"If you believe in what you are doing, then let nothing hold you up in your work. Much of the best work of the world has been done against seeming impossibilities. - Dale Carnegie

One of my fondest perseverence memories dates back to when Frank and I lived in Phoenix twenty years ago. It's a nature memory too.

Regularly, we bought a 15-lb. block of birdseed and placed it on the ground under the mesquite tree in our backyard.

Every time we did, an amazing thing happened. Before birds and squirrels and other animals could access the seed, the block needed to be broken open because it was like a solid rock. We had trouble breaking in to it using various tools. 

Opening the block of seed was accomplished by a neighborhood red-bellied woodpecker who seemed to come in response to calls from our many regular bird visitors. I think the squirrels sent a call for help too.

It was not easy for the woodpecker to break into the block of seed either. But he was tenacious. Little by little he chipped into the block, making some of the seed fall off the block, which loosened its solidness. When the block was broken down enough for birds, squirrels, chipmonks, and other animals to feast on it, the woodpecker left the scene. We didn't see him again, until the next time we had a new, rock-solid block.

My main take-away with this is asking myself: How can I use my talent in a way that is natural and enjoyable for me and that makes a difference in the lives of others, perhaps even just one other person, or an animal?

What is your main take-away?

Please know: you matter!

Thank you for writing to tell me what you agree with and how our ways of seeing differ. I appreciate you! 

Truly,
Charlene