Leave the World A Bit Better

Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote a poem on success.

One of his measures of success in that poem was to, 'Leave the world a bit better.' That line has always stuck in my head.

Emerson said you have succeeded if you leave the world a bit better.

I have made that line part of my life philosophy.

When the tide goes out there is a watermark where the water was. When the waters of life recede from the shore of my being and my heart pumps for the last time, my desire is that there will be a mark where I stood.

My aim is that the mark will say, 'For some decades a man occupied this space that saw others more important than himself and afford to leave the world a better place for them and those yet to come.'

Our society tells us that success is measured by bank accounts, power, beauty and wealth. These are often the result of hard work, luck or both.

They are not evil and I strive for some of them daily. However, they are not the mark I will measure the success of my life with.

So how do you do it? How do you 'leave the world a bit better?'

You give a percent of your income away to a charity or church. This makes your community better.

You save a percentage of your income to pass down to your family when you leave.

You volunteer your time for those who are less fortunate. Are you volunteering anywhere?

You mentor someone who needs a positive direction in life.

You follow and get involved in politics. Our laws and leaders will determine the future.

You can have a hand in that future.

Or you can accumulate as much wealth as you can, spend it as fast as you can on the fading desires of your heart and seek to please you first.

Our culture might tell you that this is success.

Emerson tells us that it is not. I encourage you to realize that the waters of your life will eventually withdraw from the shore. When it does, will there be a water mark?

Professor Sal Banuelos

Chief Instructor

NAK Martial Arts Center

Gilbert Arizona

480-632-7833

www.gotthenak.com
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NAK in February 2009

Free Month of training for all non-active family members.

Word of the Month

COURAGE

Martial Artists knows Courage....

Courage will keep you from being intimidated by the prospect of failure. It is a measurement of your heart, your desire, your inner strength. When you meet an opponent who may be bigger and stronger your inner strength and heart can give you the winning edge. It gives you the confidence to do what it takes to be a winner. You will need courage when faced with difficulty or nearly impossible situations.

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