True Destiny, If Life is a Journey, Why go it Alone?

What a beautiful day in Maine. The sun is out again, and no signs of any big storms the next few days. That is always a beautiful thing in February. We are one day closer to spring, and the days are getting longer sunshine wise. I must say that there are bragging rights for having survived a New England Winter, but as I get up in years I will say that winters in a warm sunny climate are far more appealing than ever before. But I must be honest and tell you that there is no other place I would rather be than the coast of Maine in the summer time. It is one of the seven wonders of the world as far as I see it and I encourage anyone who has never been here to come and visit. You may never want to leave, well at least leave in the summer time. I on the other hand will gladly depart for sun and warmth during January and February.

So what is on my mind today? I have been doing quite a bit of soul searching over the last few days, nothing that is earth shaking, but rather subtle changes that need to be made in my life to bring it in line with my beliefs. Now many will wonder what some of those beliefs are, and I have days when I question some of my beliefs. I look at human nature and wonder why some people do some of the things that they do. Now I am not one who enjoys conflict, far from it. Anyone who knows me knows I hate it with a passion and will run from it as soon as I see it coming. I've had people call me a coward because of this. Being a coward couldn't be farther from the truth. But I am amazed at people and what they perceive and with those perceptions make a blanket statement about someone. I avoid conflict because I know my temper and I never want it to get the better of me. I know that I can have a biting tongue and I never want to say something that is going to hurt someone and if my temper gets the better of me I can sometimes say things that are hurtful and I do hate that. I am no saint, I can say mean and hurtful things, but that generally comes only when I am backed into a corner, and trust me when I tell you, you don't want to do that very often. It's kind of like a wounded animal who will strike back.


I don't know how I got onto that band wagon, but maybe someone needed to hear it and so I went with the gut feeling. As I was saying earlier, I have had to take an inventory of where I am right now and where I want to go in the future. I have had to take a deep look at my desires and where I want to go in the next few years. I have also had to look deep inside and make sure I understood my motives and make sure they are for good and not just for gain. Sure we all want to make a living, but at the same time we want to make the world a better place. I do believe you can have your cake and eat it too. We have become a society of the "Haves" and "Have Nots". I never thought I would think this, but the longer I am around the more convinced I am that this is a reality, and not just a rumor. I have seen people work their fingers to the bone, giving everything they have for an employer, only to have that employer send the jobs overseas because of the cheaper labor rates. I have seen people who have given their all only to be kicked out on the street to cut cost for a corporation because it was better for the share holders. Man have we gotten way off track in this country. Now don't misunderstand, I am a capitalist. I believe in the concept of free enterprise and I know that the free enterprise system is what has made this country great. But I also know what greed can do to some business owners and what it has meant to those who have worked so hard to ensure the business owner's success. Shame on anyone who has turned their back on the employees only to turn a profit. May the fleas of a thousand rats infest their armpits. Pretty graphic, but you get my point. At what point in time is enough profit enough. When you have walked all over the backs of your employees and never uttered a simple thank you, well you are a true piece of work at this point. In my book, True Destiny, I talk about the most successful people out in the work force. Not one of them will ever claim that they did it all alone. It took help and effort from so many different people. But the truly successful people will always give credit where credit is due. They understand the concept of helping those who help you and giving back from the abundance which they have profited from. To the business owners who only want more, and have no intention of giving back to the workers or society, all I can say is "Screw You". I know that is blunt, but lets take care of those who take care of you. I never want to get to the point where I can not recognize the work and sacrifice that others have made to make me successful. For those that work with me, I can only say how grateful and fortunate I am to have you working along side of me. I truly appreciate all that they do, and given the opportunity will always make it know to them.

So let's do the world a favor and start giving back. Create that work environment that keeps all your employees happy and then motivation will be in abundance. It's never too late to reinvent the wheel. Maybe just maybe our best days are ahead of us. Think about that.........

True Destiny, If Life is a Journey, Why go it Alone?

Wow, every now and then life comes at you so fast you don't know whether you're coming or going. Ever have one of those Mondays when you're just not sure how the week is going to go? It has been a good day thus far, but boy I could use a nap. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining, I rather like how I feel right now, but I have a feeling that life is going to be busy this week and I know I will need a nice break come Friday. I was talking with a friend this morning, and I wish I could say that things were good for him. He has the weight of the world on his shoulders right now and there isn't anything I wouldn't do to ease his stress and thereby reduce the amount of acid in his stomach. There are just times in every one's life when things aren't going well and you want to escape and just leave all the crap behind you. I have been there more times then I want to admit, but I have come through it and so can you.

I was at lunch with my partner on Sunday, and as is my normal thing to do I was people watching throughout the meal. I love looking at people and trying to get a sense of what they may be like or what they may be going through at this moment in time. I admit that I am a softy when it comes to people and want nothing more than for everyone to have joy, peace, and happiness in life. I know that not everyone will be experiencing these things, but it doesn't make it any less a desire of mine. When I tell you that I hurt when others hurt, well let's just say you can take that to the bank. I guess my compassion is just to close to the surface. I often tend to wear my emotions on my sleeve, and it is hard to get away from them. But truth be told, I never want to get to a point where my emotions are so jaded that seeing a need in people does not generate a feeling of empathy. I look at my friend who is struggling and I would give anything to ease his concern and fears.

I have always rooted for the underdog and love it when I see a success story. I know, I know, what a softy, well I am what I am, and to be quite frank would never want to change. I can't help everyone, but that doesn't mean I don't want to. We are in a time when nothing seems to come easy. We always seem to be swimming up stream and against the current. Most people today are just looking for a short period of rest and tranquility, and don't know how to get there. If I could have any wish, other than world peace, so cliche, but hopeful none-the-less, I would love to see a time when all my friends, loved ones, and acquaintances could just sit back and know that all is good in their domain. Sadly that is not the case, but I would give anything for that to be the case. We have to get to the point when we think more of others than ourselves. I know it is tough when often we are fighting our own battles, but giving of yourself for the betterment of others is a noble effort, and one that will not quickly be forgotten. So reach out to others and give them hope for the future. It doesn't cost a thing and it will change the world one life at a time....think aboout it.......