Solitary Confinement

When you’re moving from good to great; when you’re pursuing your dreams and aspirations, you will face adversity and many will also face and submit to a disabling demon called loneliness. It’s amazing how when you begin to do something against what everyone else thinks you should do; or when you make decisions that everyone else is against, you begin to struggle with the question of who to put first.

Don’t say that you always put yourself first. If everyone put themselves first [well God, then themselves] more people would be out here living the life that they were destined to live. I always reference kids, because they are our greatest teachers. We always ask kids what they want to be when they grow up. My little cousin said she wanted to be three things. When they tell us, we say “okay, that’s good!” We are just happy they want to be something. But why, as we grow up we begin to put restrictions on what we can be? We put more value on our social life than we do our personal life because at least if we have a social life we aren’t alone; regardless, of whether or not our dreams have come true.

It’s difficult when you try to change for the better, I wholeheartedly agree with you. I wouldn’t be writing this if I didn’t struggle with it myself. When you try to break the mold, or the curse; be something, and do something that is different from what you’ve done or started to do. But don’t cede to the pressures of the multitude because you are afraid to be alone.

Sorry to inform you: but the journey from good to great can, and most often will, be a journey of loneliness. You cannot take everyone to the top. Just look at Mike Vick. Many will have to make a healthy separation from family and friends. Not saying you won’t like them or love them any less, but because in order for you to continue your journey, and reach your destination, you know that you have to embrace a certain mentality and do certain things. I entitled today’s message solitary confinement because that is what you have to spend some time in order to complete your journey. We all travel different journeys; nonetheless, we all face the exact same demons on that journey. Unfortunately, as you get better, and raise your level, others won’t do the same. It’ll be easier to pull you down, than try to get better. So don’t be afraid, face these demons head on, pursue your dreams; attain your goals.

It will be okay. “Do what you fear the most and the death of fear is certain.” Step out the mold, and continue to move forward. Although you may have many lonely days, you can guarantee that the few relationships you will have—whether they are from the past, present or future—will be the most meaningful and bring you the most joy.

I want to leave you with this thought from Tom Hopkins: “When you die, if you have your family standing over your grave when they throw the dirt over your casket, and maybe two or three close friend, you were successful.” Take a good look at all the people you associate with, and then make a decision to do to be better than good—be great!!!