Laughter and tears are both responses to frustration and exhaustion. I myself prefer to laugh, since there is less cleaning up to do afterward.
Kurt Vonnegut
This morning I woke up in a very lethargic state – as I usually do. And that’s why God created caffeine! Coffee wasn’t doing the trick this morning but fortunately Stephen Guise’s latest blog http://deepexistence.com/2012/08/break-your-own-rules-live-better/ stimulated me to get moving and to take on the day. Thanks Stephen!
Recently I had lunch with a friend that I care deeply about. His life isn’t working and I would really like to help. The reality (a reality that I haven’t fully accepted and continue to pay the price) is that our influence is limited and real change is an internal process. The person has to want to change. We can be a mild catalyst or dispenser of information but if we don’t acknowledge that our influence is limited, we are going to suffer a disturbing amount of frustration. I didn’t sleep well last night and I suspect my friend’s plight affected my mood and energy level this morning.
I began to realize the number of times I get upset by experiences that I can’t control and manage to my satisfaction. What a waste of energy. My agitation and frustration benefits no one.
I am always looking for bets with favorable odds, short term investments and stock market plays. Three scenarios that currently intrigue me are the following:
- The pundits have the presidential race (Obama and Romney) as being very close. I just have to believe that the incumbents have such an advantage that Obama will probably win. So to me an even money bet (no odds) looks attractive.
- Facebook’s IPO (initial public offering) opened at $38.00/share and now the stock is trading around $20.00/share. Does Facebook have to potential be another Google or Amazon and be a good long term play? And what would be a good price to invest?
- Our foreign policy takes the position that it would be unacceptable for Iran to have nuclear weapons. The Israelis even more concerned about the possibility . What are the probabilities that Israel would make a pre-emptive strike before the election? And what impact would this have on the precious commodities market (gold)?
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Riley,
I’m really happy to hear that my last article was timely for you!
I know what it’s like to want to help someone, but realize that only they can help themselves. It’s a difficult reality, but there is some freedom to be found in knowing what you can or can’t do for them.
My primary stock play (stock option, actually) for the past 1-2 years has been Apple and it’s worked out well. I shoot for companies I believe are undervalued and that I have a better understanding of than most others. I’ve considered Facebook, but I’m not sure I grasp their true value right now, so I’ve stayed away.
Cheers,
Stephen
Stephen Guise recently posted..Break Your Own Rules, Live Better
Hey Stephen,
Apple is a fascinating story. I keep wondering how they will fare (long term) without Steve Jobs.
Riley
riley harrison recently posted..ENERGY (PERSONAL) – OUR MOST PRECIOUS RESOURCE
No kidding about wasting energy trying to control what we can’t control. I could relate to your story about your friend you want to help. I’m in a similar position now, and have been in the past, too. It is so hard to do what you can to help and then let go of the outcome. Great post (and post title!).
Galen Pearl recently posted..A Purrrrr-fect Day!
Hello Galen,
And then to add insult to injury, we fret over the energy wasted and in the process waste even more energy LOL. Hope all is well and thanks for stopping by.
Riley
riley harrison recently posted..THE CHALLENGES & PITFALLS OF INSPIRATION