A Special Gift

Journey to Excellence
By
Rob McBride

Free Electronic Version

Feel free to share with your family, friends and colleagues

If you would like a hard copy in English, Spanish and/or a

printable Electronic Version please go to:

www.RobMcBride.net
+ 58 414 328 6411

Rob will be happy to meet with your organization, group or

school to inspire excellence, enhance productivity and
improve morale by discussing the principles
presented in A Special Gift

Read a "Reflection" a day to keep the blues away

and make your own way!
The author takes full responsibility for errors or omissions in this book and
will not resort to name calling or pointing fingers in the event blame needs to
be established. The author does not accept any liability or responsibility for
any loss or damage that may be caused, or are alleged to be caused, through
the use of information contained in this book. The author relinquishes and
assigns full credit to the reader for all dreams and desires fulfilled as a direct
result of implementing the principles contained herein.

Copyright © 2006 Rob McBride

All rights reserved

Free Electronic Version

Published December 2006

Feel free to share with your family and friends

If you would like a hard copy in English, Spanish
and/or a printable Electronic Version please go to:

www.RobMcBride.net

Or contact us at:

+58 212 985 7096

Caracas, Venezuela

Chief Editor: Betty Mott

Illustrations: Stuart McBride
R. P. Callahan

McBride, Rob.
A special gift: journey to excellence / Rob McBride.

1. Action 2. Tenacity 3. Tolerance 4. Initiative 5. Temperance

6. Usefulness 7. Desire 8. Energy 9. Confidence
 Dedication

To my Mother and my Father who have been with me

spiritually, emotionally and physically every
step of the way on this wonderful journey
we call life and who have each
encouraged me to find my
own Special Gift
TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. JUAN JOSÉ ............................................................................ 5

II. WORK..................................................................................... 9

III. PAPPY................................................................................... 12

IV. PACHECO............................................................................ 14

V. A SPECIAL GIFT................................................................ 19

VI. THE JOURNEY ................................................................... 23

VII. SANTA FE ............................................................................ 30

VIII. RAMÓN ................................................................................ 36

IX. LOS DOS CAMINOS .......................................................... 43

X. AGUASCALIENTES........................................................... 47

XI. BOSS ..................................................................................... 54

XII. THE GIFT............................................................................. 66

XIII. REFLECTIONS ................................................................... 74

A CTION ....................................................................................78

T ENACITY ................................................................................81

T OLERANCE .............................................................................84

I NITIATIVE ..............................................................................87

T EMPERANCE...........................................................................90

U SEFULNESS ............................................................................92

D ESIRE ....................................................................................94
E NERGY ...................................................................................97

XIV. YEARS LATER….............................................................. 100

 A Special Gift

I. Juan José

J uan José, like all fourteen year old boys, had his dreams and
desires. People called him “bones” because no matter how
much he ate, he always remained thin. He had curly black hair and
eyes which shined like stars when he was excited. He always felt
uneasy when women commented about his long, elegant eyelashes
because he always related long eyelashes with women. One day he
went so far as to cut them and was surprised when they grew right back
again. He was extremely curious, always playing tricks and making up
games. Everybody loved his ability to say something funny, even in
the most difficult of circumstances.
He was born and raised in a neighborhood called the 24th of
June, which was named after an important and decisive battle in his
country’s quest for independence almost 200 years ago. It was a five
-5-
 Rob McBride

minute walk climbing concrete stairs which wound up from the main
street below to where he lived in the middle of The Capitol, the largest
city in the country. Juan José always ran up and down the stairs two at
a time very quickly. People always told him, “Be careful, boy, you are
going to kill yourself!"
Life in the 24th of June was very difficult. Juan José had grown
up with sadness and poverty his entire life. He lived in a tiny one
bedroom apartment with one bathroom, a living room and a small
kitchen together with his mother María Consuelo, his two brothers José
Gregorio and José Antonio as well as with his sister María José. His
mother and María José slept in the bedroom while Juan José slept with
his two older brothers in the living room which converted into a second
bedroom every night. His father José María had gone to work one day
two years before and never returned. He had magically disappeared
and they hadn’t heard from him since. They didn't know if he had left
willingly or one of the gang members from the neighborhood had taken
his life.
José María, like the majority of the people in the neighborhood,
had economic difficulties. He had borrowed money from a gang to
resolve a financial problem they had with their other apartment which
was slightly bigger and had two bedrooms and two bathrooms. He
hired a lawyer to make payment through the legal system with the hope
they could keep their apartment. Unfortunately, it had all been a trick
and they lost the apartment anyway. One of the saddest days of Juan
José’s life was the day they were evicted from their home.
Nevertheless, the gang wanted its money.

-6-
 A Special Gift

Juan José was very sad after his father disappeared. He had
wonderful memories of the times he and his father had played baseball.
Since he was a little boy he had dreamed about being a famous player
in the big leagues. His father had told him all about the wonders of
David Concepción. Juan José's idol, however, was Andrés Galarraga.
The story of a poor kid getting to the big leagues was well known in his
neighborhood. He followed the careers of his favorite players with
great interest and enthusiasm.
Juan José couldn't believe his father would have left willingly.
During the nights after his father’s disappearance, his mother cried
inconsolably while Juan José would hold and comfort her.
“Take it easy, mommy, you are the most beautiful person in the
world,” Juan José would tell her lovingly. “I'm sure dad will be back to
take us to live in one of those magnificent houses where the rich people
live just like you have always dreamed about. He probably got a better
job and will be back for us soon."
María Consuelo adored her son. He was her youngest child
and, while she deeply loved all of her children, Juan José always held a
special place in her heart. All of her children gave her a kiss and asked
for her blessing whenever they would leave or come home. In addition
to the kiss, Juan José would give her a big hug that would take her
breath away, the kind of hug that fills your body with intense love and
energy.
In the beginning, Juan José believed his father would return
although now he feared he never would. He couldn't believe his father
would leave them penniless and in the midst of being evicted from their
home. Nevertheless, the days, months and years passed. Little by little

-7-
 Rob McBride

his father became a distant memory. In the meantime, Juan José's

entire family had to work hard every day to make ends meet.

-8-
 A Special Gift

II. Work

J uan José stopped going to school when he was twelve years

old, shortly after his father left home. He found a job
delivering newspapers in the streets of The Capitol. He was able to buy
some of the food which they so desperately needed with the little
money he made each day.
Like most adolescents, he had his doubts, frustrations and
dreams. He saw two possibilities in life. One option was that of the
gangs who were always getting into trouble. He saw they were always
drinking alcohol, doing drugs and, in general, causing trouble. While
they wore the best clothes and always had money, they were always
running from the law.
The other option was to find a steady job working from early
morning until late at night. He knew many people in this category who
-9-
 Rob McBride

appeared to make just enough money to get by. Even then, it seemed
as if they never had enough.
On the one hand, he wanted all of the material things the gang
members had, and, at the same time, knew this meant living in constant
danger. Frequently, the gang members would die violent deaths in one
of the many dead-end streets in his neighborhood. One day one of the
gangs had taken the life of one of his closest friends. His friend, who
had saved his money for six months to buy a pair of tennis shoes he had
dreamed about, left a party one weekend and was jumped by the gang
who stole his shoes and killed him without so much as a second
thought when he fought back.
Juan José wanted to do something useful with his life for
himself and, more importantly, for his mother. He saw how she
suffered daily. She worked in a cloth factory located on the outskirts of
the Capitol which required she get up at 5:00 A.M. to get to work on
time. She normally wouldn’t return until after 8:00 P.M. When she
arrived home she was exhausted. Juan José’s mother was beautiful and
could easily pass for being ten years younger. Nevertheless, Juan José
saw the toll the last two years without her husband had taken on her.
The energy she used to have had been replaced by constant weariness.
While her eyes still sparkled when she spoke, her face now started to
show wrinkles and she frequently had shadows under her eyes from
lack of sleep.
When María Consuelo got home she would fix something to eat
for everyone and then as they ate, she would watch a soap opera which
started at 9:00 P.M. During this time Juan José felt most at peace with
his family and his life.

- 10 -
 A Special Gift

One day Juan José got up and went to pick up his newspapers at
work. When he arrived at the corner where he picked up the papers,
there was no one. Normally, there was a truck which would arrive very
early to deliver the papers and it was nowhere in sight. His co-workers
began arriving one by one. The newspapers didn’t arrive and nobody
knew why. One hour later his boss arrived.
“I hate to tell you,” he began, “your work here with the paper is
finished. It’s no secret to anyone we have had difficulty getting the raw
materials for the paper and the economic situation in the country has
been exceptionally difficult. The owner of the newspaper has decided
to shut down the business after fifty years of operation. It’s difficult to
say whether we will open for business at some time in the future. What
I can tell you for sure is right now we are all out on the street!”
Juan José didn’t know what to do. He knew his mother and his
family depended on the money he took home every day. He felt
helpless and wanted to cry when he thought about what he would tell
his mother, not so much because she would be upset with him, rather
because of the poverty which followed them every step of the way.
He began wandering through the streets and felt as if he were in
a dream. As he walked the streets, full of people and noise, he felt
isolated, absent, as if in a trance. He had the sensation of being in a
tunnel where everything was distant and silent. He arrived at a plaza
where he had been many times with his family and sat down on a
bench. He put his head in his hands and began to cry shamelessly.

- 11 -
 Rob McBride

III. Pappy

J uan José didn’t know if five minutes or one hour had passed
when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He lifted his head and
saw an older man with gray hair and a long beard.
“It’s all right to cry, son,” said the man with a resonant and
eloquent voice. “Tears cleanse the soul.”
Juan José put his head in his hands once again and continued to
cry. He sobbed and felt his shoulders rise and fall beneath the strong
hand of the man. They remained for several minutes without saying a
word. When Juan José felt no more tears would come, he lifted his
head once more and looked at the man. His face was wrinkled and his
gray eyes smiled with confidence and security.
“What’s wrong, son, why do you cry so?” The old man
inquired.
- 12 -
 A Special Gift

In spite of all of the warnings Juan José’s mother had given him
about speaking with strangers, he had no fear of this man. Juan José
told him about his work at the newspaper and the old man listened
attentively. When he stopped talking, the man looked at him and
smiled.
“Life consists of ups and downs. The most important thing is to
be able to get up after having fallen.”
“I’m not sure what you are trying to tell me,” Juan José
responded.
“Do you have time to talk?”
“Now I do,” said the boy with a slight smile. “Now I have all
the time in the world!”
The old man laughed loudly and the boy looked at him with
surprise.
“Excuse me, what’s so funny?”
“Time is golden and each moment we have is a gift. We should
never waste it. This instant turns into the seconds, minutes, hours and
days of our lives. When we are young, we think we have all the time in
the world. When we are old, we feel we have no time. In reality, time
is the same for everyone regardless of age. Time is relative and the
only thing we have for sure is this instant.” Juan José thought about
what he had heard. He nodded in agreement with what the old man had
said.
“What’s your name?” Juan José wanted to know.
“That’s a very good question,” he said with a grin. “I am
known by many names, though my friends call me ‘Pappy.’”

- 13 -
 Rob McBride

IV. Pacheco

“L et me tell you a story,” continued Pappy, “perhaps it

can help you understand the cycles of life. There once
was a man named Pacheco who worked in a factory as a watchman. He
didn’t like the job much because the hours were terrible. He worked 24
hours straight and then had 24 hours of rest.”
“I know a man who works that way,” commented Juan José.
“Since he lived far away from work, Pacheco would get up very
early in order to avoid traffic and arrive in time to relieve his co-
worker. He had worked this way for twelve years.
“One day the plant manager came to him and told him they had
hired an efficiency expert. He explained a new procedure for visitors
which required the watchman check their identification, write down
their name and the name of the person they were visiting.
- 14 -
 A Special Gift

“While appearing to be a simple request, Pacheco explained he

couldn’t comply. He explained to his boss that he didn’t know how to
read or write. The manager told Pacheco, ‘In that case, I have to let
you go. The plant has spent a lot of money on the study and we have to
follow their suggestions to the letter.’”
“That doesn’t seem fair! Especially when he had worked there
for so long!” exclaimed Juan José.
“Life is neither fair nor unfair,” continued Pappy. “Long ago
my father told me, ‘Life is neither fair nor unfair, it just is.’”
“Pacheco went home and shamefully told his family what had
taken place. His family was distraught with the news. He considered
his alternatives. Initially, what seemed most logical was to look for
another job as a watchman. After all, it was what he knew how to do
and what he had done his whole life. He knew when someone went to
apply for a job, future employers always asked about experience.
“I have noticed people normally continue with a similar
occupation even when they are fired from a job,” Juan José reflected.
“That’s right, son. Normally, people continue in their same
occupation. In this case, however, Pacheco asked himself a very
important question, ‘What is it I really like to do?’ He immediately
knew the answer. He loved to fix things. In fact, since he was a kid, he
always liked to take everything apart to see how it worked. His family
and friends always gave him all kinds of things to fix.
“The next morning a friend came to talk to Pacheco. They
spoke about what had happened at the factory. Since the friend knew
Pacheco liked to fix things, he told him he had a radio which needed
fixing and he would be willing to pay Pacheco if he could fix it.

- 15 -
 Rob McBride

Pacheco accepted the challenge and in less than twenty minutes had
fixed it. His friend paid him and left. Suddenly, Pacheco had an idea.
‘How about if I look for things to fix and charge according to what
people are able to pay?’ He explained the idea to his wife and she loved
it.”
“What a wonderful idea!” said Juan José.
“That same day,” Pappy went on, “Pacheco went with his wife
through the entire neighborhood and asked people if they needed to
have anything fixed. Because of the difficult economic situation,
people often didn’t have enough money to buy something new, so they
preferred to fix what they already had. The very first day, they got two
irons, three picture frames, a table and a television to fix. He got right
to work and by the next day Pacheco succeeded in fixing everything
except the television which he left for the next day. Everyone was
pleased with how quickly he had finished.
“They paid him and in some cases gave him more things to fix.
Pacheco didn’t know what was wrong with the television so he went to
see a friend who knew a lot about televisions and asked him if he could
fix it. The friend told him he could repair it though he first needed to
buy a replacement part. Pacheco went to the owner of the television,
explained what the problem was and asked for money to buy the part.
Pacheco got the money and the next day delivered the television to the
owner as good as new. Pacheco and his friend shared the profits.”
“After that what happened?” Juan José wanted to know.
“In no time at all, Pacheco had more work than he could
handle,” continued Pappy. “He hired a boy to help him and after
several months determined he needed more space. He rented a place

- 16 -
 A Special Gift

with everything he needed for his repair business. He became a hero in

his community. People took all kinds of things to him. They knew
when Pacheco couldn’t fix something, it was time to throw it away and
buy something new.
“Pacheco would tell his clients, ‘I will give you a guarantee.
The guarantee is that 90% of the time, I will be able to fix it. The other
10% it will never work again!’ Everybody would laugh because they
knew it to be true.
“This is one of life’s great truths. Everything and everyone has
a beginning and an end. Nothing escapes this ever present truth!”
“I had never thought of it in those terms,” said Juan José with a
puzzled look. “I suppose when I really think about it, you are right!”
“As the years went by, Pacheco’s business grew. He bought a
big house and lived like a king. One day a government official came to
his shop and told him the community wanted to honor him for all he
had done in his neighborhood. He had been an excellent example for
all who wanted to accomplish seemingly impossible dreams. Pacheco
accepted the offer. On the day he was to receive the recognition, the
official asked Pacheco to sign his name in the ledger which listed
previous honorees. Pacheco told the official, ‘I would love to; there is
only one problem, I don’t know how to read or write.’
“The government official was surprised. He asked Pacheco
how his life might have been if he knew how to read and write.
Pacheco calmly replied, ‘I would be a watchman in a factory.’”
Juan José smiled.
“All we experience in life depends on our point of view,” said
Pappy. “There are people who see a situation and say, ‘How come I

- 17 -
 Rob McBride

always have so many problems!’ while other people facing the same
situation say, ‘Life has provided me with an incredible challenge!’ We
choose our attitude for better or worse when faced with life’s
challenges.”

- 18 -
 A Special Gift

V. A Special Gift

J uan José considered Pappy’s story about Pacheco and asked,

“Pappy, I understand Pacheco was successful, what should I
do, start fixing things?”
“What works for one person will not necessarily work for
another,” observed Pappy after smiling at the boy’s innocence. “We
should all look for our own special talent, the one gift which makes
each of us special. Sometimes it isn’t easy. There are people who go
through their entire lives without finding their unique talent, their
Special Gift. We all have a reason for living, some marvelous talent.
Frequently, this gift is elusive. Sometimes it hides in the crevices
beneath the rocks of life. Normally, we must dig and excavate to find
it.”

- 19 -
 Rob McBride

The boy thought for several minutes about Pappy’s words.

They remained silent for several minutes. The silence intrigued Juan
José. Normally, he was uncomfortable when a sudden silence fell over
the group while talking with his friends. With Pappy, the silence felt
completely natural. Although there were many people walking around,
Juan José felt as if the two of them were alone, in a bubble which
protected them from the hustle and bustle of the street.
Finally, Juan José asked Pappy, “How can I find my gift, my
reason for being in this world?”
The old man saw Juan José’s bright, inquisitive eyes and sensed
his strong desire to lead a successful life.
“We all have to seek and find our own path. There is no single
road which works for everyone. The answer could come in a day, a
month, a year or perhaps never come. What I can tell you is the Special
Gift typically appears more rapidly for those who look for it than for
those who are unaware of its existence.
“Unfortunately, the majority of the people in the world never
find their Special Gift, their mission in life. They get up in the morning
and go to work every day like a robot. If they are lucky, they enjoy
their work though at times detest it. They continue because they don’t
know they have other options. They believe there is no other choice.
Their lives consist of getting up in the morning, going through the
paces of a hectic day and going to bed at night.”
Juan José nodded in understanding. He wrinkled his nose
perplexed and asked, “If I find my Special Gift, does that mean I will
have a lot of money and a big house like Pacheco, the fix-it man in
your story?”

- 20 -
 A Special Gift

“Excellent question,” replied Pappy, again with a smile.

“Finding our Special Gift often leads to material wealth, though not
always. What is more important is to be satisfied with what we do and
our place in the world. We all depend on others in some way or
another. Those who are most successful typically satisfy the needs and
desires of many. The rewards we receive when we discover our
Special Gift can come in the form of material wealth as well as spiritual
wealth for ourselves and for those who surround us.”
Juan José thought about what Pappy said and in that moment
decided he didn’t want to wait his entire life to find his Special Gift.
As he carefully considered Pappy’s words, he realized he knew many
people who were sick and tired with their work and it was apparent in
their lives. He also knew others who were incredibly satisfied with
their lives. He was determined he would be one of those who were
happy with their place in the world. He resolved to find his Special
Gift and his mission in life.
“How can I find my Special Gift as soon as possible?” Juan
José wanted to know.
The old man looked into the radiant eyes of the boy and
answered, “There is no single path and no magic wish which will cause
it to appear. There are, however, many ways to find your Special Gift.
Let me ask you a question. Is there anything you have always wanted
to do and have yet been unable to accomplish?”
The boy remained silent, thinking for a moment, and suddenly
said, “Yes, there is something! I have always wanted go to
Aguascalientes, the town where my father was born and I have never

- 21 -
 Rob McBride

been there. Do you think I can find my Special Gift in

Aguascalientes?”
Pappy smiled again at the innocence and simplicity children
normally have and adults typically lose.
“It’s possible, though I can’t guarantee it. Out of curiosity, why
haven’t you ever gone there?” Pappy wanted to know.
“We were going to go once and in the end didn’t have enough
money for the trip. Afterwards, my father disappeared and my mother
didn’t want to have anything to do with my father or Aguascalientes,”
explained Juan José. “My father mentioned my grandfather was very
well known in Aguascalientes. He told me he had a farm and was
respected by all. I believe he is still alive and I often dream of my
grandfather, life on a farm, riding horses, fixing fences and taking care
of cattle.
“The only times I have left The Capitol have been on a couple
of trips to the beach. I have grown up with the cement, smoke and
noise of the city. I know nothing else. This is the reason why I would
like to know where I came from.”
“Go, my son. Go and see what you can find,” said Pappy. “I
suggest you go with those inquisitive eyes of yours wide open, willing
to accept what you encounter. Many pass through life without looking
around, as if in a burrow, without seeing the beauty which surrounds
us. Life is an incredible journey and we can learn to enjoy each
moment. While we never know when we are going to find our Special
Gift, we can remember this instant is the most intense moment of our
lives!”

- 22 -
 A Special Gift

VI. The Journey

“Y
from work.
ou are never going to believe what happened today!”
Juan José said excitedly when his mother got home

“Calm down, son, what happened?”

“I lost my job,” started Juan José. “Please don’t worry because
afterward something marvelous happened.”
“How can that be marvelous?” his mother wanted to know.
“Now what are we going to do? You know very well we all need to
contribute to make ends meet with our expenses and even then we still
come up short!”
“I met a man whose name is ‘Pappy’ and he told me wonderful
things. He told me that we all have a Special Gift, a mission in life.”

- 23 -
 Rob McBride

“Juan José," his mother scolded, "how many times have I told
you not to talk to strangers?"
“I know, mom,” explained her son. “It’s hard to explain. When
I met this man, I felt incredibly inspired and as I talked to him, it
seemed as if he knew exactly what I was thinking and feeling the entire
time.”
Juan José told his mother all about his conversation with Pappy.
At first it terrified María Consuelo to think her son was talking to some
strange man. Then she saw the excitement in her son’s face. She
thought he should be sad because of what had happened with his work.
Nevertheless, she saw an energy which sparkled in her son’s eyes and
which she hadn’t seen in a long time. The last time she had seen the
same enthusiasm was before her husband, José María, disappeared.
Juan José’s passion for life faded when his father vanished and the
flame which burned brightly in her son had been temporarily
extinguished.
Now, she saw the spark once again in his eyes. She noticed
Juan José’s lost enthusiasm was back and she also got excited. María
Consuelo wanted the best for her children. She panicked when she
thought of him traveling alone to Aguascalientes, though she also
understood Pappy’s message and knew it to be true. María Consuelo
wanted with all of her heart for Juan José to find his Special Gift and
knew it was now his destiny to go to Aguascalientes.
Juan José started his journey that very evening. He was anxious
to see where his father was born and to possibly find something which
could change his life. He didn’t know exactly how he would get there;
at the same time he had faith everything would turn out well.

- 24 -
 A Special Gift

His mother prepared food and a change of clothes for his

journey. His only problem was he had no money. Juan José left home
scared yet confident he would find a way to achieve his objective.
As he arrived at the bus terminal he saw the hustle and bustle of
all the people. Everyone hurried from one place to another. He asked
several people and eventually found a bus going to Santa Fe, the closest
major city to Aguascalientes. He approached the bus driver and said, “I
need to get to Aguascalientes, the only problem is I have no money. I
can work and help you in any way if you allow me to go with you.”
“Are you crazy?” yelled the driver. “How do you expect to get
there if you have no money?”
At that moment, a lady who had heard everything approached.
“I heard what you said to the driver,” she said. “Why are you in
such a hurry to go to Aguascalientes?”
“My father was born in Aguascalientes and I have to find
something important there!” Juan José declared firmly.
“My name is María Elena Fernández. I have a package with
some important documents I need to deliver to my father who lives in
Los Dos Caminos, which is about a day’s walk from Santa Fe. While I
desperately want to see my father, my son is very sick and I can’t leave
him alone or take him with me to deliver the documents.”
“I hope your son gets better soon,” said Juan José
empathetically.
“Thank you. I have an idea,” she went on, “since I cannot
travel because of my son’s condition, how about if I pay your fare and
you deliver the package to my father?”
“Of course, that would be great!” exclaimed Juan José.

- 25 -
 Rob McBride

“You seem to be a good boy and something tells me you are

honest,” María Elena acknowledged. “My father’s name is Don Emilio
Fernández. As I mentioned, he lives in a town called Los Dos
Caminos. It’s a one day walk from where the bus stops in Santa Fe.
There is no other transportation available. Are you sure you are up for
the trip?”
Juan José nodded yes with enthusiasm.
María Elena Fernández gave Juan José the exact address
together with the bus ticket and the package for her father.
The driver overheard the conversation and said, “Los Dos
Caminos isn’t in the same direction as Aguascalientes...”
“Don’t worry,” Juan José interrupted as the bus driver stood
with his mouth agape, “before doing anything else I will deliver your
package. I promise! I am used to walking and I’m in excellent
physical condition.”
When Juan José gave the bus driver the ticket, the man smiled
and said, “I see you’re a smart kid! Go ahead, my friend.”
Juan José said, “Thank you” and flashed the bus driver a huge
smile which went from ear to ear as he boarded the bus and took his
seat.
The boy felt he was embarking on an incredible journey.
According to Pappy, he could find his Special Gift, his reason for being
on earth at any given moment. He did not know where or how the
information would come which revealed his Special Gift. He did,
however, recall when Pappy said, “A Special Gift typically appears
more rapidly for those who look for it than for those who are unaware
of its existence.”

- 26 -
 A Special Gift

Juan José began to think of the people he knew. There were

few who appeared to really enjoy life. He thought of Mr. Romero, a
gentleman who sold newspapers at a newsstand close to where he lived.
He always had a smile on his face. He always said, “Top of the
morning to you!” to everyone who passed. It didn’t matter if the
people bought anything from him or not. He greeted everyone the
same way. Juan José imagined it was one of the main reasons most
people bought their newspapers and snacks from Mr. Romero’s
newsstand.
There was another newsstand down the block and the man who
worked there was a grouch. He didn’t greet people and when he gave
people their change, he didn’t even say “thank you,” or “good day.”
Mr. Romero’s newsstand was at least twice as large as the other and it
was always well stocked with a wide variety of news items and candy.
Juan José thought surely Mr. Romero had found his Special Gift.
There weren’t many people on the bus. Juan José stretched out
and in no time was sound asleep.
He dreamed he returned to his neighborhood in The Capitol. As
he walked down the street with a big smile, one of his friends asked,
“Hey, buddy, why are you so happy?”
“I’ve found my Special Gift. I know what I want to do with my
life. I have been on a fabulous journey and I now know my destiny!”
They looked at him as if he had come from another planet. One
of them said, “We were born poor in this neighborhood and we are
going to die poor in the same place. Nobody gets out of here alive!”

- 27 -
 Rob McBride

“It’s not just about money. I won’t let you steal my dream!”
screamed Juan José. “I know I can accomplish something great in my
life; Pappy told me so!”
As he said this, he began to run. The dream seemed so real, he
could feel his heart beating faster and he was short of breath. His
friends followed, taunting and making fun of him. As Juan José looked
back, he suddenly fell in a huge pothole in the middle of the street. He
started twisting and turning as he fell into an abyss.
At that moment, he woke up. He was disoriented and unsure of
where he was and as he looked around, everything was dark. When he
felt the bus moving, he remembered he was on his way to
Aguascalientes. He thought about his dream, his friends and the people
he knew in his neighborhood. He thought, “Surely if I returned with
the knowledge of my Special Gift, they would be happy!” He could
see no reason to be jealous or mad. Although Juan José didn’t
understand the meaning of his dream, he considered how marvelous it
would be to know his destination and mission in life. He realized his
conversation with Pappy was having a tremendous impact on his
thinking. “You never know when you are going to find your Special
Gift!” Pappy had said.
His mission was clear. He must find his Special Gift. At the
same time, Juan José was scared and did not know what might happen
during his adventure, especially since he did not have any money. As
the bus rocked, he once again fell fast asleep.
He woke up and saw the Flatlands for as far as the eye could
see. For the first time, he saw the wonders of this enchanted land about
which he had previously read. He lost himself in the intense green

- 28 -
 A Special Gift

vegetation and hills which rolled like waves in the ocean. He thought
of the contrast between this wonderful landscape and The Capitol with
its tall buildings, cars and buses. He saw a flock of birds which floated
through the sky in the shape of a “V” and remembered studying geese
and the reason why they fly in this particular formation. The birds
always work together. The strongest goes in the front and when it tires
gives way to one in the back who moves up front fresh with energy.
He considered the wonder of nature and the fact that everything in life
has a reason.
He thought about the Special Gift he so desired. He imagined it
to be something natural, simple and yet powerful. At that moment he
remembered something else Pappy had told him. “This instant is the
most intense moment in our lives.” As he basked in the beauty of the
Flatlands, he understood the precise meaning of Pappy’s words.

- 29 -
 Rob McBride

VII. Santa Fe

J uan José arrived in Santa Fe just after 5:00 P.M. He had

already eaten what his mother had given him and once again
he was hungry. Since it was too late for him to start the next leg of his
journey, Mrs. Fernández’ package would have to wait until the next
day. He walked to a restaurant he saw on the plaza. As he entered, a
man with a great big smile said, “Welcome, my name is Juan and I own
this restaurant. You look lost. Are you hungry?”
“Yes, I am. The only problem is I have no money. Is there a
chance I can do some kind of work in exchange for food?” asked Juan
José shyly.
Don Juan thought the boy a little strange and immediately
noticed he was outside his element. He told Juan José, “The person

- 30 -
 A Special Gift

who normally does the dishes called in sick. Do you know how to
wash dishes?”
“Of course, I do!” answered Juan José without thinking twice.
“I have never worked in a restaurant but washing dishes is my
specialty!”
He worked without stopping from 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. He
was surprised at how many dishes he had to wash. As it turned out
Don Juan offered wonderful home cooking at a very reasonable price.
There were many people who came to his restaurant daily.
When all the customers had gone, Don Juan said, “Come and
eat, son, you have worked hard.”
They sat down and began to eat. Don Juan smiled at Juan José
and asked, “Where are you from?”
“I come from The Capitol.”
“That makes sense; I knew that you weren’t from here. What
brings you to this neck of the woods?”
“It’s a long story,” said Juan José.
Don Juan laughed and replied, “No problem, I always make
time to listen to others.”
“I lost my job yesterday,” Juan José started, “and I met a man
named Pappy. He told me marvelous things. He suggested that I come
to see my father’s birthplace.”
“That’s very interesting! Are you coming for any particular
reason?”
“Yes, Pappy told me we all have a Special Gift and I want to
find mine.”

- 31 -
 Rob McBride

Don Juan thought the idea was interesting and asked him to
explain. Juan José began filling in all the details of the conversation
with Pappy. When Juan José finished eating, he told Don Juan, “Pappy
asked me, ‘Is there anything you have always wanted to do and have
yet been unable to accomplish?’ I answered by telling him I wanted to
see where my father was born and see if my grandfather is still alive.”
“What is your grandfather’s name?” Don Juan wanted to know.
“José Joaquín Sanchez.”
“That’s wonderful!” exclaimed Don Juan. “He is very well
known in this area. I don’t know him personally although I have heard
a lot about him. There was a time when he was one of the most
influential people in the area.”
“Why is that?” Juan José wanted to know.
“If he is still alive, I think it would be best if he tells you
himself. What I can tell you is he is very well respected.”
When they finished eating, Don Juan asked him, “Do you have
any place to sleep, my friend?”
“No, sir, I don’t.”
“We have an extra bedroom and I am sure my wife would love
to have a guest. Would you like to sleep at my house?”
“I would love to!” said Juan José with a sigh of relief because,
in reality, he had no other option.
When they arrived at Don Juan’s house, everyone was sleeping.
They entered; Don Juan indicated a room and said, “You can sleep
here. There is a bathroom at the end of the hall you can use. Good
night, Juan José. Sweet dreams!”

- 32 -
 A Special Gift

“Thank you very much,” the boy answered gratefully. “Good

night.”
After brushing his teeth, Juan José went to the bedroom and lay
down. He contemplated what had happened since the previous day
when he had lost his job. He thought about the conversations he had
with Pappy, his mother, Mrs. Fernández who had paid his bus fare and
now earlier in the evening with Don Juan. He had never considered
himself to be very lucky and now he felt as if he were the luckiest
person in the world. He remembered a sign he had seen one time.
“Luck comes when preparation meets opportunity,” it said. Maybe this
was exactly what was happening. It could be he was getting ready to
find his Special Gift and perhaps this was the reason good things were
happening to him.
He woke up the next morning bewildered. At first, he didn’t
know where he was and at the same time felt incredible. He didn’t hear
the noise of the street which he was accustomed to hearing in his
apartment. Normally, he woke up to the sound of horns and the traffic
from the cars and buses which passed in front of his building. Now the
only thing he could hear was the sound of the birds greeting the new
day.
He went to the bathroom, washed up and found the kitchen. He
was star struck. There, sitting next to Don Juan was the most beautiful
girl he had ever seen in his life. She smiled brilliantly and said, “Good
morning!”
The sweet melody of her voice left him breathless. Her hair
was straight, black and long. Her face was angelic and her eyes alive
and refreshing.

- 33 -
 Rob McBride

Don Juan said, “Juan José, I would like you to meet my

daughter, María Antonieta.”
Juan José was paralyzed and said nothing. He felt if he moved
in that exact instant, he would awaken from an incredible dream.
Suddenly, Juan José snapped out of his trance and mumbled something
which vaguely sounded like good morning.
As they ate, Juan José tried to concentrate on what Don Juan
was saying and yet could not stop thinking of the living doll in his
presence. After eating, Juan José said, “I should be going. I need to
deliver the package Mrs. Fernández gave to me.”
“Do you know where you are going?” Don Juan asked.
“I have the address she gave me,” he said as he took it out of his
pocket.
He unfolded the paper and opened it.
As Don Juan saw the instructions he said, “I know exactly
where this is. Go to the end of this street and you will find a path.” He
indicated a road to his right. “Keep following the path and you will get
to Los Dos Caminos by the late afternoon. As you enter the town, the
house will be on the left hand side of the main street.”
“Thank you again, Don Juan.”
“I want you to know it has been a pleasure meeting you, Juan
José. You are always welcome in our house.” Juan José shook Don
Juan’s hand, nodded a smile at María Antonieta and went outside. He
crossed though the garden over a path of stones, into the street, turned
right and started down the road. When he had walked several steps he
turned around and saw María Antonieta was looking at him through the
window. In that moment Juan José witnessed the most spectacular

- 34 -
 A Special Gift

smile he had seen in his entire life. They hadn’t spoken more than five
words yet he somehow knew she was an incredible person. He smiled,
waved and continued his journey, her smiling face etched into his mind
like a work of art.

- 35 -
 Rob McBride

VIII. Ramón

J uan José started his journey with the memory of María

Antonieta’s angelic face. He couldn’t think of anything
else. He had met many girls from his school and his neighborhood.
Some, he had known all his life. Nevertheless, María Antonieta was
different. Butterflies started flying wildly in his stomach whenever he
thought about her. When he first met her, he was anxious and nervous.
He wanted to talk while they were eating and was speechless. It
occurred to him she probably thought he was dim-witted. At the time,
the way she looked at him gave him hope it wasn’t so. María
Antonieta’s eyes shined like diamonds when she gazed at him. He
thought, “Could it be she felt the same butterflies he felt?” With all of
his heart he wanted to return and ask her what she was thinking and

- 36 -
 A Special Gift

feeling. For now, however, he had a mission. He had promised to

deliver Mrs. Fernández’ package, so he continued his adventure.
He encountered several people on the road. Juan José thought it
strange they all greeted him with a smile. People weren’t usually so
friendly in The Capitol. They were always in a hurry and normally
didn’t greet each other unless they had met before. His mother had
always told him to be wary of strangers. She would say, “You have to
be careful with people, Juan José, you never know their true
intentions!” He felt no fear walking on this spectacular path in the
flatlands. It seemed as if the people acknowledged him to be nice and
not because they wanted something from him or to take advantage of
him in any way.
As he continued, the heat intensified. In spite of the rising
temperature, the wind was clean and fresh. With each breath he felt an
incredible energy surge through his body and he felt truly alive. He felt
something important was going to happen in his life. While he didn’t
know what was going to happen or how, he perceived it could and
would change the course of his life. He remembered hearing a phrase,
“Positive thinking causes positive things to happen.” He decided to
think positively to see if it were true even though he wasn’t entirely
convinced. He had seen a lot of poverty in his life. If it were that easy,
he thought, “Why didn’t everyone think positively?” He considered the
number of lives which could be changed with the simple act of thinking
positively.
He came to a hill where a boy on a horse followed a herd of
cattle. He stopped and looked at the boy. He figured he must be about
his same age and noticed how easily he rode on his horse behind the

- 37 -
 Rob McBride

cattle as his dog herded them together. He played a drum as he

watched his dog work. Juan José thought about the boy’s life. How
different it must be to live in the country, spending the days in the fresh
air, playing a drum!
Juan José moved to one side while the cows passed. When the
boy came, Juan José greeted him, “Good Morning.”
“Good morning!” said the boy. “Where are you going?”
“I need to deliver some papers to Don Emilio Fernández. He
lives in Los Dos Caminos.”
“I know him very well; in fact, he and my grandfather are good
friends.”
“How much farther to Los Dos Caminos?” Juan José wanted to
know.
“You still have a long way to go, my friend! What is your
name?”
“I am Juan José and you?”
“I am Ramón. You aren’t from around here, are you?”
“I am from The Capitol and have come to meet my grandfather
who lives in Aguascalientes.”
“You’re going the wrong way! Don’t you know Aguascalientes
is over there?” he said pointing to the horizon over his shoulder.
“I know. Don Emilio Fernández’ daughter paid my bus fare in
exchange for my delivering these documents. After I deliver them I
will go to Aguascalientes,” Juan José said as he showed him the
package.
“Now I understand,” Ramón said with a nod of his head. “I am
taking this herd of cattle to Santa Fe to sell in the market.”

- 38 -
 A Special Gift

“Wow, that’s wonderful! It must be fun riding a horse. What is

it like?” Juan José asked.
“You’ve never ridden a horse? For me it’s like walking,” said
Ramón laughing. “I started to ride a horse about the same time I started
to walk. It’s much better than walking, especially on long distances.
Would you like to try?”
“I don’t know. It scares me!”
“Come on, my friend. Don’t be a coward! It’s easy.”
Ramón got down from
the horse and helped Juan José
onto the saddle. He took the
reins and walked with the horse
a little.
“This is wonderful!”
exclaimed Juan José. “I feel as
if I have a better view from up here.”
Ramón explained how to use the reins and told him to take a
spin by himself. Juan José was going well until the horse started
trotting.
“Now what do I do?” screamed Juan José scared out of his wits
because he felt he might fall at any moment.
“You look like a robot bouncing around up there! You need to
relax a little,” said Ramón with a laugh.
“How would you suggest I relax when I am about to fall?”
protested Juan José.
“Whoa, Estrellita!” Ramón yelled firmly.

- 39 -
 Rob McBride

The horse stopped immediately. Ramón helped Juan José down

from the horse and asked him, “What do you think?”
“For now I prefer to walk!” answered Juan José. “I feel like I
was in a blender.”
The two looked at each other and began laughing hard. When
their laughter subsided, Ramón said, “I wish I had a camera to take a
picture. You looked terrified!”
“I don’t think I have ever been so scared in my life! I felt like I
was going to fall and break all my bones. From down here it doesn’t
look so high. From the saddle it looks like a long way down! How old
are you?” Juan José asked, changing the subject.
“I just turned fifteen, how about you?”
“I am fourteen and turn fifteen next month.”
“We are almost exactly the same age,” noted Ramón. “What is
it like to live in The Capitol?”
“What would you like to know?’’
“Well, I have lived all my life in the country,” said Ramón. “I
have always dreamed of going to The Capitol. It must be full of action,
movement and excitement.”
“That’s for sure! There is a lot of action and a lot of movement
together with a lot of traffic and noise. Yes, I suppose you can say it’s
exciting. At times it can be too much since it is virtually impossible to
escape and difficult to think with all the commotion.”
“I was born in Los Dos Caminos and fear I may live here in the
Flatlands forever. My father needs my help on the farm. Since my
only brother died, I am the only one who can help out.”

- 40 -
 A Special Gift

“That’s a shame! How did your brother die?” Juan José

wanted to know.
“It was an accident. He was taking some cattle to market, just
as I am doing today, when the herd spooked. My brother fell from his
horse and was trampled. He died instantly from a severe blow to the
head.”
“You’re not scared something like that might happen to you?”
“Here in the country, the only thing to fear is fear itself. At
least that’s what my father always tells me. I confess I sometimes feel
it, though I try to suppress it as much as possible. My father also says
fear is the work of the Devil.”
“I had never heard that before. It’s certainly possible! Ramón,
you know what?”
“What?”
“I have always dreamed about coming to the country. I always
imagined it to be marvelous and fantastic. So far, it is as I imagined. I
have been enjoying my entire adventure. At the same time, I now see
that with all its marvels there are also disadvantages.”
“I have similar thoughts about The Capitol. I never thought of
the noise and the traffic.” Ramón furrowed his brow and continued,
“My grandfather always said, ‘We need to be happy with where we are
and with what we have. That is the secret of happiness.’”
“It must be old people have come to an agreement,” responded
Juan José.
“Why do you say that?”
“Because I met a man named Pappy and he says the exact same
kind of things.”

- 41 -
 Rob McBride

“I hate to admit it, as inflexible as older people can be, they do

know a lot about many different things,” conceded Ramón.
“I agree,” consented Juan José. “I have always thought older
people didn’t know much. After meeting Pappy, I now realize that
even with all their faults, old people know a lot about life!”
Since they were both hungry, Juan José and Ramón sat and ate.
They shared the food they both had and talked about many different
things. In no time they were fast friends and talking as if they had
known each other their entire lives. Ramón explained the difficult life
farmers and ranchers had in the country. Normally, they worked from
the time the sun came up in the morning until it dipped back into the
horizon. They both commented on the differences between living in
The Capitol and living in the country, realizing each place had its
advantages and disadvantages. When they finished eating they shook
hands and continued their separate journeys.

- 42 -
 A Special Gift

IX. Los Dos Caminos

J uan José arrived to Los Dos Caminos in the late afternoon.

He quickly found Don Emilio Fernández’ house and
knocked on the door. Don Emilio opened the door and smiled. Juan
José studied his face. His hair was short, black and straight. He had
many wrinkles on his face and was older, though didn’t appear to be
old enough to be Mrs. Fernández’ father. His eyes glistened as he
talked.
“Good afternoon, young man. What brings you to my home?”
“I am looking for Mr. Don Emilio Fernández,” Juan José said
hesitantly.
“You are looking at the one and only Emilio Fernández, at least
in these parts,” Don Emilio said with a chuckle.

- 43 -
 Rob McBride

“Your daughter sent me to give you this package with some

documents. She told me it was very important.”
“That’s right! I thought she would be bringing them personally.
I was hoping she would come. Since she went to live in The Capitol, I
almost never get a chance to see her. Even though, I was once young
and understand we all need to follow our own path. You aren’t from
here, are you?”
“I’m from The Capitol and will be going to Aguascalientes,
where my father and grandfather were born.”
“What is your grandfather’s name?”
“His name is José Joaquín Sánchez.”
“Wow, that’s incredible! I know him very well. Of course, it’s
been a long time since I have seen him. Everybody in this area knows
of José Joaquín Sánchez. They call him, ‘Boss.’”
“Do you know if he is still alive?”
“Truthfully, I don’t know. Let’s see, I am 72 years old and he
was perhaps 10 years older than I, so it’s difficult to say. When I knew
him he was strong and full of energy. More than likely he will outlive
all of us!” said Don Emilio with a laugh.
“I would like to get to Aguascalientes as soon as possible. Can
you tell me the best way to get there?”
“I would be happy to tell you. First, rest awhile, you have had a
long trip and it would be better for you to sleep here tonight in my
humble abode. In the morning you can leave and will arrive by late
afternoon if you keep up a good pace.”
“I don’t want to be a bother, are you sure?”

- 44 -
 A Special Gift

“Of course, I am sure! I have noticed recently I’m talking to

myself and lately I don‘t like what I hear! If you stay, you will give me
at least one night when I can pretend I am not becoming senile.”
Juan José laughed. He instantly liked Don Emilio. He had a
great sense of humor and a pleasant way of expressing himself which
pleased Juan José.
“Come with me, son, I am sure you must be hungry.”
Don Emilio showed Juan José the way and started walking
slowly but surely.
“May I ask you something?” Juan José wanted to know.
“Of course, you may.”
“You told me you are 72 years old yet you don’t seem to be old.
Normally, old people have gray hair but your hair is all black!”
Don Emilio smiled and said, “First, let me tell you I don’t
consider 72 years to be so old! Everything has to do with perception.
At my age, 100 years seems old and 72 years is just right.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to offend you.”
“Don’t worry, son, no offense taken, I’m used to it. Because of
the color of my hair, many people believe I am younger than I really
am. My mother’s father was the same. He never had gray hair either.
It must have something to do with genes.”
“That’s wonderful! I know a lot of people who are in a constant
battle with their gray hair, including my mother.”
“I have always found people’s preoccupation with age to be
interesting. As for me, I have always tried to think as a young man
and, as a result, have never felt old,” reflected Don Emilio.
“It seems to work because you look marvelous!”

- 45 -
 Rob McBride

“Thank you, son. I feel great and it makes me happy to hear

from someone else what I feel inside can be noticed by others.”
Don Emilio fixed something to eat and the conversation flowed
freely. Juan José loved talking with Don Emilio. He had a way of
speaking and expressing himself which was very different from people
in The Capitol. He was more relaxed, thoughtful and had a wonderful
sense of humor. The two laughed well into the night.
In the morning, they woke up and ate breakfast together. Don
Emilio gave him food for his journey and told him, “It’s not necessary
for you to go back to Santa Fe. There is a path which goes from here
directly to Aguascalientes. It’s also about a day’s walk if you keep a
good pace.”
Juan José thanked him for his hospitality and Don Emilio, in
turn, thanked the boy for bringing the documents.
“Go with God and remember, God helps those who help
themselves,” said Don Emilio.
They said goodbye and Juan José continued his adventure.

- 46 -
 A Special Gift

X. Aguascalientes

A s he walked the excitement of at last seeing

Aguascalientes increased with each step.
conversation with Don Emilio from the previous night churned in his
The

head. “What a difference there was between The Capitol and the
country!” He couldn’t stop thinking about how different his life might
have been had he been born and raised in the country. He thought
about what Pappy had told him just a few days before, “You never
know when you are going to find your Special Gift!” More than ever
Juan José was convinced he was going to find his Special Gift in
Aguascalientes.
The path to Aguascalientes was well marked and he enjoyed the
journey. He imagined his grandfather must have taken this same path
many times. He thought how peaceful it was to walk there, alone. His
- 47 -
 Rob McBride

mind soared as he thought about the events which had brought him to
be walking along this path. Everything had happened so quickly. It
was incredible. Just a couple of days before, he had gotten up to go to
work to sell newspapers and now he was in a completely different
world. When he lost his job he thought it was the end of the world.
Now, in a special way, he was grateful for what had happened. Due to
that traumatic event he met Pappy and was now in search of his Special
Gift. It occurred to him that problems can often be blessings in
disguise.
Late in the afternoon he came to the crest of hill and saw
Aguascalientes for the first time. He got goose bumps thinking in a
strange sort of way his life had started there. The view was spectacular.
A river wound through the town, its banks lined with trees and
vegetation. The sky was intense blue and contrasted splendidly with
white fluffy clouds which floated slowly through the sky without hurry
or destination. He had never seen anything so beautiful in his life. For
a moment he couldn’t believe his father ever wanted to leave this
paradise which looked just like a post card. And for what, he thought,
to live in The Capitol with all its noise and traffic? He still had so
much to learn and yet was sure he would find at least some of the
answers in Aguascalientes.
As he walked into town, passing by a house, he stopped short
when a voice of an older lady suddenly asked, “Good afternoon, young
man. Are you lost?”
Juan José looked to his left and then to his right and didn’t see
anyone.
“I am up here,” laughed a lady who was on her roof.

- 48 -
 A Special Gift

“What are you doing up there?” Juan José asked with a puzzled
look on his face.
“I like to keep my plants up here. I feel they grow better
because they are closer to the sun. My neighbors think I am crazy and I
suppose they are right!”
Juan José watched as she walked towards a wooden ladder on
the side of the house, agilely climbed down and approached him. He
realized she was tiny. She looked just like a little doll with blue eyes
and shiny gray hair.
“Would you be so kind as to tell me where Mr. José Joaquín
Sánchez lives?” Juan José asked.
“Boss? Of course, who would like to know?”
“My name is Juan José Sánchez. I am his grandson.”
“That’s wonderful! I see the resemblance. You look exactly
like Boss looked when he was younger. My name is Ana María and I
have known your grandfather for a very long time. Are you hungry?”
Juán José thought it was interesting that everybody always
asked him if he was hungry. It must be they could see it in his face.
“Truthfully, I am hungry,” answered Juan José. “I’m also
anxious to see my grandfather.”
“No problem, Juan José, I am going to show you how to get to
his house. Take a minute to eat something first. It is about a 20 minute
walk uphill. It would be a good idea for you to eat something.”
He had eaten the food Don Emilio gave him around lunchtime
and since he was now hungry again, Juan José accepted the invitation.
He followed her to the house and they went into the kitchen. She

- 49 -
 Rob McBride

started to heat some soup and asked, “What brings you to visit your
grandfather? Is there some problem?”
“No, not at all,” replied Juan José. “I am looking for my Special
Gift. I met a man named Pappy and he encouraged me to come and
talk to my grandfather.”
Juan Jose told her all about the last few days while she listened
attentively.
“It’s fabulous you are finally going to meet your grandfather!”
she said when he had finished. “Boss always talks about his children
and grandchildren who live in The Capitol. It makes him sad when
time passes and he doesn’t hear from them. In particular, from his son
José María, who must be your father, correct?”
“That’s true, he is my father. It’s been several years since he
disappeared and we haven’t heard from him.”
“What a shame! You have no idea what happened?”
“No, not at all. If I knew he was alive or dead, I would be more
at peace,” said Juan José with tears in his eyes. “Many people tell me
he went off with another woman, although I don’t believe it. He loved
all of us very much. Even if he were with another woman, I think he
would have contacted us if he were alive. I fear he is dead although I
really don’t know.”
“I have never liked big cities. With so many people, anything is
possible.”
“There are some gangs close to where we live and I believe
they had something to do with my father’s disappearance.”
“Can’t you ask them if they know something?”

- 50 -
 A Special Gift

“They scare me and I avoid them as much as possible. Perhaps

you are right. I can ask them and see what they tell me.”
“Be very careful, Juan José!” said Ana María as she made the
sign of the cross, “I wouldn’t want anything bad to happen to you.”
“Don’t worry, I will find a way to ask them without putting
myself at risk.”
“The Capitol scares me,” confessed Ana María with a
frightened look. “I was born in Aguascalientes and surely my last days
will be here. I have gone to The Capitol for various things over the
years, although I try not to stay long whenever I go.”
“What can you tell me about my grandfather?”
“Boss? He is very famous here in Aguascalientes and the
region. He is already up there in years, as am I. All the same, he is
tough and it appears as if he will never die. Several years ago he had a
health problem and his doctor told him it would be best for him to
prepare to die. He told the doctor he wasn’t going to die and he was
right! In fact, I believe that same doctor has since passed on!
“Boss has some difficulties hearing and yet is strong as a horse.
One thing not many people know is when I was young I was crazy in
love with your grandfather. Truthfully, all the girls were in love with
him! He was then and continues to be very handsome. He married the
daughter of one of the biggest landowners in the area and the day he
married, my hopes of being with him shattered. Now, however, we are
both widowed. You never know what might happen!”
They both laughed.
“Boss? Why do people call him that?”

- 51 -
 Rob McBride

“An excellent question,” she said with a smile. “People have

called him ‘Boss’ for so long, it hadn’t occurred to me it is a bit
strange. Many years ago when Aguascalientes was even smaller than
what it is today, he managed a group of people who fought for our
rights as citizens. Gold abounded in our rivers and the companies who
came took the gold and left disaster in their wake. Your grandfather
directed an initiative which changed the laws and obliged the mining
companies to use local labor and take care of the environment. For that
reason so many people respect him and we call him ‘Boss.’”
Despite the fact that Juan José was thoroughly enjoying the
conversation with Ana María, when he finished his soup, he stood up
from the table and said, “I hate to eat and run. I am very anxious to
meet my grandfather.”
“That was PDQ,” laughed Ana María.
“PDQ?” asked Juan José with confusion.
“It’s an expression my mother always used and I have
remembered it all these years. It means, pretty ‘darn’ quick. Don’t
worry, son. I wish you all the best. I only wish I could see your
grandfather’s face when he sees you. Please send my best to him. You
can tell him you met one of his secret admirers.”
Ana María indicated a path which wound up a hill on the other
side of Aguascalientes. Juan José thanked her for the soup and was
surprised when she approached him and gave him a kiss on the cheek.
“Go with God,” she whispered.
Juan José flashed his sensational smile which went from ear to
ear and continued his adventure.

- 52 -
 A Special Gift

The town was small and everyone seemed to know each other.
While he passed through the narrow streets, people looked at him with
interest and cordially greeted him. He noticed their interest in knowing
from where he came and where he was going. At that moment,
however, he was so anxious to meet his grandfather he didn’t want to
stop and talk to anyone.
When he arrived to the other side of the town, he found the path
Ana María had indicated winding up the side of the hill. He began his
ascent and the natural beauty immediately impressed him. The
vegetation was dense and green. Birds sang and flew close to him as he
walked. It seemed they were accompanying him on his adventure.
After walking for about ten minutes he arrived at an entrance made of
stone. He knew he had arrived at his destination and he was eager to
finally meet the man people called “Boss.

- 53 -
 Rob McBride

XI. Boss

“G ood afternoon!” shouted Juan José.

He couldn’t see anyone as he looked over a waist
high wall made out of the same rocks as the entrance. The wall
appeared to surround the entire property and a small, well kept house
was about thirty feet from the entrance. What caught his attention most
was the way the house was painted. He noticed many of the houses in
town were made out of red building blocks and unpainted. It reminded
him of many neighborhoods in The Capitol where he lived. This house
was different. It was well kept, painted blue, red and yellow. It looked
like a flag! Plants winked with multicolored flowers and surrounded
the house while a well-groomed garden adorned the front yard. Trees
enclosed the property and surely provided wonderful shade during the
day.
- 54 -
 A Special Gift

“Hello, good afternoon. Is anybody home?”

Juan José still couldn’t see anyone. Suddenly a man appeared
silently from behind the house. From the gray hair and wrinkled face
he was obviously aged; nevertheless, he walked upright with definite
purpose.
“Good afternoon. To what and to whom do I owe the pleasure
of this visit at this spectacular time of the day?” he asked smiling.
“Pardon the interruption,” answered Juan Jose, “I am looking
for Mr. José Joaquín Sánchez.”
“Look no more, son, you’ve found him! At least last time I
looked in the mirror I was one and the same. You look familiar. Do I
know you from somewhere?”
“I don’t know exactly how to tell you this. I am your grandson.
I am José María’s youngest son.”
Boss was paralyzed. Juan José also remained frozen in his
tracks. His grandfather was the same height as Juan José and his eyes
twinkled in the twilight which indicated dusk. Despite his years, he
didn’t seem as fragile and delicate as many older people Juan José
knew. His body was strong, his posture straight and erect. Juan José
immediately perceived the confidence and security his grandfather
emanated. Juan José suddenly found strength, entered and put his hand
out as his grandfather approached.
“I prefer a hug!” declared the older man.
They embraced and Juan José was surprised at his grandfather’s
strength. They remained in each others arms for what seemed to be an
eternity but what in reality was perhaps a minute. As they separated,

- 55 -
 Rob McBride

they looked at each other as the older man firmly held his grandson’s
shoulders.
“I have dreamed of this day for so long,” Boss stated. I knew
the day would come when I would meet you. I have known of you,
your brothers and your sister since you were all born. I had faith I
would one day meet you and the day has come!”
Juan José noted his grandfather’s eyes were moist with tears of
joy which hung pendulously without spilling from their wells onto his
cheeks. Meanwhile, Juan José was crying like a baby. Tears of
happiness rolled down his cheeks without shame or disgrace. Like a
bolt of lightening, he felt an immediate connection with this man who
many called “Boss.”
“Sir, I have wanted to meet you for so long,” cried Juan José.
“Pardon me, but who is ‘sir’?”
“I apologize, I don’t understand the question,” answered Juan
José confused.
“Please, Juan José, here there is no ‘sir,’ only you and me.”
“It seems strange to treat you so
informally. I promise I’ll do my best.”
“Come with me, son,” said Boss as
he turned and began walking.
Juan José followed his grandfather.
They walked around the house underneath
a roof which extended about six feet from
the main structure. Juan José saw flowers
hanging from the rafters and which
appeared to grow in every nook and

- 56 -
 A Special Gift

cranny. Behind the house was a much larger roof which extended out
onto a patio. There was a table with four chairs to the left and two
chairs with a small table in the middle of the patio. Boss sat in one of
the chairs beside the small table and indicated Juan José sit in the other.
“I was bidding farewell to the day when you arrived,” Boss told
his grandson.
“How do you do that?” Juan José asked with curiosity.
“It’s a routine I started many years ago. Now we can do it
together. I have waited so long for this day. Let’s celebrate this
spectacular day which has brought you to me.”
Juan José sat down and marveled at the spectacular view. The
property was much bigger than he initially thought. Looking down, he
could see the river winding through the town. He saw the sun was
beginning to disappear into the horizon.
“This is wonderful!” exclaimed Juan José.
“I am pleased you like it. Each day I come here to think about
what I have accomplished during the day and to consider all I would
like to do the following day.”
“In The Capitol I usually don’t realize the day is coming to an
end until it’s already gone,” commented Juan José.
“For many years I wasn’t aware either. One day I realized it
would be a good idea to greet each day with the sunrise and to bid
farewell to each day with the sunset. Since that time, my life has
become more meaningful,” said Boss with a smile.
“I have so much I want to tell you and ask you. I don’t even
know where to start,” Juan José said.

- 57 -
 Rob McBride

“We have time, Juan José. First let’s take a few minutes to
watch the sunset and be grateful for this moment. Would you like to
join me on the grass for a little exercise or would you like stay here?”
“I’m comfortable here,” answered the boy.
His grandfather took a small mat from the patio, walked to the
grass, placed it on the ground facing the sun, took off his shirt and
began moving slowly in strange poses.
Juan José looked at him with interest and then turned his
attention towards the sunset which he saw, as if for the first time. As
his grandfather indicated, it didn’t take more than a few minutes for the
sun to disappear into the horizon. It seemed as if the sun moved in
slow motion and he could see its slow steady path as it moved towards
its final destination.
When the last rays had gone, Juan José looked at his
grandfather. He had his eyes closed and appeared to be in total peace.
Juan José marveled at this man sitting on the grass. He had longed to
meet him for years and now there he was bigger than life itself. This
man, known as Boss, radiated an incredible energy. There was an aura
of calmness and security which attracted Juan José. He felt charged
with energy just by being close to him. Boss slowly opened his eyes
and walked towards Juan José and sat down once again.
“Did you enjoy the sunset, Juan José?”
“It was splendid! What a wonderful way to finish the day. I
have a question.”
“Tell me, what is it, my son?”
“What were you doing with all those strange poses?”

- 58 -
 A Special Gift

“I imagine it must look kind of crazy!” laughed the old man. “I

was doing some stretching and meditating exercises a friend of mine
taught me many years ago. I have changed and modified them over
time.”
“At one point you looked like you were tied up in a knot. I was
afraid you might not be able to get untangled!”
“When I first started learning the exercises I wasn’t sure I
would be able to do them either! In time, my flexibility has increased.”
“I noticed!” pronounced Juan José. “I’m not sure about
something. I don’t know what to call you. I have been told many call
you ‘Boss’ and you are also my grandfather. What would you like me
to call you?”
“I have always wanted someone to call me ‘Gramps.’ It
reminds me of my own grandfather. We always called him ‘Gramps.’”
“Perfect, I’ll call you ‘Gramps.’”
“What inspiration brought you here, Juan José?”
“How do you know it was an inspiration?”
“After a few years in this world,” laughed his grandfather, “I
realize it is normally moments of inspiration which drive us to do
things out of the ordinary.”
“It was, in fact, an inspiration! I lost my job and met an old
man named Pappy. He shared some ideas with me which really made
me think.”
“What were the ideas?”
“He mentioned everyone has a gift, a special reason for being in
the world. He told me each of us should try to find our own Special
Gift. At first, I didn’t understand what he meant. I’m still not entirely

- 59 -
 Rob McBride

sure exactly how I am going to find my Special Gift. He did tell me I

should do something I have always wanted to do. I have always
wanted to meet you and now here I am, Gramps.”
“I think it’s magnificent you met Pappy and your decision
brought you here. Someone told me something similar many years ago.
It was at that time I decided I could and would do something important
during my life, something significant which would make a positive
difference in many people’s lives.”
“Did you find your Special Gift, Gramps?”
“I never thought about it in those terms. Now that you ask me, I
would say ‘yes, I have found my Special Gift.’”
“How did you find it,” Juan José wanted to know.
“In my case it wasn’t anything I went looking for; instead it
came with time and disguised as adversity. Specifically, we had
challenges to resolve here in Aguascalientes. In my case, I simply
decided to be useful. From that decision, a series of events unfolded
which made a tremendous impact on my life.”
“I met a lady named Ana María when I arrived in
Aguascalientes and she explained a little about your story. In fact, she
asked me to tell you ‘hello from one of your secret admirers.’”
“We’ve known each other a long time,” Boss laughed deeply.
“Ana María is wonderful. She always makes me feel like I am twenty
years old. She’s a good friend and I value her friendship.”
“It appears there may still be some spark in the relationship!”
commented Juan José with a mischievous smile. “It’s never too late to
begin a romance.”
“Maybe you are right, son! I’m old, yet still alive and kicking.”

- 60 -
 A Special Gift

“I was just thinking,” Juan José said as he wrinkled his brow,

with a confused look on his face. “I was thinking about all you did here
in Aguascalientes when you were younger. How can I use that
information to find my Special Gift?”
“The wonder of young innocence,” reflected his grandfather.
“Truthfully, I don’t know. I have never thought specifically about a
‘Special Gift.’ What I do know and can tell you is each of us must take
our own path. One of the biggest errors we make is trying to follow the
footsteps of another. I am thrilled you have come here, Juan José, and I
have something which I am confident will help you in your search. I
know you are anxious to find your own path as soon as possible. Right
now, however, I am hungry. How about you?”
“I just ate with Ana María, though I can always eat. My mother
tells me I have no problem with food. I eat everything and lots of it!”
Boss laughed and his entire body moved. As his laughter
subsided, he rose, walked into the house and to the kitchen as Juan José
followed. While preparing something to eat, Boss commented, “It’s
been a long time since I have talked to your father, José María. If my
memory doesn’t fail me, which is quite often these days, it has been
more than two years since I have heard from him.”
“One day, about two years ago, he left for work and never came
back. Since that time, we know nothing of him,” responded Juan José.
The anguish on Boss’ face was evident. He murmured, “No
wonder he didn’t write. Even though we were never very close, he
would write me from time to time to keep me informed and ask how I
was doing. I have been extremely worried about him and I have had a
feeling something was amiss.”

- 61 -
 Rob McBride

“We don’t know,” explained Juan José, “if he had problems

with one of the gangs in our neighborhood or if he met another woman
and ran away. My mom tells us she believes he was always faithful to
her. I understand she doesn’t want to think another woman was
responsible for his disappearance. Even though, if he were alive, I
think he would have at least contacted me, my brothers or sister since
we have always had a good relationship.”
“That’s very strange. I realize my son was no saint. Like all of
us, he has his faults and weaknesses. It does, however, seem strange he
would not contact you if he were alive. From what you tell me, I fear
something bad has happened to him.”
“I just would like to know what happened,” admitted Juan José.
“If I knew what happened to him, I am sure I would be more at peace
with myself.”
“You yourself just said, ‘it is never too late.’”
“You’re right, Gramps,” commented Juan José with watery
eyes. “There is something which has always puzzled me.”
“What is it, Juan José?”
“I don’t understand why my father would leave Aguascalientes
and move to The Capitol. I now know why you were so important in
the town’s history and it seems to me he would have had far greater
opportunities here in Aguascalientes than in The Capitol.”
“What you say makes sense, Juan José. At the same time,
Aguascalientes is just a small town. It can never compare with The
Capitol in terms of opportunity. There is only one thing I regret with
regards to your father.”
“What is it, Gramps?”

- 62 -
 A Special Gift

“Your father and I had a disagreement long ago when he moved

to The Capitol. After the dispute, many years passed before we were
able to settle our differences. I wish I hadn’t been so stubborn. I feel I
could have been more helpful to your father when he needed me most.
He told me he wanted to do things his own way and I, despite my better
judgment, let him be. I could have been much more helpful to your
father.”
“That’s ok, Gramps. We all make mistakes.”
“Thank you, Juan José. What I have told you has bothered me
for many years and it’s helpful to talk with you about it.”
Boss wanted to know all about Juan José’s family. They talked
about his mother, his two brothers José Gregorio and José Antonio as
well as his sister María José. Boss, in turn, told him about his father
Juan María and about being a child and growing up in Aguascalientes.
He sadly described the day José María left to go to The Capitol in
search of his fortune.
Boss told Juan José he and his wife, María Esperanza, had eight
children.
“What about my grandmother?” Juan José wanted to know.
“She died a couple of years ago. She lived a full and
extraordinary life. I miss her a lot, although I understand everyone’s
day must come. There is nobody who has been able to escape this
world alive. Nevertheless, I want to be the first!”
They both laughed.
“Where are your other children, my aunts and uncles?”
“Two of them died shortly after they were born and the others
left Aguascalientes long ago. Two emigrated to different countries and

- 63 -
 Rob McBride

the other four, including your father, José María, went to live in
different cities. My youngest daughter lives in Santa Fe and is the one
who lives the closest. I have a great relationship with her. She comes
often to Aguascalientes with her husband and children to visit me. I
wish I would have shared more of the valuable lessons I have learned
during my lifetime with all of my children,” he sighed longingly.
“It’s never too late, Gramps! You can start with me,” stated
Juan José.
Boss saw his grandson’s enthusiasm and said, “I love your
spirit, Juan José. You remind me of myself when I was your age. I’m
extremely anxious to share some ideas with you. It’s been a long day
and it’s too late tonight. Tomorrow I have something very special I
want to give to you. I have been waiting for the right moment and now
I know the time for which I waited so long has finally come.”
Juan José looked at his grandfather with inquisitive eyes and
wondered what his grandfather had in mind. It excited him just
thinking about what his grandfather might have in store for him.
Boss stood up and showed him to a small room with a bed, a
night table and a place to put his clothes. “I always have this bedroom
ready for visitors. I’m so happy you are here with me, Juan José. I
have often thought of you and am sure I can help you with your search
for your Special Gift. It makes me happy to think I can help you with
your search. There is nothing more satisfying than feeling needed,
especially when one is old and has much of his life behind him.”
Juan José went to the bathroom, washed himself and returned to
his bedroom. He got into bed and covered himself with a blanket
which seemed to be made of clouds. It was soft, light and comfortable.

- 64 -
 A Special Gift

As soon as his head touched the exquisite folds of the pillow he was
fast asleep.

- 65 -
 Rob McBride

XII. The Gift

W hen Juan José woke up the crescent moon was shining

through the window. It was still dark and he was
impressed by the beauty of the moon surrounded by bright stars. As he
watched the spectacle he thought about the previous day. It was
incredible; he was at last in his grandfather’s house, meeting him for
the first time.
As it began to get light, he got up and went to the bathroom. He
then found his grandfather doing the same strange movements in the
front garden. Juan José saw his grandfather concentrating deeply in
what he was doing, so he sat and watched. Moments later, the sun
began peeking out from the horizon. The clouds changed colors with
each passing moment. At first they were dark gray, then purple and

- 66 -
 A Special Gift

pink. Five minutes later the show was over and the white clouds stood
in sharp contrast against the bright blue sky.
“Good morning!” Boss said with a smile.
“Good morning, Gramps. It looks like you were doing the same
movements from last night, only faster!”
“Just as last night, I must look a little crazy here in the early
morning with no shirt, barefoot in the grass. It’s my way of greeting
the new day. I do a series of stretching movements to start every day.”
“Every day?” Juan José wanted to know.
“Absolutely! I realize it’s the best way to get the day going.
You must be hungry.”
“I have learned to always accept food. Turning it down is bad
for my health!”
“You’re a funny guy, Juan José,” Boss said with a laugh.
As he put on his shirt and sandals, Boss approached Juan José.
“It’s incredible to have you here with me,” he said as he placed
his hand on Juan José’s shoulder. The boy felt the strength and energy
of his grandfather’s hand on his shoulder. They both turned and
entered the house with Boss’ arm around Juan José’s shoulders. As
they prepared coffee and a light breakfast, they talked and the
conversation flowed as a river flows over smooth rocks. Juan José
loved being with his grandfather. He emanated a sense of peace and
tranquility Juan José had never witnessed. His presence commanded
courteous respect. At the same time, he was open and uncomplicated.
What impressed Juan José the most was the way his grandfather truly
listened to everything he said. Juan José sensed his grandfather
focused on each syllable and word as they flowed into thoughts and

- 67 -
 Rob McBride

ideas. He recalled talking to other people who only waited for an

opening to give their opinion as they listened impatiently. His
grandfather waited until Juan José finished talking, took a breath,
pondered what he had heard and then spoke. Time and again, the
words Boss articulated were pearls of wisdom.
After eating and doing the dishes, Boss motioned to the back of
the house and said, “Go to the garden. I’ll be with you in a moment. I
need to get something.”
Juan José walked out into the garden and sat down in one of the
chairs where he had seen the sunset the previous day. Now, in the light
of day, he looked at all of the plants in the garden. The previous night
he didn’t notice the tremendous variety. Some had colorful flowers
while others had vegetables which weighed on their vines. The grass
which started where the patio finished was green and dense.
He took off his shoes and walked to the grass to feel the
softness with his feet. Instead, the grass which appeared to be a soft
carpet gently prickled his feet as he walked. He felt the fresh dew
between his toes. He closed his eyes and perceived the distinct smells
which came from the garden. He distinguished the different scents
which the wind brought in delicate waves, the smell of flowers, wet
grass and suddenly the smell of coffee. He opened his eyes and his
grandfather handed him a cup of coffee.
“Do you drink coffee, son?”
“Of course, I love it!” confirmed the boy as he took the small
cup which had produced such a wonderful smell.
They walked back to patio and sat down as they placed their
cups on the table between them. Boss reached inside his jacket and

- 68 -
 A Special Gift

produced a small book. The cover was leather and worn; it appeared to
be very old.
“More than sixty years ago,” Boss began, as he sipped his
coffee, “a conversation I had with my grandfather changed my life. He
started by telling me initiative is one of the most important things
anyone can have in their life. At first, I didn’t understand what he
meant by initiative. What’s more, I didn’t see what it had to do with
my life. He explained that the great majority of people in this world are
followers and there are very few leaders. He continued by telling me
about 90% of the people are followers and only 10% are leaders.
Initially, I had trouble understanding the importance of these numbers.
He clarified a simple truth about people who achieve great things in
their lives. They are those who take initiative and drive change.
According to my grandfather, these people are admired and respected
in their communities. It is their initiative which creates vision, change
and action. While not always popular, it is this change and action
which defines a society.”
“Does it have something to do with not only making a decision
but also taking action?” Juan José wanted to know.
“That’s correct, Juan José! I see you are not only handsome but
also intelligent. Certainly those qualities come from your
grandmother,” said Boss again with a smile.
“What else did you learn from my great-great grandfather,”
asked Juan José.”
“I will tell you more in a moment. First, I want to tell you his
name was also Juan José. Did you know that?”

- 69 -
 Rob McBride

“My father told me my name came from someone in the family.

Truthfully, I had forgotten after whom I had been named.”
“My grandfather,” continued Boss, “was a very studious person.
He read everything he could get his hands on. He had a great
relationship with all of the salespeople who came to Aguascalientes and
he always asked them to bring him books. Education was of the utmost
importance to him. Many knew he was a very educated man. What was
not so well known is that he also loved to write. He kept a diary of his
thoughts and wrote about many different topics.”
“Is the book you have in your hands one of his diaries?”
“This book was my grandfather’s most valued treasure. It’s a
summary of the thoughts and ideas he deemed essential to living a
plentiful and productive life.”
“Could it contain the answer about how I can find my Special
Gift?” Juan José asked excitedly.
Boss looked at Juan José’s eyes and contemplated the
circumstances which had brought his grandson to his side, now talking
about this treasure which his own grandfather had given him so many
years ago.
“It’s probable your great-great grandfather’s words will be an
important part of your search, Juan José. They are words which, in
spite of being written many years ago, are as significant today as they
were more than sixty years ago when he wrote them. This book has
accompanied me through almost my entire life. I have always kept it
on the small table beside my bed and read its pages every night before
going to sleep. Many people have praised me during my life for my
vision and capacity to achieve what others thought was impossible. I

- 70 -
 A Special Gift

owe all of my accomplishments to this small book which has guided

me through the good and the bad.
“Just as my grandfather gave me this book, I want to give it to
you, Juan José. If you want the book, it comes with a specific
responsibility and condition. It’s the same proposition my grandfather
made to me when he gave me the book so many years ago. Are you
willing to accept the responsibility and condition?”
“I see you accepted, right?”
“Yes, I did,” Boss declared, “and I never forgot the
responsibility and condition.”
“What is the condition?” Juan José asked furrowing his brow.
“Each night before you go to sleep you must read one of the
principles for living a plentiful and productive life. Each is brief and
can be read in two to three minutes.”
“Is that all? Doesn’t seem so difficult to me,” commented Juan
José.
“It’s very simple. Frequently, the most important things seem
quite simple. At the same time, they may not be so easy. What is most
important is to develop the habit of reading each and every night. The
two to three minutes you spend reading nightly will change your life.”
“And the responsibility?” inquired the boy.
“You must do everything possible to integrate the principles
into your life and you must share the wisdom of the words with others.
The best way to show others is by being a good example.”
“I will do both things, Gramps, I promise. May I ask you
something?”
“Of course, my son, what is it?”

- 71 -
 Rob McBride

“Why haven’t you ever given the book to anyone else? Why
are you giving it to me now?”
“That’s a good question, Juan José,” Boss answered. “There are
many people who have benefited from the words written in this book. I
have shared the principles with many. I did have to fulfill one last
promise my grandfather asked before he gave me the book.”
“What was that?” Juan José asked.
“My grandfather told me I should share the message with
everyone. I should give the book only to someone who came into my
life in search of their destiny in this world, someone who wanted to
know the reason they were here on this planet. While I have met many
people over the years, when you told me last night you were searching
for your Special Gift, I immediately knew you were the one. I have an
idea,” Boss stated.
“Sing it to me in a song!” responded Juan José.
Boss started laughing so hard he doubled over in his chair and
his eyes began to water. Juan José also began to laugh without really
knowing why.
“What’s so funny, Gramps,” asked Juan José when their
laughter subsided.
“Your father, José María, always asked me the same thing! I
would answer in a song and he would laugh hysterically.
“Peruse the pages of this brave little book while I bask by the
brook,” Boss sang gleefully.
Juan José laughed as Boss gently placed the book in Juan José’s
hands. When his fingers touched the soft worn leather he felt an

- 72 -
 A Special Gift

incredible energy radiate from the book. The cover was old and
beautiful. It said simply:

Reflections
By: Juan José Sánchez

The writing was elegant and reminded him of an invitation his

family had once received for a wedding. Juan José contemplated the
words which danced elegantly on the cover. He imagined his great-
great grandfather sitting next to a candle many years before, pondering
the words as well. He was in a time capsule. The garden’s beauty
engulfed and isolated him from the world as each syllable echoed
eloquently in his mind.

- 73 -
 Rob McBride

XIII. Reflections

I dedicate this book to my grandson, José Joaquín

who over the years has shown a special curiosity
for life and amazement for the wonderful
world in which we live.

- 74 -
 Reflections

ATTITUDE
A ction
T enacity
T olerance
I nitiative
T emperance
U sefulness
D esire
E nergy

- 75 -
 Rob McBride

Introduction:

With this small volume I do not pretend to give all the

answers to life, rather to formulate principles which establish a
foundation which creates a more plentiful and productive life. The
principles come from experience, learning and time. They are all
elements which lead to peace with oneself and with the world in
which we live.
Each principle may be read in two to three minutes. The best
way to benefit from these words is to develop the habit of reading one
principle each night. Reading the principles before sleeping allows the
mind to soar and reflect on the ideas during the night. The messages
are incorporated into our being which, in turn, lead to a more plentiful
and productive life.
Integrating each principle into our life leads us to attain and
maintain an excellent positive attitude, the most important ingredient
to appreciate this wonderful adventure we call life. A positive
enthusiastic attitude is the key to attaining any objective we desire.
Our attitude creates an exponential effect in our lives. An
excellent positive attitude provides us with the strength necessary to
face life’s daily challenges, problems and difficulties. A negative
- 76 -
 Reflections

attitude buries our thoughts in a toxic dump consuming strength

required to face the same challenges, problems and difficulties. Both
positive and negative attitudes create our expectancy towards life.
One of the most important challenges we face is to maintain a
positive attitude in difficult situations. The same way a tree needs
the wind to grow healthy and strong, we also need challenges,
problems and difficulties to move forward.
Difficult and trying times define our character. A difficult
situation seen as a challenge is approached from a different
perspective, a position which drives us to overcome, conquer and
triumph. In addition, we learn from difficult situations and integrate
the lessons into our daily lives.
There are eight principles in this small volume. Each principle
allows us to attain and maintain a superb attitude. When confronted
with a complex situation, these words can serve as a guide. Creating
the habit of reading these principles each night before going to sleep
integrates the words into our lives. Our habits and routines create our
being. Each day has more than 1,400 minutes. Dedicating two to
three minutes daily before sleeping every night converts these thoughts
into reality and leads to a more plentiful and productive life.

- 77 -
 Rob McBride

Action

Taking action is essential to achieve our goals and objectives.

Without action life’s opportunities remain scattered and abandoned
by the wayside.
Intentions and plans proliferate. As human beings, our
minds never stop thinking, imagining and creating. We constantly
look for something better. The difference between actors and
spectators in the theatre of life is action.
The road to any objective begins with an initial step. Before
assuming the risk involved in implementing any idea, we analyze and
consider alternatives and consequences. While logical in process and
prudent in theory, too much analysis creates paralysis.
Taking control of our future entails taking action today to
eliminate the horrible habit of leaving for tomorrow what can be
accomplished today. What we leave for tomorrow can also be
postponed for another day. Each day we let pass without definite
action towards our burning desire causes us to drift farther away from
our objectives, like a boat without a rudder subject to the winds of
change. The best time to implement any activity which promotes
positive change in our future is this instant.
- 78 -
 Reflections

The most intense moment of our lives is, in fact, this instant.
What happened yesterday and what comes tomorrow can never
compare with the intensity of this moment. Yesterday is a dream and
tomorrow is a promise yet unfulfilled. The only thing we have with
certainty is this instant. What we fail to do in this moment may well
be left undone forever.
It is easy to realize what we should do. In fact, often we
know exactly what needs to be done and how we need to do it. What
is difficult is taking action and actually doing it.
Fear of failure is a common enemy. The possibility of failure is
one of the main reasons we stop at the precise moment we need to take
action. Failure, as such, is a relative term. Those who have been the
most successful in life are also those who have failure as a familiar
friend. Failure and success are interrelated. Those who take
calculated risks, even in the face of failure, are those most likely to
achieve elevated levels of success.
Failure drives us to modify our path in order to assure we
reach our objectives. There are many roads to success, yet not one road
assures success for everyone. We must each find our own direction.
What works for one can be a disaster for another. Starting down a
path is essential. Making adjustments and managing change is
critical. Tomorrow will come with any path we choose, though not
always with the desired destination.

- 79 -
 Rob McBride

Life is a random walk determined by peculiar circumstances

which create our direction and destiny. Cultivating the habit of
taking action fortifies our character, increases our confidence and
allows us to achieve what many deem impossible.
Our ability to build a better tomorrow is determined by the
action we take today.

- 80 -
 Reflections

Tenacity

Tenacity is our capacity to continue working on a job or task

until we achieve the result we desire. Persistence is imperative to
attain goals and objectives.
Obstacles and difficulties generate a desire to surrender.
Impediment and inconvenience determine our character and define our
destiny. Our reaction to adversity can create power or enhance
vulnerability. The best way to confront a problem tenaciously is to
perceive difficulties as challenges, not obstacles.
In nature, perseverance and persistence always win. A river
has no concept of time. Regardless of whether it takes a day, a month
or a century to overcome an obstacle, it continues its course until
achieving its objective. It never tires from being diverted and doesn’t
complain when things get difficult. It simply continues in spite of
hindrance and hurdles.
We can learn much from the river which adheres to its course.
Life’s events are neither good nor bad, they simply are. We assign
qualities to a particular event depending on our experience and point
of view. Life’s most wonderful moments frequently come after the
most trying and turbulent times. During these cycles tenacity creates
- 81 -
 Rob McBride

the most inspiring and intense reflections and responses to overcome

difficulty.
Tenacity in our occupation can be the difference between
achieving success and having to look for another profession.
Everything is difficult before it is easy. The master carpenter must
learn to make mistakes before becoming a craftsman. The apprentice
observes, listens and practices before creating a masterpiece.
The desire to learn from each situation also allows us to be
more tenacious. When we look at problems as opportunities to learn,
we change our perspective and expect to overcome challenges. We do
not grow old as a result of age, rather as a result of a broken spirit.
We remain young at heart as long as we learn and grow. When we are
green we grow; when we are ripe, we rot.
Tenacity is not innate; it is learned. We learn to be tenacious
through success and failure. When we quit, we learn to give up.
When we persevere, we learn to be tenacious. This, in turn, pays
tremendous dividends.
Education, knowledge and intelligence are elements which
contribute greatly to our success. Without adding the ingredient of
tenacity, however, we fall short of our desires. To achieve our
objectives, it is imperative to have the will to gain wisdom which
provides us with the power to persist in complex situations.
Tenacity elicits the use of all resources at our disposal which
allow us to attain objectives and desires in spite of the multi-layered
- 82 -
 Reflections

myriad of obstacles which create detours and deviations in our

journey.

- 83 -
 Rob McBride

Tolerance

In life some elements are within our realm of control and

others exceed our grasp. While it is important to influence and change
those things within our power of control, it is also critical to tolerate
those beyond our reach.
Many worry about the weather. While it is valuable to be
aware of climatic changes, there is nothing we can do to modify the
weather. Instead of allowing unknown elements to influence our
behavior, it is imperative we adjust our attitude to those factors
within our control. While convenient to regulate our disposition with
the weather, in the end it doesn’t matter if the weather is wonderful
or wild, we can be content in either situation. We are masters of our
attitudes and have the power to establish our attitude daily for better
or worse.
Our ability to tolerate those things which exceed our influence
frees us from the often perceived need to change our environment. We
participate, though we are not responsible for all that occurs in our
immediate surroundings. Many times things happen which are
impossible to change and difficult to understand. Awareness of this
simple truth leads to inner peace and tranquility.
- 84 -
 Reflections

There are also situations which we can positively influence in

our environment. We often have the power to change and mold the
world around us. Taking initiative and action to create positive
change is one of life’s most intense pleasures. Many things can be
changed in our immediate surroundings and we should take every
opportunity to effect positive change in our world. At the same time,
understanding we cannot change everything encourages us to focus on
those things within our control.
There will be people whose vision of the world differs from our
own. Instead of trying to convince them ours is the correct path, we
can listen attentively and attempt to understand their reasoning.
Tolerance implies accepting differing opinions without feeling the
obligation to convince others they are mistaken.
Tolerance allows us to listen more and speak less. People love
to talk about themselves and when we listen to them completely and
attentively without judging or criticizing, we demonstrate our interest
in them as individuals and demonstrate our value for their opinions.
Death, sickness and injustice are all difficult to comprehend.
We can influence the intensity, frequency and duration of our
emotions for the most unfortunate occurrences in our lives. The
knowledge that time heals all wounds makes it easier to fight
valiantly against difficulty and distress to the best of our ability.

- 85 -
 Rob McBride

Tolerating and accepting those circumstances we cannot

change energizes us to effect and influence those elements within our
realm of control.

- 86 -
 Reflections

Initiative

Initiative is vital to achieve our objectives, activate change

and create a course of action. Initiative gives rise to life’s most
significant accomplishments.
Ideas, dreams and goals are not enough to effect change. One
person who takes the initiative to solve a problem is worth more than
a thousand who have the intention to resolve the same situation.
Initiative comes from a burning desire to produce change and
achieve an objective. Hunger, sexual desire and survival all create
pressure which influences action. In order to live healthy productive
lives, it’s vital to resolve the pressure which is present in each of us.
Initiative is the ideal response to this pressure.
When we are hungry, we seek food. When we feel sexual
desire, we seek release. When we are in danger, we seek safety.
While initiative which satisfies biological necessities is an
instinctive response, initiative to advance professionally or personally
is a learned response and more elusive. The pressure we feel when
embarking on a new activity or initiating a new journey is more subtle
and our reaction to this type of pressure must be developed and
nurtured.
- 87 -
 Rob McBride

We constantly seek pleasure and avoid pain. Starting

something new is frequently associated with pain, an uneasy feeling
which arises when we venture outside our comfort zone and are
exposed to the prospect of failure.
Every decision we make in life has a consequence; some are
perceived as good and others as bad. Some involve pleasure and others
pain. Of all decisions, the decision to do nothing guarantees
mediocrity.
Taking initiative involves assuming risk, breaking away from
the known and leaping into the unknown with decision and action.
Assuming this position can be a double edged sword. Family and
friends often encourage us to seek the comfortable and convenient,
frequently harshly criticizing our stand to deviate from established
parameters.
Resolve to follow our own path and take calculated risks is
essential to soar with the eagles rather than slither with the snakes.
Eliciting the guidance of allies who inspire us to take
initiative is often critical to our success. Communicating with those
who share our vision and desire to create and initiate significant
ventures builds strength and confidence. At the same time, it is wise
to carefully guard our initiatives and desires from those who do not
share our vision and may wish to diminish our desire.

- 88 -
 Reflections

Our creative power is unique. Our capacity to create, imagine

and establish new ideas is extraordinary. Confidence in our abilities
as well as the initiative to take action nourishes our creative energy.

- 89 -
 Rob McBride

Temperance

Tantalizing temptations abound. Temperance and moderation

lead us through a myriad of choices and challenges.
Temperance is a noble and steady state of mind which teaches
us to avoid excess. We need balance between body and mind. To
achieve that balance we must practice restraint in many phases of our
lives. To accomplish this tremendous challenge is to be temperate.
Life is like a train leading us through many paths. Some paths
will bring pleasure, some pain, and some a mixture of pleasure and
pain. Whichever path we choose must be chosen with temperance,
moderation, care and concern. By recognizing our limitations we will
know when to cease doing those things which may bring pain to
ourselves, to those we love and to others.
As children we are taught to look, listen, and learn. Look to
our elders and mentors for guidance; learn from the good fortunes and
mistakes of others and always listen to our heart. Good and evil are
impossible to separate. Right and wrong are shades of gray which are
best managed with temperance and moderation. We can be open,
listen to everything and then filter out the excesses whether they be in

- 90 -
 Reflections

conduct, expression, eating, drinking, speaking, acting, working,

sleeping or any of the millions of things we do in our daily lives.
Excessiveness enslaves our body and mind thereby upsetting
and destroying our inner balance. Our lives are like teeter-totters.
When we stay in balance neither we nor those on the other end get
hurt.
We can strive to be active participants and learn to practice
restraint. By expanding our experience we also better understand our
boundaries. We cannot completely value a walk barefoot through a
grassy tree-lined path if we have not similarly walked on the hot,
barren concrete road. Life looks to us with splendor one day and can
leave us with unspeakable sadness the next, particularly when we are
unthinking and intemperate in our choices.
Each of us has incredible potential. While there will always be
much left unfinished and unrealized, we can soar to great heights by
better knowing ourselves and our limitations before we act. We often
believe we have no limitations and yet they are ever present. At some
time or another we will have questions about our existence; we must,
therefore, truly recognize and know ourselves, not as we imagine
ourselves to be but as we truly are. Only then will we know the
endless chain of events which intemperance can bring when mind and
body are not in equilibrium.
Temperance is a noble state of mind, which creates the balance
necessary to be content and peaceful with our lives.
- 91 -
 Rob McBride

Usefulness

It is virtually impossible to live isolated from the world.

Interaction with others is important and necessary. Our success and
happiness are a result of our ability to successfully relate to others.
Our capacity to be useful to others and help them to satisfy their
necessities determines our ability to achieve our goals and objectives.
The objective of any profession is to be of service to others. A
doctor utilizes his knowledge of the human body to keep people
healthy. A carpenter utilizes his hands to construct houses and
furniture to make our lives more pleasurable.
The more useful we are, the more success we will have. When
we give, we receive. The law never fails. The compensation we
receive, monetary and otherwise, is in direct proportion to the service
we provide. The more service we provide, the greater the rewards.
There is a tremendous difference between being servile and
being of service. Being servile implies timidity and shyness. Being of
service, on the other hand, is helping and assisting others. The
perception that one is being servile while being of service is incorrect.
The most well known people in the world are those who have
discovered means of sharing their knowledge and wisdom. They have
- 92 -
 Reflections

a decided impact on humanity. The wise man who hides his

knowledge is no better than he who knows nothing.
When we share our abilities with the world we are
compensated accordingly. The surest way to arrive at the destiny we
desire is to be useful and to be of service.
All we do is related directly or indirectly with the art of sales.
We are constantly selling the idea we are good people, that we deserve
the love and respect of others. We also sell goods and services which
enable us to acquire that which we need and desire.
Selling through trickery and deception may lead to attaining
objectives. It is possible to succeed through lies and deception.
Initially, it may seem to be the easiest path. We find, however, in the
long term we harvest what we plant. More often than not,
fraudulent strategies fail and fall like a house of cards. Meanwhile,
opportunities abound for those who are transparent and honest.
We gravitate towards those relations which cause pleasure.
Those who transmit an attitude of service and utility are those who
attract life’s abundance and prosperity. They are respected and sought
in times of calamity and crisis.
To be useful to our family, friends, and humanity leads us to
achieve what we desire in life. As sure as the day follows the night, a
positive attitude of usefulness and service leads to success and
happiness.

- 93 -
 Rob McBride

Desire

Desire inspires us to establish goals and objectives. When we

believe our desires are attainable, we create power to achieve them.
Decisions we make today create our destiny tomorrow. These
decisions are the result of desires and objectives. Without a fixed
direction we are a ship on the ocean of change without a rudder. We
will surely arrive at an unknown destination.
To take control of our destiny, it is essential we have a
concrete idea of our objective. When this objective becomes a burning
desire, we are driven to take action which launches us in the right
direction.
Limitations in life are measured by desire. It is impossible to
grasp beyond our dreams and desires. Our direction is determined by
our aspiration. The fear of wanting too much is often accompanied
with the fear of failure. Nevertheless, it is better to try and fail than
to never try at all.
Failure is simply a temporary detour in the journey of life, a
pebble which causes discomfort and which inevitably becomes a
distant memory.

- 94 -
 Reflections

Visualization is a powerful mechanism which gives substance

to dreams and desires. Visualization takes us to the unknown and
the known. It is possible to imagine what we desire and have not
achieved as well as that we already know. The mind has the power to
create and produce incredible imagery. Intense mental images
facilitate the formulation of an action plan.
The key to effectively using desire, imagination and
visualization is coming down to earth after the flight to create a
definite action plan which leads us to the destiny we desire.
Maintaining an excellent attitude generates clear and concise
desires. Concrete objectives create a powerful reason to live. When
our desires vanish, it is time to think about how we will leave this
reality we call life and pass to another reality which is yet unknown.
To desire something with all our heart is also the best way of
staying young in body and spirit. While we are on our way towards
an objective, we have no time to reflect on what could have been.
What happened yesterday is a dream, what comes tomorrow a promise
and what we have today a certainty. This instant is the most intense
moment of our lives. The dreams and desires we create today give
purpose to get out of bed tomorrow to embrace another day.
The pessimist says dreams are empty promises while the
optimist says dreams are promises yet unfulfilled. Desire allows us to
reach for the stars instead of rolling with the rocks. Our dreams and

- 95 -
 Rob McBride

desires are the seeds of success sown today which grow straight and
tall to be harvested tomorrow.

- 96 -
 Reflections

Energy

Energy is life and we communicate with the world according

to our energy level. Internal energy is a direct reflection of our
physical and emotional well-being. When we are physically and
emotionally energized, we direct our destiny. When we are physically
and emotionally weak, we drift aimlessly in the ocean of change.
There are many ways to create energy in our bodies. Two of
the best are to eat properly and to exercise. While this is in theory
simple and logical, it is in practice difficult and challenging. It is
often more convenient to eat poorly and forego exercise than to eat
well and exercise. A disciplined approach to eating nourishing food
and exercising regularly creates energy.
Developing the habit of consuming plenty of fruits and
vegetables is the first step towards a healthy body. The plethora of
wonderful food is one of life’s simple pleasures. It is one of the
benefits we, as human beings, have in comparison to virtually any
other species. Consuming a wide variety of unhealthy food in excess is
initially satisfying and ultimately a disaster. As we create a desire to
assimilate fresh fruits and vegetables into our daily diet, we acquire a
healthier body and mind.
- 97 -
 Rob McBride

Physical exercise is initially exhausting and ultimately

empowering. Laziness is initially satisfactory and ultimately
unproductive. While it is imperative to recharge our bodies to create
energy, the best way to achieve this goal is by restful sleep. Strenuous
physical endeavor activates our body and creates energy. Using every
opportunity during the day to exercise our bodies generates and stores
energy for future use.
Stretching our body in the morning, using our muscles to pick
up an object instead of dragging it, walking to our destination rather
than riding and utilizing our muscles as they were designed to be used
creates physical energy. Small things we do on a daily basis to exercise
our body make a tremendously positive difference in our overall energy
level.
Generating the right emotional state to create positive energy
is more elusive. We are taught how to read, write and do arithmetic;
seldom are we taught how to manage our emotions. Developing
positive emotional energy can be the result of positive constructive
internal dialogue.
When we tell ourselves things are terrible and will only get
worse, we find a way to fulfill that prophecy. When, on the other
hand, we tell ourselves things are not the way we want them yet, and
that we have the power to create positive solutions, we also fulfill
that prediction.

- 98 -
 Reflections

From the moment we wake up in the morning until we sleep at

night, our mind is constantly analyzing and evaluating information.
When we consciously empower our internal dialogue to focus on
solutions instead of problems, we positively energize our emotions.
Physical and emotional energy are the fountain of life.

- 99 -
 Rob McBride

XIV. Years later…

J uan José lowered his gaze from the sky and saw his
grandson playing.
He said to his wife, “María Antonieta, our life in The Capitol
has been spectacular and we have made an incredible life in the city.
At the same time, I always love to come to the country, especially to
this house which reminds me of Gramps. What do you think of our
grandson playing in the garden?”
“I think your blood runs through his veins,” she said laughing.
“I am afraid he is just as mischievous, handsome and intelligent as his
grandfather.”
“After so many years together, I have come to realize that you
are always right, my love!”

- 100 -
 A Special Gift

The small boy looked towards his grandparents, showed them a

ball and said, “Catch!”
“Throw me the ball, Juancito,” replied Juan José.
Juan José and María Antonieta were sitting in the same place
where 50 years ago Juan José had met his grandfather for the first time.
The garden was as well taken care of and as spectacular as the first time
he had seen it.
Juan José watched his grandson play with the innocence only a
child has and which most adults misplace. He knew the day would
come when he also would share the wisdom passed down from his
great-great grandfather and his grandfather, Boss, with his own
grandson.
Juan José had read Reflections for more than fifty years. He
had complied with both the condition and the responsibility his
grandfather had indicated. He had restored the small book many years
ago because of its tattered condition. He kept Reflections in the night
table beside his bed and took it with him whenever he traveled. He
took two to three minutes each night to read one of the principles.
He had incorporated the principles into his life and had been a
positive example for others. He had gone through many ups and downs
in his life, marvelous moments and turbulent times. The principles had
helped him to achieve professional and personal success. People
respected him for his wisdom, perseverance and gift for doing things
others could not accomplish. Each time he had come to a low moment
in his life, he remembered he had the power to choose his attitude and
this allowed him to continue forward in the face of difficulty.
“Juancito, come here,” said Juan José.
 Rob McBride

“Yes, Grandpa.”
“I am going to stretch and watch the sunset. Would you like to
join me?”
“Of course, Grandpa, you know I love to join you when you do
your exercise! Are you going to join us, Ama?”
“I will let you kids play,” responded María Antonieta with a
smile. “I am going to read before it gets dark.”
Grandfather and grandson walked to the grass hand in hand.
They took off their shoes and shirts, looked to the horizon and observed
the sun as it moved on its steady path which magically turned late
afternoon into early evening. The clouds shimmered orange and purple
on the horizon. Juan José considered the beauty of the garden and
reflected on his life.
“Juancito, I would like for you to remember something.”
“What is it, Grandpa?”
“Remember, an excellent attitude towards life is the most
important thing we can have.”
“I know, Grandpa. You always tell me the same thing!”
Juan José laughed. His grandson was right. He had told him
the same thing since the day he was born. He had experienced the
profound difference an excellent attitude had made in his own life as
the most important factor in living a plentiful and productive life.
“I just want to make sure you carry the idea in your heart
forever...”

End
- 102 -
Rob will be happy to meet with your organization, group or school to
inspire excellence, enhance productivity and improve morale by
discussing the principles presented in A Special Gift

www.RobMcBride.net
+ 58 414 328 6411
 Note: Un Don Especial, the original version of this book is
published in Spanish by Júpiter Editores. It contains one additional
principle not contained in the English version.

Confidence

People who attain personal and professional success are very

confident in themselves. Confidence is developed by experience,
preparation, perseverance and a positive attitude.
The more experience we have, the more confident we will be.
When we do something for the first time, we lack confidence even
when we have all the necessary tools. It is only realizing the task
several times that we gain higher levels of confidence.
Most believe experience comes only with time. We learn much
from time and it is a great professor. What is not so evident is that
we can energize our experience today to create more confidence for
tomorrow.
When we take risk, break routine and do something
extraordinary, we augment our experience immediately. The more risk
we take, the more experience we gain. We can let time be the master
of our experience or we can energize our experience today to create
confidence tomorrow.
Preparation is another fundamental element to acquiring more
confidence. Regardless of the objective, we can take action to be more
 Rob McBride

prepared. Preparation takes time, hard work and constancy while

paying tremendous dividends in confidence and success.
It is easiest to go into a situation with knowledge already
acquired and manage problems as they arise as best we can. On the
other hand, when we enter the same situation with higher levels of
preparation, we go in with increased confidence to manage any
situation and to direct the process to achieve that which we desire.
Perseverance also increases our confidence. Perseverance,
achievement and confidence are tightly intertwined. When we
persevere, we achieve our objectives and increase our confidence. The
opposite is also true. When we give up and don’t achieve our
objectives, our confidence plummets. By persevering in the most
difficult situations life presents, we assure confidence and success.
The most important factor in achieving a high degree of
confidence is maintaining an exceptional positive attitude. Attitude is
an exponential factor in the negative and the positive.
An excellent positive attitude allows us to achieve our
objectives despite a lack of experience, preparation or perseverance. A
negative attitude stops us short even though we have experience,
preparation and perseverance. Confidence and attitude are
inseparable.
Our confidence is evident in our behavior and our energy.
Confidence with humility attracts opportunities and circumstances
which lead us to achieve our goals and objectives.
Contact Rob to inspire, motivate and train your team!

Conferences, seminars, workshops and coaching to:

Empower Excellence
Craft Personal Mastery
Develop a Dedicated Team
Forge Effective Communications
Cultivate Resilience and Manage Stress
Drive Sales with an Attitude²
Optimize Customer Service
Innovate Decision Making

+ 58 212 985 7096

www.RobMcBride.net
It’s the Bounce that Counts!