Welcome Bud Bilanich Guest Poster

Guest Poster - Bud Bilanich of Success Common Sense

I received a pleasant surprise the other day. Denise Ruggieri asked me to write a guest column. It seems that Denise saw a post I did on my http://www.successcommonsense.com/ blog in December 2007.

Here is an excerpt of that blog post: “In this post, I’d like to delve into the fourth point of The Optimist Creed: “Promise yourself to look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.”
In other words, think of the glass as half full.

Last Saturday, Cathy and I went to the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. We saw a stage production of the Irving Berlin classic film musical, White Christmas.

There is a number in the show where one of the leading men is comforting a small girl who is having trouble sleeping. In a song, he tells her, “When you can’t sleep, count your blessings, not sheep.” On the way home, we were talking about that song. We know that we are blessed. However, sometimes we forget how much we are blessed. We both decided that we would begin counting our blessings when we felt down.

Counting your blessings and not sheep is a great first step to “look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.” Realizing that you are blessed and that there is a sunny side is a good first step. However, don’t forget the second part of the quote – “make your optimism come true.”

I went on to discuss how counting your blessings can make you more optimistic, but that you have take personal responsibility for your own success by working hard.

It made me think of the many blessings in my life which I'd like to share with you:

I’m blessed because I was born a white male in a white male dominated society. I was never the victim of racism or sexism.

I’m blessed because I grew up in a loving family where there was always enough.

I’m blessed because my parents valued education. Early on, they put me on a path that led to my love of learning.

I’m blessed because my parents instilled a deep work ethic in me.

I’m blessed because things come easy to me.

I’ve always been able to learn quickly and retain what I’ve learned.

I’m blessed because I had three grandparents until the time is was 28.

I’m blessed because I am 58 years old and my parents are still alive today.

I’m blessed because I had thyroid cancer -- an easily treatable condition from which most people recover – not pancreatic cancer, like Randy Pausch.

I’m blessed because Randy Pausch recorded his last lecture.

I’m blessed because I got to see Lance Armstrong rise from his death bed and become a seven time Tour de France champion. These two men give me hope and inspiration.

I’m blessed because I know JF and Carol Kiernan and Rick and Muriel Newell. They showed me how to bear with unbearable sorrow.

I’m blessed because Bill Rankin showed me how to dress and act like a gentleman. But more importantly, by his behavior, he showed me how to be a gentleman.

I’m blessed because Maggie Watson taught me that doing the wrong thing, even if it’s for the right reason, is still doing the wrong thing – and that’s not acceptable.

I’m blessed because Howard Sohn impressed his mantra, “rewriting is the key to good writing” on me.

I’m blessed because I’ve run a successful coaching, consulting and speaking business for the past 20 years.

I’m blessed because I’ve never been afraid to say what I mean, and I’ve always been willing to take a risk.

I’m blessed to be living in these times. I learn something new everyday.

I’m blessed because I have an ecumenical view of the world. I have learned just as much about how to live a good life from Native American traditions, the Koran and Buddhism as I have from the Bible.

I’m blessed because of the all the people who have helped me become the person I am today.

I’m blessed that Cathy chose me to be her husband.

I’m blessed because Denise’s invitation to write this article made me think about, and not take for granted, all of the wonderful blessings I have in my life.

I’m blessed that you have taken the time to read about why I’m blessed.

Thanks for taking the time to read about my blessings. And yes, I do count them every time I have difficulty falling asleep.

If you count your blessings, not sheep, I guarantee that you’ll sleep better.

Bud Bilanich
Success Common Sense

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