Rome Wasn't Built in a Day!

I have been thinking a lot about this very subject.  We are, after all, a society that enjoys instant everything.  Whether that is our puddings, potatoes, oatmeal or gratification, we want it now!

I have to admit, I am not the most patient person in the world.  I don’t like to stand in lines.  I get impatient at red lights, and I don’t find any pleasure in waiting in a doctor’s office for my appointments.

And yet, I do feel my life has not been one brick at a time, but in fact one pebble at a time.  And this, I am okay with.

I used to listen to famous people as they got older talk about how they wouldn’t change all the knowledge and wisdom they have accumulated over the years to be young again. 

I would listen and say,” Yeah, sure, what are they talking about.”   I knew young is the best.  Now that I have reached that age myself,  I finally get it.  I am not saying I wouldn’t want some of the energy back.  And it would be nice if some of my body parts were back in their original place. But, I do have to admit -  I love where I am in my life.

Perhaps I feel closer to the saying, “No wine before its time.”  Or, “Aged to perfection.”

No matter where you are in your journey, learn, appreciate and enjoy.  Because one day you will look back and you will wonder if you made the most of that time.

Failure Is NOT an Option!

While texting a very good friend of mine the other day I happened to mention that I had been trying to master a task.  Actually what I said was,” I have failed to figure it out, however I am still trying.”  He wrote me and said, “If you are still trying, you haven’t failed.”

Not only did what he say make me feel better, but I had to admit, he is right.

Whether we are learning new skills, learning to be more patient, or learning about ourselves, there is no failing as long as we continue the path.

I believe most of the people who are successful do not consider failure as an option.  They might alter their course a bit.  They might even abandon the plan or project.  What they don’t do is call it a failure.  They call it a learning curve or a lesson.  They take what they can from the experience and apply it to whatever they do next.

If someone were to ask you what your feelings are regarding trying and not accomplishing something, what would you say? 

Are you the type of person who would look at the lesson and learn from your mistakes or mishaps, and if not, why not?

Brass Ring

Watching George Clooney on Inside The Actor’s Studio the other night got me thinking about ‘The Brass Ring’.  He made a comment that if it weren’t for ER having that Thursday time slot he wouldn’t have ‘made it’.  He said it very casually, and was most grateful.  However, I think he is wrong.

The reference he made regarding ‘The Brass Ring’, is a symbol for having it all, by getting lucky. Right place, right time.

Remember being a child at an amusement park?  We would ride a horse on the Carousel and try to grab onto ‘The Brass Ring’ which was always just out of reach.

I believe we get many chances, and opportunities throughout our lives to achieve.  I believe there are many roads to the same place.  I believe that even if you miss the bus, there is a train, or a car, or a bike or just plain good old tennis shoes that can get you where you want to go.

I believe that people who are successful do not give up because of any obstacles thrown in their way.  They regroup and go back out there.  Not always right away, and it isn’t always easy.  But what they don’t do is give up.

I also believe that ‘The Brass Ring’ has different meanings for different people. 

For me, it means having raised a wonderful son.  Being a ‘mom’ to a couple of adorable dogs.  Enjoying a loving relationship.  And most importantly learning, growing and always feeling blessed for the things I do have.

Friends Don't Let Friends

The other day, I was talking with a professional woman around my age.  I have never met her.  A mutual friend referred her to me.  This woman owns her own ad agency and she was consulting with me on a project I am working on.

The information I was given was extremely helpful and I was so grateful for her time and patience.  While we were talking, the subject of women supporting women came up.  Or, more precisely, women undermining women.  She told me that it saddens her to see and experience so much backstabbing amongst females as they climbed up corporate ladders or were just starting out in their fields.

There is no question that we live in a competitive world.  Women are especially challenged as they also go toe-to-toe with men, who for the most part have populated the professional marketplace for generations.

Jealously, competitiveness and fear are real and ever-present.  I know there are many women who are confidant, self-assured and generous in their support and encouragement towards other women.  I know this personally, as I have been extremely fortunate to have come in contact with many of them.

Remember someone who helped you, so that you could be successful.  Think about the opportunities you have to pay it forward.

Was It Really Easier?

 My favorite 10 year old had a bad week.  While going for the ball during a school volley ball game, he and a fellow student did a body slam.  There was a trip to the nurse and several days of scrapes and Band-Aids.  A teacher yelled at him, and when he tried to explain, she shut him down.  And as bad things seem to happen in threes, he dropped his IPod in the toilet.

We tend to look back and think times were simpler.  Our lives were easier.  The ‘good-old-days’ were rosier.  In fact, I believe most of us see the past with rose-colored glasses.  In reality, this isn’t a bad thing.  It is much nicer to remember the good.  It is more pleasant to fill our thoughts with the fun.  However, in reality, it also causes us to be critical of the present and long for a time which for the most part is tainted.

I was looking at a picture of myself when I was in my 40s.  I commented that I looked old.  My friend said, “Well, if you want to realize how young you truly are, look at the picture again when you turn 50.”

I suppose my point is, (not that there always needs to be a point) that in any given time period we can have great days and really crappy ones.  We tend to think that when things are bad, they always will be.  We also tend to think that when things are good, they always will be.

The good news is that life is cyclical.  So, make the best out of the good, learn from the bad, try and live in the moment and enjoy your journey.