One of my all time favorite quotes is “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step” -  Lao Tzu (Chinese Philosopher).

I always quote this when I am facing something that overwhelms me or I don’t know where to start.  You’ve been there also, right?  We all have!  But it is so true.  To get anything done or to change any situation we have to start.

School is just around the corner.  Summer has gone way too fast – again!  Can you help your child make this year successful – Absolutely!  One step at a time.

Can confidence be instilled in your child?  Absolutely.  Can they become focused and succeed in school? Absolutely.  Can things really change?  Absolutely.   One step at a time.

Find an activity that your child will enjoy – sports, academic intramurals, library groups, civic plays – anything.  Encourage them to stick with it, especially when it gets hard and the novelty wears off.  The sense of accomplishment will do amazing things for your child.  Make sure the leaders they are under are encouraging and supportive.  They should never be controlling, belittling or manipulative.  Unfortunately, this type of leadership will have the opposite effect.  Sit in and watch a meeting or two and see what happens.

My kids have excelled in karate.  Our Sensei in California was so encouraging and supportive.  The belts they’ve earned have given them an “I can do it” attitude with everything.

Do it for your kids…. it will affect them the rest of their life.

Owner and operator with her husband, Paul of Shorinkan Family Karate, Canon City, CO

Can one person make a difference in the world?  I hear people say I’m not going to vote because my voice doesn’t count.  People get depressed, commit suicide, and lose all hope because they don’t think they matter.  Can one person make a difference?  You bet they can.

All through history there were people who made a difference in the world by just being themselves.   People like George Washington, William Wilberforce, Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt,  Mother Theresa, to name a few.  Big names, huh?  They had flesh and blood just like you and me.  They had feelings, fears and concerns.  They laughed and cried.  I’m sure they thought they couldn’t do it at times but they didn’t quit.  They literally changed the world and we still talk about them to this day.  Wow!  I really don’t think they were any different from us today.  I think we can change the world where we live.  I think our children can affect their world given the opportunity.  Every single person is called to some purpose.  Our potential is limitless.  The sky really is the limit.  How about you?  What is your dream?  You can do it… one step at a time.  Surround yourself with people that encourage you to go for it.  The world needs you!