A New Outlook for Toledo

Toledo Tribune.

A New Outlook for Toledo. Building hope.

In the quiet town of Toledo, Oregon, nestled between the evergreen forests and the winding Yaquina River, life hums along at its own pace. It’s a place where neighbors greet each other by name, where the history of logging and railroads is still alive in the stories told by the old-timers at the local diner. Yet, even here, amidst the natural beauty and close-knit community, the challenges of modern life—paying bills, putting food on the table, and finding a little joy in between—can weigh heavily on the spirit.

Just the other day, I found myself pondering what Toledo can do for me. The thought rolled around like a loose pebble in a shoe, persistent and a bit uncomfortable. My philosophy has been simple: I need to make money, you need to make money, we all need to make money. After all, money makes the monkey jump, doesn’t it? But as I mulled it over, the name of an old friend came to mind. A name that might bring a smile and a nod from the old-timers, but might draw a blank stare from the younger folks—Zig Ziglar.

Born in 1926 in Coffee County, Alabama, Zig Ziglar grew up in the thick of the Great Depression. Life was tough, but even in those hard times, Ziglar’s mother taught him the values of faith, hard work, and a positive attitude. These lessons stayed with him, and as he grew older, he began to share them with others. Ziglar believed that success wasn’t just about making money; it was about building character, treating people with respect, and finding joy in the everyday.

Over the years, Ziglar’s teachings have reached millions. He talked about the importance of a healthy self-image, the power of a positive attitude, and the value of integrity. These aren’t new ideas, but they’re the kind of timeless truths that resonate deeply, especially in a town like Toledo, where people understand the value of hard work and honest living.

Toledo itself has a history rooted in these principles. The town was settled in 1866, and it wasn’t long before it became a hub of industry, with logging, railroads, and boat building at its heart. People like John Graham, one of the town’s founders, understood that a community’s strength didn’t come from wealth alone but from the character of its people. They knew that integrity and loyalty were the foundations of a thriving town—values that Zig Ziglar would have appreciated.

In the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing a series of articles exploring the teachings of Zig Ziglar and how they can help us lead better, more fulfilling lives right here in Toledo. We’ll look at how adjusting our attitudes, setting meaningful goals, and building our character can not only help us overcome the daily stresses of life but also bring us closer as a community. After all, as Ziglar would say, “Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude.”

So let’s take a step back, think about what truly matters, and start focusing on what we can do for ourselves and each other. In doing so, we can build a better Toledo—one that’s not just about surviving, but thriving, together.