Title: Aim High Word Count: 658 Summary: Too often we become enmeshed in competition or our ego screams

for attention whe n really all our spirit wants is for us to unleash our brilliant gifts into the world. You can't take it with you so aim high and bring that brilliance forth. W hat is not given is lost forever. Keywords: change,transition,inspiration,integrity,ethics,vision,purpose Article Body: Change is difficult for many people. Often times our whole identity is wrapped u p in what we've learned as children will work for us when dealing with people, a llowing us to survive, thrive and fit in. While some people have had to learn to thrive in the midst of change and learned to be adaptable by being open to new ideas and embracing change, many others have had to fight for survival and every table-scrap that came their way. Behavior is learned and it takes work to unlea rn and dismantle these old beliefs. The truth of the matter is that win-win is always possible. When you are able to see beyond the ego and recognize the abundance that is available, people, minds , and ideas come together and can create amazing changes that improve the curren t scenarios for many, many people. When you work with people who have this abund ant and generous attitude, you are uplifted, the team soars, and amazing energy and creativity is unleashed. This is much harder to do, to sustain, and to eleva te within others when you encounter individuals driven by the thought of scarcit y and competition. People like Steve Jobs are visionaries that have sought to bring about such shif ts in society and in business. One thing I've learned along the way is that it i s often better to take the high road. This isn't about judging others as wrong o r seeing yourself as better than others. This is about recognizing your truth as to how you wish to BE in the world. Don't compromise your integrity. Don't get caught up in the competition. See the vision, see the outcome, feel the purpose and passion you're driven to offer the world, and give it freely. We all die. Yo u can t take anything from this life with you. So give what you have to offer the world. What is not given is lost forever. If your goal is to truly bring about a positive change and serve others, how it is accomplished becomes less important and seeing it accomplished becomes more i mportant. While it may be a blow to your ego when others criticize your inspirat ion, or someone takes the credit for something you've introduced, holding fast t o the benefits for everyone will often soften the sting. You do need to pick and choose those places where you'll offer yourself, the key is to evaluate whether it is serving a common good. When you re getting compensated for your contributio ns, gratitude would serve you spirit of peace. If you continually feel abused an d stomped on, maybe it is time to move on to a more collaborative team, as well as a more receptive and appreciative audience. Knowing that you are accomplishing your purpose and living your passion will be reward. In time, it will be recognized. Imposters will eventually be seen and he art & soul will always outlast the mind & ego. Along the way, through the journe y that is your life and career, you will need to hold fast to the true inner qua

lities and nature of the brilliance that is you. Don t allow these negative experi ences to become something that undermines your value. You are not the negative e xperience. Often times, the negativity we experience from others, is more a refl ection of them and less about who you are. We all have different lenses, different gifts, different wiring, and different e xperiences. Difference is not something to be judged, it is a gift of diversity that brings the pieces of the puzzle of life together and creates a society, a s olution, a technology, etc., together for the benefit of us all. Don t doubt yours elf when others cannot see the vision you see. Keep true, keep your intentions, and you will attract the right support, the right people, and the right opportun ities. Lower the ego and aim high the vision. Best wishes, Lee Make a Difference