Stop Lying, Start Living

“The quality of a person’s life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor” — Vince Lombardi

“Sorry, but No. The external assessment of the value of a person’s life may relate directly to their apparent pursuit of excellence in a field or endeavor. One’s personal quality of life is a matter of personal satisfaction with what one has. You may live in total squalor, achieve nothing for 90 years and still feel you have lived a perfect life.” — I.C.

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His name was Walt, a decent guy who used to hang around the LASFS clubhouse. I noticed that he was always alone, but cast longing glances at the couples who held hands or smooched during meetings. As I got to know him, I heard his stated philosophy of things: he didn’t care about relationships. They were a trap and a snare. Preferred being alone. Didn’t care about money either — he wasn’t going to sell his soul to make a buck. And his body? He was an intellectual. The body was corrupt.

But…those longing glances. Over time, I could tell there was energy between him and a girl I’ll call Sherri. Sherry was a hugger. Really sweet, sincere full-body hugs given to her friends, and especially available guys. Walt would make eye contact, but kept his distance.

And one day, in misery, he confessed he was attracted to Sherri, but felt he had nothing to offer her. Was afraid of rejection. Over time, I got him to see that she had her insecurities as well. That one of the…