Look and Listen

Biography

A very short story. I spent most of my adult life as a Broker on the New York Stock Exchange, and now i am a self published writer working from home trying to spread the message that our lives can be glorious and fulfilling. I have to say i've done more than that. My life, just like many others was filled with turmoil, hurt, sadness, despair and loneliness; but these afflictions did not dominate the majority of my existence. They were hard lessons that shaped who I am; i cannot look back and consider them obstacles or road blocks on my journey. They are just a part of me that i feel lead me to this point in my life; without them i most likely would not be here writing to an audience hoping to entice you to read my book. The furthest thing for me was to ever write a book. I never excelled in any kind of literature or English course. But here i am enjoying this part of my life being able to share some thoughts and experiences with others. This book came to life when i left my job in May of 2007. Like i said earlier, i was a Stock Broker on Wall Street for 20 plus years and i believed i would end my career there. But following the days, weeks and years of 9/11 my thoughts began to change. I experienced some horrific things that day but i also found peace and love within that storm. I survived that day by luck, a few minutes here and there i would not be here speaking with you. Most of my life i chose the wrong path even though it felt right. Everyone else was traveling on it so i assumed it was correct. Financial security, two cars, nice house, country club and all the rest of the nonsense was my main priority. But after 9/11 a door was opened that i would slowly walk through and never look back!

Inspiration

Like i said before 9/11 opened a door but to keep my attention moving forward something or someone had to influence and motivate me. The New York Stock Exchange was a city in itself with over 5,00 people working in and around the building. I met thousands of people and directly interacted with hundreds on any given day. So why am i telling you this? Because one day a co-worker, who in the midst of a busy day, over heard a conversation i was having and said to me,"So you think happiness is found in another job, or a new house, or a new city?" I said yes, I think so! A smile came across his face and he said, "Mike we have a lot of work to do" and then he moved on. Now mind you, this person i may speak to three or four times a month and for him to approach me and offer up some opinion was very unusual. The next day this co-worker, Bill, approached me and offered some reading material. He said take it in and try not to analyze it. Again, i was like why is Bill talking to me or handing me this paper. The article he gave was about what my daily thoughts and thinking were all about. Did i think in a positive or negative way about myself, family and the world we live in? This was the first lesson that started the change to peace and a more enjoyable life. My friend Bill, i believe now was a messenger for the Lord to help me get my life in order and lead me back to my inner soul and relationship with God our Father.