As Told by Brandt

“It’s important that you blog when you’re having a good day.”-HS.  Challenge.  Accepted.  Today is a good day.  I woke up after a decent night’s sleep.  Naomi was feeling better after an ice-induced slip the day before.  Phoebe’s rambunctious demeanor was on full display.  The sun is shining and it’s Friday.  I even got to briefly chat with Ana.  While still incredibly sad, I had hope as I ran out the door, coffee in tow.  Today will be good.

It’s important to acknowledge that I have a goal of complete happiness.  Yes, the scale has been lowered, as if I fell in the short program during Olympic figure skating.  Success meters have altered.  Hollow desires have been replaced by moment of Zen.  Ana Facetimed me, Wednesday, with a smile that could make the melancholiest content.  Happiness is not an unattainable quest.  It’s not a destination.  Especially not now.  Maybe.  Not.  Ever.  “lt’s not about what happened in the past… or what you think might happen in the future. lt’s about the ride, for Christ’s sake!”-Along came Polly.

So, today I participated in my own happiness.  I made cold calls.  As a small business owner and salesman, it’s imperative.  No.  Matter.  What!  I had the chance to catch up with my friend, Jackie in Turkey.  I was elated to see her face, albeit through an iPhone (not sponsored but happy to chat if you’re reading #Apple). We discussed the “ride.” We both appreciate it. True, Appreciation with the acknowledgement of not wanting it to end, anytime soon.  I had lunch with my friend, Eric, from Philly.  We talked about music and life.  I even got a text from my one of my favorite friend’s Kate for confirmation of my weekly card game.  #SundayPoker

Tonight, we have plans to chill.  Naomi is nursing a sore shoulder.  I am working hard to turn this business into profit.  Friday nights are for relaxation and appreciation.  #Shabbat.  Tomorrow, I have a morning of cleaning.  We have a couple items that require my attention.  I’ve put them off for a week.  It’s inexcusable.  Living with ANY chaos is hard.  Living with disorganization creates feelings of angst.  I am looking forward to regaining order. 

My last item before I head home, today, is making my weekly business agenda.  I set the agenda, along with a more itemized plan of attack for Monday.  I will clean up my tiny office, so I am ready for Monday.  The Last three years have been unprecedented.  The biggest consequence for me is a sense of urgency.  Days like today remind me that I need to fight for my #ReasonWhy every day.  There are days when I won’t have it.  There are going to be weeks.  Life is about weathering the external and internal storms and capitalizing on opportunities. 

There is a wonderful passage in a book.  “I need to concentrate not so much on what needs to be changed in the world as what needs to be changed in me and my attitudes.” It’s so simple.  Go back to basics, Brandt.  Tough times don’t last, but tough people do.  #WalkingCliche