“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; because there is not effort without error and shortcomings; but who does actually strive to do the deed; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotion, who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement and who at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly. So that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.” ~ Theodore Roosevelt
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Sunday Thought For The Day
Lance writes stories from his heart, aiming to inspire and motivate, as you align more fully with YOUR true peak. When he’s not here, you can find him hanging out with his family, riding a bike, or just generally acting goofy.
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(That photo both fascinates and frightens me!)
I’ve often said that the best way to silence critics is to get them to do the thing they’re criticizing and see if the could do it better. In some cases, karma can be a b*tch when/if they actually get that chance!
The best lessons in my life involved trying and stumbling so I could learn to stride that much better/wider/faster/farther, so thanks for sharing this great quote from TR.
May I share one of my favorite quotes on having courage…
“It takes a lot of courage to release the familiar and seemingly secure, to embrace the new. But there is no real security in what is no longer meaningful. There is more security in the adventurous and exciting, for in movement there is life, and in change there is power.“
— Alan Cohen
It takes courage to go beyond one’s comfort zone. But with courage, comes the breath of new insight. It is the only way forward!
Love & light,
Evelyn
Lance, what a great quote! I have not read that one before.
Here’s to daring greatly, to having a soul that is neither cold nor timid…
This quote is just what I needed this morning, Lance. I’ve had a rather difficult weekend so far, and your quote spirits me on to continue in my path. Thank you.
Ive not seen this quote before and am 100% with ann elise.
I dont want a cold timid soul whether I reach all my goals and dreams 100% or not!
Lance! This is most def something I needed today. I love this quote. It’s hard to live your live with a fear of failure, a fear that paralyzes you so that you never ever take any chances or try anything new. Actually that’s not living your life, that’s watching your life pass you by. I’ve spent a good many years on earth doing just that. I’ve been trying to move forward the last couple of months and really struggling with all my fears! I have to remember that fear doesn’t mean stop it means go! Go straight ahead and do it, if I’m met with failure at least I tried! Really Lance, this quote couldn’t have come at a better time for me!!!
Thanks!
Natalia
Hello Lance. Coming over from Jannie’s blog.
This is a wonderful quote. I admire fearless people — accompanying photo is perfect.
I agree to each and every word, though it is hard to remember when are having it rough. I’ve been there, and then you believe that the critic is right or that he’s being too nice, because you “know” you are even worse.
I think I have a present for my nephews; this quote, framed
The first two lines really strike me. I lived with critics my whole life. People always asking “What are you doing that for?” As a young girl, I believed I shouldn’t or I can’t. And that is really hard to put aside! But I’ll say, as I get older, being in the ring is much more exciting, regardless of the outcome. No cold timid soul for me…
And the line about “if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly,” I know what Mr. Roosevelt meant of course, but let me remind us all that there is no failure>em/> if you are truly trying your best. If you do not quite live up to your expectations, you’ve created a chance to learn what you need to do differently next time.
I absolutely love this quote. No matter how many times I’ve read it, I still feel moved by it. Critics don’t matter. Focus on doing what you’re doing and know that, no matter what, at least you’re putting yourself out there!
Positively Present´s last blog post..words are my happy sounds
Inspiring as always! The photo is awesome as well. It reminds me of all the times I have scaled the cliffs (trials) and hung on (sometimes by fingernails)! I don’t like or use the “f” word (failure) because within each experience we have, there is at least a kernel of success, even if it contains the basic, or mundane, lesson to never do THAT again! I remember your awesome post on mountains a while back. So many lessons in that too!
Life, like this photo, takes courage to persevere, patience to figure out what is next, and determination to not give up.
suzen´s last blog post..Relaxing on Sunday with Inspiration
I love all you post.
Blessings on this Sunday and always
Jeanne´s last blog post..Thanks a latte Ahram
Striving to maximize our potential is a part of the game we play. We can’t be afraid of pushing ourselves beyond our limits. Once we hit one limit we realize we can take it a step farther.
Karl — Work Happy Now´s last blog post..An Itch You Can’t Scratch
I don’t know who said it but I have come to believe that it is not the destination but the journey itself that is of the greatest importance. I don’t see failures in my journey. I see detours with wonderful chances to learn new things and to meet new people that I wouldn’t have seen or experienced if not for the detour. Everyone have a glorious day unless you choose to do otherwise.
Patricia — Spiritual Journey Of A Lightworker´s last blog post..Second Anniversary For Spiritual Journey Of A Lightworker
Lance, as always you have inspired my spirit. I pay no attention to my critics any longer, because I now know they don’t have the heart to face life as I have. It’s safer for them to hide behind the barricade and sling judgment rather than stand center stage with me and face adversity head on.
Namaste
Tabitha@ichoosebliss.net´s last blog post..Sunday Citar ~ My Way
Hi Lance,
Absolutely beautiful (the quote and the picture)! Somewhere along my journey, I reached the realization that there was no such thing as a mistake or failure. I wish I could recall the thought process but I do remember after having fallen on my face numerous times, I realized that a mistake or failure occurs only when you do not learn from the experience. If you see the lesson in the experience and pick yourself up and get back in the race, that is wisdom and experience. It truly boils down to attitude and perception. At least, that is what I have come to see in my life.
Hope all is well with you and the family!
Nadia — Happy Lotus´s last blog post..Happy News (June 14, 2009)
How great to read this today. I feel like that man in the arena…covered in blood and sweat. Working hard and not necessarily taking home the trophy. But what I have learned is, life is about jumping in the arena. Taking the chance. Maybe we don’t always win, but the experience will last a life time and train us to be stronger and wiser.
Have a wonderful Sunday!
Caroline´s last blog post..Soulful Sunday – Love and Light
Hi Lance,
where do you get these amazing photos?!?!? Great quote, as usual
I spent so much of my life not trying things for fear of failure, but now the way I look at things is I only truly fail if I fail to try or fail to learn from the experience.
Hilda´s last blog post..Find the Good
Hi Lance,
What a powerful thought for the day! Too often we allow fear of failure stand in our way of following our dreams.
I never think of failing — I just think of experiences as “lessons to be learned”.
Thanks so much!
Maria Palma´s last blog post..Your Connection to Abundance May Be on Twitter
Hi Lance: Either do or get out of the way. There’s nothing worse than someone who doesn’t dare try anything great themselves but are quick to try and pass judgement on those who are out there trying.
Marelisa´s last blog post..Write, Publish and Market Your Ebook: Step-by-Step Tutorial
Your quote reminds me of one I heard in church this morning. It was by C.S. Lewis.
“To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything, and your heart will certainly be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact, you must give your heart to no one, not even to an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements; lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket– safe, dark, motionless, airless–it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable.”
We have to take chances in life in order to really feel alive don’t we? Whenever we risk for success we chance failing. But failing has a value in itself if we use it.
Hey Lance,
I’d rather fail big than not live! Hey, that could be a new quote!
I’m only 35 and have already hit a couple of the big statistics (eg divorce, unsuccessful business, lost money). However, these things have given me opportunities, experiences and lessons that I am forever grateful for. Onward and upward I say!
Love the pic too btw — very appropriate.
Sami — Life, Laughs & Lemmings´s last blog post..Friday Question — 3 Tips for Living Well
Wow! This quote puts so many things together.
From pushing for action to realising those worthy of their dreams. From failure worthy of tales to success deserving legends.
Jarrod — Warrior Development´s last blog post..Managing Self Development
Hi Lance–
This is great quote by a great man. You have greatly inspired me with your choice today.
Thank you
Bunnygotblog´s last blog post..A Great Woman: Rita Levi-Montalcini
Hey Lance–
Great quote. I love it and it does serve as a great inspiration to me, especially during trying times. Recently I went to a show at a school–anyone with kids knows how painful it can be to sit through some of these school shows. Anyway, there were many kids with little or no talent who stood up and either sang, played an instrument or recited a poem. These kids were about 14–16 years old and their nerves got the better of them. However, I was very impressed and admired their courage to stand and perform and have fun without even worrying about what others would say. I applaud anyone who fails while trying, more so that the ones who never try and never fail.
Sorry for the long note but I had to share this event because still today I think about those kids and the hard work that went into their program and their courage, strength and will to try and try again. Exactly what we must do.…if you fall, stand up and try again.
Thanks for a very inspirational message.
SpinDiva´s last blog post..Staying on track when the going gets tough
Well this sounds like sucking the marrow of life. I’m all for it. I’m always up for a challenge especially if it’s fun. I always ask myself, “What do I have to lose?” Usually it’s nothing. I want to live on the edge, adrenaline pumping, adventure seeking, challenging and bold…until I take my last breath.
Tess The Bold Life´s last blog post..100 Unmaterialistic Joys for A Bold Life
Hello Lance!
I am smiling because last Sunday I started my day with a visit to your blog and a reflection on the quote for Sunday and this week, I end my day with a visit here!
I love these quotes as they always make us think more, ponder just a little longer perhaps and if we are really lucky, live by applying the wisdom.
When we challenge ourselves, it is then that we grow. Golden moments they are indeed!
Thank you Lance and good night
Evita´s last blog post..The End Is Near – But The End Is Just A Beginning
@Megan — The photo…me too (fascinating AND frightening!). And even if karma can sometimes be a b*tch, it’s a put up or shut up moment. And really — it doesn’t matter what the critics say, what matters is what each of us believes (easier said than done). And yes, when we stumble, these are definitely moments of great learning.
@Evelyn — I love that quote Evelyn, thanks so much for sharing it here! What we think is security, really isn’t — and I think it leads to moments of insecurity anyway in our lives — when we stick to what we think is the security of the known, only to find we no longer have kept up and feel insecure because the known has changed. Forward we shall go!
@Ann Elise — Hi Ann. Thanks! Yes, let’s dare greatly — we’re here once, and we’ll regret more the things we didn’t do than those we did…
@LisaNewton — Hi Lisa. I hope all is well with you. Glad the quote helped out.
@Miz — I’m with Ann too — she picked a very empowering line out of there to focus on. And you’re right, it’s not about always reaching the goals we have — it’s in going after them…
@Natalia — Hi Natalia. Thanks so much for sharing part of your journey with all of us. The thing about this, is that many (if not all) of us have been there to some extent — Where we let the fear of failure hold us back. And then we become passive participants in our own lives, instead of active participants. Fear means go — I love that Natalia! And your open sharing here helps us all to face where we’re at or where we’ve been. Thanks so much for this.
@Lynn — A friend of Jannie’s is a friend of mine! Yes, that picture really shouts fearless to me!
@Miguel — Hi Miguel. This really would make a great framed quote — it says so much! And I know exactly what you’re saying — when doubt starts to set in after hearing enough negative things…even though the truth is really what’s inside us that matters (that’s not always easy to listen to).
@Stacey Shipman — Hi Stacey. when we grow up with something, these are thoughts that can easily become embedded in our minds. Deeply embedded, and believed to be truth. And this goes both ways — the good and the bad. Stacey, I think you have done fabulously at overcoming what you were led to believe early on. No doubt, you are NOT a cold, timid soul. You are so much, much more…and you’re living that today — I know you are…
@Jannie — Hey Jannie! Great point — probably a thing of semantics, but well worth pointing out — failure is only such if we give up. If something doesn’t go as planned, and we keep trying — this is so much more than failure, really it is success, or what succes is built upon.
@Positively Present — Hi Dani. Critics don’t matter. Correct, indeed. I was watching the movie “The Pursuit of Happyness” last night — and a part in there jumped out at me, and I’m recalling it now again — the father has just told his son he’ll never be good at basketball. Then he realizes this is the wrong message — and proceeds to tell his son that he can do whatever he want to — no matter what anyone else tells him. I loved that part, it was a real reminder that it doesn’t matter what others say — it matters what we believe.
@Suzen — Hi Suzen. I loved this photo. It just seems so daring and “living” to me! And I agree with you, Suzen — failure is only if we get nothing out of the experience (and it’s pretty hard not to get something from something not going as planned). I love your last line. And Suzen, thank you for mentioning my mountains post — that really means much that this is something you still recall. Thank you, very deeply, for this.
@Jeanne — Hi Jeanne. Thank you, and blessing to you also, my friend…
@Karl — Hi Karl. It’s when we pust ourselves beyond our limits, that we really grow. Much like lifting a weight, and lifting a bit heavier than we have before — the muscle is strained, and through that — it grows and we become stronger. Much like life and when we push our limits — we grow and become stronger…
@Patricia/Spiritual Journey of a Lightworker — Oh, such an important point Patricia. It’s not the destination, it’s the journey that really matters. And seeing things that don’t go as planned — as detours — what a wonderful way to look at this. And these detours do indeed lead us to places we normally wouldn’t have found.
@Tabitha — Hi Tabitha. What a great way to look at this. Seeing our critics as hiding behind a barricade. I think this is true, that they hide behind their own fears — and use their words to hurt others. But we don’t have to let them. We have the choice of how to act upon what we hear. Continue to face life Tabitha!
@Nadia — Hi Nadia. I think it’s a journey for all of us, and getting to that point where failure doesn’t exist — that’s not always an easy place to get to along that journey. When we do, though, when we see everything as part of the journey of our lives — what a great place to be. Attitude is so important. And Nadia, you really exhibit a can-do, upbeat, and positive attitude — which makes you a winner in my book every day! Thanks so much for being here. And we’re having a wonderful weekend here. I hope you are too…
@Caroline — We don’t always get the trophy, we don’t always come in first. That’s okay, we were at least in the arena. That all reminds me of the first year I did a triathlon. I was there, and I didn’t know fully what to expect. And I wanted to leave. But I stayed in the ring (or at the race in this case). I took home no trophies. In fact, I was near the bottom coming in. But I had taken the chance. And I was elated to have finished (to have stayed in the ring). And I came back the next year much stronger and better prepared, ready to take it all one step further… Caroline, thanks for spurring this memory. And you too, have a wonderful Sunday!
@Hilda — Hi Hilda. Well…Flickr is my friend! And a good plugin on my blog that helps me find them!! It’s part of the journey — getting beyond the fears of failure. What a wonderful place for you to be now…and you’re doing some pretty great things.
@Maria — Hi Maria. Our dreams…held back by our fears. Yet, in this one life we have to live, what is that life if we don’t go after the dreams we have in our hearts.… Great thought Maria, thank you!
@Marelisa — Hi Mare. Very true. Those who belittle, judge, ridicule, etc, etc, — yet live not their own dreams — bad. And a real poison on society.
@Laurie — Hi Laurie. Thanks for this quote. So true. Taking chances…in all areas of our life. That’s living. And love is that way, it can feel like a chance. Whether that’s love for another human being, an animal, or our hearts desires. It’s putting ourselves out there, and in doing so — we can be broken. But when we bounce back, when we get back in that saddle again — we are better off for having loved than not. Much better off…
@Sami — Hi Sami. Hey, that’s an excellent quote (people will be quoting you someday…I’ll be quoting you!!). Things don’t always work out as planned. That doesn’t mean that our life is done and that we’re a failure. Far from it — it means we have tried something that didn’t work. That happens. To all of us. And if we go for “onward and upward” — we’re heading in a direction that brings us closer to where we want to be…no matter what anyone else is saying.
@Jarrod — Hi Jarrod. This quote covers a lot of ground, doesn’t it! It’s all very uplifting…
@Bunnygotblog — Hi Bunny. Glad to provide a little inspiration, my friend…
@SpinDiva — Hi SpinDiva. Great story about the kids at school. As long as those programs can sometimes be, seeing kids get up in front of so many people and do something (extraordinary, ordinary, or otherwise) is very impressive. It does take a lot of courage to get up in front of so many people and “perform”. This really should be an inspiration to us all — that we can do this same thing when we’re called up . And don’t apologize for the length of the comment. I really do appreciate you sharing this story — I know it helps me to think differently about kids programs — and especially their courage. Wonderful.…
@Tess — Hi Tess. Just look at the name of your blog — it shouts “be bold and adventuresome”! And that’s a great question for any of us to ask ourselves — “What do I have to lose?”. Really what will be lose by trying this “thing” we holding back on? Great stuff to think about. Continue to live life boldly and courageously my friend…I know you already do!
@Evita — Hi Evita. And now I’m smiling too, because you’re my last reflection of the day too. It’s great to have you here tonight… That’s a great point — we can read this, think about it — but it’s really in the daily application that these words breathe new life. Does it always happen? No. When it does, though, it can be a moment of clarity, or inspiration, and of moving forward in our lives. And getting that is awesome! Golden moments for sure! Thank you, my friend, and good night to you too…
“at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly.” I love it, Lance. And I love the idea that defeat after trying is better than not trying at all.
Lance,
Thank you for posting this, it speaks to my heart today!
It really is inspiring to think how important it is to be that doer of things, my own champion ~ not always victorious yet always striving for victory.
*happy sigh*
I’ve been on vacation and missed your blog!
Bella
SheSleepsWithSeaGlass´s last blog post..“It’s Huge And Winged” ~
Hi Lance. This reminds me of children and how fearless they are. They fall down, maybe cry a little, and they get right back up… and fall again, with a smile on their face. Adults fall down, look around to see if anyone saw, and then pretend it never happened
Davina´s last blog post..Heads Up — Beware of Crows!
Hi Lance,
I love the part, “if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly.” Oh how true.
Thank you for another heart warming quote. It made my heart smile.
Barbara Swafford´s last blog post..The Squeaky Wheel Gets The Grease
Hi Lance,
What a start off into the week.
It’s all about doing and daring isn’t it? Because just sitting there and waiting, judging, criticising, complaining instead of taking the lead, failing, succeeding, learning by making mistakes, does not make you alive, does not give you energy, does not allow you to grow.
I am doing!
Thanks Lance.,
Mimi
Mindful Mimi´s last blog post..Sunday Laugh
Hi Lance .. what an amazing description for those who really do strive .. so many in this world, for so many things .. not necessarily achievement, but just living .. makes one think.
Thanks you for opening our eyes to this and bringing Theodore Roosevelt’s quote to our attention.
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters
Hilary´s last blog post..Trooping the Colour
Marvelous!
Perfect quote. I think we need more coaches and doers than critics.
J.D. Meier´s last blog post..Influencer Training Day 2
This is a very inspirational quote. I really love your sunday quotes. They are really inspiring.
Srinivas Rao´s last blog post..Interview with Peter Bregman Harvard Business School Press
That is such a gorgeous picture! And another great quote, as always. Note to self: must keep failing to succeed. *sigh*
FatFighterTV´s last blog post..Weight Watchers ice cream giveaway
The Roosevelt’s are full of great quotable things! We’re they simply that brilliant or do we no longer have a decent person keeping track of well said items?
Lisa’s Chaos´s last blog post..Tiny Turtle Macro Monday
@Vered — Hi Vered. Daring greatly, taking chances, listening to our heart — living!
@Bella — Hi Bella. A doer, yes — I like that. There is some dreaming we have to do, to come up with our grand ideas. At some point, though, it’s about doing it. And dealing with the bumps along the way…it’s all good. And it’s good to have you back here Bella. I hope you had a wonderful vacation!
@Davina — Hi Davina. I love this reminder about how children can do so well with what we might perceive as failure. They get knocked down, and just get back up and try again. They don’t know any different. And then we become adults…and we think it’s foolish to fail — when really it means we’re trying new things, expanding, and growing — which are great things to strive for!
@Barbara — Hi Barbara. Here’s to daring greatly — for all of us. Just think what could be if we all did this, and we all accepted failure as being a learning process…wow!
Mimi — Hi Mimi. Doing those things which knock others down, that’s certainly not helping others to achieve what is possible. And I know you’re doing some pretty great things, this quote fits you Mimi! Isn’t that pretty cool — you are a doer, and you are daring in some great ways! Awesome!!
@Hilary — Hi Hilary. This is a great quote by Mr. Roosevelt. And it highlights some pretty truthful statements. Here’s to fully living!
@Mama Zen — Thanks much Kelli!
@J.D. Meier — The critic, what does he/she really add, especially if this is done without any ideas on how to make a difference.
@Srinivas — Thanks so much, my friend. It’s great to have you here!
@FatFighterTV — Hi Sahar. I love the picture, the silhouette striving to climb some insurmountable cliff…and not giving up, believing it CAN be done! Fail…learn…grow…repeat…succeed!
@Lisa’s Chaos — Hi Lisa. Those Roosevelt’s were full of wisdom, weren’t they!
Another historical figure, the poet William Wordsworth, who started the Romantic era of English literature with his book “Lyrical Ballads,” said something similar. I don’t recall the exact quote but he basically thought it would be more useful if the literary critics of his day tried writing some poetry themselves instead…
Hi again Lance,
Yes! I did have a great mini-vacation away, thanks! (Minus the plague of bugs I blogged about yesterday, LOL!)
I tagged you here (no pressure!)
http://shesleepswithseaglass.wordpress.com/2009/06/15/this-circle-of-tagging-goes-round-and-round/
Bella´s last blog post..The Circle Of Tag Goes ‘Round Again ~
Hi Lance, this is a great quote.
Again, another lesson about taking action. If we dare to act, one day we will never regret anything because we have tried it although if we failed.
Thanks, Lance.
Arswino´s last blog post..What Does Love Mean?
Lance,
This is one of my favourite quotes, and one of two that made me tell myself some years ago that I would NOT be a critic. The other one, I forget by who, is something like “No one ever erected a statue to a critic.” Lovely quote and picture and usual.
Hi Lance
This is one of my favorite quote. It reminds me that, “I dont’ want to arrive to my grave safely. I am going to make some noise on my way there.“
Thanks for sharing.
Giovnana Garcia
Imperfect Action is better than No Action
Giovanna Garcia´s last blog post..To live your passion…you need courage.
Hey Lance,
This is one of my favorite quotes from the Roosevelt’s! It literally gives me goose bumps when I read it! Very inspirational, thank you for putting this up!
.-= Keith´s last fabulous blog ..Change the Channel! =-.
I really like that quote! It’s too easy to just criticize from the sidelines. That’s why at karate tournaments when someone from the audience has criticized me I just climb into the stands and kick some critics butt…OK, just kidding
Still like the quote!
.-= Dr. J´s Last Fabulous Post ..People aren’t smart when it comes to their bodies =-.
You can tell a lot about a person by what they DO.
.-= Sagan´s Last Fabulous Post ..Guest Post: Avoid Eye Diseases by Eating Right =-.
Franklin D. Roosevelt leaves a legacy of food for thought. Consder this:
“Men are not prisoners of fate, but only prisoners of their own minds.“
.-= Liara Covert´s Last Fabulous Post ..Facilitate a dying wish =-.
@Paul — Hi Paul. Thanks for sharing this about Wordsworth. There’s a lot to be said about actually doing something…
@Bella — Hi again Bella! It’s great to have you back here (stop by as much as you want!).
@Arswino — Hi Arswino. Yes, that’s right — if we become doers, then no matter what happens, or what others have said — we has succeeded because we tried…
@Daphne — Hi Daphne! This is all about letting the critic within be set aside, in favor of the doer, the achiever in life! Thanks for being here today!
@Giovanna — Hi Giovanna. Here’s to making all sorts of noise, and stirring things up a bit along the way!
@Keith — Hi Keith. There’s so much here. All about really going after our dreams, and not letting the critics we face silence us. And that is the making of goose bumps…
@Dr. J — Take no flak from the audience!! On a more serious note, criticizing is easy because we don’t have to do anything else — just complain and belittle. But what does it get anyone? It’s of no help to anyone, and that’s an important thing to remember…
@Sagan — You sure can tell a lot by what they do (or don’t do)…
@Liara — Hi Liara. Our minds, how they can limit us, hold us back, keep us locked up in not expanding what is possible… Thanks for sharing that thought Liara.
I just love this quote and it comes at a time that I am sorting and open for doubting…I feel better when I am doing and risking and attempting. I fail all the time — it is often what I am best at!
My current arena I believe I am not going to fail at.…I am going to win this one
.-= Patricia´s Last Fabulous Post ..What is Marriage? =-.