From my brother

This is a response to my last blog, sent as an e-mail from my brother. I love how it's written, and so I've asked him if I can share it here. I don't necessarily agree with it all, but I like the alternative perspective.
By way of introduction: My younger brother and I are two VERY different people: I'm the hippy to his yuppy, the gypsy to his entrepreneur. However, we have learned over the years to live with our opposing philosophies (on almost every aspect of life!) - and now, as we grow older, it seems our ideas are beginning to converge more and more, moving towards each other to meet somewhere in the middle of the highway of spirituo-intellectual existence.
Without further ado, here it is, (with a few explanatory comments from me in italics). I love you, baby bro. xxx

"So I got up really early this morning and came into the office. I read your blog again and thought I’d post a comment or two. What happened was that I started writing and it turned into a full page. So instead, I decided to mail to you instead. Read through it, and decide yourself whether or not you want it posted.

Love you.

I agree with much of what you've written. The "News" as projected to the masses is (much of the time) a load of shit. A few years ago, in the early stages of IV Systems (the company which my brother single-handedly and successfully set up, and still runs today), I decided to get rid of my TV. Because I was working from home, it was too much of a distraction. But I still wanted to know what was happening in the world. This was in the days prior to ADSL, and internet connectivity was expensive and incredibly slow. So, I got rid of my TV, and started buying the newspaper daily. I have never been so depressed in my entire life. The amount of horrific, unnecessary bloodshed and human depravity in the world was mind boggling. Needless to say, after 2 short weeks, I went to get my TV back.

While I was always aware that these things were happening, they were always in the back of my mind. But what really bothered me is not that these things happen – unfortunately they have happened throughout history, and will continue to happen well into the future. What bothered me was that out of a newspaper with about 20 news pages, 19 were dedicated to rape, murder, political greed and religious hatred, while one page (sometimes less) was for the “feel-good” stories.

The point I’m attempting to make, however long winded, is that the media is responsible for much of the negativity in the world today. The reality is that people want to read about it. Perhaps it makes them feel better about their own circumstances. What they fail to realize is that reading more positive publications, in any form, will lift their spirits. And positivity spreads like wild fire. Unfortunately, so does negativity – possibly faster. It’s much easier to complain about what you don’t have, than be grateful for what you do.

Now, this brings me onto another point related to your latest blog. While I agree with your statements that the world is run by greed, and money = power, I don’t believe money (or power) is a bad thing. In fact, I love money. It’s my greatest passion. Making it, spending it, the freedom it allows me. I love making deals, buying, selling, investing.
Someone I love and care deeply about needed textbooks to be bought and shipped across the world last month (that would be ME, of course - his adored sister. HA HA. ;) ). Had I not been in a financial position to do it, another solution would have needed to be found. I have no doubt that one would have, but it would have been a pain. The point is, money is not a bad thing, but an understanding of the parallels between money and the Universe is imperative. Money, like everything else, has its own energy – connected to Universal energy, and needs to cycle. Greed is not an option. The fact that I was able to do what I did, made me feel great! Helping someone I love, making their life easier, is a phenomenal feeling. And when you feel good, the Universe responds. It really is as simple as that!

Money is a tool. A tool that can be used for good, or not-so-good. I’m not suggesting people should give all of their money away – I know I won’t. I’m far too attached to it. But if you have it – spend it on things that make you happy. Certainly invest or save some. But don’t hold it all back – if it doesn’t go out, it can’t come back in.

I’d love to conclude with a deep, spiritual statement about how I would rather be poor and happy, than rich and unhappy, but unfortunately, the truth is money makes me happy. The disclaimer though, is how much money is enough? It’s something I’ve been thinking about quite a bit lately, and the conclusion is, quite simply, enough to do the things that make me happy. Today it’s one thing, tomorrow it may be another."

Some pics from the last time I saw my baby brother, taken last June when he came here for my wedding. What a magical few weeks those were. :)
Until next time, dear readers. Mwah! xox