Editorials / Opinions

You would never attempt to drive your car with the windshield painted black. Nor would you expect to keep your car on the road by looking out every window but the front one. But how many people attempt to get through life by looking in every direction except forward.

Distractions are everywhere. There are the distractions of the past. You think about the things you did but shouldn't have done. Then there are those things you didn't do but feel you should have. Additionally, there are the bad experiences you may have had.

Being distracted by the past is like trying to drive forward while looking out the rear window. Unlike your car, life has no reverse gear. Since you can never go back to the past, it's a waste of time and energy to fret about what could of, should of, or would have been. Learn from the past, don't get caught up in it.

Other people are another distraction. Rather than watching out where you want to go, you pay attention to what others say, think, or do. This takes your attention away from where you want to be going. Since it's human nature to seek approval, you can be susceptible to what others think about you.

You alone are the driver of your life, not someone else. You are responsible for your happiness and well being. Paying attention to other people is no different than listening to back seat drivers. Although everyone has an opinion as to what you are doing, it is only you who is ultimately accountable for your life.

It doesn't matter what someone else has or what they have achieved. Each person is unique. No two situations or circumstances are identical. Life is not a contest where you are compared to someone else's accomplishments. It's essential for you to understand what your goals are. Then you must take the necessary action to reach them. If you listen to someone who disparages your dreams, you will crash.

At times, you may be tempted to take what appears to be the easiest route. Unfortunately, this course will not take you to your destination. The path of least resistance is a dead end. Anything worthwhile takes effort.

There are no shortcuts. Cutting corners never brings you to a desirable destination. Your route must never harm others. In order to get what you want, you have to help others get what they want. Unethical behavior will ultimately harm you. Any appearance of quick gains is only a delusion. Attempting a shortcut will inevitably get you into a wreck.

You can't pick up hitchhikers. As much as you may want to, you can't make someone else successful. You can help or assist others, but you can't take them with you. Each person must reach their own destination due to their efforts. Those who are given a free ride will not appreciate where you have taken them. Additionally, they won't be able to remain where you drop them off. Ultimately, they will wind up back where they started.

To reach your destination, pay attention to where you are and watch the road ahead. The only direction is forward. You can't revisit where you have been. When the weather turns bad, or the road is rough, slow down. If your car breaks down, get it fixed.

If you get lost, ask directions only from someone who knows how to get where you want to go. Ignore any back seat drivers. Your journey may seem to take longer than you thought. Just keep going. If you stop, you will never get there.

Sincerely,

Bryan Golden

NOW AVAILABLE: "Dare to Live Without Limits," the book. Visit www.BryanGolden.com or your bookstore. Bryan is a management consultant, motivational speaker, author, and adjunct professor. Email Bryan at bryan@columnist.com or write him c/o this paper. © 2024 Bryan Golden

America is grieving over the death of American hostage Hersh Goldberg who was shot and brutally murdered hours before Israeli forces arrived. Israel and Prime Minister Netanyahu have been in negotiations with Hamas for two months. He said those who would kill and murder hostages during negotiations “do not really want a deal.” The Goldberg family addressed the Democratic National Convention, where the crowd chanted “bring them home.” President Biden pushed for a two-state solution, which has been tried and failed. Idiotic.

The Democrats dumped Biden as a candidate for president, and Harris was installed. Biden spent 17 days on the beach while Democrats prepared Harris for her 18-minute interview with CNN. Harris picked Tim Walz, a Marxist as her VP who sat with her for her interview. She vowed “her values haven’t changed”, an open border, no fracking, Medicare for all. Whoops! She will spend hundreds of millions of dollars on the wall along the southern border, a project she called “un-American, a waste and stupid” during the Trump administration. Meanwhile the media is asking with tongue in cheek, “Who is running the country”?

A big discussion over IUI and IVF, both giving hope to parents who want to have children. Psalms 127:3 “Lo, children are a heritage of the LORD.” President Trump if elected wants to have insurance companies cover the cost for IVF, or the government pay for it. It would cost $7 billion, compared to abortion which costs the US economy $6.9 trillion a year. One plan gives parents the joy of having a family and the other takes the lives of innocent children. Well documented information reveals some baby body parts are sold to give life to another child.

America's values get more bizarre.

Robert F. Kennedy, a former Senator and United States Attorney General, so disgusted with a Democratic party, decided to run as an Independent. Known as RFK, he was criticized, mocked, and laughed at because he was a threat to the Democrats. He was on the ballot with 6% approval, at first denied secret service protection.

The Democrats dumped Biden, he had enough and declared his support for Trump, the secret service was taken away. Democrats will not let RFK off the ballot, he is a threat to them. He fought to get on the ballot, now is fighting to get off. Absurd.

Common sense demands Americans know the facts. Support the truth and vote.

Sincerely,

Betty Hendsbee, Sebring, FL