Category: Lunar Letter (English)

We can look at life as if it were a series of hourglasses. The only difference is that instead of having the tops sealed, they are open to allow adding more sand. When the grains pass from the top to the bottom, the sand creates small mountains which can be thought of as the history our life in 3-D. While we could look at many different examples, let’s look at three.

The most obvious of these hourglasses is the one of time. It determines how long we will live and when the last grain of sand passes through the opening linking the top to the bottom is when we pass from this reality we know, to another yet unknown. Some say the quantity of sand is predetermined, while others say it is a function of what we do and how we live. Of no doubt is that our time as we are now is limited.

Our physical hourglass depends basically on two elements, the calories we consume and those we burn. If we take in more than we eliminate, we gain weight; otherwise, we lose weight, it’s that simple. If you want to eat a lot (and you have the means to do so), there’s no problem as long as you are willing to exercise a lot to burn it off. If we don’t assimilate enough calories, in no time will we not only lose weight, but also the energy we need to face each day. It’s a delicate balance we must strike to be physically fit.

At the same time, our economic hourglass is filled with the money we make, whether it be as an employee, or through any other source of income we might have. It’s diminished by our daily expenses. If we put in more than we take out, year after year, the hour glass will fill and be available if we need it for entertainment or necessity some day. On the contrary, if we take out more than we put in, our hourglass will constantly be empty and we will need to depend on family, friends, a bank, or a loan shark to survive.

Managing our hourglasses isn’t easy, but when we achieve it we can live more satisfied with our place in the world.

How can we do it?

Realizing life has a beginning and an end isn’t cause for anguish or desperation, rather of joy and reflection. If you are reading this now, it means you are alive. Perhaps yesterday wasn’t so swell and tomorrow may be unsure, but today is a reality. Besides, this moment goes with us wherever we go, so you might as well enjoy it as much as possible.

To optimize the physical hourglass, eat well and do some form of exercise everyday. It isn’t always easy and it takes determination and dedication, especially if we are struggling with one of the hourglasses in our life, but it’s essential we maintain our bodies in optimal condition. We have become lazy. Walk up the stairs every now and again to feel how the effort strengthens your legs and your increases respiratory capacity. Walk around the block in the afternoon, or if there is a river, lake, mountain or beach nearby, go there, but do something to keep moving.

To keep the hourglass of economics healthy, every time you receive money, regardless of the source, take fixed percentage and save it in a separate account. Begin to pay yourself first and live with what’s left over. You will see that economic resources will abound in your economic hourglass, growing little by little and giving you a sound economic base.

As the famous saying in computation goes, “garbage in, garbage out.” The grains of sand you add to your hourglasses of life are what you will later use and give to others. If you take advantage of each moment, are careful with your eating and exercise, save some money from everything you earn, and put in the very best ingredients into each of your hourglasses of life, you will be wiser, healthier, and happier.

∞ Rob McBride ∞
LL IV 38

If our pets could talk, can you imagine what he would say about us?

Would they say you we are obedient, or perhaps that we still need a little more training?

I think my dogs have me pretty well trained. I give them food twice a day and take them down afterward to the park, so they can do their deed. If they have an accident and go poop where they’re not supposed to, I’m there to clean up after them, without too much of a struggle, though I do usually grumble a word or two. It seems to me my dogs would say I am a pretty obedient and comply with the majority of their demands.

If for some reason I don’t, they remind me, without thinking twice about it, by barking a bit.

We can also imagine another series of commentaries our pets might make. For example:

What would your pet say about your character?

Would he say you are good guy or gal, kind and gentle, or perhaps a bit of a grouch, with a tendency toward hostility?

While perhaps your pets depend on you for survival, I wonder who is more intelligent. While we work to make the money used to buy their food, they are sprawled out in the sun, taking a nice nap. While we are in a never-ending traffic jam on the way home, they casually look to see if there is any sign of us. While we take their food to them, door to door, they wait with their tails wagging, smelling the new food which will be their breakfast and dinner for the next several weeks.

When our pet observes us, would he say we are successful with a tendency towards victory or a failure who feels defeated?

I wonder what advice our pets would give us if they could talk.

How many words of wisdom could come from them, just by being so aware of our each and every move day in and day out?

What goes through the mind of our pets when they see us after a long day?

It’s obvious they get excited and their emotional state changes in an instant. It’s a time of great joy and glory when they can greet and smell us. They jump, bark, and squeal with happiness with our presence.

Would our pets tell us to work more, or to take time in the day for a nap?

Would our pets tell us to stress out more or find a way to be more tranquil and stable?

Pets can measure our mood in an instant. They know by instinct if it’s a good time to get close or move away. A pet knows that when we feel tired and beat up, sometimes the best thing they can do is to just be near us, without doing anything. In the same way, sometimes the best we can do to accompany somebody in need is to simply be there, without saying anything.

What would your pet say about you?

∞ Rob McBride ∞
LL IV 37

An interesting concept to consider regarding our emotional state is one called the “U” of Happiness and its explanation is quite simple. Studies confirm people in their 20’s and 3o’s are generally happier than those in their 40’s and 50’s, and then later in their 60’s and 70’s their level of happiness rises once again.

Obviously these are general tendencies and there are always exceptions, but the reasons are as follows. When people are in their 20’s and 30’s, they are young, full of energy, and ready to conquer the world. In their 40’s and 50’s, many times economic burden, rebellious children and the weight of the world, seem to weigh heavily on their shoulders. Once in their 60’s and 70’s, many are just happy to be alive. They have seen many of their contemporaries die and know at any moment they may be next in line.

One of the reasons given for this phenomenon is the gap between what we desire and where we are. Young people don’t have a great degree of control over where they begin in the world, so wherever they are, they tend to be more willing to change their situation, if necessary, or maintain it, if it is good.

Getting to middle-age many fight to keep their status or enhance it. The problems of their children present different challenges and unexpected expenses seem to lurk around each corner, causing economic pressure. In their 40’s and 50’s, many times people look in the mirror and realize many of their dreams have been left by the wayside. They look at others around them who have more material wealth, and apparently, happiness. If they aren’t in the same place, it can become a great burden.

As people get older, they have less need for material things and are more grateful for the people they have around them and the wonders each day on Earth brings.

What can we do to close the gap between where we want to be and where we are right now, regardless of our age?

It’s good to have goals to achieve our objectives, but it is also important to be thankful for what we have right now. In a world where we are constantly bombarded with invitations to drive better cars, live in more luxurious houses, and use the latest fashions, it is easy to lose ourselves in an ocean of “created necessity.” We can be grateful for everything we have, realizing that wanting more isn’t bad, but being thankless for what we do have is.

Realizing all we have, beginning with those things coming free from the “factory” when were born (which are also free), the air we breathe, the birds that sing in the trees, and the flowers adorning nature; is an excellent way to feel happy right now. Being happy with our present condition is a decision which depends on us and no one else. As the saying goes, “The richest is not he who has the most, but he who needs the least.”

∞ Rob McBride ∞
LL IV 36

Why is it so difficult to take responsibility for what we do wrong, but easy for what we do well?

At least part of the answer can be found in this quote from Bob Marley:

“The problem is people are being hated when they are real, and are being loved when they are fake.”

Maybe this is the reason why a child hides his hand when caught writing on the walls, and also why an employee denies having done something wrong when there is no other possibility.

We are hesitant to take responsibility for things which might prejudice us. Since we are small we are accustomed to being rewarded when we do something “good” and reprimanded when we do something “bad.” Instead of being conditioned to being praised only for results, it would be better to positively reinforce telling the truth.

Can there be anyone in the world who has not done wrong at some point in time? Of course not! Instead of showing our children to never make mistakes, wouldn’t it be better to have them understand that being responsible for their actions can lead them to learn and improve?

Is it possible for a baby to learn without falling?

Can an employee possibly know what to do before he is trained?

We create almost impossible expectations when we don’t accept errors from others. In fact, in many cases it is from our errors that we learn our most important lessons. It would be ideal to learn from the failures of others, but it’s not always possible.

Society tends to reward results more than the process. Taking responsibility for our actions isn’t always convenient in the moment, but it is a matter of honor, and in time we can become better by doing so. While it can hit us like a bucket of cold water, our environment is a reflection of our society.

If we as individuals don’t take responsibility for what we do, how can we expect others to do so? If we want to modify something, we must first modify ourselves. Taking responsibility for our actions is a good start.

∞ Rob McBride ∞
LL IV 35

It’s common to spend much of life accumulating material things and emotional experiences. It’s normal and a result of human nature, as well as marketing campaigns. The dream of many is to have their own home in a nice place, a new car, comfortable well styled furniture, designer clothes, and of course, the latest technology to manage it all.

We to out daily into to the world sharing our talents to acquire what we see on television, in popular magazines and the billboards that shout with their offers:

“This is the life you deserve!”

To sum it up, we go after what we are offered in so many places. Additionally, we want to be accepted socially by everyone. We should be good children, students, parents, and colleagues. We act in accordance with established norms for “living right.” We say, “hello” and “goodbye,” ask for something by saying, “please” and receive it with a “thank you.” We have the script memorized.

What if we had none of this?

What if having your own home, car, and other toys, were no longer so important?

What if instead of being like a monkey in a circus looking for applause, you simply be the best you that you can be?

We think the applause and approval from someone else will satisfy us. We look for recognition and they tell us we are “good”, not really because we are but rather to be up to the demands. We receive the medal they give as a prize and with it pretend we are fulfilled.

Why are we so afraid of losing what we have already acquired?

Think for a moment of those who have left their countries throughout history in search of a better life, as many are doing worldwide right now. While some are able to move everything, others take what they can, often losing much of it on the way, ending up with the clothes on their back. Then, there is nothing to lose.

To these last brave souls, who travel with almost nothing at all, does it matter what they must leave behind? Of course it hurts! but they are convinced something greater lies ahead for them on the horizon. In a few words, they have nothing to lose.

Leaving a country or place is a good example of how someone can get to the feeling of having nothing to lose, but it also applies to all areas of life: work, relations, and others.

What would you do if you had nothing to lose?

Would you do what you are doing right now or would you do something else?

Would you stay with the same people in your environment or would you fire them in favor of others?

What are you afraid of losing?

Today can be a new start. You can begin a new chapter in your history of life, leaving behind the weight of those already written. This can be the day when you finally free yourself of everything weighing you down to travel lighter and fly higher. We convince ourselves we need many “things” to live, but the reality is that we need very little. With a worthy purpose in mind, there is nothing you have today which cannot be replaced at some point, and perhaps you in time, it really wasn’t necessary after all.

When there is nothing more to hang onto, nothing weighs you down, and there is nothing you have to drag along with you; you are left only with who you are and the world you want to conquer.

In Venezuela, where I have been a permanent resident for more than 25 years, the question many have on their minds is:

Should I stay in a country where the possibilities seem to be each day more limited, or should I emigrate to a country offering better opportunities?

While this decision is of vital importance to so many here in this tropical paradise which has been divided socially and politically, it is also valid for anyone in the world thinking not only about emigrating, but also for those thinking about making changes in their work, family situation, or any other circumstance begging an answer to the question:

Should I stay or should I go?

There isn’t a single answer and obviously everyone is different. The elements to consider include, but are not limited to: our family, friends, professional organizations, sports, and hobbies.

When it comes to making a decision about a difficult situation, it’s important we make a good one. For many years, I taught a class on Decision Making, and in a few words these are the steps we should take for most important decisions:

• Define our Objective
• Analyze the Problem
• Generate Solutions
• Take Action

The process is the same for any significant decision, but there is another ingredient, perhaps even more important than these logical steps. We should pay attention and listen to to what many refer to has our “heart”, though my intuition says it has more to do with a sixth sense, often difficult to put into words. It’s that voice we have inside encouraging us to continue when things get complicated. It’s the same voice warning us to proceed with caution.

Like any animal perceiving danger in the jungle, we also have our senses which generally become aware, though it’s not always clear in the moment the reason why. From the time we are young, we are frequently taught to ignore our feelings. We are trained to see them as a negative forces, to be rejected in favor of logic and reason. They tell us that, “Big boys don’t cry,” and that, “Little girls should always look pretty.”

In many cases we repress our emotions preferring to relegate ourselves to well-founded analysis when it’s time to make a decision. As to how our emotions relate to the question:

“Should I stay or should I go?”

In my way of thinking, it’s even more important to listen to that internal voice, paying close attention to what it says. For some people the voice comes clear and strong, indicating a quick exit is the best choice. For others, family ties and/or work related issues can be more important from one moment to the next.

For those who decide to leave Venezuela, I give them my best wishes. There are many opportunities in a world which seems smaller every day. In the morning we can be eating breakfast in Paris, and in the evening dining in New York. The borders of the world may still be controlled by visas and permissions, but if you really want to expand your horizons, not even the sky is the limit.

For those choosing to stay in Venezuela, I also give my best wishes. As is the case with the rest of the world, there are also many opportunities right here where we are, though granted they may be more difficult to find. Remember, some of our greatest achievements in the world have come from the most difficult of circumstances. For those willing to use their creativity to fulfill the needs of those who choose to stay in the country, neither is the sky the limit.

The decision to stay or go is by no means easy. Perhaps more important than the decision itself is the attitude with which we implement it. The best desires and intentions tumble with indecision and laziness. Even the worst decision can become a blessing when the actions taken to achieve it are filled with certainty and drive. Make the decision and then do all you possibly can to make it the best option.

∞ Rob McBride ∞
LL IV 33

Many of us yearn for them and not all of us get to enjoy them…

What are the golden years and what can we do to get to them without having to wait so long?

Traditional thought contemplates working 40 or 50 years in a company in order to have a retirement, allowing us to live the last years of our lives in peace and tranquility. While in the history of humanity this concept is relatively new, it is much like chasing after a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. During our working lives we want to get there, to that ideal state of not having to work; but the closer we get, the farther it seems to be and when we think we have gotten there, it frequently goes away.

Although it might sound improbable and difficult to do, how about retiring right now? The word “jubilare” in Latin means to “shout with joy”, and this same word in romance languages also means to retire. I propose we begin express joy starting right now, instead of waiting so many years to do so.

Traditionally, people worked until their health permitted. When they could no longer work due to sickness or physical limitations, their family or friends helped them subsist. It wasn’t until the 18th century when the idea of giving a monthly stipend to people who reached a certain age was introduced. In the 19th century several companies began giving their employees a pension after a required number of years of service.

In 1883, the German Chancellor, Otto Von Bismark announced the payment of a pension to Germany’s citizens when they reached the age of 65. It was a direct response against the rising popularity and power of the Marxist movement in his country. And so, Germany became the first country to offer a payment allowing people to live well in their golden years.

Is it necessary to wait until 65 years of age to express joy and enjoy the rest of our lives?

What can we do to shout with joy before getting to the age which for so many signifies the golden years?

The primary thing we need to do is to enjoy what we are doing now, and this isn’t always easy. For 17 years, as a financial consultant, I helped many people plan for their golden years by establishing a solid economic base allowing them to do so. In all that time, it seemed interesting to me that my clients’ happiness wasn’t determined by their profession, their job, or the amount of money they made, rather by their attitudes towards what they were doing. I met people with many titles, professionals, who made a lot of money, who were some of the most miserable souls I have known. I met others with no fancy titles, humble jobs, making little money who were some of the happiest people I’ve met.

So then, what’s the answer?

Our “Golden Years” can begin now with a positive attitude toward our work, our colleagues, ourselves and our environment. Our attitude toward what we do is fundamental. If you don’t like what you are doing or where you are right now, begin planning to do something else. In a nutshell, I love the way Facundo Cabral expresses the thought:

“Do only what you love and you will be happy. Those who love what they do are blessedly condemned to success, which will come when it should come, because what should be, will be and will come naturally.”

Enjoying each moment can convert you into a person filled with constant joy. This will allow you to “retire” and “shout with joy” giving and give a shine to your years, making them golden, without having to wait so long.

∞ Rob McBride ∞
LL IV 32

Let me ask you a question:

How much baggage are you taking with you on the adventure of life?

Some seem to take with them just about everything that can possibly be had in the world, while others travel lighter, only with the clothes on their back. Between these two extremes, go the majority of us. In addition to material things we take along the way, we also tend to take a lot of emotional baggage, which can be the heaviest of all.

The weight of these emotional suitcases depends on the moment. When they are full of applause and praise, it’s as if they were weightless, at times appearing to turn into wings and whisking us away to faraway places. With less weight in our emotional baggage, we tread lighter, walk with our head higher, have better posture and are more confidence in ourselves.

When negativity abounds, not being taken into account or a dirty look, can weigh down our emotional baggage in an instant. It’s then when we can create a vicious circle going around in our mind over and over again, pondering each of our decisions and elections. We ask why we did such and such, or the reason why someone reacted in a particular manner. Sometimes the weight can be so heavy, it impedes our progress.

It’s important to know the baggage we take with us, depends on us. We can decide which bags to keep and which to pitch. Some of the emotions we take with us, like love and happiness, deserve to be taken, even though they too have their weight. Though we really may not want it, others like anger, hate, and disenchantment will slip into our luggage from time to time. The idea is to preserve the positive and get rid of the negative as soon as possible.

Is it that easy to simply throw away the weight we don’t want?

It would be wonderful if it were so easy. The truth is that it isn’t easy to leave things behind, even when they harm us. Nevertheless, with practice, we can begin to get rid of what most weighs us down. I have an exercise you might like to take the emotions we feel to the test:

• Think for a moment of a circumstance that is negatively weighing you down right now, it could be hate, anger, jealousy, selfishness, guiltiness or any other coming as a result of something specific in your life
• Imagine the entire situation as if it were a movie and as you do, see yourself in the image with bag full of all the emotion you feel on your back
• From the audience, as a spectator, watch everything
• Looking from the outside in, from a different perspective, you can find answers to make your journey more pleasant

When we take a situation apart and examine it closely from the outside in, we find it often isn’t necessary or logical to carry heavy emotional baggage. To begin to lighten our load, we can get rid of anything that doesn’t make us happiness.

Life is dynamic and its natural to feel emotions. Far from ignoring them, or pretending they don’t exist, let’s begin to analyze each one, deciding whether or not we will allow its weight in our luggage. In time we learn traveling lighter, with less emotional baggage, makes the journey more enjoyable.

∞ Rob McBride ∞
LL IV 31