teamwork

the Dewey Decimal System

   When we visit libraries, we begin to locate the books on our reading lists. They are sorted in two main ways. Fictional books are organized in alphabetical order by the last name of the author. This way, all of the pieces written by an author are found on the same shelf. When you enter the nonfiction section, however, books are shelve in a totally different way: the Dewey Decimal System. This method collects groups of books on the same subjects. Rather than searching for a name, we search for a number. And while the name on the spine represents a talented writer, the number represents the collective knowledge on any given topic humans have ever dared to speculate about. Fiction brings credit to the individual; nonfiction brings credit to teamwork.
   Wandering through the metaphorical library of life, searching for the relevant shelves, and in the attempt to locate the perfect piece of work, its important that we select the right genre. Instead of "my," use "our." Harness the power of nonfiction writing, the raw reality that when we stand together, we stand as one.
   Recognize that there truly is power in numbers.

strength

exhibit yourself   

   When the jagged rock is repeatedly hit against the cliff, it begins to smooth itself into a pebble. Unfortunately, the crashing and pounding makes the rock feel like it is losing parts of itself. Therefore, it is important to become solid like the rock, to smooth ourselves out, and to define our "cores" so that during our experiences, we hold onto that which is important.
   Strength is looking within oneself because that is the scariest place one can look. Strength is contemplating on our faults in a nearly futile attempt to redeem ourselves. Strength is daring to be ourselves at all times.
   I am not one person. I am a product of my environment, with varied personalities. Like water, I take the shape of my container- where I am. I turn the color of the clothes that are washed in me.
   Strength is having the courage to remain constant, solid, like a rock. I risk being broken, but I suddenly have so many more opportunities.
   How many museums dedicate exhibits to water?
 

failure

mission impossible

   All the great stories tell of heroes who exceed others' expectations, who face their fears, who experience a metamorphic transformation. But what of those who fail? Those who are unable to overcome the obstacles, destroyed by their obligations? If failure is human, and humans are all inherently heroes, what of failure?
     The answer, of course, is another question:
     What does failure really mean?

     Is failure getting an F on your biology test? Is failure getting cut from the basketball team on the first day of tryouts? Is failure dropping out of an Ivy League School because there was too much pressure even though you worked all through high school to win a merit-based scholarship just to pay tuition? And, subsequently, is failure living in your parents' basement at age 25?

     No, you say? Why are you shaking your head so vehemently? Isn't it failure when you don't achieve a goal you have set? In fact, Merriam-Webster defines failure as, "the lack of success."
     However, every single being on this planet is successful in existing, nullifying the possibility of failure for each and every single one of us. Since we exist, we cannot fail.

we cannot fail

you cannot fail

no matter what

we are successful

you are successful

always