Figure it out, don't call me!

Would you consider this good advice?  

I recently attended a Global Leadership Conference and the leader of the conference, Bill Hybels of Willow Creek Church told the story of his father putting him plane/train when he was 11 years old and telling him to go skiing in Colorado and gave him this advice “figure it out, don’t call me.”  (btw it seemed to work well for him) 

It sounded a bit stupid to me when I first heard it however it does make a good point for a teaching lesson.  If you are faced with a challenge and you have no one to call, you better figure it out, or suffer the consequences.  

Consider the times in your life when you were left alone to figure it out on your own.  Did you learn something from it?  You bet you did.  Good or bad, those experiences shape your character as well as your confidence.

When you own the experience and do not rely on others to help you get there…those are your moments. 

Perhaps giving that advice to a 11 year old is a bit extreme, however I’ll admit I am enjoying the fact that I get called less and can clearly see my son is figuring it out.

For the longest time I considered parenting a lifetime job!  I am now taking care of my parent, perhaps the responsibilities change and the duty remains. 

The lifetime job is loving both roles!  

Life is truly a circle and a grand challenge to remain balanced!  

What do you need to figure out? 

Don't call me! 

Nobleone

Why be happy?

Because it sucks when your not!  As I get ready to turn 57 I am becoming quite confident that my number one goal is to be happy and to make others happy as well!

You can’t help to smile when you see someone else that is happy.  Guess what?   It's even better when you are the one that is!

I watched a TED Talk (ideas worth sharing) recently by a teenager that decided along with his parents he would pursue an education that made him happy.  He focused on those subjects that made him feel good inside.  Those that instinctively felt right to learn about.  What a novel thought!

If I am in the position to hire someone, I think one very important criteria is…are ya happy?  It is more productive and simply a better work environment when you surround yourself with those folks that decide that they are gonna lead a happy life!

Years ago a very popular song became a phenomena when Bobby Ferrin introduced  Don’t Worry Be Happy.  Today latest sensation is Pharrell’s hit single Happy.  If you have not done so, play those songs and listen intently to the words!  

Could life be that simple?  When I set my goals many years ago I don't think being happy was one of them.  It simply wasn't my focus. 

Why?  I pay attention to the folks around me and trust me I hang around a lot of folks.  There is no motivation what so ever to camp out with those that make decisions to hurt others and inflict pain. 

What makes you happy could be vastly different than what makes me happy however that’s what makes the world go round. 

Give yourself the gift of being happy and your greatest gift to your family and friends is you achieving that goal! 

It is difficult to be happy when those close to you are not! 

NobleOne

Why I married my bartender!

When some folks leave work they often stop by a favorite watering hole to have one or perhaps two cold libations prior to going home.  Why is that?

Some folks don’t have a family at home and after a big day you just need to hangout with someone that will listen and serve you that 5:00 PM necessity!

Who remembers the lady behind the bar that knew your troubles, laughed at your stories and didn't ask too many questions?  

Who really sets the tone @ the great watering holes?

You got it…the bartender! 

…and I married mine!

And for the last 25 years I have had a best friend that listens and does her part to make things work.  She is no stranger to hard work or useless drama.  

Our marriage has certainly had its ups and downs, however year to date we both still feel we have a large life in front of us. 

I don’t claim to possess the secrets of a successful marriage, however I did put some time into my decision.

…and it turned out to be a good one! 

...is that for me? 

NobleOne