FOH Poll: Taking Members Pulse

[El Presidente]

I have been speaking with a few FOH folk who have been in a 'funk" in recent times. I pointed out that they weren't Robinson Crusoe. 

This is not a political thread but one that I want to use as a baseline to discuss some topics and strategies that may benefit members over the coming week. Contribute where you see you can add value. 

This weekend we will simply commence by gauging the state of member mental play. 

[Jack]

The future's so bright I gotta wear shades.

[mikejh]

Hard to believe 2020 was five years ago.

[Chas.Alpha]

Whenever life starts wearing me down, I play the Little Dingo song that Peter so thoughtfully posted for us. 

[Cestis4]

Remember that iron on t-shirt from the 70s that said “ Keep on Trucking”? That’s my mantra through the good and the bad. Just gotta “ Keep on Trucking” and things will get better.  

[Woody Hayes]

Keep on Truckin...from Zap Comics, for those with a particular frame of mind.

[Chibearsv]

I’m blessed and have been able to keep my state of mind steady at a very happy level for a long time now. After some very tough times, I’ve learned to keep my wants reasonable and my needs met. Never cared about politics, why bother, I’m old enough to realize that they come and they go. I just keep plugging along, laughing with friends and loving family.  

[RedLantern]

Personal triumphs, my family, and a maturing mind, I think, are what bless me with general happiness despite lack of "positivity" regarding current affairs.

[Ford2112]

I have been through hell and back. Now I just don't care enough to be depressed!

[JohnS]

I am grateful for each day I have. I try to not worry about things I have no control over (which is often more than I think), so I tend to see adverse outcomes as opportunities. I try to be empathetic in my dealings with others. That being said, I am very much human. I find it challenging, at times, to keep my emotions level while driving in peak hour traffic, as there are always idiots out there more than willing to put the safety of others at risk.

When I was young, my father would ask me if I was 'doing alright in this country' (i.e. Australia) because if I wasn't then I could 'go jump off the (Sydney) Harbour Bridge.' Thanks Dad, for telling me how it is! With that perspective, I think I've maintained a humble disposition ever since.

[griller]

Just putting one foot in front of the other and hoping I wake up every morning. From there I just deal. Can't let the family down so I just grind on & hope tomorrow could be better.

Lots to be thankful for & times are tough for a lot of folks these days. Trying to be kind to everyone has become a focus since you never know where their mental space could be, too. Funny part is I've pretty much displaced politics as having any influence on my mental well being but I won't go there for obvious reasons. 

Love this place, love cigars, love my family and a few dear friends, but the drama of life and work not so much right now. 

[Ford2112]

9 hours ago, Ford2112 said:

I have been through hell and back. Now I just don't care enough to be depressed!

Clarification: I'm happy.

[joeypots]

I try not to let current events get into my head. Long term, 25, 50, 75, 100 years, life on planet earth has never been better. My life and circumstances reflect this so I cultivate an attitude of gratitude and I find it gets me through the day.

Except for the !@#$%^&* cost of my beloved Cuban cigars. 

[Goldeneye]

All in all things are pretty good, my kids are finding their way and transitioning to adulthood in great shape, which as a parent what more could you ask for.  3-4 years away from retirement and that is setting up really well, that said the last few months have been pretty draining politically here in Canada, but not much I can do about that.

[riderpride]

Last year was a rough one - a good chunk of which was in the 2024 thread a few months back. Since then, my best friend for 20+ years passed at 43 with no official cause. That was/is tough. On the plus, my parents each had relatively successful surgeries and my kiddies are both happy and healthy. 

Globally, there is a lot that confuses me but I still see a lot of good elsewhere. It's just tougher to find as the headlines don't create enough buzz. Life may get wobbly on occasion, but I'm typically optimistic and there's still a lot to be grateful for. I just keep trying to be a positive influence for others one interaction at a time. 

To the 1-3 crowd - stay strong and take care.

Cheers!

[chasy]

I definitely feel more positive than 2020, which was Covid. I'll say that nearly on a daily basis I try to put good out into the world and I almost always get it right back. Make a point to try to have a positive, infectious attitude. Doesn't hurt having a two year old who might be the happiest person I know.

[BoliDan]

Live the best you can. Being negative does absolutely nothing but bringing on more negativity. A Greek guy at a gyro joint once asked how I was doing and I said I can't complain. He said, "it wouldn't do you any good anyway." Very simple philosophy, I don't know why it was poignant to me, but it stuck.

[El Hoze]

My life has changed alot in the last few years. My first child was born in December 2018. Before he was born life was all about expensive dinners, luxury hotels, and crazy cars. Now everything is more about balance, and being mindful with money so I don’t have to work my ass off, as I view my time with him as the #1 luxury going forward. And all those things I used to spend stupid money on also now cost alot more so I have definitely recalibrated!

[KRunch61]

Family, golf, cigars and good food. Everything else is just NOISE!

[ryre]

One of my favorit quotes. I try to always keep it in mind.

[SirVantes]

Well, FOHers are such a well-adjusted, mature and stoic bunch, it's almost depressing.

32 minutes ago, ryre said:

One of my favorit quotes. I try to always keep it in mind.

 

"The slopes of Everest are littered with the corpses of the persistent and determined." - Sir Edmund Hillary (not really).

[Chibearsv]

1 hour ago, SirVantes said:

Well, FOHers are such a well-adjusted, mature and stoic bunch, it's almost depressing.

How dare you call me well adjusted... A-hole!  There, feel better?

[SirVantes]

18 minutes ago, Chibearsv said:

How dare you call me well adjusted... A-hole!  There, feel better?

Yes! I feel much more at home now.

[Duxnutz]

I dunno man. Every day seems we find ourselves in a darker and darker spot. Hopeful for the future, but there’s some thunderstorms to navigate for the foreseeable future: 

[Boxer31]

Always managed to stay positive - work hard enjoy time with family and friends. Only bummer is hung up the skates.