PSA: Just a Speed Bump

In life, we face a variety of roadblocks. I refer to one that has come up for me very recently as a, “speed-bump.” As I’ve shared before, success is not measured by what happens to us but how we deal with what happens to us. I believe that my sharing what follows is in the public interest and may well benefit many of you.

A routine colonoscopy in December, 2019, revealed a tumor thought to be cancerous. I had been feeling great and had no symptoms, so it felt strange when the doctor came in and threw out the “C” word. Pathology confirmed that it was, indeed, cancer. It felt rather surreal, yet I told myself that I didn’t have cancer, I just had a tumor that had cancer. CT scans indicated that the cancer had not spread to other areas, and surgery was scheduled for January 22nd. Surgery went well, and hopes were high that that would be the end of the story. I kept my positive mindset and visualized myself getting better every day, recovering to full health. The doctors and nurses were impressed by how quickly and well I was recovering from the surgery.

While still in the hospital, the pathology report from what was removed during surgery showed some lymph nodes were positive for cancer, resulting in a clinical diagnosis of Stage 3. An oncologist recommended six months of chemotherapy. I was released a day or two earlier than initially expected and maintained my positive attitude. More tests were scheduled, including a PET scan, which was, thankfully, negative. I traveled to Houston at MD Anderson’s Woodlands campus for a second opinion. Patti and I armed ourselves with as much information as we could digest so that I could make the best decision for my health.

It took some time to digest all that we gathered, and I decided that the course of treatment I would undertake was a combination of the oncologists recommended six months of chemo as well as dramatically changing my diet to primarily plant-based with certain supplementation to support my immune system. I chose what seemed best for me. I had a port placed on Friday, March 20th, and got my first chemo treatment on Monday, March 23rd. It all still felt rather surreal, as this entire ordeal has been, and the pandemic and the various “stay-at-home” orders that followed added to how weird it all felt.

As of this post, I have had four treatments of chemo. Though the side effects aren’t fun, I am concentrating on the healing that is going on and am determined to be healthier and stronger than ever at the end of treatments. A positive mindset is more important that many realize, and I am staying positive. Many of you have reached out with your support and love, and I am grateful for each and every one. As a dear friend has reminded me, no one fights alone. I am blessed to have so many in my corner.

I will add to this story in the future, to share more about my experience, perhaps more pictures and some of the videos I’ve posted on Instagram, with the intention that it might help you if you are going through something similar. I am happy to share my experience with anyone who reaches out, so please comment or contact me directly.

The message I want you to get is clear. Get your routine screenings done, now. You owe it to yourselves and those who love you. This goes for all of you, ladies and gentlemen. As was my case, even if you are feeling fine, get your screenings done according to the recommended schedule and intervals. A speed bump can only slow you down for a short time. No matter what you face, a positive attitude, believing the best outcome, and doing everything to support your body, your mind, and your spirit, will quickly get you back up to speed. How cool is that?

Seeing is Believing

“I’ll know it when I see it,” is a phrase I’ve used many times. Sometimes things only become clear to me when I can see them with my own eyes. Have you ever wondered if what you see is actually what is real, or the truth?

I recently returned from a road trip out west.

Supercharging (unlimited) along the way – $0.00

I am always taken by the beauty of so many parts of this country. Even though I’ve traveled to several other countries, as well, I am still quite mesmerized by the diverse scenery, geography, and topography of this great land we call home. I wonder how many of us take the time to truly see, to fully grasp the natural beauty that surrounds us, from sea to shining sea.

Following the Sun – Go West Young Man

Starting out near Indianapolis on a Monday, I drove through Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, into Wyoming and down to Salt Lake City, arriving there on Wednesday. While in Salt Lake City, I spent a few days visiting my son, which was great except for a flat tire in Orem. We had fun exploring the mountains around Salt Lake and just spending time together.

After my time with him and his having to get back to work, I drove down to Sedona and spent a few days there. I hiked Boynton Canyon, one of the vortex sites of Sedona.

Boynton Canyon

I took a helicopter ride around the Red Rock canyons of that area. I love flying in helicopters, and I’ve taken rides many times including in the Rocky Mountains and along the Pacific Coast. I marveled at the sheer beauty of the rock formations, the contrasting colors from mountains to desert and canyons, and I thought about what it was like for the people who lived and explored those areas long ago. Was I seeing what they saw? Could I even imagine what life was like for them?

The Best View

Due to some schedule changes, I took the opportunity to drive down to Phoenix and see an old friend and meet his wife. We had a nice lunch at one of their favorite spots, and he and I bored her with stories of our youth. I then drove back up to Flagstaff for the night. The next morning, I headed east for my trip home, through New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Illinois, and back home again in Indiana.

Contrasting beauty

During my travels, with all the changes of scenery, I was reminded of something that touches me every time. We may never truly know what it was like for those who lived there long ago. For them, it may well have been their world and all they knew. I can imagine, however, that the beauty and majesty of the land that was home to them, was held in the highest regard. It represented life. The land held the power of life, of food and clothing and shelter, and it was to be revered and honored. As I flew around the canyons and walked the paths in Boynton, I allowed myself the time to absorb all that was around me. I allowed myself to truly see, for my eyes to soak in the beauty that was there.

Lake Powell

As my travels took me through different terrain and changing colors, my eyes saw the unique beauty in each and every place. It was in those moments of contrast, of dramatic changes in scenery, that I realized how spectacular this land is. The only way to truly understand, “America the Beautiful,” is to drive across this land and allow your eyes to truly see. Seeing is believing.

Not smoke on the water

How cool is that?

What Superpower Do You Have?

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have a superpower, something that would allow you to accomplish any task, master any skill, overcome any barrier, defeat any foe? What power would you choose?

I really enjoy watching some of the MARVEL Comics™️ based movies. Most recently we watched Black Panther via iTunes, and I enjoyed it. The effects were well done, the characters seemed well cast and well played, and the nuances of the plot and story, though at times a bit predictable, were still fun to see play out. It reminded me that each time I watch one of those movies, I wonder which of the superpowers I’d want to have.

The romantic notion of saving the world aside, I would love to be able to fly. Since I won’t be able to do that anytime soon without the aid of a plane or helicopter, I like to explore the notion that, perhaps, we all actually already have a superpower. What if I told you that you have the most powerful force inside of you that can overcome any obstacle, help you master any skill, accomplish any task, and more. It is the subject of countless songs and written about in as many books, and yet we often underestimate its power in practice.

If you are a parent, you know this power better than most. When used in concert with the powerful, unconscious mind, this force can accomplish anything one desires, overcome any hardship, and can even defeat the most persistent foe. This force has been the subject of the most renowned philosophers over millennia, and yet it is often ignored during times when it would be most useful. Have you guessed what it is? Have you realized that even you may have ignored its power when it would have helped you through difficult times?

Photo by Tim Savage on Pexels.com

The power we all have inside of us is the power of love. Love is courageous, is unselfish, is kind, is patient, is forgiving and honors truth. Love seeks nothing for itself but only good for all things. When we set out to accomplish our highest goal, our fulfillment lies in the love we have not only for ourselves and the attainment of our goal but also for those who may benefit from our attaining that goal. The true expression of love is in service to others, in sharing with others who may not have the same advantages as we. When we share our wisdom and teach others, we give more than charity, we empower. And to empower others is truly a gift of love. The power of love conquers all barriers. You have that power. How cool is that?

Faith, Fate, and Choice

Most people I know, whether they profess to be religious or not, do have a sense of faith. For the religious, their faith may be grounded in Christianity or a more specific denomination, such as Catholicism, or perhaps in the Jewish tradition, or in some of the branches of Islam. Others may identify as spiritual rather than religious. What they all have in common, is faith and a belief in a power higher than the human self.

Most faithful believe in some way that certain things are “meant” to happen, that they are matters of fate. Even in non-traditional beliefs, there is a sense that certain things if not all things happen because they are predestined. Whether due to the Universal Life Force, God’s will, the alignment of the stars and planets, or any other force, it is beyond the control of the human condition and the power of us mere mortals.

And then we come to the matter of choice. How does choice enter in to our lives if all is predestined, aligned with the stars, or God’s will? What if it is all part of the same? What if, in the genius of this world’s creation, regardless of what power that was, all elements are in perfect alignment with each other and there is no separation? What if we could or would look at everything that happens, regardless of why something happens, as perfect? Whether by faith, by fate, or by choice, what if you believed that everything was simply as it should be? How would that change the way you looked at your world and the world around you?

Maybe, just maybe, when we have faith in a higher power, all that happens is perfect. Maybe when things happen because they are predestined, all is perfect. And maybe, just maybe, when we, ourselves, choose to create events in our lives, to create the realization of dreams and attainment of goals, to determine our own journeys through life, then what we accomplish is perfect, as well.

Next time someone in front of you is driving slowly and you feel yourself getting frustrated, perhaps you could wonder if avoiding an accident is part of the perfection you are meant to experience. Perhaps the next time something does not go your way, you could see that as perfect for you to experience, whether you know why in that moment or not. And next time you feel that someone is unkind to you, perhaps you can have compassion for whatever they may be going through and wish them well. And maybe, just maybe, someone will return the perfect kindness at the perfect time, for you. How cool is that?

Divided We are Nothing

It takes us all to make the world go ’round, to make the world a better place for all. 

In one of Maya Angelou’s poignant poems, she wrote, “We are more alike my friend than we are unalike.” Those wise and powerful words serve as a guiding light, and yet there are forces around that are doing their best to divide us. The responsible forces may not be the ones we are led to believe are responsible, and that may not even be that important. What matters even more than the “who,” is the “that.” You see, the power of the people is greatest when the people act as one. Who benefits when we, the people, are divided?

The boy who grew up to RULE® the world is about many things, but ruling over others is certainly not one of them. It is all about inclusion, about realizing the beauty and power that resides within, and much more. RULE® stands for Respect, Understand, Love, & Enjoy. It is a simple philosophy, based in and founded from the power we all possess, the power that some want us to give up. Those who want us divided know that when we are divided, accusing each other of this or that, allowing our emotions and fear to take over our minds and our hearts, they know that they have all the power because we have given it away, to them. Is that what we are about? Is that why so many around the world risk everything to come here?

America is far from perfect, we all must acknowledge that. A perfect nation is what we strive to be, though, and what we have strived to be since our Republic was founded. We are best when we come together for the greater good. We come together, as evidenced by the countless stories out of Houston, Texas and the Gulf so painfully struck. That is the true nature of “We the People.” That is who we are. We don’t care what color or religion someone is. We are mature and wise enough to consider that even though our stories are different, we bleed the same color and breathe the same air.

May you find the love that is within you and share it with someone who may be lost or in need. Share this with someone who could use it, someone who might be struggling with pain or fearfulness. We are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike. Peace be with you all!

Girls and Boys Unite to RULE® the World

 

Click on the image to view the book on Amazon

Many of you have given me the great honor of ordering my book, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share some of what I have learned so that others may benefit.

I have also been blessed with a few wonderful reviews on Amazon, and I am thrilled that the book is being so well received that some have taken the time to leave comments for others to see. It is the best chance we have to get the word out so that many others can learn and benefit from the story.

The power of the story and of your sharing your thoughts about the book with others is that the book can reach a wider audience. For those who haven’t read the book, it may inform you that I was guided, not only to write the book, but most importantly, about RULE® and all that it means. The real power is in YOU! The real power to change the world is not in me or the book, but in every girl and boy who grows up to RULE® the world.

Given all that is going on in the world today, regardless of which “side” you are on, chances are that you and I will see much change over the course of the next several years, and if it is to be change for the better, it will be our children and their children who will not only make the changes that last well beyond our days, but who will live to benefit most from those changes. Is it not, then, vital for our children and those even younger who are just now beginning to develop their ideas, beliefs, and their voices, to understand the truth about who they are, about the power and responsibility they possess, and that RULE® in its purest form is a great place to start?

We are only victims if we allow ourselves to be. We are only defined by our past if we allow that to be. Let us, every girl and boy, unite to RULE® the world.

 

Today is the Day!

This is the special launch day for my first book, The boy who grew up to RULE® the world & how You can too!

Go to Amazon, here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1547154756/

I had wanted to provide a super special price but Amazon didn’t get it changed in time, and the discount code I provided on FB, IG, and Twitter isn’t working on Amazon as I had intended. I apologize for the inconvenience.

I appreciate all the support! We have moved up the charts to 171st, last count, and I hope to get in the top 100 before the end of the day.

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

Karl

Save the Date – July 19, 2017

I am thrilled to be sharing my first book, “The Boy who grew up to RULE® the world & how You can too!” The official launch date is July 19, 2017, on Amazon (most world markets). Stay tuned as there will be a special discounted price or code available on that date. I’d be pleased if you’d share this news and the date will others because I believe in this book and all the lessons it has to offer.

Check back here or on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram (/KarlZimmerIII for each of those and also at Facebook.com/ZimmerSuccess) for further updates.

Thank you!

Karl

From Writer to Author

I have been writing since I was in High School. Well, we’ve all been writing since early school years, but I mean the kind of writing that wasn’t part of a classroom or assignment. I wrote many poems when I was in High School – the typical adolescent angst, frantic, “I am lost and worthless,” kind of stuff that my mom threw out when I was away at college. I suppose it was probably good that she got rid of them, because though it would have been of interest to see how far I’ve come, it would have been an emotional journey I doubt would have truly served me. During the past several years, I’ve written many hundreds of articles that have been published in various papers, tabloids, and magazines, which has been quite fun and rewarding. I love to write, so I do.

I have finally finished a book that I had begun to work on nearly 20 years ago. I am so happy it is ready for release, and I will be announcing the release date, soon, so stay tuned. It is a story that we all will relate to because we have all, in one way or another, felt the way the main character feels. We may not have experienced the very same things, but we have more than likely felt the same way or have known someone who has.  The lessons learned are lessons for all ages, and though it is written with youth in mind, parents and grandparents will benefit, also. The lessons, especially the main one, is a lesson that, when realized, will change the way we look at life, others, the world, and beyond.

My greatest wish is that it touches the readers and all who are exposed to it in such a way that it enhances their lives in ways they wouldn’t imagine possible from such a little book. Sometimes, little packages hold valuable contents.

The Long and Short of it – Listen, Damn It!

I have heard many professionals utter this most confusing questions, “Why do people hire me, only to ignore the advice I offer?” When clients hire professionals for their expertise, is it not a reasonable assumption that said clients will listen to the advice given? After all, why hire an expert, professional if you aren’t going to listen and heed their advice and counsel? Few people would go to a doctor or lawyer only to ignore their advice, would they?

When I hire a professional, I do so because they know more about the relevant subject matter than I do. I do so because they will save me time and money, give me advice and counsel I wouldn’t be able to obtain on my own, and help make my life less stressful. I only hire professionals I can talk with, those who will listen to my concerns and will give me honest feedback, and those who will make sure I am happy with the outcome we’ve agreed upon from the outset. True professionals are happy to fully discuss the process ahead of time, to make sure the client understands all aspects before the project begins and answer any questions completely and honestly. And because I only hire professionals I can trust, I take the advice given.

So, why would someone hire a professional and not listen? I imagine it has more to do with the client and less to do with the professional. After all, no professional who isn’t being professional will last in their profession. But a client who isn’t listening will most likely just keep on not listening. Some people just like to be in control, or more accurately, hate (or are afraid of) not being in control. In my practice, I run across that sometimes, and more often than not, the client has a lack of understanding about control, what it is and isn’t, and how it relates to the process. There is no reason for me to take their desire for control personally, because it has nothing to do with me. It’s all about their needs and their fears, so the best way for me to help them is to help them better understand themselves, to see past the illusions of their beliefs and to uncover the true potential they possess.

When someone has a need to be in control, there is a sense of “lack” in some way, and they think that by being in control, it somehow gives them power over their circumstance and that they can then determine the outcome to their benefit. Theproblem is that they will continue to perpetuate their core belief, which is based on “lack,” so they will keep getting disappointed and will want to blame anyone and anything but themselves, which is why they won’t listen to the professionals. Sounds like a vicious cycle, perhaps, but it is of their own making. How do you, as a professional, help them? Be honest, direct, and refuse to participate in their drama while always being compassionate. They, like each of us, is doing the best they can.

What if you could help them believe that they were really okay, worthy, and good enough? What if you could help them see that they had chosen the perfect professional, expert for them and for the task at hand, and that because of their wise choice to hire you, they were miles ahead of the competition (whoever that might be)? Maybe then they’d think they really were in control, and you were only following their lead by giving them your expert advice. See how smart you are? How cool is that?