(Quotes are capsules of information, reinforcement or enlightenment.)

“So live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart. Trouble no one about his religion; respect yours. Love your life, perfect your life, beautify all things in your life. Seek to make your life long and of service to people. Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over the Great Divide. Always give a word or sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend, or even a stranger, if in a lonely place. Show respect to all people, but grovel to none.

When you arise in the morning, give thanks for the light, for your life and strength.

Give thanks for your food and for the joy of living.

If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies in yourself.
. . . .

When your time comes to die be not like those whose hearts are filled with fear of death, so that when their time comes they weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again a different way. Live your life so that when you sing your death song, you will die like a hero who is going home with no shame to meet the Creator and your family.”

Tecumseh – Chief of the Shawnee Nation
From a speech to his warriors before the battle at Tippacanoe, April 9, 1809.

Coaching Point: This seems so simple; why does it seem so hard to do?

Copyright 1999 Steve Straus. All rights reserved.