When I graduated from high school, my oldest brother (both brothers are actually older than I am but this brother is also the oldest of the lot), wrote in my year book; "Never learn everything about one thing but at least one thing about every thing." This was sage advice from someone who was in his late 20's to a 16 year old. I set out to do exactly that. To this day, I have an exasperating interest in too many things. I am just as inquisitive in nature now as I was as a toddler.

I love languages and diversity in cultures, customs and traditions. I so adore the deep old-growth forests, Blue Ridge Mountains and stormy seacoasts of the South Carolina landscape and the picturesque and dangerously exciting peaks of the Swiss Alps. I recall the lyrics to one of Barbra Streisand's songs. I'm unsure of the title but it is on the soundtrack from "A Star is Born." It starts like this: "I want to learn what life is for, I don't want much, I just want more, ask what I want and I will say, I want Everything, Everything." Yes...that's it. The title is "Everything." It's a great [old] song. And in wanting everything, I've wanted to learn something about everything as well. That can be tedious and all-consuming. Zig Ziglar says, "You cannot make it as a wandering generality. You must become a meaningful specific." Yikes! Did that ever contradict the sage advice received as an impressionable teen from her big brother?

I discovered how to strike a balance between the advice given from each of my well-meaning advisors. In harnessing my brother's advice, I have not once complained of boredom. In adhering to Zig Ziglar's advice, I am known as an expert in my work and I'm having the time of my life!

You may wonder how am having the time of my life just because of those two quotes. It's the third quote that puts it all into a "time of my life" package. Ol' Zig strikes again. The third quote that changed my life paraphrases a biblical scripture. Zig Ziglar said: "You can have anything you want in life if you find a way to help enough other people get what they want in life." What this tells me is my destiny is linked with some unknowns out there who want something out of life and I feel compelled to help them get it! This quote interprets what is meant by, "...And the second is like unto it: Love thy neighbour as thyself." When we love someone, we unselfishly help them. In helping them, we will be rewarded unselfishly for it.

Personally or professionally, we are challenged to provide help to those in need. Placing the needs of others over our own is the foundation of character building. In summation, I will repeat the three quotes that changed my life. Perhaps they too, will make a positive impact on yours or you will have an opportunity to share them with others.

"Never learn everything about one thing but at least one thing about everything." Wallace Ward This advice helped me to expand my mind and discover hobbies I enjoy. It also makes me a decent conversationalist and helps when meeting others.

"You can not make it as a wandering generality. You must become a meaningful specific." Zig Ziglar's quote helped me in goal setting and perseverance. I may have had too broader scope but this quote helped me to use tunnel and peripheral vision effectively.

"You can have anything you want in life if you find a way to help enough other people get what they want in life." Again, Zig Ziglar taught me how to combine what I enjoy and what I am well-trained to do, for the benefit of others.

You, I'm sure have read many quotes that you thought were profound and spoke directly to you. I have pages of quotes in addition to the Bible, of inspiring words to lift me up when I need encouragement. Singing a song also helps. The lyrics minister to me and all is well again. I implore you to find something, not a human being because we tend to place conditions on people and have expectations of them. When they disappoint us, then where will we turn? I therefore suggest, 'something' to help when life changing situations occur that aren't so favourable. Keep this something with you at all times and your journey through life will be easier and more enjoyable. For this writer, that Something always involves my spirituality.

Avis Ward
http://www.avisward.com/