You’ve seen quotes in the past, several from me, that emphasize being yourself. I’m reminded of it often and appreciate how others have expressed this notion.

Recently, I’ve been reading the Spenser novels from Robert B. Parker (1932-2010) who has long been acknowledged as the Dean of American Crime Fiction. As a lifelong aficionado of the Mystery-Thriller-Suspense genre, I’m finally digging into his Spenser series which started in the early 1980s. I have to say I love the Spenser character … witty, charming, tough, wise-cracking PI that he is. I’m long overdue to recognize Parker’s wizardry.

This sage wisdom appeared in Parker’s novel, Looking for Rachel Wallace.

You can also see the 6-word Commencement Speech I would deliver on this subject. Feel free to stick either of these images on your monitor, paste one into your journal or hang one on the wall.

BTW … if you’ve ever jotted down something on a napkin or a used envelope … something you were afraid you might forget … you’ll want to see the life lessons on the crumpled notes found in the wallets of these two people.