Everyone has their illusion and it will probably remain for a lifetime unless . . .

Unless it runs into reality. Reality is stronger than a brick wall and it won’t buckle under pressure. It’s a mainstay in our lives and it assumes the role of “Bubble Buster in Chief.”

I’m under the illusion that Tom Brady will play football forever. The minute he retires, reality will destroy my illusion.

What illusion are you holding on to that reality will dismantle in a heartbeat?

One of the defining markers of an illusion is wanting something so desperately that we’re willing to look the other way when evidence to the contrary is on display.

Your illusion will burst. It’s only a question of when.

The less painful way to keep reality from upsetting your apple cart is to dismantle your illusion yourself.

It’s a 2 step process.

1. Recognize your illusion (you already know what it is).

2. Unravel it thread by thread so it’s no longer the whole cloth you’ve wrapped around your head.

Here’s an illusion many people have: waiting for someone to knock on their door with a solution to their situation. Chances are, that illusion has been in place a long time. Perhaps it’s time to recognize it as ridiculous instead of sublime.

Reminds me of a story I’ve told before . . . one of my teachers asked the class what we would do if the plane we were copiloting had it’s engine conk out and we were heading for the ground at 500 miles per hour. Countless answers were given and every one of them was met with this question: “What would you do if that didn’t work?” When we ran out of answers, he asked if we would like the correct answer. We all said an emphatic, “Yes!”

His answer was, “Do anything else.”

To prevent reality from crashing our illusion into the ground, we have to do “anything else” to dismantle it now.

Illusions keep us holding in place waiting for a fairy godmother to show her face and lead us to the land of milk and honey.

Here’s the reality: We have to take some action on our own to let the air out of our illusion that’s overblown, otherwise we’re a helpless passenger on an out of control drone.

All the best,

John

Hear the recorded version below.

Here is the recorded version of the Grasshopper Note for the week of 01-24-22.

Read the written version here.

Make sure to download a FREE copy of my ebook: INTER RUPTION: The Magic Key To Lasting Change here.

Here is the recorded version of the Grasshopper Note for the week of 01-17-22.

Read the written version here.

Make sure to download a FREE copy of my ebook: INTER RUPTION: The Magic Key To Lasting Change here.

Here is the recorded version of the Grasshopper Note for the week of 01-10-22.

Read the written version here.

Make sure to download a FREE copy of my ebook: INTER RUPTION: The Magic Key To Lasting Change here.

Here is the recorded version of the Grasshopper Note for the week of 01-03-22.

Read the written version here.

Make sure to download a FREE copy of my ebook: INTER RUPTION: The Magic Key To Lasting Change here.

I was struck with the thought the other day that America exudes the most energy of any nation on earth. Any nationalism aside, it seems to be an accurate observation. I think most folks around the globe would agree.

So, it got me to wondering. What is that energy? The Grasshopper popped in and offered this: “The energy of America is selling you something.”

It seems we’re always selling something. We’re like the salesperson who can’t turn it off, even when quarantined or on holiday.

That energy or propensity to sell is what drives America.

I’m only guessing here but I’d wager America has the most home-based businesses per capita than anywhere else I can think of.

It’s that passion to sell that makes us excel.

But before this turns into a Tony Robbins seminar, let me say there is a downside to this perpetual sell. Namely, we think if we stop selling, we’ll stop breathing. So, we continue past our “sell by” date, and it causes our energy to dissipate. We needlessly wear ourselves out.

The recommendation is not to stop selling; it’s to know when to turn it off and tune in to what’s right in front of you. Learn to appreciate your needs and stop peddling what others need for just a moment. Take the time to immerse yourself in the sublime and lose track of time and reclaim your energy in the process.

Don’t worry that we’ll lose our place on the world stage when you turn it off. There’ll be more than enough of your neighbors that won’t heed this message. Have no fear, they’ll keep the Sell-A-Thon in high gear.

Gee, I hope I’ve made the sale. But it’s time for me to bail and take a walk down the inner peace trail.

All the best,

John

Hear The recorded version below.

Here is the recorded version of the Grasshopper Note for the week of 12-27-21.

Read the written version here.

Make sure to download a FREE copy of my ebook: INTER RUPTION: The Magic Key To Lasting Change here.

Here is the recorded version of the Grasshopper Note for the week of 12-20-21.

Read the written version here.

Make sure to download a FREE copy of my ebook: INTER RUPTION: The Magic Key To Lasting Change here.

Here is the recorded version of the Grasshopper Note for the week of 12-13-21.

Read the written version here.

Make sure to download a FREE copy of my ebook: INTER RUPTION: The Magic Key To Lasting Change here.

Dear Santa,

I’m not at a loss as to what to ask for this year because I want so much.

At the top of my list is this: Can you get the media to cease the 24/7 bombardment of Covid-19 and “variant” news? Can we get a cease fire on this for the holidays, Santa?

Speaking of the media, please have them stop labeling everything as “Breaking News.” Most often, it broke a long time ago. BREAKING NEWS: Toddler knocks over Christmas tree. Let’s go to our reporter on the scene.

And Santa, this is just a curiosity question, but has any worker behind the deli counter ever said, “Is a little under OK?”

And finally, I’m not sure you have any sway on my last request but if you do, please have the New England Patriots and The Tampa Bay Buccaneers be in the Super Bowl this year? I’d be rooting for “Team Tommy” but I’m loving what “Team Bill” has done with the Patriots, and what’s not to like about their quarterback Mac Jones?

Thanks, for reading my letter, Santa. I hope you, Rudolph, and the gang have eaten your Wheaties because I’m sure you’ll be unloading tons of merchandise from the cargo ships.

Merry Christmas,

(LJ) Little Johnnie