Early Dad…hard headed

Because of life’s circumstances, when I was young, I had some rough times…don’t we all? I’ll spare you the details but I didn’t adjust to them very well back then. I was one hard headed son of a gun who always carried a chip on his shoulder…and was proud of it. I blamed others for my misfortunes as well as my shortcomings…and I had plenty of both. I was pretty much mad at the world and to make matters worse, I refused to be happy. Hell, I didn’t know how to be happy.

Have you ever wanted something so badly without having a clue how to get it? Then you realize, right before letting go of the fantasy, it was right under your nose all along waiting for you to relax and embrace the moment it was in?

And there it was. The instant I dropped my force field and let others in, I was surrounded by it…Happiness! And the more I allowed myself to be happy, the happier I became. It’s very contagious you know…and the more I received, the more infected I became.

You see…I always had the key…I just didn’t realize I was supposed to turn it.

It’s funny…there are truths in life which are so simple and straight forward that we tend to completely overlook their relevance and value. And there are none simpler than the one that changed my life. I believe I can sum it up in one sentence.

For every action there’s a reaction; therefore, you get what you give.

Why and how it finally sunk in…I don’t have a clue. I’ve always chalked it up to divine intervention. Because the way I was acting, I certainly didn’t deserve it…but I took it, ran with it, and I’ve never forgotten it.

For this old country boy, nothing could be more simple, logical or fair. You get what you give.

In its purest form, just the simple thought “what if” begins the process. You give someone a smile and a good morning wish, and chances are, you’ll get one back. On the contrary…throw around a frown and a cold shoulder and you’ll surround yourself with a force field of negativity for the rest of the day.

Take it one step further and give a colleague a pat on the back with a heartfelt compliment and watch what happens. Your inspiring gesture not only elevates their mood, but they in turn, to borrow a phrase, pay it forward to others as well. And if you’re in the line of fire…you’ll be walking taller as well. Not a bad return for a five second investment.

Ah but there’s a catch…there’s always a catch. With this truth, comes a responsibility…and it’s what separates the happy from the sad.
You must decide which side you’re on.

Remember, the truth is: For every action, there’s a reaction. When I was young, I chose to live on the “reaction only” side. In other words, I allowed others to feed me my moods based on the way they were feeling that day. Talk about being a victim…mercy!

If someone felt like being nice to me, I reacted by maybe feeling a little loved. But on the other hand, if someone I encountered chose to be mad at the world…well, guess how I would react?

The problem was…as I said, I was walking around with a chip on my shoulder most of the time. Therefore, my actions were attracting a lot more negative reactions than positive. Bad karma if you will.

Then, through this divine intervention I was talking about earlier, I finally connected the second half of the sentence… the “you get what you give” part. This revelation empowered me to believe I could actually control “reactions” coming my way.

Yes, I began to realize whatever I gave, I would get back. As I used it to my advantage, I quickly learned the reality was even sweeter…I was getting back at least ten fold.

I started reading books such as “The Secret” and “Think and Grow Rich” which not only validated my reasoning…but took it to a whole new level. I discovered there are no boundaries associated with this truth. It applies to every aspect of our lives…bar none.

Listen…wouldn’t it be wonderful to actually be in control of deciding which of life’s blessings come our way? The reality is…we are. We’ve always been in the driver’s seat…though chances are, more times than not…we’ve been stuck in cruise going nowhere. I say it’s time for a little white knuckle driving in going after the life you want.

Start directing the action for that reaction you long for.

• Want those in your life to have a good attitude? Give them yours.
• Want respect? Give yours.
• Want to be loved? Then love.
• Want to sing? Sing…join a choir.
• Want to sing well? Then practice.
• Want Christmas cards? Send some.
• Want to go to parties? Have a few.
• Want lots of energy? Move it…exercise…then exercise some more.
• Want to be happy? Make others happy.
• Want to write a book? Begin with a paragraph.
• Want to be successful? Get back up when you fall…and get used to it.
• Want lots of customers? Give lots of service.
• Want to overcome fear? Be afraid and do it anyway.

What would you give to be happy…really happy? The right answer is everything and anything…and the more, the merrier.
I’m going to give you some love…the same tough love I gave myself many years ago. If the shoe fits…run with it.

Life is not fair. It never was nor will it ever be…done. Again, we all have our stories. Stop reliving the bad chapters and begin writing some new ones…you’re the author. If you don’t…all you’ll have left is to read others, all the while complaining…life isn’t fair.

I know it sounds ridiculous, but it’s a fact. Happy, energetic people are…well…happy and energetic. Transversely…sad and bummed out people…are sad and bummed.

Give life…to the fullest today and make your tomorrow unbelievable.

Bill Peak

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