We Are Not Lost

Oilman Eddie Chiles had a campaign in the early 1980s with the slogan “I’m Mad, Too, Eddie!” His classic trademark sign-on, “I’m Eddie Chiles, and I’m mad as hell,” created an incredible demand for bumper stickers that read “I’m mad too, Eddie!”

Well guess what? It may be time to bring those bumper stickers back. Because there are a lot of folks around these days who can relate. We are not lost. We are just on the wrong path. And we are mad as hell about it.

Mad at our government and politicians, mad at the news media, mad at the police, mad at the COVID-19 pandemic, mad at the economy, mad at the bar closings, etc. Oh, and let’s not forget the special interests group attempting to rewrite history. We are mad as hell at them too! The list goes on and on.


“A season of darkness will not change until you choose to become the light.” – Jim Gardner

If asked, I think most Americans would agree that the first half of 2020 has been a train wreck and a disaster of epic proportions. But here is the good news … the first half of the year is over! Let’s put it behind us and move forward.

Don’t misunderstand, I’m not trying to minimize the happenings of the past few months, or the enormity of the challenges ahead. However, we have got to find a way through the darkness, to harness our collective brain power, energy and resources in order to find solutions to address those challenges.

So what are WE going to do about it??

Are we ready to take decisive action to help bring about change by being problem solvers and difference makers? Or are we going to remain in the shadows, continue to be angry and complacent, and leave the heavy lifting to someone else?

“Yes, there are two paths you can go by, but in the long run there’s still time to change the road you’re on.” – Led Zeppelin

It is time to change the road we’re on, time for positive change. Because the way our country has been operating of late isn’t working for the majority of Americans. However, destroying statues, defacing monuments and other acts of vandalism, rioting, looting and damaging property isn’t progress. It is certainly not problem solving and changing lives for the better.

“In Africa there is a concept known as ‘UBUNTU’ – the profound sense that we are human only through the humanity of others; that if we are to accomplish anything in this world it will, in equal measure, be due to the work and achievement of others.” – Nelson Mandela.

Far too often we’re quick to blame others for our circumstances, rather than taking a long look in the mirror at what we really should be focused on. According to Steven Pressfield, “Most of us have two lives. The life we live, and the unlived life within us.” Life is better when we focus on what is going on inside of us, rather than what is happening around us.

Before closing I want to share a few of my favorite quotes from Marcus Aurelius, the famous Roman Emperor and philosopher (121 AD – 180 AD), that I believe help to put things into the proper perspective.

“You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.

Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking.

If it is not right do not do it; if it is not true do not say it.

Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one.

When you arise in the morning think of what a privilege it is to be alive, to think, to enjoy, to love.”

Let’s stop being angry and take action. Before you go to bed at night wash off the troubles of today. (My Mom’s wisdom from my early childhood.) By doing so you can begin each new day with a grateful heart and a renewed sense of purpose. A renewed sense of purpose that can propel us to collectively accomplish great things, and help us get back on the right path.

We are not lost. ‘We the People’ are the solution!

The challenges we face are far too great to be left to the elected officials in Washington D.C., the billionaires, and the special interest groups to solve for us. By working together on common goals, ‘We the People‘ can be the catalysts for change required to create a better world, and overcome this season of darkness.

WE can become the light.

Enjoy the journey!

John

COPYRIGHT © 2020 John Carroll