The Real Deal
I’m a simple guy, jeans and t-shirt stuff – or shorts and t-shirt in my part of the world, I really don’t want for much.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a philistine and I do appreciate fine things. But I’m either at work in the same coloured shirt and pants or I’m spending most of my weekends mowing lawns, trimming bushes, washing cars or doing something around the house in my old gear. If I get a game of golf in with the boys I will up the dress code – golf shorts and polo shirt!
You could say I have basic needs and I’m just a basic sort of guy. I know it all sounds a bit boring.
So when my wife asks me “What would you like for Fathers day ?” I have no idea. It’s the same for my Birthday and Christmas. Socks and undies do the trick!
I hate spending money on stuff just for the sake of spending money. So you can imagine how this frustrates my wife who doesn’t need an excuse to “do a little shopping”. It’s Ying and Yang and I think that’s part of the magic. We keep each other on the right path. It’s sort of like we meet in the middle. I’ve been told I’m a bit tight to put it politely.
I don’t need or want to be seen as a materialistic person. I know my successes and shortcomings, I don’t need to broadcast them. I don’t really care and nor do I have the inclination in keeping up with the Jones’. Years ago, it didn’t take me long to realise there’s always someone with a bigger boat !
These days, I want to assist others in understanding and progressing their goals – just as others have done for me. My family are all doing wonderful things and generally I feel blessed and in control of my world. I want to have a positive influence where I can.
I continue to learn more about life every day and why I am who I am and hence, what it means to live a good life.
Money definitely isn’t everything, though, let’s not deny it, money helps. Hey – I’m not going to lie, one day I would like to buy a Porsche, it won’t be new, it’s just something I’ve always wanted to enjoy and appreciate since I was a kid.
Throw in a Mike Hailwood Ducati as a second. But that’s about the extent of my materials list.
My family says “Just do it Dad” buy your fifteen year old Porsche! But I feel I’m not quite at that point. It will probably remain a dream for a while yet. Remember I’m pretty tight with my cash.
Both Debra and myself have done our best in helping our children gain as many opportunities as possible and taught them discipline and respect – as parents should do. I’m humbled by the love I receive from my wife and family. I’m humbled by my son’s mates who count me in as one of their golf buddies. Even if they do take a few cheap shots at my expense!
I love books, I love music, I love my guitars, I like a joke, I like a beer, I like cars and bikes. Golf just does my head in yet I refuse to give up.
I really appreciate easy going people who can and usually have kicked a few goals without having to tell the world. That’s humility and being gracious. I don’t have much tolerance for fools or loud mouths.
My heroes are real people from all walks of life. They’re not Hollywood stars.
I do like fine clothes but I have little occasion to wear them. I leave that to Deb. As I mentioned, I’m normally getting my hands dirty in toil and enjoying boy stuff on the weekends when I’m not at my normal Monday to Friday gig. I think I can say that I’m informed and I have my view on the world. I know good from bad. These days I have standards to live up to. I’m not a fraud, I’m not a cheat, I’m not a liar. I’m who I am and you can count on my integrity and my morals.
I know a good man when I see one. It’s not about money or creed, it’s about character and commitment to the good of your family, your community and your soul. Rich or poor it’s about the man and his beliefs.
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Wait for it !!!
Here’s the catch – it takes a lot of living life to arrive at where I am today. Who I am today didn’t happen overnight. I’m not a Saint – far from it ! We all have to find our way. Sometimes we have to learn the hard way and sometimes people come along who keep you on the right path. Maybe a guardian angel for all I know?
Living beyond your means with the latest and greatest car, living in the big house with all the bells and whistles, wearing the designer clothes and the latest Tag Huer watch, well before your due these luxuries won’t get you to a place of contentment and happiness with who you truly are. I guarantee, you will get plenty of sleepness nights wondering how the hell you are going to get out of the weight of debt and maintain you’re false materialistic status. You’re current friends and relationships are built just like a house of cards. Basically living a lie will in time catch up with you and the ferryman will demand a high price.
It’s nothing for nothing – there are no catches. That’s fair dinkum.
So think about it. It’s a simple message.
You’re either a genuine person who understands this basic rule of thumb or you’re living a life that’s not sustainable. It’s your choice which path you take. You can’t avoid hard work if you want to progress. Nothing for nothing!
Be honest, are you the real deal? Are you being true to yourself and your family? Or are you a “Would be if you could be” looking at that approaching light in the tunnel that’s getting bigger, ultimately becoming a train wreck? – RD.
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Check out Peters book on getting back on track
I still remember your words when receiving the parting gift from your ops team, “thank you it’s very humbling”. Thanks for teaching me that, its what was part of putting me on the right path.
Thanks AV,
It’s the people like you that show amazing commitment and focus on what you want to achieve.
Same goes – I couldn’t do it without guys like you.
Stay well and keep smashing it.
RD
We have known each other for over 30 years and throughout that entire time I have always known you to be a loving husband, wonderful father and a great friend. Our catch up’s are less these days, however when we do see you and Deb, it always feels like it was only yesterday. Reading “The Real Deal” reminds me of the Friday evenings we spent at the Tuggy Club – you haven’t changed one bit. That easy going, laid back guy is still around – you are that “genuine person”. Can’t wait to catch up with you and Deb in late October. We can laze around together in our favourites old shirts, talk about the good times ahead for our families and discuss why you want to buy a Porsche….seriously.
Yep,
A couple of beers at tuggys after a week of hard yakka.
Best thin I ever did was the trash paks.
Crazy to think that’s 30 years.
Yes I’m serious – a Porsche. I look forward to you trying to convince me otherwise.
That’s a hard nut to crack.
Put your long pants away and looking forward to a weekend of great weather and good times.
RD
How very true RD. I will contest to that, the ferry man has no regret. Ability is not a birth right, it is defined by one actions. And yes the Bigger the boat gets the more go’s down with her when she sinks. There is a reason for saying , never live beyond your means. Im no bum nor a hippy I am a simple man with values integrity with a loving family and that makes me feel like one of the RICHEST people I know.
Thanks for the comment EN. Its a lesson that so many people seem to learn through having gone there unfortunately.
Yes Id say you are a very rich person. I always consider the struggles that some people go through as the benchmark.
Illness, tragedy and just being born with a disability that through no fault of their own, just makes their grind so hard.
They’re the real heroes to look upto.
Great to hear from you and thanks for taking the time to read the post.
More power to you! RD
Spot on Reece, The Real Deal really is the Real Deal, and well written without being too wordy or drawn out. It gets me thinking and wondering how well I am or aren’t managing things myself.
Top stuff thanks for sharing.
Blinx
Thanks Paul
Great to get positive feedback.
As you know we all put in a bit of effort to get relevant material out there.
Look forward to your feedback on the next post.
RD