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You In A Word

By Doug Nielsen

Describe in one word who you want to become in 2009.  Seems a little brain twisting right?  Wrong.  Think about it for a moment.  What word would you select? 

It was April 13th 1888 in Paris France.  Alfred was eating breakfast when to his dismay he saw his obituary on page three in the newspaper.  It was a mistake, for in reality it was his brother Ludwig who had died.  Can you imagine having the opportunity to see what others had to say about you before you actually died?

How would you be described in one word? 

He was sickened to read the way he was remembered-as a “monster of death” (OK three words).  His invention had taken explosives to a level before unknown; helping speed up the building of roads and railways and improving mining practices. 

An article further explained that Alfred had propelled war from hand to hand combat, bullets and bayonets to high powered explosives in less than 25 years.  His invention had taken the art of death to a whole new level of destruction. 

In a state of shock he decided to do what he could to change the legacy that he had unknowingly created.  He devised a plan and came up with a prize for peace. 

If the papers today were to describe him in one word the word would undoubtedly be “peace.” Alfred Nobel’s prize for peace clearly left a legacy in the pursuit of peace.

So have you thought of your word?

The word I came up with is “warrior.”

You may say, “Doug you are not even in the military, why would you select warrior?”

To explain, I see my life’s purpose as a mission to strengthen the hearts of people-a warrior to help myself and others “Take Life By The Helm.”

If I could even hit somewhere in the ball park of being a warrior for the hearts of others then I would indeed be more than satisfied.

This month’s invitation:

1. Take a piece of paper and write down words that come to your mind.  Brainstorm as many as you can.
2. Next, see which word stirs your soul.  What does it mean to you?  How would your life be different if you were to become this word?
3. Print this word and stick it where you will see it every morning and night.  When you see it take a slow deep breath and breath in the power of this word…feel it and determine to become it.
4. Lastly, when you are with your family or a group of friends do this exercise with them.  You will be amazed at the engaging conversation that will ensue.   

I need your help.  I have a goal to increase the number of people who get this newsletter by a 1000 by March 1st.  Will you please forward this to 2 of your friends and encourage them to sign up.

Remember that I am pulling for you to “Take Life By The Helm” and until next time smooth sailing even in the storms.