A client asked me, “Rich, don’t you ever get down?”

It reminded me of one of the philosophies that I have learned to live by.  I’ll share it with you.

“When things are going well, ride high.”  I go on to say. “Because life will eventually come along and screw it up. You or someone you care about will die, get hurt, get divorced, divorce you, have an accident, or some such thing.  So while things are going well enjoy them to their fullest.  It will make the good times last longer and the bad times both shorter in duration and easier to handle.”

So, I look for the good things that are happening.  Sales being made and people acknowledging good work.  I take those things to heart.  When bad things happen that are not life threatening, that do not impact the ones I love I work hard to put them and keep them in perspective so that I can get back to enjoying my life.

This did not come naturally or easily to me.  I learned it.  I chose to learn it.  I noticed that we could choose the way we react to things.  We may not be able to choose our initial reaction to things.  We may not be able to control the thoughts that pop into our heads or the feelings that arise in our hearts.  We can control whether we hold onto those thoughts and feelings or let them go and replace them with empowering thoughts and feelings. 

I often teach my clients.  “Don’t be so fascinated by your thoughts and feelings.”  Or its corollary, “Have your thoughts and feelings but don’t let them have you.” 

Do I ever get down?  Of course, I do.  But if I am going to let it keep me down for long I sure as heck make sure it serves my life better to stay down and recover not just take time to wallow in thoughts and feelings that will reduce my life and the experience of my loved ones and my clients.