“A Dream Deferred.”

“What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun? Or fester like a sore– And then run?” Langston Hughes.

The first half of the  poem “A Dream Deferred,”  has entered my thoughts off and on for years, especially the line, “Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun.” I’ve pondered Mr. Hughes’ poem because like so many others I’ve had dreams deferred. My biggest dream, to become a Broadway musical singer was killed by naysayers.

At the age of nineteen, I secured a  spot in the prestigious Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins to study voice. The training I received prior to my audition was minimal to say the least but my vocal abilities were exceptional. I entered Peabody with excitement and determination to fulfill my goal of becoming a singer. My years at Peabody were difficult and eventually, my resolve was broken down; I left in my junior year.

I’ve often heard successful people say, if we believe in our dreams and work hard our goals are attainable. Now, before you prejudge where you believe I’m going with this, please stay with me. Many years have passed since my dreams at singing were deferred. The one thing I’ve learned since then is to not give up. I’ve also learned, my mother’s advice was golden. She taught be to keep my mouth shut when it involved sharing my plans, and to surround myself with positive people who support my efforts.

My mistake at Peabody was accepting negative opinions of naysayers. They were not the vocal teachers at Peabody, but others who felt my vision of attaining a self sufficient career as a singer was foolish and impossible. Suppose the great musicians of today and yesterday had believed that. Imagine if Chrysler or Ford or Edison had conceded their cynics were correct.

I understand all my dreams may not be realized but I no longer allow myself to be swayed by those who don’t share my vision. As a matter of fact, my plans are shared with very few. I keep my focus on my goals and spend at least two hours a day engaging in five activities designed to move me closer to my desired objective.

Perhaps you have goals and dreams that have been deferred. Maybe you’ve been influenced by individuals who feel your plans are foolish. Well, I say to you, dust off those dreams, design a workable business plan and form alliances with person’s successful in the place you see yourself going. Oh yes, and the most important piece is to see yourself already “there,” already prosperous. And do not under any circumstances allow anyone to dissuade you.

Savannah J, she adds a little sass in every page.

www.thesavannahjpublications.com

Good manners redeemed!

  I recently stopped in a grocery store that I don’t frequent very often. The reason being, they don’t carry a lot of the foods I eat. I in stopped this particular day because it was on the way home and I just needed a few items. Well, I was really impressed with their service, here’s why:

After gathering the few items I needed, I headed to the front of the store to pay for my things. The young man helping me, referred to me as “ma’am” and not by my first name. A second young man came over to help the cashier bag my food and he, too, referred to me as “ma’am.” It was then that I noticed, all the young men on the front end registers were not only polite, but neatly dressed.

Each of them wore clean, pressed uniforms with their shirttails tucked in! They wore belts, to hold their pants in place and even their shoes or tennis shoes were neat and clean. Their hair was clean cut and appeared to be freshly barbered; no one wore hair below their ears. Now, don’t get me wrong, I have no problem with young men with long hair. I’m a proud Baby Boomer and as far as I’m concerned, we put the “L” in the word “long” for long hair. My son also sports a lengthy hair style but keeps it neatly pulled back. I was impressed by the fact, they all looked alike.

After paying for my purchase, I asked to  see a manager and relayed my compliment on a job well done to her. She along with her group of front-end associates thanked me for speaking something positive about them, instead of a complaint. I assured her and her associates, I would be shopping more often in their store. This was based solely on the professional and polite manner in which I was treated. The appearance of staff was an added bonus.

My experience with this store had renewed my faith in the ability for preceptors to train their staff to use proper sales etiquette. And as far as good manners is concerned, I’m overjoyed, all is not lost!

Savannah J, she adds a little sass in every page.

www.thesavannahjpublications.com