“You Are What You Tolerate.”

In Taylor Caldwell’s book, Captain and the Kings she wrote that line and it has stuck with me for years. In fact, some people actually give me credit for it because I say it all of the time. Yet, I always acknowledge the wisdom of this great author for allowing me to use her verbiage to influence others….and here is how I do it.

What are the things that are in your control that you tolerate? Are you satisfied with poor behavior from your children? Do you accept your employees are always late? Will you endure rude customer service? Can you move throughout your day accepting disrespect?

Those questions really make one think don’t they?

And the reason you are grappling with them is because you know you deserve the best life has to offer. You should surround yourself with only those as deserved as you are. If you will agree with me on that simple statement, we can move on. If not, please stop reading.

Ah, so you stayed with me and chose to read on. Let me begin complimenting your willingness to explore how your level of tolerance has positively and negatively affected your life.

Wherever you are this very moment you need to take responsibility for putting yourself there. You are the product of you what you have tolerated over the years. Sitting in a fine hotel? It is because you expected the best. Reading this on a dilapidated bench in the cold? It is because you are willing to tolerate lack.

Whatever conditions you are living with is due to your level of tolerance. Whether you are overweight or in the best of health, in a relationship of adoration or hate, rich or poor, the circumstances are all the same. You get back exactly what you are willing to tolerate.

So, from this moment forward realize the truth behind the statement. Raise your awareness. Demand the best in your life. For, the truth is and always will be:” You are what tolerate.” Taylor Caldwell – Captain and The Kings.

Not Your Typical New Year’s Resolution

Now that 2011 is officially upon us and we are four days into the New Year, I want to share with you my resolution. I welcome you to join me in an endeavor of living in optimism throughout the year

The Optimist’s Creed by Christian D. Larson (1874-1954)

I promise myself…

To be so strong that nothing can disturb my peace of mind.

To talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person I meet.

To make all my friends feel that there is something worthwhile in them.

To look at the sunny side of everything and make my optimism come true.

To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best.

To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as I am about my own.

To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.

To wear a cheerful expression at all times and give a smile to every living creature I meet.

To give so much time to improving myself that I have no time to criticize others.

To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

To think well of myself and to proclaim this fact to the world, not in loud words, but in great deeds.

To live in the faith that the whole world is on my side, so long as I am true to the best that is in me.