With Regards: Archives ~

With regard to... Self   "People often say that this or that person has not yet found himself. But the self is not something you can find, it is something one creates." - Sydney J. Harris - In August of 1972 a musical concert was presented at the Greek Theater in LA. The concert was recorded live and that recording (titled Hot August Night) has gone on to become a cult like favorite for fans of Neil Diamond. I recently added this one to my Pickup Truck collection and once again enjoyed one of my personal favorites, I am, I said. At the Greek, that hot August night, Neil’s rendition of the spoken words contained in that song, were especially poignant: "Did you ever read about a frog who dreamed of being a King and them became one? Except for the names and a few other things, you could be talking about me, my story is the same one." "I am", what strong words those are, what proof! They carry such diverse meanings: A plea coming from one of our homeless, while huddled near a steam vent in a effort to stay warm, as a shout coming from a fictitious champion such Rocky, after climbing to the top of those steps, the strong statement in the cry, first heard by my Pop on that hot August night in 1937, when I was born, or the thunderous declaration coming from our God to Moses, via the burning bush.. "I exist, I have value, I have overcome, I am!" Except for the change in the few words, the meaning is the same one. I am my-self, I am also what others perceive that, I am. A visit to my trusty Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary (7th. Edition), allows me to find four pages, containing over 400 words which begin with self. Most of these self started words do not even need to have meanings attached. Some of my own favorites are: self-realization, self-made, self-aware, self-confidence, self-esteem, self-respect, self-sacrificing, self-starting, self-sufficient, and a few of my least favorites are: self-centered, self-conceit, self-doubt, self-importance, self-ish, self-pity, and self-righteous. I am my-self, but do I know my-self? Am I self-aware? One way to determine this is to look into the mirror of self-appraisal and ask yourself several, "Am I or Do I", questions. Who am I? Am I in control of my personal ambitions? Am I aware of what I want to be? Am I aware of my purpose? Am I willing to give more than I get? Am I really able to listen? Am I aware of my values? Am I part of the problem or part of the solution? Am I willing to risk, to upset the apple cart? Am I willing to allow others to make up their own rules? Do I understand? Do I believe that consensus is the best method? Do I exhibit a level of enthusiasm which could be contagious? Do I truly enjoy responsibility or do I just like the authority? Do I set the example? Do I understand that well done is better than well said? And many, many more! I am, but am I willing to change? Only those who truly know themselves, their strengths and weaknesses, and are willing to consider their own personal present realities, have the insight to change those things within themselves, necessary for personal growth. Looking into that mirror of self-appraisal provides only one perspective. Remember I am also what others perceive, I am. Nothing will test the character and self-esteem more quickly than to invite the critiques and criticism of others. These others will not only look at your actions, but will appraise your lack of action as well. Another true test of self is your ability to accept feedback from others graciously, gratefully and in a non-threatening manner. Final thought If I am what I was at the time of my birth, on that hot August Night, I am without growth! If I have become a grown-up without change, I am less that I could have been! If I am what I envisioned I could be, I have achieved, however if I am resting on those laurels, I am without ambition! If I am able to make several of these positive statements, which define self, then I am extremely fortunate. I am learning! I am teaching! I am driven! I am happy! I am glad! I am OK! I am able! I am loved! I am healthy! I am changing! I am productive! I Am, I said! I am said I, and I am, I am, ... eternally grateful to all who allowed, assisted or forced me to be what I have become, ............ so far!

Jerry Sikes, RRP / CHA, is President of Professional Resort Operators, Inc., Scottsdale, Arizona. He has 35 years in the Hospitality Industry / 25 years in Timesharing, and is the current Co-Chairman of ARDA Arizona as well as Chairman of the Arizona Timeshare Management Association. Jerry is a frequent guest speaker regionally and nationally on all aspects of Timeshare Management and a frequent contributor of articles for industry publications. Email: boyjerry@cox.net Phone 480-947-3300 Fax 480-947-6853 Web site: http://www.protimeshare.com

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