FollowCraig: Something to Ponder

And your still reading…….

Although some believe George Carlin wrote this, it was actually written by Bob Moorehead a relatively unknown author.

A Message by Bob Moorehead, “Something to Ponder”

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We’ve learned how to make a living, but not a life. We’ve added years to life not life to years. We’ve been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We’ve done larger things, but not better things.

We’ve cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We’ve conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We’ve learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete…

Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.

Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.

Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn’t cost a cent.

Remember, to say, ‘I love you’ to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.

Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.

Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

George Carlin

Thank you for allowing me to share this with you. Happy New Year to you!

I’m still writing, you’re still reading, so please keep following……

Craig

20130102-202159.jpg

FollowCraig: “Shiny Shoes”

……and you’re still reading

Just how real are you? I was watching an interview on 60 minutes recently profiling Mr. Steve Jobs of Apple fame. The biographer of Steve Jobs life shared a story from “Jobs” youth. His stepfather taught him how to build many things and one was a fence. His stepfather told him, always build the fence so it is just as attractive on the back of the fence as the front. Perhaps no one will ever know or see it but you will always know what you’ve built.

It may seem to some that this is perfection in the making or some OCD thing. But doesn’t it really describe integrity and character? It’s what we do that no-one may ever see or how we behave when no-one is looking that truly defines ones character.

My Grandfather always had wonderful small statements of fact to simplify the experiences of life. One I will always remember..Craig he would say, “Always be wary of a man who only shines the front of his shoes” I have always remembered that statement and to this day I always shine the back of my shoes because you never know who’s looking?

I too have many statements of my own making and one I will share is this: “I would rather wear a real Timex watch rather than a fake Rolex”. Being real, being of good character and integrity sounds simple enough but it’s not always easy. It takes a bit more work to build that fence so it’s attractive on both sides, a little bit more polish to shine those shoes completely and refrain to resist the temptation to wear a glimmering fake Rolex.

I’m still writing, you’re still reading, so please keep following……

Craig

20121205-234332.jpg

FollowCraig: “after all these years”

……..and your still reading

I was just sitting here at home thinking about life and how things just turn out. As many of you who read my posts know, I stopped drinking almost 10 years ago and my life has changed so much over that time. Just a few days ago I had the opportunity to watch a wonderful life changing movie called “Flight” starring the great actor Denzel Washington. While watching the movie it occurred to me that someone had made my movie. Yes, this was a movie about me. Well not in the sense of the harrowing events but rather the emotional truths. As the final scene is about to be disclosed, we see a man who by all accounts can do anything he wants, he has the opportunity to be hailed a hero and perhaps live a beautiful future. All he has to do is tell one more lie, just one and no one will know. No one will ever need to know his secret, that little secret that is killing him and the lives around him. Yes, I’ve lived this movie, I have known the pain that rests inside as you wrestle with conscious, values, standards, lies, truths, morality and so much more all intersecting deep in your soul just tearing you apart. Being in that place where you just cannot go on living the same way every day lying to yourself and everyone around you. When all you can do is have a drink to ease this never ending pain and guilt, knowing that you really don’t want that drink but have no other solution. This is the movie I lived, this is the place I was, the same place as Denzel Washington’s character in this movie. Imagine what it’s like to finally be faced with your truth and knowing all those around you have set the stage so you can continue to live in a false world; the make believe world of self told lies? Existence, that’s all it becomes. You just exist, you never get to experience life in real terms. Finally it’s over, your done and you cannot go on because now you have reached the point of non-existence. This is what we who have lived through this call “Our Bottom”.

As I look back and remember where I was almost a decade ago and where I am today, it’s as if I was reborn. Today my life is rich with love and peace. I am married and happy. My career is even back on track and moving at lightning speed. My life is good and I am so grateful to have lived through my bottom. As the movie ends, we find Mr. Washington’s character sitting in prison talking to a room of inmates sharing how now he is finally free. I truly know that freedom and I am truly a blessed man.

Thank you for reading this as I was so compelled to write and share a small part of what it’s like to surrender and live through it.

I’m still writing, you’re still reading, so please keep following……..

Craig

20121116-215010.jpg

FollowCraig: “Your Life”

…….and you’re still reading

A friend asked me the other night how it is I always seem to lift myself out of the dumps and find the positive in life when often things appear to be crap? So I was thinking about this and thought I would answer that question for them and perhaps some of you.

It’s simple really…

First it should be known I do have my share of difficulties in life just like everyone. I have bad days, sometimes no money, my family upsets me, politics or religious issues get to me, the car breaks and a whole host of other life events. It’s just when these issues come up I like to take the “Glass is half full” attitude. Here is how and why it works. Recently many of you may recall the NFL replaced referees with college referees during a labor strike. When a controversial call was made, some odds makers in Las Vegas and Atlantic City claimed they lost 300 million dollars on that call. So think of it this way, if some lost 300 million dollars then that means others gained the same. (Glass empty or full)?

Our lives are filled with possibilities and every event has an eventual outcome and it’s up to us how we perceive and live with that outcome. Another example goes something like this; Everyday someone at work or in your life is asked how they are today and the first words are “oh fine”. Just what does that really mean? Another person is asked the same and they answer “GREAT!” with enthusiasm. Who would you rather be near that day? It’s the words that come out of our mouths that really begin to dictate the outcome of our day, our weeks an our lives. An old adage ” What we think about comes about” is so true but even more so when it come to the words we say. I have learned that when I approach each morning with an enthusiastic hello coupled with a sincere smile the world around me seems bright and open to great opportunities. I truly believe and have proven time and time again that what I speak is what I experience. If you really want to be lifted up when things seem gloom, then just stop and look at both sides of the issue. A positive side always exists, always and we are the ones who choose on which side we want to be. Choose to be enthusiastic when you speak, invite others to want to be near you. Be the one people want to be around!

As the words of Michael Jacksons song “Man in the Mirror” explain, we and only we can decide our destiny, one moment at a time, one word, one sentence, and yes the words we say to others and to ourselves truly drive your attitude.

I’m still writing, you’re still reading, so please keep following……

Craig

20121019-070552.jpg

FollowCraig: “Philanthropy”

………and you’re still reading

Philanthropy? So what is it and do you need to be wealthy to do it? Let’s just take a moment and define: phi·lan·thro·py
1. altruistic concern for human welfare and advancement, usually manifested by donations of money, property, or work to needy persons, by endowment of institutions of learning and hospitals, and by generosity to other socially useful purposes.
2. the activity of donating to such persons or purposes in this way: to devote one’s later years to philanthropy.
3. a particular act, form, or instance of this activity: The art museum was their favorite philanthropy.

Do you know any “Philanthropists”?

People like Bill Gates, J.D. Rockefeller, Warren Buffet and so many more. Just what drives people to give away their wealth and time? Long ago in an interview with Jerry Lewis, he said that giving is really the most wonderful selfish gift anyone can do. I truly understand that feeling, the wonderful feeling you have when you are able to help another human being. In the months to come I will write about and share some amazing stories of philanthropy and the impact on all our lives.

I sure hope you continue to follow my journey as I begin to investigate and share all the wondrous things people in our world do to lift us all.

I’m still writing, you’re still reading, so please keep following………

Craig

20121006-215450.jpg

FollowCraig: “On FollowCraig”

………..and you’re still following

You have been reading this blog for sometime now and I thank you so much for that. As you know by now I have shared much of my life’s journey in this very open forum and it has been a truly freeing experience for me. However it’s time now for this blog to develop a new identity. As many of you now know I have very strong political and religious positions, so I really no longer feel compelled to shout about those issues any longer. On the other hand I have some real issues and thoughts that I believe affect all of us and our world and should be shared.

I have decided to explore and travel a new path. Over the years I have had the good fortune to participate in many charitable organizations, service clubs and recovery groups. These experiences have been so satisfying and rewarding to me that I have decided to expand and share the incredible stories of people who give freely of their time and money to help so many. Over the months to come I will be researching, reviewing and writing of these wonderful and inspiring people and organizations. Perhaps together we can find our way to assist and grow some these same groups to continue their good works.

If you know of or participate in any group or service that lends a hand up to those in need, please send me your story and all the information you can about the organization your part of. I am really looking forward to this wonderful journey of discovery and am very excited to share it with all of you.

You’re still reading, I’m still writing, so please keep following…..

Craig

20120922-160449.jpg

FollowCraig: “Victims”

…..and your still reading

Over these last few days we have heard one leading Presidential Candidate speak of the 47% he calls victims. I find it interesting that this leading politician would publicly state this opinion in such an open forum as a political fundraiser. As this man has stated before some things should be discussed behind closed doors.

You may may think this post today is political in theme and perhaps a little of that is true. I will make my feelings clear so there is no misunderstanding, I am a liberal progressive Democrat. However I am not really writing to that subject but rather to those 47%.

I’ve been a professional salesman for most of my adult life. Over these years I have attended countless sales meetings, motivational and inspirational seminars, tactical sales strategy training and so much more. A few things have always held true and I believe hold true in life, that is statistics. As an example, 5% of all salesmen earn 95% of all the money. I’ve seen that and lived it on both sides. Another is 50% of customers don’t buy the product but rather the salesman. Percentages and statistics are very good tools of measure to use when projecting sales and setting goals. Purely determining future outcomes based on past results is common and often accurate. Sometimes though people surprise us and tip those statistics we so count on. If we find that little spur in their heel or that bubbling passion inside ones soul, mountains can be moved. These statistics change and the larger will often become the power.

When this leading politician spoke of the 47% as he did, his comments reminded me of all those seminars, sales meetings and trainings I have attended over all these years. These statistics do hold true in winning a race or making money, however this is real life. Don’t we have another more important mission as a people? I don’t think winning the race or increasing the bottom line is what leading a country is all about. Does it really matter if we are the 1, 5 or the 47%? All of us as a people and America’s people at that have an obligation to help each other, to offer a hand up and a country where we can freely exceed our greatest goals and dreams. If someone calls another a victim because they are having a difficult time or the circumstance of their life is such that money and life is just plain hard, is that leadership? So many people work everyday raising their families and struggling with just everyday life. We have people who are hero’s among us that never are recognized for the works they do. We have people who have worked their whole lives so they can live in dignity at the twilight of their years. Americans are without a doubt the hardest working people man has ever known and we are not victims.

So yes I used this blog to express my views on this subject. I just think we all should truly consider the responsibility our elected leaders carry on their shoulders. These people are selected by us to represent all of us. I love America and being an American yet when I hear statements like this from someone at this level of a political campaign, I wonder if we are becoming not; America the country but rather America, Inc?

I’m still writing, you’re still reading, so please keep following……..

Craig

20120919-201846.jpg

FollowCraig: “WOW”

…….and you’re still reading

Think about this, I’m 60 years old and I was wowed today! Let me share my day with you or at least a small part of how that came to be.

I was invited to a business event held at Travis Air force base in Fairfield, California. Now I have never been on an air base in my entire life, so this experience in of itself was thrilling. The day began with about 20 guests being treated to a great lunch at “The Officers Club” on base and then a tour of the Doolittle Air & Space Museum. If any of you know of and remember the remarkable story of the famous Doolittle raid of World War II, it’s an incredible part of history.

Now for the “Wow”, we were escorted access the tarmac past several very large airplanes. These were KC-10’s, great big incredible machines. Just looking at the airplanes up close is beyond imagination and nothing like the ones we see in movies. So big, so powerful and looming. As we walked to an open KC-10 with a set of stairs leading almost two stories to a side door just behind the captains cockpit, I just felt this incredible sense of wonder mixed with good old American pride. As I walked up those stairs and into the aircraft to see the chairs for the crew somewhat placed like the first class section of a modern jet mixed with the utility of an army truck, my eyes and mind continued to be amazed. The interior was of the most utilitarian and functional decor, painted gray mixed with a hint of green tint. So very stark in color and so descriptive of power. As I looked to the right just past the two rows of seats a panel made up of straps and a blanket type material separated the small and dedicated passenger area from the cargo hold area. This cargo area is so large it can hold at least 50 full size automobiles. Under the cargo area were fuel tanks that are designed to re-fuel other aircraft in flight. Yes, this was one of those planes we see in the movies that drop a hose down to the nose of another flying jet and fill it up. Now comes the wow, I was invited to the rear if the plane to a set of stairs that led to a small space meant for only two or three people. This space had three chairs facing the rear of the aircraft with a very large window facing down 45 degrees. As I found out this glass is the largest pressurized glass ever made. Just behind this glass was one chair with armrests on either side. These armrests had two handles much like you would find on a video game console and above this chair was a panel of switches and levers. This is where the operator of this console lowers, positions and executes the fuel hose used for re-fueling of these powerful jets. I was just in awe of seeing this but even more so to actually sit in that chair. Yes I was able to sit in the same place that perhaps less than a week ago a young man would have been just doing his job of filling up the gas tanks of the fastest machines on earth while in flight; Awesome! These planes travel to every corner of the world, every day and every week of the year. This was the real deal, not a toy or old stripped down museum shell of a plane but rather an active on duty machine! It’s an amazing thing to see and even more so to visit the people who operate them. Our host for this event was a young Major who has a family of 6 kids, the young man who operated this boon was only about 25 years old and full of youthful enthusiasm for his career. For me I was a kid again for just a few minutes. This was truly a “Wow” moment.

It’s fun having a career again, having my life come so far from where it has been over all these years. As my business contacts and new friends come into my life I am blessed to be able to share moments like this with you and so many others. I surely hope and pray that your day today offers up a “Wow” moment for you. Everyday really truly is a “Wow day”

I’m still writing, you’re still reading, so please keep following……
Craig

FollowCraig: Above Ground

……and you’re still reading

I’m so tired, my life sucks, the world is nuts, work sucks, so much traffic, my kids are driving me to drink and the list goes on. How often do we say these lines in our daily life? What about this one, I wish I could have that, I sure want that new or this piece of ….. is broken again? Yes, we humans are surely a bunch of complainers. We can find just about anything to complain about every minute of every day. The oddest of all is how we don’t even seem to know we say it. Whenever someone we know says these things, we may roll our eyes and just say to ourselves “here they go again”. But looking and listening to ourselves is entirely different. Perhaps we should keep a tape recorder strapped to ourselves for just one day and then play it back. What surprises would we hear and would we roll our own eyes?

I wonder if the words we say to ourselves, those statements we utter under our breath and the ones that would make our own eyes roll end up feeding and supporting the outcome of our life? It seems that the more we express our unhappiness with something, the more we become unhappy. If we think we don’t have enough money, it gets worse. If we talk about how much our boss sucks, the more he does and so goes the job. This is the “karma” of life I’m sure.

I walk around for example saying to people when asked “how are you”? I respond just great “Above Ground!”. What kind of statement is that?

I truly think we are all nuts. Isn’t it time we stop and listen to ourselves, think about what we utter under our breath or even what others may really hear when we speak?

A positive life begins within us, a daily minute by minute, hour by hour refreshing if our minds. Starting with the belief that life is not about having what you want but rather wanting what you have. Remembering that life is precious and short so what we make of it matters. How we speak to others also speaks to us. What if when someone asked how are you?, our response would be “Absolutely Great, and just how are you doing? When we have a difficult boss or job, just look at the best part of being there instead. Speak to the positive side of every conversation and look forward not backward when thinking of our day. So if it holds true that what we say feeds us, then how about we start feeding ourselves better word foods. This sound easy doesn’t it? Well it actually is however breaking old-established habits are not so easy and that leads to another part of the positive life “new habits”. because just as difficult as it is to break old habits also holds true for the new ones.

As I have said so many days of my life “Great, above ground”, today I will start with I’m Absolutely Great, and just how are you doing?
I’m still writing, You’re still reading, so please keep following…….

Craig

20120913-085300.jpg