Peoples Contributions

People's Contributions

Throughout life others have made significant impact on how we view things.

It begins with our parents instilling key values; and as time goes on

friends and relatives infuse more influence on the way we act. Likewise, as

we enter school and the workplace other folks get into the mix and shape how

be behave and perceive things. Sometimes a complete stranger will step in

and make life changing impact on us. I do not believe that it is by accident

we are afforded with these encounters. These are the building blocks that

ultimately determine who we are and what we will become.

We need to humble ourselves and be ready to take advantage of opportunities

that appear on our path. Most of us do not pay attention to what is going on

and by the time we realize, it is too late to capitalize on the chance to

gain valuable lessons. Help comes about when we least expects it. One way or

another people influence the things we do. They have been a source of stress

and frustration and at times strength and inspiration. In any case, others

either provide examples for us to change our ways or motivate us to greater

things. We need to be conscious of these critical moments in time so we do

not overlook what was intended for us. 

Most of us can attribute our successes to the people that we have met along

our path or the ones who have been there all along. If we are honest, we

will admit that we would not have gotten to our destination by our own share

will and smarts; someone has helped us along the way. When we look back at

where we started and take in account the most memorable times, we all can

remember the people who were there that made it so special. Some may want to

fool themselves that they made it on their own but if the truth was told

someone else was there. What people bring to the table should be viewed in a

positive light; bottom-line their contribution enables us to learn and grow.

Sometimes we wonder why we behave in a certain way but if we think hard

enough, we will remember when we saw someone did it or said it. We often

pattern our lives from what others do and what they say.

Take the time to thank the folks who have impacted your life whether good or

bad. We all have gained something from the experience "what to do or what

not to do". Whatever we learn small or great, we ought to remember to thank

the people who afford us that opportunity; hopefully we are better off than

we started.

JPE Dunbar