John S. Gordon - Business and Personal Coach

"You have the greatness and the power.  I just help you turn on the switch."

MARVELOUS MONDAYS

 

January 30, 2012 - Issue 158

 

Even a Horse Cannot Crush the Spirit of Cole

 

Horse  
Dear ,

 

Welcome to Issue 158.  If you did not receive a previous issue, you may use the archive link below to view it now.  The mission of "Marvelous Mondays" is to offer an inspirational thought, a practical exercise, some humor, or a simple tip to jump-start your week and to enhance your life, business, outlook or relationships. 

 

Please feel free to forward "Marvelous Mondays" to others who will enjoy it.

 

A BIOGRAPHY OF COLE PORTER

Cole, born in 1891, is considered to be the greatest American composer.  He showed great talent in composing and piano, and later graduated from Yale University where he worked on many musicals. Some of his family insisted that he go to law school; but he was born for music and soon abandoned law school to begin his music career.

 

His songs are known for their beautiful composition, cleverness, and humor. Just some of his songs are: "My Heart Belongs to Daddy", "Night and Day", "Let's Do It-Let's Fall in Love", "You'd be So Nice To Come Home To", "Begin the Beguine", "I Get a Kick Out of You", "I Love Paris", and "I've Got You Under My Skin". His Broadway musicals such as "Can-Can" and "Anything Goes" are of course classics.

 

 

 

THE BACK STORY-THE HORSE ACCIDENT

In 1937, before composing most of his great songs, a horse fell on Cole and fractured both of his legs, eventually leading to an amputation. Even before rescuers arrived on the scene, he began working out the lyrics to "At Long Last Love". He had 35 operations and chronic pain; yet he retained a keen sense of humor and found inspiration everywhere. He made the decision to stay positive. He lost himself in work and devised strategies to help him compose, such as building risers for the piano so he could roll up to it in his wheel chair.

 

A GIFT AND A LESSON FOR ALL OF US

Cole Porter's musical contribution is an American treasure. His courage in devoting himself to his passion for music is indeed a lesson.  

 

EXERCISE

All of us have had a horse of some kind fall on us. It could be a devastating crush of a physical limitation; it could be an emotional crush; it could be a financial crush. There are Cole Porters among you, and you know who you are. There are other Cole Porters among you yet to be discovered.

 

I invite you this week to do the following:

  1. What lessons do you get from Cole Porter's experience?
  2. Reflect on what has crushed you and reflect on how you overcame that situation. Acknowledge yourself for your courage and commitment.
  3. Think about friends or other people who have been crushed. How can you be a support to them? They may be another Cole Porter who needs your help.

I really want to hear from you. I will be glad to listen to you.

 

   

Cole Porter  

  

"Don't explain-don't complain." 

This was embroidered on Cole Porter's pillow.

 
JOHN'S BIO
John has owned several businesses and is an attorney who has practiced in the business and estate  areas.  In addition, he coaches business owners, executives, entrepreneurs, professionals, speech makers and presenters.  He also coaches persons who are determined to accelerate their careers and leadership skills or who are considering a career move or retirement.  John uses coaching as a tool in his leadership and business results based consulting.  He is also a life coach.

                   **John is currently accepting a few new coaching clients.**

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