SLOW DOWN --take a break. All of you. Quit thinking about what you think is important and worry about what is important.I speak from experience because a life filled with anxiety sucks. That's why I say, slow down. Concentrate on things that matter like your family, your health, your well-being. Screw the Facebook and Twitter every now and then. They're not that important in the long run; matter of fact in the short run too.
The other night I went to the Warriors playoff game and saw some of the few press friends that I can talk too; while schmoozing with the gang I noticed a few of the --I'll call them the ego schlubs --that sounds about right--they were glued to their smart-ass phones and oblivious to the surroundings. Good for them, in a way, their life reduced to staring at an electronic device. What tranquility. They need to slow down too and look in the mirror because at some point it won't be such a big deal and they'll have to deal with real life and real-life issues.
The past six months has been traumatic. Eye-opening too. Out of misery and anxiety and feeling down for all the various reasons and worrying about things out of my control I figured out the biggest things in life, I thought, are real meaningless after all. I'm trudging into Dr. Phil territory and don't mean to inject therapy into the equation but we worry too much and are concentrated on various things, ideas, events most of which are insanely trivial. We all need to collectively check our ego at the door. SLOW DOWN! Relax. Don't carry grudges like I used to 'cause it's not worth it. Fight the real fight, the good fight and pay no attention to the posers. They're living in a fantasy world based on half-truths and delusional state-of-being. If they only knew how worthless it all is, under the circumstances, then they themselves would get out from under the shell and sort of figure it out but they are in eternal denial. I was there too one day and have, thank god, realized how much a fraud I became because I used to think all of this meant something--it doesn't.
I am hopeful that this registers for some of you. Everyone. Media, civilians, armed guards, sports pundits, everyday people. Individuals who take pictures of their parking passes. Credentialed sports cable behemoths. Drinkers. Smokers. Bloggers and other assorted sociopaths who take pictures and selfies.
The big picture needs your assistance. Membership has its privileges.
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Great post Rich! I totally agree!
ReplyDeleteuh, ok.
ReplyDeleteYou are right. The self important workaholics trudging among us everyday are the most miserable unhappy beings. Forgoing valuable time with family, loved ones and friends all in the pursuit of bigger bank accounts, material things, and a pat on the head from their boss. Stop and smell the roses, son - it really holds true.
ReplyDeleteWhen my daughter was three or so, I came home late from work four nights in a row - too late to read to her in bed. That night, I asked myself who was going to come to my funeral, my co-workers and say I was the best marcom manager or my kids and wife and tell me I was the best dad and husband. I made a choice even though it has probably cost me a fair amount of salary during the years. On Tuesday, we had to put my dad in a home because his Alzheimer's had gotten so bad. According to his day in-home help, it was the fastest she's ever seen someone decline. A couple months ago, I took a day off work and I drove him up to Peninsula skyline, down through the Redwoods and we had lunch in Half Moon Bay. I don't begrudge or judge anyone's professional and career decisions - that's their business, but I know what works for my peace of mind.
ReplyDeleteThis post resonates tremendously with me. I believe the saying that "No one, on his/her death bed, ever regretted not spending more time at the office." Last year, I was forced to take some time off from working and consider my present and future. Believe me, work wasn't at the top of my list. I realized that the only sane course was to repair my health and my relationships with those who had fallen away due to my own neglect. It was my last chance in some cases. That done, I can now move ahead; at a slower pace, but finally happy. Thanks for the post, Rich.
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