Oil Change

          Oil in a motor is used as a lubricant to keep things working without too much friction. Without oil, a motor will seize up and stop working, which is never a good thing. As simple as a lawnmower looks from the outside, there are a number of unseen parts that are in constant motion and need oil to keep them moving freely. Friction, from the constant rubbing of the moving parts, can create too much heat or can actually make the parts stick together.(kind of like two wet lollipops)

            It would be nice if our dreams were accepted and appreciated by everyone, but that’s as likely as my kids mowing the lawn without being asked. For many reasons, other people do not want us to succeed. Their antagonism often causes friction in our lives even though they may be the same people we love to be around. They may think our ideas are dumb, too expensive, or even irresponsible. They may be jealous that we are willing to do something they are too afraid to do themselves. Sometimes people are just jerks.

            Just as a lawnmower needs oil to keep things moving, so do our dreams. Fortunately, our dream oil isn’t as messy as motor oil and can be found in the lives of other people. People who have gone on to do things that were thought impossible. Did you know, for example, that Walt Disney was once fired for not being creative enough? It’s true! The man who envisioned the “happiest place on earth” didn’t have enough imagination, according to his boss, to be a successful writer at the Kansas City Star. When I think of all the cow droppings I had to put up with from my old principal, I think of what Walt was able to do. It makes me feel better; lubes my hope, so to speak.

            Thomas Edison, the man who failed 1,000 times to make the light bulb, was considered a slow learner as a child. He grew up to be the most renowned inventor in the world and an inspiration to many. What was the reason for his success? Well, he once said, “Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.” His ‘one more time’ enabled him to become the creator of the first successful electric light bulb. He also went on to invent many other things we take for granted today. His story encourages me to keep trying.

            No matter what people or things stand in the way of your dreams, you can look to someone who has overcome obstacles that would make most people give up. Their example is what you need to follow as a means of keeping your own goals moving forward. If they can do it, so can you. Take the time to read about people who have been successful and learn their secrets. Heck, even my own grandfather and his dairy farm are oil for me. Gandhi, Edison, Ford, and Benjamin Franklin are all great examples, but they’re not the only ones. I have a friend, for example, named Cindy who wasn’t real popular in high school, but has shined like a beacon of hope ever since. She inspires me to do more and try more than I ever thought possible. Find people like her and move on with your dreams.

            The point is, we are all going to have friction in our lives. Adding some inspiration is like lubricating our hopes in order for them to keep going. No matter what, just keep moving forward!