tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12197092263133006372024-03-05T18:31:47.033-05:00Sparks of David
Inspiration comes and goes but we can only keep what we have by giving it away.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger73125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1219709226313300637.post-58489467950160054802014-06-04T17:33:00.000-04:002014-06-05T14:06:09.672-04:00On Abstinence and Effort:<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii_Z2Z3D2MC8pHYTFVgASR3aOVY5XhyinXWhaD6AP5PbblaWXB5j5Acxz7Px1GFO_NkUnX_CU8clBT1jjvdoukt6fH0cE07oi6jAv7tEJYByE5h4RvNksQ4co4JuIrk56r4aXJWzbGDr4/s1600/IMG_20140604_221438-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii_Z2Z3D2MC8pHYTFVgASR3aOVY5XhyinXWhaD6AP5PbblaWXB5j5Acxz7Px1GFO_NkUnX_CU8clBT1jjvdoukt6fH0cE07oi6jAv7tEJYByE5h4RvNksQ4co4JuIrk56r4aXJWzbGDr4/s1600/IMG_20140604_221438-2.jpg" height="640" width="459" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Warriors, Old and New</span></i></b><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>Toledo, Spain</i></b></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>A. Massey Productions</i></span></b><br />
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<strong class="post-h2Strong"><i><span style="color: #e69138; font-size: x-large;">Caked sweat, blisters, jock-itch, opened veins with blood pooling onto the hot desert sand…</span></i></strong></h2>
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<strong class="post-h2Strong"><i><span style="color: #e69138; font-size: x-large;">Face paint, nostrils filled with gun smoke, explosives, heat stroke, lots of yelling, hospital waiting rooms, dance parties across the street from hospital waiting rooms, more explosives…</span></i></strong></h2>
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<strong class="post-h2Strong"><i><span style="color: #e69138; font-size: x-large;">Press interviews, photo-ops, miles upon miles of marching, pain, fatigue, tears, and even more explosives…</span></i></strong></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">These are just some of the things I endured during my last week of advanced combat training in the military. It was intense to say the least. But then it was all over. After a lengthy graduation ceremony with pomp and circumstance, led by a rather boorish army Major, we were sent home for a weekend of rest, recovery and recuperation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Immediately upon returning to my apartment I dipped my cracked and calloused feet into a hot soapy bath. Armed with a large glass of Scotch I tried to reflect on the week’s pass while allowing the instrumental Jazz music that played from the speakers in the other room to soothe my aggressive spirit. I had done it, finished what I had set out to accomplish. It was grueling but I persisted and even through my exhaustion, flames of honor burned in my chest. I was damn proud of myself.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Yet, I was also heartbroken. My latest occupation had nearly killed one of my greatest loves: writing. Because of the demands and urgency of the military I had little to no time to write. Even when I found the time to put pen to paper all my work seemed like shit. Nothing flowed like it should and the words failed to excite. It was almost as if nothing stimulated me anymore.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Suddenly, right then and there, I got it! In the midst of my brooding I was smacked in the face by Mother Inspiration herself. Scotch still in hand, I bolted barefooted out of the bathroom and stumbled into the bedroom to find my ever-ready pen and pad. After close to a half a year of writer’s block I had finally found a cure. The cure, coincidentally, was found in it’s own symptoms: Vice, pleasure, debauchery, excitement, and inspiration.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">All is for pleasure or the absence of pain. Sounds hedonistic, I know, but even religious folks who fantasize about their afterlife when they die are expecting a heavy dose of the world’s favorite pastime: feeling great!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks to once-booming economies and a technological revolution, many vices and devices these days are quicker, stronger and easier to acquire. The buildup of waiting for something exciting is a thing of the past. This is, in theory, a fantastic phenomenon. It has led to increased pleasure, quicker feelings, more sophisticated sensations.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Connectivity is stimulating and in today’s new age we are overstimulated. Furthermore, things like fame, validation, success and attention — feats that once took lifetimes to achieve — can be accessed with a single upload. Up until the Gulf War a soldier had to wait up to weeks to receive a letter from loved ones. Now, thanks to instant messaging, communications are streamlined even overseas. Modern thinkers blame Globalization and the media for bringing various “<u>EXCITING</u>” issues traditionally scattered around the world — such as war, crime, poverty and natural disaster — into the everyday living rooms via TV and internet. Ironically, it is possible these days to feel the horror of a murder, tsunami, rape, or <span class="post-pEm">coup d’etat </span>that took place halfway across the globe even before you get to work.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">But as we are pumped with heavier doses of strong sensations, from things like lightning-fast connectivity and hyper-consumption of now affordable luxuries, our dependency as well as capacity for pleasure grows. This can have long term consequences. One in particular, aside from desensitization, is the lack of triumph usually felt after working hard to achieve something.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">In a way this is how narcotics effect the psyche. When ingested, strong drugs pique the pleasure plateau to shockingly high levels in a fraction of the time normally needed to achieve those results naturally. For example, if, in one day, you ran a marathon, volunteered at a food bank, planted a tree, cleaned your room and saved a panda you would undoubtably reach a lofty level of self-worth. All that hard and fulfilling work would leave you feeling encouraged, happy, proud and overall pleased with yourself. Unlike the pixie dust that some indulge in, those pleasures took hard effort to attain. It will last and be available even longer through memory and tangible proofs. You won’t just pee it out after a painfully long withdrawal process.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">If the military has taught me anything it’s to appreciate the small things as well as things I had previously taken for granted. With all luxuries limited as of late, I have a new appreciation for everyday gifts like hot showers, tasty food, human connection, entertainment and even freedom.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Surprisingly, the army’s limitation of all these things has transformed me not only into a reflexive warrior but, in many ways, a happier person. When I <span class="post-pEm">have</span> that free time I’m more conscious of it. Every tune is <span class="post-pEm">magic</span>. Every kind pair of eyes is <span class="post-pEm">adored</span>. Every uninterrupted night’s sleep with my boots off is a <span class="post-pEm">miracle</span> and, of course, time in general is better utilized.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Boredom is not a fun state of mind. But even with increased stimuli and options we can still feel empty. I know I can. The idea is to pace yourself. Have something to look forward to. Limit yourself and let desire develop. Savor the flavor and enjoy the chase. Fight for lasting pleasures and take your time enjoying them.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">After much time (unwillingly) abstaining from hot baths, groovy music and anything remotely close to Scotch I was finally able to properly enjoy myself. What followed resulted not only in renewed excitements but the restoration of the even greater pleasure of creativity. And with that, I got more than I bargained for.</span></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1219709226313300637.post-26145370768290406602013-10-05T13:32:00.000-04:002013-10-05T13:32:27.559-04:00JUMP IN THE WATER!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: x-large;"><b>VUL•NER•A•BLE</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i> </i><span style="color: #e69138;">/ˈvəln(ə)rəbəl/ <b><i>adj.</i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138;">1. Exposed to the possibility of being attacked or harmed, either physically or emotionally: (e.g., <i><u>everyone</u></i>)</span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #e69138;">"Out of your vulnerabilities will come your strength."</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #e69138;">-Sigmund Freud</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Have you ever gone to the pool for a swim and dipped your toes in the water only to find that the temperature is frigidly cold? This is called toeing the waters. Over time you gradually expose yourself to the uncomfortable waters before fully immersing yourself and soon afterward you're swimming freely and confidently splashing around. The other option, of course, is to dive in quickly and watch as your body naturally adapts to the new environment. </span></div>
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<a href="http://shieldsofdavid.blogspot.co.il/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I recently joined the military</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> and every morning when I awake I'm faced with a dilemma. I sleep on the top bunk and when I finally swing my legs over the mattress and let them dangle below, I groan. Quickly switching gears from the ultimate state of vulnerability to a high-octane day can be shocking and dreadful. I'm hesitant and the trip from bunk to bottom feels more like skyscraper to concrete pavement. Every morning I say aloud </span><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: x-large;">"Come on, Dave. Just jump in the water"</span><span style="font-size: large;"> as if the floor below is an icy pool and I'm avoiding total immersion and every morning -- despite my displeasure -- I take that leap and land on the floor with a thud. The phrase has become so common that if my fellow cadets see me dawdling in bed or stuck in my morning stupor they'll say</span><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: x-large;"> "Come on, Dave. Just jump in the water."</span><span style="font-size: large;"> It's a friendly reminder that despite fatigue, fear of the unknown, and the fact that you are so far removed from what some call "normal life" you must believe in the blood rushing through your veins, dive into life's challenges, and prevail. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Noteworthy-Light;">Essentially, each and every one of us is vulnerable in some way or another. Aside from obvious times when we're not on guard, like when we eat and sleep and other states, we must face other psychological and ideological vulnerabilities. Religion and science are at odds as to the fundamental questions of when and why we were created and we all know that regardless of the answers we had no choice in the matter. Unable to foretell the future, we wake up every morning vulnerable from uncertainty and must patiently await as the external factors of our fate progress every day. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Vulnerability surrounds us all. It strikes when you really have to pee while on a bus and someone comes over to talk to you. It hides in your luggage when you travel to a foreign land and are unable to speak the language. It rears its ugly head before an important job interview or when you ask your crush out on a date. It's by your side when you have a disease running through your veins and when you can't seem to shake the chains of a troubled childhood. It whispers into the ears of the artists who publicly display their work and haunts the dreams of parents whose children are just gaining their independence. Vulnerability is when you are one of 7 billion human beings living on a spherical planet that always seems to be on the brink of death and destruction.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Noteworthy-Light;">Abuse is knowing that a victim is vulnerable and then trying to exploit that vulnerability. When a perpetrator targets peoples' innate desires, fears, feelings of loneliness and lack of knowledge in order to attain dominance it highlights the criminal's own insecurity. Their fiend for supremacy and strong desire to manipulate their own vulnerability manifests itself in their unspeakable acts. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">To love, on the other hand, is to embrace vulnerability. It means giving somebody else a large chunk of your inner-self and trusting that they won't destroy everything that you have built yourself up to be. Although, when you've been hurt many times before there is an almost natural reluctance to re-enter the </span>sometimes terrifying world of dating and intimacy. Protective barriers are built and fortified over time and the prospect of allowing another to occupy your heart is unsettling. But much like other uncertainties in life, love requires risk and courage. It takes guts to dust yourself off and try again but when hope and action prevail your only obstacle is time. And in due course you <i>will</i> find what you are looking for.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I think that because I'm so vulnerable I (naturally) try and protect myself from harm and look for security. I look for constants in life, final answers to unanswerable questions, and, of course, I plan plan plan. Maye it's laziness and I'm trying to secure my future so I don't have to constantly return to my responsibilities. That when I find those answers the quest will be over or when I make something official I'll have it forever and not have to maintain it. I'm still learning that I can't control it all or have the answers to everything. That I need to embrace mystery and take risks because life's more exciting that way.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I can't always escape my vulnerabilities but when I can find the courage I believe in my personal capacity to have a great life and my ability to face uncertainty with wit and wisdom. When I stand up to speak to a crowd or introduce myself to someone I admire or try something new I remember that we all have our vulnerabilities. I remember that guilt, insecurity, pain, fear and uncertainty are universal emotions and feelings and that while we are all unique our commonalities outweigh our differences. I remember that </span><a href="http://belovedconsoler.blogspot.co.il/2012/12/hi-im-human-were-all-in-this-together_12.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-large;">we're all in this thing together</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> and that somehow comforts me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">When things turn sour I try to embrace the suck and forge on through. I keep my eyes open for pleasantries and when all else fails I wait for the hourglass to turn or the cycle to change. Despite my vulnerabilities I give it a shot because I know the glory days exist and I look forward to their arrival. I anticipate the summits, the days when I'm the winner. When energy, flow, clarity, meaning and connection surround me. When I have no problem diving into the water.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: x-large;">It requires courage to leap into the pond without knowing whether the water is hot or cold. But when we start to swim and see others doing it too we realize that we were all on the same boat to begin with.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1219709226313300637.post-61198913404369018512013-09-21T13:39:00.000-04:002013-10-05T09:21:11.793-04:00My Grandmother's Essay:<br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: x-large;"><i>"I am trying to improve my attitude but I know the disease is progressing ... But I don’t think I’ll ever give up. I’m old enough now where I can just sit and ponder."</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><i>- </i>DeVera Gordon, 1931 - 2011</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Noteworthy-Light; font-size: large;">After going through some old files I unearthed a short essay written by my late Grandmother DeVera who died in 2011 after a 24 year battle with Parkinson's Disease. The essay, found below, was composed over a span of eight months with the aid of facilitated communication and featured in <a href="http://www.rds.hawaii.edu/downloads/issues/pdf/RDSv02iss04.pdf" target="_blank">The Review of Disability Studies</a>, a scholarly journal published by the University of Hawaii. Although a heart-wrenching documentation of disease, the essay also underlines her awareness of self and her ability to separate from circumstance and not allow the effects of her condition to suffocate her spirit. It highlights her courage to hope and search for the clarity and strength needed to maintain a positive self-image despite her disease. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Noteworthy-Light; font-size: large;">In her essay, my grandmother proves that there is a part of us all that is separate from our bodies, sensations, and ideas. Deeply rooted beneath years of personal history and distraction lies a simple and unbiased observer of all that we perceive. It's where our most brutally honest thoughts come from and the source of our deepest desires. The part of the self that remains long after pain and pleasure have exhausted their powers. It's the knowledge that we are not solely a body worn out from years of hard work and abuse. We are <i><u>conscious</u></i> beings with desires and dreams. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">With this awareness, we can separate from circumstance and not allow ourselves to be paralyzed by our troubles or allow pain's all-encompassing potential to breach our innermost barriers and blanket our intrinsically positive nature. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #d0e0e3; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>DeVera Gordon with Zosha Stuckey</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #d0e0e3;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Introduction</u>:</span> </span><br />
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<span style="color: #d0e0e3; font-size: large;">This essay recounts the experience of my disability. In it, I demonstrate how I have lost the ability to know who I am. It shows how my body has lost its balance and how my mind has lost the ability to formulate language easily. I offer the experience of what it is like to live in my body and mind. I was able to write this because I worked collaboratively with someone who pulled language out of me. I have never before thought of myself as an author. I’m still waiting to realize why I deserve a place in a table of contents. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #d0e0e3; font-size: large;">Steaming compressed air. Fresh air doesn’t surround me the way I’d like it to. My body is hot and I have lost the ability to know who I am. <br /><br />Have you ever gone into the back of a dress shop and looked at yourself in the mirror? You may have looked better than you expected, you may have looked worse. Either way, you still knew who you were. Sometimes I pass a mirror and realize that the person I thought was standing there is not standing at all, they are sitting and they are in a wheelchair. I wonder how the person in the mirror will get from sitting to standing? It’s the indefiniteness of how long will this person persist in trying to stand up? <br /><br />The first shock came in 1987 when I realized that I could not stand on my own anymore. When things were good I didn’t think about how things might get bad. I didn’t know I had a problem coming up. <br /><br />I can’t speak right these days. It’s very difficult to formulate language. It’s hot and cold. I can’t grab hold of what I’m trying to say. I start to write a sentence in my head, then it stops and it doesn’t flow. The more I turn the light on to see it, the less it penetrates the surface. I can’t spell or hurry up and put together a sentence that makes sense. <br /><br />Life doesn’t feel chronological. I never know where I am in time. When I’m there isn’t there a now here? I try to figure out how I approach things—I start with zero and then I try again. When is zero, is it yesterday? It takes time to place myself into space and time. I don’t want to rush. I try to analyze and maintain control as I go along and in the meantime now is built up. I don’t have any view of the future. <br /><br />I never know where I am in space either. There’s no experience at all. The experience doesn’t even experience itself. How can you be less than nothing? It seems like everything is moving around me. I can’t describe it. The furniture is moving around, then it’s standing still. I feel dizzy like everything is moving around and I’m going in the opposite direction. I feel like I’m always walking backwards. The wheelchair—it’s like a cage—I feel as if as there is somebody behind me that I can’t see. I can’t turn around like I want to. I can’t always look where I want to. I can’t be aware of one direction and the other at the same time. <br /><br />My mouth is dry and I’m crooked. I lean. I have a dry mouth and a blank expression inside my head. My legs are thick and weak and twisted. The left leg is not grabbing hold of my foot. The foot is not grabbing hold of the floor.The left leg feels weak. Outside on the edges the legs are uneven around the knee and the buttocks. Thin mushy pasta—I like it with some firmness to it like the Pennsylvania Dutch do it. It has grips and flavor. It feels even. The fact that I can’t stick both shoulders up and back. They feel as if they’re shaking and trying to grab hold of something. I get the feeling I don’t have a good grip. As if I don’t understand the process—how you move the skin around the bones and leave it alone. A building at the beginning of its construction. Where does the body begin? Where does it end? <br /> <br />I talk to myself a lot. I ask myself what are we doing here? I keep trying to know where I am or why I am here, but I rarely figure it out. I say to myself you should smile more. There are lots of things to smile about. I just can’t recognize them fast enough. <br /><br />I am sitting across from the nurse’s desk. I am trying to read, which is very difficult. The doctor is around and he seems to want me to smile no matter what. I am told to smile all of the time. Without a good reason, without a history, without a build-up of some kind of story. Just smile, be weak. That’s when I want to be left alone. He just says smile. I say to him I’ve been told that before. He probably figures that I have a contrariness, that I don’t want to comply. They want you to produce a good result and I just don’t have the energy to do that right now. <br /><br />The remarkable thing here is how the ability to stand up or sit up is so important. Even when I sit up, I’m crooked and uneasy. Then the doctors look at me and say just smile. As soon as you need an appliance to help you stand up you are already in trouble. I never thought I’d be in a place like this. Does it make me feel less of a person? Yes...that seems to be the problem. If I was at home and I had to go to the bathroom, I would just go. But now, because I have lost the ability to stand, I have to go according to a schedule. I am allowed to use the restroom every 2 hours, no more. And they get nasty about it, harass me about how I just went or snicker at me. <br /> <br /> Things aren’t bad now, I just feel weak. I just want to be able to relax and not think about how things could get worse. Everybody dies a little bit every day. You have to get used to the idea that there will be less of you left. I am trying to improve my attitude but I know the disease is progressing. I’m trying to put together a positive image of myself. It’s like going in circles, after 18 years I still am in shock. But I don’t think I’ll ever give up. I’m old enough now where I can just sit and ponder.</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1219709226313300637.post-73664325312454852742013-06-25T15:28:00.000-04:002013-07-14T16:11:31.074-04:00How to have Unlimited Energy:<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Okay, I'll admit, the title may be a
little deceiving. Of course there is no such thing as unlimited
energy! Perpetual motion, or the idea that - once activated -
something could run forever, is a physicist's pipe-dream and, quite
simply, not consistent with the laws of the Universe. To
quote an undated proverb, </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">"All things must come to an end."</span> </b></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">No matter how hard we try to reverse this reality, everything in life will either stop
or progress into something entirely different. You can go strong
and hard with whatever you are doing but eventually fatigue will
ensue or you will reach a climax and begin a new oscillating cycle. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">We all know that the energy in our
lives tends to ebb and flow. Emotions come and go and the feelings we
so desperately try and hold onto seem to slip out of our tight grasp.
</span><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>We've all experienced loss of desire, motivation, and peace of mind.</b></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> Many can relate to the frustration of depleted energy when we needed it most or perhaps, </span><span style="font-size: large;">even</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> the </span><span style="font-size: large;">occasional slip</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> from a physical or spiritual plateau.
Sometimes, the feelings produced by things we once viewed as majestic have ceased to excite the senses and rev our internal engines. Other
times, we may feel that we just don't have what it takes and
helplessly watch as our bold sense of courage sluices down the drain
of time. </span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvVTpFZozcQ_L1Y7nr542E1cS_ptKVImHXrYrQAZGQniaIEou2RCCL2NYtY6momoge3B3884cCX-FzMtpEh1UwsQXM0dgzt7GOQFkJeKod-P198-agu5ppC3PhMmGQxJmATy8j7f9GMGE/s1600/DSC03818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvVTpFZozcQ_L1Y7nr542E1cS_ptKVImHXrYrQAZGQniaIEou2RCCL2NYtY6momoge3B3884cCX-FzMtpEh1UwsQXM0dgzt7GOQFkJeKod-P198-agu5ppC3PhMmGQxJmATy8j7f9GMGE/s640/DSC03818.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Photo Credit: Sparks of David Photography</b></span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The most infamous example of
expiration, of course, is the loss of life. </span><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>I do not fear
death</b>.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> Just as I had no choice in being born I will have no choice
but to die. The mystery is how and when our lives will terminate and
what kind of life we will live before we are forced to embrace
death's final calling. Like our favorite song, the tune may
sound beautiful but the music will eventually end. The idea is to
create a novel sound and always play your very best. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Occasionally, yield in
your tracks, listen closely, and enjoy the pure melody while it
lasts.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">In order to play this </span><b><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">"song of
life"</span></b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> we need </span><i style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">energy.</i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> The key is to understand that there are forces encompassing us and are readily
available for our personal use. Despite inescapable laws of physics,
mass reserves of energy that can propel us forward -- under any circumstance -- are just waiting to be tapped.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Energy surrounds us all. The most
concentrated form -- available almost everywhere -- is </span><b><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">human emotion</span></b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">.</span>
</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Unless you are a hermit secluded in a cave (or perhaps work as a
politician) you will come in contact with raw emotion and real human
feelings throughout your day.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> There are so many things that
create emotional responses and send a powerful surge of energy
rushing through our bodies. Even seemingly meaningless events
can trigger emotion and by definition energy. From car
horns and police sirens to barking dogs, crying babies, and even the
amateur DJ blasting a sorry excuse for music in the car next to you
in a traffic jam. While these are widely considered a nuisance, they all emit a charge that <span style="color: #b45f06;">-- </span></span><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>if channeled properly</b></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"> --</span> can springboard you through your day with a boost of energy and enable you to take flight reaching</span><span style="font-size: large;"> previously unattainable heights.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGafz5wcwvqjO-4Vyp1g5A1lyZ6r41kGuBembIrRWUBQQ1Hy7QwISNaDyVDQEbBYH8Ln8M124ltjPplq-Qn5NGAvXMWIKHMb1dOI4QBBXNbBfdTDZVA7EjzNKrqk1-T3aQGi7Bd3KebI8/s1600/DSC03359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGafz5wcwvqjO-4Vyp1g5A1lyZ6r41kGuBembIrRWUBQQ1Hy7QwISNaDyVDQEbBYH8Ln8M124ltjPplq-Qn5NGAvXMWIKHMb1dOI4QBBXNbBfdTDZVA7EjzNKrqk1-T3aQGi7Bd3KebI8/s640/DSC03359.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>Photo Credit: Sparks of David Photography</i></b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">While many of the aforementioned are
irritants that come and go with the times, there are certain cycles
that are constant. </span><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Nature is an energy machine that does not stop.</b></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">
Albeit an illusion of Earth's rotation, we see the sun rise in the
east and set in the west each and every day. The cyclical seasons
pass, change, and morph into each other without fail and trees,
leaves, and plants wave their foliage with the push of Wind's
everlasting force. </span><b><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">Tap into the rhythm and momentum of nature and you
will be constantly rejuvenated and awakened by it's beauty and vitality.</span></b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> Likewise, so long as we are alive our hearts will keep ticking.
Listen to the music that is constantly playing within your chest and
find your body's own natural rhythm. Focus on the beat and exercise
your ability to quicken the pace of your pulse when you're running below your personal speed limit. Find personal equilibrium in the expansion and contraction of your lungs and concentrate on your breathing to nourish your body's dynamism and mind's stream of consciousness.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC0gSF2TS6h_Bon9NxScknATkdO0tAAVRiY7KIFWI37QDHPLH5-YMrnOwWPNdHzEhIwWA16ui5W9I_VI6l9599Y9TfI9e9GXd2RhgDTqnOrxDVNBysMswL3QlQBeNzeDo7lSKDUSL9mWs/s1600/DSC03928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC0gSF2TS6h_Bon9NxScknATkdO0tAAVRiY7KIFWI37QDHPLH5-YMrnOwWPNdHzEhIwWA16ui5W9I_VI6l9599Y9TfI9e9GXd2RhgDTqnOrxDVNBysMswL3QlQBeNzeDo7lSKDUSL9mWs/s640/DSC03928.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Photo Credit: Sparks of David Photography</span></i></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">To quote another undated idiom that
somehow manages to trickle down into our daily conversations, </span><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>“Beauty
is in the eye of the beholder."</b></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> Beauty, in all it's glorious
subjectivity, has the tremendous power to refresh the mind-body-soul
trio. All forms of aestheticism, whether it be in the form of people,
<a href="http://belovedconsoler.blogspot.co.il/2013/06/the-hidden-power-of-artistry.html" target="_blank">art</a>, </span><span style="font-size: large;">scenery, humor, jaw-dropping talent or countless others can shower a ray of hope onto even the darkest form of fatigue, laziness, and depression. There are people on this planet who are blessed with personalities so bold and bright that they inspire people by merely being in their presence. If you allow beauty to reinvigorate your senses you will soon be on a constant lookout for pleasantries because they will put a skip in your step and give you delight throughout your day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The sundry riddles of creation and the
universe can frustrate the thinker but instead of denying their
ideas entrance into your line of thinking, allow them to drive your
imagination and fuel your own hypotheses. The thrill of the unknown
can tantalize the intellect and unleash the caches of vigor needed to
search and find the solutions to the questions that our
hearts and Souls yearn to have answered.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDyXjnRZRMo_5UFprc19SWXjxgKogrmXyti5-yUmOOkTmS_cxmm_kS0Np55_N2AvuLhsTHir16XUaEb-6RIpCyFuOhUMK33wjzEfOoIGCmhuu9XyI6-5Ys8slkpwEnEOomhZOk7pPpKzc/s1600/lake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDyXjnRZRMo_5UFprc19SWXjxgKogrmXyti5-yUmOOkTmS_cxmm_kS0Np55_N2AvuLhsTHir16XUaEb-6RIpCyFuOhUMK33wjzEfOoIGCmhuu9XyI6-5Ys8slkpwEnEOomhZOk7pPpKzc/s640/lake.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>Photo Credit: A.Massey/Shiffman Cottage Productions</i></b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Ironically enough, another way to boost
you performance and raise energy levels is by giving it away. Scientists and academics are <a href="http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/the_helpers_high" target="_blank">suggesting</a> that
altruistic and benevolent behavior releases endorphins in the brain
which sends a rush of exhilaration and well-being through the body.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFU3PKAeck6CoNEZ7O8UNAYgBMA3zwfwLU8Bp0FGg1f-ZKYCzM3QTfvSTV7-13Ke16YD-ngp_PTmKr5Cv8sc9kl57XuRQJXqORNsb3b0CQQoa8U8rwIgzAxgXX6Y6T4yOApRVgNikGJT4/s1600/DSC03157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFU3PKAeck6CoNEZ7O8UNAYgBMA3zwfwLU8Bp0FGg1f-ZKYCzM3QTfvSTV7-13Ke16YD-ngp_PTmKr5Cv8sc9kl57XuRQJXqORNsb3b0CQQoa8U8rwIgzAxgXX6Y6T4yOApRVgNikGJT4/s640/DSC03157.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>Photo Credit: Sparks of David Photography </b></i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">At times, we may be haunted by the
memories of our </span><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: x-large;">past</span><span style="font-size: large;"> and terrified by the foreshadowing of our
</span><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: x-large;">future</span><span style="font-size: large;">. But the combination of both feelings – if transmitted properly – can play a pivotal role in enhancing the </span><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: x-large;">present</span><span style="font-size: large;">. Find
life in inspirational quotes and photographs and tap into the
vibrations and waves that radiate from media and advertisement. Think
of your loved ones, mentors, and role-models for encouragement and
motivation.</span></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">Although the possibilities are
limitless, there is one technique that offers a fail-safe way to
immediately boost energy.</span></b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> By doing something outside of our
comfort-zones we can turn the crashing heartbeat that knots our
throats into easily instrumented power. Once the butterflies are
released they can then flutter away effortlessly into any direction you choose.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6NeBespAFDAtGIc2iUTaN8GffKh1QwZ4laLiPnbw7yBRBo8yZy9mDbcGlznDK2Q76kebM3j0XGGCElDEqCxV0n3mtE5WYo_n7YfrQG7SKPwOwur_kSXmOBHp5VzyiT3Q3BV__Wx64u-0/s1600/DSC03947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6NeBespAFDAtGIc2iUTaN8GffKh1QwZ4laLiPnbw7yBRBo8yZy9mDbcGlznDK2Q76kebM3j0XGGCElDEqCxV0n3mtE5WYo_n7YfrQG7SKPwOwur_kSXmOBHp5VzyiT3Q3BV__Wx64u-0/s640/DSC03947.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>Photo Credit: Sparks of David Photography</b></i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">As I have mentioned </span><a href="http://belovedconsoler.blogspot.co.il/2013/02/sharing-in-joy-of-others.html" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">previously</a><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">, energy is not good or bad - it's </span><i style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://belovedconsoler.blogspot.co.il/2012/11/energy-anxiety-expression.html" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">neutral</a>. </i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">O</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">nly once the charge is directed positively or negatively can it then take on a constructive or destructive role.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZmGPG050jkmcmmVWb-lMTFKMl55QjuKkPjP7mkruMg81_DCPgShgOP-1p7z__g7x4bllWeB1hHNjEPsGkJTy5-f1yU_F7Vk9tErwATvXW6GesL6PIQRYLbFwDU7XtqGU-eesG98wZOo/s1600/DSC03522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZmGPG050jkmcmmVWb-lMTFKMl55QjuKkPjP7mkruMg81_DCPgShgOP-1p7z__g7x4bllWeB1hHNjEPsGkJTy5-f1yU_F7Vk9tErwATvXW6GesL6PIQRYLbFwDU7XtqGU-eesG98wZOo/s640/DSC03522.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>Photo Credit: Sparks of David Photography</i></b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">The sunset that sends a surge of awe
through your system?</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>That is potential action.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The military jet-plane that roars
across the sky making the hairs on your body stand at attention?</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">
</span><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>That is a boost of power.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The undying wind that annoyingly
ruffles your hair-do on the way to meet your date?</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Well, that's just
bad luck….</b></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> Just kidding! It's a burst of buoyancy that if
harnessed properly will put a light in your eye that he/she cannot
deny.</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">This is the crux of inspiration.</span></b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> A
spark of energy and emotion is ignited which creates a powerful surge
of motivation and passion that can be aimed into any area we
choose. In turn, fear can be transformed into courage, pain into power,
and lust and infatuation into compassion. Impatience can lead to
creativity and jealousy into an innocent desire for bigger and better
things in life.
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">This starts by being an unbiased
observer of our thoughts, feelings, emotions, and sensations. With
proper awareness, the many forces of nature and aspects of society
that influence our desires and emotions can be stopped in their
tracks and redirected down the avenues that <i>we</i> choose.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Everything is <i>alive</i>.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Everything is <i>energy</i>.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>And it's all ours for the taking.</b></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1219709226313300637.post-10833562421861309952013-06-09T09:29:00.000-04:002013-10-05T08:16:46.062-04:00The Hidden Power of Artistry:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 22px;">When I was in High School, I had an influential English teacher named Ms. Tipton</span><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 22px;">. Initially, I viewed her as the one </span><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 22px;">solely</span><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 22px;"> responsible for assigning harsh loads of homework but that hardly scratches the surface of her impact. Ms. Tipton</span><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 22px;"> challenged my worldview. She encouraged my creativity and opened my mind to the influential literary works of Emerson, Thoreau, Hemingway, and Coelho</span><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 22px;">. Although, most importantly, she provided me with a platform to present my ideas, inspiration, and unique individuality through creative writing assignments and painstaking essays. I would never have admitted it at the time but - looking back - Ms. Tipton</span><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 22px;"> had a profound impact on my life.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">One day, Ms. Tipton stands in front of the class and asks if any of us has ever written poetry.</span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 22px;"><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">"Poetry?" I scoffed. "Poetry is for fairies."</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Ignoring my crass remark, she slaps us with a fresh assignment: Write a poem. </span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I remember sitting silently at my desk with a blank mind. There is much negative stigma surrounding poetry and perhaps I was to blame for obstructing ideas from passing from my mind, down to my right hand, out of my pencil, and onto paper.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 22px;"><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">"This is Horse5#!7," I thought. "I didn't come here for games."</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">With time running out, I was forced to </span>recalibrate <span style="line-height: 22px;">and reluctantly penned a poem.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">Surprisingly, it was pretty good! The poem was shrouded in key-words that depicted elements of my private life. It was humorous and playful yet, mysterious and thought-provoking. It was </span><span style="line-height: 22px;">genius. More notably, it means something to me. It is my brain-child, a produ</span><span style="line-height: 22px;">ct of my creativity and labor. The poem had remarkable depth and - along with the others from the class - the paper adorned the corridor of our school for a couple weeks. I would sometimes stop and read my work while shuttling </span><span style="line-height: 22px;">between</span><span style="line-height: 22px;"> classes (or when I found myself in the hallway for long periods of time). I would reflect on its personal meaning and retract to the moment when I wrote it. </span><span style="line-height: 22px;">It was gratifying and </span><span style="line-height: 22px;">uplifting</span><span style="line-height: 22px;">.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">Poetry is just one of many forms of art. Others include: music, song, film, theatre, photography, dance, painting, drawing, culinary arts, and even imagination. Art is powerful because it is</span> more than just leisure and aesthetics,<span style="line-height: 22px;"> it is alive. Aside from its entertaining properties, art has the ability to trigger novel thought and fresh emotion. It can activate memory and inspire enlightening ideas and courageous action. This happens because t</span>he benefits of art are multifaceted. When an artist successfully fashions a finished product they put a piece of themselves into their work. If it is personally satisfying, kvelling ensues. Perhaps, they have found <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Art_therapy">consolation in the arts</a>; not just relief but long term empowerment, especially if the work is timeless and can be returned to. It can then relieve, educate, uplift, and entertain the viewer, listener, or patron. If it is coherent it can encourage them to create their own form of artistry thereby continuing the cycle of progressive inspiration. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">Art acts as a conductor where real live emotion can be passed from artist to observer. I</span>n its unadulterated form, art can even communicate. <span style="line-height: 22px;">Music, for instance, is an excellent form of communication. </span><span style="line-height: 22px;">Even to this day, musicians use the power of song to influence society and spread ideas.</span><span style="line-height: 22px;"> </span><span style="line-height: 22px;">Aside from lyrics, the top-note of a melody can stir the emotions of even the hardened criminal because m</span><span style="line-height: 22px;">usic conveys moods and feelings in ways that </span><span style="line-height: 22px;">spoken word</span><span style="line-height: 22px;"> cannot </span><span style="line-height: 22px;">articulate. Known as the language of the Soul, music is a catapult that sends me soaring into the unknown. Using the strings of an instrument, I can climb to a higher level of consciousness while being supported by the vibrations and security of the melody. </span></span><span style="line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Music is </span><i><span style="font-size: large;">VITALITY</span></i><span style="font-size: large;">. I have told friends that if I ever kick the bucket they should play some of my favorite tunes because I will rise from the dead.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">While I indulge in many types of art, it is writing that truly </span><span style="line-height: 22px;">fascinates me. The fact that your eyes scan the numerous symbols and characters on this screen and can present an idea or produce a feeling is mesmerizing. It is subtle and simplistic, yet it can transmit even the minute intricacies entangled within the complexities of human thought and existence. </span><span style="line-height: 22px;">Take, for example, this quote: </span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 22px;"><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>"Instead of wondering when your next vacation is, maybe you ought to set up a life you don't have to escape from."</i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 22px;"><span style="color: #e69138; font-size: x-large;"><i><b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">-Seth Godin</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> </span></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">For some, it's provocative, for others, earth-shattering. What's blissfully apparent is that a one-liner has the power to change a life. The mere formation and placement of symbolic characters can inspire one to evaluate their lifestyle or question the norm. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">Photography can be even more powerful than writing. According to an old adage: "a picture is worth a thousand words" but it really depends on the quality of the picture. Because photographs are visual they can be a catalyst to boost the power of imagination.</span> The sheer ambiguity of some snapshots can instill emotions based on the viewer's interpretation. They can capture and immortalize a moment, promote dialogue, and even start a revolution. Below are selected pictures from my portfolio that will arouse feeling in the heart and activity in the brain:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>"The Right Moment"</b></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcZW8KkUPV3PdmGIJUwEiFNxhsbgmHd_SGFbI9QE3KgAaHQwXKUNpEQBsY-wkeaLINojN4hpg7dRfAHiMQrPtnFiW3B4OBkdlFnN1adG-ai0tAurLU88HPD2D83Zec8VA93B3eU_Ef6ok/s1600/DSC03244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcZW8KkUPV3PdmGIJUwEiFNxhsbgmHd_SGFbI9QE3KgAaHQwXKUNpEQBsY-wkeaLINojN4hpg7dRfAHiMQrPtnFiW3B4OBkdlFnN1adG-ai0tAurLU88HPD2D83Zec8VA93B3eU_Ef6ok/s640/DSC03244.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<i style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>"PROTEST"</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU0qsXMC4ljOxXa-H3w5rnSxgEM451ttbF39Vex8_vEUTTETsjKRQYPv485uRaY7i127V8NSuMUOWRvI3CPS1XinyD380cx2cL0CmssxgqEPNcDyf9GvQNGJ0WZL_ogIkkS_XEAzOg7XQ/s1600/action.png.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU0qsXMC4ljOxXa-H3w5rnSxgEM451ttbF39Vex8_vEUTTETsjKRQYPv485uRaY7i127V8NSuMUOWRvI3CPS1XinyD380cx2cL0CmssxgqEPNcDyf9GvQNGJ0WZL_ogIkkS_XEAzOg7XQ/s640/action.png.jpg" width="582" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>"We Found Love"</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDjkZf1tY2hNYYMPk37aT_hdZBKiwtw8offSal9Qry0w4ErWWDxgoUeYUubhTespt9rj3Df1kHuO5kbMIxo4qadJKuQKzV_1WfVKHj4VVjG8seyvA5f5TbBVBWsqMreygHSbVOL3i9Tb8/s1600/LOVE+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDjkZf1tY2hNYYMPk37aT_hdZBKiwtw8offSal9Qry0w4ErWWDxgoUeYUubhTespt9rj3Df1kHuO5kbMIxo4qadJKuQKzV_1WfVKHj4VVjG8seyvA5f5TbBVBWsqMreygHSbVOL3i9Tb8/s640/LOVE+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>"The Good Life"</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0kQ_cIjyV-CZdXfS27vU1zXiHXTKzhk7485OME93il_yo-OYXQPwVlQcyR_zLtBy-LJ030KH63XfcY3fpsP2PhHiWA9EAg9uF_Mw_ctxy_1Kx_Bt1vLqA0L8uTwSHvemRomeisyMOEkI/s1600/DSC00180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0kQ_cIjyV-CZdXfS27vU1zXiHXTKzhk7485OME93il_yo-OYXQPwVlQcyR_zLtBy-LJ030KH63XfcY3fpsP2PhHiWA9EAg9uF_Mw_ctxy_1Kx_Bt1vLqA0L8uTwSHvemRomeisyMOEkI/s640/DSC00180.JPG" width="510" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>"Nightmare"</b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>"The Sun Will Shine Again"</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_UTTejigVLN1PY8u-4kgDjPID3404Flf_sp69Jk-IbGl1G5kPdGbkwDSuEIr2tYUj7Af6VbMJjsAPb1uciz9pDUuDvwn6DyXwlpD3-Im4OlYpFl_tpi0vnKEoZ4dFZs5Z_3YisrTz5uQ/s1600/DSC03930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_UTTejigVLN1PY8u-4kgDjPID3404Flf_sp69Jk-IbGl1G5kPdGbkwDSuEIr2tYUj7Af6VbMJjsAPb1uciz9pDUuDvwn6DyXwlpD3-Im4OlYpFl_tpi0vnKEoZ4dFZs5Z_3YisrTz5uQ/s640/DSC03930.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><b>Photo Credit: Sparks of David Photography</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Similar to music, still-images, along with film and theatre, can be a captivating tool to transmit a message to an audience. When used in a classroom-setting it can often help student retain more information by exciting the brain with audio-visual stimulation as opposed to conventional ways of learning. For performers, the art of entertainment can upgrade their personality and - by assuming the role of another - is a fun and harmless way to get away from the daily grind and everyday routine. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">To dance is to find rhythm in chaos. Much like exercise, through dance, one can express strong emotions and energy that would otherwise be inescapable. It also unleashes a rare freedom in the dancer. The ol' one-two step increases breathing and heart-rate which pushes the body to higher capacity thus, making room for bigger and better things in life.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">What moves you? Whichever form of art tickles your fancy or lifts your luggage, embrace it. Use it as a tool to fuel your imagination and uplift your lifestyle. Find an outlet for the immeasurable amount of energy and emotion that rages through your body and use it as a way to express yourself. </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 22px;">Enjoy art's natural relieving properties and delve into your own special interests through creativity and expression. But most importantly, have fun, explore, and </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 22px;">enjoy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">All Art is powerful.</span><span style="line-height: 22px;"> </span><span style="line-height: 22px;">Although, one type sticks out from the rest:</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><u>The Art of Living</u></i></span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1219709226313300637.post-33120129798700275962013-05-22T09:12:00.000-04:002013-07-14T16:10:58.796-04:00Keeping the Flame Alive:<div style="text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-family: Noteworthy-Light; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="line-height: 15px;">"A man practices the art of adventure when he breaks the chain of routine and renews his life through reading <i>new</i> books, traveling to<i> new </i>places, making <i>new</i> friends, taking up <i>new </i>hobbies, and adopting <i>new</i> viewpoints." </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">- Wilfred Peterson</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Ojw1IRR_zNM5i4FxUncXxdEKM9Psp5ru4_00r4fAq2T2HANGmCDkaOvMv_WnOVjljgulWkRy78OCcJZpAtxwSHCh6Dd_eWCFZYVku6xoU1Iis3bbnFSSDvujsxnQ_t2pDNiAQNDNsk0/s1600/DSC03488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Ojw1IRR_zNM5i4FxUncXxdEKM9Psp5ru4_00r4fAq2T2HANGmCDkaOvMv_WnOVjljgulWkRy78OCcJZpAtxwSHCh6Dd_eWCFZYVku6xoU1Iis3bbnFSSDvujsxnQ_t2pDNiAQNDNsk0/s640/DSC03488.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Photo Credit: Sparks of David Photography</b></i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"Tickets, please!" shouts the guard at the gate entrance. "Everybody keep to the left". Jack fumbles around and foolishly pats at his pockets knowing damn well that he doesn't have a ticket. He doesn't even have money to <i><b>buy</b></i> a ticket. But he wants to be on the other side of the barrier. He needs to be at that concert. After such a hellish week, Jack justified that he even deserved it. He craves the kicks, to feel alive. He pictures himself standing next to the stage. The lights flashing in his eyes as the music washes over him lifting his sorrow spirit to breathtaking heights. He feels the emotion and chaos as bodies crash into each other in a sweaty mosh of ecstasy and bliss.<br /><br />Determined to be at the dance party that rages on a mere 50 meters before him, Jack makes up his mind. He wants in and will be there at all costs. Hopeful, he weighs the options that would replace an entry ticket. Then, Jack sees it. A crack in the fence. It's close enough to the entrance to be slightly hidden by the sea of people that surrounded. He can do it but he needs a distraction. Just then - as if the rebel gods were on his side - the opportunity comes.<br /><br />The ticket master turned for a moment to speak to a patron. Or was it to chastise a fellow trespasser? Jack didn't bother waiting to find out and made his move. He feels a hot jolt run through his entire body as he wedges one foot and knee through the crevice in the fence. He was almost there! Was he spotted? Jack stifles his doubts and fear of the crime. He could hear the excitement rising through his veins. His heart beats in synch with the tempo of the bass-pumping techno blasting from the speakers and he feels the raw nerves in the pit of his belly. A brief wave of sweat washes over Jack's body as he slips his hips through the gate. He's in. He can hardly contain himself. "Keep it cool, Jack. Don't look back - just keep moving," he mutters anxiously to himself as he strolls animatedly down the lawn towards the stage. A mixture between a laugh and a whimper escapes from Jack's throat. He knows he will prevail. Moving as if he has every right to be there, Jack's stroll turns into a brisk, yet, awkward jog as he bolts down the grassy hill and races towards the dancing crowd. "Yeaaaaaaa!" Jack bellows in triumph at the top if his lungs. He had made it.<br /><br />Jack spent the rest of the night socializing, shamelessly dancing, and horsing around. The music, human connection, and new territory was just what he needed. After a terribly hectic week of mind-numbing work, Jack was worried he would split at the seams from the pressure. Like a childhood delinquent searching for the thrill of living on the edge, Jack needed a release. And that's just what he got.<br /><br />Jack searches for something meaningful in life because he is unenthused. The 'rat race' and daily grind of mundanity had left him feeling high and dry and he just wanted to break the vicious cycle of stagnancy and feel exhilarated again. Jack's life had become habitual and it lacked the vivacity he needs to thrive. He needed to feel ALIVE.<br /><br />The truth is, we <i>all</i> need to feel alive. We need excitement, something to rev our engines! But if we do the same things - in the same way - every day, our lives will lack… well …LIFE! The human experience is dynamic, progressive, and ever-changing so there is a constant need to keep up. We must keep things fresh or we will wither away, die, and scatter with the wind.<br /><br />Jazz things up! Keep your work captivating, your education insightful, your travels inspiring. Maintain an arousing love-life and keep your friendships surprising. Step outside of your creative comfort zone and try something new, something avant-garde to trigger novel thoughts and feelings. Innovate in all areas and challenge your personal status-quo. Advance in life!<br /><br />If we fall into mundane routine even the most beautiful things in life will turn into a dull bore. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">It may sound cliche but take a different route to work or volunteer yourself for new responsibilities, shock your muscles with a new and challenging exercise or delve into new territory in your spiritual journey. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you think and act in terms of change new opportunities will arise. You WILL experience something new. How different our lives will be is determined by how far we go to into foreign territory. Perhaps, Jack's resolution was reckless and irresponsible but if life is empty it will somehow be filled with something - whether in the form of struggle, revolution, or opportunity - to keep us on our toes... <br /><br />We have all been given the spark of life. It is now our responsibility to kindle it into a flame. Feed your fire with the appropriate fuel and it will warm and illuminate the way along any path you choose.<br /><br />Keep the flame alive - keep life interesting!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Noteworthy-Light; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">"The less routine the more life." </span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Noteworthy-Light;">- </span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Amos Bronson Alcott</span></span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1219709226313300637.post-59418190909905353612013-05-12T09:21:00.000-04:002013-07-14T16:10:44.553-04:00Inspirational SLAM POETRY:<div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">"Life's like a road that you travel on</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">When there's one day here and the next day gone<br />Sometimes you bend, sometimes you stand<br />Sometimes you turn your back to the wind"<br /><br />- Tom Cochrane, <i>LIFE IS A HIGHWAY</i></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvwPcCVceZQfzQkz5OLdkaX9CJ6VIte3N84BYGCubGJzqE0fSKW45ofTYf_hWQih4hXe0QMy11rU7Ee0GRMJcEUh3_GGBUV_O4uoHr_oRl7zVo5P25Aab0Zg1XkVmsq6jnTHg8rHLznRs/s1600/DSC02213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvwPcCVceZQfzQkz5OLdkaX9CJ6VIte3N84BYGCubGJzqE0fSKW45ofTYf_hWQih4hXe0QMy11rU7Ee0GRMJcEUh3_GGBUV_O4uoHr_oRl7zVo5P25Aab0Zg1XkVmsq6jnTHg8rHLznRs/s640/DSC02213.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Photo Credit: Sparks of David Photography</b></span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">We are all cars and the open road is our journey in life</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Through the laughter and tears, the sweat and strife</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Just know: It's your car, <i><b>your</b></i> rules</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">So don't listen to those fear-mongering fools</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">who misguide </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">The backseat drivers who tell you to slow down </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Who suffocate your rising flame to keep you in the "right lane"</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">They just want to help but does anyone really know you?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Does anybody really know what <i><b>you</b></i> need?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">A driver's manual can keep your automobile in tip-top shape</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">But it will not tell you where to go, which turn to take</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Drive somewhere new. Take the scenic route.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Go far! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">It's your car...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">YOU drive YOU thrive</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">And if it gets dark? Turn on your <i><u>headlights</u></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">If it turns black? Switch on your <i><u><b>brights</b></u></i>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Change the radio station and turn it way up. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Ride the music, feel the sensation </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">But you must not sit idle, </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">get in the groove</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Find your support, get off your ass, and<b> move</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">So long as there's traction under your tires they will carry you where you choose</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">You're responsible for your happiness, to get out of the gloom</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">But like burning rubber on hot asphalt, You may have to ZOOM...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Find excitement! Feel your engine roar with life</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Hear it purr like a prowling leopard </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Let it loose. Throw open the cage with all your might</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Drive Dammit <i>Drive</i>!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Feel the thrill of your movement. The rubber on the road. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Roll down the windows and let the wind blow through your hair</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Maybe you'll jolt at the honk of a horn. Should you care?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">They want your attention. We all want attention.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Fate? Hate? Maybe it's just bottled up aggression...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">More important than petrol are the people that surround you</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Like fuel for your car, they <b><i>will</i> </b>drive you </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">But you can go forward or backward.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">It's <i>your</i> trip, What would you do?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">If you keep looking in the rear-view mirror you'll miss what's in front of you </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">So think forward. Write your own map. <i>Get a clue</i>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Create your own destiny, Make your own decision!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">DRIVE! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><i><u>Or be driven...</u></i></b> </span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1219709226313300637.post-6970879300747540822013-04-28T11:14:00.000-04:002013-07-14T16:10:34.501-04:00CODEPENDENCY: Collaboration Vs. Dependency <div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>"Tell me how am I supposed to live without you </i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Now that I've been lovin' you so long <br />How am I supposed to live without you <br />How am I supposed to carry on <br />When all that I've been livin' for is gone"</i></span> <br /> <br />- Michael Bolton, <i>How Am I Supposed to Live Without You</i></span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Irritated, Jack storms out of the café allowing the double doors to rattle as he hurries past puzzled onlookers. Earphones blaring, he shoves a cigarette into his mouth and bolts down to the street corner to hail a cab. “Dammit,” Jack grits his teeth as the second yellow cab drives past, ignoring his outstretched hand. He walks further out into the street foolishly expecting a driver to somehow sense his urgency. </span><br /> <br /><span style="font-size: large;">Suddenly, an unmarked white van screeches to a halt in front of Jack. The side door slides open as three masked-men jump out and charge him. One man forces a beige burlap sack over Jack's head whilst the others clasp his hands behind his back. Jack's cigarette falls from his fingertips letting out an audible hiss as it lands into a puddle by the curb. Struggling under their grip, Jack kicks his feet up to the door-frame in a pathetic attempt to avoid abduction. But with one final lunge, the sinister men shove Jack feet-first into the empty, seatless van. He felt a deep burn as his back skidded on the vehicle's crusted carpet. Unable to stop the momentum, Jack's right knee crashes into the van's inner steel frame just as the doors slam shut. </span><br /><br /> <span style="font-size: large;">Having taken a heavy blow, Jack grunts as he slumps on the ground letting his left ear rest on the itchy carpet. The burlap sack slides slightly off his head providing a brief window where Jack can see the tread of numerous pairs of steel-toed boots. He looks up and unintentionally catches the eye of his kidnapper who quickly scrambles to produce a large stun-gun. The blue streaks of 900,000 volts of electricity are all Jack remembered before everything went black. </span><br /><br /> <span style="font-size: large;">Before his eyes could fully open, Jack is forced onto his feet and heaved headfirst out of the van. A three gallon water-tank follows, hitting his back with such force that it nails his torso into the sand. Jack wheezed as he hastened to his knees. The door slams shut and the engine roars to life as the van speeds off, leaving a trail of dust at Jack's feet..... </span><br /> <br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Picture for a moment that you are Jack and you suddenly find yourself in a barren desert with only a water jug and the clothing on your back. How would you survive? Would you be able to fend for yourself? Would you be able to do it alone? </b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXML5zMA4OGrfj62CqJBH_DzxG8sCQs9cBwe2FF8M4F_fkH6VoS0G3xlnyC2A96PJivliLP7nnORkRi1YeYiH92uXP2OJjogrlx-Dh_PA1LBkPMnG7OzDlgzBcXgzOFNiuBg9KzaIC970/s1600/DSC02901.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXML5zMA4OGrfj62CqJBH_DzxG8sCQs9cBwe2FF8M4F_fkH6VoS0G3xlnyC2A96PJivliLP7nnORkRi1YeYiH92uXP2OJjogrlx-Dh_PA1LBkPMnG7OzDlgzBcXgzOFNiuBg9KzaIC970/s640/DSC02901.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Photo Credit: Sparks of David Photography</b></i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Codependency is the unhealthy psychological reliance of one person on another. In broader terms, it is the expectation to be motivated exclusively by extraneous factors.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Codependents are not self-sufficient because they rely on environments, substances, and other people to influence their lives. They allow external forces to dictate how they feel about themselves. They lack the wherewithal to actualize positive emotions, or cope with negative ones, by themselves. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /> <span style="font-size: large;">In reality, fuel for codependents is everywhere. It can be in their morning coffee or in their pill-cabinet; in the workout room or the bedroom. Codependency can hide under the guise of charity and counsel. It can manifest itself through the quest for validation or the reliance on other peoples' and complements and kind words. Some codependents will even flirt for fun in a pathetic attempt to feel empowered. Albeit an illusion, these seductive swindlers yearn to fill in the multiple holes of their self-image by feeling important and desired. </span><br /> <br /><span style="font-size: large;">With the removal of these habits and techniques, codependents may break down. Perhaps they cannot be alone with their own thoughts or live with the insecurities that require outside assistance. </span><br /><br /> <span style="font-size: large;">While healthy practices - such as trust, friendship, and advice - do exist, we must establish a strong foundation for ourselves and by ourselves. The tools, programs, and people around us are meant to assist, enhance, and cultivate our already unified personalities not “make our lives”. To rely on other people, places, or things to drive us - or worse - make us feel whole, safe, and happy is codependency and will not last. Once those things are gone, everything that we have worked on - under false security - will disappear. </span><br /><br /> <span style="font-size: large;">Jack never made it out of the desert. He died not of malnutrition or the sting of a scorpion, but insanity. Unable to cope without his music, cigarettes, and girlfriend (with whom he argued with at the café), Jack felt powerless. He was empty, alone, and incompetent. He was nothing. </span><br /><br /> <span style="font-size: large;">Take responsibility of your own emotions and don't rely on others for your stability and well-being. Establish a firm foundation for yourself so you can generate those feelings naturally and carry them with you wherever you go. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1219709226313300637.post-84675309222646808982013-04-20T13:49:00.000-04:002013-07-14T16:12:27.338-04:00For the Opinionated, Non-Conformist:<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.19in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Do not follow where the path may lead. Go, instead, where there is no path and leave a trail. </i></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.19in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>- Ralph Waldo Emerson</i></b> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There is a certain comfort in not
caring. It's so easy to brush things off with an “EH”. It's so
easy to nonchalantly let life and its issues pass by and not even
check the rear-view mirror. It's too easy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">For decades, I fought a dreaded battle
against lethargy. Like a fat, complacent cat not wanting to be roused
from its slumber, I was apathetical; unmoved by the multitude of
personalities, ideas, global issues, and injustices that surrounded
me. In short, I didn't give a shit about anything.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I shied away from it all. Perhaps it
was fear of making the leap from the objective to the subjective or
simply a depressive indifference I faced. But I knew I wanted to be
sophisticated and outspoken to voice my opinion and individuality. Stifling my inner-voice meant being trampled by those who piped up
the loudest or influenced by those who spoke boldly and with
confidence and conviction.
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We live in societies separated by
political and religious affiliation but I always doubted that
everyone miraculously fell into one category or another. So many
people couldn't possibly agree on one thing. I didn't want to feel
pressured. I hated feeling obligated to walk down the avenues of
RIGHT or LEFT or conform and join a team in the political arena. And
I absolutely abhorred dogma. Isn't the world big enough to house new
ideas?
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But conformity is a recurrent theme in
the blueprint of nature. For example, the molecules in water droplets
pool together in what is known as cohesion: </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-RGAoJax1B0Sjc153-iK9F57VvvX4l9Y8-NgMNcNxlKRL28lSoCYbsNcztM-Ufzb8hDLv3PQ9YT0ZIo-afd_nnLZc1iGfD8XfQ_8ZUSRS0DgAMRlqcgAMhiJlU0TRUmU2LHJ9vMKDzrg/s1600/DSC03813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-RGAoJax1B0Sjc153-iK9F57VvvX4l9Y8-NgMNcNxlKRL28lSoCYbsNcztM-Ufzb8hDLv3PQ9YT0ZIo-afd_nnLZc1iGfD8XfQ_8ZUSRS0DgAMRlqcgAMhiJlU0TRUmU2LHJ9vMKDzrg/s640/DSC03813.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Photo Credit: Sparks of David Photography</b></i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Some vines and other vegetation weave
themselves through other plants in an attempt to gain more light and
secure survival:</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7y_UPEHNX2iAnPxujPhWBXwGlsFxEeslWMMwa7s50siQmdZ7SHhh0-HyuFIJXnAnnrIi38sArsxrwOakJbKuuXahamQhf7bab8kzCIeP-DWTyadApz8v9xGfY8mkFjD3WilgB4sFxFv0/s1600/DSC03409.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7y_UPEHNX2iAnPxujPhWBXwGlsFxEeslWMMwa7s50siQmdZ7SHhh0-HyuFIJXnAnnrIi38sArsxrwOakJbKuuXahamQhf7bab8kzCIeP-DWTyadApz8v9xGfY8mkFjD3WilgB4sFxFv0/s640/DSC03409.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Photo Credit: Sparks of David Photography</b></i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Fire, musical synchronization, clouds,
even the “slow-clap” are all examples of forces that will eventually find order, symmetry, and
harmony.
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So too, regarding human nature, many
choose to conform to conventional ways of thinking and succumb to the
force of gravity that pulls us downward when we try and ascend to new
heights of intellectual freedom.
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">When you break nature – the inertia
of the status quo - you create a new reality and are the narrator of
a novelty. YES, the world IS big enough to house new ideas! But If we
don't express our opinions - or at least voice an excerpt from our
stream of consciousness - we can feel insignificant and miss an
opportunity to gain wisdom by bouncing ideas off one another. If we
conform to “the norm” we can disregard, or worse, suppress our
individuality.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>Granted, unity is important but if it is an excuse to
not think for oneself – to be lethargic and not have an opinion –
it is useless.
</i></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Opinions come from interpretation which
is the result of our individual life experiences. To voice a thought
or idea is the epitome of creating from uniqueness. It is our
brain-child that should be loved and cultivated to maturity. One day,
it can even be an influential game-changer in universal ideology, thus
continuing the saga of progressive thought in our dynamic human
existence.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Don't settle for second best. Think for
yourself and stick out from the rest.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1219709226313300637.post-75573243308873154892013-03-04T08:52:00.000-05:002013-06-10T15:08:37.704-04:00*****SELECTED SPARKS*****<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>25 Sparks of Inspiration for Today and Everyday:</i></span><br />
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtNE11GM9TI4SRPQS9QTStHX9d1YYohLDWAhRhRUGm9rhVCEKy09eSr2ipWIzokU5H2rioH-L2aeTc-_kf3kXbx8VMNptJKDoRoyR5PswGu_Jvu5p4lBGMH4TJwWcqntEevH_JTYuflnA/s1600/f_aboutsparksm_bb07e66.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtNE11GM9TI4SRPQS9QTStHX9d1YYohLDWAhRhRUGm9rhVCEKy09eSr2ipWIzokU5H2rioH-L2aeTc-_kf3kXbx8VMNptJKDoRoyR5PswGu_Jvu5p4lBGMH4TJwWcqntEevH_JTYuflnA/s640/f_aboutsparksm_bb07e66.gif" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">1) You are already GREAT. You are only getting GREATER.</span><br />
<div style="min-height: 14px;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">2) Opposition is inevitable. If not internally, it will come externally.</span><br />
<div style="min-height: 14px;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">3) Be wary of what you take seriously. It can either be your greatest success or your biggest failure.</span><br />
<div style="min-height: 14px;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">4) Chances are, you already know what needs to be done.</span><br />
<div style="min-height: 14px;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">5) Anxiety is neutral. It can either drive you to success or insanity.</span><br />
<div style="min-height: 14px;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">6) Life is a series of sensations.</span><br />
<div style="min-height: 14px;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">7) In life, you should give twice as much as you take - except for knowledge.</span><br />
<div style="min-height: 14px;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">8) Sometimes, it just takes some time.</span><br />
<div style="min-height: 14px;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">9) Don't be ashamed of your childhood conditioning - learn from it.</span><br />
<div style="min-height: 14px;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">10) Everything is perfect. The Universe may just be realigning you into harmony.</span><br />
<div style="min-height: 14px;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">11) Never be afraid to learn from a child. Their honesty and simplicity is invaluable.</span><br />
<div style="min-height: 14px;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">12) Know when to say NO.</span><br />
<div style="min-height: 14px;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">13) Don't take anything personally. </span><br />
<div style="min-height: 14px;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">14) Take everything in stride. And don't be afraid to yield. </span><br />
<div style="min-height: 14px;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">15) Don't focus on first impressions. Look for lasting impressions.</span><br />
<div style="min-height: 14px;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">16) No drug can produce a greater feeling than love and hard work. Ironically, they are one and the same.</span><br />
<div style="min-height: 14px;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">17) Turn your desires into goals and keep your goals on your mind at all times.</span><br />
<div style="min-height: 14px;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">18) Don't make assumptions. Communicate.</span><br />
<div style="min-height: 14px;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">19) Never miss an opportunity as lame as it may be. </span><br />
<div style="min-height: 14px;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">20) First THINK. Then think POSITIVE.</span><br />
<div style="min-height: 14px;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">21) Emotions are our greatest resource. </span><br />
<div style="min-height: 14px;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">22) Live as if all your dreams have already come true.</span><br />
<div style="min-height: 14px;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">23) Work with the tools you have picked up in life and build something for yourself.</span><br />
<div style="min-height: 14px;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">24) If you think in terms of change, new opportunities will arise.</span><br />
<div style="min-height: 14px;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">25) We are all given the gift of time. What will you do with yours?</span><br />
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Have a great day! :D</span><br />
<br /></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1219709226313300637.post-57431212747192124392013-03-02T17:54:00.000-05:002013-03-02T17:54:31.538-05:00Knowing When to Say NO:<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">"A 'NO' uttered from the deepest conviction is better than a 'YES' merely uttered to please, or worse, to avoid trouble."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">-Mahatma Gandhi </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We all know those people. The ones who are so kind to others that they neglect their own needs. The agreeable ones who passively shy away from opinions, not wanting to dance on anyone's toes.The sycophantic, brown-nosing, "doormats" whose kindness is mistaken for weakness and is frequently taken advantage of. The ones who are sweet enough to say yes but not strong enough to say no.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In a perverse way it seems admirable. Kindness makes the world go 'round and the gift of giving is a lofty and noble trait worthy of praise and applause. But if left unchecked, seemingly positive actions can actually be detrimental and irresponsible. Maybe even too nice, these do-gooders can quickly slip into resentfulness if they don't find a balance. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The truth is we all have an internal world. We live with our own thoughts, desires, responsibilities, and troubles. Therefore, we are responsible for ourselves and our wellbeing. Our own priorities come first. It would be foolish, for example, to try and give counsel to others if you have not yet achieved mental health or for a country to give large sums of foreign aid if their own citizens need assistance. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Narcissistic or egocentric? Negative. It's called self-advocacy. We need to be assertive and forthcoming because - the harsh reality is - in real life, other people may not be as generous and helping as we are to them. While it may have negative connotations, a self-advocate knows that in today's cutthroat and highly competitive world every individual needs to look after themselves and take life into their own hands. When put into perspective, this individualistic approach is healthy and responsible and highlights how special kindness and generosity truly are. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's so easy to love a stranger. But If you really want to love humanity, first love YOURSELF. Then find it in your heart to love your family, friends, classmates, co-workers, community members, and so on. First love, clean-up, care for, and fix your internal world before you set out on the journey to save the planet. Focus on yourself, then pan out to others.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The knowledge is elementary but in practice it may be challenging, especially when emotions are involved. For caregivers, philanthropists, teachers, parents, friends, lovers, and countless others, the idea of unbalanced giving and generosity can be horrific. Codependency can be maddening and caving to the pressure of theatric cries and pleading can be embarrassing and frustrating. While everything is relative, trusting your instincts and confidently making a judgement call can help you properly provide for those in need and subsequently save your sanity. As the Chinese proverb goes: "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime." </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">One of the niceties of being nice is knowing when and how to exercise kindness. When generosity, sycophancy, and submissiveness become routine it can lead to a lifestyle of pressure, expectations, and codependency.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A YES MAN, IF UNABLE TO SAY NO, IS NOT A FREE MAN. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Don't fall into a trap. Find an equilibrium and GIVE it all you got.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">"The oldest and shortest words - 'yes' and 'no' - are those which require the most thought."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">-Pythagoras </span><br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1219709226313300637.post-56157779169289819262013-02-01T02:14:00.000-05:002013-07-14T16:15:28.052-04:00Sharing in the Joy of Others:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH7FzC4W8i4Nflad03FMSeYA8VHKRrlVQmi1M8kWD0EOKVo4Hmv_WZn7ZGCPP5-nTS02ZkQvdAoJ_H848IeKCWJ3AcUdA-JSV_hul5lKhniejDiQvpwaiuexzmMPKKn8jAYa2InTyf4Ng/s1600/happy-graduates.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH7FzC4W8i4Nflad03FMSeYA8VHKRrlVQmi1M8kWD0EOKVo4Hmv_WZn7ZGCPP5-nTS02ZkQvdAoJ_H848IeKCWJ3AcUdA-JSV_hul5lKhniejDiQvpwaiuexzmMPKKn8jAYa2InTyf4Ng/s640/happy-graduates.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">"<i>Rastaman vibration, yeah! (Positive!)</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>That's what we got to give...</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>Positive vibration, yeah! (Positive!)</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>Got to have a good vibe!</i>"</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-Bob Marley, <i>'Positive Vibration'</i></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There is a woman that I work with, I'll call her Lisa, who is a supercharged human being. Like the Energizer Bunny, she is indefatigably bouncing around and is almost always bright as the sun. Lisa is an intense individual and is always on the move to do something. It's actually quite funny to see her in action. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">When I first met Lisa I was taken aback. I am too proud to admit that I was intimidated by her but I remember thinking “Whoa, this lady is intense!” You can either hop on board one of her projects or get out of the way because she will run you over like a freight train.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I was also more reserved when I originally met Lisa. It was my first day and I was in foreign territory and a bit nervous of my new responsibilities. But that soon changed after a brief (VERY FAST) dialogue with her. Facing her was like electric-shock therapy and her ambitious eyes burned like an angry sun. But after the small-talk I felt different. Jolted, I soon became more energetic, confident, and solution oriented.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">How did this happen?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In my opinion, one of the most fascinating aspects of the human being is that we all have an electromagnetic frequency that we emit 24 hours a day. This vibration (or "vibe" if you're really hip) can be positive or negative, strong or weak - even coherent or otherwise - but never neutral. Life is dynamic and constantly in motion. Rarely is anything static, especially when it pertains to the body and mind. We literally radiate energy on a consistent basis. Depending on the receptivity or social prowess of those around us, our own frequency can be picked up on by others. In the case of my conversation with Lisa, her electromagnetic field and my receptivity, influenced me for the better. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">(This is not psychic or spiritual phenomenon - it's science. Where New-Age and pseudoscientific thought come in is the belief that that our vibrations and frequencies directly affect the things around us. That our thoughts and intentions will influence the tone of our writing, flavor of our cooking, or outcome of our exercise. That our attitudes will play a role in how we are received by others and countless other aspects of our lives. Or that OUR atmospheres are directly correlated to the the actual atmosphere or that we really are ONE atmosphere. Whether or not you believe in that is your prerogative :D )</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Influence and receptivity are the two key words. There is so much out there that we can be influenced by. Music, lights, the media, the weather, the general "mood", and numerous other people, places, and things can all have tremendous clout and these factors can really affect how we feel, think, speak, and act. By opening our minds to the vibrations, frequencies, and atmospheres around us, we can experience an immeasurable amount of happiness, triumph, excitement, love, bliss, and peace. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Sound too good to be true? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Picture for a moment what would happen if, one early Summer afternoon, you walked down the street of a High School. You hear cheering, applause, and chatter from inside and you realize that they are in the midst of a graduation ceremony. Would that make you smile or reflect on your own achievement? </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">If not, continue walking down the street. You see a cute couple holding hands and laughing in the distance. As they pass you, in their own bubble of love, they both catch your eye and adoringly smile back as you walk by. Would you feel happy for them and wish them the best?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Or even a casual scenario that you stumble upon such as the one below:</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZtxEKFCM4L2qP93dL770D2cHAsjFPXeJvxHyNGGEwdlSWdDdch7gwZRisgDN4kWAVBjPQZ-wOtda6SkhyphenhyphenvadsWSR0SM6qtfbdaK4yK8Ihj9eazICBLtpEQgNOdPyDVNr2YKBMINDfk14/s1600/DSC03245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZtxEKFCM4L2qP93dL770D2cHAsjFPXeJvxHyNGGEwdlSWdDdch7gwZRisgDN4kWAVBjPQZ-wOtda6SkhyphenhyphenvadsWSR0SM6qtfbdaK4yK8Ihj9eazICBLtpEQgNOdPyDVNr2YKBMINDfk14/s640/DSC03245.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Photo Credit: Sparks of David Photography</i> </b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Would you stop and add to the music, fun, and good vibes?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The answer could be no. Perhaps you have feelings of jealousy or maybe High School wasn't as fun for you as others, or perhaps you just aren't thinking along those lines. But it is an opportunity to share in the joy of others. These are simply triggers, a potential springboard to fresh thought or fond memory that you can indulge in. Other events and triggers - if you let them in - can offer positivity, optimism, hope, or faith if you have the proper attitude. They can even change your day!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The opposite is also true. Have you ever been in public and watched a parent chastise and physically discipline a child? Seen somebody cry? Listened to a talk-show-host go on a rant about public policy? These can all inhibit strong venomous emotions and feelings and if not properly regulated, can cause unnecessary harm to ourselves. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Part of what makes us all unique is our ability to accept or reject these charges into our lives. We must be aware and differentiate when to filter out these influences and when to embrace their power. It is through this balance that we become true masters of our thoughts, feelings, and emotions. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Pick the right charge. Have a good vibe. :D</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>"Find someone who's turning</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>And you will come around"</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">-Neil Young, <i>'Don't Let it Bring You Down'</i></span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1219709226313300637.post-19602292207609614672013-01-06T23:31:00.000-05:002013-01-06T23:31:16.835-05:00A New Year for Unity and Action:<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">“Inaction is cowardice… I do not see how any man can afford,
for the sake of his nerves and his nap, to spare any action in which he can
partake.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">HAPPY NEW YEAR!!</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And what a glorious New Years it was. As I stood with my
friends, in the crowded streets of NYC, and as close to Times Square as humanly
possible, I took it all in. The pretty lights and people, the fireworks, the excitement
and anticipation for the new year. It was electric. The street corners were
littered with law enforcement officers but to no avail. A potent odor of alcohol
and marijuana smoke hung in the air and in an atmosphere not uncommon to NYC,
the roads became lawless and licentious. Party hats in tow, hundreds of
thousands of people flocked to the streets to celebrate the completion of yet
another prosperous year and start of a new cycle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Then, in the midst of it all, it struck me. Why all the
hype? I hope to not sound like a buzz-kill but New Years is simply symbolic. We
may flip the calendar to a new page but many of us still have tremendous
responsibilities. We wake up and eat and work and study. There are planes to
catch and bills to pay and diapers to change and papers to write. For many of
us, our daily lives and their routines remained unaltered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So what changes? Enter: The New Year’s resolution.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Resolutions for changes in our lives can be implemented and part
of what makes New Years so grand is our ability to view the day as a new
beginning; a fresh start and springboard into a better lifestyle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Many people may have personal resolutions but I believe that
that there is one thing that we can all universally strive for as a whole.
Something that we cannot achieve ALONE, nor with our own determination and
drive.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">UNITY. To be united – not divided. To participate and not be
alone. To find strength in numbers and grow as a group. To be a team player.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Joining a commUNITY, of any type, is an excellent opportUNITY
to GET INVOLVED. Whether socializing with friends and family, joinng a team or
club, brainstorming with co-workers, study partners, or boardmembers, active
participation is the outlet that can bring out the best of our capabilities and
actualize our talents. It gives us an opportUNITY to express our interests and
get our voices heard. It puts us on the map – so to speak – and keeps us on our
toes. It keeps us active, alert, and responsible while enabling us to achieve
the human connection that we naturally strive for. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I believe there is a common misconception that by joining a
commUNITY, unit, or board we compromise our individuality. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In fact, it promotes our individuality. We can contribute our
fresh output and creativity - through thought, speech, and deed – that directly
defines the many facets of and intricate aspects of our personalities. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ironically, what truly impedes the expression of our individuality
is hiding it from the world. Much like what would happen if one were to plant a
tree in a flower pot – if we isolate – we limit ourselves and our worth to the confines
of our caves.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It is so much easier to sleep in, or keep quiet, or not move
but it is selfish acts like keeping our abilities locked away in our comfort
zones that prevent us from thriving on both personal and communal levels.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Fear,
an inescapable illusion, is bred by ignorance and laziness and is many times
self-imposed. Any attempt at more extroverted activity will naturally cause
more opportunities to arise and greatly enhance the quality and quantity of our lives.
The secret of living is not only giving, but sacrificing the self and cremating
the comfort found in laziness and lethargy. We thrive through breaking the barriers
that bind us to our beds. The more we disassociate ourselves from the law of
gravity – which prevents us from raising to new heights – the merrier our lives
become.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sometimes, you just need an excuse to turn over a new leaf. That
excuse can be this New Year but more importantly everyday you wake up in the
morning. In reality, we can make a resolution everyday. Everyday is a new shot;
another New Years so to speak. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">HAPPY NEW YEAR? NO. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://belovedconsoler.blogspot.com/2012/11/today-is-new-day_19.html">HAPPY NEW DAY!!</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">It’s a new year<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">A new month<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">A new week<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">A new day<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">A new hour<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">A new minute<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">A new second<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">A new moment<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">A new life<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">So get out of bed and get involved.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1219709226313300637.post-64193321150965745232012-12-16T23:40:00.000-05:002012-12-17T00:44:10.033-05:00How 12-21-2012 Could Change Our Lives: <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">12-21-2012. This date has been on peoples’ minds recently and
has naturally been getting much media exposure. The day is the reported last
day of the ancient Mayan calendar and in combination with other Mayan beliefs, has led many to believe that something tremendous will affect us all. This
cryptic day of ones and twos has led an innumerable amount of people around the
world to believe that a series of transformative events – whether apocalyptic or Utopian – will occur in the form of celestial transitions, theological
revelations, or a change in universal consciousness. Whatever the case may be,
many are hopeful that something drastic will happen and it will undoubtedly be
an exciting day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I refuse to debunk it as a myth because, quiet frankly, anyone
who claims to know what will or will not happen on a future date is arrogant
and disillusioned. Uncertainty is a universal phenomenon and like many things
in life, our future needs to just play out and requires patience. But there is
overwhelming evidence that would lead one to think that this is just another
pipe-dream that fuels the fires of hype and fright throughout the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I’m sure we all remember the Y2K scare in 2000 but that is
just a drop of water in the ocean of end-of-days predictions and date setters. (I
was originally going to write some examples but it became too exhaustive.) In
short, there are over 250 <a href="http://www.bible.ca/pre-date-setters.htm">historically documented</a> doomsday dates, false
messiahs and second comings, raptures, and miscalculations.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This outrageous
number is embarrassing and it highlights how so many have grossly taken advantage
of the natural human desire for liberation and connection. But many really
believed their convictions. When they allowed their entire lives to revolve around
one date – only to see it pass without monumental changes – they committed
suicide or lost their sense of life’s purpose and direction. Much like what
happens when you violently shake a snow-globe that has been untouched; their
confident and settled beliefs soon turned chaotic and wreaked havoc on their
minds.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Why are we so addicted to this phenomenon? It literally
blows my mind and I can’t wrap my head around it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Surely this is a universal infatuation. From the search for
extra-terrestrial life on other planets, paranormal activity, and doomsday
prophesies to conspiracy theories, espionage, and beautiful blood-sucking
vampires that thrive at twilight, nothing gives life a surge of excitement
quite like mystery, mysticism, folk-lore and the unknown. Could this just be
another part of the trill of it all?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Perhaps, subconsciously, many of us want a revolution in our
lives. Some drastic event that would change our daily routines, break down the
barriers of human interaction and connection, and pave the way for something
new. Something that would shake our realities and send humankind on a thrilling
new tract.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Either way, I think 12-21-2012 and new years can be a great
opportunity for us all. Like any day, it can be a bigger turning point in our
lives than we could ever imagine.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Maybe we just need an opportunity to forgive or apologize or
reconnect with a friend or family-member. Perhaps we need an excuse to be honest,
ask questions, break fear, and take a stand. Maybe we need a reason to try
something new, break a bad habit, or start that new exercise regimen. It could
be that we’re waiting for the right moment to tell that special someone how we
REALLY feel about them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In that case, make today, the 21<sup>st</sup>, or New Years THAT day. If you knew you were going to die soon what would you want to say or do?
It’s the biggest motivation. Also, a New Years resolution is a perfect
opportunity to start something new or finally get it done. So, take a healthy
risk! It will change the course of your life and pave the way for new and
exciting moments that have never been experienced before.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Sometimes, you just need an excuse.</span><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And who knows, maybe our lives really will change on
12-21-2012… ;D</span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1219709226313300637.post-30217904169725215352012-12-12T23:20:00.000-05:002012-12-12T23:20:13.781-05:00Hi, I'm Human: We're All in This Together <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">There is a longstanding philosophical dialogue about how we identify with ourselves and who we are. Most times, if you meet someone new they will tell you their name, profession, and where they are from. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">It's no wonder that many people identify themselves this way. This small talk gives others a glimpse into our lives -where we are coming from and where we are going - without divulging too much personal information. While some believe it is an ethical imperative to not solely identify people by what they do for a living, the aforementioned practices are an accepted form of social etiquette. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;">But there is a fine line between formalities and fallacies.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">My experiences in the professional world have shown me that many people are living a facade. Yes, we all fake it at times and many of us are damn good actors. Sometimes, we have to be. But I think that some people need a reminder that we are all human. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I was recently assigned an article for the magazine I write for that will be featured in an upcoming issue on influential women in the workforce. The article is a profile on a woman who works for a government organization called FEMA which has recently merged with the United States Department of Homeland Security. As I did some research to write the paper, I found myself rolling my eyes at some of the past professional positions she held: </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;">Applicant Services Manager for the Maryland National Processing Service Center<br /><br />Disaster Assistance Employee for the Department of the Interior’s South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force<br /><br />Special Assistant to the Acting Deputy Director of the Inter-Agency National Disaster Housing Task Force</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">“What does that even mean??” I asked myself rhetorically. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">After further research, I saw it all as a thought-out game. It was as if they are playing one big performance – like on Broadway - with acting and formalities. Characters that have funny names and hide behind masks and big words. It’s one big behemoth amount of business-like bull5#!7. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Yes, I do understand the need for professionalism and intellectual formalities, and I mean no disrespect to the government agencies that provide for the people, but I try to find a balance so I don't get stuck playing "the game". </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">We are emotional creatures. Show some life! Unfortunately, we live in a society where many people suppress there emotions because they think emotions are a sign of weakness. This is false and if used properly, our emotions can single-handedly be the greatest tool we can work with in our lives. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Personally, I don’t think that we can afford to be too haughty. Many of the commodities that we enjoy in society are relatively new: the gadgets, the fashion, the media revolution, even basic liberties and forms of civility. Not too long ago women and blacks didn't have equal rights and in many places throughout the world they still don't. The terrors of the holocaust and other wars and genocides throughout the world can still be felt today and in parts of the world atrocious, barbaric, and simply unfair acts take place on a daily basis. The fact that I can type this up on a subway, sharing a train with women, Asians, Moslems, blacks, Europeans and countless others is nothing short of miraculous. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I’m not minimizing our growth as a people but our history should put things into perspective.</span></span><div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /></span><div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Aside from the newfound glory we experience from our technological treasures and other freedoms, there are universal bonds that connect us all.<br /><br />Many of us have experienced our fair share of teenage angst, love and loss, struggle and internal battle, pain and sensation, joy and laughter, self-doubt, and hard work. Uncertainty and the inability to predict the future is a universal phenomenon. Strangers can share a laugh. It’s part of the human experience – which we share. We all make mistakes. We are all somebody’s child. We have a heart in our chests! Why so serious? LIGHTEN UP.<br /><br />There are 7 billion people in the world, yet we cannot even agree on how we all got here. Sure we may have managed to find work, meaning, love, and fun but we were all thrown into existence, many times having to figure it out by ourselves. Rarely do we stop and think that we are moving 1000 mph on earth (trip on that!) and that it comes full circle every 24 hours. We are small. Don't get-ego death but it is true.<br /><br />As my good friend so eloquently put it:<br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">"Everybody poops."</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br />So don't hesitate to let your guard down and truly connect with the people around you. We may have a lot more in common than you think.<br /><br />Surely, we are all unique. But the people who truly understand their worth and are confident with who they REALLY are, don’t spend their energy playing pretend.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We are all part of the human race. Ideally, we can all find equilibrium and know when to put up our proverbial fences and when to let our guard down. How to not be too open and never be too closed. When to be professional and when to have personality.<br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Many thinkers have pleaded for the use of empathy and emotional intelligence in our interactions. These useful tools can strengthen ties that bind us together as emotional beings and pave the way for closer human connections that we all crave. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;">We are all human. We are all growing. We are all in this thing together.</span></span></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1219709226313300637.post-33585212592191904752012-12-04T17:23:00.000-05:002012-12-04T17:23:20.102-05:00What are you thinking about?<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The mind can be a very tricky thing. At times it can be
funny - other times it’s no laughing matter. On a personal note, I know that I need to take a balanced approach when dealing with my thoughts. Whether
trusting my instincts, entertaining memories, or analyzing my stream of
consciousness, I’ve found that, at times, I need to yield and not take my
thoughts too seriously.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">To a certain degree, if many of us placed our minds under a
microscope - judging them according to medical textbooks – we’d end up in the
loony bin:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Having trouble concentrating? You must have ADD<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Feeling down? Clinical depression<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Changes in mood? Bipolar disorder <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Have a change of attitude? Schizophrenia<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Dark thoughts?
Psychopath <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Don’t care? Sociopath <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Like things orderly? OCD</span><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">You may also have anger management issues, social phobias, substance
abuse issues, and autism… If you inspect your mind for flaws you will find what
you are looking for. Obviously, for most people, this is foolishness. We may
have extraneous thoughts and emotions but we’re not crazy! (Okay, mental
illnesses do exist in some people but only a diagnosis from a licensed
professional can determine that.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">From a psychological standpoint, it is not always wise to
suppress one’s thoughts or muffle their "inner voice". I have learned
from personal experience that if you constantly try to shut off your mind you
will one day be successful. This can be a terrifying experience! When you
finally want your identity back you will find that it's not so easy to start
the motor again and this can lead to dire consequences that will be manifested in
your personal, social, and work life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Our minds can be both our best friend and worst enemy. There
are so many factors that can affect our thought-processes and sometimes we may
feel that our thoughts just aren’t ours. However, if we want to enjoy the
benefits of positivity, clarity, understanding, creativity, depth, and social
finesse, we must learn to cope with the negativity, fear, doubt, low self-esteem,
and occasional fog we all experience from time to time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But is it safe to turn down our thoughts or at least ignore
them?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">An influential mentor of mine once told me that on some days
he's so plagued by negative thoughts that he has a "no thinking day".
Obviously, he doesn't just shut down because as a father, teacher, and
international self-help guru he has responsibilities. But when he knows what
needs to be done, yet is faced with his own venomous thoughts, he puts his mind
on the back burner and focuses on action.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>"Sometimes, you need to stop thinking and just do it.
Once you entertain negative thoughts you can lose confidence, increase doubt,
and even convince yourself not to do what you know needs to be done," he
said. “DON’T THINK - JUST DO.”</i></span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The opposite is also true. Sometimes, in life, I know
exactly what needs to be said or done but I’m faced with a combination of fear
and lethargy (the two go hand in hand.) In a way, laziness is the worst trait
to have. It’s a curse because I may KNOW exactly what needs to be done but
laziness will prevent me from doing so.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This is the phenomenon of opposition. Many times, if it
doesn’t come from outside influences it will come from within. But when you
need to act, you may just have to ignore the resistance. Many people have the
ability to do many great things – it just requires work. At times, you just
need to do what you need to do regardless of how you feel, what your fear is
telling you, or what others say. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And remember:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">When the mind says go and the body says no just remember
who's in charge!</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1219709226313300637.post-7690936671458259832012-12-02T23:45:00.000-05:002012-12-02T23:45:22.803-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1219709226313300637.post-61929900149974853972012-11-29T15:01:00.000-05:002012-11-29T15:01:00.015-05:00Sometimes, Life Hurts:<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As I write this, I’m sitting in a small café by the bay in
New York City. After the subway got stuck in a tunnel and sat idle for over
20 minutes, I got off and ran to the bus-stop where I intended to travel back
home for the weekend. When I frantically reached the platform, huffing and
puffing and with fire in my eyes, the ticket manager could barely look me in
the face as he told me I had missed the bus by only a few minutes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There is an old saying “when life gives you lemons - make
lemonade”. I’ll be honest; I didn’t think that at the time. I petitioned for a
new slogan “when life gives you lemons, squeeze them in the eye of the closest
person next to you”. I was a bit bummed by the unavoidable blunder but I soon
focused on maintaining a mature mindset. So I set out to make use of the
plentiful free time I found myself with. Thankfully, I can catch the next departing bus
in only a couple of hours and for only a small fee.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As I settled in and collected myself, I had an insight. I think
you can relate:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sometimes, it hurts. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It hurts when you miss your bus<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It hurts when you run in the wrong direction<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It hurts when you get your hopes up only to have them shot
down<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It hurts when you get laughed at or ridiculed<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It hurts when you don’t say or do something because you’re
afraid<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It hurts when you hurt others<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It hurts when people don’t return your calls or emails<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It hurts when you fail, slip up, or make a mistake<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It hurts when there’s too much work to be done<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It hurts when you can’t practice what you preach<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It hurts when you’re late for something important<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It hurts when you love someone who doesn’t care much for you
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It hurts when you feel like a stranger<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It hurts when you get chastised or yelled at<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It hurts when you need to do something you don’t want to<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It hurts when you lose control<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It hurts when people don’t appreciate your hard work<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It hurts when you care for somebody more than they care for
themselves<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It hurts when people just don’t get it<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It hurts when you try to do something nice but it crumbles
to the ground<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It hurts when you get abused, cheated, or lied to<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It hurts when you’re stuck<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It hurts when you’re out of luck<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It hurts when you forget to duck<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It hurts when you just don’t give a <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sometimes, life hurts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But it’s worth it to BE positive when things don’t work out
because, quite frankly, the alternative can really suck and make the situation
a lot worse. Focus on a positive solution and never lose HOPE. Make one more
effort and don’t give in. It's a thoughtful and proactive decision, deserving of recognition and applause.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Although, sometimes, there is nothing that can be done and
you must helplessly watch as things transpire before your eyes. Incompetence can
be a terrible feeling but take the hit. Face it boldly and keep on truckin’. You
will get through it and there are good times around the bend.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Pain is temporary – it will pass.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sometimes, it just takes some time.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1219709226313300637.post-58539866656771878602012-11-19T23:16:00.000-05:002013-05-28T08:14:58.132-04:00ENERGY, ANXIETY, & EXPRESSION:<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>“Unexpressed emotions will never die. They are buried alive and will come forth later in uglier ways”</i><o:p></o:p></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>-Sigmund Freud</b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Basic physics teaches us that we cannot destroy energy. But
what is energy? Scientific technicalities aside, (and
for the sake of this article) energy is potential for human action. Force,
drive, vitality; call it as you wish, but since you can’t destroy energy it can
only be transformed or exerted into activity.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Traditionally, the term <i>ANXIETY</i> is defined as the feeling of
worry, fear, dread, or uneasiness. I’m not a medical authority but I disagree.
Anxiety is <i><b>energy</b></i>. Surely, once someone entertains their negative thoughts the
energy is used to fuel bad feelings, but the charge itself isn’t harmful.
Energy is not good or bad - it’s <i>neutral</i>. It is only when the charge is
directed that it takes on a constructive or destructive purpose. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">One of the most important techniques to develop in life is
the ability to express oneself. Without expression, our thoughts, feelings, and
emotions - all energy - don’t have an escape route and are trapped in the body.
Human energy needs expression – to air out, if you will. If we try to suppress our
energy chances are it will manifest itself somehow in some other area of our lives.
And it is how this energy is expressed that will determine if the action is
constructive or destructive.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">If our body’s energy is not properly
expressed it could have a detrimental affect on our emotional and physical
wellbeing. If we don’t have the proper positive attitude, the energy will only
fuel the opposite negative side of us. Instead of using our energies in the
pursuit of happiness, knowledge, creativity, or to give, the force will feed
brooding, fear, shame, and low self-esteem. These consequences will not only
harm the mind but also the body. Negativity is known to zap the body’s energy
and can make one feel lousy, sluggish, weak, and unmotivated. This is why many
people sleep when they are depressed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Caffeine, the most commonly used drug in the world, is well
known for its stimulant effect. Somewhat of an illusion, caffeine gives people
<i>MORE</i> energy and if this extra boost isn’t channeled properly the affects can be
even more harmful. If your body is tense when you drink your morning coffee you
may be in for a bad day. If your over-stimulated blood is not flowing freely
through relaxed muscles it can cause tension, discomfort, irritability, and
heart rhythm problems. This usually puts the person in a negative mindset and
those bad thoughts will spiral down faster, stronger, and scarier. If this
hyper-negativity isn’t stopped soon the extra energy may manifest itself in
anger, destructive and irrational behavior, or sexual frustration. Since eating
and swallowing increase the heart rate, your body will trick you into hunger
and you may want to gorge yourself with food because the extra energy has nowhere
to go and it wants out. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Fortunately, for many, there is a cure for this downward
spiral. Positive thinking, relaxation, stretching, and light cardio can get the
blood flowing freely. Personally, I do yoga throughout the day to relax and
stay loose and I know others who hum, sing, dance, laugh, or meditate when they
are feeling uncomfortably wired or anxious. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">A not-so-close friend of mine once took a decent amount of the drug MDMA for “recreational use”. I ran into him about an hour later and he was
clenching, grinding his teeth, and in a dramatic fit as he bemoaned how bad his
life was. “My life sucks, I’m so depressed, I’m such a crack-head, My mother
doesn’t love me…” He looked terrible. I immediately recognized what was
happening. I ran over to him, sat him down, massaged his back and
shoulders, and told him to get a grip. No more than a minute later he was
glowing with bliss and radiating love and happiness! Clearly, he was so tense
that the drug only made him more uncomfortable as he continued rolling down a dark
road. He wouldn’t stop thanking me... <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">(This was to prove a point and wasn’t meant to offer a
failsafe way to use narcotics. Drugs are bad. M’kay?)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Whether or not you use drugs (legal or illegal) our bodies
need to express the energy that is running through our veins. Most importantly,
the energy that comes from our minds – like from memories, feelings, and
desires – must also be expressed in some form or another.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">There are an
innumerable amount of things that can be bugging us out in life: <i>Our past,
present, or future, friends and family, school, career, money, problems with
our Spirituality and personal philosophy, depression, fear, war, love or lack
of love, feelings of inadequacy, social issues, guilt, drama, addiction,
boredom, facial acne, lack of direction, health issues, pain and past trauma, bereavement,
not living up to our own expectations, obesity or eating disorders, resentment,
troubles with the law, male pattern baldness, self mutilation, lack of justice,
peer-pressure, hormones…</i> The list goes on and on. (I purposely excluded “stress”
because it is simply potential energy.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Whether or not our troubles can be immediately fixed, they
need to be EXPRESSED! We cannot allow them to swim around our psyches and zap
up our ENERGY! We owe it to ourselves to free our minds from their constant
bombardment and intrusion into our daily (and nightly) lives.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">For as many problems that exist there are ways to express
them. Whether using thought, speech, or action there is a way. Maybe you don’t
feel comfortable speaking to a friend, family member, spouse, or therapist? So
speak to yourself or your Higher Power or write it down. Can’t find the words?
Hum, sing, paint it in a picture, or create music, food, or whatever from the
emotions that you feel. Exercise, dance or go crazy. Boogie - woogie it out of
you. Cry if you have to. Personally, I
enjoy writing but there have been times where I filled
up whole stacks of papers with my junk and then burned them in a fire. Not
everything we think has to be said and not everything we write needs to be
published. Sometimes, things are private or scary or humiliating or gross. But
we can still get it out of our mind’s eye without exposing the secrets of our
Soul to society.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">When we are painfully honest with ourselves and express our deepest and darkest emotions, we can attain higher levels of our personality
that were previously inaccessible. We can gain tremendous personal clarity
and literally free up space in our brains for novel thoughts and ideas. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And if you’re really cool, you can catch yourself in a
high-octane negative moment and reverse the charge by thinking, speaking, or
acting positive with determination. The momentum will still be there and you
can hit the ground running in a more positive direction. You can turn darkness
into light and have it guide you through a great life. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1219709226313300637.post-45764943427163845042012-11-19T01:40:00.000-05:002012-11-19T01:40:58.031-05:00Today is a New Day:<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">"But this is not my time to go</span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Grace has brought us another day</span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">But if tomorrow were to bring my turn</span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">What would I leave unsaid?</span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">What would I leave undone?</span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">What would I leave behind?"</span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> - String Cheese Incident 'SIRENS' </span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Today is a new day with new opportunities:</span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">To think</span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">To speak</span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">To act</span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>To create</b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>To exercise</b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>To laugh</b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>To be free</b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>To be me</b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>To believe in myself</b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>To love myself</b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>To care for myself</b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>To trust myself</b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>To introduce myself to myself</b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>To have faith</b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>To give thanks</b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>To connect with friends and family</b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>To connect with a community, a unit</b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>To develop a lifestyle</b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>To achieve or at least pursue my goals</b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>To try new things</b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>To express myself</b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>To be happy and experience pleasure</b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>To grow and feel good in the process</b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>To love - to hope</b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>To hope to love</b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>To see what I am capable of </b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>To pursue knowledge, clarity, and understanding</b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>To better myself</b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>To face reality</b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>To face my fears</b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>To break barriers</b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>To love - to give</b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>To give to love</b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>To contribute in conversation</b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>To pray</b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>To meditate</b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>To break bad habits</b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>To make good habits</b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>To use my imagination</b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>To reach out </b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>To get involved</b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>To be a leader</b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>To change the world</b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>To realize who I am</b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>To recognize who I am not</b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>To identify with who I want to become</b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>To find rhythm</b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>To ask</b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>To listen</b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>To learn</b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>To be aware </b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>To pursue my dreams, goals, and ambitions</b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>To be responsible</b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>To be positive</b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>To give it one more shot</b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>To make one more effort</b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>To live life </b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>TODAY</b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Have a great day :D</b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1219709226313300637.post-83451727266073188912012-11-14T23:31:00.001-05:002012-11-14T23:31:50.609-05:00The Illusion of Age: <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Age is a number that represents the amount of time someone
has spent in this world. It in no way represents how much knowledge or
experience one has gained during that period. Age does not equal capability.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I don't feel my age. I never have. Some-days I feel like I'm
35. Other days I feel as if I'm 95. On occasion, I feel 15 years old but never
do I feel my age.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Awhile ago, in conversation, my mother told me something
enlightening:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">"Age is just a mindset," she said.</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Truer words have never been spoken! Throughout the world
there are men and women in their old age that run marathons, play with their
grandchildren, and pretend to be young. They never stop embracing life. My
friend’s 85 year old grandfather works daily, travels the world, and plays golf
– he’s still got it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The opposite is also true. I know teenagers and young adults
that are as unproductive and incompetent as paralyzed patients in a nursing
home, while others are innovators (think: Facebook) or on their way to become tomorrow's world leaders. Anthony Difruscia, who I recently interviewed for the <a href="http://www.thesuitmagazine.com/law-politics/legal/21798-litigious-lawyer-a-political-powerhouse.html">magazine</a> I
write for, was elected Massachusetts State Representative at the young age of
26! Age is just a glorified detail of life that holds little to no importance
unless you’re trying to buy alcohol or collect social security checks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's important to recognize that we have the power of
choice. We may not be in control of all aspects of our lives but we can
certainly choose how we live with them. By turning one’s desires into goals and
actively pursuing their dreams, anyone can thrive in life regardless of age. Attitude
is the key and nothing impedes growth more than thinking “I am still a child”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, what separates the men from the boys?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">WISDOM.</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Keeping aware, learning from history's mistakes, and at
least thinking about the advice of those who care about us can actually give us
the experience without ever going through the motions. It streamlines the
growth process, builds character, and can thwart avoidable setbacks in life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, keep an open mind and learn from everyone and
everything. Even if what you learn is what NOT to do, that's half the battle…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Never hesitate to learn from a child. Sometimes their
honesty and simplicity is what we really need in our lives. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">After all, “AGE IS JUST A MINDSET”</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1219709226313300637.post-38185347319623191632012-11-08T19:38:00.001-05:002012-11-08T19:38:25.977-05:00HIGH expectations -- LOW self esteem<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">“When you want more than you have<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">You think you need<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">And when you think more than you want <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Your thoughts begin to bleed…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">…Find a bigger place<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">‘cos when you have more than you think<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">You need more space…” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">-Eddie Vedder’s ‘’Society’’</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">A mentor of mine relayed to me an insight from his brother,
a prominent psychiatrist. He told me of a unique type of low self-esteem that
is masked by over-achievement.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>When one is too ambitious, yet does not live up to their own
expectations, they feel deflated.</i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">This can be tricky because we live in an ambitious society.
Our world is amplified, fast paced, and in constant motion. We are living in
the most advanced period in history. Along with this honor, privilege, and responsibility
come the demands, expectations and pressures of keeping up with the “norm”. Everyone
loves a challenge but it requires honesty, a constant balance, and the ability to
yield in this supercharged society we all dwell in. While we should never
UNDERESTIMATE ourselves, we cannot OVERESTIMATE ourselves either. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Similarly, another snafu can send us spiraling down the
slippery slope of low self esteem: The Control Freak. If we expect to be in
control of every aspect of our lives we will be harshly reminded that it is not
so and if we set the bar unrealistically high we will feel unworthy due to our
incompetence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Chances are if you are ambitious you will achieve a lot in
life. After all, it’s a great mindset to have! But it may not come on our terms
or in our time-frames. In this fast paced society, we want results and we want
them quickly but we may be jumping the gun. As crazy as it sounds we may not be
able to handle our own dreams. That is the beauty of growth – it sticks. It
would be foolish to run a marathon without training properly or attempt to ace
a test without studying. One does not simply BECOME president of the United
States (although it sure seems like it sometimes!). One may have the potential
but it requires more to transform qualifications into actuality. To turn our
dreams into reality.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">In our “All or Nothing” society, it is important to remember
that every advancement made, in any area of life, builds our capacity for
greater things. Perhaps it’s building stamina, endurance, or experience and is
turning you into a more capable man or woman. Maybe it’s emotional weightlifting
that is opening new channels within your psyche and personality. Think of it as
a chance to prove that you can do it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Surely, this is all hypothesis and theory and like many
things in life, cannot be validated. We can’t fully understand life but we can
try. It all starts by customizing our own lives with the tips, tricks, tools
and techniques that we all pick up along the way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">HAVE A GREAT LIFE! :D</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1219709226313300637.post-51881834111182474422012-10-31T00:19:00.001-04:002012-10-31T00:19:51.212-04:00Debauchery and the Pursuit of Pleasure:<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Debauchery is defined as an extreme form of immorality and
an unbalanced form of indulgence in things that give person sensual pleasure.
Some examples include: Gluttonous gorging of food, excessive sexual activity
and physical companionship, extreme laziness and over-sleeping, drugs and
alcohol, risky thrills including gambling, and of course, <a href="http://belovedconsoler.blogspot.com/2012/09/emotion-addiction.html">emotion addiction</a>. In essence, debauchery is undoubtedly pleasurable. As stated above,
it’s sensational! But at what cost?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Epicurus (341-270 B.C.) the Greek philosopher writes: <i><b>"No pleasure is a bad thing in itself, but the things which
produce certain pleasures entail disturbances many times greater than the
pleasures themselves."</b></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Too much food can make one lazy and lethargic. Certain
substances can leave the user slow and foggy.
Gambling can leave you broke (or in debt) or lead to other bad behavior.
Debauchery can leave you lethargic, angry, empty, lonely, hazy, broke,
diseased, incarcerated, or all of the above. Shooting heroin sure looks like it
would feel fantastic! But not without the side affects that would infiltrate
your life, family, future, society, and the world at large. So, in short,
pleasure is not a BAD thing. Pleasure is just that. It’s pleasurable. But it
may not be worth it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Many forms of debauchery have a common theme – they are all
easy, comfortable, and short lived. But not all lasting pleasure is easy or
comfortable.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Other, more valuable types of pleasure are longer lasting
and worked for. For example, if you give your time and listen to someone who is
emotionally distraught or help the old lady cross the street or provide for the
needy to buy food, you are creating something everlasting. By giving, we not
only feel good once but are creating memories that can be accessed time and
time again and can continuously make us feel good. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Other types of long term pleasure can be an investment. Loving
and building human connections, consumption of knowledge, creativity, personal development…
these are all things that progress and grow with time and effort. Breaking
barriers, trying new things, and stepping out of our comfort zones give our
lives an element of mystery, excitement, and surprise. This sharply contrasts
with the almost mundane and predictable outcomes of debauchery.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Another, more specific type of investment for long term
pleasure is facing our demons and tackling issues that are so much easier to
ignore than take care of. By patching up our past - as daunting of a task as it
may be - we can attain levels of our personality that were previously inaccessible.
In short, make PEACE with your PAST so it doesn’t screw up your PRESENT. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">No vice, object, or drug can produce a greater feeling than
that of love and hard work. Ironically, they are one and the same…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Just because it’s easy it doesn’t mean that it’s worthwhile.
Real human growth comes from breaking routine, taking risks, and blasting past
the fear of failure and rejection. Life is change. But there is a big
difference between just being ALIVE and really LIVING. Let’s all make the
investment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">It's been a pleasure :D</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1219709226313300637.post-37451166637713119482012-10-13T21:55:00.000-04:002012-10-13T21:55:09.106-04:00The Delight of Human Nature:<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Throughout existence, there are many parallels and similarities that can be found between nature and human life. The following examples are part of what I believe is a “Majestic System” that is, simply, way over my head. Regardless, I will try and present it in an agreeable, informative, and poetically pleasing manner. I hope you enjoy reading this paper as much as I have found delight in writing it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The human mind is to the body as the universe is to planet earth. From an outsider’s point of view, the body is a physique frame with arms, legs, a torso, hair and other features. While the human body is nonetheless complex and intricate, it is the limitless mind that holds the information, memories, desires, and secrets of the person. While cloaked in the shell of a skull with hair, the brain is the motherboard of a human being.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">A resemblance can be found in regard to the relationship with planet earth and the universe. On a superficial level, planet earth is a green sphere with mountains, valleys, oceans, and fields. But it is the universe and its vast solar systems that have witnessed earth’s history; through our phases and experiments, our ups and downs. Just as the information in the brain is unseen, so is the vast majority of outer space.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The human eye – traditionally know as the gateway to the soul – shows others our emotion and experience; the epicenter of our personalities. But we can only catch a glimpse… In a striking similarity, we can peer into the perplexities of our vast universe when we look up into the sky on a clear night, yet, it has proven impossible to fully grasp the intricacies and infinitude of the cosmos. Furthermore, I find it mysteriously thrilling that the iris (color) of an elegant eye looks similar in appearance to a cluster of stars in a galaxy…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">PICTURE: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Photo Credit: Jessica Ossa Photography</span> </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">As a side note: The earth is 2/3 water and a healthy human body is 65% water. Our attitudes can be compared to nature’s four-fold seasons: Bright, fun Summer, the pitfalls of Fall, cold as Winter, or warm and growth-oriented like Spring. Albeit an illusion, nature sleeps with the absence of the sun much like a healthy human sleep schedule. Just as the globe spins without fail the human heart doesn’t miss a beat…</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Additionally, we cannot feel ourselves moving on this ever-spinning globe we dwell on. In parallel, we sometimes cannot appreciate or recognize the mammoth advancements we all make in our personal lives on a daily basis.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">In human life, unfortunate circumstances such as disease, accidents, or injustices can strike as unexpectedly as natural disasters occur in nature. A personal tragedy can shake our lives to the core, in ways similar to that of an earthquake. Just as destructive lava explodes out during a volcano’s eruption, a similar reaction – of our own emotions, words, and actions – may occur when angry or in a rage. Sometimes, our emotions are so unbearable that they manifest themselves through tears much like a torrential downpour. Other times, we are so full of passion that we sing or vocalize, in a strong wind, like a gust in a tornado or hurricane.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Water, grains, and produce – a divine charity – help plants, animals, and humans survive and grow. So too, a man’s seed and woman’s milk help create life and sustain, nourish, and cultivate it into development.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Besides for the obvious similarities that human beings have with animals – such as the need to sleep, eat, pass toxins, and the desire to procreate – humans share personality traits that are stereotypically found in animals: We all have the potential to be bold as a lion, swift as a deer, loyal as a penguin to its unborn offspring, or graceful as a gazelle prancing through the prairies. We can also be sneaky and conniving like a fox, lazy as a sloth, or stubborn as a mule. Or perhaps, like a parrot, we can offer lip-service to our family, friends, and acquaintances. Animals are merely the potential of humans and ultimately, we as humans, have the power to choose how we live our lives.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">A butterfly that is trying to emerge from its cocoon must first develop the strength to break out of its original protective shell. This requires tedious and painful work but, ultimately, it is this painstaking labor that gives the butterfly the fortitude to not only break out of the cocoon, but survive in the environment it is so desperately trying to push out into. Perhaps, this too, is the system that we, as humans, must battle in order to spread our wings and fly and emerge as successful and prosperous individuals in societal and personal life.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Much like plant-life, we have roots. Along with our ancestral origins, the ideas of our intellect, like a tree, will bear the fruits of creativity if watered properly. The seed that we plant is the seed that we sow - if we are so lucky to see the fruits of our labor…</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">These parallels prove that we are not only dependent on nature but we are one with nature. We share life and death, growth and beauty. But as humans, we are the intelligent life – the top of the food chain – and with power come responsibilities. We have the ability to use nature or abuse nature. To work with its systems or deny how influential they are in our lives.</span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1219709226313300637.post-59400179686539881552012-09-22T23:39:00.002-04:002012-09-23T02:12:36.055-04:00EMOTION ADDICTION:<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Emotions are basically feelings of the mind. There are an innumerable amount of emotions
that exist, each more complex than the other. The following is a tentative
list: Love, Anger, Enjoyment, Fear, Sadness, Surprise! Disgust, Shame,
Excitement, Boredom, and Optimism. Some
are neutral but most fall into categories of positive or negative.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Emotions play an important role in our lives. They are a
life-force that can be a springboard to take initiative and can give us the
drive, momentum, and desire to take action. Emotions can motivate us, give
meaning and emphasis to our words, and help us identify how we FEEL. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">FEEL is the key word. Emotions are sensations! Most emotions
create a feeling in the body and the more powerful the circumstance the bigger
the sensation will be.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I am not a licensed
psychologist nor am I a medical authority – but this is what I believe:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="line-height: 17.77777862548828px;">The world is full of emotion addicts.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As with all sensations there is a risk of dependency. Anger
can produce a rush of adrenaline and can give some people a sense of passion.
Fear can have a resonant affect while producing a large dose of anxiety. Memories
also induce powerful emotions that, if not regulated, can lead to emotional enslavement.
The power of resentment can cause people to latch onto negative feelings for
years as it continues to affect them over and over again. (For more on this
topic please read <a href="http://belovedconsoler.blogspot.com/2012/07/resentment-and-forgiveness.html">RESENTMENT AND FORGIVENESS</a>)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We cannot fully understand the troubles in other people’s
lives and we must never minimize their pain, however, some people who feel
terrible emotional distress - to the point where they self-mutilate – can also be
hooked on that pleasure. The twisted and misunderstood practice of cutting and
burning oneself actually releases endorphins in the brain - the same chemical
released when we eat and during exercise and sex.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">While those feelings can lead to confusion and make life a
hot mess, emotions aren't all BAD: </span><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Empathy or sympathizing with others pain can also send an
emotional charge through the body. Bodybuilders and sports enthusiasts may
experience the power of triumph when they break barriers or score points. Even
a researcher in a science lab will experience a jolt of ecstasy when there are
positive results. Simply speaking to another, face to face, releases dopamine
in the brain and feels pleasurable. This is one of the many reasons why it is
so important to be socially active.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But emotions and feelings are EVERYWHERE. They are so prevalent
and it is certainly possible to get hooked. Below are all examples of how media
outlets target our emotions. By changing how we feel they can influence how we
think, what we want, and how we present ourselves. Big organizations understand
this emotion addiction phenomenon and look to capitalize on it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Emotion in the Media:</span><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Music:</span></span><span style="font-size: large;">
Music is beautiful – I’m not even going to try to explain it. Music can be
powerful because it can also have a resonant effect on the listener. Piano and
violin are actually known for their emotional side-effects and the strong bass
of a drum can be felt pulsating through the body. A performer who bellows in a rage onstage is undoubtedly
hooked on those emotions and knows his listeners… By sharing in the sorrow of a
prolific poet or songwriter one can latch onto those emotions and feel the same
way.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Movies:</span></span><span style="font-size: large;">
Movies are similar to music only more extreme because they offer an
audio-visual-emotional experience. The action, the suspense, the sex, the
thrill of a horror flick, along with the fast pace, bright lights, loud and
heart tugging music is enough to give any emotion addict their fix.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large; line-height: 27.77777862548828px;">News:</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> As a business journalist, I’ve experienced this firsthand: Most news today is
sensationalized and headlines and stories MUST be captivating! With so many
news outlets, there is competition for readers and the one with the most
eye-catching headline wins.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">News outlets that cover breaking news work with any lead they can get. Unfortunately, because of the pace of their publication, some focus
more on the emotional effect of their story and put little emphasis on content.
Most news agencies also have agendas and write what they want you to feel,
giving them tremendous emotional clout on their readers. Other news outlets love
drama. They take serious political issues and portray them as if they took
place on a playground while they instigate fights, rabble-rouse, spread
propaganda, and fuel the fires of chaos throughout the world.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Advertisement
and Marketing:</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"> This is a big one. Most ads focus on influencing your
emotions so that you will buy a product. Car sales, insurance, political ads, fast
food, beer, sponsor a child for a penny a day… It’s not very difficult to spot
out.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The aforementioned are all examples of UNNECESSARY emotions.
My goal isn’t to persuade the reader to discontinue all association with the
media, but to help them recognize their influence. Have you ever cried from a
movie, song, or article? Have you ever felt compelled to think, feel, speak, or
act a certain way that isn’t you? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Emotion addiction is a problem because it can decrease
happiness. Emotions are EVERYWHERE; if not from outside stimuli it will come
from within. There is no escaping it but we must not expose ourselves to
unnecessary emotions that can affect our mental health, personalities, and
quality of life. There is a big difference between feeling good and being happy
and we must not confuse the two and get caught in the trap of relying on strong
emotions and feelings for our well-being.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Emotions are tools that are extremely powerful and valuable,
but to live a productive life we must take the tools we have and build
something for ourselves. Just as a
carpenter wouldn’t sit in a rocking-chair and twiddle his hammer in his hands,
we cannot sit idly and allow the electrical current of emotion to rush through
our systems. Our energies are too valuable to waste on sensationalism and
drama.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As I sat down to write this I realized that it may seem as
if I am trying to “debunk” life. (“Maybe we should all live in the caves of the
Himalayas so as not to drown in the heavy waters of emotion that are EVERYWHERE,”
I mused) That is in no way my intention. But I do believe that it is important
to recognize that this phenomenon does exist. We must not get sucked into our
emotions (and outside emotions) - that will only zap our energy and leave us
disillusioned. We need to be cautious as we dance with the influential emotions
that surround us all...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I guess if you WOULD choose to get addicted to emotions, at
least get hooked on the good ones :D<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">I LOVE YOU ALL.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2