Imagine two people on a cruise.  One person understands how an all-inclusive cruise works and enjoys scrumptious meals throughout the cruise day and night.  The second person is not aware that the food is included and since they are on a limited budget, spend most of the cruise eating crackers and water.  On the last night of the cruise the two happen to chat.  The one who is aware shares how wonderful the food is and remarks, “I love these all-inclusive cruises; it’s great to be able to eat anything we want and not have to worry about money.” The second guy almost passes out.  “You mean the all the food is included and I’ve been starving myself and eating only crackers and water?”

I had the privilege of training alongside  Clif McKnight, author of “If you can’t calm the waters, Learn to ride the waves’ for the past two days.  He brought in a guest speaker Mark Holland. Mark  shared the story above.  Life is an all-inclusive event, yet some are content with crackers and water.  Let me put it this way, many people are starving themselves and surviving or barely surviving when life offers an abundance of possibilities and opportunities.  We are here on the ship of life.  We can pick and choose according to our gifts and talents and make life an adventure of a lifetime.  Or, we can settle for life’s crumbs.  It’s our choice!

I’m Barbara Talley, the poet who speaks and inspires.  To find out more about me check out: What Does Barbara Do? or visit  my website.