I had a difficult conversation at the end of last week, and I can’t stop thinking about it.
I won’t mention this guy’s name on my blog, let’s just call him “Bob.” Bob had requested information from my website about what I do for a living. Bob is a baby boomer and has had a very successful career. He’s been a loan officer, is looking to make $150k/year, and, according to his comments is looking to get his life back.
Sound familiar? It should, because there are hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of other people out there that are looking for the same thing.
I know I was.
A couple of weeks ago “Bob” phoned me and we had a short conversation. He indicated that he was still doing his due diligence on my business. That’s cool.
He also friended me on Facebook – good for him (that’s an excellent way to get to know someone).
What started our “difficult” conversation was that I noticed that he was posting rather negative comments about his situation, the government, the economy, etc. on his Facebook page and, of course, I could see them on my Timeline. I figured that he could use some help, so I asked him… “can I help you?”
Here’s his reply:
“You know, at 60 years of age I am no longer a wide eyed hopeful and naive young person. All I see out there are ways to pay more taxes, work for minimum wage, pay more for food, watch a growing Police State, and I have done (insert his list of other businesses), and none of them were sustainable. What a wonderful world.”
I kinda got mad at this because, this lousy thinking is exactly why he is broke.
Here’s my not-so-great reply, )actually, it’s pretty terrible):
“NICE… So… you are the same age as my husband. We’ve opted out of your so-called police state, with wide-eyed KNOWLEDGE that we don’t have to have anything to do with that because we do not have jobs ( I meant self-employed), can live wherever we want and don’t have to build a stupid MLM business.
Even when we were broke.
So you can decide to opt out too, OR you can complain and go back to a job.
Sorry about the “in-your-face” comments.
To which he replied:
Ok, I have no anger left for or towards anyone, so “in your face” comments have no effect on me anymore. Like I said, I have no money to invest, no checking account (tax man grabbed that) and I do not understand this stuff anyway.
Like Bob Dylan said, “It’s not Dark yet, but it’s getting there.”
Lousy Thinking is at the Root of His Problem
I am not usually confrontational. I usually don’t complain, I just “do.” When I need to solve a problem, I just get busy. I like to just be an example of what someone can do/be/have. However, I HATE IT WHEN PEOPLE ARE STOPPED BY THEIR OWN LOUSY THINKING.
The funny thing is that he has this poem posted in his “About” page on Facebook:
“I hold it true that thoughts are things:
They are endowed with bodies and breath and wings;
And that we send them forth to fill
The world with good or ill.
Thast which we call our secret thought
Speeds forth to earth’s remotest spot,
Leaving its blessing or its woes,
Like tracks behind it as it goes.
We build our future, thought by thought,
For good or ill, yet know it not,
Yet so the universe was wrought.
Thought is another name for fate;
Choose, then, thy destiny and wait,
For love brings love and hate brings hate.”
I pray that this guy figures out that he has lost his way. I’ll remain a beacon for him for when he does.
From all the little things like the traffic jam to perhaps spilling coffee on your favorite shirt… to other things like working long hours and worrying about the unhealthy economy.
With so many things that get us worried or upset, it’s no wonder that it’s so easy to feel like you’re always getting the short end of the stick. Like everything is out of control.
Well, this video of Nick Vujicic is a reminder that external factor are exactly just that! External.
The power to get what we want, be it personal or professional or financial, lies INSIDE us. It should never matter what the external situation or the external economy is like.
I recently ran into the following rules to live by. Enjoy.
Tomorrow has a 92.6% chance of turning into Never. Do it today.
Living well is not the best revenge. It’s a choice.
Sometimes the answer is just “Cheese Fries.” Simplify your life.
When choosing between two evils, pick the one you haven’t done before. Experiment
Good Judgement comes from experience. A lot of experience comes from Bad Judgement. Engage
What you did in the past was caused by past beliefs. What you do now is caused by present beliefs. Don’t mix up either. Evolve.
A confused mind says “no.” How much are you trying to get done today? Focus.
It doesn’t matter what “they” think. That’s THEIR business, not yours. Besides most people don’t think very often, so move along. Composure.
You are being judged by 12 people that couldn’t figure out how to get out of jury duty. Negotiate.
You need exactly one person’s permission to be happy. Visit nearest mirror and ask for it. Own it.
Michelangelo’s greatest work started as a mistake. Tell me again what you are waiting for. Onward.
If I’m like everyone else, who will be like me? Unafraid.
The passage of time can level mountains, change governments and wipe out dinosaurs. It can certainly heal what hurts in your heart.
Don’t suffer fools – at all. Steady.
If you lend someone money and never see them again – totally WORTH IT.
The moment you think you are a big deal, try telling a cat what to do. Graceful.
The greatest danger of communication is the illusion that it has occurred. Clarity.
Gentlemen, if she wants to dance with you, you’re winning. Receive.
A “fine” is a tax for doing wrong. A “tax” is a fine for doing well. Duty.
For fear of taking risks in life I missed a lot of fun. Now the only things that I regret are things I have not done. Courage.
Special thanks to Andy Jenkin’s Scorched Earth for this.
Living in Palm Springs, California has tremendous advantages.
Beautiful weather
Lots of fun stuff to do
Interesting people
Proximity to Los Angeles
Great hiking, biking, tennis… and GOLF!
I’ve never been a golfer, but since there are over 400 (!) golf courses within 20 miles of my house, my husband and I decided to take up the sport. Golf in Palm Springs is just “what people do” here.
Golf in Palm Springs
There are endless courses to choose from. Here are three fine courses to play golf in Palm Springs.
Indian Canyon Golf Course
I live very close to a course that sits on Native American tribal lands called Indian Canyon. Most of the courses in Palm Springs have been frequented by our former citizens, like Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Bob Hope and Jackie Gleason, to name drop a few. This course is no exception. Tee times are difficult to get in our high season – October through May. If you are a local, make sure to stop by in the Summer – they have a great locals deal.
Taquitz Creek Golf Course
Taquitz Creek is probably the best deal for cheap golf in Palm Springs. The club consists of two courses, Legend and Resort enjoy spectacular views of mountains, snow and sky. We hired a pro from this course to teach us how to golf. Dave Shackelford has been wonderful!
Cimarron Golf Resort
I love Cimarron resort the best. They have wonderful service – a “helper” comes and loads your bags onto your cart as you leave your car. And, even better, the “helper” cleans your clubs and unloads everything for you at the end of your day. This is not unusual at most golf resorts, but it is unusual for a resort, where, if you look online, you can go for a round of golf for $29!!! If you are a beginner at golf in Palm Springs , then their Pebble Course is for you. It makes a great transition to “actual golf” for those of us that are just beginning to understand all the clubs in our bags.
The Boulder Course received one of golf’s top honors being selected as one of Golf Digest’s Best Places to Play in 2003 along with highest of rankings in the ESPN Zagat Survey and Palm Springs Life.
The Pebble Course was recently voted the Top Shorter Length Course in California. If you are looking to hit every club in your bag, finish an 18 hole round in 3 hours and have plenty of energy left to enjoy the rest of the day, the Pebble Course is for you.
