I never get tired of hearing stories of over-comers. The stories that are told by people who immigrated to our country with a few dollars in their pocket, started a life and are living their dream. The stories of others who have overcome addictions and a living sober lives. Others who against all odds, put themselves through college and are building successful careers. And, those people who have stared oppression in the face, stood their ground and defeat a giant. The lists could go on.

Maybe for me, it’s the longing for conquest. The deep desire to win and come out on top…especially when the chips are stacked against me. I mean, it’s not rocket science to understand that we feel better emotionally when we win, when our favorite team wins or good prevails. It’s simply the way things are. Maybe that’s why these stories never grow old. Yet after listening and reading so many of these stories, there’s a common theme that I’ve seen running through most every story of those who’ve overcome: initiative.

My mind goes to the scene in “Dead Poet’s Society” when Robin Williams stands on the desk in his classroom and compels his students to Carpe Diem…to Seize the Day. Truly, today is all we really have. And, I know that I don’t want to be facing the same giant tomorrow that I’m facing today. I’m ready for new conquests, and new scenery. The reality is that tomorrow is going to look just like today looked, unless we choose to do something today to make a shift. New ventures don’t come on their own; typically there are giants to defeat, summits to cross over, seas to navigate, paths to forge. That the beauty and insanity of this whole adventure.

Let’s get busy living….Carpe Diem.