Farewell column offers advice on life

By Chris Quigley - 08/14/2008

This week’s marks the 100th column of If I Were You. Two years ago when I mentioned the idea to my wife, she responded with, “What do you know about writing a column?” Now she has her own (Walk It Off in Tuesdays Health & Fitness section).

Life is weird. I have editors who have been crazy enough to let me respond to letters on everything from flatulence to female facial hair. Few newspaper journalists have been lucky enough to be as ridiculous as me. I’ve also been fortunate enough to get letters from readers who were seriously concerned about things like racism, sexism, addiction and a host of other personally and socially relevant issues.

Let’s hope we never stop caring about the things that matter.

This column has been one of many personally creative processes for me; others have included photography, songwriting, architecture and landscaping. I recently began working on a screenplay. One thing I’ve discovered about myself is that these different processes come for me in waves, and with a heavy heart I’ve realized that this wave has come to rest. This, therefore, is my farewell column of If I Were You.

It’s been suggested that I share some final thoughts or bits of advice that might improve our lives, relationships and overall mental wellness; take what you want and leave the rest.

First, if you want serenity, stop holding others responsible for the way you feel. Being angry or happy is a personal choice; no one can make you feel anything. If you’ve got a problem, talk to someone about it; secrets make you sick. Don’t take yourself so seriously. If you can’t laugh at yourself, you have no right to laugh at others, (both of which I enjoy immensely). Be kind. The universe is a giant savings account of good and bad deeds; be a depositor. If you’re a passive observer of life, become an active participant. The last thing I want read at my eulogy is “he’s in a better place.” There is no better place than right here, right now, living life. Love others. Do it because of their race, religion or sexual preference, not in spite of it. The only thing that’s real is love; everything else is an illusion. On the practical side, start recycling. Your plastic bags should go back to Wal-Mart. All your clear plastic bottles, paper, cardboard, glass, metal and aluminum cans can be recycled right here in Butte. Stop borrowing money for crap you don’t need and start saving. At the rate were going we’ll all be a generation of seniors in poverty. Kill your television, put on some music and read something. Put some trees or flowers in the ground. Finally, work hard and play often.

Thank you to editor Bobbie Stauffer for encouraging me to submit my work to The Montana Standard. You’re a beautiful person, and I appreciate you. Thanks to editors Gerry O’Brien and Carmen Winslow for their support and occasional permissiveness. Thank you to Montana Standard readers who have had the guts to write letters and e-mails. You’ve been the fuel, and it’s been a great ride. To the many friends and strangers alike who have stopped me on the street to offer words of encouragement, thanks for taking the time to say hello, and keep in touch. Most importantly, to the folks of Butte, thanks for making Butte the greatest city on earth.

If I were you, (and I am) I’d be proud to call Butte my home. Peace.