"Well mines taken," I reply. "Why don't you get yours?"
"No, that's not what I mean," he protests. "Mine sucks! I work all of the time in a job I don't like but I have to pay the bills. I take care of my mother. I don't have the time or money for anything other than what I do."
"Sure you do," I say."What?"
I repeat myself, "Sure you do."
"I barely get by," he reassures.
"Listen," I press, "you spend money on yourself all of the time. You spend some on others too. You go to Wendy's and The Japanese Palace and rent movies every weekend, as you should. You deserve to do nice things for yourself!"
Well," he sighs with a drawl.
"You buy lots of shoes too don't you?" I continue. "I'm not a shoe guy but I have no problems with those who love them."
"What's your point," he snaps?
"If your life ends up looking something like mine, well that's great! We'll cross paths regularly."
"What are you talking about," he asks exasperated?
What I'm talking about is four years ago, by hook and definitely by crooks, I redid my life. The slate was wiped clean, which is hard to do because, like paint, the past likes to stick but I eventually started over again in my 50s! I gave myself time, spent money on me which I'd never really done before, and began thinking about myself before doing things for someone else.
I began a new career, found the love of my life, was adopted into a brand new melded family, and constantly try new things. It's made me more laid back, less confrontational, more contemplative, slower to judge and I don't dwell on things like I used to.
We live at the beach, work from home, love staying home when we're off, delight in each of the kids and love to travel as much as possible. Sarah and I have a lifestyle we love and are working hard to sustain it. We're doing what's right for us and while it's got its scary moments it's fulfilling as hell!
"Listen," I finally answer his question, "it's your life for the making. If you chose a job you don't like, assume total responsibility for people and things you're not totally responsible for, and live somewhere other than where you want ... that's your choice."
"Personally," I continue, "I think it's about time you starting doing the right things for you! No one else will. Besides you only have so much life left. Whose is it going to be? What's it going to be?"
"I can't just walk away," he stammers, full of fear.
"Then start planning now," I fire back. "Get a calendar and start planning where you want to be and by when. Start investing in yourself and stop giving everything away to others. Join the group that starts soon that I'm teaching (www.meellc.com/onlineclass )! Do whatever it takes because ... you've only have so much time left to live!"
"I will," he says.
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“Can’t put down my newest book. I’m reading it for the second time. Observations, situations, conversations all pulled together in a delightful way that makes you crave more. Thanks to my favorite author−Micheal Elliott.” -Brenda Kelly
Order yours now at www.meellc.com/newbook
