change 'em, accept 'em, or leave 'em

There is this business sign here in Yakima. They might know their stuff but I always don’t soooo take that into consideration in reading this “It’s Saturday.” The people I quote probably do but me, maybe not soooo much. Remember, I’m just a little ol’ farm boy from a mile and a quarter south of Roseland, MN.

We are in Waukee, IA for a few days at our son, daughter-in-law and our two grandkids. I really love all our family with all my heart and am very proud of all of them; they all have been a blessing to us. And I get along well with all of them (i.e. they are good people) but I have learned that they all are nearly impossible to change soooo I accept them and after a few days in their homes, we go back to Yakima! hahaha That attitude works very good it seems! I'm a "silly goose on the loose" if I think I am going to change them; and besides, they probably think I'm the one who should change! hahaha MyPreacherManFriendFromNW-IA tells me this--"Arguing with anyone really accomplishes very little, if anything." 

Change ‘em, accept ‘em or leave ‘em are choices we have if we struggle with folks we are around that we don’t agree with. We have choices now don’t we. Change someone seems almost impossible if they don’t wany change, accept them is something we can do but it is not always easy, leave them is maybe the easiest but is it the best? I would guess most of you did all three or are thinking about doing one of ‘em right now. If not, maybe we should!

Naval Ravikant in his book, The Almanack of Navel Ravikant, says: “It's easier to change ourself than to change the world.” I think that means it is easier to change ourselves than someone else. I think he is saying we should think about changing our attitude, but I don’t know for sure. I read his book and found it interesting. The first half is about how our current culture is making big money and the second half is about being happy. I suggest you read the second half. I think it’s pretty good. The book is free online and on podcasts.

Naval also said,” If folks don’t have the same core values, there will be problems in understanding each other (e.g. if a person has a core value of honesty and the other doesn’t, it probably will cause problems in the relationship). It is better to dissolve the relationship early if that’s the situation as it will always be a problem.” He is a a big-time business guru who ends relationships immediately if the other party is not honest. He said, “It just ain’t going to work as honesty is one of my core values “ What do you think? Soooo what are our core values? Personally, I don’t want others to tarnish my life more or possibly corrupt it even more. And let's be honest, who we hang around with will affect us.

It works every time! OneSmartPerson said--It takes contrition and humility to find peace. What are contrition and humility? They are not innate qualities, but extrinsic. We can learn them. I guess we can decide to change ‘em, accept ‘em or leave ‘em. As an old, deceased friend said to me—erv, decisions have consequences and guess who gets to make the decisions!

My mentor would say to me--erv, When things are good we think they will always be good and when things are bad we think think they will always be bad but this to shall pass. I woke up the other morning feeling exceptional good. I have no idea why why I had this thought. I didn’t want it to change; I wanted it forever. But reality is, it will change as it never stays this good. I don’t know why I feel this way, really. I want to put it in a jar and keep it forever! I’m going to really enjoy it. I went to bed that day and still had the feeling. Hooray! I have the feeling that something really good is going  to happen to me (i.e. a great opportunity a.k.a. a divine surprise). Yes, I do and think it will. I can’t wait! Be patient erv, be patient! And when it does, I need to recognize it and have the courage to act on it. 

On my early morning walk this house made me think about the American Dream being a maybe a couple in a $450,000 house in suburbia, boat, camper, two cars in the drive as there is probably no room in the garage as it’s full of other toys and stuff, probably two kids and two dogs. Both have adequate jobs to support this lifestyle (i.e. with a lot of debt maybe) but it’s stressful. At the end of the day and week, they are really tired, but they are living the American Dream. The world tells us on TV that it is the way!

It appears that we in America seem tired and worn-out folks who are living the fast pace a.k.a. the rat race. Some even say they have had it, I’m burned out!  They are shot! And to me, many folks look that way. Sooo, I guess we can change it, accept it or leave it. My life is pretty simple by choice. I have to admit it, I enjoy it. But guess what, I still get tired! The ageing process does that to me, I ain’t 28 anymore. I just don’t have as much energy as I use to. The old body ain’t what it used to be! I need to accept that. It’s partially worn out and tired. But it has a little "get-go" left. Yours does too. Let’s not waste it. Let’s enjoy life and use it for good. Let’s ring the bell! I guess we can change our live, accept it or leave it!

Sarah says—“Every person on this planet faces gaping jaws of uncertainty. The only antidote to this poisonous threat is…!”  You decide folks.

I just read the book Reach For The Sky by Paul Brickhill about Douglas Bader who lost both legs and became a top flying ace in the Battle of Britain. It was a good read for me as it’s soooo positive in that it shows how attitude is soooo important in our lives. I know that and have been reminded many times, but this was another positive real story. CoachB says—"We are shaped by what we conquer"—“It is not the easy things, not things we are given, it is the things that we overcome that that truly define us. Those things define our character, our personality, our spirit and our ability to become better people.” Again, I can change my life, accept it or leave it!

When my life gets out of whack, I need to cut it down. I need to guard myself in not having an overload of negative situations and negative people around me. I need to have people of my values, beliefs and lifestyle along with positive attitudes around me. I need to guard myself. It’s my choice! That is something I can control. I can change it, accept it, or leave it! I believe we all should! What do you think?

Have a FUN day my friends unless you have other plans. (-:

erv

MyDeceasedFriend Jean said--Red shy at night sailors' delight.