Beachcombing

Decades ago, I remember seeing a poster from TRW Systems – where my wife worked – that was headlined “Lose Ugly Pounds.” It showed a turtle with a large shell. The message was clear: don’t store files that are no longer needed.

A few years ago, I heard a Rotary luncheon speaker suggesting that you should toss any physical property that you haven’t used within the last 2-3 years.

In recent weeks I’ve taken those pearls of wisdom to heart by getting rid of old production samples, client files, books, software disks and back issues of the Beachcomber. Both the Long Beach Public Library and the Long Beach Historical Society were happy to receive a complete set of the Beachcomber, going back to when we began publishing in July 2000.

Rarely have we needed to find something printed in the “good old days” and, in most cases, that information is readily available in digital format or online, consuming a tiny fraction of the space used by the printed product. Yes, those predictions of computers saving paper have come true.

The house cleaning has resulted in the need to have fewer, less bulky, items in our office. Among them are a large, 4-drawer lateral file cabinet, a large storage cabinet and an assortment of smaller items that are or will be listed for sale in our classifieds section.

This activity may have generated a recent rumor that I’ve sold the Beachcomber and last week I received an email congratulating me for the “divestiment” (sic) of the paper. Another rumor spreader quoted a very flattering sale price. It was news to me.

What I have been saying is that I’m in a succession planning mode wherein I’ll retain the publisher title while bringing an editor on board early next year to handle any job responsibilities associated with the word “deadline,” such as editing, page layout, print/online production and distribution.

This change will result in more “me” time while focusing on the marketing communications needs of the existing clients of Beeler & Associates, the PR/Advertising firm that I started 46 years ago.

A man who is in his late 70s was asked about the changes he’s noticed in himself as he’s grown older. Here is his response:

• After spending a lifetime loving my parents, siblings, spouse, children and friends – I’ve finally started loving myself.
• I’ve realized that I am not “Atlas.” The world doesn’t rest on my shoulders.
• I no longer haggle with vegetable or fruit vendors. A few extra pennies won’t hurt me, but it might help them save for their daughter’s school fees.
• I always leave my waitress a generous tip. That little extra might bring a smile to her face as she works hard for her living.
• I’ve stopped telling the elderly that they’ve already repeated that story. It allows them to relive their precious memories.
• I no longer feel the need to correct people, even when I know they’re wrong. It’s not my job to make everyone perfect – peace is far more valuable than perfection.
• I freely give compliments. They lift the mood of both the giver and receiver. And remember, if you receive one, never turn it down – just say “Thank you.”
• A crease or spot on my shirt? I don’t sweat it anymore. Personality speaks louder than appearances.
• I’ve learned to walk away from people who don’t value me. They may not know my worth, but I do.
• I stay calm when others try to outrun me in life’s rat race. I am not a rat and I’m not racing.
• I’m no longer embarrassed by my emotions – they’re what make me human.
• I’ve learned that it’s better to drop the ego than to break a relationship. Ego isolates, but relationships keep you connected.
• I live each day as if it could be my last, because one day, it just might be.
• And lastly, I’m doing what makes me happy. I’m responsible for my happiness and happiness is a choice you can make at any moment.

publisher@beachcomber.news