The Price is Right, Bob!!

What is it worth to you? That is a pretty common and simple question yet, in my opinion, the basis upon which path your life's choices will lead you. In basic terms, everything and, (all too unfortunately) everyone has a price. The oversimplified assimilation of that term coincides with money. But to spend just a little more time thinking about it would reflect back upon you the esoteric meaning of the price paid or price willing to be paid. Price meaning sacrifice, dedication, focus, is more along the lines in my train of thought. As in the game show with Bob Barker, I want to know the correct price for my dream showcase.

I have been told for as long as I can remember that I work too hard or that I am too serious. I have been called someone with a heavy-head (I assume a southern vernacular) and in my native Haitian kreyol language - "tetecharje", loosely translated to a mind in disarray. This is because I constantly have ideas, sometimes connected, sometimes more dreams, sometimes idealistic and fantastic all at the same time. My wife calls me a dreamer who does not always deal with reality. I agree with her about the dreaming but not the reality. Doesn't everything start with a dream or desire of some sort? Dreams are not always dreams of fantasy. They can be visions or goals too. Not every goal or vision or dream in life will be met but none of them will be met if you do not pursue and at least try. Anything you will be, do, or accomplish in life for yourself or those you love comes with a measure of price. The question you always have to answer to yourself at some point along the way always boils down to the price. The value of the price you are willing to pay lies in the value of the dream to you. What is it worth to you to be happily married versus just married? To stick to your value system no matter what? To truly and honestly devote to your priorities? To lose the last 10, 15, 20 pounds towards your goals for weightloss? To save money for your next big purchase, college tuition fund, etc.? To teach yourself something new that requires time and effort and practice? Only you know the answers, which lie in your innermost thoughts and being. I love sports for so many reasons including the fact that I was an athlete in a different time of my life. Every successful athlete or coach has the same exact story. They tell the story of sacrifice and practice when it was early in the morning, late at night, bad weather, being motivated to "make it" for themselves or their family, etc. The same story applies to so many doctors, lawyers, politicians (our President is an example), and those from every other walk of life. The only difference is the context. At some point, the price was a bargain to accomplish that which they dreamed to be or have. All of the people that I personally know who seem to be successful in the same avenues that I am trying to pursue, whether family, business, finance , careers share the same belief that the proverbial cash register never shows the balance as being paid. They willingly continue to find the worth and value in paying the price to give life and make a reality of their ever-evolving and changing goals and dreams. This a fundamental concept I strive to pass on to my daughter to help her find her dreams and successes. Hopefully along the way, the price will also be right for me and my dream showcase.