Neither Here nor There

                       Neither Here nor There

It’s interesting being back in Las Vegas after nearly 30 months in New York City.  Not that one is better than the other; it’s more just a comparison of here versus there.

·         There I walked to the neighborhood market to carry what I needed each day, and not much accumulated at home.  Here I take the car to a market nearly the same distance away and drive all that I get home in the car. 

·         There – if I didn’t walk I took the subway, and seeing so many others along the way was a way of connecting with the world.  Here I take the car, most often alone, and connect mostly with my own solitary thoughts along the way.

·         There the weather was always to be considered: hot or cold, rain or shine; which coat or umbrella did I need.  Here the warm and sunny days are a constant and the few coats I have are rarely used.

·         There we were far from friends and family, and seeing them required a plan.  Here, family is near and seen nearly every day.

·         There: museums with great art. Here: red rocks and petroglyph art.

·         There: lots of great restaurants and a city that never sleeps. Here, lots of great restaurants and a city that never sleeps.

Which is better?  Actually they’re both good, but in different ways.  And therein is one of life’s essential lessons: make the most of where you are. Be in the moment, and don’t waste time worrying about what you don’t have so much that you miss the opportunity to enjoy what’s in front of you.  It doesn’t matter where you are as long as you have the right perspective and outlook.  Happiness is neither here nor there – it’s where you are!

My message this week is about making the most of where you are and what you’re doing:

“They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself.” Andy Warhol

Has time every changed anything for you? The pain of disappointment or loss diminishes with time, but only if you focus on and do other things to re-motivate and excite you. The thrill of winning at something diminishes with time too, but it’s certainly helped by the excitement of new challenges and opportunities. And the ache of loneliness seems to only recede by joining with others to share your thoughts and dreams. But in general, time is only one factor in the changes we experience over time – and it is always aided by newer thoughts and interests that share in its space.  If you want to change what you’re doing and replace it with something better, more creative, or clearly innovative, start today by changing your outlook: look at others, study best practices and thoughts, and commit to addressing and solving the challenges you face.  If you want things to change you actually have to change them yourself...one step and detail at a time.

Stay well!