Update

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 Once upon a time , someone asked me if I would be happy working a job that was not at the university. Since my position at the university closed in 2020, I found myself doing exactly that— working in jobs not at the university. It has been a very difficult transition.  Recently, things shifted quickly and in unexpected ways. The short version is that I am leaving the hotel which I am currently working, having taken a position at another.  The longer version of the story is that I stopped by to see my good friend and former GM at his new hotel. While I was visiting with him, one of the owners came out and introduced himself and we got to talking. After a few minutes, he said he wanted me to meet his brother. Our conversation turned into a job interview and 48 hours later I accepted a new position as front desk, manager and assistant operations manager. After some negotiating, we reached an agreement and I start my new position on April 9. It’s a much nicer hotel and these...

Daily Practice for February

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The end of a month is exciting for it represents a time of transition, the chance to review days gone by and make changes for personal growth in the days that lay ahead. The rubric for February looks something like a daily check-list and is presented in no particular order. This will become daily practice for the month until it is mastered . . . if nothing prevents me:

  • ASK: "What would _____ do?" 
"Cherish some man of high character, and keep him ever before your eyes, living as if he were watching you, and ordering all your actions as if he beheld them." (Epicurius)
  • PREPARE: "What could go wrong?" 
Think ahead, plan for contingencies. Don't let yourself be ambushed, taken by surprise.
  • TRAIN: Practice voluntary discomfort. 
Skip a meal, take a cold shower, "forget" your coat. Get out of your comfort zone.

  • RESOLVE: "If nothing prevents me .  . ."
The new "to do" list.
  • AMOR FATI
Accept what is outside your control and love it.
  • PRACTICE
Infuse every opportunity with virtue
  • RELEASE
Let go. Nothing is yours, only borrowed.
  • MINIMALIZE
Don't hoard or acquire what you will not use. Learn to use what you have.
  • FORGIVE
People don't know what they are doing. 
  • BREATHE
Stay calm, buy tranquility.

Daily Practice is the Philosophy

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