Über die Autorin bzw. den Autor

Steve Shay is a veteran of the tourism and hospitality industries, and currently serves as a consultant to a portfolio of over 60 independently-owned businesses. He is a frequent contributor to both national and industry publications, author and narrator of audio-books, has ghost-written speeches and articles for corporate leaders, and is a former radio host. Steve enjoys his role of providing seminars on both business and life to audiences throughout the United States and Canada, and has written and published a number of cutting-edge educational programs as well. He has a degree in Psychology, and calls a small town in Northeastern Pennsylvania home.

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What is the Meaning of This?

65 Lessons to Live ByBy Steve Shay

AUTHORHOUSE

Copyright © 2008 Steve Shay
All right reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4389-1678-1

Introduction

I always thought that the easiest part of writing a book would be deciding upon a title, but it was actually both the hardest and the last thing I did. Here is a selection of former working titles that each got cast aside in the process. First it was called "Driving Principles" because a number of the ideas came to me while I was driving long stretches of highway. But, fearful that my auto insurance company would think that I daydream too much and raise my premiums, that title was out of the question. Then the lightening bolt hit again and, voile', the new title was "Living On Purpose." But when I did some research and found that it was probably too similar to another book already in print, and that its reverend- author might choose to cast me out as a demon, that was gone too. As an aside, finding a good book title that hasn't already been used is much the same as signing onto the internet and thinking that the screen name "Steve" might still be available. The third time reportedly being the charm, how about "Being in Perfect Self?" Alas, I was never quite keen on the whole perfection thing, so that too got dashed. Finally, I decided upon "What is the Meaning of This," but you will have to read onward in order to find out just why.

This is a book, for want of a better explanation, of inspired and hopefully inspirational beliefs. As you read through this book, perhaps you may begin to believe that the ideals contained inside are ones that I achieve with consistent perfection (there's that word again) in all of my daily decisions and way of life. Well, although I would prefer to clearly agree with that notion, the truth of the matter is that I fall far short of a number of these concepts every year, every week, and every day. You might think that I believe these 65+ concepts provide universal answers that are applicable to every one of life's questions. Now, while I do believe that each of these principles can add to anyone's understanding of themselves and their place in the world, it would be rather lofty of me to believe that I have some magic cure to the seeming lack of enlightenment that permeates most of our lives -including my own.

So, let me ask you a question: Have you ever tried to recall something-a name, a date, a place, or an event -and you just can't seem to put your finger on it when you need it? Then, later on, when you're not trying to sort through the folders and files in your brain, to your amazement, you can remember it clearly. Well, that happens to me all the time. When I quiet myself down enough, and set-aside the weight of daily responsibilities, obligations, deadlines, and schedules, I really do think and feel more deeply than when I am fully engaged, and even sometimes enraged, by the whir of life that surrounds me. At those times, I feel most alive.

So, I still haven't told you the reason for the title. And, perhaps I've led you to believe that there is some deep and mysterious place I go to-a prayer tower of sort-where great inspirational thoughts come to me. Alas, there is not. In fact, the closest I get to a prayer tower would be the small country garden in the backyard. Remember, I am not a philosopher, a theologian, or even a good scout. Although I did study both philosophy and theology, scouting was never, as they say, in the cards for this former New York City youth.

The title "What is the meaning of this" came to me while I was clicking around the television dial early one morning, looking for the weather channel (which is one of the few things I ever watch on TV anymore), and found a show that I remember fondly from when I was a young boy, "Hogan's Heroes." There they were: Colonel Hogan, Sergeant Shultz, and the Commandant himself, a sort-of Three Stooges for my generation growing up in the early 1960s. As was the case in so many episodes, Hogan and his band of slapstick yet ingenious prisoners of war had just tried another humorous antic to distract the enemy from some sabotage plot between Goldie Locks and Papa Bear. And, having just gotten caught on purpose, there was Colonel Klink wagging his finger at them all, an intoning those immortal words, "What is the meaning of this?" Alas, a title!

I thought, for a while, that maybe this whole project was an outgrowth of my reaching middle-age, much like the growth that has steadily taken place between my chest and waistline. And perhaps, too, you believe that this book was constructed out of a need to satisfy a personal midlife crisis. But, the midlife crisis was plugged, at least temporarily, several years ago with the purchase of a sleek new sports car into which I could hardly fit my less-than-sleek old body. Besides, I knew many of these things well before middle-age. And I believe this book offers good lessons for every stage of life, including those entering high school or college, a young person first starting out on their own, a person entering their chosen profession, those who are ill, a newly married couple, a middle-age person like me, or even our wonderful senior citizens; anyone and everyone who is looking for some answers to the real meaning of life.

I am still unsure what "type" of book this actually is. In terms of a precise definition, it doesn't entirely fit into the self-help or business publication categories, although I do believe that it can be a resource for both self-help and business. While not a political book, it does address the concepts of personal and collective responsibilities, and the roles of stewardship we can and should play in our community, society, nation, and world-especially to those that may be not as lucky, fortunate, or blessed (choose the term that you are most comfortable with) as ourselves. Finally, without distancing myself from some of the younger folks who I hope will read this and take it to heart, there are several old-fashioned values within these pages, although they are each focused on very 21st century issues, concerns, challenges, and opportunities. Most of all, I want you to be inspired: inspired not only to think, but to act. And, if you find something of value herein, to act, perhaps, in a slightly different way than you may have before. Thoughts can lead to actions, and actions can lead to philosophies of life-the values we most hold true.

As I mentioned, it is in the quiet moments I find the deepest meanings. I suppose that is why so many people pray daily. I believe deeply in the power of prayer. But it can be difficult, especially if you have children running around, schedules to tend to, and the like. If you're always running, do you sometimes feel as if you are running on empty? I do at times. I think most people do. So, I believe it is very important to find a place each day, and just relax. Tune out the distractions into which we can become so easily absorbed, and tune into what is deep inside. At first, I am fairly certain that the place would have to be a silent or peacefully quiet one. But, as you progress, you may find yourself in a contemplative state even amid the noise and haste of life. You will be amazed at what you hear, see, and touch. And, once you find that special place deep within, you will probably want to seek that place over and over again. It is a place where you can avoid distraction, and be peacefully connected to, in the words of a Christian prayer, "all that is seen and unseen." It is all there. You just have to look.

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