We're back on the ranch in the Sandhills of Nebraska and happy to be here... the remoteness of the location has provided us with time to reflect, expand, and review our paradigms on life. In addition to the self imposed isolation, our reflections have been spurred on by the recent passings of a family member and business associate. And then there was the passing of Robert Duvall, one of our favorite actors. Lots of transition.
Our current nomadic lifestyle continues to expand our perspectives of possibilities and those adventures we sometimes talk about. Recently, those adventures have included the opportunity to ride as "temporary ranch hands" on an actual cattle drive on the ranch (and yes, they still use horses in the summer). Wow! Never in our wildest imagination could we have thought of that activity as a realistic possibility. The Duvall quote above sums up how we both continue to affirm the importance of remaining relevant and present in the Here & Now - a commitment to grow coupled with a healthy sprinkling of gratitude.
It also got us questioning whether we sometimes are a bit naive in holding a set of values that in our crazy current politics seems out of sync with the times. We got a chance to revisit that thought when we watched a clip from the movie Secondhand Lions where Gus (played by Duvall) gives a questioning teenager some advice...
"Sometimes the things that may or may not be true are the things a man needs to believe in the most. That people are basically good; that honor, courage, and virtue mean everything; that power and money, money and power mean nothing; that good always triumphs over evil; and I want you to remember this, that love... true love never dies. You remember that, boy. You remember that. Doesn't matter if it's true or not. You see, a man should believe in those things, because those are the things worth believing in."
It was a wonderful reminder that we get to choose and as the boy in the Polar Express movie concluded - We (choose to) Believe!
Meanwhile back at the ranch... we've been reading some of James Owen's work, author of the book Cowboy Ethics, who put it this way about values; “Cowboys are role models because they live by a code. They show us what it means to stand for something, and to strive every day to make your actions line up with your beliefs."
And, we continue to reflect on our own values, unique to us, as we ponder his rendition of Cowboy Ethics...
Live each day with courage: Face life's challenges directly.
Take pride in your work: Do your best and take ownership of your tasks.
Always finish what you start: Commitment to completion.
Do what has to be done: Act with duty, especially when it is difficult.
Be tough, but fair: Maintain strength without compromising morality.
When you make a promise, keep it: Honesty and reliability are paramount.
Ride for the brand: Show loyalty to your employer or team.
Talk less and say more: Value actions over words.
Remember that some things aren't for sale: Maintain personal integrity and values.
Know where to draw the line: Understand personal, ethical boundaries.
We don't claim to be the best examples of these values... and... we do aspire!
Happy Trails to you...
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