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The soul becomes dyed with the color of its thoughts. - Marcus Aurelius
The world is a wonderful place. On any given day, the opportunities abound for adventure, fun and success. The world to me is not black and white, it is filled with color. Bright vibrant colors bring so much to our lives. If you insist on seeing the world in black and white, I imagine that your world is a stark contrast to mine. Colors sound great in theory, but sometimes thinking in full vivid
color is a challenge.
The challenge lies in the fact that so many people are programmed to see a wall or a reason why something cannot be accomplished. When I am presented with the opportunity to make something happen to benefit the community, an organization or any aspect of living, I will move forward to make it happen. Of course, whenever you stand up and take a stand or try to turn up the volume – there is a whole group of watchers programmed to live and see in black and white. The monumental task of having the crowd visualize the brilliance and benefit of the colors makes life more interesting
I believe we are all working towards the same goals - full lives, successful happy children and youth, prosperous times and a safe, accepting society all fall into priority. The difference is in how we see these goals. I know from experience, that the second you step forward, you are a target for criticism, naysayers and mudslinging. I get that and that is a part of leading anything, anywhere in any capacity. I see Johanna in the back of my mind, shaking her head, no, no, no. Johanna manages to make a difference in a non attention grabbing, comfortable as a baby blanket, soft as the fleece of a baby lamb and soothing as the warbling song of a canary “way”. But something in my heart, every time makes me step up. Once I step up – I am going to do what I think is best and move to make a difference. For better or for worse, for richer and for poorer and in sickness and in health, I will finish. And for some reason, I never get that same soothing reaction as Johanna invokes.
Now when all is well and the colors are a rainbow, a perfect beautiful rainbow with a pot of gold at the end, I hear cheers and yahoos and happiness abounds. The opposite result at times, is like a huge smash of colors on a giant canvas random, with no rhythm or definition. Still colors, but harder to define. Those are the days; I can hear the gathering of pitchforks and the torches being readied to be lit. I have learned from experience that people love a winner, but many people thrive on watching the fall. If you know your loved ones, and surrounded yourself with faith – the ensuing barrage of negative is unable to take its toll.
I surely hope you love a winner. I pray you love colors and success. I love success. I love to see success. I love to hear about success. My firm belief is that the more we all succeed, the more we all succeed. I assure you it is worth giving your all to make a better world. I assure you that no matter how hard the world may hammer you, you can get up and at least grab a little bit of paint, a small smattering of color to make a difference. Color a small part, or a large part of your own or the greater world. Color brings a new perspective to all.
I wish you a colorful year, filled with excitement. I pray you are blessed with a heart of happiness. And I hope you are gifted with loyal, loving friends and family who stand beside you and admire the rainbow, or the messy canvas. For when you have the support of family, friends and loved ones, there really is no black and white. There is a vibrant, visual palette of emotion.
May you have all the best, for all your life. May the colors of your world, color your soul. May you revel in the knowledge that your loved ones believe in you. And always and forever may you know the feeling of unconditional faith and joy filled with the most emblazoned hues of the
universe.
– Natalia Kilkenny
THE COLLEGEVILLE WAY:
