The other day I heard a few local musicians talking:

"I hate all the pianos in this town and I hate that rubbish they play on the radio. They cannot even understand a bit of rhythm.”

"Nobody wants to pay musicians anything. I'm sick of all the people who want you to play without paying you.”

One younger musician said, "There are several clubs who want me to play for a few nights a month and I'm trying to find other places to play. I'm also planning to join in several summer festivals this year."

I really liked what the younger musician said so I made friends with him.

Attitudes are important. Whether they're positive or negative they're all rubbing off on you. If you're around people who are always complaining or blaming others, it is possible that you will start doing the same as well. If you spend lots of time with people who don't support your dreams, it is time to take a look at the people you call "friends".

There is an easy exercise you can try. Make a list of the people who you often stay with, and simply stop, spending time with the negative ones on your list. Set a new standard for yourself and don't become friends with people who fall below that standard.

Of course, this exercise is entirely different from making friends only for the good of oneself. We really should try to help and spend time with those who are working towards a goal or dream.

A little stream (小溪) ran down from a high mountain through many villages and forests. Then it reached a desert, “I went through so many difficulties. I should have no problem crossing the desert,” she thought. As she started, she found herself slowly disappearing into the sand. After many tries, she still failed.

At this time, a deep voice said, “ if a breeze (微风) can cross the desert, so can a river.” It was the voice of the desert. But the little stream answered, “that’s because a breeze can fly, but I can’t.”

“That’s because you can’t give up what you are. Let yourself evaporate (蒸发) into the breeze, and it can take you across.” said the desert.

“Give up what I am now? No! No!” The little stream could not accept this idea.

“The breeze can carry the vapor (水蒸气) across the desert and let it leave as rain. The rain will form a river again.” said the desert. “And whether you’re a river or vapor, your nature never changes.”

Hearing this, the little stream went into the open arms of the breeze. It carried her to the next stage (阶段) of her life.

A famous singer Sarah agreed to sing in a club. The owner of the club made it around the town and tickets for the event sold out quickly. In fact, there were no seats left on the night of the concert.

A feeling of hope and happiness was in the air as the owner walked up to the stage. He said, “Hello, everybody. Thanks for being here tonight. I’m afraid that Sarah won’t be able to sing tonight because she’s in hospital. However, we found another great singer Taylor. She’ll sing for you. We hope she’ll give you great happiness as well.”

The air seemed to stop for a while. People were unhappy about the news. They didn’t even hear the owner say the singer’s name. Everyone felt blue at once.

Taylor gave the show everything she had. When she finished, it was so quiet. No one cheered. The singer was embarrassed. Just then, a little boy stood up and shouted, “Lady, I think you’re wonderful!”

In our lives, we all need people to stand up once in a while and say, “I think you’re wonderful.”