I went out for Chinese recently, and when we got our fortune cookies I opened it and instead of throwing it out, I saw scribbled on it something very valuable.

"No man is free who is not a master of himself."

Wow. So simple in words, but so complex and deep in meaning. What does this mean?

Out of the many goals and things we choose to strive for in life, going in search of mastering yourself is perhaps one of the most important. Not only does it set you apart from others, but it gives you power unlike anything else.

Masters of Themselves understand their feelings, and if they don't they put focus on trying.

Masters of Themselves know that to lie to yourself, is one of the greatest wrongdoings you can commit to your own individuality.

Masters of Themselves know what they want, and if they don't, they have the courage to find it.

Masters of Themselves do not waste time trying to make everything a competition. They know their biggest competitor is themselves, and they will only better who they are in the process.

Masters of Themselves imagine themselves from the outside, making it easier to see their own flaws, and correct them.

Masters of Themselves are accepting of who they are, and understand it is okay to make mistakes.

Masters of Themselves always try to better themselves, not just for them, but for the people around them.

Masters of Themselves are aware of their own limitations, but are ready and willing to try and surpass them.

Masters of Themselves know that failure is just a mystery, not a problem.

Masters of Themselves understand that love demands submissions.

Masters of Themselves see poetry in everything.

Masters of Themselves know that real pleasure comes in overcoming challenges, and feeling confidence in your abilities.

Masters of Themselves do not fear failure, they know there is a lesson to be learned.

Masters of Themselves are always open to new wisdom and knowledge.

Masters of Themselves are willing to go after what they want.

Masters of Themselves know that inner peace is so important in each of our journeys.

Masters of Themselves trust themselves, and therefore trust others.

Masters of Themselves believe in who they are.

Masters of Themselves know that many of life's secrets lie within.

Masters of Themselves are not afraid to follow their heart.

Masters of Themselves know that life is not cruel, but when it gets hard, try to understand it and move forward.

Masters of Themselves look to the past to see how far they have come. To the present to focus on their mission now. To the future to look wider and think further. All the while understanding.

Masters of Themselves know that attaining all of these qualities are difficult, but strive to be the best they can be, and understand themselves the best they can. I challenge all of you today to try to be a master of yourself. We get angry and frustrated when we cannot control all of the things around us, but what we can control is ourselves. Master who you are inside, strive to be the best you can be, understand what makes you, you, and be the master of yourself.