It's been a great year

So, in just a few days (3, to be precise), I'll be turning 49.  I've been told by many that 50 is a turning point - and am not quite sure actually whether that is a good or a bad thing.  Anyway, I have a year to decide, or to have that decided for me ... meanwhile, it's all good.   So why am I writing this blog today?  Simple --- I am very grateful for everything I have.  How grateful?  About as grateful as one can be.  I'll explain.

Over the holidays my wife (Karen), two teen-age kids (Jason and Amanda) and I went on an awesome vacation.  A boat cruise!  A week on the water.  Stopped at St. Thomas, St. Kitts, St Lucia, Barbados and St Maarten.  Each island was prettier than the one before.  Anything to escape the harshness of the Canadian winter (even if it is just for a week or two).  Woot.

Without getting into too much detail - I have it all.  And I truly mean that.  There is nothing I want that I don't have.  Period.

One thing I am cognizant of is the passage of time ... it is flying.  And that is frightening.  I've never been one for new year's resolutions.  Too common I guess ... everyone makes them and 95% of people break them within a week (statistics).

I prefer to make resolutions on my birthday --- just seems a better time.  And I suppose that with every passing birthday, one is reminded of their own mortality.  Here's my plans for this coming year.

1.  Practice more random acts of kindness.  Buy a stranger at a bar a drink.  Want nothing in return.  Just do something nice for someone.  Just because.

2.  Sing and dance more.  Wake up on the wrong side of the bed ever?  Turn up some music that you like.  Sing and dance.  You'll feel better.  Guaranteed.

3.  Work efficiently.  Saw a bumper sticker the other day ... "Hard work never killed anyone, but why take a chance".  Perhaps there's truth to that.  Working efficiently is something only just a few people do.  I will try to be more efficient in the workplace.

4.  Live large.  Big difference between living large and living irresponsibly.  It is a fine line.  Establish your limits and stick within them.  Nothing wrong with that. A healthy mind is always in a healthy body.  Especially when you get to your middle ages (hello John Sacke), it's key to exercise regularly.  It's something that I do between 4-6 hours every week --- and is standing me in good stead.  I think.

5.  Keep in touch with people, especially when you don't need them.  This point touches on what was likely one of the most profound findings of mine this past year.  It's the notion of "friends" calling you only when they need you - and dodging your phone calls when all you're trying to do is to say hi.  Yeah, I get it --- we are all busy chasing careers, chasing kids, chasing parents, chasing spouses - and the list never ends.  But, but but --- grinding out a text when you're on line in the grocery store, or making a call on your daily commute!  Easy as pie!  The excuse that you've been so busy for months on end, is just that.  An excuse

6.  Finally - never be late or flake.  See this posting from Peter Shankman.  He nails it.

So, that's my story for now --- and I am sticking to it. Call me.  Email me.  Text me.  February 11.  You have my contact information.

Carpe Diem!