The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.
– Dolly Parton

Point to Ponder:
If someone described you, would they use these words:
authentic, passionate, joyful and committed to living a great life?

Action Item: 
Take pride in your unique individuality and don’t allow what anyone says steer you away from creating the life you want.

by Neissa Springmann

Several months ago while watching the morning news, I stumbled upon a Dolly Parton interview. Dolly candidly described her recent book Dream More, and charmed both the male and female news anchors with her jokes, big smile and surprisingly (at least to me) wise and optimistic outlook on life.

Of course I know who Dolly Parton is, as I have been familiar with her music since I was a child — “9 to 5,” “Islands in the Stream” (one of my favorites!), “Jolene,” “I Will Always Love You,” etc. But to be brutally honest, prior to her interview the first things that came to my mind when I thought of her were not her extraordinary wisdom and impressive outlook, rather it was her big hair, full lips, heavy makeup, tiny waist and extra extra large you-know-whats!

However, during her interview I became laser sharp focused when she was asked about her positive outlook and lengthy success. She said, “The way I see it is, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain!” which was of course followed by her very distinct giggle. From that moment I carefully listened to every word that came out of her mouth and I now consider myself a fan!

Since becoming a Dolly fan (no, I won’t be making a special trip to Dollywood), I have found that she has accumulated an impressive list of “Dolly-isms”, that, like her rainbow quote, are equally as inspiring. Here are ten of my favorites, with some humor thrown in too:

If you don’t like the road you’re walking, start paving another one.

Don’t get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.

Storms make trees take deeper roots

I’ve always just thought if you see somebody without a smile, give ’em yours.

They think I’m simple-minded because I seem to be happy. Why shouldn’t I be happy? I have everything I ever wanted and more. Maybe I am simple-minded. Maybe that’s the key: simple.

The magic is inside you. There ain’t no crystal ball.

You’ll never do a whole lot unless you’re brave enough to try.

I would never stoop so low as to be fashionable.

It doesn’t bother me when someone calls me a ‘dumb blonde.’ I’m neither dumb nor blonde.

It takes a lot of time and money to look this cheap, honey.

What I appreciate most about Dolly is she’s authentic, funny, and overflowing with passion. But, most of all, she’s genuinely joyful and committed to living a great life. She’s the real deal and embodies qualities and characteristics that transcend generations!

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