Sal's Reflections

As I type these words this morning it dawns on me that everyday I take for granted so many gifts and functions. I can see this morning,hear .speak walk and a host of other functions that I have the ability to utilize and yet they are not available to every other person. There is heat in my apartment and food,clothes to wear and all of the items that are necessary for a basic dignified human existence. These basic human necessities are complimented by all of the things that make life special. I have family,friends and to my recollection have never missed a meal so it behooves me in this season to have a keen awareness of how blessed I am.With this in mind, I wish to renew my commitment to the many who through no fault of their own have less than I.

Yesterday over six hundred people attended a funeral service for my friend Sid Lehmann. His two children spoke lovingly about this man who had such a profound effect on so many lives. Sid ws a brilliant lawyer whose life evidenced the power of one. He was a giant who dedicated his formidable skills to utilizing the law as a way to create a better society for all. Like George Bailey in the movie”It’s a Wonderful Life”his tireless efforts will positively impact the lives of many for years to come. Some will never know his name, but their lives have been enriched by his dedication. I will miss this great man, but I will always be grateful for all he taught me.May his friends and family draw on the wonderful memories he created for all who loved him.

One of the realities that eats up so much energy is unresolved anger. The sources are multiple but so many times the residue prevents us from having a more fulfilled life.Certainly there are human hurts that linger but why continue to bathe in an emotion that rarely brings benefit. I have tried in my life to let go of real or perceived hurts. The outcome of this decision has brought a level of peace that is so much more fulfilling than stiring over and over the circumstances of the anger. My suggestion is not to miinimize what brought the anger to your life but rather ask yourself”What is the value on continuing to cultivate the anger.” You may find that new beliefs about your ability to let it go will bring more peace and a new source of positive energy.

My dear friend Sid died yesterday and the loss of his presence is already painful. However, I realize that life is so much more fulfilling when we have others who share the human adventure. Friends make the moments when we laugh together more enjoyable. They are there in moments when the pain of life threathens to shatter us.They are that rock solid island where we go to reveal who we truly are. They are the ones who know the weaknesses as well as the strengths and yet accept us for who we are. This wonderful gift of having someone care about us should never be taken for granted and today in a deeper way I understand how my friends daily enrich my life.

The only good thing about “Sandy” is that it shows clearly that the public and private sectors have a meaningful role to play in our lives. Instead of the name calling and finger pointing by both sides it is high time that real dialogue needs to occur. We can more easily wend our way out of this prolonged recession and address the debt issues once the iron clad positions are softened and we go with the best ideas. I could care less whether it is a Republican or Democratic idea .Cease beating each other up and focus on the challenges. It is amazing what can be achieved when it makes little difference who gets the credit. In my life I have worked in the public and private sectors and have found dedicated persons who care about the common good. It is time for them to reach out with an olive branch so that meaningful change becomes more than a slogan.

In Yad Vashem the memorial to the victims of the Holocaust in Israel there is a profound section that identifies and praises Gentiles and other non Jews that heroically aided the victims during the Holocaust. I have had the pleasure of knowing Sid Lehmann a remarkable human being.. . He carried with passion his sense of justice and never tired doing battle with anyone who opposed a fair shake for everyone. Sid Lehmann an extrordinary lawyer who in his lifetime has aided and enhanced the lives of literally thousands of others in his commitment to those in Public Service. This brilliant man gaveevery ounce of his energy to insure that everyone gets a fair shake. Amazingly despite his iron clad convictions he always evidenced respect for those on the opposite side of the fence. Sid is dying and soon his physical presence will leave us but I will always treasure this wonderful man who has had a major positive influence on my life. If I had a hall of fame for people whose lives have made the world a better place this righteous Jew would be at the head of the list. I will miss Sid but I will carry all that he taught me every day of my life.

The willingness to pursue new goals takes knowledge,peristence and a desire to alter one’s life. The goals may be simple or in some cases complex, but you have proven to yourself that there is some cotrol that you have achieved. It is my hope that this approach, if you have found it worthwhil,e will be one that you utilize over and over. Goal setting is part of my life and I have found that the process has ongoing value and has enriched my life. It is not magical by itself but there are many goals that have been completed such as writing a novel. Without the focus and planning many of my experiences would still be under the wish and want categories.

You have almost completed thirty days to reaching one or more goals. I admire your willingness to invest your energy and hope that the process has been valuable. Just a few reminders before you complete the thirty days:
There is a tremendous difference between the words wish,want and choose. You chose to achieve the goal or goals. Secondly you realize that old sub-conscious learning can be changed by self talk,vision and focus. Thirdly you realize that new belief systems are the backbone of change. Fourthly it all comes together when we identify the pain or the pleasure and behave consistently toward the goals.

Last work task:
What if anything did you llearn about yourself in the process?

In the focus on the goals that you have set there are many positive outcomes. The most obvious is the goal achievement. In addition there is a positive momentum that indicates some degree of control of your life. You have consciously altered patterns of behavior by focusing your personal resources on achieving certain outcomes. This focus creates positive momentum which then reinforces your ability to be more conscious of the goals you desire.This positive drive may not last for a long period of time but it is a pause that will enable new choices .In baseball it is said that mamentum is only as good as today’s starting pitcher”. In life you are the starting pitcher and your willingness to take control gives you the momentum to continue to grow.

Work task:
Do you feel that there is momentum for growth because you have involved yourself in the goal setting process? What does this momentum offer in the way of next steps?

Humility is a wonderful quality but true humility really is able to admit what we are proud of and have achieved. In order to have some control over our lives it is healthy to allow ourselves to feel the warmth of personal accomplishments. When we set goals it is almost always with the intention of personal or community growth. As the process continues it is beneficial to reflect on the achievements and to allow the emotions that are positive to rise to the level of awareness.Goals require diligence,hard work consistency and a vigilant awareness. It is beneficial to note the skills that were required along the way. Affirming my ability to follow the vision is not an exercise in bragging but rather a component that allows new beliefs about myself.

Work task:
Reward yourself by identifying what you are most proud of ,state to yourself a new belief about your ability.Affirm yourself by allowing a few moments of praise for what you hve done and evenmore importantly who you are.