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Archive for the ‘Life Learning’ Category

My “When-Then” Mindset is Deteriorating.

Perhaps you’re not cursed with “when-then” thinking, but I believe I’ve thought this way my entire life. It’s the mental posture of believing that “when” I experience or accomplish something I have my heart set on, “then” I’ll feel satisfaction that will fill that place in my head/heart that’s empty.

Oftentimes, that feeling of satisfaction is rather nebulous. It’s not as though I actually articulate that “I’m going to feel fulfilled or finally worth something.” Instead, I just have this generalized belief that life will finally be whole and good and filled with unending happiness. I’ll finally “be somebody” and all will be right in the world (and within me).

“When-Then” thinking has never worked for me.

When I make Little League All-Stars…
When I learn how to ollie…
When I get a car…
When I’m the yearbook photo editor…
When I’m a newspaper photographer…
When I win first place for my photography…
When I get married…
When I walk the line twice at graduation for a BA and MA…
When I finish my MA at seminary…
When I get hired as a pastor…
When we have kids…
When I start my own church…
When the church grows to 100 (250, 500, 1000)…
When I speak to 10,000+ people…
When we start new church campuses…
When I write my first book…
When I start a children’s home in India…
When I publish multiple books in one year…
When I land this huge client…

After each one of these “accomplishments”, I felt a rush of energy and excitement…a high…that…simply…didn’t…last. After the “when”, the “then” didn’t meet my expectations.

Yet, with each new “when” over the past couple of years, my adrenaline rush has begun to wane. I’ve been surprised by my lack of excitement when something kinda cool would come my way.

Earlier this year, I pursued an opportunity with a training company to present business seminars around the nation. They were ready to take me on…and I turned it down. The impending travel didn’t align with our family values, and I was barely disappointed after sending the “no thank you” email. Even this week Laura and I received confirmation that we will be appearing on “Unfaithful: Stories of Betrayal” on the new Oprah Winfrey Network. We indicated our interest back in January, and we’ve spent hours talking with multiple casting directors…sharing our story over and over again. Although we haven’t really pursued the opportunity after the initial email, there’s been quite a bit of investment on our part through their detailed selection process.

When I finally got the call this week, the producer asked, “Well…how do you feel about being on the show?”
“Good…we’re honored to share our story.” That was it. I didn’t feel elation or adrenaline or excitement…just a genuine “okay God…here we go…may this honor You and help others.”

It seems as though my “When-Then” mindset is deteriorating.

Maybe I’m starting to live day-by-day more than future-focused. I’m not sure. I just know that things are continuing to morph, and I’m less interested in a pay-off and more interested in just being open to whatever God brings in our path.

I’m sure it will be interesting.

What Kind of Person Could…?


photo by David Trotter

As I was driving my son to school this morning, we were listening to the radio when the hosts started running through a few “newsbytes.” One report was about the woman who claimed she was attacked with acid. After her story began to unravel, she admitted that her wounds were self-inflicted, and the whole thing was a hoax of some sort. After one host read the news account, the other host said…

“What kind of person could do something like that?”

Maybe you’ve asked a rhetorical question such as this. Or, as in my case, maybe you’ve had this questioned asked about you. Either way, the question is loaded with judgment. The underlying implication is that she is a sicko, freak, idiot, and/or failure. The simultaneous implication is that the question asker would never do such a thing…wouldn’t even think about it…nor would they do anything else that would be classified as sick, freaky, idiotic, and/or failing.

This wasn’t the first time I heard that her wounds were self-inflicted. I read about it online yesterday, and I had a very different reaction. I didn’t ask the same question as the host. Instead…I had compassion.

I knew the exact type of individual who would inflict wounds upon themselves…someone just like you and me.

I’ve been the one who has inflicted wounds upon myself. Not with acid…but with unhealthy, destructive decisions. When we as human beings find ourselves in a desperate situation, we tend to make decisions that don’t make sense. Yes, the host is correct, her decision to throw acid on her face doesn’t make “sense.” On the other hand, I totally get it.

I don’t know what her exact circumstances are, and I don’t need to. I can quickly ascertain that she is hurting, broken, and in need of hope…before (and after) burning herself. My hope is that she’ll get the emotional, relational, and spiritual help she needs as her physical wounds are healing.

Maybe you’ve asked questions like these…

  • What kind of person could have an affair?
  • How could someone possibly waste all that money on gambling?
  • What kind of mom would kill her own children?
  • How could anyone ever ______________?

It’s easy to ask the question of others and stand in judgment over them. It’s easy…until you’re the person they’re asking about.

Have you ever wounded yourself by making unhealthy, desperate decisions? Did people have compassion for you? Why or why not?

My Game Changer

Sponsored by Leadership Network, The Nines is hosting a one-day videocast of amazing communicators…all focused on the topic of “Game Changer.” If you know much about my story, you won’t be suprised that this is the game changer I submitted…

Should I Really Care About Your Opinion?

Yesterday, I was reflecting on various opinions that have been expressed over the past few months about my previous life, my new book, my marriage, and the new church that my wife and I are starting with an amazing group of people. These unsolicited opinions are delivered via email, Facebook, and through the rumor mill. After making some poor decisions and imploding my life, I committed to disregard the negative communication from people who felt like they needed to share their thoughts with me. Recently, the communication flow seems to have opened up again as Laura and I move into a new season of our lives.

In a snarky moment, I posted what I thought was a humorous question on Facebook…
Isn’t it funny when someone thinks their opinion about your life matters…or that you even care?

Quite a few people chimed in with immediate ‘likes’ and positive comments, but then the ‘Christian Facebook police’ emerged to ensure that we all know that the opinions of others truly matter. I had a wonderful discussion with Laura last night, and I wanted to reflect for a moment on the value of the opinions of others…

  1. Everyone has a right to their opinion…but I don’t need to care about it.
    I honor the right we have as human beings to have a personal perspective on anything and everything. On top of that, you have the power to share that opinion if you choose. I honor that and respect that…but I don’t have to “value” what you say. To care about something means that I place “value” on your words, and I choose not to value everything that someone shares with me.
    .
  2. I highly value the opinion of my wife.
    My wife’s thoughts about my life are critical. We have a partnership that relies upon open communication about everything – parenting, finances, spirituality, household duties, and time management. We are in a constant dialogue about our perspectives and opinions, and I value every thought and word that she shares with me.
    .
  3. I value the opinions of those who are walking closely with me through life.
    There are a number of people who Laura and I have chosen to walk closely with in this life, and their perspective deeply matters to me. I don’t necessarily play into their opinions…seeking their approval. Instead, I ask them for input (one of my top 5 StengthsFinder strengths), and I listen. I care about what these individuals share…both affirming and challenging my life.
    .
  4. I value the opinions of those who are authorities in my life.
    Although I am my own person and I can make my own decisions, there is something powerful about looking to those who are in leadership roles (official or unofficial) in our lives. From my parents to bosses to church leaders, there is great worth in the words of those who have more experience than myself. Although I am in a season of life where I run my own businesses, I do have several people who are “authorities” in my life. For instance, I deeply value the perspective of our therapist. He knows us better than anyone else, and anything he shares with me is golden. I mull it over. I process it. I decide whether I want to integrate it into my life or not. I value his opinions highly…but I still determine what I place a high value on. In addition, I have a friend, Suresh Kumar, who is somewhat of a mentor to me, and I deeply value his thoughts. Although we’re not in conversation on a daily basis, I trust that he has an insightful perspective on my life like no one else.
    .
  5. I listen to the opinions of those who experience me…but I don’t have to value them.
    There are thousands of people who experience me (through face-to-face interactions, public speaking, writing, social media), but they don’t really know me. They can’t know me. Although they may feel close to me, they simply experience a part of who I am through short interactions – either once or ongoing. I seek to ‘listen’, but I may or may not value the opinion that’s shared. Although it is tempting to highlight and revel in the positive opinions of others, they can quickly shift the moment I do something that’s ‘off-target’ in the eyes of this person. (Ask me how I know.) In the process of listening to discern if I should ‘value’ their opinion, I take into account the health of their own life, their relational skills, any ulterior motives, their love for me, and their commitment to my best interests. It’s amazing how often someone feels the need to share their ‘unsolicited opinions’, because they have a deep wound, fear, anxiety, or need to control the outcome of a situation. Oftentimes, a hint of truth is mixed in with a load of pain.
    .
  6. I generally disregard the opinions of those who don’t have my best interest in mind.
    There are individuals who don’t have your/my best interest in mind because of their own disappointment, lack of forgiveness, or self-righteousness. They want you/me to pay for something. Unsolicited advice and opinions are generally ‘weak’ in making an impact on my life and yours. They go from person to person to thwart your/my positive actions in this world. I have compassion for them, and I hope that these individuals will find peace within themselves.
    .
    In general, people who are taking inventory of my life are simply trying to tear me down to lift themselves up. Jesus talks about this when he describes our tendency to point out the issues of another when we have quite a few issues to deal with ourselves.
    ..
  7. I have the ‘right’ opinions…but I humbly hold them all.
    Of course, I think I have the ‘right’ opinion about something. If I didn’t, I would change my opinion. The question is how firmly do I hold my opinions and how vocally do I express them? Frankly, it just depends on the circumstances and the topic at hand. The process of humbly holding my opinions means that I recognize that I’m a flawed human being with only one perspective. Learning from the perspectives of others is absolutely key in order to see my own blind spots. Therefore, I welcome input…especially from those who I’m walking with through this life.
    .
  8. God’s opinion matters most.
    Because of my faith, there is a deep sense that God is ultimately the One to whom I must answer to. The challenge comes in when someone wants to discern God’s opinion for my life. When there are differences of opinion on what the Bible (my holy book) has to say on a certain topic or how it is to be interpreted, then there are bound to be disagreements. And…that’s okay. I choose to live in the tension that there are many people who love God but have different opinions on a variety of subjects.

With that being said, let’s go back to my statement on Facebook…

I do find it amusing when people who don’t have my best interest in mind form an opinion about my life through hearsay or snippets of writing and think I should place great value upon it. This just doesn’t fit the type of perspectives (i.e., opinions) that truly matter to me. Do I respect their right to think negatively about my life and decisions? Sure. Do I need to value it? No.

Are You Worried About the Opinions of Others?
If you find yourself worrying about the opinions of your classmates, ex-spouse, former church members, or that guy who stares at you weird, you may want to question the value you are placing on their perspectives. Whose opinion matters to you?

Do You Need a Fresh Start?


photo by David Trotter

This week, I had the opportunity to talk with numerous people that all needed the same thing…a fresh start.

  • Pastors who have made poor decisions.
  • Women who have husbands that don’t want to be married to them anymore.
  • Men who are stuck in their jobs and aren’t making enough money to support their families.

I want to snap my fingers or rub a magic genie lamp and wish for it all to go away…but it doesn’t. When I wake up the next morning, it’s all still there. There problems are still weighing them down, and my challenges (quite minimal in comparison) are still hanging around.

Yet, tomorrow is a fresh start.

Of course, those things that are in front of us don’t magically go away, but there’s something powerful about the sun rising once again. There’s something hopeful about the possibilities that are inherent in the cool breeze of a fresh day. I wish my challenges (and your challenges) would just disappear. I wish God would just take them away. Instead, God seems to empower me to take advantage of the fresh start.

  • Will I see the possibilities of tomorrow morning?
  • How can I nurture a positive attitude from the start?
  • What opportunities will present themselves tomorrow?
  • Will I be courageous to make decisions that will launch me toward a new normal in my life?

How about you? Are you wishing for a magical fresh start…or are you willing to see tomorrow morning as the fresh start you’ve been waiting for?

I Can Do Whatever I Want.

I can do whatever I want.
I love saying it…and believing it.
I can write my own permission slip.

For so long in my life, I felt limited by what I could say or do…wanting to be successful (and appropriate) in the eyes of others. That may sound odd to some who know me (and all my crazy antics), but I carried a great weight of “responsibility” for so many years that I finally got sick of it. I was tired of worrying about excelling in the eyes of others, the opinions of complainers, the grumbling of the self-righteous, the challenge of non-profit finances, and the concerns of leading a staff. 

My “care box” was empty.

In other words, I didn’t care what anyone thought about me or my life anymore. I wanted freedom! I just wanted to do whatever I wanted in this life. So…I did. It was absolutely heaven…and hell. I found that freedom was amazing because of the opportunity to explore and be adventurous. Over the past 2.5 years, I’ve…

  • Chosen to express myself through new clothing.
  • Lost quite a bit of weight and started living a healthier life.
  • Started enjoying outdoor activities.
  • Made a healthy living as an entrepreneur.
  • Read and listened to communicators outside of my sphere of normal study.
  • Developed friendships without needing something from them.
  • Connected with my wife and children more than ever.
  • Opened my mind to the possibilities of life.
  • Deconstructed my view of church and ministry life.

On the other hand, I’ve experienced the “hell” of freedom as well. Without taking responsibility during a few months of my life, freedom was a license to live any way that I wanted without regard to (and in the fact of) the repercussions. Prior to that point, I led so much of my life with a constant awareness of the possible backlash or fallout that I felt stifled and overwhelmed. My reaction was to break free from the chains that bound me (in my mind and heart) to be able to do whatever I wanted to do.

With the help of my therapist and a few close friends, I began integrating “responsibility” – the opportunity to live in such a way that honors and serves those around me – after experiencing the devastating results of freedom without limits.

Freedom without limits results in a self-centered life without regard to how one’s action will impact the lives of others. The truth is that you and I have the “freedom” to…

  • Eat, smoke, and snort whatever we want.
  • Develop a sexual relationship with anyone in this world.
  • Make money any possible way.
  • Spend our time doing absolutely anything.
  • Rack up as much debt as we want.
  • Go anywhere…any time.

If we lived without responsibility (without a desire to honor or serve those around us), we would leave a wide wake of destruction behind us. Some of us have…either for a season…or for our entire lives. The process can be unbelievably liberating, but the results are absolutely devastating.

What does it look like for you to live a life of freedom with responsibility?

  • Do you need to embrace more of the FREEDOM that’s available to you?
  • Or, do you need to take more RESPONSIBILITY for your actions before you even take them?

Tell me what you think.

Permission Slip Required

Remember in elementary school the fear of forgetting your permission slip for the biggest field trip of the year? My teacher (and probably yours) threatened the entire class with the dreaded consequence of being left behind.

No one wanted to be THE ONLY KID LEFT BEHIND.

The fear of having to sit in on another class felt so overwhelming that every one of us would find a way to get the single-most important piece of paper back into our teacher’s hands…with our parent’s signature emblazoned upon it.

The idea of “permission” has been so ingrained in most of our minds (for good reason at an early age) that many of us are still looking for permission as adults.

Instead of feeling the freedom to pursue what’s in our hearts, we’re waiting around for someone to give us permission. Ironically, they (whoever “they” is) doesn’t even know that we’re waiting for them to say something…nor would they think that we even needed their permission. Oftentimes, the need for permission is so nebulous that no one can give us the thumbs up other than ourselves.

You’ve been waiting on a permission slip to land in your hand in order to receive permission to do something. It’s in your heart, and you know it’s there. It may be buried deep, but it keep whispering to you…wanting to be expressed through your life.

What is it?
What do you feel like you need permission to do?

YES, YOU CAN…

  • Be creative…every day.
  • Develop a healthy, intimate relationship.
  • Make as much money as you want.
  • Be as bold and adventurous as you’d like to be.
  • Invest time on the things that make me come alive.

Now that you have the permission you need…what are you going to do?
And, the next time you feel like you need a permission slip, feel free to write your own.

Take the Dang Picture!

Today, my family hung out at the beach for a couple hours with another wonderful family who we enjoy being with so much. The beach is an interesting place to watch other people.

  • You’re in close proximity with complete strangers.
  • You’re exposed to the elements like no other place. (water, wind, sand, birds)
  • Kids feel the freedom to go nuts.

After watching a flock of seagulls commandeer a full, sealed back of chips from a sleeping teenage girl and experiencing a full-body exfoliation from sand flying from the beach towels of our own children, I watched in amazement as a mother desperately begged her young girl…no more than 5 years old.

“Jen, stand up by your sister so I can take your picture.”

“No, I don’t wanna!”

“Jeeen, I really want us to remember this day. Stand up so I can take your picture.”

“Nope.” She dug her hands deeper into the sand and squished up her face with displeasure.

“I’m telling you right now to get up there. Don’t you want ice cream later? If you don’t stand up and take a picture right now, I’m not gonna get you ice cream!”

It was absolutely comical…and a bit unnerving. I was so sick of hearing this mother beg the little girl that I almost got out of my seat and yanked the girl out of the sand. “Take the dang picture, Jen! I’m ready for your mother to shut up!”

I resisted…and the mother finally gave up.

Isn’t it funny how we try to coax our kids (and lots of other people in this world) to do something we want them to do. It’s not as though her choice in the moment was so much of an act of disobedience as a choice to disconnect from relationship. She didn’t want to participate in the moment, but two other people (her mother and sister) were doing everything (outside of physically moving her) to get her to stand up and get in the photo.

I’m wondering what the line is between inviting others to join us in the moment versus verbally assaulting them to join in. Is it possible to cast a vision for a different kind of life without creating a reward/punishment scenario?

What if I let the people around me be themselves? What if I modeled the kind of life I value and desire? What if I share my values and invite them to join me on the journey as they’re ready? What if I encourage them as I see them taking courageous steps in their life?

I wonder if that would be more peaceful and life-giving rather than all the coaxing that I witnessed today.

My Missing Peace…Is Found In Being Average

“I just don’t want to lose my peace. I just don’t want to lose my peace.”

I kept saying it over and over again to Laura as I paced through the parking lot the other night. When I talk, I pace…no matter what I’m talking about. The more intense the conversation…the faster the pace of my pacing.

Peace is something that has eluded my adult life. Frankly, it’s never even been something I valued. When all hell broke out in my life, all of a sudden peace became something that I was desperate to find.

Peace was missing from my life.

When all the adrenaline rushes are gone…
When friendships are hard to come by…
When you feel all alone in a psych ward…
Peace becomes very important.

I’ve experienced so much of a lack of peace that I didn’t even know if it was possible to embrace. In fact, the opposite of peace is war. If you’ve ever lacked peace, you know that there is an internal war raging inside your mind and heart. There are conflicting thoughts, desires, passions, and emotions…all swirling within.

Most of the swirling in my life revolved around a desire to be successful and way above average.

Tonight as Laura and I met with our marriage therapist, he defined peace as embracing the fact that I’m average. He indicated that in light of God’s incredible power and creativity, we’re all quite average. Some of us may be a little more skilled or experienced in particular areas of life, but all of us are average in light of God’s greatness. He believes that when we accept our averageness and enjoy life right where we are, we’ll finally find peace. This doesn’t mean that I sit around and become complacent. In actuality, my desire is to express my gifts and talents to their fullest…as a path of enjoyment…not as a way to prove the fact that I’m above average in some way.

In a weird way, my peace is found in being average…and being okay with it.

Unfortunately, the pace of the frantic life that most of live stands in contrast to all of this. In this article by Anne Lamott, I resonated with her take on what we exchange our time for…

“I sometimes teach classes on writing, during which I tell my students every single thing I know about the craft and habit. This takes approximately 45 minutes. I begin with my core belief—and the foundation of almost all wisdom traditions—that there is nothing you can buy, achieve, own, or rent that can fill up that hunger inside for a sense of fulfillment and wonder. But the good news is that creative expression, whether that means writing, dancing, bird-watching, or cooking, can give a person almost everything that he or she has been searching for: enlivenment, peace, meaning, and the incalculable wealth of time spent quietly in beauty.

Then I bring up the bad news: You have to make time to do this.

This means you have to grasp that your manic forms of connectivity—cell phone, email, text, Twitter—steal most chances of lasting connection or amazement. That multitasking can argue a wasted life. That a close friendship is worth more than material success.

Needless to say, this is very distressing for my writing students.”

For the last couple of years, I’ve been experiencing an increasing level of peace in my life, and I don’t want to lose it. No new opportunities…no degree of outward success (and all the pushing required) is worth losing the incredible sense of peacefulness that I’m enjoying by embracing who I am right now…”an ass some days and a saint the others.” (direct quote from my therapist)

Peace is powerful.

Top 10 Reasons to Leave Your Wife

If you’re contemplating an affair or simply leaving your wife, there are innumerable reasons why you should go through with the decision. Since I have some experience in this area, I’d be happy to share a few of my thoughts in the form of the top 10 reasons to go for it.

Perhaps you’re feeling bored with your marriage…more like roommates than anything else. Or, maybe you’re experiencing so much conflict with her that you just can’t take it anymore. Or, you may not be attracted anymore to the woman you originally pledged your love to (i.e., your wife), and you’ve found some hot chick at work…or church.

Whatever the situation may be, you’ve probably been searching for “good reasons” to go ahead and make a move. You know all the reasons NOT to do it, but you’re probably hoping that there is another perspective that would align with the longings of your heart. Well, you’ve come to the right place. All those men’s magazines tell you how to get laid, but I want to help you understand why to have the affair.

You may not actually want to physically “leave” your wife…maybe you just want to have a little fun on the side. Statistics show that if you cheat (and get caught), you’ll eventually leave her…or she’ll leave you. One or the other usually happens. Well, let’s cut to the chase!

If you leave your wife, you can expect to…

10. Enjoy plenty of time and space to do your own thing.

All those “honey do” lists will be long gone. There will only be one thing she’ll want you to do…move out. Unfortunately, you’ll need to have a brief conversation about finances and how that will all work. She’ll probably get really angry with you, but it will be worth it. You will soon be shopping for your own apartment, and you can choose whatever you want. At first, you’ll get excited about that killer bachelor pad in the cool part of town (by the beach if you live near one), but you’ll probably settle for the most affordable option…a studio apartment or a one-bedroom unit near your family’s home (where you used to live). You’ll pull together whatever furniture you can find, and your schedule will be completely freed up. That is, once you shop for all the things you took for granted at your former home…pots, pans, towels, sheets, toilet paper, soap…you get the point. Have fun with all that new-found time and space!

9. Watch any movie you want and play video games 24/7.

You know all those violent action movies or pay-per-view pornos…feel free to watch them now. No one will be complaining or watching over your shoulder. On top of that, you’ll need to buy a new video game system for the kids when they come over. And, the great thing about it is…you’ll get to play it 24/7 when they’re not around. Your wife won’t be around to want your attention anymore. You’ll be able to turn off all the lights, crank up the sound, and kill everything in sight!

8. Eat anything and everything.

You know how your wife used to keep the fridge and cabinets stocked with all sorts of food? You get to do that now. (By the way, did you buy a refrigerator yet? You’ll probably need one of those.) Fill it with as much meat as you want…or microwave meals. Those things are way easier to fix than anything else, and there’s not a single thing to wash…as long as you use a plastic fork as well. Those are quite handy! If you don’t feel like eating, you won’t need to. And, if you just want to eat a bunch of crap all the time, go right ahead…hit that drive-thru every day on the way to and from work. By the way, be prepared to buy some bigger pants!

7. Work out as much or little as you’d like.

Since you’ll have so much time on your hands, working out may become a nightly activity for yourself. In the past, you may not have had enough time with some of your family duties, but now you’ll have more time than you know what to do with. You’ll probably want to lose those 10-100 pounds you’ve been packing on during the comfy years of marriage, because the hottie you’re having an affair with won’t be that impressed. If you’re not already having an affair, you’ll definitely want to lose the weight in preparation to find a new and improved woman. Jump on that treadmill, and start sweatin’ off the pounds!

6. Spend only a few hours a week with the kids.

I know you love your kids, but let’s just admit that they can be a pain in the butt. They’re completely self-centered. They want everything in sight. And, on top of that, they whine and cry. Another great thing about leaving your wife is that the kids will stay with her. You’ll have another one of those brief, painful conversations about when, where, and how you’ll spend time with the little rugrats. In the beginning, you’ll be bummed that you don’t get to see them all the time, but you’ll get over it. Every time you see them, you’ll do whatever it takes to make them happy. You’ll buy them toys, games, and fun stuff to eat. And, you can take them to places that their mother can’t afford to take them to…amusement parks, out to dinner, and any movie they want to see. Once they go home, you won’t have to worry about baths, homework, or bedtime craziness. Of course, you’ll miss out on the before-bed routines…answering precious questions, praying with them, and snuggling in bed. But, that’s okay, you won’t have to put up with all the tough stuff either!

5. Experience the golden silence of no nagging wife or screaming children.

Once the kids are back at the house where you used to live, you’ll have your apartment all to yourself. Total and complete silence…no more nagging wife telling you to pick up your underwear or wash your dishes or quit farting during dinner. No more screaming and whining from the kids when you ask them to do their homework, clean their room, or brush their teeth before bed. How does that silence sound to your ears? Golden? Yeah, now you can replace it with more soothing noises…music, movies, video games, and the crunching of chips as you eat them all alone in peace. You’ll start to hear the clock tick, the fan in your computer spin, and the footsteps of your neighbors as they approach their door. You’ll hear everything…even the voices within. How does all that sound?

4. Choose whether or not you even want to go to church.

You know how your wife asked you about all that spiritual stuff? Maybe even going to church? Now, you won’t have to deal with any of that nonsense. Let her chat about all that touchy-feely crap with all her girlfriends. Be a man, and be strong! All that Christian crap is for people who just need a crutch to deal with life. I’m sure you won’t need any of that. It doesn’t work anyway, right? Just pop open a beer, and plop down in front of the TV to veg out. Find something else to make you feel good….anything…just figure out what works for you. Of course, if all else fails, that whole God thing could be a back up plan. What do you think?

3. Have the opportunity to date anyone you meet.

Total and complete freedom…that’s what this new life is all about. Anyone you meet is fair game. Sign up for match.com or eHarmony. Create that profile…but you should probably omit that whole “I-just-left-my-wife” thing. That’s not exactly attractive to all those women looking for Mr. Right. I guess you’ll need to do one of two things. One option is to come up with a “story” that explains away that white ring around your finger where your wedding band used to sit. Maybe you could say that your wife died…or she’s the one who left. I’m sure you’ll come up with something. The second option is to date women who don’t care that you just left your wife. You’ll probably find those gals at the club downtown. Look for the really high skirts and the clear high heels.

2. Work as many hours as you’d like.

If you like to work a lot, now is your opportunity! Don’t worry about making it home for dinner on time. Make those extra calls. Take on that project that no one else wants to work on. Suck up to your boss and do whatever he/she wants you to do. On top of that, you can now take clients out for drinks, and you won’t need to worry about getting home before the kids go to bed. With all these extra hours at work, people will notice that you’re an amazing team member. They’ll affirm you for your hard work like your wife and kids never could. Congrats on finally getting the attention and affirmation of the people who matter the most!

1. Enjoy lots and lots of sex.

Finally, the number one reason to leave your wife…sex. Let’s face it. Your sex life hasn’t been that great recently…right?  Now you can have sex every single day with that new hot flame you’ve hooked up with…no need to sneak around anymore! It’s new and exciting, and you won’t be able to keep your hands off one another. In fact, you’ll probably be making love multiple times a day…before and after work. You’re finally living every guy’s dream. Of course, it’ll slow down eventually. Sooner or later, you’ll need to develop an actual relationship where you talk more than you grope and develop vulnerable intimacy more than getting naked. Don’t worry about that now though. There’s plenty of time to figure that out later…just like you did in your last marriage, right? If you’re not having an affair already, you’ll now have the chance to hook up with anyone you meet…at least whoever wants to be with a guy who’s just left his wife. I’m sure there are plenty of women out there like that.

There are plenty of “reasons” to leave your wife…whether you’ve had the balls to have an affair yet or not. If these reasons haven’t convinced you quite yet (to avoid the pain we went through) and you’re still contemplating what to do with your life, Laura and I would love to be a resource for you and your wife. Email us for help.

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About David

I'm a strategic marketing consultant, entrepreneur, photographer, writer, and creative communicator. I love spending time with my family including my wife of 17 years (Laura) and two amazing kids (Waverly and Emerson).

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