Griffin Speaks
A few weeks ago my family and I vacationed in the Outer Banks of North
Carolina. Thanks to my cousin Velma Braye we resided in two of her Condominiums
in Nags Head. In addition to enjoying the beautiful beach we did a little
sightseeing.
We were able to visit Kitty Hawk, North Carolina where Wilbur and Orville Wright made the first successful powered flights in a heavier-than-air machine on December 17, 1903. There were visitors from all over the world experiencing the magnificent sights. The first flight trail was the most fascinating part of the tour.
I put my daughter Alexis on my back and walked her along the trail until we reached the 60 foot granite monument dedicated in 1932, perched on the 90-foot tall Kill Devil Hill which commemorated the achievement of the Wright brothers. I told Alexis that this walk along the trail and up the hill symbolized how some people have to carry a heavier load than others yet they still succeed. By the time we reached the top I was out of breath, but very proud that we succeeded.
The view atop the hill was very impressive. We could clearly see the area that the Wright brothers had chosen as they attempted their dream's reality. I explained to all three of my children that luxuries and many of the necessities that we enjoy today came about because someone dared to dream. I told them that they should not be afraid to dream.
We left the Outer Banks and Kitty Hawk with the realization that if you believe in your ability to accomplish your goals and realize your dreams; it doesn't matter where you come from. The main ingredient to success is believing in yourself. You should never let other people or your current circumstances convince you that you can't accomplish your goals.
I believe A. H. Hilton said it best in his poem:
The man who wins is an average man, not built on any particular plan;
not blessed with any particular luck- Just steady and earnest and full
of pluck. The man who wins is the man who works, Who neither labor nor
trouble shirks; Who uses his hands, his head, and his eyes- The man who
wins is the man who tries.
I recall my father's favorite piece of advice to me was: "NOTHING
BEATS A FAILURE BUT A TRY!" Go for it!
Greg Griffin is a free lance writer. You can read his previous articles
by logging on to his web page at www.greggriffin.com
