Books are magic

I know of only a few movies or TV shows that can capture my attention and imagination the way books can...  and if it is a really good, good book - it completely absorbs you and the characters, voices and so forth that come from the pages make visual media feel and look actually quite dull.

As the Big Unwind goes day by day ... I've been looking through the various books that I have bought & collected over the years and settled on one to re-read to remind me of whatever it is that needs reminding... intentionally - it was nothing specific... more of a concept....

I started the book yesterday evening ... and here are some select bits of Randy's words / thoughts that brought pause to slow down and really think about some of these things and how they impact not only my actions but also how other's actions impact my life and vis-versa.

...and encouraged us to really listen to each other, so we could make the right decision for both of us. -- I can definitively say that I need to listen better ... because unfortunately, the majority of us really will only hear what we want to hear.  But I do know that no matter - speak the truth - it allows everyone to make good decisions built on trust.

...what makes you unique?   -- this is actually a more difficult question to answer or even think about.  I'm still thinking about it and I think you can see my brain's smoke "poofing" from the mountain tops.

...that is what it is.  We can't change it.  We just have to decide how we'll respond.  We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand.

...never make a decision until you have to ... I rush things - it's let's identify the problem, find a solution and onward, upward.  Multi-task like a mad woman.  Life will not always allow that ... because those decisions are usually the most difficult.

...just because you're in the driver's seat.. doesn't mean you have to run people over.  it's a great thought about being fair - being more compassionate and generous, particularly if you are the one in a position of strength (however defined).  one of the best pieces of advice I received from a boss was "bring people with you ... that is your challenge... "  of course it was a challenge - I was 24 and the "boss" of about 15 middle-aged guys from Iowa.  That said ... it turned out to be one of my 'career' highlights for myself personally.

...kids - more than anything else - need to know their parents love them.  Their parents don't have to be alive for that to happen. -- thank you Gares and Jules.

...when you're screwing up and nobody says anything to you anymore, that means they've given up on you.   When you see yourself doing something badly and nobody's bothering to tell you anymore, that's a bad place to be.  -- fair criticism and discussion is much more valuable than accolades and applause.

...self esteem is not something you can give - to others or your children.  it's something that an individual has to build. -- do something they can't do, they work hard until they find they can do it, and you just keep repeating the process.  this entire "coddled" generation just blows my mind.

-- brick walls are there to stop the people who don't want it badly enough.  They're there to stop the "other" people. ... I will start Chapter 16 this afternoon "Romancing the Brick Wall"