Here’s a good one from Reba McEntire, the American singer, songwriter, actress, and record producer:

“To succeed in life you need three things; a wishbone, a backbone, and a funny bone.”

When we’re young, we wish and dream of what the future could possibly hold.  Some people have the backbone to go after their dreams, but others take the safe route and stay within their comfort zones.  Do the dreamers make it?  Some might, but those that do not might fare better if they a born with a sense of humour to see them through.

Throughout my childhood I always had a dream of becoming a doctor.  I have always been fascinated by the workings of the body.  However, by the time I was about 17 or 18 it was quite clear to me that my brain would never be able to comprehend the level of mathematics and physics necessary for entry into medical school.  Basically I think I am number illiterate.

The backbone comes into place when realising this fact and not writing yourself off as thick as two short planks.  Undeterred, I left school and went into science in a different way, until I finally realised that I was not cut out to be a scientist either. When briefly trying to comprehend HND mathematics in a college course, I actually got the giggles one day and ended up playing noughts and crosses at the back of the class with a similarly affected friend.  Quite the opposite of being academic I was arty and creative instead, but it took me many years to come to terms with this fact.

Now I’m revelling in my dream job of writing all day, and earning royalties for my novels. I regret not persevering with my writing as a youngster, but hey, I haven’t got one foot in the grave yet.  Granted, the royalties are not enough to buy an ocean going liner, but after my experience on board a tender in the Cayman Islands, I wouldn’t want one anyway!