
Jack winning the rat race
How to win the rat race.
When I was young I was a show off, some say I am still young and a show off. I loved to ride the crane-hook and get an adrenalin buzz walking along steel beams high up where a tight-rope walker would not go without a safety net.

Young Jack working on the Snowy Mountains Project.
Another incentive for being a Rigger was we were paid well. Only one thing I loved more than earning money, was spending it. Not always wisely, but it was easy come easy go back in my youth.

Their boy back home for a night out.
The first past the post is not always the winner. I was paid to do what I liked, that is how I won the rat race. As they say find an occupation you like and you never have to toil again.

Tongariro Development NZ.
With the right attitude work is a pleasure, your time and effort is worthwhile. Hard work is all in our mind. My work was interesting, full of variety, out in the fresh air, keeping fit; constructing useful projects, to benefit people, was a good game to play at.
What is a winner? Mike Tyson was Heavy Weight Champion of the World and won millions in prize money, but his life was a mess. That is not my idea of a winner punching someone senseless.
A winner has life skills and is aware of the effect of his actions on others and the world he lives in. There are many rich and famous people that are not enjoying life. Money is good if use in the right way.
I was not first past the post I stopped too often to admire the flowers and followed a few wrong paths. I learned from the detours and always found my way back on track. The people that raced past me in haste missed a lot of free gifts. The people that pause and appreciated this wondrous world are the winners.
Trophies on the shelf for worthwhile achievements are good, but there is much more to life than collecting things. No one owns a sunset, but all can enjoy it.

Sun set not a cloud in the sky.
One does not need to own a swimming pool to have a swim, there are rivers and oceans. Without envy we can appreciate many things on display without owning them. Possessions are often a hindrance to our freedom and happiness, possessions can a burden to care for, maintain and protect.
Winners do not participate in the rat race or if they do they withdraw early. I learned the hard way, like a donkey, hungrily chasing a twenty two caret prize, I almost became a looser. Everyone makes mistakes learn from them fretting over them is a mistake. In time these mistakes can turns out to our advantage. Never cry over spilt milk, is good advice. The loss is bad enough, without letting it spoil your day.

Caravan office by lake.
What a truly rich life you are having Jack. Rich is the way richness matters, full of memories, learning and personal meaning. Thank you for learning and passing it on my friend~
I am rich, the thing is I realise I am rich and that makes all the difference.
Thanks Cindy for saying ‘passing it on my friend’ and not thinking ‘Jacks is still showing off.’
I am still be showing off but also trying to show the ‘Way’. _/\_
It’s lovely to see all those photos from your past Jack and what an interesting life you’ve had.
Your a Man of much wisdom Jack, you have obviously learnt through the School of Experience and Hard Work, your a great example to your Sons, who by now, must be great Adults, your experiences and pictures are Priceless mate.
Cheers.
It is comments like this that makes blogging a real pleasure.
The photos are priceless,
I should have taken more photos of the men I worked with. They were such characters, where they are now I would not have a clue.
A photo of me and my three sons are in my next post ‘Freeing the Birds.’
Thanks a million. _/\_
Wonderful philosophy to live by.
Thanks for visiting and the appropriate comment.
Except for Epicurious and a few other westerners my philosophy came via China.