Side View’s challenge | Anotherdayinparadise2's Blog

“Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible. ” ~ Dalai Lama

Sidey’s challenge for this week, is “Impossible.” I’m sure we’ve all surprised ourselves at some time, by achieving or doing something which we would never have thought possible. I suppose, the trick is to believe that we can, and if we think we can, then it’s very likely that we will manage it somehow.

Henry Ford, the founder of the Ford Motor Company, and the creative force behind an industry of unprecedented size and wealth that in only a few decades permanently changed the economic and social character of the United States, once said, “Whether you think you can or you can’t, either way, you’re right.” Not everyone can aspire to be as famous or wealthy as he, or other such entrepreneurs, like for example, Richard Branson and Bill Gates, but in our own way we can make our dreams come true with a positive attitude and hard work.

The beautiful actress, Audrey Hepburn is credited with this quote, and it’s very true, isn’t it?

We all feel at times that what we wish for is beyond our reach, but if you keep striving towards your goal, it’s more than possible that you’ll get there one day. Sometimes the only thing needed to make the impossible dream come true, is patience. Often, we give up too soon, and maybe, just before our dream was about to be realized.

Have a great day, everyone. Chat again soon.

Sidey’s challenge this weekend, “Yuppie,” naturally had me looking for a song of course. I found this one on You Tube, by Frank Delaney, and although it’s from the 1980’s when Yuppism was first recognised, it’s still pretty relevant today.

The accepted definition of a Yuppie used to be “A well-paid young middle-class professional who worked in a city job and had a luxurious lifestyle.” The term came into being in the early 1980’s, but according to Wiki, faded from American popular culture after the 1987 stock market crash and the recession which followed in the early 1990’s. These days, it is often used to describe any wealthy person who is not modest about their financial status. I think though that to qualify as a true Yuppie, besides being a very well paid “young, upwardly mobile professional”, one would need to be totally self absorbed, a slave to the expensive designer labels in clothes and cars, and a social climber, always mindful of creating the right impression amongst other Yuppies. Thankfully I was too old to be a Yuppie when they first came into existence, and when I was young enough, I didn’t have the wherewithal to qualify.

It must be quite stressful to always have to strive to keep up with your peers, who in turn, are also doing their utmost to impress you. Quite a vicious circle really. You will know, for example, that any present you buy for a Yuppie or their children, will have the label examined first, before they will be happy to accept it. The wine you serve must also have the correct sticker on the bottle, be expensive, and of the correct vintage. It’s also ‘de rigueur’ to drive the right make of car, shop at the most expensive boutiques and stores, and be seen at the trendiest restaurants, clubs and coffee shops. Imagine the designer stroller jams outside these places.

Food isn’t merely eaten, it’s researched first, and has to meet all the necessary green and organic Yuppie requirements before it’s allowed past the lips of the little ones. Conversations with other Yuppies predictably revolves around the latest childrens’ boutiques, the best schools and the trendiest vacation destinations. To keep up your Yuppie status, you’d better make sure that you keep earning those big bucks, or your membership will be cancelled forthwith. The pressure’s on.