Tag Archives: friendships

IS ‘CRAZY’ THE WAY TO GOVERN?

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#crazy #sanity #government #elections #politics #IsCrazyWorking
“We’ve tried sanity for a long time, and it hasn’t worked. Why not try crazy?”
That was a sentiment expressed a few years ago, as presidential administrations changed.
Given the enhanced polarization that produced, do you think “crazy” is working?
Politics never used to ruin family relationships. It never used to ruin friendships.
Today, by many accounts, it has done both.
If’ you’ve experienced lost friendships and family relationships, do you think “crazy” is working?
We never saw people in high places dehumanize others, regardless of their inner personal opinions. Now, we see people in high places advocating violence against those who disagree with them.
If’ you’ve witnessed that, do you think “crazy” is working?
If you’ve seen prices for goods and services rise, making your life more difficult, while those who are already well off receive even better treatment financially, do you think “crazy” is working?
If you’ve seen someone start a war, and now finding few ways to get out of it, do you still think “crazy” is working?
It must be said that before “crazy,” not everyone got to where he or she wanted. No system gives everyone everything.
There was always government overreach, the rich always seemed to get richer etc. But at least those in power talked about real fairness.
To be sure, real fairness for everyone at all times may be impossible to achieve. But, before “crazy,” we had a sense that people in power, for the most part, had their hearts in the right place.
We saw people win and lose elections with some degree of decorum and grace. The loser always congratulated the winner.
Since “crazy,” that’s not always the case.
Do you want your children to grow up under “crazy?”
What could they learn as they observe not only the behavior of those in power, but also the response from their parents to “crazy?”
What do your children learn when they see adult relationships and friendships dissolve over “crazy?”
Does it make them want to establish good relationships in social, family, work and worship settings?
There is much to think about here, and very little time to think about it.
You may be wise the next time you vote – if you are eligible, PLEASE VOTE – you may not want to choose “crazy.”
Instead, you may want to choose those candidates who will stand in the way of “crazy.”
You may want to choose candidates who will undo all the “crazy.”
If you still think “crazy” is working, talk to as many others as possible to see whether they agree with you.
Peter



FRIENDS IN ANY PLACE ARE GOOD

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#friends #FriendsInLowPlaces #relationships
Garth Brooks famously sings, “I’ve got friends in low places.”
That’s opposed to friends in “high places,” that might give you an advantage.
The friends in “low places” are just, well, friends.
That begs the question: would you rather be needed (in high places) or wanted (perhaps in lower places)?
You may need people for what they can do for you, and/or what they can give you.
You may want people for who they are.
Perhaps your parents told you that it’s not what you know, it’s whom you know that will help you the most.
So, ask yourself this: Will your friends in “high places” come to your aid in the middle of the night if your car breaks down?
Your friends in “high places” may be able to pull some strings, exert some influence, to help you in other areas. But you may never be sure of their motivation.
Your friends in “low places” wear their motivation on their sleeves. In other words, they just like you. Hopefully, you just like them, too, regardless of circumstances.
In business, and social media, one may work to cultivate friendships even among people he or she doesn’t know well. Sometimes, these people can help that person along the way by, say, becoming that person’s customer. But it can turn into a true friendship if the favor can be returned. In business parlance, that’s called networking.
On social media, one may solicit “friends” for all kinds of purposes – often legitimate, sometimes not.
Before the days of social media, the best way to meet people was to be introduced by a mutual acquaintance. To hasten or broaden one’s social circle, he or she may attend events and strike up conversations with strangers. One never knows what potential “friends” are out there.
In business networking, there is a deliberate science to meeting people who are strangers. Each party knows the purpose is for each other’s business, and acts accordingly. The motivation of networking is clear.
Another question often posed is, whom would you love to have a beer with? It implies you want to have a beer with someone in a “high place,” or a least a place higher than you perceive of yours.
In low places, “The whiskey drowns and the beer chases,” the song says. In other words, drinking buddies can be your best friends.
But if you are looking to friends, or soon-to-become friends, in “high places,” to give you what you believe is missing from your life, friends in lower places may be able to give you much more, even in practical terms.
Someone you know, regardless of education, background or experience, may be part of one of the many programs that can change anyone’s financial life for the better. That person would love to introduce it to you. If asked, open your mind and check it out.
To check out one of the best such programs, message me.
Meanwhile, have many friends in many places. You never know which of them could help you – and which of them you would like to help.
What your parents may not have told you about whom you know is that it’s best to know someone who will come to your aid if your car breaks down in the middle of the night – regardless of what “place” that person is in.
Peter