Happiness means following your heart. For three-quarters of a
century, that
’s how long my wife and I have lived. Nevertheless, I find that
I don’t understand the meaning of most of my life’s
experiences.
Happiness means following your heart.
For three-quarters of a century, that’s how long my wife and I have lived. Nevertheless, I find that I don’t understand the meaning of most of my life’s experiences.
But, I do understand my dreams, my aspirations.
I am constantly amazed when I look at the hills east of our home in Morgan Hill.
I do understand that each day is exciting!
Perhaps, that might be called wisdom….questioning and loving each day.
Pursuing your dreams, that’s what is important.
In 1992, my wife and I both took early retirement. She from a community college and I from Lockheed. We moved to the beach.
Now, fortunately, I was able to write the book that I had always wanted to write about my experiences as a Korean War Marine. And, I did write that book. (To-date over 4,400 books sold. Please check: www.koreanwarmarines.com)
I finally did what I had always wanted to do and more.
Writing over the last 13 years, I am fortunate to have written some 100 published articles. I always wanted to write. I finally pursued my dream.
Back in the 1950s, I double majored in English and education, with bachelor’s and master’s degrees for the purpose of being a teacher and writer. However, my life‘s vocation actually was in aerospace as a proposal writer, budgetary person and, finally, in contract negotiation.
Since late 2003, we have lived in our final retirement home. At this stage in life, we look forward each morning to viewing those hills to our east and the enjoyment of Morgan Hill.
Nevertheless, as much as I love my life, I must listen and help my four children.
Certainly, I believe as I have done, one should pursue their infatuation.
My older son’s occupation concern’s national security. He is not infatuated with this job.
My daughter’s avocation concerns eBay. I admire her and her husband for expanding and doing what they love… cars. He sells them. He is an entrepreneur. She sells hubcaps and automobile accoutrements on eBay. He usually has five or six cars ready for his refurbishing, always older models in the ‘70s or 80s. He even sells his “showroom fresh” finished products overseas. His garage and fenced backyard exhibit a ‘64 Mustang convertible, a ‘94 Corvette, and several Chevrolet Caprices. He has recently sold a Lincoln similar to the one in Kennedy’s assassination. Following their heart, my daughter and son-in-law do what they love.
My twin sons are quite exceptional. They are unmarried, have a $700,000 home in San Jose and have lived together all their 46 years. Nevertheless, one twin has recently transferred to Michigan with his company. Born and raised in California, this is his first time living outside California. No matter, he achieved a six figure salary, a $30,000 bonus and moving expenses. Actually, he spends most of his time on the computer. Mornings, he coordinates with fellow employees in Germany. Evenings, he communicates with suppliers in Indonesia. Nevertheless, he loves what he does. He speaks passable German and has his Bavarian outfit, including Lederhosen for his trips to Germany. His company is a subsidiary of Munich- based Seamans.
The company moved from Silicon Valley. He now has an apartment in Northville, Mich.
Nevertheless, his twin still lives in their home in San Jose. And, not surprisingly, his twin has a unique expertise to computerize medical raw material forward to manufactured outside sales. He has been a consultant throughout the country and even medical facilities in Mexico.
Now to the point. This son, with Stanford University training, told me of his unhappiness in his present job. He was tired of giving lectures and expounding his expertise. Therefore, he joined a San Jose pharmaceutical company. Unfortunately, he joined a company that had a problem: a bi-polar, almost psychotic female boss. (She had worked there for 20 some years.) Professionally, he actually knows far more than she does.
He complains to me. Then, he complained, with knowledge of law and corporate policy, to corporate. Fortunately, his company heard him. Shortly, this boss is going to be transferred to a non-supervisory job. Nevertheless, my son should still follow his heart.
To my son I say, change your vision, pursue what you really love.
Your father always wanted to write about his feelings, his thoughts. And, he did. One book and 100 published articles.
I’ll say it again – always follow your heart. In fact, everyone should.
