Ice Breaker
As a native of Baltimore, Maryland born on the Westside of the inner city, one could never say that I was given the best that life had to offer…
Mr. Toastmaster, fellow toastmasters and most honored guest.
I am the product of; In life you do not get what you deserve perhaps only what you negotiate. Years ago I’ve learned to accept this truth, for if we all received what we truly deserved we would either be in the best of hospitals or the finest of cemeteries because the wages of sin is death. And make no mistakes about it, I did sin.
Imagine me at the tender age of eighteen scrambling for a better living just to find my self upon the infamous yellow foot prints outside the United States Marine Corps Recruit Depot of Paris Island, South Carolina. Even at this very moment I can hear the melodious voice of my Senior Drill Instructor “On your left rought, low righty… left right low rought” It just never ceases to saturate my soul.
Contrary to the rumors during boot camp I wasn’t verbally or morally abused however mentally and physically enthused to go after my deepest dreams by living the motto of Spedi da Corps, meaning to seize the day. And in the time of war to fight the good fight as a good soldier should.
Nothing could have actually prepare me for the emotional battles that were yet to come. Fellow Toastmasters, one of the most devastating moments I ever had to experience is to find the person of your dreams all to realize that they were not dreaming of you. Coping mechanisms such as drugs and alcohol are not my cup of tea. Revenge did cross my mind, until I realized that I am a U.S. Marine nationally and internationally known as the world’s finest. Even if infidelity, social detachment out trumps branch of service, youthfulness and a flashy uniform so be it. I have better things to negotiate for my life.
So today I stand as most of us who have lost many past relationships. And within my personal room for self improvement stands a closet marked with an “X”; an “X” for ex-wife, ex-girlfriends and ex-dreams. I’ve learned to replace that “X” with a “Y” because I do not know why I even dated or hooked up with most of them in the first place.
It has taught to me the third and last point I would like to share with you and that’s the power of forgiveness. I’ve found that it is more important for me to forgive them than it is for them to be forgiven.
As I begin to take my seat, I leave you with this. First, no one owes you a thing but you can have everything you desire if you learn to master the art of negotiation. Become the master of your fate and the captain of your soul, by taking advantage of the moment and seizing the day. Lastly disappointments may come and relationships may go. But make no mistake about it forgiveness is personal because it allows the healing process and keeps you from dragging those emotions into your next relationship. Fellow Toastmasters thank you for listening.
Mr. Toastmaster…
As a native of Baltimore, Maryland born on the Westside of the inner city, one could never say that I was given the best that life had to offer…
Mr. Toastmaster, fellow toastmasters and most honored guest.
I am the product of; In life you do not get what you deserve perhaps only what you negotiate. Years ago I’ve learned to accept this truth, for if we all received what we truly deserved we would either be in the best of hospitals or the finest of cemeteries because the wages of sin is death. And make no mistakes about it, I did sin.
Imagine me at the tender age of eighteen scrambling for a better living just to find my self upon the infamous yellow foot prints outside the United States Marine Corps Recruit Depot of Paris Island, South Carolina. Even at this very moment I can hear the melodious voice of my Senior Drill Instructor “On your left rought, low righty… left right low rought” It just never ceases to saturate my soul.
Contrary to the rumors during boot camp I wasn’t verbally or morally abused however mentally and physically enthused to go after my deepest dreams by living the motto of Spedi da Corps, meaning to seize the day. And in the time of war to fight the good fight as a good soldier should.
Nothing could have actually prepare me for the emotional battles that were yet to come. Fellow Toastmasters, one of the most devastating moments I ever had to experience is to find the person of your dreams all to realize that they were not dreaming of you. Coping mechanisms such as drugs and alcohol are not my cup of tea. Revenge did cross my mind, until I realized that I am a U.S. Marine nationally and internationally known as the world’s finest. Even if infidelity, social detachment out trumps branch of service, youthfulness and a flashy uniform so be it. I have better things to negotiate for my life.
So today I stand as most of us who have lost many past relationships. And within my personal room for self improvement stands a closet marked with an “X”; an “X” for ex-wife, ex-girlfriends and ex-dreams. I’ve learned to replace that “X” with a “Y” because I do not know why I even dated or hooked up with most of them in the first place.
It has taught to me the third and last point I would like to share with you and that’s the power of forgiveness. I’ve found that it is more important for me to forgive them than it is for them to be forgiven.
As I begin to take my seat, I leave you with this. First, no one owes you a thing but you can have everything you desire if you learn to master the art of negotiation. Become the master of your fate and the captain of your soul, by taking advantage of the moment and seizing the day. Lastly disappointments may come and relationships may go. But make no mistake about it forgiveness is personal because it allows the healing process and keeps you from dragging those emotions into your next relationship. Fellow Toastmasters thank you for listening.
Mr. Toastmaster…
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