You Should Start From the Bottom

Entry from 3/23/14 Published 11/5/14 

Sometimes, moving along takes awhile. Bags can get heavy and you can loose your direction. Once you realize it, then you get back on the horse and keep on moving along.

 

Defining LIFE:

Being born into this world is a challenge. Each one of us must face a battle before we take our first breath. We are given nature and nurture. Each experience is different and unique to itself. We are full of the same stardust, however each genome is different. We go at life with our own built-in personality shaped by our environment. We are each given free will and a potentially high functioning brain. At first, life happens. We do as we believe is the best we can do. We do as we are expected in many instances. At some point in everyone’s life we come to a crossroads. We go about life the best we can until we know better which should lead us to make a course correction. We eventually have to ask, do we go on as we are or do we evolve?

Beginning again is hard work. Life is more than just breathing and getting along, it’s about building ourselves and building for the next generation.  Life is not about working and having fun. Life is about Learning Innate Friction Expansion. It is in these moments that we live with our friends, family and our business partners. It is in those moments that we find solace, direction, and abundance of love, joy, and happiness along with pain, suffering and most importantly growth. Life does happen, however we are our own captain in how we chose to address our life happenings and our life direction. We may have been dealt a certain hand, but we have been equip with a high functioning brain that can and will expand when free will is exerted with an open, flexible mind pressed with friction.

L: Life should be spent LEARNING

I: Life should be infinitely INNATE in nature based on our contributions to it.

F: Life should be full of FRICTION.

E: Life should be free to continuous EXPANSION.

With this definition of life, one will eventually fulfill their true potential. Depending on where and/or who the friction comes from will shape our future. The question becomes what angle do we choose to view this friction and what approach do we decide to take.

Each life needs to be approached with goals and steps at some point. The element of living in the moment needs to occur, but without this general guidance and plan in life; life only happens.  We end up just breathing, god-willing, and just trying to get by.

Everything in life is either a decision or a reaction. Decide to build your life and live it to your fullest potential. Instagram has visibly shown us a tangible way to view our snap shots in life through many different filters. Some filters are complimentary and others are muting. Is the angle you choose to view your life complimentary or muting?

Chances are, you are facing challenges in your life right now. Are you choosing to acknowledge your challenges and look to solve them or are you in denial and choosing to blame others for the circumstances in your life and our world? Most often, we choose to deny and blame.

Today, choose to live your life the way you want BE through a conscious decision and a positive reaction. This is easier said than done. Chances are, you will face these same challenges your entire life until your choose to acknowledge your shortcomings and focus on your goals in what you expect to get out of life. Don’t let life be left to pomp and circumstance. Choose to live it the way you envision it in your dreams. Choose to live life to your fullest potential; don’t just let circumstance choose you.

Surrender Dorothy, It's More Than A Feeling

Dorothy Gale had much to surrender to, more than the wicked old witch of the west. I find that we all need to read the smoke in the air that spells surrender Dorothy and do the same thing…surrender. 

Dorothy knew she wanted to get home to Kansas, but she wasn't sure how until the munchkins told her to go see the wizard. She had a feeling, when she met some friends along the way, that they could help each other find something they were looking for. You see, being on a journey is so much more fun with friends, especially one's that need to find something. You all seem to have a similar tick, tock in your heart. Dorothy just knew when she met each one of her fellow travelers that what she felt was more than a feeling.

More than a feeling, by Boston, is one of my favorite all time songs. I listened to it in college over and over and over. My freshman roommates were sick of it. 

If you ever listen to the sound…it's just a good vibe. If you actually listen to the lyrics, it tells a story of losing yourself and hiding in music to forget the day and yes, remembering someone that you used to know. I like to do that often, maybe to addictively often…However, I believe that is what we need to do more of, not hiding, but losing ourselves. 

Dorothy and friends went on a journey following a yellow brick road that was to lead them to the great and powerful Oz…only to find a little man hiding behind a curtain. 

Isn't that what we do…these days…hide behind curtains…digital profiles that may or may not be real or 100% real or perceive us to have a perfect life…even though we know…it is those that we connect with that we need to continue on our journey.

Why do we hide? That's for you to answer, not me. 

But if we hide, we are completely unable to surrender. 

I find it fascinating that one can hear or read words and choose to integrate them into their life or deny them even if they believe in what they are hearing. 

You Can't Catch Me

"You can't catch me," was a phrase that my neighbor, Joe, used to say to me when we were outside playing in the yard, wondering what we should do. He was taller, older and a boy. It used to make me so mad, so I tried my damnedist to catch him. Sometimes..I actually did, whether he would admit it or not is the question. He was one of those boys you loved to hate. He was always telling me he was better than me, faster than me.  I think he probably like me, but he would never tell. Sometimes, the ones that challenge us are the best blessings we could ever ask for.

It's thanksgiving and we all need to be thankful for what it is we have and what it is we can become. Sometimes, boys like Joey, the ones you love to hate, are the ones who actually make a difference in our lives. They push us outside our comfort zone, a place we never thought we could go, until one day...your eyes open and you have stepped into the wild blue yonder and realized you are more than what you thought...and realized you can be more than you have become.

The phrase, "we must never forget," came out in full force during 9/11. This is a phrase that everyone, who has been through 9/11 or not, needs to remember. "We must NEVER forget" where we came from, how we grew up and what went into making us who we are today.

Every person you encounter, on your journey through life, is like a dandelion seed. Each look, smile, kind word and touch can change the trajectory of someone's life.  The dandelion, in french, dent de lion, means lions tooth. As children, we pick dandelions and give them to our mothers, as flowers. As adults, we spend millions of dollars, on a pesticide industry, to kill the them and use 30% of our nations water supply to keep our lawns green.

When you look closer at the symbolism of a dandelion, it is the only flower that represents the 3 celestial bodies of the sun, moon and stars.

Everyday, the dandelion greets the day by opening up and every night, the dandelion ends the day by closing up. It's natures good morning and good night. I've come to see the dandelion as the most beautiful flower in our world. Every part of the plant can be used: roots, leaves, flower. It can be used for food, medicine and dye for clothing. Don't you remember we used to hold dandelions under our chins to see a reflection of yellow.

When you make a wish, with the puff of the dandelion, that is made up by what are called clocks, the seeds can travel up to 5 miles.

Ironically, you never know when a clock will strike and out pops a pumpkin instead of a carriage or rather another dandelion. That's how life is...

When you put yourself out into the world and be the light that you are meant to be, your clocks can travel far, far away and they may be the simplest of things done or said to someone or maybe even the nastiest, but that is what you teach the world and how you influence it, by being you.

The only caveat is...one must look up to realize what is meant by these encounters, whether chance encounters or close encounters. Because if not, no change can occur, frictions remains and potential is diminished.

There are two kinds of change, chemical and physical. For change to occur, there is either a decomposition or a synthesis of matter. There must be an agent of change, whether it is heat to cook an egg and change it's form or an internal pressure that pushes one to be better, do better, try harder and improve our physical appearance.

Potential energy is something that exists in us all. We are all capable of exerting more energy than we are at the moment. Potential energy is released when an outside force is applied.

There is no change if we don't see the meaning behind the words or actions. However, the clock is always ticking, waiting for you to feel the force and make a change.

So, don't forget to be thankful for the clocks that land in your yard and grow dandelions during this thanksgiving season. They are like lions teeth. What angers you, may be the power that releases you into an agent of change.

Maybe you should try it. Find a dandelion and make a wish. Watch the clocks float in the wind.  Think about how your kind words, gestures and touches can be an agent of change for someone else as they dance in the universe along all with all of those we encounter.

Are you a pesticide killer or a farm propegator that sows the change of time with the clocks that we blow against the wind.

Just remember, be careful what you wish for.

Dandelion facts from Mydandelionisaflower.org and definitions by Google search.

Let Me See Your Peacock

When was the last time you told someone you were scared or what you were scared of?

I recently had a tiny conversation about this with a friend that weighed heavy on my mind.

That day, I was convinced I really wasn't scared of much and that I have become really strong...the latter may still be true, but after I really thought about what scared me, I knew there were lots of things that scared me.

He said that much didn't scare him but that he feared for others who don't have a relationship with God.

Hmmmmm....that's quite powerful. So...it got me thinking...I know...look out...i'm thinking again.

What really scares me...I wondered...

Then I remembered...I'm a huge chicken...who am I kidding? I've gotten pretty good at not looking scared, even though I am...but I suppose that in and of itself is a good thing as well.

One day, last fall, a chicken decided to roost in my backyard. Maybe you remember my blog post. It was a gorgeous chicken. Where does a chicken like this come from when you live in the suburbs? To this day...we never found out, however, I think someone might have been trying to tell me that I'm a chicken...and rightfully so. At least someone had the courage to help me recognize that I needed to let everyone see my peacock.

by: istock photo

So what does that really mean...let everyone see your peacock? Katy Perry sings..."are you brave enough to let me see your peacock?" Now, my kids laugh when this song comes on...however, if you look deep into the symbolizim of the peacock, you will find many things.

One saying is "proud as a peacock".  Letting someone see your peacock isn't about being proud, it's about being brave to show your true colors, who you really are, what you really stand for, what you are really capable of.

The way it works....is to figure out what you are scared of...and over come it or continue to attempt to over come it and show your peacock.

So now...it's time for action...get out into that great big world and show them what you are made of...that is as long as you have figured "it" out....what you are scared of....what are your hopes and dreams...what are your strengths and weaknesses...what you love to do at work and at play...who do you love...who loves you?

These can be daunting tasks, however, these are ones that makes our journey feel so fulfilling. If we know the answers to these questions, then we can go into the world and make a difference for others who don't know and are lost, then our life becomes fulfilled...our cup filled up, as we extend our hand to help another. Tell them about God...if that is your thing....tell them about letting others see their peacock...it's about whatever matters most to YOU.

Needless to say, I went to church for the first time since Easter. For me...God has always been important and I thank my friend for reminding me. ;)

Help someone water their garden and see what grows from there. Simple words for one, can flow out magically when spoken, so magically at times...they can unlock a heart. That happened to me. I hope it happens to you.

Check out this video by Ashlyn Kossan...showing her peacock as she sings Safe and Sound by Taylor Swift...so brave...so beautiful!

It's Ultimately Your Choice To Influence Your Future

Self control is an interesting concept. We all have the capability to use it, but we don't always choose to.

There are moments in life that define the future...as a matter of fact, every moment in life defines the future. Every move you make, every step you take...oh wait...that's a song...hmmm...it is true though. Every word that comes out of our mouths defines how the future will progress.

Some tend have a little bit lower self control than others. I tend to say what's on my mind...one day...it can be the best gift ever...and another day...it can be the worst gift ever.

Just realizing that words that you speak not only change your future, but other's future as well, is a great thing to recognize.

Many times we take words for granted and they hurt people without us realizing it. Those words might cause a chain reaction and change the way that person reacts which might be the wrong way which in turn is taken incorrectly by the initial person who had no idea that they hurt that person in the first place.

So...next time you do or say anything...take a moment to exert self control and make sure it is what you want to do or say...because it will affect not only you but the ones you are speaking to or acting out with.

As for Sting and The Police...I think I agree with every move you make, every step you take, every bond you break...affects the future...but the I'll be watching you part...a little creepy. From my perspective...the only one watching is yourself and the big man upstairs...but whatever you choose to do or say...everyone is watching and that my friend affects your future.

What is Light?

Light as defined by Dictionary.com is something that makes things visible, an illuminating agent.

This little light of mine...I'm going to let it shine...shine on you and even shine on me.

So, here's the thing...one simple gesture...just a simple one...can make a difference in someone's life.

It's happened to me tons of times. A friend says something that just hits you and you see a little light from something they said...even though it was something simple...it added to your day. It made a difference...sometimes...more than they would even know.

I read something recently that said (paraphrased)...try to see the light in everyone you meet...even if their light might not be burning at all. The cool thing about this...is that the other person will see your light and it's going to bounce back and shine on them and maybe help them see things differently...you never know...that's the thing...we never know how our actions and words are going to affect another person.

We must remain cognizant and steadfast...and yes...breath. It's that little pause I have to take, when I'm about to get my heart racing because of somethings that are out of my control....and then...I breath...and the world settles down and calmness comes back to me. It might sound silly...but if it weren't for a friend who told me the way they get through life...is to breath...I'm not sure where I'd be right now. That sounds a little heavy, but that simple offering of passing on something that helped him...helped me too.

It's the little things...that change the world. I can get caught up in making a big bang and wanting to really change the world with my hands, but...the truth is...we all can change the world with simple words like..."have a spectacular day." It's kind of nice when someone goes the extra mile to be more than average with just a simple word audible. (audible...used in the context of word change vs. QB play change).

When Miss America says the proverbial, "I wish for world peace." Little did we all realize...world peace begins with me. If we all let our light shine...at least world peace can be a part of the world we choose to live in...maybe not the entire world...but affecting those that live in our own network of friends and family...that is how we change the world.  So...go ahead...I dare you...just try and change your world that you live...let your light shine. What a wonderful world...it would be.

Smiles are Free and Laughter is Contagious

It has been documented before...a man's life was saved because a stranger smiled and kept him from going over the edge.

Do you think that man smiling had any idea what the other was about to do?

Smiles are free and oh so priceless. To quote, oh yes I am, Justin Beiber..."You smile, I smile."

  

I may not have much money, but if I have a smile to flash that will brighten up your day, well, I think that makes me the richest person in the world.

Forest's mother was right..."Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you are gonna get."

Life is bitter sweet in many ways. While you fight your battle and I enjoy my day, I can offer a smile.  When you have a good day and I fight my battle, you can offer a smile.

And if we kinda know each other and share a laugh or you take some time to just talk to me when I feel like crud, one never knows how much that can mean to another.

When I see genuine sincerity, someone doing something because they just want to help out another soul, it makes me want to be a better person. Holding a door because you want to, not because you feel you have to; going out of your way to make someone smile because you know they are down or simply helping a fellow co-worker navigate a new job; these things make me smile.

Navigating through life can be tough, especially when there are bumps in the road and even large crevasses.

photo: t.v.guide.com

One of my favo things to do is laugh...that's why I Love Lucy. I laugh so hard, I cry sometimes when I watch those black and white re-runs on TVland. Isn't that the best feeling...when you have a belly laugh and even better is an uncontrollable belly laugh.

We all just want to set our problems aside and just enjoy each other's laughs and smiles when we can. We have a term in our English language called human kind. We are all human, and we all can be kind. We need to practice both. Smiling and laughter are 2 great ways to give back to human kind and make our world a better place.

The best part, smiles are free and laughter is contagious.

That's one contagium that I don't mind catching. 2change2morrow :)

~This post is dedicated to everyone who has brightened my day, cracked a smile on my face and especially made me laugh. Cheers to you aMaZing souls!