You want to change the world???

I read a speech last week that Naval Admiral William H. McRaven gave to the graduating class of 2014 from the University of Texas. The speech was based on 10 lessons he learned in the basic SEAL training program. He shared these lessons with the graduating class because the University's slogan is,

"What starts here changes the world."

Admiral McRaven said, "I have to admit, I kinda' like it" So, he offered these 10 lessons with hope they would have value as the students moved forward. It was very compelling. I liked it so much, I read the speech, then listened to him give the speech and even took pictures of the words he spoke. You might say, I loved it!!!

I was tempted to list the 10 lessons here, but I changed my mind. I'll link the speech to this blog and you can decide for yourself what your favorite part will be. I loved the whole thing, but the part that really stuck out in my mind was lesson #7.



I LOVE the image this created in my mind. This is what you have to do to bullies and once you do "punch a shark in the snout" meaning stand up to a bully they really do swim off. The reason is the same now as when I was teaching this lesson to Garrison in the second grade. Bullies are trying to get a reaction out of you and when you stand up to them they fall away as if they're made of ash.

It can be scary, but you must remember, It is going to work out...and if it doesn't, then you need to move on!

Humming bird

I just had a totally amazing experience!!! I am not kidding!!!

I was standing on my back deck chatting it up with my friend, who also happens to be my neighbor, I was on my deck and she on hers when she began pointing behind me,...

I looked over my shoulder and there was a hummingbird hovering in front of our hummingbird feeder and then going in for some sugar water. Pretty cool! Yes? But! The totally amazing thing happened when I squatted down low to give him some space. I was able to watch him for at least 30 seconds. He was watching me too. I could see him eye balling me. Teresa even said, I love that he's got one eye on you at all times. We chuckled.

And then out of nowhere he dive bombed me!!!! It was so,... Well a little scary at first, but totally amazing. Then he flew off and came back for more sugar water. I stayed hunched down so I could watch and he dive bombed me AGAIN!!!

Neither time did he make contact, but Teresa was laughing and I decided he needed a little bit more space than what I was giving him. I'm smart like that, S-M-R-T.

As I was walking into my house and feeling completely blown away at the sense of bravery that little humming bird displayed. I thought to myself, Wow! He ain't skurd a me!

I never thought about a humming bird being a symbol of bravery, but I do now!

If a little humming bird can muster up the bravery to do a dive bomb attack on me, I think I can muster up the bravery to talk about my true feelings or step outside of my comfort zone to expand my life experiences.

Thank you humming bird for your astonishing display of bravery and inspiration.