Actualized NOT Marginalized

Just got an email from somebody associated with Ardenne High, my alma mater. It was inviting past male ardennites to give a talk on the theme The Ardenne Male: "Actualized NOT Marginalized". As I have begun to make huge strides to improve my public speaking I thought that would be a very good opportunity to present something of worth. I have dreamed of going back to my high school and giving an inspiring speach that would inspire some soul to excellence. A few problems with me doing that speach tho are, for one, I don't live in Jamaica anymore and the event is set for Feb 20, 2006 (I am sure he meant 2007).

Second, now lets say that I was able to be there, what would I actually say? The email specifically stated that the speaker should demonstrate how they have acheived actualization over marginalization. Sad to say, that is still a struggle for me. Of course I could give a wonderful speach about why one should strive for actualization over marginalization, but I just couldn't at length make it personal. What is the difference you might be asking? The difference is simply actualization speaks to excellence while marginalization speaks to sub-standard acheivement. Now I have definitely acheived much, by the grace of God, but no where near my potential and that is mostly because of my leanings towards marginalization.

marginalize:
to place in a position of marginal importance, influence, or power: "the government's attempts to marginalize criticism and restore public confidence."

actualize:
to make actual or real; turn into action or fact.

Talking with my fiance this morning, I told her of my plans for the next 2 years. I told her how I plan to develop my leadership and public speaking skills and how I plan to start my company based on exciting trends that I foresee for the next 10 years. She said, "Alex I love when you talk like that, but usually when you do, you lose sight of your goal and switch to something else in no time" The thing is I have had many a brilliant idea but have yet to convert. I have yet to stick to it! So really although I would love to give that talk to those young guys at Ardenne, I dont have the necessary experience to do so. But I will! Its my very nature to keep trying. Probably my problem is still being caught up in doing things my way and not listening to hear what God wants me to do. One thing is for sure, I will acheive actualization and I will one day be worthy to give such a talk.