In 1978, I had the great fortune of meeting Colonel Tom Kirk. He became my mentor and friend - then taught me lessons in life that I'll remember forever. Tom was a fighter pilot during the Viet Nam war. During a bombing mission, his jet was shot down and he was captured then imprisoned at the Hanoi Hilton. For nearly 4 1/2 years - he was tortured daily, starved and you can only imagine what else.
But Tom's story is about hope, optimism and persistence. When I asked Tom what separated those POW's who gave up and died - compared to those who survived and went on to live successful lives, he gave me a very simple answer.
Tom told me the he thought about his family back home and looked forward to the day they would all be together again. He had exciting goals that gave him hope. He also played the saxophone "in his mind", which provided a pleasant distraction. But the real "Aha" moment was the thought process he experienced when he was released from the POW camps. This was the advice that helped me get over my own "pity party" about my past.
"Neil, we all have challenges in our past and we cannot change those situations. They happened for a reason. Maybe to make us stronger, maybe to teach us lessons or maybe so that we could appreciate the better times. Whatever the reasons, we cannot change the past. BUT, the future is in your hands right now. YOU are responsible for your success now. Write your goals on paper, surround yourself with other great attitudes - like yours and help other people succeed in life. If you do those things - I know you will be Very Successful!"
Tom is still the most optimistic guy I know - even at age 80. He Loves Life!!
So the takeaway here is to focus on your future and don't dwell in the past. Create exciting goals for yourself! Stay away from negative people, negative TV news and negative environments. Read or listen to something inspiring and positive for 5-15 minutes each morning. It will jump-start your day with energy and optimism.
If Tom can survive 4 1/2 years of torture in prison - then I'm certain we can survive this whacky economy. Have hope, take charge of your life and make a difference in the lives around you!
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Very inspiring Neil. Just like you are my friend!
ReplyDeleteVery happy to see you blogging and sharing your message with all of us who appreciate the boost!
Rock on my friend!
Respectfully,
Paul Castain
Neil, what a great bit of inspiration! Thank you for doing your part to help people focus on the things that matter most and keep looking to the future!
ReplyDelete:) mb, who reminds herself daily that Today is the best day so far!!
Mary Beth Smith
Dallas, TX
Hi Neil
ReplyDeleteIt's always curious to me how it takes a crisis to wake us up to the realities of life. It reminds me of a research project I heard of where they showed that when a single celled organism gets to the place where conditions are ideal, it dies. It's as though the tension and struggle is what makes life continue with vigor.
So with us, when we are faced with the harshness and pain of our existence, it's then that we are best able to appreciate life's blessings. Thanks for you reminder today - none of us possess total control over our surroundings, but we are all capable of controlling our perspectives and deciding how we will respond to life's challenges. Positive change is largely dependent on positive attitude.
Blessings!
Don F Perkins
Neil, an inspirational story,and absolutely right on, our past is the one thing we cannot change, but we all have the ability to shape our own future in a positive manner.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the lift,
Dean Wolter
Thanks Neil, that put my morning into perspective!
ReplyDeleteFocusing on the future vs. the past sounds like a simple concept but it's not. This post is a great reminder. Thanks Neil!
ReplyDeleteHey Neil! I listed to your audio CD on my way to work today! What a change it has made in my attitude! Thank you for being you!
ReplyDeleteKeri
Hi Neil,
ReplyDeleteGreat stuff! Sometimes we get so entrenched in our day-to-day reality that we lose perspective on how great life truly is and how critical an upbeat attitude is to our well being. Makes all of the moisy everyday madness seem more tolerable and manageable.
Thank you for the attitude adjustment and keep up the great work on the blog!
Regards,
Jim
Great story and enthusiam to live the life at fullest !!!
ReplyDeleteNeil,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your mentor and friend, Colonel Kirk's experience, and how he conquered and thrived not only after the ordeal...but during 4 1/2 years of captivity, torture, and the uncertainty of the unknown.
A true testament to what can be accomplished under any circumstance.
Neil, along with Colonel Kirk...Keep inspiring people!
Troy