Before I get into the meat and potatoes of this post I thought I’d mention something a friend of mine said to me when I was talking about how I normally teach.  He is of the mind that in order to get results the focus should be to portray yourself as a ‘maven’ or ‘guru’ that people will see as a model of success.  A ‘Fake-it-till-you-Make-it’ type of approach.  Now, though I respect his opinion and certainly believe in reaching for all of the personal power I have…that simply isn’t me.  So, if you’re looking for a new idol to pop on your shelf…I’m not the guy.  Nor do I really have any ambition to be ‘The Guy’.  When I started out on this new walk about 3 years ago the message was really simple:  “Be Who You Are and Live The Truth“.  In my heart I feel the only lessons I can really give are the ones I’ve paid for with my own life…and so, with that in mind.  I hope you enjoy the read

I’m guessing you’ve likely heard the old question about whether you view life as a glass half empty or half full.  In fact, it’s a good chance that you know people who fit both descriptions nicely.  When life is ‘good’ (and it ALWAYS is IMHO) we tend to see the glass half full, or as I like to say, “Completely full: half water, half air.“  I also try to spend the bulk of time around people who view the world in a similar way.  It’s just simpler that way.  I figure that since the single most important resource I have is my time I should spend it as wisely as I can.  Especially since, at 4o I’m approximately 1/4 of the way through my life

The real test though is never really how you are when things are ‘good’ or when you’re around ‘good’ people.  It’s when life can be pretty much described as a kick in the nuts and most of the people seem to also view the glass as full…of POISON.  This has been my personal situation of late.  As I’ve written before, I’ve been fighting a severe infection (which has yet to be properly identified) since the end of April.  It’s been a long tale of tests and drugs and procedures (Thank GOD for the Canadian medical system!!!) which culminated in emergency surgery this past Sunday when they were afraid my kidneys would shut down.  So, not great right?

Or is that really what matters in the first place?

“It’s the set of your sails and not the gales that determine the way that you go.“  Earl Nightingale

I may not be some sage on a mountaintop but I can say that this journey the last few months has taught me an incredible amount about who I am, what love really is, and the power of gratitude.  My friend and Fear Management expert Tony Blauer once told me that “Pain is a Spiritual Teacher“.  Having walked with more pain than I’ve ever had, longer than I’ve ever had, in a place you simply do not want it…I’ll have to say that’s a Bulls Eye.  See, although the physical side was daunting, it was really what I was focusing on in those moments that really guided my complete experience.

There were times when the pain was so intense, even with heavy medication, that the only thing I could do was cry.  Not very manly, I know, but that’s part of the point.  What I remember most is Lorretta holding me in those moments and knowing I was loved no matter how weak I felt.  My first solo shower after surgery was about as close to ritual suicide as I’d like to experience but my focus was that when she got home she’d see me one step closer to ‘well’.  Being cared for by her is an inspiration and a testament to how incredibly lucky I am.

I’m grateful to my ex who kept the kids (we have four AMAZING kids…you can see them on my facebook page) so that I could recover without worrying them.  It’s hard for kids to see a parent ill.  Considering it was ‘my week’ and a business owner herself I know it was a challenge for her.  But her commitment to the kids is another blessing in my life.

Through this all I’ve had old friends, clients, and even many readers write to me offering love and support.  So though this gale has blown hard, and is not over yet, the gifts that I’ve been given far outweigh any discomfort I have felt or still feel.  In geek speak…

www.TheUniverseLoves MeGodHasBlessedMyLifeAndIAmtheLuckiestManAlive.com

Hmm… I wonder if it’s available

Thanks for reading this week.  It’s been quite a trip so far, thanks for sharing it with me.

And let me know if it helps YOU!

Phil

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