June 6, 2012   

Greetings!  

"There will always be folks who make assumptions about

you based on superficial things like where you're from,  

or what you're wearing, or how you look. There will always  

be folks who judge you based on just one thing that you say

or do; folks who define you based on one isolated incident.

But know that in the end, people can only define you if 

you let them.  In the end, it's up to each of us to define   

ourselves. It's up to each of us to invent our own future 

with the choices we make and the actions we take."  

 2012 Commencement Speech - Virginia Tech    

Here is the segment from Michelle Obama's speech about defining ourselves and creating our futures.  Watch it and be inspired.

The words above were spoken last month by First Lady, Michelle Obama, during her commencement speech to the 2012 graduates of Virginia Tech.  Like so many great commencement addresses, the message not only inspires the graduates with words of wisdom, but it can also inspire all of us as well.

I encourage you to seriously consider the First

Lady's thoughts.  Are you defining yourself or are friends, family members, business or workplace colleagues?  Or maybe you are letting the media and life circumstances define who you are, what you do, and what you think you are capable of achieving?  Don't let that happen.

I suggest that within the next few days, you take time to decide for yourself how you want to be viewed, what will be your goals and dreams, and how you can best pursue them. You may need to get advice and support, but in the end let it be you who defines yourself and your direction.  Then put it in writing and post where you can see it often to remind you to continually act on your decisions.