Could you live with zero dollars?

I have made my own simple interpretation from my experience being a father of young children. You see, babies don’t know to blow their noses when stuffed so you have to squirt saline solution then suction all the gooey stuff out. Not fun but basic care that must be taken.

So I  started using saline for allergy symptoms then expanded to nightly in the dry winter months. For about 3 years no I’ve used it nightly and have not suffered from a head cold or sinus infection since. (since having kids I tend to use hand sanitizer more often so there could be other factors attributed as well.)

My mother used to tell me to keep my nose clean. Now I take the phrase to mean literally keep dust, allergens, dirt, germs, and other ickies out of the last place the air you breathe passes before entering your body.

Thanks for the tip Mom!

P.S. Don’t pay $5 for a little bottle of saline. Shop around and you’ll find it for under $2. Better yet, make your own.

This question is most always asked in social situations here in America. It is a very loaded question. “Do” means  your occupation; what work you do to earn a paycheck. The answer immediately puts you in a strata; it defines your class and position, both economically and socially. The answer will usually determine if the conversation flourishes or falters.

I contrast this with the question asked in other parts of the world. You see, in other parts of the world, your business is just that: YOUR business. Only if you volunteer your occupation do people discuss it. The question I was asked most often in social situations while living in the West Indies was, “What do you LIKE to do?”

You see the difference?

I was taken quite by surprise the first time this was asked of me. I had to actually stop and think about what I like to do since I was so conditioned to answer the question of what I did for a living.

Since then I like to remind myself of things I like to do. Here are just a few…

- sailing (although I get very little opportunity to do so)
- playing competitive sports (there are very few things that get you in the moment than pure head to head competition)
- getting and giving back rubs (no explanation needed)
- watching my kids’ faces when they try something again and again and finally get it right.
- watching the sun set (something magical every time)
- swimming and snorkeling (ah, the sea!)
- laughing with friends and family (best therapy ever)
- running on the beach or through the woods (endorphins with a view)
- coaching and teaching others (sharing knowledge makes me smarter and happy at the same time)
- preparing dinner from homegrown vegetables

So next time you’re meeting new people ask them, “What do you *like* to do?”

“How you do anything is how you do everything.”

Doesn’t make much sense when you first hear or read it, but look closer then think about your own actions in daily life and it really starts to make complete sense.

Since ever I’ve done things – everything – just above average. Not poor, not great, but good enough. I wouldn’t settle for mediocre, but nor would I strive for remarkable.

Now I’ve taken a step back to observe my work more and make an effort to really be remarkable in anything I do so that everything starts to become remarkable.

I hope it sticks.