The Many Lives of Me…

Recently overwhelmed with work and family matters I began to retreat into a mild state of self pity and worry. In the middle of this mental field trip I reflected back to advice my Grandfather gave me over many years. Grandfather was a very earthy and wise person who was unflappable and simply “got it”.

Something he told me early on was “There are many things you will do in life that you don’t want to or don’t like…but what you do for a living should never be one of them. Family first…and happiness follows.”

In the midst of my self pity party I stopped, sat down in the dark in the middle of the night and focused on everything in the present. I remembered my Grandfather’s advice and reflected.

I am a very fortunate person…very fortunate. I have been lucky enough to do pretty much whatever I wanted with my life and have managed to be successful and happy with most of it.

I remember a comedy sketch years ago on the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour where Ben Franklin visited an employment office looking for work. The “consultant” looked at Ben’s resume noting “Inventor, Author, Diplomat, Publisher, Philosopher”, etc and commented “Hmmmm, can’t keep steady work eh?”

In my lifetime I have held paying occupations that in relative order included farming, law enforcement, education, art, carpentry, furniture building, theatrical production and direction, technology consulting, advertising and marketing consulting…and I have been successful at all of them and with the exception of 2.5 years in 34 never worked for anyone but me. Short attention span, or just following my loves? Mariann (my dear late wife) observing multiple occupation changes and alleged talents asked me once “What Can’t you do?” My reply…”Sit Still…and yodel!”

I don’t offer any of this as boastful information, I know I am fortunate and wish as many opportunities to anyone who seeks them.

No, I offer this information to encourage you…when I have a whiny fit…to remind me how lucky I am.

I’m just saying.