Friday

Forty Friday

I turned 40 on Tuesday and as one would suspect I have been reflective most of this year. My wife thinks I went through a mini mid-life crisis since I have been doing all this blogging, book writing and because I was somewhat adamant about getting the brand car I've been wanting for years when I purchased my first Benz back in September. Anyway, this has been a year of learning for me. Blogging has been a blessing and often quite cathartic. So to continue in that vain here is what I've learned over the years, in no particular order. Some of this I learned, just this year. And by the way, if you decide to slide on any of these as "your shoes", be grown enough to wear them. I know the pen is mightier than the sword, but I'm not into spreading hate, I'm too old for that shit (I'm tired of saying -ish).

For the record, it's not midnight yet in the STL (you know who I'm talking to).

1. If you have three close friends, consider yourself lucky, because most folks only say they have your back.

2. Don't just talk about it, be about it. The years roll by really fast.

3. Live with both eyes open. Pretending things are what they aren't only prolongs the pain.

4. Communicate whatever issues you have with your mate. You probably aren't seeing eye to eye because of an un-communicated misunderstanding.

5. A real Man With Balls doesn't hide behind skirts.




6. You should always be man/woman enough to handle issues like adults. (There are a lot of grown ass kids in this world)

7. The blogosphere can sometimes be a virtual high school environment. Don't take this stuff so personal.

8. Be your own man. Stop letting other people make decisions for you.

9. Own it!

10. Success is inconvenient.

11. Just because the comments aren't closed doesn't mean people want your opinion.

12. You can work to do everything right and still be wrong.

13. Spiritual warfare is real. I'm not in a fight against people, just Satan. He uses people because he is a punk, but it's really not about the people as much as it is about me doing the right thing (see #12)

14. Don't be so enamored with someone that you don't see them for who they really are. The signs are always there.

15. You don't get over childhood hurts simply through the process of getting older.

16. Do your due diligence, don't simply accept something because it sounds good.

17. Money can't be chased, it must be attracted.

18. Learn from your mistakes. You won't move forward until you do.

19. Don't be so needy that you accept anyone as a friend (see # 1)

20. Temptation is sent to distract you from that which God has predestined you.

21. You play how you practice.

22. Positive change starts with accepting the truth about why you are where you are.

23. When things go wrong. Look for the lesson.

24. Religious traditions have given Christianity a bad name.

25. Get you some theme music, because life is a movie starring you.

I ain't no ordinary brotha, look around...this ain't what ordinary get ya...


[click "play" (the arrow button) to watch]

22 comments:

Unknown said...

Thorough.

This reads like a "man standing on all ten toes" PSA.

Proper, playboy...proper.

Andrew The Asshole said...

That was some good knowledge, I appreciate more because it is coming from a fellow Entrepreneur. Happy Birthday, wish you many more birthdays and new benz. Speaking of cars did you see that Buggati is developing a $4 Mil 4 door car.

Ticia said...

Happy Birthday!!!

I loved your post..very honest and real--

Congrats on the Benz...

I may come to STL next weekend..for a friends party...gotta see how the weather is going to be--

Saadia said...

Wow! Excellent post. I'm printing this out and putting it on the bulletin board next to my computer. Very well said.

Dave J. said...

You had me @

1. If you have three close friends, consider yourself lucky, because most folks only say they have your back.

Anonymous said...

Dude I can't believe we have the same BDay! Happy Belated! Props on the list. It's worth reading in it's entirety at least once a week...FOR LIFE!

Rich Fitzgerald said...

I'm always amazed at the effect that removing layers has on those around you.

@ticia - if you would like to meet "the rich's"

@sojourner - happy birthday dude. that's pretty interesting - we are probably a lot alike.

Anonymous said...

From one Sag to another happy b-day. My favorite is number 20.

Amazon said...

Hope your bday was wonderful! And I have at least 3 true friends. Who DO have my back, and I am very lucky to have them.

CapCity said...

Happy Burfday, Rich! Maybe your name should be Preach instead o' BizMan...but then again a great preacher IS a good BizMan;-)!

Rich Fitzgerald said...

Ticia, I meant to say if you want to meet the "Rich's" drop me an email and I'll see if we can map out the schedules.

Disco said...

This is an excellent post and
10, 14, 17 , 22 and ESPECIALLY the last one (25) have given me some real inspiration. As I "near" that milestone, I am loving this list, so with that said have a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Mizrepresent said...

Happy belated birthday Rich and Sojourner and many more blessings to you.

Dave J. said...

Indeed. Happy Birthday to you both.

Rich, I can't stop thinking about #24. The longer I chew on it, the more certain I am of what I want to say. Hopefully no one will take offense to this remark, but I think what gives Christianity a bad name, above all else, is the behavior of the people who practice it.

Now you know me, and you know I'm not going to labeling anyone, anything, one way or another, but as in all else, there are some bad seeds. It is these people who have twisted Christianity into much of what it is today. Treating it as a business. Preaching consequence.

That's all I'm getting at.

To be fair, I've met a lot of people who I would call "legit" followers of Christ's word, I do not fault these individuals, I respect and commend them.

Shelia said...

Happy Belated Birthday.

By the way, your list is on point once again; I think you should look into freelancing.

Jazzy said...

Happy Belated Birthday! You look great for 40.

Loved the list, especially this one..."Live with both eyes open. Pretending things are what they aren't only prolongs the pain." soooooooo true is this!

Jazzy said...

PS: Happy Belated to Sojourner as well!

Rich Fitzgerald said...

Thanks for all the well wishes.

"I think what gives Christianity a bad name, above all else, is the behavior of the people who practice it."

I think the people who practice are sincere in their approach. However, many are being misled by the very leadership that they have entrusted their spiritual lives to.

Chari said...

Very good post.

Oh yeah, Happy Belated!!

May God continue to bless you to be a blessing.

Shai said...

What a list! Funny, I have been planning my yearend lessons. My year I have learned alot in the real and blog worlds.

Happy Belated B-day.

Anonymous said...

Happy B-day!

Love your list. Love it.

My theme music is What's Going On by Marvin (my first love) Gaye.

#24 is profound.

Eb the Celeb said...

HAPPY BELATED!