Man And Superman.

Chuck Norris is amusingly misquoted as having said, "There are few problems in this world that cannot be solved with a swift roundhouse kick to the face. In fact, there are none.”

I love to listen to men who live a life I’d like to live. As Johnny Fontane kvetched to Vito Corleone: “Godfather, I don’t know what to do!” The Don didn’t reply: “Have you tried psychoanalysis?” The Don simply said: “You can act like a man!” Never better said. What’s the point of wearing a Versace suit if you use your sleeve for a napkin? Man up. I’m sick of hearing about broken hearts. We can’t all be Romeos, but we can at least keep from acting like Quasimodo. Because the time you spend revisiting relationships that don't work is time you could spend finding a person who is right for you. The important thing to remember, for relationships to work, you need to approach as equals.

I suffered stoically without the love I yearned for until I decided to get rid of anything that was not useful, beautiful or joyful. God does not take anything from us without giving us something greater in return. There is a passage in ‘The Count of Monte Cristo’ where Edmund Dantes says, “I don’t believe in God.” Priest Faria replies, “That is no matter, Edmund for God loves you.” When you love and accept yourself completely, old habits of beating yourself up, criticizing and condemning yourself dissolve. Instead, your appreciation and fulfillment in life grows.

You cannot control what life does to you, they are done before you know it and once they are done, they make you do other things until at last, it comes between you and the man you want to be. The only thing standing between you and what you want from life is usually you and no one is in more trouble than the man who lives two lives. You know the saying, "This is the first day of the rest of your life". Well, whether or not you’re afraid to become a real man, the world of men will drag you screaming and kicking into it, because we know you are going to be alright. So allow yourself to be thrown off the cliff and find yourself washed up on the beach: A real man, a mature man with a life.

Everyone wants to go to heaven, but no one wants to die. We’re the only species that knows we’re going to die- that is humorous and chilling at the same time. My master once remarked, “When people ask abstract stuff about time, or space, or reincarnation, I respond by enquiring if they exercise regularly, eat a wholesome diet, get enough sleep, show kindness to others, and remember to take a slow, deep breath- as it brings this spiritual quest down to earth. Of course, there is nothing wrong with philosophical speculations. But we can't afford to let it replace the spiritual practice of everyday life. After all, what does it serve to learn if angels wear earrings if we can’t hold a job or maintain a long-term relationship? What good does it do to pray like a saint or meditate like a yogi if we are unchanged when we open our eyes? What good to be present at a place of worship on Saturday or Sunday if we lack compassion on Monday?”

Our medals and titles don’t count when we go to heaven. But we’ll be looked over carefully for the sort of life we had when we are done. For the crevasses and lines on our faces show not our age, but how much we dared to be true to ourselves. Are you going to view life as it happens six inches away from your face, or take the long term view of a much wiser man? Difficult choice, and one I understand too well. Maybe, you don’t have to do great things, only small things with great love. Complete your childhood and become a true adult. Agree only to your highest choices. Have a sense of purpose and gratitude. Even Luke had a Yoda. Find your Sensei.

Be the best a man can get (not just a teeny bit of rehearsing in front of the bathroom mirror)! Gillette or something like that...