OWN YOUR LIFE
JACK
I had one of the few low points of my life just last month. I started to give farewell speeches when the infectious disease doctor turned my file back to the surgeon. At 86, I would go through a great deal of suffering and an extended period of recuperation with another surgery. Even then there was no guarantee of success. My answer was no way. I felt there must be an alternative, and indeed there was. I am on the new program, and I am feeling unbelievably better!
HILLARY
So how do you go from making your goodbyes to the world to finding a path to the next stage of your life?
JACK
It starts with attitude. I am a great believer in the old cliché "if there is life there is hope." We must gain the courage of our own thoughts. We must not accept failure until the books have been closed. We must question everybody, and take responsibility for our own lives. Once a decision is made we must implement it with all of our power. I believe in changing doctors if I'm not happy. I believe in challenging conventional medicine because it's based on statistics and we are all individuals, and all of our systems vary, and no one knows our bodies better than we do. Most of all, whatever the circumstance, it is essential that we retain a positive attitude.
If I were religious (which I'm not) I would declare a miracle. I only know that in just a couple of weeks that the swelling has gone down dramatically, all of the blood counts are moving in the right direction, and I am almost free of pain. Gone are the heavy-duty drugs that put a veil around my brain. The toughest thing I've taken is extra-strength Tylenol. I am able to walk without a walker for the first time in a year, and I am enjoying an energy that is much more my style. There are still no guarantees, but I only know each day I'm feeling a little bit better and working again on my favorite projects – - – including this blog. I feel the urgent need to share my good feeling at all times. In the past I have maintained a very positive attitude, and instead of crying about what went wrong — I seek solutions.
HILLARY
I think it's totally amazing that even after 86 years that you are still looking to reach out for solutions. To find those alternative paths that lead to greater success, and greater longevity. To continue to inspire all of us that get to spend time with you, and learn from you, to seek out the solutions to our own lives. Pretty awesome, Jack.
JACK
It's all about attitude, and quality of life. How many people in great health are having a totally miserable time? How many people spend their waking hours bemoaning the fate of the world and the various catastrophes? How many people, both Democrats and Republicans, Liberals and Conservatives, think that the other side's solution is the path to disaster? Suddenly people have discovered the inequities in life, and bemoan the tragedies that occur every day. I have always chosen to look realistically at what can be the sunny side of the street. Every downside has an upside. Every problem has a solution, and a possibility of life improvement. When it comes to health I have always done what I could to keep myself going at full blast, but at the same time I did not, and do not fear death. That being said, I'll take as many years as I can to enjoy my lifestyle with all of the wonderful relationships that have become a part of who I am.
HILLARY
Sounds good to me.
Communication is inspiration! Share your thoughts below.
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Hello, Jack! (And Hillary!) I was getting kind of worried when you two didn't post for so long. I'm exceedingly relieved to hear that you're doing well — and highly impressed that you've had few low points in your life! Your attitude is impressive.
Kudos.
Diane Vigil 10/2/09 @ 10:29 amYou have always been a take charge kind if guy who deals realistically with the facts as they are and not as you would like them. Many of us are waiting for the ship to come in and change our lives, Successful people do not daydeam or waste their assets on the roulette table of life. They play probabilities and likelihoods and not fantasies and wishful speculation. That requires a keen knowledge of people and events and every successful person I know has those qualities. They require a self-confidence in your own ability and a qualitative judgment about life and the likely reaction of people affected by the same issues.
David Braun 10/2/09 @ 8:49 pmMany of us know these truths but only a few are willing to practice them. That is why there are few leaders and many followers. My friend Bhaskar used to say that corporate executives invariably say no to new proposals because they believe the penalty for failure is not commensurate with the rewards of success. Jack you do not follow that callow philosophy. To you, the rewards of success only go to those who accurately assess the risks and undertake the project for the greater good when the risk ratio is not forbidding. Otherwise you refrain. Your decision not to have more surgery fits into this format and we all hope and pray that your vision is accurate. I believe it is. Hugs, Dave
You are a true inspiration, Jack. I just printed out a hard copy of your October blog to refer to every time I begin whining about something. You and Hillary are a great team. Keep up the great work. Happy to see you're up and blogging again. Happy Birthday, Jack.
dale nissenson 10/4/09 @ 8:48 amJack, I have the honor of being very close to you in your comeback! after all those knee operations. Every second living next to you has been inspirational, and has made me stronger in every single way, your wisdom of life is priceless…..Happy to see you're back. Happy days are here again…….
Armando Hernandez 10/5/09 @ 7:36 pmJack – your love of Life obviously took the reigns in this long and arduous journey – a journey that has led to remarkable healing. You are an inspiration to your friends and to all those who have looked at your courage and indefatigable will to live.
I'm happy for you that you are now savoring your much improved health, and the moment-to-moment gratitude and joie de vivre you are feeling for being alive with so much of the pain you have endured behind you.
May you have many years to come of fulfillment and the blessings of Julie, family and friends.
Hugs,
Mike Schwager 10/6/09 @ 8:03 pmMike Schwager
yes jack ,good words about positive attitude toward healing.Allow me to add to your words.Having faced some terible phyical and emotioal moments in my life.i suggest, to my life coching clients , that they begin to practice positive attitude now.the future doesn't exist.it is merely a figment of our desires and wishful thinking .while you are planning the future god is laughing out loud.life can be wonderful, remember every silver lining has a potentialy very dark cloud hiding behind it. talk about how you want medical emergencies to be handled. know the drill before the battle starts.however when the fight starts be ready to have the important people in youur life ready to man their battle stations and do the right thing .remember , you are in charge of your destiny.do what you can to follow it in your own way.you're going to move forward ,no matter what the bumps in life offer us
lewis richfield 10/8/09 @ 8:44 amDearest Jack: Your recent blog was wonderfully inspiring. I have a statement on my brochure for working with individuals with chronic and catastrophic illness that I think says it all: 'We are greater than our bodies. We re mind, passion, spirit and soul. Illness cannot destroy our capacity to desire, to hope, to have faith, to laugh, and to love.'
Your thoughts and beliefs reflect this positive attitude. I applaud all of your hard work toward healing. It seems that life is looking up!
All my love,
jane richfield silano 10/8/09 @ 3:47 pmJanie
Jack and Hillary –
I just sent out your latest blog to my entire staff at the New Organizing Institute. I'm sure it will inspire them. Thanks as always for lifting my spirit with your wisdom.
Your attitude in contagious.
Thanks,
Joel Silberman 10/14/09 @ 6:47 amJoel
HI back jack! i am so happy to read more of your thoughts and thanks a lot for sharing them!
sophie morel 10/15/09 @ 3:10 ami totally agree with you and in my family we share the same thoughts and try to have the positive attitude!
My psych used to tell me that i would be expert in ONLY one area in my life…. myself. i am the only one to know what is good or not good for me, my body and my mind!
and i really believe in that, i also agree that one needs to take control of one's life and not leave the others like doctors take it for oneself.
it is hard but i also believe that one can do it and must do it, to be at ease with oneself!!!! some people call it wisdom others god, i do not know i just believe that it is necessary and you are the proof that it works!
kisses from PARIS!