I'm Not for Everyone. Neither Are You.

by David Leddick

He has unwarranted self-confidence. This is a personality style one sees everywhere these days. Young people and not so young who are very sure of themselves, a bit patronizing, very much at ease in the world. And one wonders on what basis? They have accomplished nothing, offer no evidence of being well educated, have no special plan for their future. In a world that values little except appearance, money, and notoriety perhaps they qualify. The Kardashian model. There you have it.

“Serious people act silly. Only silly people act serious.”

Life is so astoundingly difficult and dramatic the only thing you can do is laugh that you are still here having to deal with it. If you don’t really understand where you are you will not find life laughable. You will think you can deal with it and make it work for you. Hello. Beware anyone without a sense of humor and please don’t marry them.

I never want anyone to feel worse about themselves after I leave than they did before I arrived. I very recently read in another context, “No gentleman ever makes another person feel worse about themselves.” That is the same thought and it is my number one rule in life. I never want to damage anyone’s self-esteem. I may not be here to make you feel much better about yourself but I am certain that I am not here to make you feel worse. Even if you would really like me to.

I don’t mind losing battles as long as I win the war. Think about this. It applies in every situation. What do you want to accomplish? What is your end goal? You don’t have to be right all the time or succeed at every step to get there. Letting obstructionists think they are winning can be a very good strategy. Being a smiling loser as you go along can be a very good way to work. Then suddenly: Bam! You’re the winner.

“We are all in the gutter but some of us are looking at the stars.”

“There is only one good life. It’s the life you want and you make it yourself.”

I concern myself with what I think of other people, never with what they think of me. I am not for everyone. Neither are you. Life is too brief to be rushing about trying to tailor oneself to the tastes of others who, for the most part, are not paying any attention in the first place. I mean this. Are you wasting your time catering to those who care nothing about you? Remember, there are only 40 interesting people in the world. Do you know some of them? Good.

RIGHT NOW Because I am 84 I am frequently asked, “What was the favorite time of your life?” As though it is all over. I always say, “Right now.” I mean it. I like my life right now better than any other time although I liked the other times fine. I always tell people, “You cannot ruin your life after seventy.” No one is going to say, “Oh, and he/she had so much promise.” You are over seventy and you can do just as you please. Study guitar. Visit Guatemala. Go to a terrible bar. Being over eighty is even better. Then you can really do just what you want with your life. All your critics will be jealous.