall in line because everyone else does. Don’t limit yourself because those around you are afraid. Don’t be safe – be adventurous. Risk a little. Challenge yourself. Set your sights on the horizon of your dreams and don’t let anyone take that vision away from you.
As A.A. Milne, the author of Winnie the Pooh so beautifully wrote, “Promise me you’ll always remember: You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”
Remember!