It's a Great Life, If You Don't Weaken

Scottish novelist, John Buchan was known for several amazing insights throughout his illustrious career, but my personal favorite it the one which is inscribed on my Great-Grandma Owen's headstone in Colfax, Iowa.  It states simply, "It's a Great Life, If you Don't Weaken".  During these trying times , as our nation searches for answers, I think of these powerful words.

Surely Buchan didn't mean that in troubling times we should remain stoic and apathetic.  Indeed, the most jaded among us have been deeply, profoundly effected by the recent murders of children and educators in Connecticut.  Instead, I believe Buchan meant to live, learn and grow from all that life brings your way.  Inclusive, I believe, is the good and the bad.  The fun times, and those which rock us to the core of our being, make us who we are and inspire us to do great things.

As you know, there are two things in this world that I do very well - Politics and Entertainment Mentoring.  While Buchan's insight is certainly applicable to either of these two specialties, as both contain their fair share of trying times, I do not write today as a politician or a mentor.  Just one week after the senseless murders in Newtown, I write today as a human still grappling with the senseless killing last Friday. As I struggle with my own ability to deal with such horrendous, senseless violence, I beg for understanding from my loyal readers who continue to follow this blog in search for knowledge in their entertainment careers.  So, for this entry, I offer only the words of John Buchan, "It's a Great Life, If You Don't Weaken".      

Heather Ryan
The Ultimate Talent Mentor
www.RyanTalent.com