Water and Fruit, Creativity, Jealousy, Anger, and Envy, Living Your Best Life and Celebrating Others

“And by the way, everything in life is writable about if you have the outgoing guts to do it and the imagination to improvise. The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt.”
— Sylvia Plath

Happy Saturday, you made it through another work week.  Hopefully, you were on your game; you hit a few doubles or triples, maybe scored a goal or a touchdown.  I hope you had fans cheering you on; life without fans is not fun. So who are the fans, your friends? Of course, and we had a bevy joining us for this week’s games.

We had 12 over for breakfast and a meeting yesterday.  We had breakfast catered; it was my men’s group; we used our new conference room; it’s a good space to have a thoughtful meeting.  Everyone left, and I got ready to teach.  I’m working with a group in New Mexico implementing a sales process.

We worked a couple of hours; we then met with our outstanding digital marketing team and reviewed our website hits; our website traffic has increased steadily since hiring Wired Mustang; they are the real deal.  We wrapped up that meeting and headed down the hill.  I had an appointment with my good friend.  I have two eye docs, one in Indy and one in CO.  I met the CO via the IN doc; I love my time meeting with both men.

Yesterday I got an exam, and the conversation turned to water with fruit.  Doc shared that our Indy friend had made that order and took it as a psychological exercise to do with servers when dining in a restaurant.  He explained that every time he dines out, he sits down, and when the waiter asks him what he wants, he states, “water and fruit.” 

The server may say, “what kind of fruit?” Then, my friend will say, “those are the parameters you pick.”  He described several scenarios where the server brings him back water with lemon or lime, but sometimes they use cherry or grapefruit.  It’s a simple test of one’s thought process and creativity.  There are a lot of fruits, be creative!

We are often given instructions, and instead of using our minds and finding a creative way to follow those instructions, we tend to ask more questions.   When given a task, listen, and then be creative. For example, Doc said he loves it when someone uses a unique fruit and drops it in the water.  He’s interested when people bring him back a plate of various fruits; it’s an experiment in humanity.

The more creative you can become, the more significant mark you can make on society.  As an example, we were recently invited to a Kentucky Derby Party.  As the guests described their outfits, their searsucker suits and large hats for the ladies, my wife and I listened intently. Then, as we walked to our car, I suggested we go as roller derby people, and it was a unique memory for all.  Here are 100 people dressed in superb Kentucky-inspired ware, and then the two of us when knee and arm pads, helmets, and roller derby shirts. 

Creativity is lacking in society; try and use your mind to think of something a little different when navigating your day.

I’ve had a few conversations lately with people that no longer live in their hometown.  Most people grow up, maybe get some additional education and then return ‘home.”  I was that guy for 40 years; I grew up in Parker City, IN.  I went to college about 20 minutes from my home, and then after getting a graduate degree, I returned home to live about two blocks from my parents.

I later moved 4 miles from my parents and lived there for 15 years.  My wife and I divorced; I moved 3 miles from that home to be close to my kids.  After my kids went to college, I moved to Carmel, Indiana.  After a couple of years, we bought a home in downtown Indianapolis and called Indy home.  In 2013 I took a trip with my kids to Colorado and fell in love with the state.    

I convinced my partner to visit Colorado one week a month and develop a western presence for our firm.  With the luck of Riley and a little hard work, my plan succeeded.  I now live on top of a mountain.   I live here for two months and then return to Indiana to see family, friends, and clients.  When back in Indy, I met with a friend who said, “the word on the street is you don’t live here anymore.”   I laughed; I live everywhere.

Interestingly, people who stay close to home may have some animosity toward folks who move from home.  They might think, “your hometown is not good enough for you?”  I think most folks celebrate the success and personal growth of others, but some small-minded people get miffed if you find an alternative life path. I love Colorado because most folks are not from here; we are all nomads that found our paradise through trial and error.  

I am the type of person that wants everyone to live their best life.  If that means staying close to where you grew up, I’m happy for you.  If that means you move across the country to experience another place, good on you.  I tend to be happy for my friends who find success no matter the location. 

If a man or woman is angry, frustrated, or concerned with the personal growth or success of another, they are probably not a good fit for my life.  The petty nature of jealousy or envy is not in line with my values stack. However, the older I become, the more I appreciate values and alignment.  I like people that encourage others to be their best self, whatever that means.

I’m the happiest man you will connect with today.  This is my connection to you, chances are we will not meet, but I want you to know that every choice I have made in life has led me to this mountain top chalet, living with the most amazing woman in the world and squeezing every amount of moisture from my life sponge. 

At 9:15, we will head to Evergreen to meet some friends and go on a 2-hour hike.  We are taking PVHT, and after the walk, we will meet many friends and watch our friend Ian sing some songs and play his guitar.  We’ve been invited to a BBQ and then have dinner with our friends Bob and Lynn.  It’s a jam-packed day and one that I’ve been looking forward to this week.

I hope these words resonate with you; I hope you too support and love all those that have crossed your path, and you are able not to judge, have anger, or hate for those that no longer are part of your community.  Life is meant to be lived, and life is different for each one of us.  Celebrate the choices of others and be happy with your life.  If you are not satisfied, it’s on you.  Make the life changes that will allow you to live your best life.

“And by the way, everything in life is writable about if you have the outgoing guts to do it and the imagination to improvise. The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt.”
— Sylvia Plath