Randy Sheridan: Have a sensational summer

June 25, 2008 05:57 pm

— The first day of summer has come and gone but the heat awaits. So do two months chock full of opportunities to enjoy time with family and friends that you ordinarily would not have. Just go ahead and have a sensational summer.
That being said, I‘m still thinking about all the recent graduates who are grappling with their futures after 12 or 13 years of routine that suddenly changes. I know this is not a “Dear Abby” column, but seeing I have a recent graduate of my own, let’s chat a few minutes.
One of my favorite authors is leadership specialist John Maxwell. He offers a buffet of counsel to young people, and it bears repeating. Of course success is one of his favorite topics.
“You will never change your life until you change something you do daily. The secret of your success is found in your daily routine,” said Maxwell. He goes on to offer seven secrets of success.
The first one sort of pulls the plug on a few expectations: “There is no secret of success.” Now that would make a great title for a book!
“Success is for everyone.” And you thought you were special. Well, you are. It’s good we are all reminded that the American dream is available to everyone.
The third one is a real eye opener: “Your life becomes better only when you become better.” Man, I’m still waiting for the easy suggestion, aren’t you?
“There is no success without sacrifice.” This Maxwell guy is absolutely relentless about personal responsibility isn’t he? I wonder if he is related to the other Maxwell — you know the “Smart” one. I think this is the smart one!
I think we better get moving and make some progress in the success column, but then here comes No. 5: “Success is achieved in inches, not miles.” I think I’m getting a headache.
Had a good day; I think I can take it easy. But stir your little comfy nest with the next one: “The greatest enemy of tomorrow’s success is today’s success.” Put down the remote; hide the chocolate. Is nothing sacred anymore?
Then comes good ole No. 7: “No advice on success works unless you do.” Now he tells me!
A young man from the city graduated from college with a degree in journalism and got a job as a reporter with a small town newspaper. On one of his very first assignments he was given some valuable advice from an old simple farmer.
Driving 20 miles out of town, he headed to the farm and sat down with his notebook in hand and began asking questions. His first, “Sir, what time do you go to work in the morning?”
The old farmer laughed with one of his half cocked grins as if to say “you have got a lot to learn city boy,” but he didn’t say it. Patiently he responded to the young interviewer in a very hospitable, yet matter of fact, manner.
He laughed at the naivety of the rookie reporter and in a down-to-earth manner said, “Son, I don’t go to work. I’m surrounded by it.”
We all can learn a lesson from the old farmer, because opportunities are a lot like his work. They are absolutely everywhere. The trouble is that we often overlook them.
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Speaking of a sensational summer, how’s the water? I’m sure the lakes and rivers are more than full of boaters, skiers and fishermen. Backyard swimming pools are at an all-time high in sales over the last few years, so you can pretty well guess where the neighborhood kids want to hang out. The new city pools are maxed out too.
I didn’t walk 20 miles to school but did do an awful lot of swimming in the “tank” as we called it. You would probably be more apt to call it the “watering hole” because that’s where the cows would head once a day, or more sometimes, to get a drink or to merely cool off.
A “Slippin’ Slide” will work pretty well when you can’t get to wherever it is you usually go. You just have to watch out for the rocks or other foreign objects on the ground. Find that nice, soft run of grass that won’t mind a bit of company for a day or two.
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The garden beds, flower pots and window boxes are in full attention mode even as we speak. Someone recently shared some home-grown tomatoes with us. They tasted heavenly.
Early morning watering, talking a little “plant-talk” as the sun pulls the dew from each blade of grass is about as refreshing as one can get. Talk about therapy. Save money on those office calls, and buy your self a new water hose Doris!
Here’s my best advice for having a successful and sensational summer — enjoy doing whatever it is you’re doing!

Randy Sheridan of Burleson is a speaker, counselor and mediator. He can be reached at drsheridan@aol.com.