This one is going to be one very special interview.  Long time subscribers are aware of who Phil of Make it GREAT! is because I’ve written about him a number of times.  Phil and I “met” when I stumbled onto one of his articles that touched me to the core.

He had written ”The Power of Positive Thinking” in July 2007, almost a year ago.  The main thrust behind the article was a key phrase that was repeated over and over again and strategically placed in all the right spots throughout the story.  It was:  

I think I can…I know I can…

It reminded me of “The Little Engine That Could.”  Phil’s story began with him wanting to get his hands on every book he could read.  

But he had some obstacles in the way - other “well meaning” human beings who thought they knew what was right for him.

The school’s librarian once told him he wouldn’t be allowed to read Caddie Woodlawn, a Caldecott Award winner, because he was “only in first grade.” 

But this determined little boy wouldn’t give up.   He knew deep down he could read that book and he would find a way.

As he got older, his guidance counselor took one look at him and automatically pronounced him a loser.  Feeling sorry for him, the counselor advised him to take the easier classes. 

But Phil wouldn’t hear of it.  He insisted that he take Greek Mythology, college algebra and other hard stuff.  The counselor rolled her eyes and scoffed, ”Hmph, good luck, you’re gonna need it.”

I felt a tidal wave of anger rising from within the depths of my being when I read that.  I wanted to run back in time and scream at the counselor, “Just who do you think you are, huh?”  Oh Lord, that one really touched something deep within me.  Maybe my sense of injustice that I’ve seen in the world, I don’t know, but gosh, it was there!

Tears were sparkling like a waterfall of diamonds and jewels that fell into my hands as I continued to read his story.  I, too, identified with the limited beliefs of other people had over me, including my dream of becoming a pilot.  Like him, I was a child full of anticipation and expectancy only to have it crushed by “well-meaning” adults.  Those adults did us a favor because when they told us we couldn’t do something, it made both of us even more determined.  

Impossible!  They’d say to me, when I told them I wanted to be a pilot. 

They’d shout, You’re deaf, you’re a pie in the sky dreamer - be more realistic!

As soon as I finished the story, I immediately got a hold of him and since then we’ve become great blogging friends.  Just as I was getting started in blogging, this very generous, kindred spirit reached out to me and promoted the heck out of me while other big-time bloggers snorted.  He advised and counseled me whenever I had a blogging question, among many other things.   

The story I’ve been telling you about is here.  If you have a few minutes to spare, I guarantee it will touch your spirit.  You will be learning more about him in a few short days!

Phil is one of the most genuine, likable chaps in the world of blogging.  It is with thunderous excitement I bring him onboard for a two-part interview, beginning this Wednesday, March 20, 2008.  

I don’t think you’re going to want to miss this for you’ll appreciate who Phil Gerbyshak is.

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