Write, Breathe, Live

The Philosophy of Charles Schulz

I like this forwarded email. It says a lot about our world today. That of putting so much weight on what others might think of our actions, no matter if those people know us (or even care about us!) or not. I have learned these past years that whatever I do in whichever way, what's important is that I am understood and still loved by the people who matter the most to me -- my family and friends. Forget the bystanders!

Just for fun, my answers in italics ....

The following is the philosophy of Charles Schulz, the creator of the "Peanuts" comic strip.

You don't have to actually answer the questions. Just read this straight through, and you'll get the point.

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world. (George W. Bush? Michael Jackson? hahaha! whoever, whatever ... )
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners. (Duh, say what?)
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America contest. (Who cares to know?)
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize. (Sorry, not my forte.)
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winner for best actor and actress. (Spare me the headache.)
6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners. (.....zzzzzzz.....)

How did you do? (Badly! :D)

The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school. (Prof. Ivy Contado-Ongkiko, Prof. Sandy Flor, Mrs. Asuncion, Ms. Medelyn Ruth Negre, Ms. Cora Bullecer)
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time. (Jeff, Bon, Niet)
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile. (Nanay, Tatay, Pastor Caloy, Tita Arlyn, Kuya Ver)
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special. (Ate Beth, PJ, Inez, my star circle friends, my high school and college barkada, Daddy Pepe, Ate Tweet)
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with. (Geffrey, Leland, Josh, James and Daniel)
6. Name half a dozen heroes whose stories have inspired you. (fellow parents who unselfishly shared their trials and triumphs through the smartparenting egroup -- unsung heroes all)

Easier?

The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care. (True, true!)

- Charles Schulz