Milestones

It’s first marked with a bright glimpse of light and a spank on the butt.

There’s then a sudden realization that what enters your mouth and goes down to your stomach doesn’t have to be liquid.

The milestones continue at an alarming rate: your first word, crawling, the formation of your first sentence, walking, going potty, dressing yourself and spelling your name, and learning to ride a bike…it’s really quite impressive!

The next big mark is crossed with a backpack, a classroom and a back turned to your parents faces as you leave their prescence for hours at a time–every day.

Then comes a kiss, a little trouble, maybe a part time job, and the keys to a car. Things really feel new now.

Up to this point you’ve learned so much! You’re right on the edge of the nest, thinking about jumping. You have your feathers now, your wings are spread, the sky calling. With a cap and a gown, you walk across a stage and grab a rolled up piece of paper. Hundreds of others do the same. The sheer amount of potential bottled up in the room is incredible.

But sadly, many of those crossing this milestone will never do anything amazing, never leave town, and never change the world.

A wise man once said,” The most potential in the world is in the grave.” Because so many of us never act on our dreams, never take bold risks, and never shoot for the stars; our potential is never fully realized and it goes with us to the grave.

So jump from the nest, dream big, chase the wind, and never settle for okay. Realize your potential, change the world, and cross as many milestones as you can.