Six Mistakes Mankind Keeps Making, Praying for Daisy, The Force is Strong with this One

"Six mistakes mankind keeps making century after century:

Believing that personal gain is made by crushing others;

Worrying about things that cannot be changed or corrected;

Insisting that a thing is impossible because we cannot accomplish it;

Refusing to set aside trivial preferences;

Neglecting development and refinement of the mind;

Attempting to compel others to believe and live as we do."

— Marcus Tullius Cicero

Good morning from our mountain top. April 15th, Tax Day, but wait, there is a pandemic, taxes can wait as we all wait to get back on the hamster wheel. It seems as if we are getting back on track, I think by weeks end many of the less impacted states will slowly open back up, it will be interesting to see the changes in human behavior after this experiment. 

Have you seen the photos of the Los Angles before and after our crisis?  The level of pollution was something we ignored; now we can see what a healthy city looks like, maybe we can modify our behaviors to allow our cities to remain clean.

I spoke to a father last week; he has three kids, he is their teacher during this time of isolation, he said their course work takes an hour or two, and then they go outside and do science projects. They find and identify bugs; they find leaves; they are using our world as a laboratory. He does not think he will return his kids to public school; he’s going to use an online curriculum from now on.   I think others might follow his lead.

I was on a group call last week, one of the attendees had a unique story, he seems like someone from my tribe, he reached out to me on LinkedIn, we chatted for a half an hour yesterday, he’s one of the most exciting people I’ve met since this “situation” started.

Luke, that’s his real name, I have not changed it and let me tell you the force is strong with this one. Luke is launching a new technology product today.  He showed me his 900 square foot condo downtown Denver.  On every wall were sizeable white paper, scribbles of new ideas, things he can do to change the world. He just returned from Africa; not only is he a successful businessman, but he also is a photographer for National Geographic. 

He is currently reworking his life, determining what is next. He thinks now is the time to refresh and rebrand his life, maybe move, maybe start another company, he is a ball of energy and might introduce me to Ace Frehley, one of my childhood hero’s.  I’ll post my interview with him later this week; I’m using my Fake Video Podcast to connect with all types of people, another gift of these unique times.

I’m going to start a workout regiment today.  The rest of the house has been diligently working out 30 minutes a day. We have a professional athlete here; he leads the works out, all bodyweight, cardio, we can do it inside or out, today will be my first day joining, I’m going to come out of this in better shape than when I entered. We will go on our 2-mile hike later today; I’m choosing to double down on my work.

I ask that you take some time and look back these last four weeks and ask yourself, are you using this time wisely? Are you eating and drinking too much, or are you working on yourself?  Are you a better person today than when you entered isolation? I found it easy to work all day and have a few drinks, eat a meal from our executive chef, truth be told, I’ve not been my best self. But I’m better than this; it’s time to get to work. I’m going to add a daily practice of my guitar, something I’ve been picking on, but not learning, just playing. I’m going to learn a new song each day. 

I had a couple of conversations with a couple of business owner friends yesterday; one said: “if you had told me the government would have paid for me to shut down for a couple of months, get off the treadmill and reset, I might have taken you up on the deal.” Another said, “is it bad that I’m enjoying this time, I’m working every day, but this time has allowed for a slowdown, a reset, an awakening.”

I am not minimizing the plight of those hurting; I know there are many in dire straits. I talk to friends who are losing loved ones due to this virus; I can only send positive vibes, pray to something bigger than myself for them to find comfort in this stressful time. We will get through this together, apart.   

I was married for 17 years; I was a good father and a marginal husband.  My ex-wife and I have mended our brokenness and found a unique friendship. Her mother has been suffering from some medical conditions. We got word that hospice had been called in Sunday, I’m checking daily, as of this moment, “Grandma Love” is resting peacefully, she’s going home soon, but the fantastic news was that my ex-wife and daughter got to go see her yesterday. They have been unable to do so, but now that the end is near, they have allowed them to be with her, letting her know it’s ok, we’re here for you. If you don’t mind, say a prayer for Daisy. She’s one of the most beautiful creatures I’ve had the opportunity to meet; I’ll miss her when she’s gone.

I think I’ll leave it there; the soup is made, it’s time for those hungry to get a bowl and sit and feed themselves some thoughts from one man with an extremely hopeful vision of our future. Through sadness comes faith, idleness encourages innovation, and fear creates strength. Do not waste this time; it is a gift, it is something bigger than yourself asking you to take a personal inventory and add what’s missing and to remove the bad habits, poisons, and time-wasting behaviors that seemed acceptable before this time of reformation. We will be getting back on the hamster wheel soon enough, work on your body, mind, and spirits and come through this a more exceptional being than when you entered.  

"Six mistakes mankind keeps making century after century:

Believing that personal gain is made by crushing others;

Worrying about things that cannot be changed or corrected;

Insisting that a thing is impossible because we cannot accomplish it;

Refusing to set aside trivial preferences;

Neglecting development and refinement of the mind;

Attempting to compel others to believe and live as we do."

— Marcus Tullius Cicero