SELF RESPONSIBILITY, INTEGRITY, CAPITALISM

Happy ‘May’ to All,

It is not too often that I receive strong criticism regarding my newsletters and opinions, but last month was the exception. I knew I might be taking a risk when in the middle of April I forwarded a letter to all of you. You may recall that the message was about some of our current planetary challenges, and it had as signers such notables as Michael Beckwith and Deepak Chopra. I forwarded the message without personal opinion, just asking each of us to contemplate what was presented.

I obviously upset a few as my email responses indicated, and the upset seemed to center around the fact that somehow taking better care of our planet Earth, and its people, was contrary to the principles of Capitalism. Frankly, I do not believe that having a heart and being a capitalist are mutually exclusive. Many of you are aware that I have been a businessman and entrepreneur in the fields of commercial real estate and mortgage banking for the past 30 years. I believe I speak from a platform of direct experience as I have competed in a fiercely competitive business environment. The picture  I see is that capitalism and free enterprise have built the wonderful economic structure of this country, but this same financial freedom has also caused the current “financial crisis” that most of us have never seen before.

The search for abundance is a healthy undertaking, but when we lose our integrity, this search for abundance becomes GREED, and the byproduct of greed is uncomfortable for most. The loss of jobs, loss of retirement funds, and physical decay to the planet is what we are witnessing today. Frankly, I never thought I would say this, but a little government oversight and some inspirational guidance from spiritual leaders may be just what are needed. We are in the midst of a planetary wake-up call where we are all coming to grips with the idea that happiness, joy, and abundance involves a lot more than the next purchase of ‘THINGS’. We, the earth, the people, the animals are all ONE connected with a common spiritual thread held together by LOVE. Helping another and assisting our physical planet does not in any way take away from personal self responsibility, free enterprise, and most capitalistic principles.

My speaking and training engagements include a wonderful mixture of businesses, trade associations and non-profit organizations. This past month it included The American Gem society, a regional zone meeting for the Lions Club, and a benefit for a community organization, and next week it will be a major title insurance company. In ALL cases the audiences are searching for new ways to create their personal and business joy and abundance in a rapidly changing world, and the answer always starts with individual self-responsibility.

 We all are personally responsible for painting our life’s picture, and if we refuse to do so, then we abdicate this power to others. How do we create and manifest what we desire? We do it by taking control of our thoughts, emotions, words, and actions and wrapping them up with faith and love. Is this easy? No, it takes a great deal of self-discipline, willpower, and practice. We all agree that we do not always get what we want, but what we get is always the sum of our current thoughts, emotions, words and actions. Are you aware of the action steps to accomplish this?  Particularly you may wish to check out the subject of the “Emotional Match” in my book or presentations. Are you presently an “Emotional Match” for that which you desire to manifest? www.simplehappy.net

Being from the heart (walking with grace) and having integrity does not contradict the principles of free enterprise and capitalism; it only enhances them! Self responsibility, free choice, and free will remain the order of the day while remembering that we are all in this together.

My very best to all, and thank you for passing this message around.

With Love and Appreciation,

Andy