Open_Door

I had the pleasure of attending a festive family wedding in Richmond, VA this past weekend.  Like most great celebrations, it was full of laughter, heart-touching speeches, and pure old-fashioned fun.  But what set the night apart was the breathtaking location of the reception.  It took place at the Virginia War Memorial, set high atop the hills of Richmond, overlooking the beautiful James River.   Throughout the site, there were inspirational quotes by famous Virginia heroes from the wars of World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and the Persian Gulf.  While all the quotes were thought-provoking and emotional, one in particular, by Commander Paul Galanti,  stood out above the rest.  Commander Galanti was a Skyhawk fighter pilot in Vietnam before being shot down by the enemy and captured on June 17, 1966.  He remained a prisoner of war under brutal conditions for nearly seven years until his release on February 12, 1973.  His quote and outlook on life, after adjusting to the real world, nearly stopped me in my tracks:

There is no such thing as a bad day when there’s a doorknob on the inside of the door.

Did that give anyone else the chills?  Think about the harsh punishment and abject loneliness Commander Galanti had to endure for years on end.  Leaving this nightmare world was not an option.  Instead of harboring resentment and blaming others for his misfortune, he emerged from this ordeal with a new appreciation for the simple things in life.  How could he have a bad day when freedom became a reality?  He no longer took for granted the ability to move around, engage in human interaction, and breathe in the fresh air.   Now that is perspective!  It’s so much harder to complain when you appreciate the basic joys you have in your life.  Having a particularly tough commute to work?  At least you have a car and the freedom to go wherever you want!  Going through an unbearable negotiation with a difficult client?  At least you have a job with the ability to find more clients.  Wish you had more money at the end of each month?  Who doesn’t? At least you have enough to meet your basic needs.  I know we all face a roller coaster every day in our career and family lives.  Certainly, some days are better than others.  But instead of complaining about what we don’t have, let’s try to channel Commander Galanti and appreciate the simple freedoms we enjoy on a daily basis.

In addition, I have seen way too many people ignore the doorknob and create their own self-imposed imprisonment.  They feel trapped by their perceived weaknesses and give up on reaching their true potential.  Sometimes, it is easier for them to sit on the sidelines than to pour their heart into something and risk failure.  Creating excuses that justify this inaction makes failure more bearable.  Don’t fall into this trap!   The reality is that you are much more talented than you will ever know.   If no one is holding you back, why would you hold yourself back?  Take action. You may fail. But that bold step outside your world will give you the confidence keep moving forward.

Some people believe in their talents but fail to see the doorknob because their profession brings a certain level of security.  I recently had one friend tell me he is miserable in his job, but has to stick it out fifteen more years in order to get his pension.  Fifteen years!  Now that is a life sentence if you are not feeling fulfilled.    Do not passively sit back  and wait for the moving walkway of life to deliver you to a pre-determined destination.  You have options. Go out and forge your own path to success in this life.  Believe that you have something unique to offer the world.  Let your talents shine.  The doorknob is right in front of you.  All you have to do is turn it and open the door onto your next great adventure in life.

As always, I wish you nothing but success in your journey. Until next week, keep smiling!