A few days ago I had coffee with a friend. We typically rejoice and complain about life simultaneously, as I suspect most middle age guys do? However, this time around I found myself in a very Zen like state except for the subject of bad customer service. As the conversation wrapped up I realized the source of my Zen was this undercurrent of joy because I had been feeling ‘normal’ or healthy for a few months now. Not to whine, but I had been experiencing a health issue that had impacted my quality of life for sometime, but no more.

There is little that seems to get to me now. It seems that I am almost unconsciously filled with gratitude for feeling well – all else is secondary and can be overcome… except bad customer service. It’s weird, I don’t really let it get to me. I don’t get angry about it, I sometimes actually laugh out loud as it’s happening, but I will not tolerate it. I feel like I have become Caine in the old Kung Fu series. You know, he walks around in a calm state, but when confronted, he kicks everyone’s butt without even seeming to get angry about it or take it personal.

I think what I learned is that being in a Zen state makes life great, I seem to appreciate the smaller things and not get so overwhelmed by problems. But it also doesn’t mean that I walk around with a stupid grin on my face and accept being ill treated. No, my state of Zen allows me to enjoy delivering a can of whoop ass if necessary. I am at peace, thank you Kung Fu.