Thursday, December 27, 2012

The Mulligan

A Mulligan is a mythical second chance. Most often associated with golf but relevant to all aspects of life. The origin is up for debate. I have my favorite story about a locker room attendant in Britain who gave a golfer a second chance on the course. Regardless of the story Mulligans aren't mythical. I do believe we all are given a Mulligan if life. I have had a Mulligan in my life.  I think I  made the most of it. Mulligans are strange creatures. Some are not as obvious as others. This maybe because we  tend to ignore them. There they are right in front of us. A second chance to set something right, a new beginning, an opportunity for a new path in life.  When the Mulligan is given to you it is there so you do not make the same mistake as before. Choose a new club, make a different shot, make that putt. Use your Mulligan wisely and you will never regret it. 

Giving up a Gift

Chanukah and Christmas have just passed and many gifts have been exchanged between friends, family and loved ones. Some gifts even may have been given to strangers. Gifts don't have to be given for any particular reason or occasion. One gives a gift because they are generous and considerate. The problem with giving a gift is that some people can't let go of the gift. They think that they still possess the gift after it has been given  away to someone. They pine over what the person will do or has done with the gift. The idea that the receiver of the gift can do whatever he would like to do with the gift is oblivious to them. They keep tabs on the gift. They ask about it. They can't let go. The solution. Don't give gifts to people that you think will misuse or abuse your gift. Use common sense in the choice of your gift. Usually the past history of a person is a good indicator of what will become of that gift.  Give and forget about it. If you do see the gift again and it has been misused or abused remember It's not yours anymore. Move on. Learn. Don't make the same mistake twice!