I’m half way through Joe Plumeri’s little book, “The Power of Being Yourself.” In it, the renown business man discusses his life and shares his secrets to success. His claim to fame is his positivity, but while he was able to use this trait to motivate hundreds (if not thousands) of people in every company he led, he was unable to get through to one of his own sons whose struggles ultimately led to drug dependency and death. You can’t help but feel the pain of this loving father who is vaunted in the business community for his many triumphs and yet haunted by what he considers his biggest personal failure; the inability to rehabilitate his own son.
Whether it’s trying to help a single, wayward teen get his life on track or trying to help an entire country embrace freedom and democracy..it sadly seems that some efforts are doomed no matter how much assistance is offered.
But then there are those who seem to have such an irrepressible desire to live a consequential life that no hardship, no lack of resources, nothing can stop them from fulfilling their destinies. Like Joe Plumeri, they have an ever-hopeful vision of the future and the remarkable ability to adapt as circumstances change. They are able to convert sadness and defeat into fuel for a brand new journey if the old path crumbles underfoot.
I love reading motivating books like this because it reminds me that failure isn’t final and that each day is another precious opportunity to make my small corner of the world a better place.
These two pictures I took this week-end remind me of those, like Joe, who continue to grow and “bloom” in spite of incredibly tough times.


Sounds like a good book. The picture of the flowers and grass are good reminders of what can prevail despite all odds.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is a great read..I mean I’m sure Joe himself wouldn’t pretend he’s some great author, but his honesty is touching and you can sense this inner desire to live a life that is meaningful and ultimately helpful to others.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love this. Thank you for sharing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am always fascinated (and somewhat horrified) when I read about people like Mr. Plumeri who deal with extreme success and unimaginable devastation – at the same time. I’m not sure I could go on..but you can tell that he sees everything in life as an opportunity to touch and help others.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reminds me of sunflowers – we have gobs of them growing in medians, on the side of the road….beautiful and resilient.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is amazing..resilient is the right word. And just like flowers..some people are naturally hearty and resilient..others are not.. no matter how you try to assist them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Really well written Cindy!
LikeLiked by 1 person
vielen dank! 😃
LikeLike