Whatever happened to the concept of encouragement? One of the things that really annoys me about the current political/social climate is the fact that it's obvious that so many of our young people are being raised to believe that they should strive for mediocre, and that they should get something for "just showing up." I realize that tee-ball and other activities have been instrumental in this attitude, and I know that they were established with all good intentions, but now I wonder if they haven't been a disservice to our youth.
When I was younger, it was normal to hear that if I worked hard I could achieve something. Today, some would have you think that either the work part isn't necessary OR that even if you do work hard you'll never get anywhere so why even try. I'm baffled and saddened that so many are being misled into believing that we are no longer a country where hard work and a dream no matter what your color or ethnicity is can result in a better way of life. Why aren't we investing in more programs that put an emphasis in self-motivation and self-confidence so that those who struggles to find their way are encouraged to keep trying and believe in themselves?
I started my first business three weeks after high school graduation with a helium tank, a bag or two of balloons and some inflatables. Probably the most prized possession of all was the Raggedy Ann Costume that I gained along with the package. I never doubted at age 18 that I could do it and be successful. Did I know how to run a business? NO! But, I knew how to read and find the library! What I didn't know how to do I read and learned. I applied myself. Within a short period of time I'd moved the little business from my Mom and Dad's livingroom to a shop in Downtown Vidalia.
When I didn't have customers I went out and got some. I walked the streets dressed in costume with a handful of balloons more days than I'll admit. But, between the bright red wig of Raggedy Ann and my determination I turned a few balloons and a costume into a business that served the community for over eight years.
Did I go out of business? No...my business morphed into something else. I took all the knowledge I'd learned and wrote three or four "How to" Balloon books that have made me money for more than 20 years now...how's that for stretching something out?
I never got rich selling balloons in Downtown Vidalia, but what I did was learn valuable skills and even a few funny things along the way. For instance, when you're really young most insurance companies really don't want to insure your business vehicle (especially when it's a black conversion van with wild colored flames down the side). In addition, you should never allow your parents anywhere close to your business when sales people call, or you will get ignored. Lastly, it's almost impossible to hire help for the holidays because you train them all year, and they quit just before the holiday, and you end up doing it all yourself anyway.
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Since that time just three weeks after graduation my life has been full of ups and downs and adventures that you cannot even imagine. I laugh and say I have multiple career disorder, but the reality is I've had vision and the Lord has blessed me with the opportunity and talent to follow those visions and succeed with them. I can honestly say that I may not have made a ton of money in some of my businesses, but I can also say that I don't consider any of those experiences unsuccessful.
Tammie
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