Everyone needs a big laughing Buddah

Things weren’t as bad as many people in the world have it, however in our lives they had hit a low point in the Autumn of 09. It was as if a big black cloud was hanging over us. So when I saw this huge laughing Buddha at my sister’s house it really made me smile. A big laughing buddha has always been my thing – the joy of life while remaining balanced and at peace. I meditate and do meditative breathing exercises every day, but even I was starting to get down. Tonic wasn’t doing so well, it was becoming very real that we’d lost money in the other investment as well, and there were a few other peesonal and family things going on.

So I met up with my brother in law to discuss business. He’s possibly one of the greatest influences in my life – his sense of morality and ethics combined with his business drive and ambition and a real joy for life, a guy with few if any, hang ups. He, and my other brother in law, also a successful businessman who is very down-to-earth, both became business mentors and I’d occasinally meet up to discuss ideas and problems. Anyway when I met Sam, he gave me the Buddha as a present and despite all my protests, he insisted I take it. I loved it!! Meenal made me take it back but they weren’t having any of it. So in the end it took place in our lounge and we rub his belly every day.

The odd thing is, while I’m not really superstitious, everything turned around at that point. I managed to secure the job at UBS, which worked out really well for me because the hours are much better than they used to be, and I was doing something I know inside out and enjoy, and it gave me time to do my meditation in the mornings, and I had enough time to run my other business on the side. Other things on the personal and family level started to work out. I have no idea if it was the buddha, but everyone should get a laughing Buddha. If nothing else, it makes you smile every morning when you see it, and when you come home from work!

The things is, you can’t do business alone. It’s all about people – mentors, guidance, advice, and also constantly educating yourself so you’re always moving forward. Keep moving forward. And get a buddha.