Since perspective and context is always relative, let's just focus on the big picture. You know - the Grand Scheme of Things. What's really important, in the grand scheme of things? I know what some of you are thinking. "Well, nothing is important in the grand scheme of things!"
Ok, let's keep "grand" down to earth. A persons' life and what really matters. Ok? From this perspective, what really matters?
Being happy is kind of important, I think! So what does it take to be happy? Is money required? Well, maybe a little, but not really. A fancy car? They're fun, but do they really make you truly happy? I don't really have a lot of time, so I'll just jump to it...
Relationships with others! That's what is really important. Just how happy could anyone be without having any friends? It makes me feel miserable just thinking about it!
Can everyone be your friend? Nope! We've all heard the saying, "you can't please everybody." It's very true, you can't. Not everyone will like you, either. Big deal! As the saying goes, there are lot's of fish in the sea. These people you just deal with the best you can. Smile and move on! Whatever they think about you or what you do (did?) doesn't really matter much. After all, they either don't like you or are indifferent! They won't be around that long.
Your true friends, the people that are drawn to you, are usually pleased just being in your company. You don't have to try to make them happy. You are already making their day just by being you! They understand that you might have an "off" day. They know that people try and fail - and they are there to help you try again, and again, and again (repeat over and over) if necessary. Then they celebrate your success!
There's an old saying by Bernard Baruch, a very interesting man, "...Those who matter don't mind, and those who mind don't matter." When he said it, he was answering a question about something very insignificant (in the grand scheme of things). He was asked about how he handled the seating arrangements for all those who attended his dinner parties. In this context (perspective), it means, "look, if I screw this up, who really cares? The people that matter to me don't care where they sit."
With humor, he was saying that you can't please everyone. Humor is another topic, but I'll touch on it here a little. LAUGH AT YOURSELF! Little mistakes are just that, little. It's not a big deal. ahem -- Sorry, it's just a philosophy of mine that I consider very important. Moving on...
Some people try to add to it, "Be who you are and say what you feel. Those who matter don't mind, and those who mind don't matter." Which sounds good, but is really only a justification to be selfish. With this addition, it says "you must accept me no matter what I do because you don't matter." To which I can only say this. If no one matters to you, how are you going to matter to anyone?
We all (I hope) have friends. Some friends are closer than others. Some are really close. I'm lucky to know a few that will drop everything and drive or fly hundreds of miles just because I need them. How do you recognize that you might be getting a new friend? Some times it's hard to tell, right? As I pointed out earlier, some people are drawn to you - and you to them.
Just pay attention and keep even the little things in proper perspective. Was that hand shake just a friendly handshake? Or did it say, "I'm so happy to see you again!" Was that hug just a friendly pat on the back? Congratulations for a job well done? Or did it say, "Thank you so much! You mean the world to me." Was that kiss on the cheek just a friendly hello or goodbye? Or did it say, "You're loved! I'm always here for you."
It matters in the grand scheme of things...
With good friends you get the three cornerstones, the triangle, of happiness. And it doesn't get any better than this!
Life - Love - Laughter
