I’m of old school, my father always said ” keep your nose clean and stay at the grindstone”……it took me awhile, but after the years I did my best to stay clear from trouble (don’t try and take short cuts, do it right or don’t do it at all). we never had a grinding stone……but I did my best to stay focussed on the job at hand no matter the distractions until my day was over, my time of applying my skills , abilities, honesty, friendship and building a block from where to start the next day from, a foundation of my own , a definition of just who I was in the eyes of my peers and the higher power. later in life this became a reputation which preceded me and thank fully it was viewed by all favourably.

By the same token, one could stand on a corner and provide free chocolates to all who wished to have them , and they would probably been viewed as favourably as well…….until you run out of chocolates!

There is a process to “earning it”. It usually involves time, effort, knowledge, skills of sorts, determination, concentration and observance toward others.

funny thing though, if you try excellent fishing skills in a river where no fish are present, all the attempts you want to try will still result in the same conclusion….no fish

Guys! Thanks for the overwhelming response. While i still sort through the stories i received, i’ve posted one sent in by Sumita. Thanks for the information Sumita, I do wish you and your hubby all the best. As for those who’re wondering why i was collecting stories about ‘earning it’, well it seems my friend Mark and me are part of some sort of a prank.. (more…)