Reality TV or Watch the Locals Lose – Pick One
For us sports fans here in the big smoke, Toronto definitely isn’t as exciting as it has been in the past. The Jays (baseball) tanked their season by mid-May. The Argos (CFL football) finished last out of the entire league with a dismal 3-12 record. The Leafs (hockey) have yet to win a game in the young NHL season. And if the Raptors (basketball) pre-season is any indication of the future, it’s gonna be another long year.
Fortunately, I have roots with winning teams, having grown up in the New England area where they have perennial winners like the Red Sox, Patriots, Bruins and Celtics. Unfortunately, I don’t subscribe to those expensive sports channel packages, so I don’t always get my ‘Feel Better NOW’ kick unless my old ‘home’ teams are pounding the locals.
So what’s the alternative? Reality TV, of course. While I haven’t gotten caught up in these shows myself, they are indeed a reality for many folks here in North America as well as around the world. It’s perhaps one of the saddest comments on our current world society that the vast majority of people can sit around watching and discussing the relative handful who are actually out there LIVING their lives.
People, You Personally Can’t Grow On Other’s Manure
We applaud our sports hero’s achievements. We especially love to dig up the dirt on all the ‘Jon and Kates’ of the world. All the while, we lead empty, boring, unfulfilled lives of our own. So many people have already died years ago and are now just filling space and marking time, waiting for the official burial ceremony. Nothing new and exciting has happened to them in years because, well… they haven’t tried anything new and exciting.
My friend, Charles Burke tells the story of how he moved to Japan when he was in his mid-40′s with only the clothes on his back. It was the beginning of the most adventurous part of his life and continues to this day, some 20 years later. He is always surprised when his friends say, “Man, I sure wish I had your courage!”
Think about it. Charles was stepping in a huge pile of manure, moving on his own to a new country, with a different culture and language. His many regales speak of a man alive, living life to the fullest. Just last year, Charles and his wife gave away all their home furnishings and personal belongings to start yet again in Thailand. It’s a fascinating story.
I can definitely relate, having left my home, close family and friends in New Hampshire to take a job in Toronto, Canada in 1981. I came alone with whatever I could fit in my car, having sold all my other personal belongings to follow my dream. Although it wasn’t quite the culture shock Charles exposed himself to, there definitely were huge piles of manure for me to wade through.
Then, just four years ago my life changed dramatically again when at age 52, I suddenly found myself with an instant family – a new wife and two young step-daughters. Some days I’m neck-deep in manure. But over the past four years, I have grown more than in the previous 52 years combined. All this would NOT have been possible had I limited myself to endless sports and reality TV shows.
How Do You Know When You Need More Manure?
What do you mostly talk about when you’re with other family members and friends? Are your team’s standings or Jon’s possible cheating more exciting than your own life? Even if you think you have enough manure in your life, (and who doesn’t these days what with all the nonsense that creeps up on us), you may need to top up your supply.
Yes, we may have a lot of ‘stuff’ happening to us each and every day. However, most of us are survivors; we have learned how to desensitize ourselves and cope just enough to get through each minute and hour. But I ask you, is that really living?
Is your day-to-day existence no more than a rut? (definition: a grave with the ends kicked out). Is the highlight of your day when you get to crash in your favorite chair and watch the locals lose? Do other people’s lives always seem more exciting, daring or glamorous than your own?
Then you need to go step in some manure… squish it between your toes. Get down, dirty and uncomfortable. That’s when things start to happen. That’s when you notice you’re alive and growing.
You don’t HAVE to move to a new country like Charles or I did. Oh, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that Maggie moved to Toronto from Hong Kong in 1990 with very limited English. Yes, I have a most adventurous family and friends!
Think about all the people you admire, whether in real life, through sports or reality TV. Even if it looks like they have it made, they probably went through a TON of manure to grow to that place. Are YOU any different?
Find a new hobby. Start a business. Allow a new relationship to enter your life and see where it takes you. The bigger the sack of manure, the more you’ll grow! Take it from me, because I know from first-hand experience… when you’re alive and growing, you’re gonna Love That Feeling!
