There is one thing I am certain of. One thing that I have come to understand over the years that I truly believe many people don't fully comprehend.

At birth we are born with a clean slate and the course of our life is not as etched into stone as we seem to believe. The road we travel in life is not one that has no exit ramps. It is not one without detours that can lead us to new, unrealized destinations. It is not a one-way street.

The human race in general gives themselves little credit for what they are truly capable of on so many levels. Without truly believing in ourselves we leave many things undone in our lives.

From birth we accept much of what is instilled in us by our parents, environment, figures of authority, and society itself, as gospel.

Yet each of us is a marvel. Each of us is a miracle.

Each of us is a beautiful butterfly that can at any time emerge from the cocoon of lost dreams, unrealized potential, and opportunities lost.

To me, the most amazing, shining, first wonder of the world is not the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, or the Great Pyramids.

I believe the human body is the first wonder of the world. The body we are born with, the heart and desire within, and the amazing adaptability we are gifted with, all combine to make each of us a miracle.

Take for instance the blind person who lives alone. Their body adapts to their situation. If they have no sight, their sense of smell, touch, hearing, and taste all become enhanced. The sound of the dripping faucet, the ticking of a clock, or hum of a refrigerator, all serve as directional aids in their everyday lives. Yet, most of us are surrounded by those same sounds, but never 'hear' them.

If a man loses use of his legs, before long his arms will strengthen as his body realizes the demand brought on by different life circumstances.

We are the masters of the bodies we are given at birth. Expect little of it, and you will get just that.

Little.

Test your limits physically, mentally, emotionally, and on every other level possible and you will be amazed at just how much you are capable of.

A capability that has been their since the first time you opened your eyes at birth to the wonder of the world.

Now all that is left is to make the most of it.

To take that gift of life and leave situations that drag you down, are vexations to your spirit, and leave you feeling you have little hope.

There is no age limit for change.

Growing older does not make us slow down. Rather, I believe that, slowing down is what makes us grow older. Keep moving forward in mind, body, and spirit, and we can bask in the glow of eternal youth.

Accept change as the natural course of our lives and not something to fear.

Relationships, careers, dreams, goals, should not be seen as parts of life's journey that are unchangeable.

Have the courage to make changes in your life and follow your heart wherever it leads you.

Only then do we truly honor all the gifts of life we have been bestowed with since birth.

Only then do we become all we are capable of and make our spirit sing.

Learn more about this author, Ray Fauteux.
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