Sometimes people say things to you at just the right time, and they change your life forever. Perhaps it was a coincidence, or perhaps it was part of a mysterious master plan. Perhaps everyone you meet in life, you meet for a reason. You learn something from that person, and sometimes the lesson is quite stark. Here’s an example of what I mean:

A 13-year-old boy tried to convince his 8-year-old brother to skateboard down a small hill. It took quite a while, as the younger brother was really nervous about it.

They were at a big, public park, and nearby there was an old woman who looked about 75 years old. She was sitting on a bench watching them.

The younger brother was practically crying, and the older brother was embarrassed that he was being such a wimp.

He kept saying, "I might crash. I'm afraid!"

The older brother was really putting the pressure on when the old woman got up and walked over to them. The boys thought she was going to tell them to quit arguing.

Instead, she raised her fist defiantly at the younger brother and said, "So be afraid! And then do it anyway!" He swallowed and took off. And he did just fine.

It was a revelation that it's not about being unafraid. It's about being afraid and doing it anyway.

Did you ever have a moment like this, when your perspective changed, all at once, because of something someone said?

Warm Regards,

Gino Pezzani