Stay cool.

– Rego

Improve Your Lifestyle. Improve Yourself. This is Life. This is Rego’s Life.

Musings: Quote Wednesdays…

Just a mid-week follow up from this week’s episodic musing.

Have a great week.

As always…

Stay cool.

– Rego

Improve Your Lifestyle. Improve Yourself. This is Life. This is Rego’s Life.

“You don’t quit after you get beat… is a post from and appeared first on Rego’s Life

Which is kind of the premise of this post.

Let’s get started.

Musings Episode 91: Rest, But Don’t Quit…

Photo by Lena Bell on Unsplash

There’s a lot of awesome things to do in life.

Come to think of it, there’s a lot of things to do in general in life.

People pick and choose what they’ll do on a day-to-day basis according to what they deem important enough to prioritize.

They pick what forms of entertainment they choose to invest in, what lifestyle they choose to have.

They choose what keeps them busy, and what they have free time for.

I’ve mentioned it before – there’s a culture of busyness that’s been growing that I’m not entirely for.

Work-life balance being thrown off kilter and status symbols being made out of “who has the least amount of time”.

Companies overworking people, utilizing what they ever so affectionately call their “human resources“.

People putting aside what’s important to them, to build someone else’s dream.

There’s an ethos that’s developed when you workout, or get into fitness.

I don’t mean superficial fitness.

I mean mental mettle, it’s still your set, last rep is the hardest, left shaking workouts.

It’s an ethos you develop for yourself, and yourself only – which eventually bleeds into other areas of your life.

You set goals, or milestones…and by setting those milestones, you demand accountability from yourself when it comes to sticking to them.

You learn to prioritize yourself, to know your worth…to assert your value.

It teaches you that if you can push yourself to the limits for others, you can push yourself to the limits for yourself.

So why not do it?

But that’s not what I’m getting at here.

It also teaches you to know when to rest.

To take time out for yourself to recover, when everything seems like it’s building up.

“Rest if you must, but don’t you quit,” is the motto.

Every workout, someone always gets tired.

But you never stop when you’re tired – you stop when you’ve completed everything you’ve laid out to do.

Photo by Simon Migaj on Unsplash

You rest in-between if you have to – like going for 12 reps on a weight where you can only bang out 8 with strict form – sure, you rest-pause until you get those last 4 reps out, never dropping the bar…

But you never quit.

The same goes for life.

If you have things that you want to accomplish or get done, there’s nothing wrong with being a little tired.

Everyone gets tired.

But it’s what you do after you become tired.

Don’t just fold, never finishing what you started.

Rest, recover, and keep going until you’re done.

This is a point you train yourself to get to long after the motivation’s disappeared.

It’s not always a happy place to be.

There’s times when you’ll get fed up, pissed off, frustrated, and feel like you’re moving at a snail’s rate.

But don’t ever quit.

The minute you quit going after something you want for yourself is the minute you’ve chosen to take your life, your free will…and put it in someone else’s hands.

Rest if you must, re-position yourself if you make mistakes…but don’t quit.

Photo by whereslugo on Unsplash

Stay cool.

– Rego

Improve Your Lifestyle. Improve Yourself. This is Life. This is Rego’s Life.

Musings Episode 91: Rest, But Don’t Quit… is a post from and appeared first on Rego’s Life

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Yeah.

Time’s have changed.

Let’s fix that.

For The Weekenders: Travel Essentials – The Sequel….

Technological advances over the past few years have made things insanely effortless when it comes to travelling – despite allowing us to have a severe dependence on that same technology.

The only thing that probably hasn’t advanced is airport security…at least not for the better. Who knows, maybe it’ll improve in the future.

Maybe…maybe not.

Anyway. Travel’s gotten easier. A lot easier.

Especially when it comes to electronics.

Travel Essentials 1 – No Strings Attached.

I remember the days of carrying a huge backpack for my photography equipment, numerous cables and cords attached to chargers, and bulky equipment.

With wireless, that’s all gotten so much….neater.

Most noticeably when it comes to headphones, or earbuds.

While I’ve always been neat in appearance, earbuds were always one sticking point that I just couldn’t master keeping tidy.

So naturally, when wireless earbuds and headphones came out, I was elated.

I’ve always been a fan of headphones over earbuds – largely because I have awkward ears that can’t seem to hold onto earbuds.

Plus, when it comes to working out, headphones just seem to stay on way easier.

But when it comes to travel, I strongly prefer earbuds – because they’re small…and easy to carry (like fitting into your pocket).

You get it – different things for different purposes. So when I’m travelling, if I know I’ll be working out, I’ll pack headphones in a carry-on bag, and earbuds in my pocket. If I had to choose in regards to price and quality, these are the ones I recommend…

Bluedio T2S Bluetooth 4.1 Headphones.

There’s a plethora of reasons why I like these. Besides the insane amount of bass they provide, I’m a huge fan of listening to LoFi music on HiFi headphones – everything’s so clear, the sounds around you disappear.

They’ve got up to 40 hours worth of play time for music, and 45 hours of talk time, with standby time being 1000+ hours…but I think one thing I really love about them is their frequency response. If you know anything about music, you’ll know that a frequency response of 20Hz-20Khz allows for hearing everything the artist wants you to hear.

Combine that with their reasonable price and you’ve got a practical purchase that’s worth its weight in gold.

For earbuds, I recommend the TREBLAB X2 4.2 Bluetooth earbuds.

While not having as much play time as Bluedio, I do like the fact that they have a portable charging box. These workout really well during workouts where I don’t feel like the bulk of headphones, as they’re sweat-proof (meaning I’m not wiping headphones down with a gym towel).

Speaking of bulk, they’re easy to fit in your pocket whether it’s your jeans or coat – just be careful…sometimes they can get lost and you have to rummage (or maybe that’s just me).

They’ve also got a longer play time than others I’ve found which usually top out at 2.5 hours when you’re looking for something reasonably priced.

I’m also really keen on the fact that they come with different ear inserts so they fit everything from the smallest ears to those of Dumbo.

Need I say more?

Travel Essentials 2 – These Days, You Can Make Money Out of Thin Air.

I’m serious. With contactless payment cards, Google, and Apple pay, your money is floating around while you go about your day. If you’ve ever ridden the underground/metro and paid with the reloadable cards they issue, you’ve also probably at some point been too lazy to get your card out and have just pressed your wallet against the machine.

That’s great and all, but sometimes those same machines can accidentally take money from your bank cards as well.

So naturally, when you’re travelling, the same thing can happen if someone trailing behind you wants to make some extra cash for the day.

It’s one of the reasons why a few years back I decided to invest in an RFID wallet – it blocks readers from taking small amounts of cash off your cards.

My favourite out of all the ones I’ve owned?

The iMossi RFID wallet.

Sleek. Small. Discreet. I love this one largely because I’m a minimalist.

Wallets have always had a tendency to be fat. Bulky. Cumbersome. Obvious. Just generally something that draws attention to itself when you don’t want it drawing attention to itself.

With plastic being used more and more to pay for things, wallets are now getting thinner. You grab a few cards, some cash, your spouse’s picture you’re currently in a love-hate relationship with, and you’re good to go.

There’s also the introduction of skinny jeans.

I don’t really get why anyone would want pants that you have to try and get off with a chisel and hammer, but these things are popular – so much so that slim fit seems to fit like skinny fit (or maybe that’s just the size of my quads). Meaning you can see everything that’s in a person’s pockets (you know, if you don’t carry a handbag/manbag)

So when you come across something like the iMossi, you realise it’s a smart investment. What are you waiting for?

Travel Essentials 3 – Being Punctual is Important.

So it’s wise to make sure you have something that doesn’t need recharging.

Ditch the Apple Watch, the WearOS, and your mobile phone.

Society already has enough anxiety on its hands – should we really make being nervous about not knowing the time once your battery goes dead something else to worry about?

I’m a huge fan of wrist watches. Wrist watches that have “old-fashioned” batteries. You know, the ones that don’t need replacing but every 2-3 years? Yeah – Apple and Google ain’t got nothin’ on that.

Over the last decade or so, I’ve stuck with two brands…Freestyle and Nixon.

Why?

Because I don’t like taking off my watch.

If I want to go swimming, or jump in the shower, or go diving, maybe wash my car (while whispering sweet nothings into its…side mirrors)…I don’t like taking off something as important as that which keeps my time management on point.

Both Freestyle and Nixon understand those sentiments…because they make waterproof watches.

When I say waterproof, I don’t mean splashing around in a bird bath. I mean real, proper, deep diving watches.

This may seem like a pretty pointless feature but ask yourself this – if you can spend 10 grand on a Rolex that can get messed up if you get the slightest bit rough with it – why not spend less than 2/100ths of that on something that won’t crack under pressure?

I’m all for luxury, and only like to pin that word to things that deserve it…but when it comes to wrist watches…

Function and fashion.

Brains and money.

After all…

Travel should always be stress free.

As always…

Stay cool.

– Rego

Improve Your Lifestyle. Improve Yourself. This is Life. This is Rego’s Life.

For The Weekenders: Travel Essentials – The Sequel…. is a post from and appeared first on Rego’s Life

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Musings: Quote Wednesdays…

Photo by Hermes Rivera on Unsplash

…stand up.

A little refresher from this week’s episodic musing.

As always…

Stay cool.

– Rego

Improve Your Lifestyle. Improve Yourself. This is Life. This is Rego’s Life.

“If you stand up and be counted… is a post from and appeared first on Rego’s Life

I generally don’t like opining on politics and what not but…

Well…I guess let’s just get right to it.

Musings Episode 90: Stand Your Ground, Millennials…

Photo by Francisco Gonzalez on Unsplash

I do really great when I’m around like-minded people.

Really great.

If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you’ll understand exactly what I mean by like-minded.

People that don’t like when people try and walk all over them – and people who don’t try to walk all over people.

A friend and I were discussing the meme culture that’s grown over the years and how really, when you think about it, there are an alarming rate of memes that older people would consider “dark/depressing humor”.

But let’s be honest…rather than focusing on that – isn’t that screaming a message loud and clear?

People’s human security in the developed world (like economic, for instance), is clearly not as great as politicians are pretending like it is.

We live in an age where we’re bombarded with advertising – it’s on YouTube, Pandora, Spotify, SoundCloud, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook etc, etc…you really can’t get away from it.

Advertisements quietly streamlined into your “social” media accounts, looking as if they’re part of your timelines or the videos you watch.

Always suggesting to you what to buy, what to eat, drink, in what way life should be relatable.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JChBhj70XgU

Sorry but…that last bit isn’t relatable at all.

Don’t get me wrong – I get that ads were always around, especially on TV and radio, and I understand that services that offer free listening/watching need ads to pay for what they serve up to you, but these days it all seems like it’s so much more…intense.

Not in a good way – in a pushy way.

Ads that scream at you across the screen or through your ear buds with enthusiastic messages of “lease this! buy that!“.

…but the damn irony of it all is that half the time these messages are being pounded into a generation’s head that’s struggling just to pay the rent or have a nice holiday.

Ads are being pushed across as if every person being advertised to, has the disposable income to go and buy everything they’re told to – most of it being useless shit.

“Don’t have cash? Just use credit. Get yourself a store card,” they suggest.

It’s like leased cars.

Yeah alright, you get to drive a different car every so many months but…who the hell came up with the bright idea it’s cool to pay for something you have to give back and get penalized for overusing because you “went over your mileage” when you do give it back, because you fancied going on a road trip?

I’m still a believer of quality over quantity, and buying cars over leasing.

I’m not waffling here – I’m getting to a point.

What I’m trying to say is, I feel like with the way the “developed” world has become so commercialized, older generations are coming down a little hard on the millennials as to why they don’t have their shit together.

Since the Global Financial Crisis of 2008/9, we’ve been living in a time where every electronic device is practically blaring at people in their teens and 20s that they should be living life a certain way – then ironically not providing adequate income or opportunities for them to live those certain lifestyles.

So you’ve basically got a few choices.

Either A) become an entrepreneur, B) sign up for a shit job, or C) go to college/university to not have to fight as hard to get a good job and pray you don’t get axed because you didn’t stroke your boss’ ego that day.

I’ve had the luxury (said with extreme sarcasm – sometimes ignorance truly is bliss) of having been around the block.

…so at some point in my life experienced all three, before settling firmly into the role of entrepreneur.

And guys – I’m not gonna sit and preach to you it’s all sunshine and rainbows.

It’s not always easy. Some days, especially in the beginning, it’s a whirlwind and a fight between logic and emotions.

Actually scratch that – at some point, even when you see things fall into place, it still feels like a whirlwind sometimes.

You’re excited. You’re afraid. You’re overjoyed. You fumble. You fuck up.

You think it’s worth it. You think it’s totally not worth it.

Then you remember why you started.

But one thing I’ll say I’ve learnt from being an entrepreneur in comparison to having a job – is learning to stand your ground.

When you’re in a job, you’re dealing with other people’s egos.

Other people’s egos who are considered your “supervisors”.

When you’re an entrepreneur, standing your ground means you get to dig your heels into the ground and fucking PUSH for better – and no one can really say shit about it.

When you’re in a job, standing your ground can sometimes mean you’re going to piss a few people off – whether you care or not is entirely up to you – but it can swing both ways.

Either you gain more respect, or your head gets closer to the chopping block.

I was raised to be one stubborn, head strong son of a bitch.

I’ve realized over the years it’s probably the biggest blessing in my life – A) because it sure as shit does help a lot when it comes to getting through my workouts….and B) because honestly, I probably would’ve abandoned the thought of being an entrepreneur long ago.

Circling back around to millennials – they get so much shit.

They really do. Especially from some baby boomers.

I remember watching a political talk with Trae Crowder some months back where the host of the show said “millennials are a very confused generation”.

…….

You’d be confused too growing up in a time where you witnessed the biggest financial downturn since The Great Depression of the 1920s.

Back when that happened you had people trying to cope with alcohol, suicide, and any other means.

These days you get people coping through substance abuse, depression, suicide….and then joking about serious life situations through fucking memes.

You really think that can’t tip either way?

Healthily pushing back or just turning completely nihilistic?

Which pretty much brings me around to the point that in order for things to start changing, people have to start standing their ground.

Coping is fine, but it’s only meant to be temporary.

Learning to stand your ground in life can have a huge impact – can you imagine if everyone was so disgusted with the way things are being run they pushed back?

Companies can’t fire everyone.

They’re already making getting a job feel like winning the lottery.

….or like money is something “optional”.

Then when you get the job, literally trying to condition you that the harder you work the better you are.

Even Machiavelli’s writings came to the conclusion you push a man too hard after a while he’ll feel like he has nothing left to lose.

There’s also the belief that millennials act entitled.

I wholly disagree with this.

Millennials don’t feel entitled – with globalization and the exponential growth in commercialization, they work more hours than earlier generations ever had to contend with, maybe stopping shy of people who worked in factories that supported the war efforts during WWII.

Despite having more “human rights” laws that have been put in place since that time.

You can’t be entitled if you’re working more hours and getting less pay and zero proper benefits.

You can’t be entitled if you’re given a part-time job and have to have housemates or flat mates because you can’t afford a place of your own.

Don’t even get me started on the B.S. “flexitime” incentive companies have where a person can’t dictate their own schedule.

I read crazy stories about people in their early 20s just up and fucking collapsing because they literally worked themselves to death.

Fucking interns.

That’s entitled?

Really?

What I’m trying to say is – older generations need to stop ignoring what the younger generations have to contend with because of problems passed on.

Younger generations have to avoid succumbing to zoning out from crappy situations or letting their frustrations externalize towards other people.

Don’t let people run you ragged.

Wake up. It’s gonna take a collective effort but wake the fuck up.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWFDYpnUmS4

Stand your ground. You may get slapped down a few times but they can’t bring everyone to their knees.

A lot of people are already on their knees anyway, with the way corporations are exploiting human security.

Ask yourself – would you rather die standing, or live kneeling at the mercy of others?

You’re not a human resource.

You’re a person.

You have purpose.

Don’t let corporations and consumerism distract you from that.

Don’t “Feed The Machine”.

It may be uncomfortable, but get out of your comfort zone for a minute and just think about it…

Stay cool.

– Rego

Improve Your Lifestyle. Improve Yourself. This is Life. This is Rego’s Life.

Musings Episode 90: Stand Your Ground, Millennials… is a post from and appeared first on Rego’s Life

You’ll need to if you really want to be in top form for the things suggested in this week’s For The Weekenders.

Let’s start.

For The Weekenders: Rhodes to Greece, Absinthe Gummy Bears, Vinho Fuelled Polo in Argentina…

There’s so many things to do in this life it’s a wonder why people ever say they’re bored.

Even though the weather’s been pretty crappy and cold in a lot of different areas, there’s always a sun behind the clouds and warmth beyond the cold.

Like in Greece.

Ahh, Greece…despite what the EU may say about it financially, it’s one of those places that you just have to love.

Which begs the question – who’s more rich – the country with the most financial stability, or the country who’s environment nourishes your heart and soul?

I’d say both.

Why can’t we just have both in one place?

Or more accurately…can’t, or won’t?

Whichever way you want to answer that question, in the end all roads lead to Greece – Rhodes, Greece, that is (see what I did there?).

So here’s what you’ll do. Say you’re taking a personal day…which is really a week, and charter a flight to Rhodes Airport. Don’t worry about packing too much here – just comfy clothes (linen? Maybe a nice light chambray weave?), and other bare essentials.

Check-in to Casa Cook Rhodes, and be escorted to your suite with private pool and terrace that you booked prior to arrival.

I seriously hope you brought someone along with you.

Complete with outdoor rain shower, premium quality mattresses (*wink*), a minibar, and an indoor whirlpool, you’ll find it easy to melt the jet lag away so you can enjoy your stay to the fullest extent humanly possible.

I recommend having a hot shower then going for a quick soak, before refuelling after a (not really at all that gruelling) flight over.

If you can get your play date to join you then hey, the more the merrier.

You’ll probably want to rest up for what lies in store – there’s a lot to do in Rhodes.

Or, if you’re feeling adventurous and athletic, play the night away – just remember to be ready in the morning.

“For what“, you ask?

A full day of sailing…duh.

Well, technically sailing…but mostly lounging, for you.

You’ll have a wonderful little skipper who’ll steer you through various bays and springs, while you lounge on the deck absorbing some seriously glorious sun waves, sipping something cool and refreshing, before convincing your play date to go for a swim, as naturally, while staying dry is great and all, things are much more fun in the water.

After an exhausting day of…relaxing, treat yourself to some locally sourced dinner.

I’m thinking maybe Feta Lagoridani with a salad to start, a mixed grill platter to share for 2, and some Kataifi for dessert…naturally, polished off with an Espresso Highball.

You’ll need a couple of hours to digest all that food you stuffed your smug face with, so feel free to lounge on your terrace, before slipping into the pool for a late night swim with someone sexy.

I recommend sharing a carafe of Pathos, consisting of Metaxa Greek Spirit, Greek dry red wine, some seasonal fruit and traditional botanicals.

A private pool is important.

You want it private.

Why? (Are you really that dense?)

Without sugar coating it…so you can have some private time, of course – without some old retired lady exclaiming, praying for you, then proceeding to throw holy water at you and your special someone.

Nobody likes holy water thrown at them.

Besides being mildly cold (the temperature, not the act), it’s also just like…really inconvenient.

Plus, it kills the buzz from those absinthe gummy bears you made with the silicon mold and absinthe you brought along, in addition to all those “essential items” you stepped out to go shopping for when you touched down.

Wait – you didn’t do that?

You’ve never HAD those?

Jesus Christ…where have you been living? The great depression?

(the 1920’s one – not the 2008 one.)

Well, let’s fix that…for starters, you don’t have to buy them anywhere – plus, they’re not really that easy to buy.

So here’s how to make your own.

You’re welcome.

Absinthe Gummy Bears

Absinthe isn’t something that just has to be enjoyed via a cocktail.

If childhood favorites, and adult indulgences had a baby, it would be this exact gummy bear treat.

You’ll need a few things, but nothing that’s too much of a hassle to acquire:

• 1 Cup of Water
• .5 Cup of Absinthe
  • A quality one.
• .25 Cup of Sugar
• 1 Vitamin B2 Tab
• Food Coloring (Green)
• Silicon mold to make all this stuff into actual gummy bears

Take your water and pour it into a saucepan with no heat under it.

Now dust your gelatin into there.

You’ll have to be a little patient, allowing for your gelatin to bloom for about 10 minutes. Only after that, do you want to put some medium heat under it.

While you’re waiting for that to reach a boil, now would be a good time to take that Vitamin B2 tab I told you about and crush it into a powder.

Once you’re done with that, grab your sugar and food coloring, and dust them slowly into the mixture in your saucepan, letting it simmer until the sugar dissolves completely.

Take your saucepan off the heat, then go ahead and add your powdered B2 and absinthe. Stir everything up until it’s all mixed well and the B2 has dissolved completely.

Now for the fun part.

Take your silicon molds and get everything in there. Toss them in the fridge and be patient – considering the sheer amount of gelatin you used, they won’t take long to set.

Fair warning – these gummy bears may provide a hallucinogenic affect.

Just a tad.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsvxCR_T-Ho

(Unless that is, you’re that much of an asshole one actually flips you the bird.)

So don’t go overboard with them, and definitely don’t eat the whole batch. Everything in moderation.

Nonetheless, they’re a great treat to share with your play date when you’re outside lounging in the pool and listening to some choice music.

…and by choice music I mean this.

Not Katy Perry. Not for this mood (sorry, Katy).

If you’re tired of lounging and are up for getting into something a little more adventurous, it’s probably time to kiss Greece goodbye and head Southwest.

As in, Argentina.

If you’re more of the athletic type, then naturally you’ll want a full day of Polo in Argentina.

Not as adventurous as elephant Polo in India, but still just as fun.

Still athletic but never played polo?

No problem – Argentina Polo Day has intensive Polo lessons for you that’ll bring you up to speed in no time.

First thing’s first. Charter a flight to Buenos Aires Ezeiza International Airport, then get the guys at Argentina Polo Day to arrange transport to get you to this Polo paradise.

It’d probably be a good idea to bring some friends or family along with you, as Polo’s a team sport.

You’ll have some pretty cushy accommodation waiting, in addition to other activities in case you don’t just feel like playing Polo during your entire stay.

You should be flinching – the future is now old man, step aside.

Like watching the pros play the game for you. At night.

Or maybe some tango lessons to impress that person you’ve been seeing for a while now.

If you really feel like spreading your wings a little and taking in the sights, I’d opt for a bird’s eye view with a heli-tour.

Whatever you want to do these guys will do their best to accommodate (just don’t go overboard – they won’t be your therapist for that divorce you’re going through).

You may be a little nervous the first time around. Maybe you’re the shy type, and feel a little awkward when trying something new.

Especially if you’ve got someone you (feel you) have to impress.

Don’t sweat it – Argentina is known for serving up some great liquid courage, so a little vinho (that’s wine), might help before the official match.

I cannot, however, guarantee what the effects of said wine will be like during your match, though.

Either way, that counts as an energy drink, right?

Just…wing it whichever way you see fit – you get the idea.

When you’ve had your fill of polo, shower up and hit the pool.

Best way to soothe those achy muscles you (probably) haven’t used in years after such a rugged sport.

That and absinthe gummy bears.

Gummy bears for everyone.

Finding ways to enjoy yourself doesn’t have to be boring.

Work clever, play hard.

As always…

Stay cool,

– Rego

Improve Your Lifestyle. Improve Yourself. This is Life. This is Rego’s Life.

For The Weekenders: Rhodes to Greece, Absinthe Gummy Bears, Vinho Fuelled Polo in Argentina… is a post from and appeared first on Rego’s Life

Musings: Quote Wednesdays…

Photo by Sam Burriss on Unsplash

…and no one else.

A little follow-up from this week’s episodic musing.

As always…

Stay cool.

– Rego

Improve Your Lifestyle. Improve Yourself. This is Life. This is Rego’s Life.

Happy.*

Happy Sunday.

Happy and Sappy Sunday?

I don’t know/care…let’s just start.

Musings Episode 89: Convince No One…

Well….last week was exhausting.

I generally grow tired and exhausted when I’m required to engage in social contact that involves…people I don’t want to engage in social contact with.

So…when this happens, it feels like a battery that’s being drained and in desperate need of a recharge – I’m that battery.

There are also times when this happens that it feels like a battery that’s going to overload and explode – I am also that battery.

On both occasions, generally one of the exchanges that count as exhausting are whenever I’m talking to some egotistical slack-jawed junkslut – mostly in business.

Personal-life wise, I do a pretty good job of avoiding those types all together.

…and by “those types” I just mean someone up their own ass.

If you read my previous posts on ego and competition, there are a plethora of bad eggs like this in today’s time.

I’ve always been on the side of the argument that narcissism and egoism aren’t the same, and that in a world of this or that, narcissism is better than being insecure any day.

Largely because of the fact that when insecure people talk, in my experience many of them always seem to need convincing.

Convincing that they’re doing a good job.

Convincing that they’re loved.

Convincing that they’re a wonderful person.

Convincing that life doesn’t suck half as bad as they think it does.

Convincing that their friends really like them.

Convincing that their grandma (who’s been dead for like a millennium) really did love them.

They need convincing no matter how many times you may try to lift them up.

Don’t get me wrong – there’s nothing wrong with a little reassurance – but there’s a fine line.

With convincing, approval likes to tag along.

That is to say, insecurity often brings along the habit of a person doing things to seek approval.

Photo by Isabella Jusková on Unsplash

Being a “people pleaser”.

Narcissists on the other hand, are interesting in the sense that they already tell themselves everyone loves them, they’re the best thing since sliced bread, and everything they do is like the first time something really useful was invented for human kind.

Like the lightbulb.

Or condoms.

They also obsess over being the best…which in turn, often makes them push themselves to be the best.

There are narcissist that are really just insecure people masquerading as narcissist (like Trump), I think, but that’s another story for another time.

So what am I getting at here…right – convincing.

Yeah, stop doing that shit.

It’s your life.

Stop bending over backwards to try to prove yourself if you already know you’ve made something decent or are making something decent of yourself when it comes to personal development.

Oddly, in several relationships across the board it seems like people need to be convinced more and more about different things.

Are people growing more insecure?

Take business for instance. Remember the good old days where you just swung by a company, maybe sweet talked the receptionist into getting you a spot to see the boss, or walked in regularly and asked to see the person in charge because you saw an ad in the paper?

You put in your CV/resumé, you either got seen the next day, or same day, had an informal chat, and before you knew it you were hired?

There were no 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, interviews plus one drink-the-blood-of-a-goat final 5th ritual interview, just because they needed to cross-examine to make sure they were convinced enough to hire you.

There was no portfolio you had to present, no vague requests to “prove a track record of success” without actually specifying exactly what they’re looking for.

A guy looked at your CV, had a chat with you to see if what was on your CV wasn’t bullshit, and went with his gut.

There was an unsaid trust.

This amazingly managed to do just as good of a job as what recruiters are “trained” to do (but fail ever so miserably at) when it comes to ensuring people were hired based off of their talent or skills they could bring to a company, rather than nepotism or particularism.

Or for another example, take romantic relationships.

Remember when you could just walk up to someone, apologize for interrupting, and compliment them on something you really liked about them physically?

Or maybe you’d just be in the bookstore and strike up a conversation about a book you see someone considering buying and you’ve bought it before so hey great, conversation starter.

There’d either be a positive or negative reaction, you’d maybe swap numbers (home numbers, no mobile phones then), eventually go on dates, etc.

Once you were in the relationship, texting day-to-day wasn’t necessary nor was it possible.

The person just trusted that you liked them and them only, and when you both did call to meet up again, you valued it more.

You never really had to convince one another you were into each other, because each time you both met it was like meeting each other all over again – all due to a build up of the feeling of missing one another and looking forward to seeing each other.

Friendships are the same way. I could go on and on and on but I think you’re smart enough to draw up your own examples.

Along with a culture of busyness, of victim mentality, it seems like there’s a culture of a need to be convinced, which perpetuates a cycle of a need to prove, a desire for approval.

Photo by Alex Blăjan on Unsplash

Nobody really says “prove it to me”.

Alright so maybe some business people do, but nobody really says prove it.

What are you, 5?

They won’t ever really say it because they don’t want to sound 5.

But actions speak loud enough to send the message without words ever having to leave the mouth.

I’m very much action oriented…so maybe this irritates me more than others.

But frankly, I don’t believe in people’s words.

Ironic, right?

A writer, who writes, and writes, and writes – but doesn’t believe other people’s words.

Well, maybe it’s a little more nuanced than that.

I believe people’s words, but I watch their actions.

I don’t believe in proving, don’t believe in convincing, and don’t seek approval.

I’ll take someone’s word, trust and expect them to do the action, and leave them to it.

If they don’t I don’t really care, because I don’t attach much weight to their words first time around.

I do believe that actions speak a lot louder than words, when carried out.

Largely because of the fact that as the desire from people, of people to prove themselves, to convince other people that they are what they are, can do what they can do, feel how they feel, and need what they need, increases…it only perpetuates the issue of words becoming devoid, meaningless – lip service.

Saying whatever it is someone wants to hear makes words’ value drop to absolute zero.

Photo by MILKOVÍ on Unsplash

Saying whatever it is someone wants to hear increases the need for actual proof through actions to be carried out.

In people wanting others to convince them, to prove to them, whatever it is that they want proof or convincing of, it makes it harder to separate the real from the pleaser.

The true from the false.

The raw from the sugar-coated.

Which creates the theory that if people realized the weight of their words, the value of their words, they wouldn’t use them so superfluously.

They wouldn’t just spit off at the mouth.

They would think before speaking…and this would quite possibly restore value to words used.

Trust ties in with this. When a person constantly needs convincing or proof, they lack trust.

You can’t cure that.

You can’t make someone trust you.

It just has to happen.

So if you can’t make someone trust you, and they’re not willing to let themselves trust you, you can’t really convince them either.

Photo by Simon Shim on Unsplash

If you’re someone who doesn’t seek approval, this can be pretty frustrating.

So here’s the simple solution to at least clear your head.

Just say it.

Say it to the insecure types, the untrustworthy types of people you may encounter in life.

“I’m not going to convince you.”

But only say it on the basis your words carry fucking weight.

Two things can happen.

They either will disengage in conversation with you, and that’s that, or they’ll realize your lack of attempting to use a silver tongue means there is truth in what you speak.

Stop pandering to insecure people.

Catering to such a frame of mind will inevitably snowball into our downfall as human beings.

Think about it.

Stay cool…

– Rego

Improve Your Lifestyle. Improve Yourself. This is Life. This is Rego’s Life.

Musings Episode 89: Convince No One… is a post from and appeared first on Rego’s Life

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Let’s figure out how to enjoy them.

For The Weekenders: Luck of The Irish, Espresso Brunches, Egg Cream Easters…

Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash

There are several points in a person’s life where they’ve just gotta have the right things, at the right times, for the right moments.

It’s something about hitting the timing perfectly that makes a moment or an event just perfect – noteworthy.

So when I think about how St. Patrick’s Day is coming up, I think about the last time I had a memorable one…

…and then quickly like to forget about that exact moment (largely because the last memorable one involved moonshine…and being knocked sideways by said moonshine).

Following up from last week’s For The Weekenders, here’s 3 drink recipes that’ll have you ready for any occasion.

It’s time to bring out your inner Irishman.

The crazy one.

You know – the one that gets and/or arrives drunk at a late relative’s funeral/wake, snatches the pack of gummy bears from a child who’s been given them just to keep quiet, and starts swearing at Uncle Carl because “he always was a menacing, cheap, greedy bastard”.

…yeah, that guy.

But if you’re gonna do it, be classy as fuck while doing so.

They say you are what you eat.

I say you are what you drink, too.

In this case, a Nutty Irishman.

The Nutty Irishman

This is great for those moments during St. Patty’s Day where you need a little pick me up but still want to maintain a buzz – without the worry of a heart attack from an energy drink like, oh I don’t know, Red Bull…

(When mixed with alcohol it doesn’t give you wings.)

(Just cardiac arrest.)

You’ll need:

• 5 oz. Coffee (freshly brewed, nice and hot)
  • Opt for French roast – you’ll want something robust and dark, and French works well here.
• 1 oz. Bailey’s Irish Cream
• .5 oz. Frangelico (yep, like last time) Hazelnut Liqueur
• .5 oz. Jameson Irish Whiskey
• Fresh Whipped Cream (Just a dollop)

While all these ingredients are just wonderful, there’s an art to their assembly. So first things first…

You’ll want to grab a heated mug, and pour your hot coffee into it.

Now add your Irish cream, hazelnut liqueur, and Irish whiskey.

Take your freshly whipped cream and top everything off, then sit back and enjoy each sip.

While this will probably become a favorite of yours even outside the context of St. Patrick’s Day, having one too many of these, no matter how much coffee is in them, will probably leave you hungover if you don’t balance things out with a good bit of water.

So the day after, while I doubt you’ll be making breakfast, it’d be smart to have a hefty, healthy brunch.

The best way to cure a hangover is naturally to replenish your energy.

Give yourself strength.

Nurse yourself slowly off the alcohol consumed the night prior with a mid-brunch martini.

You know, can’t just go cold turkey and all that.

So alongside the French toast, poached eggs, and beef sausages, I strongly recommend some wake-up juice.

And by wake-up juice I mean an Espresso Martini.

Espresso Martini

First there’s coffee, then there’s espresso.

You want something concentrated like espresso, which’ll slap you from seeing double back to seeing single, and hopefully get the ringing out of your ears and pupils back to working normally, where you’re not squinting if a lightning bug flies around your face as if someone’s trying to blind you.

You’ll need:

• 2 oz. Stoli Vanil Vodka
• 1 oz. Espresso (freshly brewed)
• .75 oz Simple Syrup
• 1 Sprig of mint (torn)

This is meant to be a pick me up so putting everything together is pretty simple here.

Grab a cocktail shaker with some ice in it, and pour everything into it, tossing in the sprig of mint as well.

Shake everything up well for about 15-20 seconds, then strain it all into a chilled martini glass.

Done.

See how simple that was? Less than two steps and you’re brain’s back to not feeling like it’s the proverbial nail under a hammer.

If you don’t know how to make simple syrup (you sad human being, you), it’s really…

Simple.

Here’s how to do it. Grab:

• 2 Cups Water
• 2 Cups Granulated Sugar

If it wasn’t too much of a strain to prepare these ingredients, put both of them into a medium saucepan.

Put the saucepan over medium heat until the water gets just below boiling.

Make sure you stir this well – it’s important the sugar is completely dissolved.

Once that’s done, take the pan off the heat and let it cool until it’s room temperature.

Take your newly made simple syrup and use it for making your Espresso Martini, then seal the rest in a clean mason jar.

It’ll last you for just under a month if you keep it in the fridge, in the event you have anymore drinking mishaps and need a recovery fix.

Don’t judge me.

After you’re done partying like a drunk Irishman (or if you’re already Irish…just partying like a drunk, I guess), you’ll need to eventually straighten your shit up.

You know, because Jesus day is right around the corner.

And by Jesus day, I mean Easter.

Which is ironically on the 1st of April, according to Google.

Also which somehow, has me imagining Jesus being like…

We’re cool, right?

Seeing as Easter’s become pretty commercialized these days though, and rather than doing the right thing and just guilt tripping people into remembering what dicks they are on a day-to-day basis, the stores are littered with Cadbury creme eggs and chocolate bunnies the size of your 4 year-old toddler (child?).

So if you’re not a heartless uncle or aunt who deliberately proposes Easter is spent somewhere snowy only to paint all the eggs white and hide them in said snow, for the little ones never to find…you’ll probably want something to get you through this bastardized version of the original holiday.

Something along the lines of an egg cream.

Chocolate Egg Cream

If you’re from Brooklyn, you’ll be familiar with these.

You’ll also know that despite the name, there’s no actual egg or cream for that matter, in these.

It’s a sweet beverage, with a nice mellow buzz that follows.

Perfect for Easter festivities, innocent enough to look like it belongs in a soda shop, and mature enough where you have to stress to your nephew or niece that no, this is a *special* drink that uncle’s/auntie’s drinking which was prescribed by your…doctor, for…medicinal purposes…and isn’t safe for little ones.

“Prescription only K Timmy thx bye.”

….here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 oz. Stoli Vanil Vodka
• 2 oz. Chocolate Syrup
• 1 oz. Khalúa
• 1/2 Cup Whole Milk
• Club Soda

When no one’s around in the kitchen, you’ll mix everything except the club soda in a cocktail shaker.

Shake everything up for about 15-20 seconds, then pour into a tall, chilled glass.

Here’s the part that takes a little skill – you’re gonna slowly add club soda to your glass – and stir the mixture ever so gently as you pour.

If you want that nice, frothy texture that usually comes with egg creams, you’ll need to use a soda gun instead, so in this case an old-school spritzer bottle is your best bet.

Otherwise, if you’re just pouring your club soda straight from a bottle, make sure you stir it gently, but also well enough to create a froth top by the time you’re finished making it.

Quality drinks take patience…no matter how impatient your relatives might be with you this Easter holiday.

There’s always something for every occasion.

Stay cool.

– Rego

Improve Your Lifestyle. Improve Yourself. This is Life. This is Rego’s Life.

For The Weekenders: Luck of The Irish, Espresso Brunches, Egg Cream Easters… is a post from and appeared first on Rego’s Life

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