When I was a kid, my grandparents were one of the only families that I knew who had HBO. After we were supposed to be asleep, my brothers and I would hide on the steps and watch whatever movie the adults had on. This was the 80’s so we got to see some great stuff like Star Wars etc. One time the movie was the Terminator which terrified me for weeks to come but there was always one scene that struck me from that movie. For basically the entire movie, Sarah Connor is being hunted by the Terminator and her protector from the future, Kyle Reese, is her savior. It isn’t until almost the end of the movie, when Reese is barely able to keep himself up that Sarah takes over as his protector. She yells at the almost lifeless man, “On your feet soldier!” and does her best to support him as he struggles to move forward. This morning as I was running this scene popped into my head.
It gives a great example of the step that many of us need to take in our lives. We need to get ourselves up on our feet. Eventually we must realize that it is our responsibility to save ourselves. People can help us along the way but relying on someone or something else to carry us forever is unrealistic. Our parents, friends, teachers and government are not responsible for carrying us through life. At some point it is our responsibility to take that scary but necessary step of self-reliance. Deciding to take charge rather than play the victim is not an easy choice. It is so much easier to lean on and blame others for the lives that we lead. The problem with the completely dependent life is that it robs us of all of our power.
So my suggestion to you is exactly that, “On your feet!” Only you can carry yourself through this life. That’s your job. Only you can lose those 10 lbs, exercise every morning, start that new business, ask out that special someone or write that screenplay. Other people can help and support but if you don’t consistently act then it won’t last. There is always something out there that is trying to kill your dreams. Only you can keep them alive by staying on your feet and moving forward.
Live today like it’s on purpose.
Pete
Huryk Unlimited 