Listen, Then Act

The development of my life philosophy did not evolve early in my life but occurred spontaneously and conclusively. During my earlier years directions for living standards were set by my parents and relatives. A stern father who did not spare the leather razor strap created timidity in my actions at home. My mother was a quiet woman. Her advice was, "If you cannot say something good about a person, don't say anything." This taught me to listen up.

I shiver during stormy political campaigns. The dirt throwing, digging up past actions, false and maybe some true accusations, of each opponent drives me to tears! I'm confused. I do not wish to support either candidate!

While our home was only three miles from a small country town I seldom went there. When I did it was usually necessary only because my last year's clothing and shoes had been outgrown. I would have to select items then try on for fitting. During these shopping events it was my practice to sit on the street near a group of men. I would listen to these men discuss many subjects. They would talk of crops and causes of crop failures, the weather, farm animals, and politics. My ears were especially trained to pick up any comments about my Uncle Frank Miles who was town Marshall for many years. Although I seldom talked to him I held him in high respect. I wanted to know what others were thinking about him.

I could be one or two blocks away from my father's whereabouts in town but I always knew where he was because of his loud voice, a voice that could be heard one-half a mile away on a still summer evening. My timidity revealed itself one day in town when I had mustered enough nerve to whisper in my father's ear. As he leaned down to hear my whispering plea, "Dad, may I have a nickel?" With a voice that, to me, vibrated throughout the town he shouted, "What do you want a nickel for?" I trembled! Quietly I answered, "Chocolate candy drops."

During the long winter evenings beside a warm fire, my father would tell of his dreams. He would always say, "We will move to Washington or Oregon where we can live off the fat of the land. We will have wild berries and catch fish. Venison will be plentiful! Vegetables grow bountiful in the moist green fields. Each of you children can have toys and playmates. Harold can have his spotted pony." This thrilled me!

All these promises were never fulfilled! I began to say to myself, "I'm not going to do it that way. I'm going to take action." It was not until my high school graduation ceremony on May 28, 1925 that I promised myself that "Positive Mental Expectation" would be my guide. From that moment on it has embodied the direction of my life.

This philosophy has brought me much happiness, love, prosperity, world-wide travel, and greatest of all, peace of mind. My advice to others is plan your dream. Don't delay. Work for its reality today. Put it into action--start now.

Where there is a will there is a way!

© Copyright 1997 Harold Wm. Wood

This page is maintained by Dr. Wood's son, Harold W. Wood, Jr., of Visalia, California.
My E-mail address is: harold@planetaryexploration.net

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