by John Philipp
Member since:
August 10, 2006

Thought~Byte No.163

September 08, 2009 11:50 PM EDT
views: 166 | comments: 64

Thought~Byte No.163

 

 

 

Concept and words by John Philipp. Drawings by Phil Frank.

(The comments below are where the wisdom is found.)

 
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Comments: 64

John Philipp Sep 8, 2009, 11:50pm EDT
Mini Thought~Bytes (words without drawings) appear every day on my Twitter page.
John Philipp Sep 8, 2009, 11:50pm EDT
Thought~Bytes are posted every Wednesday. To see all Thought~Bytes and get an email when new ones are posted, please join Thought~Bytes
John Philipp Sep 8, 2009, 11:51pm EDT
As many of you know, two years ago Phil Frank, the cartoonist who drew these Thought~Byte pictures, passed on. He will be missed by all who knew him and enjoyed his 30 plus years of cartoon strips such as Farley and The Elderberries.

For those who haven't read these:
An article I wrote saying Goodbye to Phil
A Life I'd Jump at

And the final The San Francisco Chronicle article (Tuesday 1/1/08) about their long time cartoonist.
Bidding final farewell to cartoonist Phil Frank
Jeff K. Sep 9, 2009, 12:30am EDT
It's how well one performs climbing the obstacles and how much of a free ride one gives themselves on the way down that determines the awards given to one's soul when it's all over.
John Philipp Sep 9, 2009, 8:19am EDT
An added perspective to this Byte, Jeff. Thanks.

I like the idea of focussing on the process of life.
Vivian A. Sep 9, 2009, 12:37am EDT
I see it more as a steeplechase. Fun until you wipe out on the water hazard. Or is that golf?
John Philipp Sep 9, 2009, 8:20am EDT
It's both, Vivian.

Given Jeff's comment above, it may be how you handle the wipe out that's important.
Jan S. Sep 9, 2009, 12:40am EDT
I say celebrate overcoming the obstacles. Challenges teach us valuable lessons.
John Philipp Sep 9, 2009, 8:21am EDT
agreed, Jan, to which I would add, overcoming obstacles and solving problems is what we are designed to do.
Mary Fagan Sep 9, 2009, 3:50pm EDT
Amen to both of you
JoAnne D. Sep 9, 2009, 1:20am EDT
Sorry for your loss, a well balanced mix is sometimes hard to do. I hope all your days are easily hurdled.
John Philipp Sep 9, 2009, 8:22am EDT
Thank you, JoAnne. I consider hurdles as part of life — ironically, often the most interesting.
Tanya P. Sep 9, 2009, 1:30am EDT
Sometimes I celebrate the obstacle course. Not often enough, but sometimes. Often I choose just the celebration, w/out the obstacles. Sometimes it's out of my control and all that I can control is my attitude about whatever I'm faced with. And sometimes I just stumble through. My life is a huge mix of it all. At least it isn't ever boring for long.
John Philipp Sep 9, 2009, 8:23am EDT
Everyone's life is that mix, Tanya. Many don't accept it though.

We can flow with it or fight it — one way or another we're going down the river.
JOHN BECK Sep 9, 2009, 6:51am EDT
Yes, I have appreciated Phil's cartoons.
I agree with others: Obstacle courses make participants better in many ways and completing them is cause for celebration. We can approach obstacle courses in various ways.
Many hospitals are JC accredited. (Formerly JCHO or JCH). Often hospital employees approach the inspections with dread. It was to me heart-warming to see our entire hospital approach the inspection team with a "Bring 'em on! Let's show 'em what we've done!" attitude instead of dread. I think the example applies.
John Philipp Sep 9, 2009, 8:28am EDT
John, among other things, I used to consult with corporations on cultural change programs. The attitude you described is one prevalent in what I'd refer to as a "High Performing Organization."

Properly viewed and used, inspections and performance appraisals provide me with the information I need to do even better.
JOHN BECK Sep 9, 2009, 10:48am EDT
Exactly! However, if they're arbitrary and capricious, they can be deflating.
John Philipp Sep 9, 2009, 4:21pm EDT
I've done a number of surveys in corporations. The people against a performance appraisal system are always the poor performers.
Gail Nobles Sep 9, 2009, 7:06am EDT
I sometimes treat it as a celebration. However, there are obstacles in life. Life itself can be an obstacle if you don't stand up and fight.
John Philipp Sep 9, 2009, 8:28am EDT
or you can flow with it, Gail.
~Sia McKye~ Sep 9, 2009, 8:06am EDT
John, when I live in the San Fransisco area I loved Phil Franks cartoons in the Chronicle. Always loved Farley.

Life is always full of obstacles, that's a given. But our attitude in facing obstacles decides whether life is a chore or a celebration. Really I think life is all about attitude.

I prefer to look at life as a celebration. There are so many good things that outweigh the bad. Each thing I conquer is a lesson in living and gives me confidence to face the next and helps me define and strengthen my abilities, my endurance. It tells me I can face whatever and solve it if I think about it.

We all have pains and troubles but just because we do, doesn't mean we have to be a pain or trouble to deal with. :-)
John Philipp Sep 9, 2009, 8:30am EDT
Nice way to put it, Sia.

Thanks.
Kushal Poddar Sep 9, 2009, 8:54am EDT
Another gem. I am climbing my life as a reflex action.

like any other night
John Philipp Sep 9, 2009, 4:22pm EDT
Kushal, I take that as another, and elegant, way of saying you go with the flow.
suzie muscrat Sep 9, 2009, 9:08am EDT
Celebrate . . . celebrate . . . celebrate - even the obstacles!
John Philipp Sep 9, 2009, 4:22pm EDT
Amen to that, Suzie.
Angela A. Sep 9, 2009, 9:42am EDT
But, that obstacle is in front of my celebration, and I can't see! Lol!
John Philipp Sep 9, 2009, 4:22pm EDT
Brush it aside, Angela. They do that all the time.
suzie muscrat Sep 9, 2009, 4:36pm EDT
Amen to that, John!
Bill W. Sep 9, 2009, 10:28am EDT
What if we celebrate overcoming the obstacles? If life was easy we would be bored and out there looking for obstacles or making them.
Wait a minute! Why is that garbage can right behind my truck when I'm about to leave for golf?

Rest easy
John Philipp Sep 9, 2009, 4:23pm EDT
Actually, Bill, there are some studies that show very young children will create conflict if there is not around — as a stimulus for growth.
Ruth J. Sep 10, 2009, 12:51am EDT
I can vouch for that. I have a son that was like that as a child. His sister and brother were out on their own by the time he needed that conflict so he turned to me.
Teresa A. Sep 9, 2009, 12:12pm EDT
Sometimes those very obstacles teach us to celebrate!
John Philipp Sep 9, 2009, 4:24pm EDT
Teresa, what a nice way to combine the two. Thanks.
Lydia (part of the solution) Shelley Sep 9, 2009, 12:42pm EDT
Can't we have both? Celebrate on the obstacle course of life... a celebration is an event. An obstacle course is a conditioning tool. So who says we can't have fun while we're working out and growing strong?
John Philipp Sep 9, 2009, 4:24pm EDT
I'm with you. Lydia. However, for some to do that they first need an attitude adjustment.
Sandi S. Sep 9, 2009, 1:06pm EDT
Good wisdom in this. So true. We are what we decide to be, most of the time. :) Thanks, John.
John Philipp Sep 9, 2009, 4:25pm EDT
Sandi, some say we are what we chose to be, all the time.
Sandi S. Sep 9, 2009, 4:28pm EDT
Well, except if you get sick or something... who would chose that? Hmm... well, I guess it could be said we chose that by our lifestyle, healthy choices... hmm... I see your point! :)
Sheila Deeth Sep 9, 2009, 1:54pm EDT
And there was I setting up obstacle courses at the kids birthday parties (in days gone by).
John Philipp Sep 9, 2009, 4:26pm EDT
You're right, Sheila. The kids have the health attitude.

They are so silly, they think solving problems is fun :)
Dennis Gilman Sep 9, 2009, 2:08pm EDT
Since it's actually both, I prefer to choose the former.

The latter is waaaaaay too challenging for me. However, the former is soooo much more fun. :-D)
Dennis Gilman Sep 9, 2009, 2:10pm EDT
Also: "Obstacles? What obstacles? I see only stepping stones to greater heights of achievements and self-worth.
John Philipp Sep 9, 2009, 4:26pm EDT
A nice rewording of obstacles, Dennis. Thanks.
Larry M. Sep 9, 2009, 2:33pm EDT
Is it okay if I celebrate overcoming obstacles? That's where the fun is. Nothing like conquering some failing of mine.
John Philipp Sep 9, 2009, 4:27pm EDT
It is OK, Larry and it seems that's where many are netting out in this comment thread.
Sandre M. Sep 9, 2009, 6:01pm EDT
I love celebrating. Will there be cake?
John Philipp Sep 9, 2009, 7:51pm EDT
Your decision, your choice, Sandre.
blaine d. Sep 9, 2009, 8:35pm EDT
love holiday's!
John Philipp Sep 10, 2009, 12:07am EDT
OK, Blaine. so do I.
Beth G. Sep 9, 2009, 9:55pm EDT
That is a great philosophy John! Thank you for sharing this!
John Philipp Sep 10, 2009, 12:07am EDT
You're welcome. Beth.
K D. Sep 9, 2009, 10:36pm EDT
This one is pretty good! Our outlook on life can dictate what kind of life we really have.
John Philipp Sep 10, 2009, 12:07am EDT
Not only can, Karen, does.
Ruth J. Sep 10, 2009, 12:58am EDT
With out a few obstacles (challenges ?) how would we know when to celebrate. By the way John, I did some reading tonight about Phil Frank. He left an incredible legacy. Thank you for bringing him into our lives.
John Philipp Sep 10, 2009, 11:07am EDT
Good point, Ruth.

Phil was quite a guy and much beloved in Sausalito. Thanks.
Linda T. Sep 10, 2009, 2:43am EDT
We have full control over our lives. We can make each day count, celebrating the good and shaking off the bad or we can complain and be miserable.
John Philipp Sep 10, 2009, 11:08am EDT
Well explained, Linda. Thanks.
Beaker (just Beaker) Sep 10, 2009, 4:00pm EDT
Life without challenges would be like a rollercoaster without ups and downs! We need some drama in our lives to avoid boredom, and to make the peaceful times sweeter.
John Philipp Sep 10, 2009, 4:25pm EDT
Agreed. All of nature has a rhythm, moving from high to lows and back again.
Georgiana S. Sep 12, 2009, 2:44am EDT
Obstacles can be a part of entertainment!
John Philipp Sep 12, 2009, 8:23am EDT
It is one of the things that makes life interesting. As one of my film studio clients once said, "You can only eat so much shrimp cocktail."
Georgiana S. Sep 12, 2009, 5:48pm EDT
so true!
LaRue B. Oct 7, 2009, 6:45am EDT
I never let life get in my way! I live it and enjoy it everyday no matter what it brings!

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