Wow, it's been quite a while since I have written. Many things in life diverting me from what should be my focus. It's not that these things are trivial, in fact, they are quite important; but they are not the true goal.
It's hard to know sometimes what is and is not worthy of your concern. Work is important. Without it we can't pay our bills and more importantly we lose our self identity. Work is who you are, what you are passionate about. It isn't necessarily your 'job' but it could be. We should all be working harder to do more, achieve more, set new goals. It is what gives you purpose and more importantly gives you a sense of self and accomplishment. Without it you are rudderless, adrift in the sea of life, cast about and miserable.
Given all these things, it is understandable to focus on work, focus on your art, focus on your goals; as well you should! But is there something more? There might be. Family right? I'm gonna say some crap about family or spirituality and then hand you a pamphlet about Jesus. No. For some it is about that. And I think keeping an open mind about spiritual things is wise. And family is important, but I don't think it is as easy as all that.
I think it might be how you focus on these things. Yes, take care of your family, but do you appreciate the time spent with them? Yes, focus on your career, but are you aware of setting a balance? Life is a marathon, not a sprint. Rome wasn't built in a day. You probably aren't the A Number 1 at whatever you do, but who the hell is?!? Are you nice? Do you think about others? Are you good to your family and friends? Well then I'm sure people appreciate you. Maybe even more than the successful prick in the corner office. And try and be nice to that prick, he probably doesn't have many friends. He's lonely. He lashes out sometimes.
I've had a couple months of slight medical issues recently, and it really changes your view. Your body is the one vehicle we have for life, and yet we rarely listen to what it is saying to us. It's like driving your car without ever looking at your gauges. I know some of you ladies right now are wondering, "What are the gauges?" They're the things just beyond your Iphone screen, stop texting for a minute and look down at your dashboard...theeeerre they are. :D
Listen, I'm the worst, I've been runnin' this 'ole clunker on bad gas fer as long as I kin remember. But being the best isn't gonna matter if you're not around to enjoy it. As the Buddhists say,"Take the middle path." All things in moderation. I'm not ever going to be the best, and it has taken many years for me to swallow that bitter, bitter pill. But my kids still think I'm pretty cool, and until they find out otherwise, I'm going to enjoy it.
And so I'm going to try and take it easy now. If my hair ain't on fire, then my hair ain't on fire, so I'll try and relax and enjoy the things around me. I appreciate my wife, she really loves me. My kids are pretty cool, and they are glad to see me when I come home. My grandfather was pretty even keel for the most part. I appreciate what he learned me; I'm gonna practice what he taught. And if you are reading this, then I appreciate you too. Try and take it easy on people, they're doing the best they can. And try and take it easy on yourself, it's gonna get better, it always does.
Now go out there and ride your bike.
