The best way out is always through.

Michael C Garretson, 64, passed away while surrounded by his “girls” on June 3, 2010 from complications of heart bypass surgery. A dedicated family man, Michael married his high school sweetheart Patricia Ryan 41 years ago. Together they raised four daughters Kristen White of St. Augustine, Megann Schooley of St. Augustine, Ryan Massey of St. Augustine and Erin Garretson of Ft. Lauderdale. Known as “Poppy” to his grandchildren Devin and Morgan Schooley and Emmet White; Michael’s dream was to live in St. Augustine full-time to spoil his grandkids. That dream was fulfilled when he retired in January. Known for his “big heart” Michael’s mission in life was to help people. He touched the hearts and minds of many throughout his life and career. He selflessly shared his knowledge, experience and means with those in need and was a father figure to many. 

His long and distinguished career in public service began in the Peace Corps; he was a teacher, urban planner, real estate developer and most recently the Deputy Superintendant of Schools for Broward County. Although much of his work involved the development of land, he was most interested in the development of the minds, character and integrity of the people around him. No matter what job he held the consistent theme was his commitment to diversity, equality and humanity. Michael held many titles: educator, chief operating officer and deputy superintendant but the titles he held most dear were Husband, Dad, Poppy, Brother and Friend. The passing of Michael is a devastating loss here on earth because he inspired greatness in so many. However, we know he is engaging in a great heavenly mission with his Lord Jesus Christ. 

Law #1:: I will form good habits and become their slave.

• In truth, the only difference between those who have failed and those who have succeeded lies in the difference of their habits. Good habits are the key to all success. Bad habits are the unlocked door to failure. Thus, the first law I wil obey, which precedeth all others is- I will form good habits and become their slave.

Today my old skin has become as dust. I will walk tall among men and they will know me not, for today I am a new man, with a new life.

Law #2: I will greet this day with love in my heart.

• For this is the greatest secret of success in all ventures. Muscle can split and even destroy life but only the unseen power of love can open the hearts of men and until I master this art I will remain no more than a peddler in the market place. I will make love my greatest weapon and none on whom I call can defend against its force.

If I have no other qualities than I can succeed with love alone. Without it I will fail though I possess all the knowledge and skills of the world.

Law #3: I will persist until I succeed.

• I was not delivered unto this world in defeat, nor does failure course in my veins. I am not a sheep waiting to be prodded by my shepherd. I am a lion, and I refuse to talk, to walk, to sleep with the sheep. I will hear not those who weep and complain, for their disease is contagious. Let them join the sheep. The slaughterhouse of failure is not my destiny.

So long as there is breath in me, that long will I persist. For now I know one of the greatest principles of success; if I persist long enough I will win.

I will persist.

I will win.

Law #4: I am nature’s greatest miracle.

• Since the beginning of time never has there been another with my mind, my heart, my eyes, my ears, my hands, my hair, my mouth. None that came before, none that alive today, and none that come tomorrow can walk and talk and move and think exactly like me. All men are my brothers yet I am different from each. I am a unique creature.

Nature knows not defeat. Eventually, she emerges victorious and so will I, and with each victory the next struggle becomes less difficult.

I will win, and I will become a great salesman, for I am unique.

Law #5: I will live this day as if it is my last.

• I have but one life and life is naught but a measurement of time. When I waste one I destroy the other. If I waste today I destroy pages of my life. Therefore, each hour of this day I will cherish for it can never return. It cannot be banked today to be withdrawn on the morrow, for who can trap the wind? Each minute of this day will I grasp with both hands and fondle with love for its value is beyond price. What dying man can purchase another breath though he willingly give all his gold? What price dare I place on the hours ahead. I will make them priceless!

I will avoid with fury the killers of time. Procrastination I will destroy with action; doubt I will bury under faith; fear I will dismember with confidence.

I am a man of love and today is my last chance to prove my love and my greatness.

I will live today as if it is my last. And if it not, I shall fall to my knees and give thanks.

Law #6: Today I will be master of my emotions.

• Henceforth I will recognize and identify the mystery of moods of all mankind, and in me. From this moment I am prepared to control whatever personality awakes in me each day. I will master my moods through positive action and when I master my moods I will control my destiny.

Today I control my destiny, and my destiny is to become the greatest salesman in the world!

I will become master of myself.

I will become great.

Law #7: I will laugh at the world.

• Laughter is one of nature’s greatest gifts, and I will waste it no more. Only with laughter and happiness can I truly become a success. Only with laughter and happiness can I find the fruits of my labor. Were it not so, far better would it be to fail, for happiness is the wine that sharpens the taste of the meal. To enjoy success I must have happiness, and laughter will be the maiden who serves me.

I will be happy.

I will be successful.

I will be the greatest salesman the world has ever known.

Law #8: Today I will multiply my value a hundredfold.

• And how will I accomplish this? First I will set goals for the day, the week, the month, the year, and my life. Just as the rain must fall before the wheat will crack its shell and sprout, so must I have objectives before my life will crystallize. In setting my goals I will consider my best performance of the past and multiply it a hundredfold. This will be the standard by which I will live my future. Never will I be of concern that my goals are too high for is it not better to aim my spear at the moon and strike only an eagle than to aim my spear at an eagle and strike only a rock.

Today I will multiply my value a hundredfold.

And when it is done I will do it again, and again, and there will be astonishment and wonder at my greatness as the words of these scrolls are fulfilled in me.

Law #9: I will act now.

• My dreams are worthless, my plans are dust, my goals are impossible.

All are of no value unless they are followed by action.

My procrastination which has held me back was born of fear and now I recognize this secret mined from the depths of all courageous hearts. Now I know that to conquer fear I must always act without hesitation and the flutters in my heart will vanish. Now I know that action reduces the lion of terror to an ant of equanimity.

I hunger for success. I thirst for happiness and peace of mind. Lest I act I will perish in a life full of failure, misery, and sleepless nights.

This is the time. This is the place. I am the man.

I will act now.