Kurt

My grandmother just died and I have nothing but regret as I don’t have the funds to reach her and am over 5000 miles away living in a foreign country. The money is running out, my company has no funds or funders, most of my contacts have moved or are tied up in other projects, I feel my talent and multiple degrees are being wasted, and part-time employment that allows me to focus on my career has dried up, my relationships seem to be falling apart and I’m feeling isolated from my home and from support. Perhaps this would not be considered “rock bottom” for some, but it is for me. Yet, I know how to be happy and positive so this reckoning has been confusing. Why has my perspective been shot?

Then I read about Professor Rotterdam’s research from Ted’s book and realized that the poverty I am experiencing and the base-line “survival mode” I find myself in, prevents even the possibility for me to be happy. So I am left with the fundamental question of : What now? I’m reminded of one of my favorite movie lines from “Shawshank Redemtion” that states, “Get busy living or get busy dying.”

I think about my grandma who devoted her life to bringing happiness to others. Her last days in the nursing home were spent making the rounds and visiting those who were sick or down in order to cheer them up. Her cheery disposition never wavered.

So, I want to make a life worth living, to live on purpose. I want this desperate plot to propel me rather than defeat me. To evolve out of survival mode into thriving mode. I’ve made my list, realistic or indifferent, all I know is the list comes from my heart. So, first – things – first, and that’s number one on my list, STAND ON MY OWN TO FEET. Get back on my feet again, that’s the first step to a better and happier life. Poverty is a powerful foe, especially in a time of economic turmoil. But men are made in such times, out of the ashes arises well-springs of hope and desire that create champions, warriors, and heros.

I am but a humble artist with a giant heart and a head filled with visions, I’ve aimed for the moon, though I am in the gutter. Yet from the gutter one may look upon the stars and rise to meet them. May this moment be the beginning of my journey out of the gutter and into a life where happiness reigns. All the best my fellow travelers, may your heart guide you and your feet carry you.

All the Best,
H.R.

Regnery Publishing, Ted’s publisher, is actually monitering this site, not Ted himself. So it’s not because Ted is too busy or is a hypocrite. He is, in fact, quite the opposite, and in real life is the exact same guy that comes through in the book. I was thinking awhile back that I needed to remind him of this site and have him post on it since everyone has been so kind, so I’ll do that today! So please don’t fault Ted or think any less of him because his lack of response is truly not his fault, it’s my fault for not keeping him up to date on the awesome lists and comments we get.

Best,
Jeanne

Best,
Jeanne

I read your book with great interest, as I had one of the reckonings you mentioned you had. I was on Ethiopian Airline flight #961 that was hijacked and crashed in the Indian Ocean. I’m not only one of the survivors, but I came away with no permanent injuries. Out of 175 people on the plane, I’m probably a handful of the luckiest injury fee people.

During the time on the plane, when we knew we were going to crash, I did not reflect on what I would like to do differently if I survived. I thought all would be OK, and I would be fine. Both before that flight and while on the plane, I was very thankful for all the experiences I had had over my life, having traveled to over 60 countries and countless unforgettable experiences. If I were to die, I would have no regrets and would be grateful for the adventures up until that time.

After the crash when I learned I was one of the lucky ones, I got to thinking why. Why am I here, while so many others’ lives came to an end? I also realized I did not want to die. I really want to achieve something. Probably that is why I’m still here. Like you, I’m very much am an optimist, and that could be part of the reason.

Your six secrets are right on target as far as I’m concerned. Those are the things that really matter. Just to give back a bit and possibly show some self-expressions, here are some comments on the book.

On page 9-10, I too have my moments of reckoning of sitting on the park bench and drinking wine or go to the youth center. I don’t know why, but I was always attracted to a challenge and learning new things.

On page 43 at the bottom, there are a couple typos. “young people bringing” not “binging”

Also, at the bottom,……….”know how to use” not “know how use”

You mention throughout the book a “double bottom line”. I’m learning of companies that are somewhere between “no-profit” and “for profit”. They are called “low profit companies” and are chartered as such. I’m in Japan and met an old economic professor last week. He does a lot of volunteer work, and he mentioned the term “sustainable companies”. They all mean the same thing, as there is a double bottom line and what the organization is to achieve is far more important than a profit motive alone. This professor might get me into volunteer counseling, as I’m a Japanese speaking and many Japanese kids coming out of business school are struggling with where their future will take them. It should open a new community for me. I have had my role models over the years, and now it is time to give back.

On page 134, there is a typo. “and it did not take very long it all to go….” It should be, “not take very long at…….”

On page 138 the last line, there is a typo. The last word should be “then” not “than”.

On page 203 toward the bottom, there is a typo. “For someone journalists call…..” I think it should be “some”.

On page 207 in the second paragraph, there is a typo. “the earnings from his star turns in everything”. I think it should be, from his stardom returns in

On page 208 in the second paragraph, there is a typo. “just how many people you have you on your Buddy Lits,….” I think the red you should be deleted.

On page 234 in the middle, there is a typo. “….when some us might have a mansion and a fancy…” I think it should be when some of us might

On page 238 the line before the last paragraph, there is a typo. “….and if we can just get harness them, we’ll be okay.” I think get should be deleted.

On page 245, there is a typo in the first paragraph. “…..Ashley is a happy person because of way that she…..” I think there needs to be a the between “because of the way…”

On page 258, there is a typo toward the bottom. “……and should be proud of the fact of that she’s ….” I think this “of” should be deleted.

On page 261, there is a typo in paragraph four from the top. …..”I have known for more thirty years:…. I think it should be, “…known for more than thirty years.

On page 262, there is a type. “I promised God I would do, if I only I were….” I think the “I” should be deleted.

In the book you mentioned being stuck in traffic and reflected on the beautiful sunset while others were angry about being stopped. I wonder if we should do a study on what people (or we) are thinking when they (we) have to wait for something. It is our choice. We can make ourselves happy or miserable.

Lastly, about nine years ago, I had to make a career change and leave a large Japanese company and go out into the unknown. I left a career as a sales trainer. For me too, it was a great success. I learn that what I taught for over 20 years was extremely valuable, as I use it now in my current position, and I have filled factories with sales during a recession. Actually, I love recessions. When everyone else is depressed you can create great happiness by your perspective. People don’t die in recessions. They are not plane crashes!!

I have found all of what your write does bring happiness if you have the right perspective, and I guess we both do.

Thank you for your book and bringing more happiness into my life.

Best wishes,

Ron McFarland
Tokyo, Japan

I want to congratulate you for writing this book. I came to finding out about not too long ago because I work part time as a banquet server at an event in Tyson’s Corner Virginia where you presented your book and also signed it. I did not buy at the time because I was working but happen to glance at it and sparked an interest to know more about it. Also did not know if it would be one of those books about how you can become rich and stuff. I did not know if reading your book would leave me the experience like when you’re hungry and eat something that really you did not want to eat and end up feeling empty(still hungry) at the end. This is not the case with your book, so far I personally am finding it fulfilling, so it was well worth checking out from my local library.

Before I go on I most say what I really enjoyed about the book is your example of the tenets of happiness, you sharing what you have experience in life. I have to tell you that coming from a family that migrated to the US when I was of a very early age and having a difficult childhood due to my dad being an alcoholic most of his life and both mother/dad working two jobs. Also being the youngest of my two other bothers which in no way have served as role models or good examples, it has being very difficult for me all my life pushing myself to strive and reach my goals and be a productive person in society and not to mentioned the neighborhood where I grew up. I can relate to your growing up experience in New York and the environment around it. Thank god for my drive to want a better happier life, I have done okay to society standards and compared to my childhood friends and others who have lived and experienced the same conditions I have which have had far worse results. Yes, maybe I do not owe a Mercedes or have had one of those fabulous vacations others may share when talking at cocktail parties but, I am an optimistic person and try to smile each day and make the best of it, and that what makes me happy.

It is hard to push one self and like you mentioned what you experience upon your arrival at Georgetown about some kids that are raised with a silver spoon in their hands in order words, it can be very challenging and discouraging to always push oneself to accomplish things.
I can say, I had focus and had lost it but reading your book and almost finishing it, has help me regain motivation and restart the driving fire I always had and recapture my focus about accomplishing my happiness and goals. For the record, I am happy and do share the same belief you have that giving, being noble, humble, being grateful and generous is far more rewarding than owning a Porsche. So as far as being happy, I have being and have no regrets so far expect that wish I could remain more loyal to my goals.

As a young parent of two beautiful daughters and currently working two jobs to reach part of my goals, it can become hard and I had begun to lose faith in reaching my goals. After reading your stories about your experience especially the one with the higher calling really made me think of myself and envision my happiness and goals that have a higher calling . Just want to say thank you for taking time to share the experience and also pass along some of your knowledge to help someone. At the end is not how many people read and bought your book that matters, is how many people you helped with it and if its one, you have done part of your bargain with god that you promise that day with the airplane incident.

As for me my goals list is simple for the time being: spend more time with parents, read more, bring family more closely together, inspire my older brothers to do better, help support parents and family, continue on the path to being a role model or good example for my two daughters, be debt free, finish my associates and bachelors degree, get a better job, one day open my own business, continue to be noble, humble and help those in need, travel and retire some where in a warm climate country.

Mr. Leonsis, your story really touched and moved me because its so amazing to see how a kid with parents that did not finish school and also once thought by a guidance counselor not to be college material beat the odds and became someone very successful with a higher calling. I can really appreciate a book like yours.

Thank you
J Hernandez

I’m a huge Caps fan and I always leave the games with a hoarse voice. I recently purchased your book during a preseason game against the Bruins just because it was written by you and whatever you have to say has got to be important.

Upon reading your book I realized that I am not a happy person because I have not really ever thought about what makes me happy. But, while reading your book I started to make a mental list of things and goals that I would like to accomplish. The first being graduate high school (check!) took me 5 years but I did it and was very proud of myself. Now 4 years later after feeling very lost and unhappy with what has become of myself. Choosing a college and getting accepted is now the next item on my list. Your book has also changed my mind set from “I won’t be able to do this or that” to ” I’m not dumb, I know I can reach my goals and be successful.”

Thank you for writing this book. It has really changed the way I think and look at things. I actually felt something inside me change while reading. There are new opportunities knocking at my door, and because of your book I have realized this.

Thank you once again and GO CAPS!!

I am contacting you on behalf of the Georgetown Club of Miami.
We would like to see if you may be available for one of our club events/activities.
I read you book last year and it has made a direct impact on my life as I have embraced the concept of widening my circles of relationships. Two of those include my high school and university alumni associations. I am now on the Board of of the GU Club of Miami.

Would appreciate it if you would write me above and i can provide you with more information. I know you are busy as hell, but I don’t mind reaching out and asking.

I’m SFS ’79.

Best,

Rick

Helen Bush