This Old Tabby House

Adversity makes some men succeed, while it makes others crumble. The only real way to know which way we will react is to go through it. In the midst of the deepest struggles is often born the greatest accomplishments. Hardships can ignite hope, or hopelessness.

When you look at the picture here, what do you see? Some will say ruins. Others, will say history. I say, strength through adversity. I took this photo on Jekyll Island not long ago. The home of Major William Horton, it was originally built in 1740. Yet, through all the years of war, fire, hurricanes and such like, it remains steady. Certainly the Horton home has been propped up through the years. Getting some assistance here and there. We all need that from time to time. But the strength of the structure is found in its Tabby Roots.

Tabby is found along the Southeastern U.S. Coast. Predominately around North Florida, Georgia and South Carolina. It is formed from a mixture of limestone, sand, oyster shells and water. What does this have to do with adversity? The answer is simple. The adversity of time. storms and other elements only serve to help the Tabby harden more. Much like concrete, the older it gets, the stronger the bond that holds it together.  As humans, we can relate to this. Time has a way of strengthening us if we allow the process to take hold. Many are the stories that tell of how great men emerged from Bankruptcy and found themselves among the wealthiest on earth. H.J. Heinz, and Henry Ford and Milton Hershey are  examples among this select group.

So the next time you are faced with overwhelming adversity, think of this Old Tabby House on Jekyll Island. Reach inside and and form that bond that allows you to stand the test of time. Let it become the catalyst that propels you into the future with success. Yours is the path that leads to a brighter day.

Gates Open for a Reason

Gates can lead into the past or take us to the future. Which way we go depends on where we are. How we go is entirely up to each of us. Our attitude, perspective and desire are the common denominators for the experience. Good or bad.

Take the gate pictured here for example. From the outside, it leads into a small cemetery on Jekyll, Island, Ga. This quiet little spot is filled with the history of the early beginnings of Coastal America. Passing through this gate takes you back to a day very different from ours. A time of struggles few, if any of us, have known. Some see the place inside the gate as a place of sadness. Others, a place of wealth and power. I see it as a place where we can learn. Learn about our past. Learn how to build our future.

Passing back through the gate, from the cemetery, leads to vast acres of coastal scenery. The view is broad. Looking back the view is confined. Movement is restricted and walls keep things narrowly focused.  What we learn from this, is that the past is behind us and we cannot change it. But our future, especially your future, is set in a broad expanse. The past does not hold you back. Simply walk through the gate. The focus is not the gate, but what is on the other side. Your destiny is ahead of you and you will find it. So walk on...... walk on.

Marker 22

What is a view worth? Some say that the view is worth it all.  Meanwhile, others could care less.

The old Cliche' says, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder." If this is true, and we all know it is, then the view is worth exactly what you think it is worth. Any more would be to much and less would not be enough.

We all need that special place that just takes us away from the hustle and bustle of this world. The place where we rejuvenate. Where we come across that inner peace that helps us make sense of this over indulgent world we live in. It can come in the form of our home, a park bench, a quiet beach and a thousand other places. The key is finding that sanctuary and going there if only for a moment in time.

Jimmy Buffett is among my favorite musical artist. His unique gift is taking an audience to that special place. One such song is "One Particular Harbor" which talks about that place where we finally find that peace our soul is looking for.  It could be found sitting on a mountaintop. Or as the song suggest, in a quiet little harbor.

Take time to find your harbor in this world. We all need them, that is for sure! Just maybe the peace we find there will transcend into a greater peace for this world.  One without turmoil and strife. One without political rivals. One without fear. Now that is indeed a place I would like to go.  Maybe you would like to come along for the ride. When people unite together, there is no limit to what we can accomplish.

What a view there is from Marker 22.

Words Really Do Matter

The right word at the right time and the right place can change your destiny. So often we speak without thinking. Inserting a word just to fill space. Conversely though, the wrong word, at the wrong time can have long lasting consequences.

Take for instance, an enduring song having stood the test of time is "Moon River". Were it not for a word inserted after much thought and deliberation, it would be just another song popular in its day. But properly inserted, the word "huckleberry" changed the course of the song and its writer. What are the chances? Pretty good if you search for the right word!

Having been in sales for many years, I can tell you, the wrong word in a conversation can cost you much regret. It can also cost you a lot of money as well. The wrong word can sting like a bee. The pain can last for years to come. Relived at every intersection where it appears.

Increase your vocabulary. Think before you speak. Choose the right word and it will work every time.