Hi ,

 

I'm writing this note on a beautiful Friday morning.

 

Beautiful to look at, that is. Sun is shining brightly.

 

Not so much fun to be outside. Four degrees below

zero in my neck of the woods this morning.

That's Farenheit.

 

The kind of cold that takes the breath out of your lungs

and makes you work to put it back in.

 

But...I'm writing this from the warmth of a heated room

with fingers that have now thawed out. Taking a sip

of hot herbal tea between paragraphs.

 

And aware that had circumstances had gone another way,

or if I had made different choices along the way, I might

not have shelter from the freezing cold.

 

I spoke with my sister yesterday. My parents are in Florida

for the winter. Yesterday a pipe burst in their New York house.

The walls, ceilings and floors in the kitchen and living room

are destroyed. There is three feet of water in the basement.

 

But...as I'm writing this my father is flying in to assess the damage

and arrange the insurance and repairs. My sister is there,

and I'm on stand-by, ready to drive over and jump in.

 

It's also the Winefest Weekend at Mohegan Sun. We wait for this

every year. Diane put off an important trip to San Diego so we

can attend.

 

A large chunk of change to attend. This ain't cheap!

 

But elite food, elite chefs, elite wines....oh my!

 

You'll see the pictures over the next few days.

 

Some couldn't imagine attending. Some don't think about it.

 

We're in that sweet spot. We have the money for it.

And the appreciation of just how amazing it is.

 

If you are reading this, you are fortunate beyond measure.

Because you have it better than most people in the world.

 

You have access to thoughts, resources and technology

many people can only dream about.

 

Appreciate it.

 

***   ***

 

I've been looking around the Internet a lot lately.

Social networking sites, the blogs, offline conversations...

 

Along with all the fun, the love and support, I'm also

seeing an arrogance.

 

There are a few people who are flaunting what they know

how to do. They're celebrating their wealth and success.

 

I love that. Achievement should be celebrated. It drives

all of us forward.

 

But in the process of that celebration, there's judgment

of those who haven't figured it out.

 

There's an "I rule, you suck" thing that's getting a little

traction.

 

And to that, I simply say this...

 

You have a part of you that you're not satisfied with.

A skill you haven't learned that makes you life harder.

 

And it may be something that the person you criticize

already has.

 

Pride goeth before the fall.

 

Or as my father used to tell me, "no matter how good

you are at something, there always someone better."

 

***   ***

 

Judgment blinds us to compassion. And opportunities

to lift someone up.

 

Even if you see them, they won't see you. They won't want

your help, no matter how good you are at something.

 

Because no one wants to go where they're made to feel

"less than."

 

Sidenote: I love Rick's Automotive in Bristol, Connecticut.

No matter what's going on with my car that I don't understand,

I never feel judged. That, and they're good humored and gentle

with my daughter and her car.

 

Jim Rohn said it...

 

Be proud...and humble.

 

Proud of what you know. And humble enough to know you

don't have it all.

 

Serve.

 

And receive.

 

Hold out your hand. Expect it to be filled by those who

seek you out. Your product. Your skills, your knowledge.

 

Expect to be paid. You're worth it.

 

Let your other hand give.

 

Share your wealth.

 

Give what you can.  Not just as charity.

 

Pay for services that enrich your life. Don't try and cut corners

or nickel and dime the best deal you can with someone.

 

Exchange value for value.  If someone or something makes

you happier, healthier, wealthier, more peaceful, give them

the money that helps them sustain their work.

 

Pay for resources you consume. Strengthens

those who circulate it.

 

And it makes you stronger.

 

Giving and receiving. They really are two sides of same coin.

 

Spread love...in all its magnificent forms!

 

Much Love,

Larry