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Vail Daily column: What do you stand for?

One of my very favorite things about writing this column each week is the communication with the community. I love the emails, the letters and the conversations we have as we meet in the community, so please keep them coming.

And as we communicate with one another and share our thoughts and ideas, I have often been challenged by some of you who would like to see me take a stance or have and share a stronger opinion about everything from the economy, politics, the war, terrorism or other hot or controversial topics that appear in the news.

My response is always the same and is this, “Thank you so much for asking me for my opinion and pushing me to go deeper on a specific issue that is of importance to you. I am happy to share my thoughts with you via a telephone call, through email or over a cup of coffee. However, as far as my weekly column goes, I cannot compromise the integrity or the intent of the message of hope and encouragement for the community.”



What Drives Me

Now, don’t think for one minute that I do not have an opinion, and sometimes a fairly strong opinion or view about our economy, healthcare, education, local and global politics, the war, terrorism and other events hitting us in the news. I sure do, but as far as this column goes, I try and share each week the things I really stand for and where I prefer to focus my heart and my mind. And if you choose to keep reading, then here are the focus areas that drive me each and every day:

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• Family and friends.

• Love, kindness, forgiveness.

• Hope and encouragement.

• A smile and a hug.

• Faith.

• Helping others.

• Positive thoughts and a positive outlook.

• Joy and happiness.

These are the things I stand for, and as the saying goes, “If you don’t stand for something, then you will fall for anything.” And maybe the things I stand for are the same things you stand for. Or maybe you believe they are soft and too fluffy. Either way, I ask you to consider the issues where you have challenged me, such as politics, terrorism, the economy or any other tough subject, and try applying any of the words listed above to the situation or topic. I’ll bet the conversations will be less stressful, more productive and more respectful even if there is a difference of opinion.

How about you, what do you stand for? And whether you agree with what I am saying or you feel it is too Pollyannaish, I would love to hear from you at gotonorton@gmail.com. And when we know what we stand for, it really will be a better than good week.

Michael Norton is a strategic consultant, business and personal coach, motivational speaker and CEO of http://www.candogo.com. He writes a weekly motivational column for the Vail Daily.


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