Coaching Businesses and Life, a view from Long Beach

Leave Room To Grow

Ever wonder at these people who look like they made it.  Whatever and where "it" is. 

There is a saying that goes something like: "it's better to be a wicked person who knows he's wicked than a righteous person who knows he's righteous."  Why?  If we know we are good, what is the drive to even better ourselves?  Of course, you can carry that thought a little too far and drive yourself crazy, so adopting a careful balance is healthy. 

If our purpose was only to be good, we'd have done it by now.  Surely million of people are good, have been good and will be good, but wars still rage on.  Maybe it's because our purpose is to become better, to better ourselves.  It makes sense since since if we feel we have made it and have achieved that certain "good" level we wanted, it would leave us no room to grow.

So instead of reaching for perfection, go towards perfection knowing the road getting there is far richer than the actual state.  And anyway, what is perfection but just a point of view?

And Now What?

It seems no matter where we look, it's bad news.  And for what purpose?  To be informed?  There is a point where too much information doesn't do much but instill fear and uncertainty.

Ideally, when all is well, we should take the opportunity to develop ourselves, grow spiritually and exercise our minds so that they become even better tools later.  Much like these banks who felt the state of things couldn't continue for long, they stocked up on cash reserves and are doing OK now.

Even if we neglected to stock up when things were fine, it's no reason to despair now.  A little clear thinking, a few steps back and smart gaging of what you need, discard what you don't will go a long way to get you through these "uncertain times".

There is nothing better than a challenge to bring the best in us... or the worse.  Depending on how we choose to react, a recession is a wonderful time to get back to the basics, or as I like to call, Tap The Source.  Virginia and I are having a great time re-evaluating what we need and can do without.  We set certain standard, such as quality food and health remedies, while dining out less and being mindful of what we need and don't.  We don't splurge, but buy what we need and knowing what we need makes us happy we can afford it.  Fortunately for us, we are financially disciplined enough to have been in cash a whole year now.

So, to recap, this is a wonderful time to read inspirational books, but not just the overly optimistic ones.  Read the ones that make you think, truly and deeply.  It's a good time to reflect on what has worked in the past, what you need now and can do without.  Either that or you can get a coach.  Don't know where?  Drop me a comment, I won't post it until you tell me it's OK.  It's during recessions that some of the greatest companies are born and true world leaders come out, though mostly not as politicians.  Embrace this moment and stop worrying about the news.  The news in only interested in selling you its news, not pointing to what is working.

Being Back In Nice

As my much needed break back home in Nice, France draws to an end, I realize how happy I am to have be born in this city, be able to come back to it and that family is so very important.

People love or hate Nice but unless you were born here, or lived here a very long time, Nice is much more than a pretty city.  Nice, for me is warmth, it's a womb and the city that cuddles me.  It's old world, fetches its roots back to the early Greeks marine merchants.  Nice is blue, warm and is where I feel my roots deep within this planet.  It's my most stabilizing part of my life with Virginia.

It was great driving an hour and a half and go skiing in warm weather with great snow.  On top of the highest slopes, I could see the lower Alps stretching all the way to Italy.  Back down to the beach in the afternoon, there aren't many places where you can do this.

Finally, we had a mini-family reunion on Saturday night.  I forgot how much fun it was being in the middle of my turbulent Mediterranean family.  Everyone spoke at the same time, loudly, jokingly surrounded by good food.  I truly miss them.

As I contemplate my last day, I see this beautiful view over the Mediterranean sea, as blue and deep as it can be.  I miss this place.  Just wish airplanes trip could be faster and cheaper.

What It Means To Be From Nice, France

Sometimes I forget I was born here in Nice.  That's where I am at this moment, enjoying renewing my roots.

Nice has only been French for the past 190 years or so and was the unfortunate platform of countless wars from what were then the Italian kingdoms and France, as well as invading Maures and other barbarians. Needless to say, people from Nice don't particularly feel French and even less Italians. We are from Nice. The local dialect says it well; "M'en bati, siu Nissart!" which translates to; I don't care, I am from Nice.  While the king of France fought his battles here against the Italian kingdoms, it meant decades of occupation, famine and repression.  The people from Nice are tough, small, black hair and have a wonderful leathery face.  Well, at least the older generation, now a rarity.  The only kingdom that was halfway decent was the Savoy one.  They loved Nice and were good for it.

Nice is a particular place.  The environment is sun drenched most of the time, the soil isn't very rich, and potatoes and tomatoes are some of the rare things that thrive.  As with most places that are tough, the local folklore is rich and colors abound in traditional art.  The catholic faith had a huge impact and churches are beautiful adorned, while the people had close to nothing.  What captures my fascination is the deep azure blue of the sea. It's saltier than the oceans and you can easily see 30 feet below you when you swim. It's a blue that cuddles me, that warms me, that cups me in The All's hand.

The light is harsh and has drawn countless of artists, Picasso, Chagall, Matisse, and more.  Watching the arid hills, you can see the contrast trees shed on the dried soil.

All in all, it's recharging my batteries.

Back In Nice

It's funny but I sometimes forget I was born somewhere.  I was born in Nice, France.

Don't get me wrong.  It's not that I feel THAT much like an alien, but I feel like a Earthling.  People ask me where I am from and I jokingly say: "Planet Earth!"  Truly, it is one planet, one human race, yady yada.  Having traveled a lot, been in international school, I don't have that sense of countries but one of cultures.  The culture I resonate is the one I was born to. 

I was in a Mediterranean city and it's something I forget in the daily grind.  Being back in Nice is a wonderful treat.  The smells, lights and architecture is always pleasing to the senses.  The ochre buildings, the remnants of an aristocratic hangout, Nice has it all.

The first thing I do is EAT CHEESE!  Don't get me wrong, we have cheese in the U.S. but there is something about eating cheese in France.  And the variety!  Milk.  I don't drink milk normally but it tasted like real milk, the one I grew up with.  It has taste.

So far, it's been fun.  Watching the crimson red sun set over the bay and the lights flickering in the distance is a great reminder that this sea gave birth to my body. 

Ah, vacations, I forgot what it meant.  More to follow.