(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Showing posts with label Money. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Money. Show all posts
May 22, 2018
April 2, 2018
The Heart and Soul Of The Matter
But this person was shinning and smiling ear-to-ear.
What happened, he got offered a job to work in a lovely school as their cook.
He's been doing this as a special treat for the students once a year, and they decided to bring him on to do this full time.
He pulled out his phone and proudly showed me a picture of himself in the classroom surrounded by all the children. He was in an orange sweater and stood out in the middle of all of them and with a smile that lit up the entire room.
He told me how the children thought of him as a celebrity chef and the teacher even organized autographs by him for the children.
His whole life, he questioned his worth, and now he felt recognized, appreciated, and loved.
I told him that I thought he was indeed quite a special person.
He said to me, you may have a talent or be special, but you have to recognize it--and he repeated aloud again at least three times emphasizing more and more on RECOGNIZE it.
Surely, after so many years, only now was he being recognized and more so, recognizing it himself.
Apparently, someone who worked in the school was also a renown food critic, and she had nothing but praises to sing of him.
Talking with him, I felt my eyes being opened.
Everyone can do good with their lives and have worth.
We have to recognize it in ourselves.
We need to just be given an opportunity to show it and share it.
It doesn't matter what you are or earn.
It matters where your heart is.
For many, they earn gazillions, but their heart is a heart of stone.
For others, they may earn minimum wage, but their heart is a heart of gold.
It's not the money, it's not the power, it's not the prestige...it's the heart and soul of the matter. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
March 11, 2018
Three Legs of Quality of Life
Quality of life means perspective and balance.
When people go to the extreme and focus all their energies on any one area almost to the exclusivity of the others in their life, it usually means they are going wrong.
Some people are "party animals"--life is all about their fun, enjoyment, experiences (and even excessive partying, sleeping around, getting drunk and high), and their very immediate gratification.
Others are all about work--climbing that professional ladder and earning more money, material goods, and more power is the holy grail and also the bane of their existence.
And yet there are some people that are focused on faith, family, and community--they are mothers and fathers, religious students and
The problems is that people need multiple facets of their lives--yes, they need playfulness, interests, activities, hobbies, and fun and joyous times; at the same time, they need intellectual curiosity, professional contribution and achievement, and the wherewithal to be responsible and pay the bills; and very importantly, they need social, spiritual, and emotional fulfillment from family, friends, giving, and faith.
When a person stands on only one of these legs, like many seem to--they are on
Even on two legs, something is missing in their lives--they are standing tall, but not strong and stable.
On all three legs, a person can be grounded and able to not just stand for themselves, but able to bear weight like on a stool, and they are can play music and sing and smile, knowing that they have a genuine quality of life that few ever really achieve. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
February 11, 2018
They Really Think They Deserve It
Many wield it like they own it and deserve it.
I wonder sometimes with billions of other people in the world without adequate food, water, plumbing, medicine, or a solid roof over the heads, how the mighty can think they are above it all.
Do they look around--do they see anyone else but themselves?
They seem drunk with themselves and what they have--and very overconfident.
Worshipping self and all the honor and materialistic success--they forget where it comes from and what they are supposed to be doing with it to help others.
Yet, G-d and His angels can strike in but a split second.
Those that are high and mighty can be brought low and those that are in the depths of despair can be uplifted.
But at the will of G-d Almighty.
At the top, people may erroneously think and come to believe that they are smarter or more deserving--and so what's theirs is theirs for the taking and keeping.
They think "To hell" with everyone else--they are the little people.
Perhaps, they even come to enjoy squashing them underfoot.
They really believe and savor the power and even think it's forever.
Yet the wheel of life turns and often abruptly--illness, accidents, misfortune...it comes seemingly from nowhere when G-d breaths justice.
How silly of the powerful and wealthy to think they are the untouchable and the forever mighty.
G-d sees the good and the bad in the people--and ultimately, there is no escape from the King of Kings.
Wealth and power are earthly and fleeting, but the will of G-d is all that endures.
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
January 14, 2018
Beyond Money
Tring to keep their confidentiality, let me just say this...
A couple returned some money to us, but they went truly above and beyond.
They returned some money that technically they were entitled to, and I never would've imagined that they should give it back to us.
When I saw the check and what they did, I really couldn't stop myself saying how amazing this couple is.
They are a religious Jewish couple, and I just feel that what they did was such a "Kiddush Hashem" (their behavior is a sanctification of G-d's name in the world).
Some people pretend to be religious on the outside, but inside their behaviors don't reflect it.
In this case, the people were generally religious not just on the outside, but on the inside as well.
Their doing righteous literally was uplifting for my soul to see that there really are such incredible people in this world.
Yes, some people are bad--do bad--and we can get not only disappointed but depressed that they seem to thrive anyway.
So to see the good in people--extra good--it renews my hope in mankind and in G-d Above who shows us the way and can inspire us to behave morally and ethically amazingly. ;-)
(Source photo: Andy Blumenthal)
November 28, 2017
Turkish Lights
We had a delicious lunch at L'Chaim Asian Cuisine and Steak House--the honey chicken was to die for--OMG, it was like candy!
Afterwards, we walked about the shopping strip there and came across this store with these amazing lights.
It was a hookah (not hookers!) store which I am completely not interested in, having never smoked a cigarette or anything my entire life--true!
But these light were gorgeous.
I took these pictures and was even tempted to buy one--loved the colors and happiness of them.
Held off for now, too many nice things, especially since we then followed up with a day trip to Sawgrass Mills today--what an unbelievably huge shopping and outlet mall.
I know it must definitely be time to head home soon, because the shopping experience down here is wearing me down--just kidding, but it's definitely a paradise not only for the beach, but for the shopping fun as well. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
November 22, 2017
It's About The People
Whether it's our families, friends, and colleagues--it's how we treat people and the relationships we form that count--and that enable us to achieve success together!
Many people just count their money instead of counting their blessings of hearts and souls.
But while we certainly need a certain amount of $$$ to live, we really need ❤ to thrive.
Today, before the Thanksgiving holiday, I just took a little time to walk around and talk with people here, thank them for their good work and friendships, and wish them a good holiday.
It was such a little thing, but honestly I felt so good doing it.
I am thankful for so many things this year, including all the wonderful people in my life who do so much to make my life joyous and fulfilling, but I am also grateful to G-d for continuing to open my eyes to what and who(s) that really count.
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
October 17, 2017
It's Gazillions Baby!
You're still considered sort of a poor schlub!
Even a billionaire is not such a big deal anymore.
It takes at least $2 billion to make it unto the Forbes 400 Richest Americans List.
Further, a recent episode of CNBC Filthy Rich Guide asks who will become the world's first trillionaire!
They say trillionaire as in a number with "4 commas"--never really thought of it that way.
...but it's definitely a big,(1) big,(2) big,(3) big,(4) big number.
Jeff Bezos of Amazon with $90 billion currently in the bank and growing fast is forecasted to be the one who will make it.
So no longer are we betting on which mega corporation--Apple (with a current value of almost $830 billion)--will become the first trillion dollar company.
We are talking individuals with that much moolah too.
So with the median net worth of Americans a measly $69 thousand dollars, it's no wonder that billionaires like Mr. Wonderful (Kevin O'Leary of Shark Tank) calls more than one entreprenuer looking for an investment, a cockroach!
What's a shame is not only the complete social inequity and class system that we have and that continues to grow with those in McMansions and others homeless, but also that so many can't see that what's really important is not the beautiful pocketbook full of money, but the decent soul filled with good deeds! ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
October 7, 2017
Where Does Organized Religion Go Wrong
I believe, He is my creator and sustainer and that we are here to learn and grow our soul before it goes back to Hashem.
Yet often, like so many others now-a-days, I find organized religion to be a turn-off.
Why?
1) There is a consistency and sincerity problem.
To some people, I believe it's partially the rote and robotic nature of some of the practices--where we just do it, because we are told to do it, and we do it over and over and time after time, again--even when we don't feel it in the moment, and even if we do other things that are not so right in other areas of our lives.
In contrast perhaps, there can be more spontaneous and genuine feelings and actions, in the moment and every moment--that come from the heart and the soul of the person and directly to G-d--and they are consistent whether we are in a religious setting to how we treat others and how we act in business.
In other words, we just don't follow the rules, but we live them fully and integrated with ourselves and all situations we find ourselves in.
2) There is a money and power problem.
In some religious environments, all people are not created equal or treated equal. Instead, the say, the attention, and the honor goes to the powerful and the rich, who are courted for their donations and their votes to the institution and the spiritual leader. Who gets talked up? Who is given the honors at the religious rituals, at the events and the dinners, and with their communal "peers"?
In other cases, it's not just money and power that talks, but who is outwardly the "most religious" and presumably walks the walk. If you but "seem" more religious than the next guy, then you are elevated and exalted in the religious community.
Instead, what happened to welcoming and caring for everyone--to everyone being children of G-d--to each person having a soul and their personal life challenges. Why can't we treat everyone as religiously worthwhile and give everyone a chance to learn and grow in their own way from their starting point and to their destination?
Religion should be the one place that isn't a competition with others.
Religion is ultimately between man and G-d!
And only G-d knows what is inside man's heart and in his soul--and what his actions really are all the time and what they truly mean in context and in essence.
I welcome G-d in my life, because I:
- Have faith in Him and that ultimately He has a master plan and that everything is for the good
- Love Him for giving me the chance to learn and grow my soul to be better
- Fear Him for when I do something wrong in my life and need a course correction
I wish for a time and transformation when religion would not just be based on outward manifestations but on being sincere and consistent in people's lives, and where people would no longer be superficially judged and (mis)treated because they are themselves and on their G-d given paths.
If only we could religiously love, rather than endlessly judge, each other, oh what a heartfelt and inspiring religion that would be. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
September 29, 2017
Party With Cookies Like It's The End Of The Fiscal Year
That means that this time of year is a lot of stress on a lot of people.
So what do they do?
Well, while a lot of people are reaching for the do-re-mi ($$$) to earn and to spend before the books close, others are reaching for the plain old (cookie) dough.
This week for example, there was a big cookie party!
So much stress, so little time.
That seems to translate into cookie days, and carbohydrate weeks.
This isn't just the end of the fiscal year, but a potentially fatty, dangerous time too.
The timing is also weird because of the juxtaposition to Yom Kippur tomorrow which is a fasting day with NO food or water for 25 hours.
Better eat some more cookies now (or not). ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
September 14, 2017
What Women Want From Men?
He was telling me that he lost his wife of over 27 years to cancer--this happened over 15 years ago.
And since then, he had a girlfriend who recently broke his heart and married someone else.
I felt really bad and sorry for this nice man--who is always so friendly and intelligent.
He says to me:
"Over the years, I've learned what women want from men."
I ask him inquiringly:
"And what is that?"
He's obviously glad that I asked, and he proceeds to tell me:
"Women want two things: curiosity and security."
Not understanding what he means by the first one, I ask:
"What do you mean curiosity?"
He looks intently at me and says:
"Women want to talk, and they want to know what's going on."
He explains to me that if you talk and be a good listener to women and provide (your part) materially in a stable relationship with them--they will be happy and you will be happy.
This is sort of the "Happy wife, happy life" idea that I've heard before.
Listen, even at this stage in my life, with a wife and two lovely daughters, I can still learn something about what makes women happy...teach me the pearls of wisdom and I will learn it well. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
September 6, 2017
Learning To Save For A Rainy Day
What a blast from the past!
I remember having one of these as a child.
My parents taught me to put my allowance in to save for the future.
When it accumulated $10, the metal door on the bottom would open and we could put the money in the bank.
It was like a game to try to get to the magic amount and get the register to pop open.
In those days, the bank had little books for your checking and savings accounts, and when you deposited the money, you'd get a line printed with the deposit and new balance printed in the dot matrix print of yesteryear.
Again, these were all good lessons about savings and seeing the benefits in the toy register or in your bank book.
Maybe these were things that initially inspired me to get my bachelors degree in accounting.
The discipline of numbers was great, but it was never as exciting as the promise and hope of ever new technology, but that's what added up at the time to me. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
