Where are the Angels?

Have you ever wondered what an angel is? It's my belief that angels are really human beings committing random acts of kindness and senseless acts of beauty. I'm always amazed at some of the things that people do for me, sometimes without me even asking for it. There are some people out there who have an uncanny sixth sense where they can detect positive intentions and sincerity. I don't know how they do it, it just seems like they can peer into your soul. Those are the people who make you feel better just by being around them. Normally you don't even need to engage conversation with them, it's just a powerful and vibrant vibe that generates from them.

So what happens with me is that I'm hustling and bustling, attempting to take advantage of all that the Almighty has put before me. In the process I'm stumbling also, because I'm more like Clark Kent than Superman. At those moments when I stumble it seems like an angel always appears and does a good deed for me, asking for nothing in return. As usual, I end up thanking that person profusely because it's as if your life has been saved. But what's really interesting is that those types of people don't live for thank yous. What they really want is to see you "take it and run with it", which is whatever gift they have bestowed upon you, whatever door they opened for you, et cetera. They want to know their generosity has not been wasted and thrown into the trash. So, then it becomes my responsibility to step up to the plate and make sure that person is not disappointed. I gotta be a man and do the right thing.

Therefore, I have a challenge for you. Be an angel in someone's life! Be that emissary from the Almighty that brings joy or opportunity or education or elucidation to someone else in need, asking for nothing in return. Of course, your reward will certainly come, there's no doubt about it. Call it karma, call it paying it forward, call it whatever you want, it's all a part of the master plan. As a friend of mine would always say, "Dude, you gotta get with the program!"

The Hustler (published 2001)

Negotiating with one of my favorite clients years ago, with an intriguing smile, he said, "You know what Kirk, I really like you. You're a hustler. That's why I do business with you." All those years I wondered why I was so fortunate to do business with such a successful and honorable man. It never dawned on me that he considered me a hustler. He went on to say hustling was something he admired in the people he dealt with and it was a requirement of those who worked for him. He felt that hustling was what propelled him to success where others could not get out of the starting blocks. Then something popped into the forefront of my mind, a classic line from the movie Cocktail starring Tom Cruise. Cruise’s mentor sarcastically spewed out, "Workers never hustle and hustlers never work!" I was aware of hustling way back then, but didn’t truly understand what a magical quality it is. After hearing that line I surely didn’t want to work and hustling became my way of life.

When I was a kid I always thought I would accomplish great things. Most kids have great dreams, so that was nothing unusual. I thought I would be a basketball star, then a jazz musician. Then, while I was in college, I learned about the world of business and developed even more dreams. What happens to the average individual is that the dreams die, oftentimes replaced with attitudinal stagnation. He then becomes a worker, unable to see beyond his current circumstances. But, hustlers never let the dream die because they have extraordinary vision. They always seem to have big plans and they’re always willing to go for it, breaking away from the circumstances which hold the worker down. For those who refuse to let the dream fade away, hustling is just the natural order of life.

Workers get a 9-to-5 and sprint for the parking lot at 4:59. Hustlers who have a passion for their jobs and careers come in before 9 and stay after 5 because they can't be restricted to 40 hours a week. They know that taking advantage of opportunity and realizing dreams doesn't begin until after the 40th hour. Hustlers really don’t know what a 40-hour work week is, whether they work for a company or own their own business. They never experience it and don't give it much of a thought. Getting the job done is what’s important to them, regardless of how much time it takes. The worker gets paid for time while the hustler gets rewarded for accomplishment. Workers want to get off; hustlers want to get on.

Hustlers always have a knack of capitalizing on opportunity, while workers—who have the same opportunities—don't recognize them or are unwilling or too fearful to take advantage of them. This philosophy is embodied in the hustler’s bring it on attitude. Since hustlers are in relentless, high speed pursuit of their dreams, they are always ready to spring to action, willing to take on challenge after challenge, whenever and however it comes. Workers live an unchallenged life, just going through the motions to get through another day. But, in the hustler’s mind, those challenges represent stepping stones to their ultimate success.

Unfortunately most workers normally don’t enjoy what they do. And, if they’re lucky enough to enjoy it a little bit, they’re often complaining about how things could be better. But, keep in mind what the great Moms Mabley said: "Eighty percent of the people you complain to don’t care. The other twenty percent are glad it’s you and not them." To the contrary, hustlers love what they do! They’re thrilled by it! There’s no need to complain, plus they don’t have the time to complain anyway—they're too busy hustling. The exhilaration of making deals, signing contracts, accomplishing objectives, meeting interesting people—those are the things they live for and thrive by. Hustlers have passion and drive which is inextricably intertwined in all that they do.

Finally, the hustler is extremely patient, therefore he can hang in there when the worker fades away. The hustler knows that oftentimes success is a war of attrition and if he has the willpower and guts to simply hang in there, he may be the last man standing and win the day. Hustlers are mentally tough and can withstand the bumps and bruises that come along with their ascension to the top. They know success is right around the corner, even if they have to stagger to it after absorbing blow after blow. They’re willing to go through troubled waters because they want control of their destiny. Ultimately the hustler understands, no pain, no gain.

Copyright by Kirk Charles, 2001. Redistribution or reprinting of any kind, in any type of media, without the prior written authorization of Kirk Charles is strictly prohibited.

How Important Is Your Health???

Well, you're going to think I'm a little bizarre, but I gotta say this anyway. Since 1989, unless completely by accident, I haven't eaten anything bovine, swine, piscine or bird-like (oops...I don't know the "ine" word for fowl). Also, no milk, eggs or cheese. Sounds painful, I know, but once you get used to it it's pretty cool. VEGANISM is the way to go!

Because I know you care about your body, I want you to put your health before all other concerns. Somebody once said, "Treat your body like a temple!" Not an outhouse--a temple! Too many of use abuse the physical form the creator has bestowed upon us. We don't eat right, we don't exercise, we stress over mess--then we're chagrined when we start falling apart.

So, I have a challenge for you. For the next 30 days eschew beef, pork and fried food. And if you don't feel a lot better, call me a fool (and delete me from you list of friends on FaceBook). It's a sure bet that your body will welcome the relief from putrefactive flesh deteriorating your intestinal tract. In the holistic health professions there's a belief that all disease starts in the small intestine. I agree with that. If you eat a lot of crap you're going to feel like a lot of crap.

Also, during that 30 day time period, I want you to engage in some serious cardiovascular exercise at least every other day for 45 minutes. Do something that's going to make you sweat! Do something that you like! I play tennis at least four days a week, but you have to do what's good for you. Walk, run, swim, basketball... Unfortunately the only muscle many of use is the jaw muscle to chomp on that meat. Sorry, but I'm requesting that you get a full body workout.

Anyway, we've got to influence our health in a positive way and the only way to do that is to become proactive. Let's face it--we ain't gettin' any younger--but we can become better. If you want any tips on how to convert to veganism, give me a shout!

"Keeping your body healthy is an expression of gratitude to the whole cosmos - the trees, the clouds, everything."--Thich Nhat Hanh

God +1 is Always the Majority

Thanks to all of you who opined regarding my CD project. I received some great pointers and tips which will make it a very powerful and insightful message...RESOLVE TO HAVE YOUR BEST YEAR EVER. I put up a newer version on YouTube for you to check out if you have the time at ... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPL3oVsoXGI. Check it out and let me know what you think. Also, if you're not already on FaceBook, look me up and link in.

Last night I was struck by a message from above which has been transmitted to me before--but sometimes I'm to thick-headed to get it. As I was working at home I realized that there may be moments where you--and you alone--will be the only one who believes in what you're doing or attempting to accomplish. When this realization hits you, your faith is tested and tested and tested, seemingly ad nauseum. What I would normally say is don't be fearful, keep going, don't give up, persevere, resolve, quitters never win...you know what I mean. But, I think the more important thing to say is that God + 1 is always the majority. If you're fighting for something that benefits other people, where you also benefit--and seemingly everyone else is against you or doesn't believe in you--as long as you believe and have faith, the Almighty is on your side and that's the only crew you need to roll with!

One of my favorite persons in the good book is Job. He was mentally tough and pertinacious! Check him out and let me know what you think.

Do your thang...roll on...

RESOLVE TO HAVE YOUR BEST YEAR EVER - Preview

Check out the preview of my soon to be released CD RESOLVE TO HAVE YOUR BEST YEAR EVER on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5qBLDqzl8o.

Please let me know what you think.

"When you feel you're fighting against a more powerful foe, remember that Goliath forget he was playing around with David!" - Kirk Charles

Email me at kirkcharles@comcast.net or call 973-919-8065.

RESOLUTION

(originally published in 1999)

Definition - a formal expression of opinion, will or intent
Redefinition - YOUR INSURANCE POLICY FOR SUCCESS, THE ART OF NEVER GIVING UP

Happy New Year!!! New Year's Day is my favorite holiday. Unlike all the other holidays, it's very essence engenders change, growth, evolution and maybe even revelation. Why? It's the first day of the year where we can start fresh and anew. Per annum we have yet another opportunity to leave our past behind and look forward to the future with heightened expectation instead of fearful apprehension.

How do we take advantage of this new beginning? By making resolutions which inspire us to higher heights. By decreeing that, from this day ad infinitum, a positive light will radiate upon us and emanate from us.

What is resolve?

RESOLVE means you've made promises to yourself with your Creator as a witness;

RESOLVE means that when the going gets tough, the tough don't go shopping, the tough become like teflon where no adversity or affliction sticks to you;

RESOLVE means you've shed your skin like a snake and the new you has emerged, merging with your own pre-determined destiny;

RESOLVE means you cannot go backward and you refuse to go downward; the route of progress, forward and upward, is the only possible and conceivable boulevard of progression;

RESOLVE means it is time to GO FOR IT; the spineless and gutless you must die in lieu of a powerful, inner drive and determination, capable of unleashing the lion's pride, the tiger's tenacity, the panther's prowess, the eagle's acuity and the owl's sagacity;

RESOLVE means you are ready to take on the arduous -- reciprocally rewarding -- task of self-improvement and self-enlightenment; and, of utmost importance,

RESOLVE means you've mastered the ART OF NEVER GIVING UP.

So, since we're at the beginning of the year, let us commence with the process of making resolutions. But, before we take the first step, let us destroy two crippling myths: 1) Making resolutions is a daunting task and 2) Carrying them out is painful. We all know people who refuse to make resolutions, bemoaning, "I don't make resolutions. I always break them, so why even make them." This is a clear sign of diffidence. By not resolving to improve one's lot in life one will ensure another lackluster year. Furthermore, adoption of a cynical philosophy is the stamp on a disposition of disdain and disgust with onself, due to inability to exercise self-discipline and live up to one's self-expectations. What this all boils down to is fear, a paralytic state of mind, which can destroy the spirit.

Therefore, to effectively begin making resolutions, a subtle, philosophical change may be necessary. Resolutions should not be one's nemesis lurking around the corner, just waiting for the opportunity for one to stumble. Resolutions should be thought of as ONE'S INSURANCE POLICY FOR SUCCESS. Look at it like this: if you pay your insurance dues monthly, weekly or, better yet, daily, how do you think you will fare in the ensuing years? Will you be in a more promising position than you are today? Probably so. Daily commitments and disciplines are the seedlings of resolution, there's no mistake about it. Commitment and discipline, commitment and discipline -- say it to yourself over and over. This type of positive affirmation can only help you set and maintain resolutions.

Now that we have the philosophical adjustment necessary to guarantee our success, I'll give you some sure fire keys to make resolutions:

1. Don't bite off more than you can chew. It's easier to eat a steak when it's cut into little pieces.


2. Don't be too easy on yourself. The only way to expand the possible is by going into the impossible. Stretch the limits of your possibility. It might amaze you to find out what you can do if you give it a try.


3. Don't compare your resolutions with anyone else's resolutions. Everyone grows at a different rate. Remember the turtle beat the hare.


4. Keep a diary of your progress. You must always be cognizant of your direction. It's easier to know where you're going when you know where you came from.


5. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Everyone needs help from time to time. It's hard to succeed by yourself -- but it's easy to fail by yourself.


6. Encourage someone else. When you help someone else you help yourself. The combined will of two people can have amazing force.


7. If you break a resolution, don't get discouraged. Immediately jump back on the bandwagon. I've known many alcoholics who have fallen off the bandwagon and successfully climbed back on and stayed on. The worst thing you can do is grovel in the dirt, mired in self-pity and diffidence.

With these seven keys in mind, YOUR INSURANCE POLICY FOR SUCCESS will mature at an accelerated rate. If you resolve you will rise above.

Copyright by Kirk Charles, 1999

Redistribution or reprinting of any kind, in any type of media, without the prior written authorization of Kirk Charles is strictly prohibited.