Saying It, Knowing It and Doing It are Three Very Different Things
The difference between trite and uplifting when it comes to “sayings” or “motivational words”, for me, boils down to mood.
Sometimes the words are what you “need” to hear and come at just right time.
Sometimes you’d rather just punch the messenger in the nose and simply stew in your own anger, bitterness and foul mood.
Maybe that’s just me…but I’m guessing my feelings are neither that unique nor special.
Neither are my daily or ongoing problems that I face as a family man or business owner. We all keep these awful problems to ourselves knowing in all practicality they are ours to solve and no one is coming.
All this was my consideration this Monday morning when I thought about this phrase my Father taught me. I hope it helps you to hear it:
“Don’t Let The Bastards Get You Down.”
Groovy and thoughtful as motivation if you’re not dealing with any Bastards of direct consequence to your life.
Seemingly useless if you have Bastards surrounding you and directly impacting you in some combination of mental, physical, spiritual, emotional or financial hellishness.
But when you’re ready to hear it, when you find the strength to get out of your own way and really hear it (I respect from experience that’s not easy or simple) —- it is fantastic direction and simple at that.
While the choices to change or alter your circumstances for the better may not be easy and indeed maybe be risky, you do have choices and options and actions you can take that will *not* allow the Bastards to get you down.
Your life has meaning and value – but you have to dictate your direction to betterment. To happiness. Even when (maybe especially when) you feel powerless.
Said another way, wouldn’t rather fail because you tried rather than failing under the oppressive thumb of idiot bastards who don’t care about you anyway?
Changes in attitude and direction are often scary and our brains may focus on what could go wrong or what we could lose. Sure, actions need to be carefully considered for yourself and those who entrusted to your care. For me, I think of caution as a useful, thoughtful tool and less a way of life. You’re mileage may vary.
But if you are in a corner, and it’s a very bad corner, trust yourself (say a prayer) and take forward action. For yourself and for your family and away from the Bastards.
I hope this helps.
By Peter K. O’Connell
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA – May 18, 2026 – – As brands compete for attention across an increasingly crowded digital advertising landscape, Phone Lasso® has selected veteran American male voice actor Peter K. O’Connell to deliver the voice of its newly launched nationwide campaign appearing across major streaming, social media and digital platforms.
