Human beings are technically an animal species. Maybe that thought hasn’t occurred to some of you before, but we’re an animal. We may be vastly different that most animals you know, who either swim or walk on four legs, but for the most part we meet all the criteria that make animals animals.

Seasons refers to the change and transition from one stage to the next. For better or worse, this is something many of us look forward to because it signifies the chance to start again. I believe that seasons can refer to periods of time as short as a month, down to a week, and in some cases even a day. God gives us the gift of sleep with the hopes that when we wake up, we have the chance to capitalize on a new day.

The Golden Rule. Despite the amount of conditioning we receive as children to do unto others as we would want done to us, we have a natural drive to do unto others as is done to us. That instinctual lust for vengeance. We want an eye for an eye even when, in the long run, the process would be more costly than just letting go. The

If today is the last day on Earth, what would you do? Apply this train of thought to your day-to-day activities and see what happens. As I’ve drilled into your head by now, you are the only you that will ever exist. There may be people with your same name, there may be people who could be your twin, but your capabilities, interests, and choices will always set you apart from anyone and everyone else. That makes you unique.

Fortune is defined by a culmination of wealth and resources or simply luck influenced by external sources. Well, it doesn’t take fortune to make a fortune. It takes hard work, so when I tell you to make your own fortune, I’m telling you to make your own luck--that’s what will bring you success.

Life beats you down, you need to dust yourself off, shine your shoes, and get back out there. You take enough punishment from others and life itself, so even if you distance yourself from your naysayers, you can never outrun yourself. Take a moment each morning to look in the mirror and realize that you make a difference.

It’s important to give yourself the same respect you need to be giving others. It’s also crucial that you remember that while you’re not perfect, your value comes in the fact that you will be the only you to ever exist. That alone makes you unique, filled with unlimited potential. Respect your boundaries, respect your goals, and respect your integrity.