Dare to dream a big dream. Give your dream an opportunity to happen. Too many people give up on their dream and settle for the ordinary. The extraordinary is available to all who will pursue their aspiration and reach new heights in life.

Two brothers-in-law had a dream. They wanted to make a mere $75 each week. Their goal seemed extraordinary. Yet, they continued to dream. They took a single product and served in 31 different ways and Baskin-Robbins ice cream had been born. Their dream had became a reality.

The vision is now bigger than the two had ever imagined. People who love ice cream are glad the founders never gave up on their ambition.

Go ahead and dream. Dream a big dream. Give it an opportunity to happen. The world is waiting for your dream to become a reality.

Your situation may seem impossible at the moment and you may not see any immediate solutions. You may not have the answers, but know you're not alone. There are a lot of people around you suffering from more adverse situations than you.

One young man, David Rothenberg, made it through an impossible situation. In an angry outburst, Rothenberg's father poured kerosene over the young boy's body and the entire room. He then lit the room and Rothenberg's body on fire.

As a result, 95 percent of his body was covered with third-degree burns. The outlook was grim; an estimated five thousand operations would be needed for him to recover. Through it all, David remained full of hope for his future. At the tender age of seven he responded to his adversity with these words.

"I am alive! I am alive! I am alive! I didn't miss out on living! And that is wonderful enough for me."

Rothenberg made it through his adversity and so can you. After all, you are alive. That fact is wonderful enough.

Problems are all around us. Some problems seem like impossible situations. They can leave a person feeling anxious, fearful and depressed. Still other problems can be so overwhelming that a person cannot imagine being able to solve them.

J. C. Penny understood the emotional turmoil involved in dealing with problems. He was the founder JCPenny department stores. After being successful in business, he found himself in a crisis. Penny suffered a financial setback, after the stock market crashed during the Great Depression. He was admitted to a psychological institution as a result. After hearing the hymn, "God Will Take Care of You," Penny had a spiritual turnaround. He later said, "I am grateful for all my problems. After each one was overcome, I became stronger and more able to meet those that were still to come. I grew in all my difficulties."

Find the grace to be thankful for your problem. Overcome your situations and discover new strength. You have a great future ahead of you!

No one arrives at his destiny alone. Other people along the way have contributed to your journey. Some of the people who helped in your journey may have been a teacher, parent, grandparent, neighbor or maybe a friend.

Walt Disney was a man who was sensitive to the role others played in his life's accomplishments. Disney's creativity and ingenuity helped him become the recipient of 48 Academy Awards and 7 Emmys. He is a legend in the film industry. Disney was quick to acknowledge the part others contributed in his success. He is quoted as saying:

"It seems to me shallow and arrogant for any man in these times to claim he is completely self-made, that he owes all his success to his own unaided efforts. Many hands and hearts and minds generally contribute to anyone's notable achievements."

Who has made a positive contribution in your life? Who has inspired you to reach for higher goals and accomplishments? Don't forget the part that they played in your success. Let them know you are grateful for their contribution in your life. After all, you didn't reach your current level of success alone. Other people helped you arrive where you are in your journey to destiny.

Align yourself with people of great character. Too often there are people who attempt to climb the ladder of success through dishonesty, corruption or deceit. The world is looking for a person who gains favor through honest transparency.

George Washington was a man known for his honest and upright character. Washington was a successful military general who later became the first President of the United States. His advice is still relevant for today. He once said, "Associate yourself with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation, for 'tis better to be alone than in bad company."

Find people who possess a good quality of character. Associate with them. Your reputation will then be filled with favor. Watch your good reputation open effectual doors for your future!

Determine to win the war you are in. You may be in a financial war. You may be in a health war. You may be in a war to secure a relationship. Whatever war you find yourself in, be sure you have the will to win that war. Without firm determination not to lose, the war may be lost.