The Ralph Waldo Emerson Trust 30 Challenge Prompt 11 is from Fabian Kruse. The idea is to find areas in which I imitate others and instead to be me, new, unique. There are 30 prompts/days to this challenge. Not every challenge is going to ring like a bell. This is one that doesn't really resonate so my post may be less than it could be, none the less...
I have always had the tendency to watch others and judge their actions. "Joe, did this. How stupid can he be?" "Can you believe Jane is back together with her ex, again? Wouldn't she be better off banging her head with a hammer?" Since I usually find willing conversation partners (often large groups of them) I know I didn't begin this trend. Maybe it's time to end the trend of talking about and judging others.
I find I gain nothing from judging others. At best, it's like diet soda. It may do nothing bad, it certainly does nothing good for me and rarely quenches my thirst. It's time to be more like water. Clear, transparent and seeking my own level. Life sustaining and thirst quenching. Time to stop judging and instead find my own path.
What about you? What do you think of my divine idea?
Thursday, June 30, 2011
ROL: Right Foot, Left Foot or Vice-Versa.
ROL in an abbreviation for Return On Life, making simple or incremental life changes that can offer benefits beyond the effort put in to make said changes. This week's ROL is about getting in gear.
I have previously pointed out that I have undoubtedly lived past the mid-point of my life. My kids are still young (not yet in high school) and I have been the sole provider for my family. I have never feared my mortality, if I die young(ish), it's not my problem. My wife and kids will have to find a way to figure it out. That sucks, but it's the truth. I do fear living a long life but having to schlep around an oxygen tank for 20 years. While there are many good reasons for having to lug around oxygen, I'm willing to bet there are many ways to avoid being tank-tied with an early start. One simple way is to walk more.
Anthropologists will point out that for most of our existence we have been on the move. Our bodies are not designed for a sedentary lifestyle. Physicians will point out that emphysema, diabetes and McCAD (Coronary Artery Disease brought on by fast food) are running rampant in the USA. Our bodies are not designed for the abundance we enjoy in the 21st Century. There are pills and programs and schedules and guidelines and, and, and... that we can access yet the problem gets worse every year.
Have you ever seen what a serving of steak is supposed to be? I've been to parties where that would be an insufficient appetizer. Cutting down portions is tough. I hope to get there someday and frankly yesterday would be a good day to start. I'm 40 lbs. off the chart (or 10 inches too short) so I need to do something.
I have started walking regularly, about 35 minutes 3 days a week, outside or on a treadmill. I need to walk more but at least it's a start. I suggest that you find a way to walk more also. The benefits of walking far outweigh the benefits of fighting for the closest parking spot near the Big Box Mall. So walk more and perhaps lower your chances of making an oxygen tank your best friend.
I have previously pointed out that I have undoubtedly lived past the mid-point of my life. My kids are still young (not yet in high school) and I have been the sole provider for my family. I have never feared my mortality, if I die young(ish), it's not my problem. My wife and kids will have to find a way to figure it out. That sucks, but it's the truth. I do fear living a long life but having to schlep around an oxygen tank for 20 years. While there are many good reasons for having to lug around oxygen, I'm willing to bet there are many ways to avoid being tank-tied with an early start. One simple way is to walk more.
Anthropologists will point out that for most of our existence we have been on the move. Our bodies are not designed for a sedentary lifestyle. Physicians will point out that emphysema, diabetes and McCAD (Coronary Artery Disease brought on by fast food) are running rampant in the USA. Our bodies are not designed for the abundance we enjoy in the 21st Century. There are pills and programs and schedules and guidelines and, and, and... that we can access yet the problem gets worse every year.
Have you ever seen what a serving of steak is supposed to be? I've been to parties where that would be an insufficient appetizer. Cutting down portions is tough. I hope to get there someday and frankly yesterday would be a good day to start. I'm 40 lbs. off the chart (or 10 inches too short) so I need to do something.
I have started walking regularly, about 35 minutes 3 days a week, outside or on a treadmill. I need to walk more but at least it's a start. I suggest that you find a way to walk more also. The benefits of walking far outweigh the benefits of fighting for the closest parking spot near the Big Box Mall. So walk more and perhaps lower your chances of making an oxygen tank your best friend.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Emerson Trust 30 Challenge Prompt 10: World, Listen Up!
Prompt 10 of the Ralph Waldo Emerson 30 Day Trust Challenge is from Eric Handler. My challenge is to share a (my?) personal message with 1 million people, or however many read this post.
The world population can be divided into two distinct classifications:
The world population can be divided into two distinct classifications:
- Those who believe the world would be a better place if everybody thought and acted as they do.
- Those who believe the world requires varied thinkers, relishes diversity and thinks the world is a better place due to our differences.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Marriage Equality Defeats Fear (at least today).
This past Friday night the New York State Senate passed a marriage equality bill allowing same sex couples all the rights of heterosexual couples while protecting the rights of religious groups to object to same sex marriage. I present a metaphorical "Gold Star of Excellence" on both counts. I further present a great big wet kiss to NY State Republican and Democratic Senators for coming together to make this piece of history happen. When walking in a blizzard, it's always easier to walk back in the footsteps that already exist. The NY State GOP Senators stepped further into the blizzard that consumes their national caucus. Some brave individuals are going to be out in the cold for a long time for voting their conscience.
In further related news, the Chicago GLBT Pride parade this past Sunday was a huge success, despite vandalism of 51 floats the night before. I hope the vandals will be found and further hope these vandals will be charged with a hate crime.
Still, the combination of the two events was a huge victory over fear. Think about it:
In further related news, the Chicago GLBT Pride parade this past Sunday was a huge success, despite vandalism of 51 floats the night before. I hope the vandals will be found and further hope these vandals will be charged with a hate crime.
Still, the combination of the two events was a huge victory over fear. Think about it:
- The 13th Amendment outlawing slavery was passed in 1864. Brown Vs. Board was decided in May, 1954. Still, 1n 1957 the Arkansas Governor ordered State Troopers to defend segregationists and block access to a public high school.
- Roe v. Wade was decided January, 1973. To this day, anti-choice legislation and violence are abundant in the USA.
TOLERANCE 1, FEAR 0
Emerson Trust 30 Challenge: Do What I Am Afraid To Do.
After a sabbatical from the Emerson Trust 30 Challenge, I find my self back in the box, so to speak. As I said in my post, "An Apology", life got in the way of confronting life. Frankly, I wouldn't have it any other way.
Prompt 9 from Mary Jaksch is about confronting that which I am afraid to do, or in this case, write about a topic that I would choose to not write about.
I could blog about bungee jumping or mountain climbing because I would never do either. I remember a former manager of mine saying, "There's a place where it's $99 for 2 bungee jumps." I replied, "Hell, I might jump twice to make $99." He told me, "No, it costs only $99 to jump twice". My response, "You pay to jump off a bridge with a big rubber band tied to your feet? Why would you do that?". He shook his head and walked away. Anyway, it's too simple to write about my fear of doing something corporal that I would indeed never do. There is no personal challenge in that.
I am most afraid of disappointing my family. Make that my wife and kids and marginally my mother. My mother was higher up on the list until I had a wife and kids. It's not that other family member don't matter but in fact other family members don't matter. I wouldn't go out of my way to make them angry, but if any family member other than my wife or kids are disappointed, oh well. In fact, outside of my wife and kids, others are unimportant.
My fear of disappointing wife and kids derives from my near 3 year period of unemployment. My plans are to open a service business to provide personalized life cycle celebrations, serving the secular/unaffiliated community. Failure or failing to bridge into other income producing areas could send everything into hell in a hand basket. My marriage is strong and house still owned but failure could cost both. Living in a box on the street is only marginally better than being dead on the street. It would create the memories I would never want my kids to have. I'm sure all of us would survive the ordeal and sores would heal. Still, healed sores come with scars that are a constant reminder of the wound. Energy is a limited resource and I fear that I simply don't have the energy to invest in repairing the damage caused by homelessness and divorce. In that light, here's to success in all my future ventures.
Prompt 9 from Mary Jaksch is about confronting that which I am afraid to do, or in this case, write about a topic that I would choose to not write about.
I could blog about bungee jumping or mountain climbing because I would never do either. I remember a former manager of mine saying, "There's a place where it's $99 for 2 bungee jumps." I replied, "Hell, I might jump twice to make $99." He told me, "No, it costs only $99 to jump twice". My response, "You pay to jump off a bridge with a big rubber band tied to your feet? Why would you do that?". He shook his head and walked away. Anyway, it's too simple to write about my fear of doing something corporal that I would indeed never do. There is no personal challenge in that.
I am most afraid of disappointing my family. Make that my wife and kids and marginally my mother. My mother was higher up on the list until I had a wife and kids. It's not that other family member don't matter but in fact other family members don't matter. I wouldn't go out of my way to make them angry, but if any family member other than my wife or kids are disappointed, oh well. In fact, outside of my wife and kids, others are unimportant.
My fear of disappointing wife and kids derives from my near 3 year period of unemployment. My plans are to open a service business to provide personalized life cycle celebrations, serving the secular/unaffiliated community. Failure or failing to bridge into other income producing areas could send everything into hell in a hand basket. My marriage is strong and house still owned but failure could cost both. Living in a box on the street is only marginally better than being dead on the street. It would create the memories I would never want my kids to have. I'm sure all of us would survive the ordeal and sores would heal. Still, healed sores come with scars that are a constant reminder of the wound. Energy is a limited resource and I fear that I simply don't have the energy to invest in repairing the damage caused by homelessness and divorce. In that light, here's to success in all my future ventures.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
ROL: Tattoos, Bumper Stickers and Post-It Notes
ROL(Return on Life) is the "help improve your life" counterpart of ROI (Return on Investment). Simply stated, ROL consists of thoughts about incremental changes or activities that can produce a major return towards a better life. This week's ROL is about tattoos, bumper stickers and post-it notes.
A couple of Sundays ago my friend Sima Dahl of Parlay Communications and MarketingJobWire (among some of the amazing things she does) Facebooked something about Star War Tattoos. Being a smartass from a long line of smartasses I was working on a witty retort with this angle: "Tattoos are a lot like bumper stickers. They both seem like a great idea at the time but tend to grow on you like mold. That's why there are post-it notes." Luckily, I had to get on with my day, because I'd rather post about the significance of all three.
Tattoos should take some consideration. After all, someone is sticking you with needles and injecting dye into to your skin to create a permanent work of body art. Personally, if my fear of needles didn't stop me, the whole permanent thing would. After all, what was once a fantastic idea often turns sour like old milk. Remember all the men with perms in the 80's? Yuck.
Bumper stickers share some similarities with tattoos. At the time, it seemed absolutely right to do, so right that a second thought wasn't necessary. As time passed, the association with the candidate, venue or concept fades, just like the colors of the bumper sticker. Usually you don't get stuck with bumper sticker forever. You either sell or junk the car.
Post-it notes have been around for 30 years. I have no idea how the world functioned prior to the introduction of post-its. They're so versatile and useful, at least until the adhesive dries out. Then you're stuck wondering what happened to that industry changing idea you wrote down and can no longer find. The one drawback of post-it notes (now that they're made in many different sizes) is that unlike tattoos and bumper stickers, post-its are meant to be temporary. When you write something on a post-it be prepared to transcribe it elsewhere if you're going to need that thought again. Too many a presentation or project has been shot to hell when the transcendent concept never made it off the post-it.
My point? Our words are tattoos. What you considered a witty rejoinder is often kept by the recipient as a burning dagger through the heart. Or the corollary, your off the cuff compliment has been filed for use as a pick me up on a bad day. Words hang on forever. Like tattoos, the explanation of a decade old "throw away" is not as fluid or righteous as you thought it would be when you spoke it. Words really do stick around forever, so before you say it, imagine how that sentence would look plastered on your behind.
Our actions are like bumper stickers. The hilarious practical joke so meticulously arranged is often not nearly so funny for all (especially the target) 5 years down the road. So too is the favor you offered a friend. You don't think it's right to trade on a good deed forever, do you? Helping a friend needs to be refreshing regularly lest the friendship take on the appearance of a bumper stick, faded and half-torn. Think before you act, look before you leap and when choosing between generous and stingy, be generous.
Post-it notes represent our intentions, both good and bad. For good intentions, get those intentions to the proper spot, lest they be lost forever. Turn those well intentioned post-its into tattoos and bumper stickers to prolong their existence. As for bad intentions, crumple them up immediately or let the glue dry out and let them fall away. Don't let those bad intentions become something permanent.
It's really not so complicated. Before speaking, remember that what you consider casual could become part of your permanent file. What you do may not last forever, but could be stuck to you longer than you like. And intentions unacted upon are in fact nothing at all.
A couple of Sundays ago my friend Sima Dahl of Parlay Communications and MarketingJobWire (among some of the amazing things she does) Facebooked something about Star War Tattoos. Being a smartass from a long line of smartasses I was working on a witty retort with this angle: "Tattoos are a lot like bumper stickers. They both seem like a great idea at the time but tend to grow on you like mold. That's why there are post-it notes." Luckily, I had to get on with my day, because I'd rather post about the significance of all three.
Tattoos should take some consideration. After all, someone is sticking you with needles and injecting dye into to your skin to create a permanent work of body art. Personally, if my fear of needles didn't stop me, the whole permanent thing would. After all, what was once a fantastic idea often turns sour like old milk. Remember all the men with perms in the 80's? Yuck.
Bumper stickers share some similarities with tattoos. At the time, it seemed absolutely right to do, so right that a second thought wasn't necessary. As time passed, the association with the candidate, venue or concept fades, just like the colors of the bumper sticker. Usually you don't get stuck with bumper sticker forever. You either sell or junk the car.
Post-it notes have been around for 30 years. I have no idea how the world functioned prior to the introduction of post-its. They're so versatile and useful, at least until the adhesive dries out. Then you're stuck wondering what happened to that industry changing idea you wrote down and can no longer find. The one drawback of post-it notes (now that they're made in many different sizes) is that unlike tattoos and bumper stickers, post-its are meant to be temporary. When you write something on a post-it be prepared to transcribe it elsewhere if you're going to need that thought again. Too many a presentation or project has been shot to hell when the transcendent concept never made it off the post-it.
My point? Our words are tattoos. What you considered a witty rejoinder is often kept by the recipient as a burning dagger through the heart. Or the corollary, your off the cuff compliment has been filed for use as a pick me up on a bad day. Words hang on forever. Like tattoos, the explanation of a decade old "throw away" is not as fluid or righteous as you thought it would be when you spoke it. Words really do stick around forever, so before you say it, imagine how that sentence would look plastered on your behind.
Our actions are like bumper stickers. The hilarious practical joke so meticulously arranged is often not nearly so funny for all (especially the target) 5 years down the road. So too is the favor you offered a friend. You don't think it's right to trade on a good deed forever, do you? Helping a friend needs to be refreshing regularly lest the friendship take on the appearance of a bumper stick, faded and half-torn. Think before you act, look before you leap and when choosing between generous and stingy, be generous.
Post-it notes represent our intentions, both good and bad. For good intentions, get those intentions to the proper spot, lest they be lost forever. Turn those well intentioned post-its into tattoos and bumper stickers to prolong their existence. As for bad intentions, crumple them up immediately or let the glue dry out and let them fall away. Don't let those bad intentions become something permanent.
It's really not so complicated. Before speaking, remember that what you consider casual could become part of your permanent file. What you do may not last forever, but could be stuck to you longer than you like. And intentions unacted upon are in fact nothing at all.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Summer Solstice.
Today is the 1st day of summer in the Northern Hemisphere. Officially it's the Summer Solstice. Many say this is the longest day of the year and they're all wrong. Days are 24 hours along (approx) every day of the year. The Summer Solstice is the day with the more daylight than any other day of the year. Today there will be 15 hours, 16 minutes and 28 seconds of daylight. That's 2 more seconds of daylight than yesterday or tomorrow. It may not sound like much but those 2 seconds become more than 2 seconds and add up quickly. By December those 15 hours 16 minutes 28 seconds of daylight will become 9 hours 5 minutes 10seconds of daylight. 6+ hours of less daylight is significant.
It's been great this month going outside after 8 PM with the sky still light. July 4th fireworks will wait until after 9 PM to make sure the sky is completely dark. Soon enough, though the sky will be dark at 7:30 PM, 7 PM and even earlier. So no matter how grand the Summer Solstice may be it has a melancholy lining. It's a warning that the daylight party is coming to an end. There is still lots of really really good. Evening barbeques,
backyard firepits and glorious late summer/early fall afternoons. Still, the Summer Solstice warns us that soon enough the cold winter nights will be here. Don't overlook a minute of those long summer days.
I know that I have already reached my Summer Solstice. Whether I'm between July 4th and Labor Day or between Labor Day and Halloween is unknown. I hope I'm not yet close to Thanksgiving or Christmas. I still have too much left to accomplish, too much left I want to experience. For me the Summer Solstice is a reminder reminder to cherish every day. It's important I make every day count. Not only must I recognize each ray of sunshine, I must seek out those rays of sunshine. Whether I like it or not Winter will find me. Winter is always a bit easier with great summer memories.
It's been great this month going outside after 8 PM with the sky still light. July 4th fireworks will wait until after 9 PM to make sure the sky is completely dark. Soon enough, though the sky will be dark at 7:30 PM, 7 PM and even earlier. So no matter how grand the Summer Solstice may be it has a melancholy lining. It's a warning that the daylight party is coming to an end. There is still lots of really really good. Evening barbeques,
backyard firepits and glorious late summer/early fall afternoons. Still, the Summer Solstice warns us that soon enough the cold winter nights will be here. Don't overlook a minute of those long summer days.
I know that I have already reached my Summer Solstice. Whether I'm between July 4th and Labor Day or between Labor Day and Halloween is unknown. I hope I'm not yet close to Thanksgiving or Christmas. I still have too much left to accomplish, too much left I want to experience. For me the Summer Solstice is a reminder reminder to cherish every day. It's important I make every day count. Not only must I recognize each ray of sunshine, I must seek out those rays of sunshine. Whether I like it or not Winter will find me. Winter is always a bit easier with great summer memories.
Monday, June 20, 2011
An Apology.
Sorry to all for having disappeared the last couple of weeks. Some contract work, a garage sale and in between a killer head cold has robbed my time to think, let alone blog. I still have some A-1 priorities ahead of posting, but those should be done by the end of the week. I hope to sneak a couple of posts in this week. I intend to pick up the Emerson Trust 30 Challenge where I left off beginning next Monday with daily posts. Thanks for stopping by.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Ralph Waldo Emerson Trust 30 Day Challenge: Day 8, It's OK To Talk To Yourself, Past and Future.
Prompt #8 is very straight forward. Have a conversation with you 5 years ago and 5 years in the future.
The past me:
Congratulations, you've moved to a community that is very down to earth. Not every kid on the block is involved in 2 dozen activities. Most families are happy taking 1 vacation and not disappointed by taking only 2 vacations. The elementary school has a new principal and she's great. Most of the folks in the NW burbs are asking, "So when are you moving back?" I answer, "Moving back where? I'm home."
It's time to face the facts about your career. You realize that employees are valued less and less each year. Despite predictions that the death rate should be rising with the death of the boomers, there are fewer jobs in funeral service. The day of the career employee is coming to an end. You don't want to own a funeral home. If you don't make a plan you're going to get run over and your family may be flattened along with you. You're smart enough. You're well liked and well respected. Figure this crap out, the sooner the better.
The future me:
What do you know, you have survived. Things didn't go quite the way you planned, but what does? The business you've started has grown each year. You are beginning to see a steady stream of referrals and groups are asking you to present at their meetings. Maybe there will be some sales for that book you've been writing for 5 years. The economy is finally creating some good paying jobs, but you are pushing 60. Who would have hired you? It's a good thing you decided to start that business. Sure, it took longer than it should have to get started but you did get started. Forget what you haven't accomplished and relish all that you have accomplished. All in all, it's gone pretty well.
That's my conversation with the past and future me. What would the chat you would have with your past and future self (5 years) sound like?
The past me:
Congratulations, you've moved to a community that is very down to earth. Not every kid on the block is involved in 2 dozen activities. Most families are happy taking 1 vacation and not disappointed by taking only 2 vacations. The elementary school has a new principal and she's great. Most of the folks in the NW burbs are asking, "So when are you moving back?" I answer, "Moving back where? I'm home."
It's time to face the facts about your career. You realize that employees are valued less and less each year. Despite predictions that the death rate should be rising with the death of the boomers, there are fewer jobs in funeral service. The day of the career employee is coming to an end. You don't want to own a funeral home. If you don't make a plan you're going to get run over and your family may be flattened along with you. You're smart enough. You're well liked and well respected. Figure this crap out, the sooner the better.
The future me:
What do you know, you have survived. Things didn't go quite the way you planned, but what does? The business you've started has grown each year. You are beginning to see a steady stream of referrals and groups are asking you to present at their meetings. Maybe there will be some sales for that book you've been writing for 5 years. The economy is finally creating some good paying jobs, but you are pushing 60. Who would have hired you? It's a good thing you decided to start that business. Sure, it took longer than it should have to get started but you did get started. Forget what you haven't accomplished and relish all that you have accomplished. All in all, it's gone pretty well.
That's my conversation with the past and future me. What would the chat you would have with your past and future self (5 years) sound like?
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Pictures, Twitter and Anthony Weiner.
In case you've been under a rock, Rep. Anthony Weiner finds himself in the middle of a kerfuffle of his own doing. Had he just remembered to DM the photo instead of tweeting (Non-Twitterers, this is the only Twitter lingo reference in the whole post) no one would be any the wiser. You'd think a Congressman could keep that straight, right?
I think Rep. Weiner should resign, but not for these reasons:
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| Soure: Buzzfeed |
- The picture. Lewd photo? A Calvin Klein add shows more business.
- He sent the picture. Two consenting adults. Period. If she (or any other recipient) is non-consenting, that's potential sexual harassment and grounds for possible criminal charges.
- He's married. Still between two consenting adults and stay's between the two consenting adults.
- As one of my favorite liberal firebrands, he has chosen to walk the moral high ground. The fact that David Vitter, Tom Coburn and others are raging hypocrites has no bearing. If a politician uses righteous indignation as a tool, he must remain righteous. Was Weiner unrighteous?
- Sending a half dressed picture via a public forum is stupid. Email or texting (sex+texting=sexting) are marginally better, until the recipient goes public. Is this immoral? No, but a Representative in a representative democracy needs to use better discretion.
- The primary reason Rep. Anthony Weiner must resign is he lied. When asked about the picture, he said he didn't send the picture of a tightly wrapped (you say it, I can't) hoping it will wind up between a bun (OK, I did worse). He didn't lie for national security or to protect someone's life. He lied to avoid being embarrassed. He lied to protect his reputation (oops). He didn't say what he said yesterday. When faced with an extremely uncomfortable personal humiliation his first instinct was to LIE. I expect more from an elected representative. I will miss his passion but he must resign.
Sometimes telling the truth really sucks but lying will bite in the butt every single time.
What do you think? Can you make a case for Anthony Weiner to stay in public office? Please take a moment and share your opinion.
Ralph Waldo Emerson Trust 30 Day Challenge: Day 7: If Galileo Had Thought Rationally, The Church Would Not Have Needed 300+ Years To Decide On A Pardon.
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| Galileo |
I have always thought about writing a book. The thought would last about 2 seconds and then be replaced with a more rational thoughts like "Why would anyone care about what I have to say?" and "What's for breakfast?" As my journey from unemployed to... has continued for the last 1.5 years, it's time to start writing.
I have been blogging for almost a year and although not read by many, I have been able to provoke thought and conversation. I even have two titles in mind: "Embrace You Inner ADHD" and "The Reluctant Entrepreneur".
"ADHD" is dedicated to the fact that common wisdom takes a person with ADHD and teaches coping skills like organization and project management. Those coping skills are a jealous misinformed world trying to force an energetic creative person into a model that produces a paper pusher. Those with ADHD should be allowed to create and juggle a gazillion projects working in 10 minute increments. Pay an admin. to keep the stuff in the right piles. ADHD'ers (I was diagnosed 2 years ago) need to embrace our gift, simultaneously working on multiple projects and developing creative ideas conjointly. Don't worry about messy desks and non linear project development. Linear thinking is for the boring.
"Entrepreneur" is about going from career employee to successful sole proprietor. Losing my job in September, 2008 was earth shaking. Watching the stock market melt down and unemployment skyrocket during the ensuing weeks was earth shattering. It took a long time for me to realize how to put my skills to work for me. The conclusion isn't written because the introduction has just been completed. I am anxious to reach the end of the story. I'm invested.
The usual path would be to outline the book with a paragraph or 2 detailing each chapter. I'm going to do things differently. I will open a file for both and throw ideas in as they occur in my ADHD riddled brain. Once I have a half dozen ideas it's time to write paragraphs (and hopefully paragraphs and paragraphs) pull the paragraphs together and make chapters, etc. Self publishing and ebooks are a strong possibility.
As "out of the box" as this sounds for ME, it's not really far out of bounds. I would have loved to have been in the pitch meeting for a storefront that would be open 24 hours to make photocopies in college towns. I have no idea who would invest in that crazy scheme, but once open for a while FedEx bought the whole thing.Challenge complete. Time to collect ideas.
How about you? What do you think of my idea to write a book and my ideas for the books? What's something you've always wanted to do, but dismissed because it wasn't rational? What is stopping you from making it happen?
Monday, June 6, 2011
Ralph Waldo Emerson Trust 30 Day Challenge: Day 6, Stop Planning, Start Living
This prompt suggests abandoning things that would not be part of a 1 week left to live "to do list". Only do that which "inspires" and abandon all else.
My first read on this prompt found it wanting. I originally had reclassified it as procrastination and had outlined my response. On a reread I find the prompt objectionable and childish. Here's why:
I can't live as though I have 1 week left to live unless I only have 1 week left to live. If I had one week left to live I wouldn't mow the lawn, pull weeds or pay bills. Hell, if I had one week left to live I wouldn't respond to this prompt.
Distasteful and wasteful though it may be, adults have to regularly engage in behavior that is less than inspiring.The term is responsibility. It's appealing to list items I wouldn't do if I had 1 week left to live. Unfortunately that gets in the way of getting things done.
My first read on this prompt found it wanting. I originally had reclassified it as procrastination and had outlined my response. On a reread I find the prompt objectionable and childish. Here's why:
I can't live as though I have 1 week left to live unless I only have 1 week left to live. If I had one week left to live I wouldn't mow the lawn, pull weeds or pay bills. Hell, if I had one week left to live I wouldn't respond to this prompt.
Distasteful and wasteful though it may be, adults have to regularly engage in behavior that is less than inspiring.The term is responsibility. It's appealing to list items I wouldn't do if I had 1 week left to live. Unfortunately that gets in the way of getting things done.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Ralph Waldo Emerson Trust 30 Day Challenge: Day 5, It's a Small World.
Today's challenge is to identify a place I'd like to see before I die, and describe how I plan to make it happen.
This is a challenge to write. I was never a fan of traveling. I'm not phobic about travel, it's just: What's the point? Pay money to be hassled at the airport, be unable to sleep in a strange bed and hope the one day I want to be outside doesn't get weathered out? I'm not motivated to travel.
Many years ago, a youth group convention (I was a staff member) took me to Toronto. It's a great city. Travel day took me (and 25 coach buses) to the CN Tower. I waited my turn and finally got to the top. I thought it would be great to take pictures going around the tower, get a 360 perspective. When I returned to the ground floor, I found the gift shop had a set of photos going round the tower available for sale. Whatever I want to see is available on the Internet and no jet lag.
Still, if I had to choose one place, I would love to go back to Disney World. My wife and I honeymooned in Disney and not only is it the happiest place on earth, it's also the most detail oriented. We stayed in a mid-level resort in Disney. When we arrived there was a fruit basket (compliments of Disney) in our room acknowledging our honeymoon. That's not even the best part. Disney World resorts are family oriented. Most rooms have two double beds. We were on our honeymoon and secured one of the few rooms with a queen size bed. Disney even made sure the bedsprings were extra squeaky, to further enable the newlywed atmosphere whenever we made it back to the room. That's paying attention to detail!
The kids are old enough to travel in a manner less painful than root canal. It would be great to take them to Disney and see it through their eyes. It's already a priority, but survival is a bigger priority (See Day 3 post). Simply put, I need to work my plan and build my business. As a sole provider in a service business booking 2 weeks away should be no problem. All it takes is money and it's off to see the world that Walt built.
How about you? Where in the world do you want to go and how do you plan to make that happen?
This is a challenge to write. I was never a fan of traveling. I'm not phobic about travel, it's just: What's the point? Pay money to be hassled at the airport, be unable to sleep in a strange bed and hope the one day I want to be outside doesn't get weathered out? I'm not motivated to travel.
Many years ago, a youth group convention (I was a staff member) took me to Toronto. It's a great city. Travel day took me (and 25 coach buses) to the CN Tower. I waited my turn and finally got to the top. I thought it would be great to take pictures going around the tower, get a 360 perspective. When I returned to the ground floor, I found the gift shop had a set of photos going round the tower available for sale. Whatever I want to see is available on the Internet and no jet lag.
Still, if I had to choose one place, I would love to go back to Disney World. My wife and I honeymooned in Disney and not only is it the happiest place on earth, it's also the most detail oriented. We stayed in a mid-level resort in Disney. When we arrived there was a fruit basket (compliments of Disney) in our room acknowledging our honeymoon. That's not even the best part. Disney World resorts are family oriented. Most rooms have two double beds. We were on our honeymoon and secured one of the few rooms with a queen size bed. Disney even made sure the bedsprings were extra squeaky, to further enable the newlywed atmosphere whenever we made it back to the room. That's paying attention to detail!
The kids are old enough to travel in a manner less painful than root canal. It would be great to take them to Disney and see it through their eyes. It's already a priority, but survival is a bigger priority (See Day 3 post). Simply put, I need to work my plan and build my business. As a sole provider in a service business booking 2 weeks away should be no problem. All it takes is money and it's off to see the world that Walt built.
How about you? Where in the world do you want to go and how do you plan to make that happen?
Friday, June 3, 2011
Ralph Waldo Emerson Trust 30 Day Challenge: Day 3, I Am An Island.
Today's prompt is to write about a time you have stood alone contrary to the beliefs of friends and family. What drove or motivated you and how did you deal with the ramifications?
This challenge is extremely unsettling. I don't wear a mask to blog and I include my family when appropriate. I also don't blog with my blinds, windows and doors wide open. I strongly believe that:
To this point, my working life has always been as a professional employee. I had a union job and was paid above scale. Pension and family medical/dental+ were 100% employer paid. My position ended Sept., 2008. I have not had full time employment since.
Myself, my wife and our families know only the career path of an employee. Bot my brothers in law are talented. One is an artist, the other a financial planning trainer. Neither has chosen the path of business owner. One is a very successful employee and one would like to be an employee again. My wife wants me to follow in the footsteps of her successful employee brother.
I have chosen the path of an entrepreneur. I plan to launch a service business creating life cycle ceremonies for secular/unaffiliated families as soon as I can gather the $$ for domain and business cards. My wife is unhappy with my decision.
I am the sole provider for my family and I understand my wife's desire for stability. I am still networking for full time employment but as a middle ager+, I refuse to pine for and invitation to the prom after making it very clear I'm available as a prom date.
Most of the employees I know have taken pay reduction to stay employed. They put in extra hours and sweat each week's sales as though the business was their own. I admire their work ethic. I might as well do the very same things for my own business.
It's apparent there is no resolution to this conflict between my wife and I as of yet. I am confident in my success but only time will tell.
This challenge is extremely unsettling. I don't wear a mask to blog and I include my family when appropriate. I also don't blog with my blinds, windows and doors wide open. I strongly believe that:
- Family disagreements exist.
- Passionate people argue passionately.
- Disagreements and arguments are held behind closed doors.
- Once issues are resolved, parties to the disagreement face the public united.
To this point, my working life has always been as a professional employee. I had a union job and was paid above scale. Pension and family medical/dental+ were 100% employer paid. My position ended Sept., 2008. I have not had full time employment since.
Myself, my wife and our families know only the career path of an employee. Bot my brothers in law are talented. One is an artist, the other a financial planning trainer. Neither has chosen the path of business owner. One is a very successful employee and one would like to be an employee again. My wife wants me to follow in the footsteps of her successful employee brother.
I have chosen the path of an entrepreneur. I plan to launch a service business creating life cycle ceremonies for secular/unaffiliated families as soon as I can gather the $$ for domain and business cards. My wife is unhappy with my decision.
I am the sole provider for my family and I understand my wife's desire for stability. I am still networking for full time employment but as a middle ager+, I refuse to pine for and invitation to the prom after making it very clear I'm available as a prom date.
Most of the employees I know have taken pay reduction to stay employed. They put in extra hours and sweat each week's sales as though the business was their own. I admire their work ethic. I might as well do the very same things for my own business.
It's apparent there is no resolution to this conflict between my wife and I as of yet. I am confident in my success but only time will tell.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
ROL: Drink Up!
ROL (Return on Life) is about making simple and/or incremental changes that have major returns for a better life. Last week's ROL was about drinking more water. This week's ROL is about drinking with gusto.
The quote, "The optimist sees the glass as half full and the pessimist sees the glass as half empty" has generated a multitude of sermons, columns, variations and jokes. At it's core the 1/2 full, 1/2 empty debate is about a person's outlook: do they seek out positive or always find negative. Although I work hard at seeking the positive, sometimes I fail and find the negative. Beginning today, neither matters.
The quote, "The optimist sees the glass as half full and the pessimist sees the glass as half empty" has generated a multitude of sermons, columns, variations and jokes. At it's core the 1/2 full, 1/2 empty debate is about a person's outlook: do they seek out positive or always find negative. Although I work hard at seeking the positive, sometimes I fail and find the negative. Beginning today, neither matters.
It's rare that a person's glass is either exactly 1/2 full and much rarer that the glass is completely full or totally empty. The overwhelming majority of our lives the glass is partially full/empty. Sometimes the glass is more than 1/2 full, sometimes more than 1/2 empty. Occasionally the glass is almost full, occasionally the glass is nearly empty. Now it's time to finish the quote: "The optimist sees the glass as half full, the pessimist sees the glass as half and empty and the realist drinks from the glass." Time to get real and drink up.
There are times (hopefully often) when the glass is half full. When the glass is half full, drink up and experience the joy that surrounds you. Don't wait for whatever may lie around the corner, today is the only today you or I have. Don't waste today's good for fear of tomorrow's bad.
There are also times (hopefully few) when the glass is half or nearly empty. During these challenging times, it's important to drink up also. Life isn't 100% the best of everything all the time. When you encounter anger, disappointment, frustration or pain it's important to engage these emotions. Talk, rant, cry, articulate or scream about how you are feeling. The bad is just as honest as the good. Own the crap and let the world know. It's probably the best way to minimize the bad and certainly the only way to move beyond the bad.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Weddings: "I Do" For The Couple, Think Twice For All Others.
June and weddings will always be intertwined. June is indeed the month with the most weddings. Almost 11% of the annual weddings in the US occur in June. The June bride is such an iconic concept there is even a June Bride movie. So apparently June is a good month for a bride at a wedding. What about the rest of us?There are 178 guests at a US wedding on average. Deducting the bride, groom and officiant leaves 175 people. Some of these 175 have strong connections with the couple (parents, attendants, relatives, good friends). Many of these 175 have minimal connections with the couple (business associates, distant relatives, +1 of invitees). All of these 175 have too much free time with little to do at a wedding.
Of those with strong conections to the couple, some will be asked to give a toast. Others may bring something to enrich the celebration with either meaning or humor. Be it toast or other, everyone will want their addition to be memorable. Most will succeed at making their add-on memorable, many for the wrong reason. Better to be forgotten than remembered for as a fool, jerk or other social misfit. Most of the wedding ceremonies and receptions are now videoed. There will be evidence. Rule of thumb: If you have to consider the appropriateness of your words or actions, the answer is no. The day is about the BRIDE and groom, don't make it about you.
For those with minimal connections to the wedding couple, act as though you are the designated driver for everyone else at the wedding. Yes, it's boring but you will be happier tomorrow and the rest of your life. Really.
An addendum on the urban/apocryphal wisdom regarding the confluence of alcohol, bridesmaid and taffeta. Adults are responsible for their consumption and no one will blame you for assisting someone out of an overpriced, hideous dress. Remember to be compassionate. Even if she can't remember your name, make sure the rest is worth remembering. Also, if she doesn't remind you of the occasion, reciprocate the kindness.
Go to the wedding and have a great time. It's the beginning of a new life together for the married couple. Make sure people are willing to invite you out in public in the future.
Ralph Waldo Emerson Trust 30 Day Challenge: Day 2
Today's prompt is to describe today in 1 sentence and share that sentence with 1 person. Lather, rinse, repeat.
"Today is the only opportunity today to celebrate today and do everything possible to make today a better today."
Tag, you're it.
Please feel free to leave your sentence for today as a comment.
"Today is the only opportunity today to celebrate today and do everything possible to make today a better today."
Tag, you're it.
Please feel free to leave your sentence for today as a comment.
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