So my suggestion for today... Play in the rain. It's even more fun when that's something your parents prevented you from doing as a child. Liberating!
Ahomataquisen!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
The Power of Rain
There is nothing more refreshing than getting caught in pouring rain. Not only is it funny as anything when you realize you're the only person strolling down the block with nothing but her purse, but it seems to completely wash away your thoughts. Nothing is right or wrong. Nothing is in the future or in the past. Everything is just being in that moment, soaking in the rain. Sure, you end up walking into an air conditioned house, dripping wet with your mother slightly freaked out at the thought that you were just walking around in the rain, but that's part of the fun, at least it is for me anyway :)
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Keeping Your Friends and Enemies Closer
Now now now... This post isn't meant to be malicious in anyway, so no thinking that based off the title.
So I was playing this highly addictive game called Tiles of the Unexpected (www.gorillaz.com) which is a game I often entertain myself with when I'm bored. You know, one of those games where when you focus hard enough you're eventually left in the zone of "no thought." Yup! It's one of those games! Excellent if you ask me! Anywho... So as I was playing, the quote "Keep your friends close and your enemies closer," popped into my mind and I began to contemplate what a sneaky concept that is. At the same time I was struck by the thought that perhaps this line isn't meant in the vindictive sense that everyone perceives it as. Well... No... This line is meant to be what most people have defined it as; Keep those you mistrust the most in your sights so you can act/attack before they can. It's all about strategy...
However, it occurred to me that maybe there's an alternative way to look at it. Instead of assuming it's more based on plotting the first strike, what if one were to look at it from the perspective that keeping those who are "obstacles" close to you in your life is just as key as keeping those who are considered to be within your "inner circle" close to you? (Sorry if that line is a bit baffling. Try re-reading it a few times and you might get it).
Here's my thinking... Those who are our "enemies" are our greatest teachers and if we can come to this realization and then to terms with that realization, they can become key teachers in our life. Although yes friends and family can be our life's most amazing teachers, we're far more willing to welcome the lessons they provide than to that of someone we deem our "enemy". It is our "enemies" who can bring us to a place where we stop and contemplate who we are and how our actions fit in and effect the puzzle, at least that's how I'm beginning to observe it.
Here's an example for you. One of the "enemies" in my life currently is my father. Sometimes he annoys me like crazy, but I realize that as much as I sometimes want to get away from him, I need to be close to him for me to grow (And yes, in a way for him to grow as well). Because I view my father as someone with a negative, "I'm such a victim" mentality, I keep myself in check to not develop a mindset similar to his. Because of the way he is, I've shaped myself to be, in my mind, stronger.
So that's where I'm going with all of this. Instead of trying to escape your "enemies" or take them down, stop and observe them and see how they play a part in teaching you something, and vice versa. Sometimes it's better to stick around. And who knows, maybe over time your "enemy" will become your friend. Then it'll be more enjoyable to keep them around!
On a side note, I just want to comment that I put quotes around the words enemy and enemies because sometimes the person or situation is not extreme enough to be considered a true enemy, or they're just a current situation's annoyance.
I pray all is well for all of you!
Ahomataquisen!
So I was playing this highly addictive game called Tiles of the Unexpected (www.gorillaz.com) which is a game I often entertain myself with when I'm bored. You know, one of those games where when you focus hard enough you're eventually left in the zone of "no thought." Yup! It's one of those games! Excellent if you ask me! Anywho... So as I was playing, the quote "Keep your friends close and your enemies closer," popped into my mind and I began to contemplate what a sneaky concept that is. At the same time I was struck by the thought that perhaps this line isn't meant in the vindictive sense that everyone perceives it as. Well... No... This line is meant to be what most people have defined it as; Keep those you mistrust the most in your sights so you can act/attack before they can. It's all about strategy...
However, it occurred to me that maybe there's an alternative way to look at it. Instead of assuming it's more based on plotting the first strike, what if one were to look at it from the perspective that keeping those who are "obstacles" close to you in your life is just as key as keeping those who are considered to be within your "inner circle" close to you? (Sorry if that line is a bit baffling. Try re-reading it a few times and you might get it).
Here's my thinking... Those who are our "enemies" are our greatest teachers and if we can come to this realization and then to terms with that realization, they can become key teachers in our life. Although yes friends and family can be our life's most amazing teachers, we're far more willing to welcome the lessons they provide than to that of someone we deem our "enemy". It is our "enemies" who can bring us to a place where we stop and contemplate who we are and how our actions fit in and effect the puzzle, at least that's how I'm beginning to observe it.
Here's an example for you. One of the "enemies" in my life currently is my father. Sometimes he annoys me like crazy, but I realize that as much as I sometimes want to get away from him, I need to be close to him for me to grow (And yes, in a way for him to grow as well). Because I view my father as someone with a negative, "I'm such a victim" mentality, I keep myself in check to not develop a mindset similar to his. Because of the way he is, I've shaped myself to be, in my mind, stronger.
So that's where I'm going with all of this. Instead of trying to escape your "enemies" or take them down, stop and observe them and see how they play a part in teaching you something, and vice versa. Sometimes it's better to stick around. And who knows, maybe over time your "enemy" will become your friend. Then it'll be more enjoyable to keep them around!
On a side note, I just want to comment that I put quotes around the words enemy and enemies because sometimes the person or situation is not extreme enough to be considered a true enemy, or they're just a current situation's annoyance.
I pray all is well for all of you!
Ahomataquisen!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Why 19 Steps?
So I suppose it's only appropriate for my first post to focus on the point of me blogging. Here's the simple answer... Because I believe that maybe somewhere amongst my snarkastic (a cross between "sarcastic" and "snarkie") commentary and sometimes mindless ramblings about realizations in my life, someone somewhere out there will be inspired to step outside the realm of complacency and into the life they truly feel called to living.
To be honest, complacency and following the norm just for the sake of following it are two things I have a hard time tolerating in my own life. I came to this realization when I was 19, hence the blog's name "19 Steps Outside the Norm."
My plans for this blog are to:
1) Try to stay on top of updating it first of all. I've sadly held many failed attempts at keeping up with diaries and journals.
2) Sharing with others my rendition of the journey we all essentially take, called Life.
3) Possibly make one or two people smile along the way.
So here it is, people. The beginning of another beginning!
Ahomataquisen!
To be honest, complacency and following the norm just for the sake of following it are two things I have a hard time tolerating in my own life. I came to this realization when I was 19, hence the blog's name "19 Steps Outside the Norm."
My plans for this blog are to:
1) Try to stay on top of updating it first of all. I've sadly held many failed attempts at keeping up with diaries and journals.
2) Sharing with others my rendition of the journey we all essentially take, called Life.
3) Possibly make one or two people smile along the way.
So here it is, people. The beginning of another beginning!
Ahomataquisen!
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