Pike author reflects on meaning of life

What is life all about: a big bank account, a huge stock portfolio, a palatial home, a fancy car? Even before the current world economic crisis began, it seemed obvious that each of these materialistic feats pale in comparison to what is most real, genuine, and meaningful in life. Steve Shay’s book, “What Is The Meaning of This: 65 Lessons to Live By”, contains inspirational beliefs that can aid anyone’s understanding of their place in the world, and of the importance found in timeless values such as personal and collective responsibility, stewardship, community, a sense of caring, and more. Steve, a resident of Pike County, constructed these 65 beliefs over the past two years, based on life-learning experiences from parents, educators, colleagues, and friends. He is a veteran of the tourism and hospitality industries, a frequent contributor to industry publications, has provided seminars on business and life at both domestic and international venues, and currently serves as a business consultant to over 60 hotels in the United States and Caribbean. In the words of the author, “This is a book about hope, and about refocusing ourselves on the true wealth that is found at a greater depth than monetary reward, and I think that the timing of its release is outstandingly appropriate as people around the world come to realize that there is so much more to life than just getting ahead in a purely financial or possessive sense.” As the final page summarizes, more than anything else, this is a book about hope: “Hope in the realization that, in our world, there is still more tolerance than intolerance, more justice than injustice, more freedom than slavery, more helpfulness than harm, more generosity than greed, more sacrifice than self-indulgence, more love than hate, and more good than evil. When we awaken each day, we choose what to add to this world. May we always choose with wisdom, understanding, compassion, and a true belief in the stewardship to which we are called. May we always choose hope.” To place discounted orders for the book, or for other information visit: www.3GuidingPrinciples.com. The book is also available though other online retailers, as well as selected local bookstores at the retail price of $16.95.