I was writing an email, and decided to come up with a quote to include in the signature. I see people putting in witty, insightful, and creative quotes all the time. Why not come up with my own? After a couple of minutes of creative editing, I came up with this:

~Innovation is the fabric upon which I create the tapestry of my life. Threads of Vision and Determination sewn with the needle known as Strength.~

It sounds ‘artsy’ enough, but more importantly, it means something to me.

In the beginning of the quote, I mention Innovation. I have always looked ahead, at the ‘big picture’ of any situation. I often try to think of ways to change the things around me for the better. These characteristics of my personality were one of the primary factors pushing me to go into consulting (which I did and enjoyed for a couple of years). This drive for innovation and constant change is the fabric, or core of my personality and who I am. Even though the image on the tapestry may gradually change, the fabric always remains.

My thought process and the way I look at things is different from that of most people that I’ve met, which helps me see things that others miss or ignore. In any project that I take on, I look at the ‘best possible scenario’ – a sequence of events that culminates into the ultimate peak for any business, product venture, etc. My Vision changes as the tapestry is formed. New experiences, events, friendships, and partnerships all make their impact on the threads symbolizing the timeline of my life.

If Vision symbolizes the bright threads in my tapestry, Determination represents the earth tones, pastels, and solid patterns that allow the threads of Vision to stand out. I am, and always have been, determined to succeed. No matter how often I may fail, I am always determined to take the best out of any situation and continue. Our lives are never completely shiny and happy. Sometimes we have to go through hardships and difficulty, but those somber tones give our tapestries the substance they need to be beautiful and original.

To build the life we want, we have to use the right tools. My primary tool is Strength. (I have written an entire post dedicated to this topic, titled World’s Strongest Man). I must have the Strength to continue regardless what obstacles may come my way. I must have the Strength to overcome diversity and my own doubts and concerns. Just as a needle allows a talented seamstress to create beautiful works of art, so my Strength allows me to cut my own path throughout the reality around me.

Please keep in mind that this post was written at 4am. If it seems like I was under the influence of a controlled substance while writing this, the only drug in my system is Caffeine. My cup of coffee at Ihop two hours ago has kept me going this long, so might as well spend the extra sleepless time writing!

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