Thanks
So I realize last week it seemed like I spend half my time talking to myself and most of the rest of the time interviewing imaginary public figures. And see what happens to you after you’ve been looking at crowns and veneers for decades and have OM Dalila on your case all the time?
Thing is, some of my favorite images are those I hold onto inside mi cabeza and some of my most fun recovery time gets generated by my often vivid imagination. I once heard Anthony Robbins mourn the adult loss of child-like curiosity but I hope he wasn’t lookin’ at me. Some may call it immaturity but shucks; I think being child-like can work just fine for veteran molar jockeys like me.
So I’m a week or so late for Thanksgiving. And my tardiness means I’ve undoubtedly watched “It’s a Wonderful Life” again and shed a tear or twelve like I do every year George Bailey wishes he was never born.
And there have undoubtedly been easier times to locate a slice of silver lining on Turkey Day. But once I’m past the irony of Bailey Building and Loan Association getting torpedoed by VP Cheney look-alike, evil Mr. Potter, I’m back in the spirit again.
Through it all, the movie’s about people. And true, director Frank Capra was an insufferable sentimental softy but who cares? The theme of the film is written on guardian angel Clarence’s note, “He is not a failure who has friends.”
So this November, when I’m reciting everything I’m grateful for on the way into the office every morning, I lead off with family and friends (I know; talking to myself again…and driving!) And it almost seems counter intuitive to not retreat into some defensive posture when times get tough. But reaching out has always worked better for my having the results I really want (I talk to myself about that every morning, too.) Seems like when you reach out and declare to friends and family what you’re going to do and how you’re going to do it, they tend to help hold you to your word. Trust me.
So if, like me, you’re committed to staying healthy, share the commitment. If you openly declare good health as something you want, you’re way more likely to see the opportunities. If you resort to four walls and the Business Section, all the bad news can help generate a self-fulfilling depressing prophesy.
Back in The Day, when I came home with a robust 2.13 GPA after one quarter of college I felt like a total failure. So my family had committed to me for a lifetime and this was their reward? My dad and I had a little talk; it went something like this: “Jack, I love you and I’ll be proud of you no matter what you do, as long as you do your best. As long as you’re giving it 100% I’ll support you with whatever it takes. If you can’t give it your best, you’re on your own. Am I clear?” I told Dad I’d do my best; I was going to go to dental school just like I said I would. Me, disappointing my dad, just wasn’t an option.
So Dad got me a night job in a warehouse and I hit the books rigorously for the next three years. And I still remember the clear, wind-swept afternoon Dad and I walked the campus during open house, months before I started dental school at USC, my first choice. And I’ll never forget Dad’s smile.
I was never more committed to doing anything than I was to giving it my best during those three years at Cal State LA. And if you’ve done something once, you know you can do it again…with a little help from your friends.
And that’s why I love Thanksgiving and…“It’s a Wonderful Life.” Especially this year.
