Bernie Brillstein was a famous film and TV producer in the entertainment industry. He helped with the success of many hit shows like The Muppet Show and Saturday Night Live. He managed careers like John Belushi and Brad Pitt. As a result of his success he even received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in April 2001. Several years ago I was invited by the late Bernie Brillstein to go sailing with him throughout Europe on his luxurious yacht. It was a privilege to be asked to go sailing with Bernie and some of his very well-known friends. The only challenge with this invitation was there were a set of rules, and one of them included: you can’t bring your cell phone, or use the fax machine that was on board. On this excursion was a well-known singer and even a man who owned a network that I’m sure you’ve heard of. None of the others seemed phased by this.

As we talked about the journey, all of them were excited about being “free” from incoming calls. For a guy who’s a supposed to be a life coach… I actually felt panicked. You see, sometimes I get ninety calls a day and every time I feel that buzz – it means somebody’s looking for me. What was I going to do without that “feeling”? I shared my thoughts with some of the others who were all in their 60’s and 70’s and they had a good laugh. Bernie told me that he runs a successful company and he doesn’t even carry a cell phone. It’s because he likes to stay in the moment. I found this extreme but I was always willing to listen and learn.

If we all want to be honest, we’re just far too busy. From our jobs to our relationships to trying to meet other people’s needs. If we’re not careful we’ll become “human-doings”… rather than human-beings. To “do” means: to perform, to execute, to accomplish. To “be” means: to exist, to live, to happen. I think one of the problems with the younger generation is that we always think we have to accomplish but sometimes we just need to happen. In other words, we just need to be there. It’s a funny thing when somebody says, “What’s happening?” or “How have you been doing?” We usually don’t talk about our feelings, or our “quiet moments”… we talk about our accomplishments and our performances.

It’s an amazing thing that we have less than half a year of 2011. Soon, you’ll be venturing into 2012. Whoever thought this would have happened when you were a kid?

You can choose to run through December and see how fast you can get there or you can choose to get in the moment, be fully present, fully feeling, fully alive, and simply enjoy every minute that this year still has to offer.

I’d be the first to admit that life is a balancing act. I believe in working hard… and I mean very hard! But I also believe in taking naps… taking walks… spending time with great people.

When you slow down to the speed of life, it will be amazing how good it feels because this world truly has rhythm. So find its tempo and go with the flow, set sail and live your finest life.

“That’s one of my big rules: when you have a great story, you tell it – no matter what.” - Brillstein

Luke 12:22: Steep Yourself in God-Reality
22-24 He continued this subject with his disciples. “Don’t fuss about what’s on the table at mealtimes or if the clothes in your closet are in fashion. There is far more to your inner life than the food you put in your stomach, more to your outer appearance than the clothes you hang on your body. Look at the ravens, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, carefree in the care of God. And you count far more.”