London in New York

My mailbox, like that of many, was a little less full with Hallmark Greeting cards this holiday season. A sign of the times?  An indicator that I am less loved that so many may have forgotten my address? More likely it is perhaps an indicator that as result of the economic crisis many of my fellow citizens are  a tad more introspective, caught up dealing with real life issues relating to work, business, savings and the security of their investments, health care and in some cases basic survival.  This holiday season I too found myself wondering about the meaning of Christmas.  On Christmas Eve I took a walk by myself through St. Patrick’s Cathedral, came home, prepared myself a home cooked meal and watched midnight mass on television. Over the weekend, I spent some time alone seeking spiritual guidance and perspective leading me to consult the works of Rick Warren, Joel Osteen and even Tony Robbins.

Perhaps for the fotunate few, things are perfect, but I doubt that to be the case for many, including those who I care about very deeply and have shed some tears for over the last couple of years. You know who you are and I love you, always, unconditionally.  To those of you who feel me and what I am saying, let us all try to remember that in uncertain and challenging times, it is important and perhaps even imperative to remember that “SURVIVING IS SUCCEEDING”.  Our ability to muster the fortitude to navigate troubled waters in uncertain times is itself success.  Surely, you must know that no matter what your situation, no matter how broken is your spirit, there is always someone less fortunate, especially if you even have access to a computer to read this blog.

Furthermore, having the love and support of friends, family and a special someone is truly all that really matters. If you have that you are in fact richer than most.  So please while I do not purport to be Tony Robbins (even though I recommend his books), never ever discount that fact.  Trust me, it took falling on my face, feeling sorry for myself less than a decade ago, crashing and burning in nearly every aspect of my life, personal, professional and financial to be stripped of it all and left with nothing but an overdue cell phone, the clothes on my back and a dufflebag to realize that I had been living a largely fictional material life caught up with stuff that was irrelevant. Only then, going through my journey of the dark night of the soul where frankly I even considered ending it all, that a stronger, more realistic persona was able to emerge.  Hence my friends, know that I am no better, no smarter or stronger than any of you.  Within many of you lays a greatness which you have yet to unleash on the world. If and when you want to, you can unleash the power within. Life is a journey which is a veritable marathon even if it times it feels like a never ending series of sprints in which someone always seems to be finishing an inch or a yard ahead of us.  Nevertheless, demand more of yourself, not less of yourself, create a plan of action and begin to execute it.  But also be kind to yourself each and every day you are above ground on this planet engaged in the game of life.  Love who and what you are even while you seek to improve upon the blessings our maker has bestowed on you.

Ultimate success is grounded in a firm grasp of reality. We often tend to forget and undervalue that which grounds and sustain us.  In these times, you must be your own best friend, cheerleader and self help guru. Look within, be thankful for what you have and work, work hard always, to secure the fortress which is your life.  As cliche as it may sound, go take a look at the classic “It’s A Wonderful Life” with Jimmy Stewart to remind yourselves that getting caught up in drama or feeling sorry for yourself, what you do not have or whatever opportunities you may have missed is a waste of time.  So, while our society goes through a rather profound structural change and restructuring, remember that this is also a good time to re-assess your outlook about what is ultimately important in your own life, to find your purpose and  to prepare yourself for a new era, after the long 1990’s hangover, without guilt for what you may have failed to achieve in boom times. Ask not what material gifts you got this holiday season, but ask did you hug someone, did someone smile at you and tell you that they love you?  If you have not received enough love, trying reaching out and giving some to someone else for in giving love you enrich your own sense of self and spread hope. Now that is what is truly rich.

God bless each and every one of you who somehow find your way to this page.

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