MANTRA

A setback: A brickwall: The Brick wall is there for a reason. They are not there to keep us out. The brick walls are there to give us a chance to show how badly we want something.

Sometimes, the most impenetrable brick walls are made of flesh.

He went on to tell about being close to fulfilling a lifelong dream. One man who stood in his way was asked by the author: "do you think this is a good idea?" "I have no idea if it's a good idea." Another man who could give approval was asked the same question: "do you think this is a good idea?" "I don't have enough information to say. But I do know that one of my star faculty members is really excited. So tell me more."

Lesson for me? LISTEN! Be open! Let me pass this onto my children who are now parents. Our children have dreams. And they will hit brick walls. Be sure you are not the brick wall! And as for my own brick walls? Well, as he said, it is there just to show me how badly I really want it!

From 'The Last Lecture' by Randy Pausch