Rules

-

So some rules for living that I’ve learned along the way. 

In all honesty, I saw this written out on a sign, but I agree.

1). Let it Go - this is a big one. Don’t hang on to the things that have hurt you. Get rid of the people who did it, if you must, but if you can’t, forgive them. 

It took me a little while to learn this, but my life is better for having been able to pull it off.

2). Ignore the Doubters - For some reason, people sometimes go out of their way to tell you what you can’t do. Thankfully, somehow, my parents were able to grace us all with a fair amount of self-confidence. 

I remember writing “House of Miracles” as I started interviewing a Mom who had a son who was terminally ill, I thought, “I can’t do this.”

That lasted 10 seconds.

3). Give it Time - “This too shall pass.” I’ve often told myself that many times through the years, but I also learned that sometimes the time that you have to give it is...A LOT OF TIME! 

And still, it never all goes away, but you have to learn to live with what you can’t rise above. 

There’s a price to pay for just living. 

Pay it. 

Don’t ever quit. 

It’ll pass.

4). Don’t Compare yourself to others.

Best advice column: 

Be better than the person you were yesterday. 

I heard that early on in life and liked it. I set a higher standard for myself than anyone ever has. 

I’m still trying to get better.

5). Stay Calm - I must admit that this is my weakest of all these little tidbits.

I have a tendency to go off the handle from time to time, but I’m much better than when I was younger. 

I don’t throw many golf clubs. 

I don’t yell as often as I did back when.

Still want to learn how to count to ten and then relax.

6). Smile! 😀- There are days when I don’t feel great. 

I’ll often snap out of it by doing my best to think up a skit or two and then sharing it with others. 

All day long. 

I know a couple of guys who are ALWAYS happy.

I’m not.

But I seek out the happy guys, and I try to smile.

7) You

You’re the one who will dictate how your mood is each day.

Some days it’s harder to snap out of it than other days.

Some days you won’t win.

Shake it off!

Dwelling on the misery makes you miserable.

Sounds easy, right?

Which ones are you good at?

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Suits

-
Like a lot of other people we got pulled into the series, ‘Suits’ on Netflix. I’ve never had much fun hanging around lawyers who have questioned me as a construction safety officer. I once testified in a case where the opposing lawyer started questioning me by going through my educational background. “So,” he said, racing to a crescendo, “You graduated from college with a degree in Communications-Journalism and suddenly, 30 years later, you’re a ‘safety expert.’” He actually made the quotation marks with his fingers. I just looked at him. “How does that happen?” He bellowed, sure that he was going to discredit me. “Well,” I said. “I knew I was overqualified to become a lawyer.” The courtroom erupted in laughter. Even the judge chuckled. The rest of his questions landed flat. So, I wasn’t all that keen on a show about lawyers, but ‘Suits’ is great. Meghan Markle became a princess because of the show, and she is very good in it (and a beautiful woman). Yet, there is so much more. The wri
Read more

My Buddy, Dave

-
Way back in 1997, I started working with a steel erection company out of Syracuse. I was coming straight from a long stint with a steel erector here in Buffalo so I knew my stuff when it came to steel erection safety rules. On day one, I met with the safety director and he was just getting started as a safety guy, but man, he certainly cared about the guys he worked with. Dave was a good man from the start. He’d say things like: “You’re so full of beans.” Just a down to earth, hardworking guy who became a fast friend. We drove all around New York State setting up jobs. I always let Dave drive so that I could rest. One fine day, way up North of Syracuse, we passed a state trooper.  I glanced at the speedometer. “You’re screwed,” I said, and seconds later, the lights came on. Dave was beside himself.  The cop stopped by the window, grabbed the license and registration and headed back to his vehicle. “Here’s the thing,” I said. “You’re pissed, but you’re such a good guy that I bet you tha
Read more

Mom & Ollie

-
Image
 Ollie Stadium is a mess. The heavy rains rendered the backyard a mud pit and even though we threw in the side yard, the Big O was looking for more, and we were both covered in mud. I had to take some steam out of him somehow so I suggested we go visit Grandma. Ollie hates the car, but he laid quietly as we made the trip. We even brought the football because there is plenty of room to play at Grandma’s. Mom opened the door and started laughing. I thought about the love she had for every single dog we ever had. Oliver was quick to give my Mom a kiss, and then he stood beside her. The love between Mom and Dogs is a mutual bond. Through the years, Mom would make breakfast for the dogs.  Fried eggs, toast, bacon… She would wrap Christmas gifts for them. “To Jeter, Love Santa,” she would write on the cards. They played with the big chicken that made a lot of noise. Mom tossed the football and Ollie brought it back to her. As the visit drew to a close I headed for the door.  “C’mon, Oliver,”
Read more