I am talking to myself today; hope you listen too. The stress of strikes and hurricanes, work, and life are too much to take. I find myself in a cycle of work-eat-sleep-work too often without reprieve. It is no way to live. Survive? Sure. Most of us are in the same boat, and for those that are not, please help save us.
For those treading water with me, what do you do when the wall of stress is crashing down on your head? You've worked 60 hours, your kids want to play, your wife needs help with all those things you have promised, and Monday is just close enough ahead to give you cold sweats. This is where I find myself often and I have come to the realization that no matter how hard I try, what I succeed in, there will always be another obstacle to overcome and duties to be met. So, what do you do?
My Life Changed in Mexico
It is 2008 and we are vacationing in Cancun, Mexico. The resort is nice, all-inclusive, our first time to one in fact. But being in one place for a week is a little too much for us, so we venture out into the city to have a day away from the dreaded beach, pool, and free drinks... Let's go to the mall, I say. Great idea, Jamie. You're in paradise and you want to see where the locals do their daily walking routines. We crossed the street and entered a world that would change my life. This was no ordinary mall. Sure, there were shops like a mall, but I counted three cigar stores. By the time I passed the third one, the third one with an onsite roller, I stopped in. I had never smoked a cigar in my life save one a coworker gave me when I was too inebriated to enjoy it. I enjoyed it all over the porcelain toilet after about two minutes of puffing. Here I was talking to a cigar store owner who spoke English perfectly and convinced me that cigars were what was missing in my life. I bought a few and stowed them away for the trip home.
Conquering the Daily Grind
By the time we arrived back in the States the cigar fever had given way to the realization of a new work week, and I put it aside. That week back was particularly difficult, and I decided to make a point to relax. I grabbed a beer, headed to the porch, and remembered the cigars. I clumsily cut one and lit it like a cigarette. I puffed and by some miracle was able to taste something other than smoke. I knew then I had found my relaxer.
I want to think that I have added years to my life by forcing myself to slow down, listen to music, and smoke a cigar. One might argue how crazy my logic is, given the negativity around smoking cigarettes, and I get it. Cigars are not cigarettes. I believe this passion has lengthened my time on this earth, and if it hasn't, it sure has improved the time I have.
Happy Smoking.
Jamie
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