Some Winter Reading

I have been asked recently by a few friends and co-workers to share the process that has led to some pretty big transformations in my attitude, approach, and mindset over the last year.  As part of that process, the following books have proved invaluable.  They helped in many ways, perhaps they can do the same for you.

1.  Jonathan Livingston Seagull, by Richard Bach

2.  Illusions, Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah, Richard Bach [Thanks Ron!]

3.  One, Richard Bach

4.  Awareness: The Perils and Opportunities of Reality, Dr.  Anthony DeMello  [Thanks Sarrah!]

5. Your Sacred Self, Dr. Wayne Dyer [thanks Keith!]

6.  Your Erroneous Zones, Dr Wayne Dyer

7.  Pulling Your Own Strings, Dr. Wayne Dyer

8.  The Velvet Rage, Alan Downs [Thanks Adam!]

9.  Ten Smart Things Gay Men Can do to Improve Their Lives, Dr. Joe Kort

10.  Ten Smart Things Gay Men Can do to Find Real Love, Dr. Joe Kort

11. Reaching Your Potential, Norman Vincent Peale

12. The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, Dr. John C. Maxwell  [Thanks Doug!]


I would be committing a grave sin If I also did not acknowledge the people in my life that have constantly driven me to be a better person; better leader; better friend and better family member.  I am fortunate to have people like Ron, Sarrah, Mory, Andy; Doug; Jack; Holly; Henry; John; Cory; Dee; Gerry; Jackie and Jackie; Benny; Jimmy; Jimmy; Geno; the entire staff at Cinemad Media; all of brothers and sisters from Truro Township; and countless souls who names I do not recall but who's lessons I do. 

Growth and opportunity come from being willing-- to take the chance to succeed and the chance to fail and to still get up the next day and do it again.  There is a brilliant scene in the film the Shootist, where the character played by John Wayne gives a shooting lesson to the young man played by Ron Howard.  In a not too subtle "passing of the torch" moment- Gillam Rodgers (played by Howard) realizes he's nearly as good a shot as the legendary Shootist, and pats himself on the back for his nearly equal stature.   Only to be corrected by a voice of experience and wisdom.  "Son, there was no one shooting back at you."  The Shootist goes on to say how most men will hesitate, "..blink and eye.. draw a breath"... and that "I wont."

Whether you find the strength in a book, in god, in your past or in future, may we all be the guy that doesn't hesitate.. that just goes and does it. 

A shootin' lesson- Scene from the Shootist (c) 1976

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