Judy Garland & Rosa Parks -DOTM038

Judy Garland, Actress

“Be a first rate version of yourself instead of a second rate version of somebody else.”
When a critic reviews a new actor in a smash hit movie, and they wonder where this person has been for all this time without being discovered, many times they say he was almost as good as John Wayne, or one of the other famous actors.
It is quite well known that you can never out John Wayne John Wayne. Attempting to honor the legacy and learn from it is great, but to actually try to duplicate the original is a losing proposition. You are much better off being yourself and starting a new legacy of your own.
Some of us are doomed to follow the legacy of a parent who is known for some great qualities, or a sibling who played amazing football 2 years before we got there, and everyone is expecting you not to measure up. Oh, that is except the coach. The coach is actually PRAYING you will be as good at football.
This begs the question, do you want that shadow looming over you? Maybe a better question would be, Do you really want to play football? There is nothing worse than attempting to excel at something you are not really interested in just to please others. On the other hand, if you really love football, and want to play, use that high standard as a goal to achieve. Even if you don’t get the same stellar stats as your famous sibling, being a simply great football player is well, great!
There is also a chance that if you don’t let the pressure get to you, your tenacity could spur you on to exceed even the lofty accomplishments of that revered saint of a sibling you have to follow. If you really want it, and believe you can, go for it!
Be who you really are, regardless of pressure from others to be identical to those around you. Don’t be someone else, simply be the best you -you can be.

A quote from actor Jackie Chan
“I never wanted to be the next Bruce Lee. I just wanted to be the first Jackie Chan.”

Just like there can never be another Judy Garland, John Wayne, Bruce Lee or Jackie Chan, there can never be another you, either. One of these days, if you do your best, there will be someone else looking up to you and trying to measure up. Do them a favor and create a high standard for their goals. If this process continues, each generation could produce better and better heroes than the preceding ones. You are the next step in that process. Don’t let your great grandchildren down.

Judy Garland on Wikipedia

Judy Garland on the International Movie Database

The Judy Garland Museum



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Rosa Parks, Civil Rights Hero
“ I have learned over the years that when one’s mind is made up, this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done diminishes fear.”
Indecision paralyzes you. Period. Yes, there is a time to do the research to give yourself the tools to make the best decision, but when the time comes to act, it is REALLY, simply time to act. The research should give you the courage to work past your fear and just go.
I will admit that I love doing research. If I have feared something, learning the ins and outs of the situation in advance gives me comfort that I am doing the right thing. That being said, I have been paralyzed before in the research process, and have been frozen in fear.
When you are frozen with the fear of indecision, two things happen. First and foremost, NOTHING happens. You are simply just standing there. No progress, no new knowledge is gained, nobody around you gets help from you for their own journey. Simply put, when you are not progressing, you are not worth much to yourself or others.
Secondly, you are standing stationary while amazing opportunities are passing by. You aren’t even reaching out for them, you are just stuck in place wishing one of them would intersect with you so you wouldn’t have to make any decision.
In earlier episodes of Daggers Of The Mind, I have mentioned people who say, “If someone would just give me a chance.” instead of making it happen. These people are not wanting to make the choices necessary to progress. They want others to do it for them. This illustrates some real weakness of character, and it is likely that the daily opportunities going by at high speed are not going to slow down long enough for them to hitch a ride on the bus. Hitching a ride would actually require them to make the decision that this was the right opportunity. Simply hanging around and waiting is not good research to let preparation meet opportunity. Again, when the chance shows up, indecision rules, and the chance is squandered. No bus ride for you.
Another thing that could go wrong is if something looks too good to be true it probably is. People who live in constant fear of making choices usually jump at these. It makes them feel good to finally make that choice, because it looks so good. With no preparation or care, they see an amazing, limited time only, get rich quick and be beautiful for the rest of your days offer, and they jump. This was that chance they have been waiting for to simply happen to them all this time. I have said before that ANYTHING that looks too good to be true, most often is. In this case, the decision should be a firm “no!”. Indecisive people are pretty gullible. Don’t let some shyster make this decision for you.
Learn to research while there is time and then make timely decisions at the right moment. Don’t be afraid to simply LIVE.

 A final quote.
“Do you really want to look back on your life and see how wonderful it could have been had you not been afraid to live it?” – Caroline Myss. (mace)

Rosa Parks in Wikipedia

Rosa Parks Interview at Achievement.org
Rosa Parks at History.com


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On June 20th, 2015. My wife Dee and I are launching a new show called the WV Podcast. It is a show about the great state of WV and the stories of the amazing people who make it such a great place to live. Let’s tear down the negative hillbilly stereotype assigned to us by the national media. Let’s tell our own story. You can find the show at wvpodcast.com.



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