Thought

I had an experience today that reinforces the power of comparison that we discussed in the previous edition.

I was introducing myself to one of my new neighbors and mentioned to her it was my birthday.

We had the usual exchange of telling each other how old we were.

She had turned 33 recently. This struck a chord in me because 33 was the worst year of my life, so I told her, “33 was rough for me, I hope it’s better for you.”

She replied, “Well when I turned 30 I found out I had a brain tumor, then had a stroke and a surgery to get it removed, then at 32 I got divorced. So 33 has to be better.”

She said this with a grim humor only people who have truly suffered can muster when speaking about their personal tragedies.

It reminded me powerfully, on my birthday of all days, that “worse” is an ineffably deep pit. 33 was when I went through divorce, which was truly horrible, but at least I didn’t have something like brain cancer at the same time.

On my 34th birthday, I finalized the divorce. 3 years ago to the day, and now this woman handed me another lesson on the nature of tragedy and redemption.

Focus on your problems to the level required to address them, beyond that, you are much better off counting your blessings.

So, I want to count out some of my blessings to you here and now.

I’m 37 today and in perfect health.

I’ve overcome every hardship I’ve ever faced.

I have a nice home and never go hungry.

I am blessed with intelligence and resolve.

I have family and friends who love me.

I have a platform to share my message from.

I have a mission and I’m pursuing it vigorously.

And the most important gift of all, I have a firm connection to the Most High.

What more can a man truly expect from life?

When I saw Jordan Peterson speak earlier this year, he placed an emphasis on what you make the foundation of your worldview.

He said that when the true storms of life come in and thrash you (for example, finding out you have a tumor in your brain), only the deepest and strongest foundation has any chance of keeping you afloat through the tempest.

So, my friend, wherever you are, count your blessings.

May your days be filled with meaning, laughter and love, but always remember that the days are long and the years are short.

May your defeats be few and short-lived, and your victories as numerous as they are sweet.

May you discover your purpose here on Earth and live your life so intensely and completely that you make God laugh at himself.

Tome

Tool

I hope this week’s 3 T’s have your T levels surging!

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In Victory,

Alex