True Destiny; If life is a Journey, Why Go it Alone?

Well it's the first day of Summer and what can I say about the weather we have had thus far this year. Compared to last year this has been paradise. As I look to the upcoming summer months I am so excited about the possibilities that abound for me, and for each of you. I was taking some time the other day to do some much needed soul searching. This is a practice I have done for many years. Just taking a few days to be alone and think about what I want to do with my life and what I hope will come to me in the future. It is something that I recommend everyone do from time to time. Life has a way of getting in the way from time to time, and there are times when we just need to take a step back, look at where we are at and where we want to go. What's the old saying, we sometimes can't see the forest because of all the trees. Well the same can be said about life since there are times when life over powers us and we get into a position that makes us say "what's the use?". " I might as well just give up", as opposed to fighting all the battles. I have known people in my life who have given up and if they had just stayed in the battle a little longer victory would have come to them. Now that is sometimes easier said then done, but you just can't give up on yourself, especially when you know there is something inside of you that has to come out.

I talk about True Destiny a lot, duh look at the title of my book. But we all have a destiny and we just need to take the time to figure out what that destiny is. I was having a conversation with a friend the other day and he made an interesting comment. He said that if everyone in this world was doing what they were supposed to be doing and being happy he could not see how that would benefit anyone and didn't think we could survive. Well let me tell you, I could not let that one go unchallenged. Think about it, if you were doing the job or vocation that you were intended to do what would life be like for you? Let me guess, happy, fulfilled, over pouring with excitement and joy. Doesn't seem like that is such a bad thing. You might not be making the money that you always dreamt of, but then again is money really the motivator here. I have had jobs that have paid me a ton of money and yet I was the most miserable person walking the planet. I hear people talk about dreams and they make it sound like it is the end of the world if everyone accomplished their dreams. If you believe in Destiny, then you have to also believe in a divine plan that was mapped out long before you and I. The world would be a much better place if everyone was doing what they were destined to do. I can't believe for a minute that our prison are filled with inmates who were destined to be there. Now they are there because they did something that warranted it, but that was not their destiny. They just chose a different path, albeit, not a smart one. But if each prisoner was able to turn back the hands of time and be what they were born to be, there would not be a need for the ever expanding prison system. I know that I have been accused of being an idealist, but I can't be any other way. We just have to get to the point where getting to the right place is the only thing that matters. If you were in the job that you were destined to be in do you really think that we would have all the problems that we see in the world today. Think about it, marriages would be stronger, children would have the proper guidance and feelings of worth. Crime would be lowered and on and on and on.

Do I think that the world can be solved overnight, not a Snow Balls chance in Hell. But I do believe that if I can get someone to sit down take an inventory of themselves, know where they are at,where they are going, and what they want to really do when they grow up, then I think we just might have a chance to right the ship. Folks it's time to realize that most of us are not doing what we were destined to do. So so many people are trapped in positions they do not want, do not like, and regrettably do not know how to get out of. Just Imagine if everyone was doing what they wanted. I think just maybe we might see life just a little differently. Now I know I will hear "You can't do just what you want!" My response is, Why Not? Since when does anyone have a patent on life. Doing what you want doesn't mean throwing caution to the wind, telling your employer to go screw themselves, and just dropping everything to go to the beach. No far from it, if you are working in an area where your passion is pouring out, you aren't even thinking about skipping out of work to do something else, because work is no longer work, it is a vocation. I could go on for days talking about this, but that might just bore you and I need material for another day. For today just do me one favor, look inside of yourself and ask some simple questions; are you happy doing what you are doing? Do you seeing yourself doing this job for the next thirty years? Do you feel as though you make a difference? And finally, do you want more out of life? When you can answers those questions honestly come talk to me and lets take a journey to find your destiny. It is out there, we just may need to dig it up from under piles of garbage. Don't give up and don't give in. You will find your destiny, and when you do, life will change forever. Now think about that.........

True Destiny; If life is a Journey, Why Go it Alone?

It's going to be a beautiful weekend in Maine and I for one am going to be out there soaking up as much sun as I can take and living life to the fullest. If I can be so bold to say, most people do not know what it is like to live life to the fullest, and that is a sad state of affairs. I know so many people who walk around all day with this tiny little thunder cloud hovering above them. To them the sky is always falling or they are just waiting for the other shoe to drop. I feel for people like these because there is no need for such nonsense. Now don't get me wrong, bad things can and do happen to good people. Conversely good things always seem to happen to less than stellar people, I haven't quite figured that one out just yet. But to simply give up because the going gets tough is just down right stupid. We all go through rough patches in our lives. I have been through some many rough patches I could fill the largest football stadium in the world with rough patches. But the one thing that I do is never give up and never say never.

You have heard me say in the past, or read my words, that it's never over until I say it is. You have to take this to heart and realize that you can and will get through the tough times in life. That's not to say that you will come out of it untouched and not cut and tattered. I have more bruises from tough times than Carter has tiny little liver pills. But my attitude is and always will be, get back up on the horse when she bucks you off. Every now and again you just need someone to remind you of these things. People are desperate today to hear promising words and uplifting messages. They need to know that they are not alone in the muck and Myer that they are going through. Truth be told we all have these difficult times but some people never want to admit it. To them it is a weakness to say that things suck at times. Well let's face it things do suck at times and it is those times when we need people around us who can be there to help us up and move us on our way. I can not turn my back on friends, as much as I would like to some times, but deep down my compassion is too strong and I can't stand seeing someone hurt and lost. Yea maybe I am a softy, but as I have said before Karma is a bitch and it will bite you in the butt someday.

So what can you do when the times get tough? Stand up tall, take no prisoners, and for heavens sake, don't fall into despair and worry. All despair and worry can do is send you to an early grave. Trust me, there have been times in my life when I wanted to die. I mean seriously I would lay in bed at night praying to God that I didn't wake up the next morning. Not that is desperation with a Capital D. Thank goodness he had other plans for me and I am still around kicking and scratching all the way. Life is not simple, and times may be tough, but deep down inside each of us is a knowledge that there is something we are suppose to accomplish in this life. My task is to pull that out of each of you. To get you to see the big picture, and to realize that our best times are ahead of us and together we will reach the mountain top. The view from the top is spectacular and I for one want to take in it's beauty and splendor. So what do you say, give me a call and let's talk about what makes you tick, what makes you happy, and what stands in your way. We will come out of this and we will be stronger. After all, if life is a journey, there is no reason to go it alone. Think about it..............

True Destiny; If life is a Journey, Why Go it Alone?

As I sit down this morning to write I think about the many obstacles we face on any given day. Some of them as simple as how many sugars in my coffee or tea, others more difficult and thought inspiring. But no matter what obstacles we run into, how you get past them is entirely up to you. I have been faced with many difficult situations in my life, and there are times when I just want to turn around and high tail it for the hills in the hopes that my problems will just disappear behind me. Oh if only life were that simple. I have come to the conclusion in my life that running away from life's problems is never the answer, and ultimately you will still need to face them no matter how long you put off the inevitable. I have often told people that how one handles success is equally as important as how we handle our failures or tough times. There are no magical words that we can speak to make a bad situation go away. If it were possible to do that I would patent the recipe and be rich beyond my dreams. Alas we often have to face our issues head on, sometimes alone and sometimes with the help of others, but face them we must.

Now I have told you before that I avoid confrontation at all cost. Not because I am afraid of confrontation but more often than not it does no good to confront someone who is unwilling to admit they may be wrong, or may have done something to hurt. Let's face it, those that like to hurt with actions or words are not likely to be open to criticism or confrontation. Now we all know people who live to cause hate and discontent, there is one in every family, just in case you were wondering. There are others still, who hate anyone who seems to have more than them or has something good happen to them. It may be jealousy or envy, but how ever you look at it they are simply mean spirited people who want it all for nothing. I love it when I hear that something great has happened to a close friend or associate. Do I wish that good things always happened to me, of course I do, I'm only human after all, but I also love it when someone who has fought the good fight, gets to the finish line first, or gets the gold medal so to speak. I love hearing about the underdog being victorious in the things they do. Not only does it bring a smile to my face, but gives me hope that my attempts to accomplish my goals will not be for naught. We need to cherish every victory, and learn from our defeats. We need to recognize that not everyone is going to succeed, but even more importantly not everyone is going to fail. I know what side of the equation I want to be on, what about you?

So let's get back to obstacles, and developing a belief that they are not insurmountable, and do not have to mean that life is over. There's no denying that life is a challenge every single day, but those challenges also build character and with each success comes a renewed vigor to accomplish other things. We need to look at these situations as an opportunity to grow and learn. Yea, not what you wanted to hear, but it had to be said, and hopefully you will listen.

So here's the bottom line; accept the fact that difficulties will arise in life. Times will not always be sunny, and most of all, you can't tackle life's difficulties alone. There are people out there who are willing and able to assist you in most everything. When you find them don't let go, and if you can be one of those types who will put others first, well all I can say is "Bless you". Life is a journey, one that will lead you to your "True Destiny", so do me a favor and forget about doing it by yourself. Take someone along for the ride, and if you have the opportunity, offer your services to someone else who is on their own journey. You will never walk around feeling empty and you just might put a smile on someone's face. Think about that one for a moment..........

True Destiny; If life is a Journey, Why Go it Alone?

Einstein's theory said "For every action there's an equal and opposite reaction." Well the same can be said about life in general. But then again my father I think put it best, "if it's worth doing it's worth doing right." As I look toward the future, and don't you know that no one can predict it with 100 percent certainty, I have a new understanding of what I have to accomplish. Now I know some people will say it's what I want to accomplish. I would disagree, in my situation it really is what I need to accomplish. If you believe that everyone is born with a purpose, as I do, then you must also believe that there are things that each of us needs to fulfill in this lifetime. Trouble is most people never have the opportunity to discover what that purpose is, let alone accomplish what it is they are suppose to complete.

I believe in passion, no so much from a physical side, although I do believe in that, but rather passion for an idea, vocation, vision, whatever you want to label it as. I equally believe that the average person is drawn to someone who displays that passion. We long to feel the excitement of a situation or opportunity. We gravitate toward the "Just out of Reach" idea. We look toward the future and dream big dreams for things we would love to have, but not sure we will ever get them. No matter how you look at it we all have passion for certain things in our life, trouble is once again, too many people never take the time to discover what they are passionate about, or very regrettably, are afraid to verbalize the dreams they have. If you have a dream, a goal, a desire, don't give up on them. Whether you're 18 or 38, 58, or even 88, we all have unfulfilled dreams in our life. Go after them and never stop until you get there. Is there a chance that you might not make it? Sure there is, but here's the theory again, there's just as good a chance that you will. You see Einstein is not the only smart person in the world.

As you approach this day, open yourself up to new ideas, and the possibility of a new direction in your life. Don't let the fear of the unknown stop you from making the attempt, and for goodness sake don't let some one's doubt and unbelief dictate your actions. I've said it many times in the past, people will take you down to their levels, very rarely are you able to bring them up to yours. Seek out the help that is out there to get you to your rightful place.

And just for the record, Einstein was right, for every action there is an opposite. Just make sure you stay on the right side of this equation, trust me, life is much better that way. Think about it..............

True Destiny; If life is a Journey, Why Go it Alone?

What's the old adage, you ride the horse til she bucks you? Or better yet, when you fall off that horse, you need to climb back on. Either way, life has a way of taking us down, and if we refuse to fight, we lose. As you can tell It has been some time since I posted, no excuses except life has a way of happening. But I am back in the saddle so to speak and it's time once again to focus and pass on words of encouragement and insights that just might make your journey a little more pleasurable.

I have had a series of set backs lately, and even though I would like to have tossed it all in I realized that there was more that needed to be done in my life and I wasn't going to let the Bastards get me down. Forgive the profanity, but sometimes you need to call a spade a spade and forget about Political Correctness. If I have learned one thing in life it is that life will go on with or without me, and I for one want to be part of the future. A future I might add that is bright, full of promise and with endless possibilities. I have known very few people in my life who have not been faced with roadblocks, hurdles, and set-backs. In the same token I have known countless people who have rolled over on life and just called it quits at the first sign of adversity. The question you have to ask yourself is what type of person do you want to be. There is always the chance that something that is important to you will not be of any significance to someone else. What turns your crank, may not trip their trigger. But do you really care what others may think or do? If your vision is truly your vision, then it shouldn't mean a tinker's who-rah what others think. Yea sure we want other people's approval, but what happens when you don't get it, and you still haven't completed your task in life? Forget about what others think and move forward to your high calling. In my book I use a quote I heard almost 30 years ago, wish I could tell You where it came from, but I can't. The quote goes like this, "I would rather attempt something great and fail, then attempt nothing at all and succeed." We are never going to be successful at everything. Oh sure, we would like to think we will be, but let's be real, it isn't likely to work out that way. So let's realize that failure in what ever form, in what ever degree, is going to come to all of us sooner or later. Sidebar; if you haven't experienced failure to date in your life, consider yourself fortunate, because it's not likely you will continue on that path forever. Anyway, failure is an opportunity to rethink, redo, or otherwise take another whack at things. The key to failure is that you don't give up and you don't let the "Bastards" get you down. Ok sorry for the gutter talk again, I will try not to let that happen again.

So what's the next step? That's simple to answer. You just take the next step, maybe a baby step, maybe a huge leap of faith, but a step none-the-less. Again let me say, we only fail when we quit. We only fail when we don't move forward after a trial. And we only fail if we high tail it away because of adversity. Never give up and never give in. Life is indeed a journey, and as I have said so so so many times in the past, and undoubtedly many times to come in the future, never, never, never go it alone. Think about it............

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.......