Become an Eagle

I love to write! I dreamt of publishing ten books before I turn 40. How will I do that? I don’t know yet.

I remember after I graduated, I wrote a book which is a compilation of the poems I have written during my college years made with a story. I was foolish then to present the manuscript to my favorite Filipino author Bo Sanchez and asked to publish the book during the break of his financial seminar I attended. This happened months after graduation in 2011 and I just turned 20.

I was enthusiastic and confident that he’d respond to my request on a positive approach because I know that my book is one-of-a-kind and many college students can relate to it.

I was wrong.

But looking back, I’m grateful that he didn’t publish it.

He said in his email,

“Hi Kevin,

Thanks for the book.

It shows your tenacity, your gift, and your confidence.

Your writing style is very easy to read, and that's very important.

Keep at it.

Don't ever loose those qualities--confidence, hard work, patience, and hope...

Because of them, I know you'll be a success.

Right now, my non-profit publications house, Shepherds Voice, doesn't publish other authors anymore, except "in house" authors.

I suggest you try other publication outfits.

Just google them and submit your manuscript.

Another option is to try self-publishing.

It's very big nowadays to do that.

Start a blog.  Get a following.

Give away eBooks to that following.

Praying for your success,

Bo”

Today, I realized that I was not a good writer then. That first unpublished book was a disaster. Who would want to buy a hard copy of that? Haha! I asked myself now, “Did I write that book?”

But I didn’t give up writing. I know that I have a long way to learn about it. I just have to write and write and write.

I’m not a born writer. I was not even a member of the school publication from elementary to college. But it gives me sense of fulfillment and joy everytime I get to write an article, wrestle with my thoughts and share my ideas.

I’m thankful that I have a mentor like Bo (through his books and seminars) who gave me an eagle advice not chicken’s.

Let me share with you a wonderful story.

Once upon a time, at a large mountainside there was an eagle nest with 4 large eagle eggs inside.

One day, an earthquake rocked the mountain causing one of the eggs to roll down to a chicken farm, located in the valley below.

The chickens knew that they must protect the eagle egg. Eventually, the eagle egg hatched and a beautiful eagle was born.

Being chickens, the chickens raised the eagle to be a chicken. The eagle loved his home and family but it seemed his spirit cried out for more.

One day, the eagle looked to the skies above and noticed a group of mighty eagles soaring. ”Oh,” the eagle cried, “I wish I could soar like those birds.”

The chickens roared with laughter, “You cannot soar like those. You are a chicken and chickens do not soar.” The eagle continued staring at his real family up above, dreaming that he could be like them.

Each time the eagle talked about his dreams, he was told it couldn’t be done.

That was what the eagle learned to believe. After time, the eagle stopped dreaming and continued to live his life as a chicken.

Finally, after a long life as a chicken, the eagle passed away.

In life, there are chickens who steal our dreams away. Sometimes it is tempting to believe what they’re saying is true.

Friends, you become what you believe you are. If you ever dream to become an eagle, follow your dreams, not the words of chickens.