Purple Haze

Today's words of wisdom come from an old wizard who was birthed from the imagination of one of my favorite writers of all time -- J.K. Rowling.

In the second novel of the Harry Potter series -- Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets -- Hogwarts headmaster and great wizard Albus Dumbledore tells Harry:

It is our choices, Harry, that show us who we truly are, far more than our abilities.

For Harry, at this point in the series, the future looks hazy and unclear. It's a common occurrence as we grow older. In response to Harry's confusion, Dumbledore rightly points out that the choices we make define our characters much more than our talents and accomplishments ever will.

Dumbledore's words confirm what I already know to be true -- our moment-to-moment choices is a compass guiding us through life's haze and offering clarity to become the people we were meant to be regardless of our abilities. Owning our choices is the secret to a successful life.

One final note -- If you believe that the Harry Potter series is just for children, think again. Dumbledore and the other characters Harry meets along his journey speak to the child in all of us, regardless of age.