Category Archives: Life Lessons

Life Lessons

Exercises for Positive Thinking

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Positive thinking exercises are activities that can help individuals cultivate a positive mindset. Positive thinking has been linked to better mental and physical health, improved relationships, and increased success in various areas of life. Here are some positive thinking exercises that can help individuals train their minds to think positively:

  1. Gratitude journaling: Writing down three things you are grateful for daily can help shift your focus to the positive aspects of your life. This exercise can help you appreciate the good things in your life and develop a more optimistic outlook. Take time to recount all you have to be grateful for and reflect on it with your emotions. This daily gratitude will build a more positive outlook.
  2. Positive affirmations: Repeating positive affirmations to yourself can help you develop a more positive self-image and increase your confidence. Examples of positive affirmations include “I am worthy of love and respect” or “I am capable of achieving my goals.” Continually repeating these in a powerful way to yourself will make you more positive about your life and experiences. And some would say experiences like the affirmations you use will appear in your life.
  3. Visualizing success: Visualization is a powerful tool for achieving success. By picturing yourself succeeding in a particular task or achieving a goal, you can train your mind to believe that you can succeed. This exercise can help you stay motivated and focused on your goals. Picture all things you want to accomplish in your mind’s eye first, then watch them appear in your life.  All things are created twice, once in thought and then in reality.
  4. Mindfulness Practices: Regular mindfulness can help improve mood and reduce stress. Mindfulness exercises, such as meditation or deep breathing, can also help you stay present and focused on the positive aspects of your life. There is only one moment any of us can control: the present. Conscious breathing can keep your mind in the present moment and not wander into the past or future.
  5. Reframing negative thoughts: When you experience a negative thought or emotion, try to reframe it positively. For example, instead of thinking, “I can’t do this,” try thinking, “I am capable of figuring this out.” This exercise can help you develop a more positive and solution-focused mindset.
  6. Surround Yourself with Positive: Surrounding yourself with positive people, uplifting media, and inspiring quotes or images can help you maintain a positive outlook. This exercise can also help you stay motivated and focused on your goals. Too many people allow themselves to be dragged down by negative people, programs, or even their own negative thinking.

In conclusion, positive thinking exercises can help individuals develop a more positive mindset, leading to better mental and physical health, improved relationships, and increased success in various areas of life. By practicing gratitude, positive affirmations, visualization, exercise and mindfulness, reframing negative thoughts, and surrounding yourself with positivity, you can train your mind to think positively and cultivate a more optimistic outlook on life.

Life Lessons

It’s All About The Music

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Music is a powerful force in life. It has the ability to take you outside of your current experience and transport you to another place, another time and help you to remember another you. Being fortunate enough to grow up when I did, there are literally hundreds of songs and artists that have touched my life.

I have known Mike Marting since we were 5 years old and in kindergarten in Greenville, Maine. We were talking the other day about songs and their connection to our memories and we decided to declare October 2017 as nostalgic music month.  What this means is that we will be choosing artists and songs each day and sharing them, along with the nostalgic connection to the past brought with them.  There are moments that happen to each of us that capture a mood, that we enjoy revisiting like an old friend.

This is our mission and we invite anyone who wants to make a suggestion or add their own nostalgic songs and experiences to send them to me or him through this page, Facebook, email or the post office if anyone remembers how to do that.  Enjoy the day and we will see you in October, Nostalgic Music Month sponsored by Jamos and Breton’s Store.

We will do our best to complete this task each day for ourselves more than anything to connect to those times that are gone but not forgotten of our well spent, and not so well spent younger days.

Life Lessons

Secrets to a Happy Life

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Secrets to A Happy Life is my gift to anyone who visits this blog, it is a quick compilation of thoughts about achieving happiness in life. Just enter information and it will take you to the gift quickly and painlessly. (I hope) I wish you the best in all you do.

My 12 Secrets to a Happy Life

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Life Lessons

My Character

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 Character Strengths Evaluation

A while ago, I took a  quiz online that would reveal my strengths and characterweaknesses.   It was called the VIA Character Strengths profile test.

Be prepared; it is a rather lengthy test. This post is about the results I got from taking the test.

I enjoy doing creative things because, most often, they reveal a lot about yourself. I will show you what they said were my strengths and then give my opinion on their validity and value because that’s what I do.

This report is what their website says about the test: “Your character strengths are already within you, but isolating and identifying them can be complicated, confusing, and incredibly time-consuming. The VIA Me! Character Strengths Profile is designed to help you quickly discover the strengths you already have and gain more in-depth insight into what makes you who you are. ” 

The link to the survey is HERE. It takes about 20-30 minutes to complete.

My overall assessment was that the test is interesting and worth the time to complete. I did not agree with everything, but it is interesting to consider where a test puts your character compared to what you believe in your mind.

Your Top Character Strength

Forgiveness
You forgive those who have done you wrong. You always give people a second chance. Your guiding principle is mercy and not revenge.

My thought: It is true, there is no need to carry a grudge. All things happen for a reason. To hold a grievance is belittling to you and stops you from growing and moving forward. This stance was not always the case in my life. 

Your Second Character Strength

Curiosity
You are curious about everything. You are always asking questions, and you find all subjects and topics fascinating. You like exploration and discovery.

My thought: Since I love trying these types of things to see what will happen and what I can learn, I would have to agree with this. I am curious, and it is a strength. I want to know the answers to questions. 

Your Third Character Strength

Fairness
Treating all people fairly is one of your abiding principles. You do not let your personal feelings bias your decisions about other people. You give everyone a chance.

My thoughts: Also accurate, I try to leave judgment at the door when making decisions. I don’t care about lifestyle, clothing, religion, or anything else. It is humanity that counts. 

Your Fourth Character Strength

Gratitude
You are aware of the good things that happen to you, and you never take them for granted. Your friends and family members know that you are a grateful person because you always take the time to express your thanks.

My thoughts: I am very grateful for everything. I have, within the last month, but my gratitude journal in writing, and it has helped me a lot. Being thankful for what you have is one of the keys to being happy, I think. 

Your Fifth Character Strength

Social intelligence
You are aware of the motives and feelings of other people. You know what to do to fit into different social situations, and you know what to do to put others at ease.

My thoughts: Yes, this is true; I can “get along with all different types of people. I enjoy the differences and put their comfort first over my own. 

Character Strength #6

Humor
You like to laugh and tease. Bringing smiles to other people is essential to you. You try to see the light side of all situations.

My thoughts: Also, a direct hit here. At one time, I think this would have been further up the list, but self-development and growth have moved past this, but I always have and always will like to laugh and make others happy. 

Character Strength #7

Zest
Regardless of what you do, you approach it with excitement and energy. You never do anything halfway or halfheartedly. For you, life is an adventure.

At one time, I don’t think this was the case, but I think it is moving further up the list. I try to enjoy everything I do. The experience is to be appreciated. Writing this is an experience I will never precisely experience again. Everything is an adventure.

Character Strength #8

Creativity
Thinking of new ways to do things is a crucial part of who you are. You are never content with doing something the conventional way if a better way is possible.

My thoughts: Moving up the list fast. Earlier in life, I never appreciated the power of creativity. It allows you to reach your soul or authentic self and is enjoyable in every way. Be creative in whatever form you feel moved to create. 

Character Strength #9

Honesty
You are an honest person, not only by speaking the truth but by living your life genuinely and authentically. You are down to earth, and without pretense, you are a “real” person.

My thought: I think this should be number one since I believe in honesty so much.  What you give is what you get. 

Character Strength #10

Judgment
Thinking things through and examining them from all sides are important aspects of who you are. You do not jump to conclusions, and you rely only on substantial evidence to make your decisions. You can change your mind.

My thought: Despite what some friends might think, I agree with this because I will change my mind when faced with facts or evidence to the contrary of what I believe. I do not abandon my perspective quickly. Thinking things through is a great definition. 

Character Strength #11

Appreciation of Beauty & Excellence
You notice and appreciate beauty, excellence, and skilled performance in all domains of life, from nature to art to mathematics to science to everyday experience.

My thought: Yes, I do. I see the magic in each talent and interest. Even if I am not all that interested in the subject of someone’s creation, I respect the work. I love blogs, which talk about things I am not interested in, but the beauty of the presentation makes me curious. 

Character Strength #12

Love of learning
You love learning new things, whether in a class or on your own. You have always loved school, reading, and museums-anywhere, and everywhere there is an opportunity to learn.

I have written about my love of learning and the fact that it is a lifelong process. I don’t think I was an excellent learner until two years ago because I became interested in learning.  Learning is cool!

Character Strength #13

Spirituality
You have strong and coherent beliefs about the higher purpose and meaning of the universe. You know where you fit in the larger scheme. Your beliefs shape your actions and are a source of comfort to you.

My thoughts: More and more every day, I think that my connection with God has never been stronger, and I believe there is some understanding on my part. 

Character Strength #14

Perspective
Although you may not think of yourself as wise, your friends hold this view of you. They value your perspective on matters and turn to you for advice. You have a way of looking at the world that makes sense to others and yourself.

My thoughts: I think this is true, but only other people can say for sure, I guess. 

Character Strength #15

Love
You value close relations with others, in particular, those in which sharing and caring are reciprocated. The people to whom you feel most close are the same people who feel most close to you.

My thoughts: I think that this is true for everyone.

Character Strength #16

Hope
You expect the best in the future, and you work to achieve it. You believe that the end is something that you can control.

My thought: I do, to some degree, believe this, but I am more resigned to the fact that we are at best only partially in control of what is coming our way in life. 

Character Strength #17

Prudence
You are a careful person, and your choices are consistently prudent. You do not say or do things that you might later regret.

My Thoughts: I can see why this is further down the list.  Like all people, I say some things I later regret. 

Character Strength #18

Kindness
You are kind and generous to others, and you are never too busy to do a favor. You enjoy doing good deeds for others, even if you do not know them well.

My thoughts: Who doesn’t?

Character Strength #19

Teamwork
You excel as a member of a group. You are a loyal and dedicated teammate, you always do your share, and you work hard for the success of your group.

My thought: I thought that this would be further up on the list, but who am I to argue. Even though I love the team atmosphere, I enjoy doing my own thing as well. I should apologize to all of those teams  I was on. I should have given a better effort. 🙂

Character Strength #20

Leadership
You excel at the tasks of leadership: encouraging a group to get things done and preserving harmony within the group by making everyone feel included. You do a suitable job organizing activities and seeing that they happen.

I also thought this would be closer to the top, but perhaps at one time, it would have. I believe everyone should feel included and has value in the accomplishment of tasks.

Character Strength #21

Self-Regulation
You self-consciously regulate what you feel and what you do. You are a disciplined person. You are in control of your appetites and your emotions, not vice versa.

My thoughts: Sometimes, yes, this has to be monitored by me. I need to practice discipline.

Character Strength #22

Perseverance
You work hard to finish what you start. No matter the project, you “get it out the door” in a timely fashion. You do not get distracted when you work, and you take satisfaction in completing tasks.

My thoughts: I am still writing this. Even at #22, so that is some perseverance right there.  I do stick to things and get them done. 

Character Strength #23

Bravery
You are a courageous person who does not shrink from threat, challenge, difficulty, or pain. You speak up for what is right, even if there is opposition. You act on your convictions.

My thoughts: Perhaps this should go higher on the list. I think I have acted pretty bravely in my life. I am doing what is right, even when it was uncomfortable. But you can’t argue with the test. 

Character Strength #24

Humility
You do not seek the spotlight, preferring to let your accomplishments speak for themselves. You do not regard yourself as unique, and others recognize and value your modesty.

My Thoughts: What does it say about my humility if it is the last trait listed in this test. I think I must need to realign my priorities. Being humble is necessary. Perhaps something I need to work on. 

Life Lessons

Super Hilton

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Yesterday I had one of the most interesting visitors I ever experienced.  It was from my 10-year-old self and it was eye opening to remember how great that person was and even better to know that all of the great things about him

Super Hilton at a summer camp in the Maine, 1977. (back row 8th from left and right, dead middle)

are still there inside of me now 40 years later.

Today we live in a time where every moment is captured in pictures and posted on social media. It is difficult to fathom that events happened in our past which were never caught on camera and only exist today in our memories and thoughts. Over the years those thoughts get lost,  buried underneath the avalanche of experiences we have year after year. Positive and negative they work to change us.  I was a kid with hope and a kid who loved life and knew what a good person I had the potential to be. And I lived it every day.  I enjoyed people and the new experiences that every day brought with it.

Over the years those things that made us get lost,  buried underneath the avalanche of experiences we have year after year. Positive and negative they work to change us.  I was a kid with hope and a kid who loved life and knew what a good person I had the potential to be. And I lived it every day.  I enjoyed people and the new experiences that every day brought with it. At this camp, we did the usual stuff, archery, swimming, arts, and crafts, and in this case bible and Jesus stuff.

Here are a few of the lessons that he had me remember today.

Seek Your Joy

Enjoy each day………….. Or we should experience joy in each day, it is there for you. No matter what is happening there are things to be joyful about and allow yourself to embrace life.  Joy is in us all and there is an opportunity in every day to feel it through the things we do.

Occasionally, we look at the things we like to do and worry about what others think. That will rob from your joy. If you are functioning from the view of your true self, and nobody else is being harmed then don’t waste energy worrying about others judgments. It is none of your business and really of no consequence, what is the joy that you get from what you are doing. That is all that counts.

Be Yourself

Each of us is unique and that is what makes us great and identifies us as the one of a kind human beings that we are. Don’t apologize for it and don’t ask anyone else to be different than they are.  All of us have a light in us and when it shines, so do we.  Life has a tendency to cover the light with the shade of experience or the fear of not being accepted.

Let your light shine and those who appreciate it are welcome to visit and those who are negative toward it or you are unimportant and clearly, need to work on themselves. Let them do that someplace else.

Understand and Support Others

All people have their struggles and challenges. The experiences each of us have leave wounds and scars and fear of the pain they cause lead to behavior that is reactionary, mean and sometimes hurtful.  Don’t judge others too harshly because under that behavior is a light that is uniquely theirs and is probably seeking someone to recognize it, accept it and love it for the beauty that it provides.  Allow them the chance to shine when you can.  Some people are jealous of others talents and abilities. Don’t be one of these people.  There is more than enough darkness in the world and it needs light. The more people who are living up to their true selves the brighter and more exciting the world will be.

Just because you are kind doesn’t mean that you are weak. Never let other people dim your light because of jealousy, envy or because they don’t appreciate you.  Not everyone is going to like you and that is their problem, not yours.

Super Hilton

The signatures on the back of the picture. I am Super Hilton, written in cursive.

There is no doubt that as a 10-year old, I had a vivid imagination and really had a lot of confidence in what I could do in life. On the back of that picture, all of the kids in the cabin signed their names. I signed mine as “Super Hilton”. Since I just started to master writing in cursive, it was written in perfect 5th-grade cursive writing.  There was a confidence in that name I lost in life.  10 year old me has been living with me for the past 40 years and he has made many appearances, but only for a brief moment and not for nearly long enough.

It is my goal to bring more of Super Hilton into my life each and every day. Being more confident in who I am and what makes me happy. How to treat others and what behavior I accept are all the things this visit from the past reminded me.  I believe each of us has the ability to be great, and I feel sorry for all of those who have forgotten or don’t believe this about themselves.

In the words of Super Hilton, “I  am the man”.

Life Lessons

Get Busy Living

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If the average human lifespan was 40 years, how would you live your life differently?

824608195_6804595553_940581fe4e_xlargePerception has a lot to do with the way that we live.  We all walk through life with no real idea when the game is going to be over and our flame will be snuffed out.

I think that when you are young you don’t often think about death too much because in all likelihood you are going to have many years before that becomes relevant to you. Yet there is no way of knowing.

 I would like to think that I would not change very much because since I am already over that span, I think each day would be just awesome.  I feel that way now.  But what might have changed earlier in life?

Would Life have Meant More?

There is no doubt that the time that we spend growing up or finding ourselves would have to be somewhat shorter.  I know of others who are like me, and found that it takes some skill to play this game called life.  What your think and do for and to others matters.

live like ur dieing I doubt that people would put off the experience of becoming parents, because there is no time to put it off to.  Those days in your twenties now when you can spend time just partying and letting everything take care of itself would have to be reduced or maybe even eliminated.  The days that you do have would be more relevant and meaningful. So much more would need to be packed into less years.

I know this because I can feel it myself right now, as I look ahead and realize how fragile life is and that mine could be over any moment.  This realization becomes clearer and more imperative as each day passes.

 I think I would cherish each and every day as I aged through my thirties, making sure I was at peace with the world and at peace with myself.

Below is a video about The Oldest Man in Pilgrim Village.

Change in Education

Rather than continually groom us to be ready some day to contribute to society, I think the system would have to be streamlined in order for those who are gifted and motivated to actually start to accomplish something as soon as they can.

Perhaps this thought should be taught?
Perhaps this thought should be taught?

Rather than be forced through a system that is outdated and antiquated, young people and parents would have a real motivation to find a purpose for their life at least twice as fast as they do now.  We would still need doctors, yet it would seem counter productive by using our current system, by the time they graduated, many would simply die.  People would have to rethink the cookie cutter education and brain washing we current perpetuate.

Would Conformity be Important

I wonder is people would worry about fitting in so much if lives were about half as long as they are now?  Personally, the feeling that I have developed over the past two years, that life is too short to worry about what somebody else thinks about me, would have occurred to me much earlier on in life.

Perhaps the whole enlightenment that many people experience in their 40’s would be moved up because what would be the point of life, if we never realized there was a point to life?

On the other hand, conformity may be your best chance to thrive and survive a bit longer.  Fitting in can fool a lot of people for a long time.

Wisdom at a Premium

Finally I think that wisdom and the thoughts that lead to an understanding of life, whether through the spoken word or through art would be non-existent   Even though many people are very intelligent, early in life, few of these have any understanding of the deeper questions in life.

dance_like_no_one_is_watching_by_eat_at_joes_56Who are you? What is heaven? Why is love important? How should you treat others?  I can’t say I am an expert in any of these questions, yet I can clearly state that they are things I contemplate now which I never even conceived of back before I turned 40.

Since this is my writing and I only have my experience to go by, I believe that the thoughts of the wise in this society where 40 was the average lifespan.

To conclude this little dream, I would simply state that the average lifespan is in the 70’s. You may be close to this or far away. It is your responsibility to yourself to decide how you will live your life.  I hope that whatever those decisions entail, family, friends  politics, law school, or whatever that you pursue them with all of the enthusiasm and vigor that you possibly can.

If the average human lifespan was 40 years, how would you live your life differently?

Live like you were dyin’

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Life Lessons

No Regrets in Life

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biggest regrets in life
Follow your dream

What one thing have you not done that you really want to do? What’s holding you back?

I think that everybody can think of several of the biggest regrets in life. The great thing is that life isn’t over and there is time remaining to do all of the things that I want to do. Here are a few of the things that I have never done, but want to before the clock of life runs out and what is holding me back, I know the question was for one but I just can’t seem to stop there.

Play Guitar

What one thing have you not done that you really want to do?
Maybe someday?

The first thing I have always wanted to do is to play the guitar and sing a song. I have always felt that I wanted to do this.  Probably most people who sing in the shower or sing in the car feel this way.  What is holding me back is that I don’t know how to play the guitar, I don’t have a guitar, I think I need someone to show me.  I did do a little practicing and learned a couple of chords in the past, but never gained the understanding of how to play a song.  Now it seems like a cop out that I never learned because I don’t even want to sing in front of anybody, just to be able to sing a song.

European Vacation

What one thing have you not done that you really want to do?
This would be fun

Secondly, I have always wanted to go to Europe, because I think that it would be neat to visit all of the historic places and experience other cultures.  I know that England and Germany are my top choices of countries to visit because I have significant ancestry in both, and I have to say that I like the way the Germans do things.  Time and money are holding me back obviously, or I would be on a plane today somewhere.

Travel is probably on the wish list of millions and those that follow through and travel to places they desire to see should be congratulated. Hopefully, I will have time to visit all the places I have dreamed of and meet all the people who live there.

I Am Sorry

Thirdly, I would like to tell all of the people who I have let down or hurt in

What one thing have you not done that you really want to do?
I never meant any harm

any way that I am sorry for any pain I have caused them. This is involving all of three or four people, other than that I don’t think I owe an apology to anyone about anything I have ever done.

We all live life the best we can at the time, I was never perfect nor am I now. I don’t apologize for being me, to be me originally and completely is a great blessing, but if feelings were hurt because of my not so thoughtful behavior, I am sorry for that.

Marriage, Really?

Fourth, I have always wondered what it would be like to be in a relationship that ended up in a happy marriage.  I don’t blame anyone for this not happening other than myself, but just always wondered what that would have been like. The reasons it never happened were because of my own selfishness and insecurities so again I don’t blame anyone for this but have always been curious about the life of the married.

There are no Regrets

no regrets
Life is too short for regrets

None of these things should be viewed as regrets because I don’t believe in them.  The past is what it is and things happened and that is that.  There is nothing you can do about it now except learn from it and other than that, every action that didn’t work, every perceived mistake have all blended together to bring me to this point in my life, of which I am happy to be experiencing.

Most often even the worst of circumstances lead you to a place that you would never have reached without that experience.  There are bigger factors than you running this game.   I will play the guitar and sing my song if that is in the cards for me, and I will visit Europe and enjoy the wonders of England and Germany.  There are no limits on what can happen to anybody in this life.

 

No REGRETS MY FRIENDS no point in cryin’ over yesterday:

Life Lessons

What Matters Most

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When you are 80 years old, what will matter to you the most?

4058994722_600px_Elongated_circle_80svg_xlargeLife once looked  like a straight road. A path to a predetermined end that was so simple to follow that it would be like playing a board game.

Put your marker at the start, take your turn, roll the dice and see if you can get to the finish before anybody else with more stuff than you need.  Life is not playing out that way for me, does it for anybody?

I know enough to know, that I do not know that I don’t know anything about what life might be like in a year from now, let alone in thirty-one years from now.

 I can only take a blind guess at what I hope will matter to me if I am fortunate enough to join the ranks of the octogenarians.

I Will Have to Move It, Move It

I am going to be happy that I have my physical freedom. At 80, the machinery will be a bit worn out but it will all still work to propel me to whatever task I set before me.

Even though it takes a bit longer to get where I am going, I will still get there.  There will be peoplemattermostsome aches and pains, even the best antique vehicle needs a bit of tender loving care, but that will not stop me.

 It will matter to me that I am still an  active participant in life, meeting with people and sharing stories, and still contributing to the lives of others around the world.

 Being active is not the most important thing in life, but I think it is one of the things that allows me to be a participant rather than just an observer of life.

Still Writing after all These Years

Writing will still matter and still be a significant part of my life. I imagine there will be a bit more of an urgency to get all of my thoughts collected for posterity’s sake before the clock runs out.  I am not sure what I will be writing about then because really I am not

Who knows what types of machines the writing will be done but I will be doing it!
Who knows what types of machines the writing will be done but I will be doing it!

sure what I will write about today until I do it, yet it does get done.  There are an infinite number of thoughts, topics and interesting tidbits that need to be explored, discussed and thought about.  Do my thoughts really matter?

 They do to me and that is all that really counts.  By the time I am 80 there will be so many different thoughts that I have recorded that I may have forgotten all of them.

 I know this will happen because it already does.  Writing will definitely still be important to me.

Sit a Spell, Tell Me About It

The way that we interact with each other is going to be more important to me when I am 80 than it is today. I know it will matter to me because so many people have already made stupid thingsan impact on my life, some will never know the permanent marks they left on my heart, mind, and soul.

 Yet those marks will be there none the less and I do not think that the next thirty years are going to be filled with any less interaction, in fact, I am seeking much, much more.  Relationships of a personal nature are the way that we connect directly with other people and share our thoughts and accept the thoughts of others.

It may be the most important thing or just one of several, but to share what you know, think and feel with others and to be well received is a great gift.  It may even fool you into thinking that you know something about life.  I am sure that life will still have a twisted sense of humor when I am 80 as it did when I was 40 or 30 or 10.

The World Will Matter Then As It Does Now

Even if I make it to the ripe old age of 80, I think the thing that will matter to me most is what I can contribute to the happiness of others.

(A little poem I like, What Will Matter by Micheal Josephson)

2ea0ede2a7590ee8776ea194730f0783Can I help someone through a difficult moment by letting them know that no matter how dark the sky is and how the storm howls there will be an ending to the storm and the sun will come out again?

No bad time lasts forever, although that is little consolation for the people going through them.  Eventually, circumstances change as they must and all things even tough times come to their inevitable conclusion. Leaving behind a greater inner strength, a stronger character and a human being with more depth and understanding.

 The hope that all pain and despair can have an ending eventually is a message that I not only want to share but feel compelled to print.  Almost everything that I write is around this message, mostly subconsciously, but I have seen the dark, dark night and had no light to mark the dawn. It will mean the most to me to mark the dawn for all those who are looking for a sign of hope. You matter now and you will matter then. We are all connected after all and you are only as alone and isolated as you choose to be.

There is an understanding that we see in aging for many people that there is a gentle failing of the power of youth, that fades over time, and the physical promise of a young person is slowly but inevitably replaced with a spiritual understanding about life and its fragility.

When I am 80 I imagine I will understand this dance, look back and see the errors of my ways and see the foolishness involved in getting upset about it all when all things were working as they should or could.

When you are 80-years-old, what will matter to you the most?

I’m not tryin’ to cause no big sensation, just talkin’ bout my generation!! Even at 80!!

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Life Lessons

No News. Is Good News!

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stop watching the news
Give it a shot, stop watching. What do you have to lose but fear?

I am tremendously grateful for a conscious decision I made  about four years ago to stop watching the national news and leaving the fear mongering and celebrity worship behind.

I don’t seem to be missing out on anything positive and am just as informed as I always have been, but the real benefit is the fact that I have not been subject to the consistent stream of negativity that comes from any of the national news outlets.  I think  this enables me to be happier on a daily basis.

Haven’t Missed a Thing

My initial reluctance to giving up my news addiction was that I would no longer be properly informed about current events.  Yet, using this week as an example, I am media_monkeysadequately informed about all of Donald Trump’s foolishness and how he and Hillary Clinton fared in their latest debate.   What I don’t have to deal with is the feeling the national media tries to build in you, that the world is going to end because of it. So be very, very afraid.

I have a hint for all of you, we will all still be here tomorrow and then the story will be something else and life will continue on.  It is not that I am apathetic to the plight of our nation and the fact that our politicians are really just highly paid corporate sell outs. It is a fact that as a conscious human being living on the planet, I recognize manipulation and brainwashing when I see it.

I don’t need the national media to fan those flames of fear.  Most often the fears they use are designed to get you to watch more and for the media to make more money from advertising.  With today’s lightning-quick social media, you learn of news without moving an inch, simply by looking at your phone you see today’s events and happenings as they are unfolding. There is no need for a media narrative to tell you how to think.

I am grateful that I can leave it there.  I am sad for those who experience loss, I am sympathetic to those who suffer, but I do not let it consume my life because then I would never be able to contribute to a cure.

Being an Individual Is Hard Today

By not watching the national media and blindly absorbing the version of that story they feed me, I have found that I am much more clearly able to form my own opinion about events.

By looking at how I actually feel about something, I can more readily create ideas that are uniquely mine.  If we blindly follow the thoughts and presentations of others, we are doomed to have no unique and creative thought toward problem-solving.  Being an individual today is difficult because if you don’t think exactly like someone else, then you are going to be ridiculed. This is the first step in forced conformity, to discourage individual thought and force people to accept the “right” opinion about things. Isn’t our education system based on this practice? Learn how I tell you and don’t think for yourself.

Nothing to Fear But Fear Itself

Don't fear the media
The media works hard to keep you afraid. The choice is yours

The national media makes people feel like there is something wrong with them if they don’t feel like they say you should.  Shouldn’t you be afraid of terrorism? Shouldn’t we dislike those who are different from us?  Shouldn’t we fear everyone we don’t know?  The questions go on and on, but the reason is simple.  If you are afraid you are easily controlled and if you are free thinking and problem-solving, there is no telling what you might do. You might even find a better alternative than listening to the Today Show.

Most people in the world are good, honest people who are kind to others, polite and helpful.  People do amazing things each and every day to help other people live a better life.  These actions aren’t often covered in the media because even though they are nice, they don’t grab attention.  Fear grabs attention and it doesn’t let go.  But once you leave that fear behind, you can enjoy life a little bit more.

You May Be the Answer

So today I am grateful for the conscious decision I made about five years ago to stop watching the news and to form my own opinions about the world. I encourage you to find your own path as well.  Who knows the answer to many social problems facing the world today could be solved by you.  It is up to you to decide to be your own person and think for yourself.

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Life Lessons

Build Your Own Ark

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build your own arc
Build your own ark, no matter what anybody says about you or your task. If it is inside your heart, do it.

The story of Noah has always seemed a bit peculiar to me. A gentleman decides to build a giant boat on dry land and to put a bunch of animals on board. It made no sense and people generally ridiculed him for being different and having beliefs.

Of course we know how the story ends for Noah, and those who ridiculed him. The value of this story to me is that it teaches a valuable lesson about how we should undertake our own missions in life. Each of us has within us an authentic mission to achieve in our lives. We are going to be required to build our own arks at some point, doing something that makes no sense to others but makes sense inside of you.

Do What Makes You Happy

Doing something that makes no sense may  be the only way to create a real identity for ourselves in a world that is working hard to force each of us to accept the narrow conformity of what is acceptable behavior.

People are always going to be critical, don't listen be like Gollum.
People are always going to be critical, don’t let the harsh words and thoughts of others stop you from chasing your dream or reaching for your potential.

It is becoming increasingly clear that no matter what you do it is going to be accompanied by the harsh and critical judgements of others.  Since people are going to be judgemental of all you do anyway, you might as well do what makes you happy.

Sometimes I think that I may just be the most dysfunctional person in the history of mankind.

There have been times when my behavior has been a perplexing string of poor decisions, which do not serve me or represent what I want my life to be like.  Brave, vital, insightful, and thoughtful are just a few words I want associated with myself. In the past I found my choices were the opposite of that. The main reason was fear.  Fear of couragethe unknown, of being hurt and most significantly what others might think of my choices, behavior and life.

What others think of you is none of your business!

I have struggled with this weakness all my life, from being moderately worried as a child what others thought of me, to having significant social anxiety issues as an adult. Then the choice was clear, I had to choose each day, to honor myself and act in a fashion that was more in line with the ideals I wanted to represent. Have courage to be my own self, write what I think, express what I feel regardless of what others might think.

Nobody, including you,  knows what you are capable of, until you give it a shot. Step into the unchartered waters and do what your heart tells you is right. Build your own arc, create your own masterpiece, and don’t listen to the critics. If you perform anything for those who will ridicule you, you will create very little that is exceptional.

Take the Steps to Create

Look inside yourself today and see what is there that you want to accomplish and look at the steps you have taken today to make your dream a reality. One of the best analogies for this is Noah’s Ark. I think that one of the most valuable lessons this story brings is that we should all follow our hearts regardless of what other people say. Nothing great was ever accomplished by strictly following the rules and only doing what is expected. There will be no motivation to reach beyond your current self and situation.

Dare to be different
Dare to be different

My challenge to myself is to continue to be my best self, writing my own truths and not worrying about what others think. They have their own issues to deal with, I have to take care of my own stuff. And it begins with building my own ark and doing it to the best of my ability.  All I can do is live my life in a way that makes sense to me. I think that is all any of us can do.

So as you look at someone else who is looking to create their own dream  or masterpiece of creativity, it is not your place to judge them, or to even offer advice but to look and enjoy the beauty of their creation. Perhaps it will be in the inspiration of their action that you will find your own courage to act. You may just become exceptional and build your own arc!!

The video below is about a group of people who created this one song to convince the Foo Fighters to go to Italy and perform a concert. Love the song, and the energy created by the artists. I am sure there were many people who told the guy he was crazy for doing this but he did it anyway and the results were his own arc.