tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20649246194040901742024-09-11T08:43:48.527-07:00Breaking the Chains of Paradigms that keep us from Success and Authentic Happiness...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05803560269151364061noreply@blogger.comBlogger167125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064924619404090174.post-79754206689507070072015-05-31T14:07:00.001-07:002015-05-31T14:09:49.485-07:00Many people ignore all of the hype around Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO)<br /> <br /> Others have fallen into the hype and are spreading "half-truths" and misleading information related to it...thereby harming the real effort!<br /> <br /> Few have dug deep enough into the issue to see the real impact that our current state of GMO use and understand act responsibly.<br /> <br /> Let's cut through all of the "hype" and conspiracy and look at the simple issues at hand and also at the proper responses to this VERY IMPORTANT issue.<br /> <br /> <br /> <b><u>GMO History Lesson</u></b><br /> <br /> Believe it or not...Genetic Modification is a natural part of nature! &nbsp;If this were not true...everyone would look exactly the same! &nbsp;Plants and animals would not have adapted to the environment.<br /> <br /> Eons ago people saw that they could by control a natural aspect of nature and &nbsp;bred wild animals in ways that they ended up with domestic animals that met certain preferred characteristics.<br /> <br /> Docile Cows...<br /> Loyal Dogs...<br /> <br /> and on and on...<br /> <br /> Others saw that the same could be done with plants...<br /> <br /> Grass that provided grain...<br /> A plant to produce large ears grain...<br /> Beautiful plants like orchids...<br /> <br /> This was Genetic Modification of Organisms through breeding and pollinating and was focused on providing benefits to mankind.<br /> <br /> Every offspring....and every generation of plants and animals IS a genetic modification!<br /> <br /> <b><u>GMO Today</u></b><br /> <br /> Human nature is interesting! &nbsp;We are inherent efficiency experts! &nbsp;We are always looking for easier ways to do things...to get what we want!<br /> <br /> Genetics was no exception...Scientists learned the "secrets" of DNA and how to modify it! &nbsp;Rather than taking years of breeding and cross-pollination, changes could be made in "one fell swoop!"<br /> <br /> They also learned that some genetic changes could be added to living organisms that would never appear!<br /> <br /> This is where that problem arises.<br /> <br /> Imagine a plant that produces a sweet fruit that contains every nutrient that a human needs. &nbsp;Genetic modification can do that! <br /> <br /> Imagine producing a disease that is completely resistant to every antibiotic and one hundred percent deadly. &nbsp;Genetic modification can do that! <br /> <br /> Imagine producing a plant that is immune to weed killers and that this plant produces a food that we can eat! &nbsp;Genetic modification HAS done that!<br /> <br /> <b><u>GMO Recap</u></b><br /> <br /> Genetic Modification is a natural thing...<br /> Man has learned how to use genetic modification to his/her advantage...<br /> Man made genetic modification more efficient through gene splicing...<br /> <br /> <b><u>GMO - The Good the Bad and the Ugly</u></b><br /> <br /> GMO's can be a asset and benefit to mankind. &nbsp;Corn, wheat and many other plants and animals have gone through many modifications to the advantage of mankind. &nbsp;Corn produces more bushels per acre. &nbsp;Wheat is resistant to many diseases. &nbsp;Animals grow faster and larger.<br /> <br /> Mankind has been served well through well intentions.<br /> <br /> Negative things have resulted from genetic modification. &nbsp;Dogs have been bred for fighting. &nbsp;Diseases have been created for biological weapons. &nbsp;There are many reasons for these modifications, It is hard to rationalize them as good.<br /> <br /> These modification have to be questioned as to how they serve mankind.<br /> <br /> Over the past decade, genetic modification of plants and animals has become a focus of science and industry. &nbsp;Sadly when science is funded...it can lose its focus on altruistic service to mankind. &nbsp;When a "for profit" organization is involved, genetic modification becomes purely self serving.<br /> <br /> <b><u>You are what you eat!</u></b><br /> <br /> Genetic modification is a relatively "new science." &nbsp;The downstream impact of eating genetically engineered food is yet to be understood. &nbsp;We know that we metabolize the foods that we eat at a molecular level...it goes without saying that if a food stuff contains bad things it will become part of us... &nbsp;Yet the "jury is still out" on this...in terms of scientific fact. &nbsp;The wise individuals are choosing not to eat genetically modified plants and animals until more is known. &nbsp;This is probably a good choice.<br /> <br /> Most of the focus of current science in genetic engineering is focused on making the production of crops more efficient. &nbsp;This sounds great...but most of it is "profit oriented." &nbsp;Case in point is the genetic modification of plants such as corn and soy that is resistant to the weedkiller "Round-up."<br /> <br /> "Round-up" resistant corn is appealing to farmers because they can plant their corn, then simply apply "Round-up" directly across their fields and only the weeds will die. &nbsp;This sounds great, but the weed killer is also absorbed by corn and when we eat it or eat something that eats it...this chemical becomes part of us!<br /> <br /> The true issue is not that consuming a GMO is detrimental for one's health and well-being. &nbsp;That is "hype" until science confirms it. &nbsp;The true issue is related to what genetic modification is currently allowing! &nbsp;At this point, We should ask...<br /> <br /> Are we comfortable consuming "Round-up"?<br /> <br /> Without going into the vicious and boring details, "Round-up" is a known to cause major issues in humans exposed to it. &nbsp;The list is huge. &nbsp;At least two countries have banned its use, while others are considering it. <br /> <br /> "Round-up" resistant plants produce food that we eat! &nbsp;These plants have "Round-up" sprayed liberally on and around them. &nbsp;They absorb "Round-up" and we eat it...little by little. &nbsp;To make matters worse, grains with an excessive amount (not fit for human consumption) is fed to feed animals (e.g. Beef, hogs and poultry) and the "Round-up" is concentrated in their flesh and fat. &nbsp;We may eat it directly or indirectly.<br /> <br /> Moreover the indiscriminate application of "Round-up" has caused other issues...it has leeched into our ground water and we are drinking it. &nbsp;It is killing wild flowers and weeds that are important to beneficial insect life such as bees and monarch butterflies. &nbsp;Did you know that more that 80% of the fruits and vegetables that we eat are pollinated by these insects and the die-off is substantial?<br /> <br /> <u><b>Why?</b></u><br /> <br /> The corporations that are currently supporting GMO research are not doing it to the benefit of mankind...they have modified plants so that they can sell more herbicide! <br /> <br /> AND this herbicide is a known killer of humanity...and a downstream killer of other types of life that we depend upon for our existence!<br /> <br /> At this point in time...the issue is "Round-up"...NOT GMO...<br /> <br /> DO NOT be distracted by hype or misinformation!<br /> <br /> We can change the course of inevitable destruction with our ability to vote...not with ballots...but with our dollars. <br /> <br /> If we all immediately stopped purchasing "Round-up" for commercial or residential use...the message would be heard loud and clear.<br /> <br /> Purchase only those foods that are not modified to resist "Round-up" or genetically has a pesticide or is herbicide resistant! &nbsp;Not because they are bad...but because they exist for self serving reasons...and because we do not know if those foods are OK to eat! <br /> <br /> Eat Organic! &nbsp;You can not lose!<br /> <br /> Make not worth a corporation's money to invest in engineering sales into nature...but to invest their efforts in making humanity better! &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp; <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05803560269151364061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064924619404090174.post-35986525048618616162015-04-25T09:22:00.000-07:002015-04-25T09:38:24.129-07:00<div> <img src="https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/1391610_1374765176103074_1543927342_n.png?oh=4296d8b29b2739c9696d2f844e39e2ef&amp;oe=55E3C224" /></div> <div> <br /></div> I have a relatively active FaceBook page named "Planet B". &nbsp;For those interested in viewing it and "LIKING" it... its address is... https://www.facebook.com/OurPlanetB <br /> <div> <br /></div> <div> A while back (nearly 5 years ago) I was moved by a simple comment..."People are acting and living like they have an alternative place to live...they need to realize that there is no Planet B!"</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Earth Day took me back to the meager beginnings of "Planet B" &nbsp;I wish that more people would engage with it...and I refuse to let it go idle...there are so many important messages that those who love our "Mother Earth" can share!</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> <b>REFLECTIONS</b></div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Perhaps we can't change the world...but we may be able to change the parts that matter!</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Reflecting on the fact that "...this is our only planet (home)..." I am moved to remind myself that I should be living with that in mind...maintenance and upkeep is critical...we should be watching how others are treating our home...and we should respond appropriately...</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> If someone came into your home and spit on the floor...would you ignore it and walk away?</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> If someone dumped toxic chemicals in your bathtub...would you say something?</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> If someone dumped trash in your kitchen...would you simply walk around it?</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> I hope not!</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Our earth is our home...treat it that way and respond appropriately...</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> <b>Enough said...&nbsp;</b></div> <div> <br /></div> <div> As I reflected...I asked myself...am I acting like I am a permanent part of nature?</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> The fact of the matter is...I am not!</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> I am a "visitor" to the earth! &nbsp;Better stated...I am a guest!</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> QUESTION - How should a good guest live and act?</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> ANSWER - With gratitude and respect!</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Being a temporary guest of this earth...I have a choice to act with total disrespect and thanklessness...because when I am gone..."they" can clean up my mess"...</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> ...or...</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> I can act like a great guest...picking up after myself and leaving it better for having visited...</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Our host will appreciate it! &nbsp;</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> My final reflection was actually related to the term of endearment that we use..."Mother Earth"...&nbsp;</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> I asked myself how would I act if someone hurt my mother?</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> I would be LIVID!</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Yet we stand passively by and ignore daily attacks on our "Mother Earth"</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> It is embarrassing!</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Like a good mother...She continues to care for us...despite our utter disregard for her...she patiently hopes that we will change...</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> It is time to "kick it up a notch" and begin acting like a good child!</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Stop letting others treat our mother like that!</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> <b>ENOUGH SAID!</b></div> <div> <br /></div> <div> I posted just one thought on my timeline on Earth Day...it simply said...</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> "We should not have a single day called "earth day"...EVERY DAY is "earth day"</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> DO NOT BE DECEIVED...</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> How we live and act is a conscious decision...</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> We live a "Decided Life!"</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> How we treat our "Mother Earth" and how we defend her...is also a conscious decision...</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Let's start acting like good and grateful children...rather than THANKLESS BRATS!</div> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05803560269151364061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064924619404090174.post-60510126520715567882015-03-14T05:31:00.000-07:002015-03-14T05:31:51.776-07:00<i><b><br /></b></i> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm4bPSPFNUd3bShq26KtbAm1biNlJ1Mxg2VST_PnGQTSUzPxq2wQI6qJx1SwASRRmbK73bwwGwOYXmBwSPgq0s7vFRSrXb8RTwp1c3AIa2kvneass0lkWDVREEHd0LaDjpXXHjb3qKcI0/s1600/bigstock_right_decision_wrong_decision_2737941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm4bPSPFNUd3bShq26KtbAm1biNlJ1Mxg2VST_PnGQTSUzPxq2wQI6qJx1SwASRRmbK73bwwGwOYXmBwSPgq0s7vFRSrXb8RTwp1c3AIa2kvneass0lkWDVREEHd0LaDjpXXHjb3qKcI0/s1600/bigstock_right_decision_wrong_decision_2737941.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> <i><b>How often have you thought...or said...or heard? "Decisions.Decisions, Decisions!</b></i> <br /> <br /> Many people that I work with initially believe that living "The Decided Life" means that they have fewer decisions to make...let me respond to this...<br /> <br /> "NO!"<br /> <br /> "It's not true!"<br /> <br /> Before we entertain the rationale behind that thought...Let's rant for a while...<br /> <br /> The other evening...during a discussion...I heard the word "entitled"...<br /> <br /> Everyone who knows me knows the normal response elicited by that word...<br /> <br /> Anyone verbalizing that simple word, runs the risk of a lengthy lecture on the only thing that we are entitled to is a breath and a heartbeat...<br /> <br /> Our "Founding Fathers" did their best to parallel that philosophical position with the guarantee of "...life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness..." &nbsp;beyond that...from my perspective...it is a choice!<br /> <br /> Today as I was &nbsp;driving...I reflected on my position on entitlement...it was then I began noticing the impact that this word has had on our society...<br /> <br /> <b>ENTITLED DRIVING!</b><br /> <br /> Although this is not apparent across the US...it is in my corner of America...<br /> <br /> ..."Entitled driving" has become the way a majority of the people drive...<br /> <br /> ...Perhaps better stated...the driving behaviors in this area of the country vividly show that a majority of this society's belief system is affecting the way they are driving!<br /> <br /> Behaviors are driven by one's beliefs...<br /> <br /> Let's look at a particular driving behavior that I consistently see...<br /> <br /> People will be driving along and suddenly change lanes...often without warning!<br /> <br /> First of all...they totally forget about a standard courtesy device on their steering column called a "directional signal!"<br /> <br /> Then if they are not given (what they believe is their right to change lanes anytime they desire) they use an emergency device called a horn!<br /> <br /> I am amused how people lacking courtesy can create personal emergencies!<br /> <br /> After a little thought it's the use or lack of use of these two devices that seem to point to a deeper problem...<br /> <br /> Yes individuals deserve the right (are entitled to) "...life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness..." &nbsp;but that right is extend only as far as it does not ''...infringe on the rights of another..."<br /> <br /> This is what is lacking from this current culture...<br /> <br /> A drivers need to turn at a specific intersection, or into a driveway should be fulfilled...but not at the expense of anyone else behind them...<br /> <br /> Regardless of the excuse for needing to change lanes at a specific time...it should be done with minimum infringement on the others on the road!<br /> <br /> Perhaps many of these drivers have poor eyesight...and don't see the road signs until they are near...<br /> <br /> But then I ask...should they be driving?<br /> <br /> Perhaps the driver was talking on the phone or texting...<br /> <br /> But then I ask...should they be driving?<br /> <br /> Perhaps the driver was intoxicated...<br /> <br /> But then I ask...should they be driving?<br /> <br /> Perhaps they neglected to anticipate the need to change lanes...<br /> <br /> But then I ask...should they be driving?<br /> <br /> Perhaps they don't care about the other drivers on the road around them...<br /> <br /> But then I ask...should they be driving?<br /> <br /> When one's behavior affects or infringes on the rights of others around them...they no longer are entitled to the right they have! &nbsp;RIGHT?<br /> <br /> This may sound extreme...but...if a lane change of one person causes others to slow down...even thought the cost is minimal...it is infringement!<br /> <br /> Many miss the fact that there are costs associated with EVERY action...our goal is to think and act in such ways that our self-serving actions (such as a lane change) has minimal impact on the others around us!<br /> <br /> This behavior extends beyond "lane changes" and permeates the mindset and actions everywhere!<br /> <br /> "I have a right to occupy this space..." is true...but only when the cost associated to others is minimized, permitted by their approval, or negated...<br /> <br /> When I think deeper...taking something without permission is theft!<br /> <br /> Let's push this to the limits...bad driving is thievery! &nbsp;A bad driving behavior steals from the others around them...and although petty larceny...it also infringes on others right to "...life, liberty and their pursuit of happiness..." and is a direct breach of the foundation of this wonderful country...<br /> <br /> A driver's license is not an entitlement...it is an endorsement of one's ability to drive with the rights of others in mind...<br /> <br /> Enough ranting!<br /> <br /> But there may be a lesson that can be tied into the original theme...<br /> <br /> <b>Decisions, Decisions, Decisions!</b><br /> <br /> Our lives are recipes...composed of the results of our decisions made!<br /> <br /> Like a cake...it will not be right if we leave certain ingredients out!<br /> <br /> or...<br /> <br /> add too much of another...<br /> <br /> or...<br /> <br /> replace one with the wrong one...<br /> <br /> The perfect cake has the perfect combination of ingredients...<br /> <br /> As does our lives...<br /> <br /> Expecting to make fewer decisions as the result of living a "Decided life" is unrealistic...<br /> <br /> Each of us has a set number of decisions to make to become the "perfect cake!"<br /> <br /> Our goal is to make each decision...exactly the rights one, at the right time...in the right amount!<br /> <br /> Creating the perfect cake!<br /> <br /> The question then arises...<br /> <br /> <b>How do I make the right decisions?</b><br /> <br /> Let's return to our rant about poor driving!<br /> <br /> We need to assume that "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness..." is a universal law of nature!<br /> <br /> Regardless of the cultural, or political, or religious ideology...this law holds true "too everyone" and must bind the "rightness" of our decisions!<br /> <br /> Any decision made must consider the consequences to others in the immediate area and in all actuality...downstream...<br /> <br /> Consider a "simple" lane change...that slows traffic ever so slightly...<br /> <br /> The long term or downstream affect may be a gridlock on that section of the road!<br /> <br /> I wonder how many people even consider that thought before they change lanes...<br /> <br /> My guess is that it doesn't matter because they got what they wanted and aren't present in the stoppage!<br /> <br /> Total disregard!<br /> <br /> Believe it or not...our decisions are often made from that narrow and self-serving perspective...<br /> <br /> Although often unintentional...we do not look at the known consequences (costs) to others...<br /> <br /> We need to get what we want thinking that the costs (whatever they are) are of no matter to others...<br /> <br /> This totally breaks this universal law...then one becomes a felon...breaking a universal law!<br /> <br /> Changing lanes could infringe on someone driving to a hospital to see a dying friend and the "tiny" delay then causes that individual to miss a chance to say "good bye!"<br /> <br /> <b>Ignorance is no excuse!</b><br /> <br /> The "lane changer" may justify their move by asking, "how could I have known?"<br /> <br /> The response to that LAME excuse is simple...<br /> <br /> Anticipating the change sooner and driving more courteous, using a directional signal and rather than jumping ahead...maintaining speed until the others in the lane had passed and moving at the best opportunity would have helped...<br /> <br /> OR...<br /> <br /> Perhaps admitting stupidity and driving beyond the intersection and turning around and learning from the mistake...and paying the price for not being a good driver...That one made me smile!!!<br /> <br /> <b>Seriously...</b><br /> <br /> We have been taught the wrong decision making criteria...<br /> <br /> It is really all about costs...literal and figurative ones!<br /> <br /> Great Decisions change the "cost" structure associated with them...<br /> <br /> The greatest cost should always be borne by the "decider"...why?...because they are receiving the greatest benefit from it...<br /> <br /> The cost to those surrounding the decision should be minimal or eliminated...for most of them have absolutely nothing to gain!<br /> <br /> It becomes VERY clear that each decision is made on the associated costs to the decider and the derived benefits!<br /> <br /> That puts "deciding" into perspective and makes it very easy!<br /> <br /> As I think deeper...making the right decisions is not only a talent...it is an obligation!<br /> <br /> We owe it to those surrounding us...whether we know them or not...<br /> <br /> For there is no such thing as a decision of value that can be made in a vacuum without any impact on other...<br /> <br /> ...and they are the ones who pay the price for bad decisions...<br /> <br /> <b>The Decided Life!</b><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> .<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05803560269151364061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064924619404090174.post-53646215056687709082014-12-31T08:20:00.000-08:002014-12-31T09:28:41.913-08:00<div align="center"> <img src="http://ts2.mm.bing.net/th?id=HN.608039860536085015&amp;w=279&amp;h=181&amp;c=7&amp;rs=1&amp;pid=1.7" src2="http://ts2.mm.bing.net/th?id=HN.608039860536085015&amp;w=279&amp;h=181&amp;c=7&amp;rs=1&amp;pid=1.7" style="height: 181px;" /></div> <div align="center"> &nbsp;</div> <div align="center"> &nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> As I enjoy the sun of southern Florida, my mind drifts back to my younger years and life in the northern US.&nbsp; </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> &nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> The latter part of the year was, in a word, "COLD!"&nbsp; </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> &nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Winter meant snow, and single digit temperatures.&nbsp; It meant days with long nights, cold winds and heavy clothes.&nbsp; It often seemed like our lives were on hold and our only goal was to simply make it to spring and the renewed life that it promised.</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> &nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> As I&nbsp;reflected on those days and the my many experiences, I recalled an aroma that was sweeter than any other that I knew and more sought and welcomed than any in my desires.&nbsp; As I thought about it, I immediately felt a peace that has been absent from my soul in years.</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> &nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Many, if not most of you, have never&nbsp;sensed this&nbsp;odor...I wish that you had...your life would be different.&nbsp; I know that I have sparked your interest...or at least I hope that I have...let's not waste any more of your time!</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> &nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Among other things, my grandparents were dairy farmers.&nbsp; The farm had a large dairy barn, a chicken coop, a wood shed, pump houses, equipment sheds, and others.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> There was also a very special building.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> The granary.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> It was located next to the barn and every fall, filled with the harvest from the fields.&nbsp; </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> &nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> The granary served two purposes;&nbsp;it held grain to feed the animals over the winter and it held the seed of&nbsp;next year's planting.&nbsp; In most cases, those seeds where the same, just&nbsp;meted out for different purposes.</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> &nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> On cold winter days, when we were visiting, I would walk out to the granary with my grandmother or grandfather and help carry a bucket of&nbsp;grain to the barn to feed the cows or the chickens.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> Some days the cold was so extreme that it would bite at my little nostrils, making my little nose numb, but upon entering the unheated granary, the smell of the granary would&nbsp;enter my nose&nbsp;and comfort every part of my being.&nbsp; It was amazing and almost magical!</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> &nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> The granary is unlike any other building on a farm.&nbsp; If the granary is old, the&nbsp;odors from the farm's history of harvests saturate the walls and hoppers.&nbsp; It is more than just the smell of grain.&nbsp; It is the odor of life itself and more...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> &nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> One VERY cold morning, I walked across the barnyard with my grandmother to retrieve some grain for the chickens.&nbsp; As we opened the door of the granary, the familiar aroma hit me and it must have struck "grandma" too!&nbsp; <br /> <br /> She looked down at me, smiled, closed her eyes&nbsp;and&nbsp;somewhat under her breath said, "This is the smell of hope and there is nothing better than to walk into here,&nbsp;holding&nbsp;the little&nbsp;hand of another granary!"</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> &nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> I had no idea what she was talking about!&nbsp; But&nbsp;what she said stuck in my&nbsp;memory and it took years for me to understand what she was saying!</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> &nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> The granary is life.&nbsp; The aroma within the&nbsp;granary is nearly permanent.&nbsp; Once the smell of the grain, of "life", sets into its walls...it is nearly impossible to remove it!&nbsp; As I think about it...WHO WOULD WANT TO?</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> &nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> The deeper I pondered this thought...the more that I learned that the granary is more than life and its aroma&nbsp;is more than life.&nbsp; It may be&nbsp;the smell of seeds; the odor of&nbsp;"life dormant";&nbsp;it is the smell of the future!&nbsp; It is the aroma of HOPE!</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> &nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> The granary not only held the&nbsp;nourishment for today,&nbsp;no matter how cold it got outside, the granary also held the promise of next year's&nbsp;harvest.&nbsp; The granary&nbsp;held hope!&nbsp; That aroma was hope!</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> &nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> ...AND...<br /> <br /> Every day was a decision related to that hope.&nbsp; </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> &nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> "Do I use the grain that the granary&nbsp;holds to feed today&nbsp;or do I save the grain for tomorrow?"</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> &nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <strong>SWITCHING GEARS!</strong></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> &nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> There was another "building" on the farm that held seed.&nbsp; It was a grain silo.&nbsp; It had one and only one purpose.&nbsp; It held feed grain.&nbsp; This was grain that was&nbsp;going to strictly be used as animal feed.&nbsp;&nbsp;For one reason or another, that grain was&nbsp;not any good for planting and my grandparents put it there because it only served one purpose.&nbsp; A funny thing was that the silo did not have the same&nbsp;wonderful aroma of the granary!&nbsp;&nbsp;Unlike the granary, it emptied by the end of&nbsp;winter and sat that way until the next harvest.&nbsp; The granary always held seed and was never allowed to go empty!</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> &nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <strong>BACK TO OUR THOUGHTS!</strong></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> &nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> It hit me later that&nbsp;my grandmother saw that little boy holding her hand differently!&nbsp; WE are proverbial granaries...I suddenly understood what my grandmother was talking about!<br /> <br /> We are not seeds for the future...we hold the seeds of the future!<br /> <br /> ...AND...&nbsp; </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> &nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> There is nothing like the "aroma&nbsp;of hope!"</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> &nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Within us are the seeds of hope.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> WE hold the promise of tomorrow's harvest....&nbsp; <br /> <br /> ...and like the stores within the real granary. these seeds can be used to nourish us today or they can be saved to fulfill a promise of a greater harvest of tomorrow.</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> &nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> We hold the keys of the future!<br /> <br /> ...and...<br /> <br /> It's a decision and both choices are important.</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> &nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Like the granary, the important thing is that its hoppers are&nbsp;never allowed to go empty.</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> &nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> We must always hold some&nbsp;hope for our future harvests.</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> &nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> When can use our hope today...or we can save some for tomorrow.</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> &nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> As with the granary, the best seed (hope) is always kept safely within its walls and that which holds the least promise is used for the nourishment of today.<br /> <br /> It's a decision!</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> &nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Sadly, many live their lives as if they were the silo.&nbsp; There is seed held within, but that seed has no hope of the future.&nbsp; Their decisions are strictly related to today's nourishment and they end up empty...there is no promised harvest!</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> &nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> The "Decided Life" is recognition of the fact that we are granaries!&nbsp; We carry the aroma of life and hope.&nbsp; Our lives revolve around storing life and hope and using its contents sparingly...with each decision related to what is truly required today and how we will use what is left to ensure a better harvest tomorrow!&nbsp; Most important is that we never go empty!</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> &nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> There is no perfume or cologne that can match the wonderful aroma of the granary (life and hope)!<br /> <br /> It&nbsp;is the aroma that permeates our being to the core of our existence.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> It is what draws and attracts others.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> It is the message of life and hope!<br /> <br /> It sends a message to the world that there is a future!&nbsp; <br /> <br /> It is the shivering hand of the "chilled" child...walking with grandma!&nbsp; <br /> <br /> It&nbsp;lasts long after the seeds are gone...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> &nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> It is already in you!</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> &nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Do not live as a silo...but recognize that you are a granary...your&nbsp;hopes and dreams are the seeds of tomorrow...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> &nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Your next step is to decide...where and when to plant them!</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> &nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> ENOUGH SAID!&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> &nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> The granary is the house of&nbsp;"the Decided Life"</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> &nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> &nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> &nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</div> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05803560269151364061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064924619404090174.post-23594700464859751292014-11-29T04:53:00.001-08:002014-11-29T04:53:10.021-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYgJXnPo9RpTMZJe9HLoiiQWoYLdqQcZsRJ785-4SjvHthEzBiA6UrTIoHKnkSjrMqiC7aaVcKEJr0rGj90Z5CTYfhPXpjj7VvvjtPDwC9113Z_gW7cjOGPYyFQCRvda9ui2Do2CIt3XM/s1600/The+Decided+Life+Moment.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYgJXnPo9RpTMZJe9HLoiiQWoYLdqQcZsRJ785-4SjvHthEzBiA6UrTIoHKnkSjrMqiC7aaVcKEJr0rGj90Z5CTYfhPXpjj7VvvjtPDwC9113Z_gW7cjOGPYyFQCRvda9ui2Do2CIt3XM/s1600/The+Decided+Life+Moment.png" height="242" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> "If I were fulfilled...I'd be happy!"<br /> <br /> Fulfillment is an allusive objective. <br /> <br /> What most "Fulfillment seekers" do not realize is that they are simply trying to live a math equation! <br /> <br /> The number that they seek is "1".<br /> <br /> Huh?<br /> <br /> A+B+C+D...=1<br /> <br /> "A, B, C, D" and others being those things, experiences, etc that the individual believes add to the fulfilling experience.<br /> <br /> "1" being the moment of fulfillment.<br /> <br /> As long as the final number is less than "1" the individual remains unfulfilled.<br /> <br /> This is complicated by the fact that there are negative numbers in the equation too! &nbsp;In fact, there are two general categories that the negative numbers fall into:<br /> <br /> <ul> <li>Past regrets and failures that detract from the present moment</li> <li>Present situations that detract from the present moment</li> </ul> <div> This endeavor is further complicated by an individual's future goals. &nbsp;In a worse case scenario, individuals become so future (dream) oriented that they lose sight of the present!</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> <b><u>Thinking this through</u></b></div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Now that we understand the components of fulfillment, what does this mean in our achieving it?</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> You probably noticed that every element had something in common. &nbsp;It was their affect on the present.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> AHA! &nbsp;Fulfillment is what is happening in the present and its experienced is totally dependent upon how one perceives the past and future...not to forget...what they are doing in the present...</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> I absolutely love the image at the beginning of this article...It explains fulfillment in the fewest words possible...</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> It is recognizing that the past is gone and is absolutely nothing!</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> It is recognizing that there is no future, until it gets here...it therefore means nothing in relation to this moment's fulfillment!</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> It is about "Deciding" to do...RIGHT NOW...what is fulfilling and achieving that "1" by not maximizing the numbers in your "Fulfillment Equation", but by eliminating and minimizing the "numbers" or elements of fulfillment in the equation!</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Fulfillment is all about what you decide!</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> If you are currently not living "fulfilled" and authentically happy...your equation may contain elements that are not adding to your achievement of "1" and detracting from your equation...making it impossible to every achieve what you seek!</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> It is all about what you Decide! &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</div> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05803560269151364061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064924619404090174.post-74782236600173525972014-11-08T04:50:00.000-08:002014-11-08T04:50:56.664-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_5V1ulQS_vmxtU6ot0CnMgWbea2ffV0OBgI3yaAdf6oUDrQap2S2DLLW5zZbYbCNYJ_9JVDVnbcefyo4XPW7lKJnAqZI6xMLnBUjKl4LCBQH4LeBpyaQqbLNlmvWz8e5gyLoZtx529Oc/s1600/Decided+3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_5V1ulQS_vmxtU6ot0CnMgWbea2ffV0OBgI3yaAdf6oUDrQap2S2DLLW5zZbYbCNYJ_9JVDVnbcefyo4XPW7lKJnAqZI6xMLnBUjKl4LCBQH4LeBpyaQqbLNlmvWz8e5gyLoZtx529Oc/s1600/Decided+3.png" height="150" width="200" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> Last week I received a note from a dedicated reader of the "Weekend Update" saying..."...enough on the introduction of living the Decided Life...tell us what decisions we have to make..."<br /> <br /> <i>"...What decisions do I have to make to be successful and happy?..."</i><br /> <i><br /></i> <i><br /></i> <b>My Response</b><br /> <br /> I wish that I could simply say, "Only two decisions..."<br /> <br /> The first one is to decide to be successful and the second is to decide to be happy! <br /> <br /> The fact of the matter is that it is that simple, but at the same time, it is significantly more complex!<br /> <br /> How can that be?<br /> <br /> Let's start with on of my "Epiphanies of the Utterly Obvious"<br /> <br /> <i>"...When you find yourself in a position that you have to make a decision, you do not have enough information!..."</i><br /> <br /> Those whose have spent any time with me...have heard me say this over and over...and more important...they see me live by this axiom...<br /> <br /> Before we can decide to be successful and happy we need information...I call this Stage Setting!<br /> <br /> <br /> <b>STEP 1</b><br /> <br /> First we need to know what we see success and/or happiness is...<br /> <br /> Success and happiness MUST be clearly defined and understood. <br /> <br /> It needs to have measurable aspects like, "I consider success as making $1,000 each day or more" or "Happiness is spending at least 3 hours each day of the week, at the beach."<br /> <br /> From this point you can then determine if you are successful with a high degree of confidence...in other words, you will know when you have become successful. &nbsp;If you are making $800 per day, then you can say that are not yet successful...if you are spending 3 hours per day at the beach only on weekends you are not yet successful.<br /> <br /> Although I have only cited a small piece of an overall definition of success, you can see what the overall definition should look like.<br /> <br /> To ensure that it covers all aspects...use the words "and" and "or"<br /> <br /> To go a bit deeper, all of your definitions should sound like a LONG run-on sentence. &nbsp;Success is making $1,000 every day of the year <u>and</u> spending 3 hours each day at the beach, rain or shine and...and...and...!<br /> <br /> There will be many more and should be,,,"ands" and "ors" in your definition, just make sure that you have covered EVERY aspect of what it will take for you to say that you are successful...<br /> <br /> Don't be like those who refuse to clearly define success and happiness and claim. "I will know it when I see it!" or "I am leaving doors open...just in case..." &nbsp;These people often have success in the grip and they let it go because they didn't realize that it was there!<br /> <br /> <br /> <b>STEP 2</b><br /> <br /> Once you have defined real Success and Happiness, you can use what you now "know you want" to understand what you currently have.<br /> <br /> This is actually quite simple. <br /> <br /> Once you understand that success is making $1,000/day and you need to see how much you are currently making each day. &nbsp;For this extended example we'll say $240/day.<br /> <br /> If spending 3 hours/day at the beach will make you happy, you can then look at your current life and see that you how much you are spending. &nbsp;We'll sat that you are spending less than an hour each day.<br /> <br /> Repeat this for each and every part of the Step 1 definitions until you have covered each.<br /> <br /> <br /> <b>Step 3</b><br /> <br /> The next step compares where you are to where you need to be. <br /> <br /> This is easy!<br /> <br /> I am making $240/day and need to be making $1,000/day to be successful. &nbsp;I am $760/day from success.<br /> <br /> I am spending 1 hour/day at the beach and I will be happy when I spend 3 hours/day. &nbsp;I need to spend 2 hours more each day to be happy.<br /> <br /> <br /> <b>NEXT STEPS</b><br /> <br /> We are now ready to begin deciding. <br /> <br /> But not today! <br /> <br /> We'll do this in the near future!<br /> <br /> For now, it is important that you clearly define and understand What "Success and Happiness" specifically is for you. &nbsp;Work diligently at this understanding,,,to the point that you can not deny that you are successful and happy. &nbsp;If there is any doubt, you need to work harder.<br /> <br /> Be patient...good things are worth working for...<br /> <br /> Your success and happiness depends upon it! <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05803560269151364061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064924619404090174.post-39929333927784743072014-11-01T06:01:00.000-07:002014-11-01T06:01:53.429-07:00<em>"Hindsight is 20/20..."</em><br /> <em></em><br /> <em>"If I had only..."</em><br /> <em></em><br /> <em>"It would be so much different if I would have..."</em><br /> <em></em><br /> <em></em><br /> <strong>How many times have you heard...or made...statements like the aforementioned?</strong><br /> <br /> Hindsight and regret are normal conditions of anyone who is on the path to a better place in life!<br /> <br /> Yet hindsight and regret are powerfully destructive emotions...<br /> <br /> By themselves they are nothing but feelings...but these feeling easily turn into negative reactions that cause "vicious circles" of inaction...or worse...negative responses...leading to more "poor decisions" and more regret...<br /> <br /> I wish I had...<br /> <br /> Stop wishing and decide!<br /> <br /> Success and Authentic Happiness is just a few decisions away!<br /> <br /> That is what the "Decided Life" is all about!<br /> <br /> It is a simple answer to a situation that we believe is complicated...<br /> <br /> That's Right...<br /> <br /> ..."The Decided Life" is not complicated...but it is systematic...<br /> <br /> It, by necessity, needs to follow a prescribed path to ensure that the right thoughts&nbsp;are deeply embedded and act&nbsp;as a foundation for the future...<br /> <br /> The hardest part of "The Decided Life" is submitting to it!<br /> <br /> <br /> <strong>Let's start down the path to living a Decided life...</strong><br /> <br /> That is...<br /> <br /> ...if that is what you decide!<br /> <br /> But before we do...let's begin by committing to making only informed decisions...<br /> <br /> <br /> <strong>More Decided life...</strong><br /> <br /> As the name implies, the&nbsp;Decided&nbsp;Life is a life guided by conscious decisions AND conscious acceptance of the consequences...<br /> <br /> The important part at this point is acceptance of the consequences...whether they are known and anticipated...or they are unknown and unanticipated!<br /> <br /> It must start with a decision to live a decided life...<br /> <br /> For many this is a terrifying option!<br /> <br /> The thought of living with total responsibility for the decisions made and a lack of options is totally unacceptable...that is...until one realizes that the life that they are living is actually no different!<br /> <br /> <br /> <strong>Shifting Gears</strong><br /> <br /> There are 3 viable decisions...<br /> <br /> 1 - To do something<br /> 2 - Not to do something<br /> 3 - Not to decided<br /> <br /> Most of our life is controlled by option 3...YES that is true...<br /> <br /> <br /> <strong>Why do we live in option 3?</strong><br /> <br /> Because we often do not recognize that there was an option or a decision afforded us!&nbsp; As a result we just went with the flow...we let life take its own course...and then the only option given to us is how hard we complain and moan and whine about how unfair life is!<br /> <br /> Let's not get too deep today...<br /> <br /> Let's simply consider what living the Decided life means...<br /> <br /> It means deciding to take control of what you can...and deciding to let go of those things and situations you want to control...<br /> <br /> It truly is about reestablishing your boundaries...and...<br /> <br /> Deciding to live a decided life...<br /> <br /> <br /> Life lesson...<br /> <br /> "The Decided Life" has an interesting perspective.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> Last week a friend brought over a large "veggie" sub sandwich.&nbsp; It was so large that I could not eat it in its entirety.&nbsp; I actually ate more than I should have.&nbsp; I was totally full!&nbsp; I hate to waste things...so...I wrapped the uneaten portion in foil and set in in the refrigerator...and forgot about it!<br /> <br /> Two days later I remembered it and retrieved it...<br /> <br /> Opening the foil I saw that it was inedible...<br /> <br /> It was soggy...the lettuce had looked really bad!&nbsp; I don't have to go further...It was YUCKY!<br /> <br /> I threw it away!<br /> <br /> Yesterday, my stomach growled and I went to the refrigerator...opened the door and saw nothing appetizing!&nbsp; <br /> <br /> My mind wandered back to the sub!<br /> <br /> I wished that I had it now!<br /> <br /> If I hadn't thrown it away...<br /> <br /> WAIT!<br /> <br /> The garbage&nbsp;pick-up company&nbsp;hasn't emptied the dumpster yet!<br /> <br /> I could go out and dig through the trash find the trash bag and retrieve the&nbsp;sub!<br /> <br /> I know!&nbsp; EWWWWWW!<br /> <br /> This is simply to make a point...<br /> <br /> What was DECIDED a week ago was right for the time...<br /> <br /> Changes in conditions and situations do not make the previous&nbsp;decisions less or more right...<br /> <br /> A week ago...<br /> <br /> I had kept half of it because I DECIDED that I couldn't eat any more of it...<br /> <br /> Two days later...<br /> <br /> I threw it away because I&nbsp;DECIDED that if I ate what I retrieved...it would make me sick...<br /> <br /> My current state of hunger does not make my prior decisions bad!<br /> <br /> I was hungry now...but...<br /> <br /> Did I really wish I had kept that sandwich?<br /> <br /> NO!<br /> <br /> As trivial as this seems...this simple story sets the stage for the next aspect of the Decided Life...<br /> <br /> <strong>BIGGEST MISTAKE</strong><br /> <br /> At this point...If you have decided to live decided...you have now taken the first step...and have averted making the single biggest mistake that people make in living a successful and authentically happy life,,,<br /> <br /> <strong>NOT STARTING!</strong><br /> <br /> <br /> &nbsp;Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05803560269151364061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064924619404090174.post-20782566238583275052014-10-25T05:24:00.000-07:002014-10-25T05:24:01.368-07:00<i>This is the first in a series of articles on what is known as the "Decided Life."</i><br /> <i><br /></i> <i>A short book is in the making that will more fully explain and guide the reader to living "the Decided Life" and experience control beyond their current expectations.</i><br /> <i><br /></i> <i>It is important to set the stage with the following introductory thoughts...to help set the stage for living "The Decided Life"</i><br /> <br /> <b><br /></b> <b>THE DECIDED LIFE'S BEGINNINGS</b><br /> <br /> It all started late one evening. &nbsp;Although the actual "Decided Life" started long ago, it was a subconscious effort...I would like to say that it occurred naturally, but in retrospect I was probably forced into it simply to survive...<br /> <br /> Regardless of how it happened, I am glad it did!<br /> <br /> But let's look at the chance discussion that led to the realization and rationalization of "The Decided Life" and the subsequent impact that my sharing of this "way of life" has made a significant, positive difference in the lives of others.<br /> <br /> ****************************************<br /> <br /> I was laying on the dock with a friend looking up at the stars...we were just reliving "childlike moments" by doing something that one seldom does as an adult.<br /> <br /> For a while we just laid quiet and gazed skyward. &nbsp;Then we began talking about the universe and time and other trivial things...in a very unique way we were sharing in that child-like awe of a beautiful evening that almost always passes us by...<br /> <br /> Then out of the "blue" my friend asked, "How did you get here?"<br /> <br /> "What do you mean?" I responded. "To this area of the US or this moment in life?"<br /> <br /> The next words spoken almost silently was interesting...<br /> <br /> "I wish I had your life!"<br /> <br /> This exchange continued for quite a while; the details, of which, unnecessary, yet after a while I had to admit..."I got here because I decided."<br /> <br /> From this came an interesting final comment, "That is so cool! &nbsp;You are living a <i>decided life</i>!"<br /> <br /> That conversation was initially forgotten...then in another contemplative moment it again arose...and it got me thinking about the important role that decisions make in our lives. &nbsp;As I thought deeper, it is in fact, the single most critical element of our present state in life...<br /> <br /> When I think back to that night...the most important part of the discussion was that I had a conscious realization that I was living "the Decided Life!" and began using it when others looked to me for advice and help... <br /> <br /> <br /> <b>SHIFTING GEARS</b><br /> <br /> Dreams and dreaming are not the exclusive right of human beings.<br /> <br /> All of the higher order of animals dream! <br /> <br /> Some of the most viral videos on the internet show dogs, cats, monkeys and other animals sleeping and doing crazy things which we attribute to their dreaming...<br /> <br /> When it was all said and done...<br /> <br /> Dogs dream and then they wake up and do what dogs do...<br /> <br /> ...and the same holds true for us...we dream and then we wake up and go about the things that we do...<br /> <br /> I find it amusing how many motivational/inspirational "gurus" and spiritual guides focus on the importance of dreaming as a critical element of success and fulfillment.<br /> <br /> I will not deny that dreaming is an important element in our survival. &nbsp;If it wasn't important, living organisms wouldn't dream. &nbsp;Psychologists have yet to fully understand the role that dreaming plays in our development and day to day living, but its presence and persistence emphasizes the fact that it is important.<br /> <br /> The important thing for us to understand is its place in our lives. &nbsp;Dreaming occurs when we are semi-conscious or unconscious. &nbsp;It is not generally an experience of the normal conscious or wake state.<br /> <br /> So let's take a moment and define dreams...they are thoughts without substance yet they have the ability to control physical actions...and because of their timing have little or no impact on our conscious existence...<br /> <br /> HUH?<br /> <br /> Consider a dog dreaming of chasing a rabbit. &nbsp;The situation lacks any substance, yet the thoughts cause the dog's legs to move as if it were running. &nbsp;While asleep, the dogs believes that it is chasing a rabbit. &nbsp;But there is no rabbit...<br /> <br /> When the dog wakes up and again joins us in the conscious world...there is no rabbit!<br /> <br /> We have dreams that cause physical reactions. &nbsp;Although I can say I have never personally had dreams as such...I have been with people who screamed in terror during a dream. &nbsp;Yet when I got them back to the conscious world they realized that it was only a dream!<br /> <br /> Many philosophers have written about consciousness and dreams and the "goings on" of the mind...<br /> <br /> Dreams may play an important role in our existence...but I am intrigued by the fact that most of the dreams that we have...we seldom can remember! &nbsp;If dreams are important to success...then why are so many forgettable?<br /> <br /> Let's keep dreams and dreaming where they belong...and stop thinking that dreaming is a critical element of success and authentic happiness...<br /> <br /> <b>Why?</b><br /> <br /> Many of these success peddlers generalize dreams and dreaming. &nbsp;They make the definition of dreams so broad that they allow it to permeate our conscious time.<br /> <br /> They call our goals and aspirations dreams. &nbsp;Subtly they have defined goals and aspirations as simply a mental state lacking substance or...(by our original and accurate definition of dreams...in reverse).<br /> <br /> In other words...they say that our conscious state of dreaming (goal setting) is actually an state of unconsciousness, lacking true substance...<br /> <br /> The first and most important thing in "The Decided life" is to recognize when you are conscious and take stock of your current state of existence...<br /> <br /> <b><i>There is a time to dream and a time to set goals and aspirations.</i></b><br /> <br /> What is the difference?<br /> <br /> Dreams are in the unconscious state and will always lack substance...<br /> <br /> Dreams may cause physical REACTIONS...but they are not based in a real world...<br /> <br /> Goals and Aspirations are conscious and affect things of substance...the conscious world...<br /> <br /> Goals and Aspirations cause physical ACTION...<br /> <br /> Do you see the difference?<br /> <br /> Dreams cause REACTIONS...Goals and Aspirations cause ACTION!<br /> <br /> Dreams and dreaming are uncontrolled and at the whim of ones thoughts...<br /> <br /> Goals and Aspirations are controlled and conscious decisions...affecting the present and the future!<br /> <br /> If it is a dream call it that...<br /> <br /> If it is a Goal or Aspiration call it that...<br /> <br /> This may sound petty and semantic...in a way it is,,,but do not underestimate the power of those subtle difference has on our thoughts and subsequent actions.<br /> <br /> Enough rambling on Dreams and Goals and Aspirations...<br /> <br /> "The Decided Life" sees the difference between the two and calls a dream "a dream" and a goal "a goal!"<br /> <br /> For today...realize that the "Decided Life" is active and conscious...it is a decision...<br /> <br /> More to come!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05803560269151364061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064924619404090174.post-51273073797250274502014-10-11T08:04:00.001-07:002014-10-11T10:33:57.917-07:00Throughout most of history there have arisen individuals who have intuitively found the prevailing need of the time and sold their "secrets" to anyone who was naive enough to pay for it!<br /> <br /> Snake oil salesmen...<br /> <br /> Patent medicines...<br /> <br /> Spiritual Gurus...<br /> <br /> and the list goes on!<br /> <br /> I can't fault these people for trying to make a living,,,especially if they truly believed in what they were selling...but most probably knew that it was a lie!<br /> <br /> Today is not any different!<br /> <br /> We are constantly bombarded with individuals who profess to knowing the secrets of success and the share them in their seminars and in their books...for money!<br /> <br /> My question is...Are they any difference than the "confidence salespeople" of bygone eras?<br /> <br /> Probably not!<br /> <br /> <b><i>Passion and Dreams...</i></b><br /> <br /> Find your passion...<br /> <br /> Dream your dreams...<br /> <br /> These critical elements of success sound good...but I think that they are simply marketing words that appeal to the largest segment of a world in need.<br /> <br /> The world hungers for better...<br /> <br /> I would think that only insane people would answer the question, "Do you want a better life?" with the answer, "No!"<br /> <br /> People can sell passion and dreams and get people to pay big bucks for them...because there is little risk to their money back guarantee!<br /> <br /> If a dream doesn't work...it wasn't the seller's fault,,,it was the wrong dream!<br /> <br /> Passion always works...so the buyer blew it!<br /> <br /> And the passion peddler jumps back into his or her wagon and rides to the next town!<br /> <br /> <b><i>Let's Get Real</i></b><br /> <br /> I do agree that a person needs to be passionate about what they are pursuing,,,but it is not a critical component,<br /> <br /> Passion helps...<br /> <br /> Passion has made many people successful, but not every successful person has been passionate!<br /> <br /> Passion is an emotion...<br /> <br /> If a person sits passionate about something and does nothing...they are no better than a blob of slime that washes up on a coastal beach...(I stepped in one today...it was gross!)<br /> <br /> Successful people may or may not have passion, but they all have properly guided direction...sometimes that direction comes from within (their plans and thoughts) other times the direction comes through the advice of a friend or mentor or life coach.<br /> <br /> That direction is meaningless also without action...<br /> <br /> ACTION is the real first step in success...forget about the passion thing...start doing something and learn to love what you are doing!<br /> <br /> Many lives are wasted looking for the right thing to do!<br /> <br /> <b><i>Stop Dreaming!</i></b><br /> <br /> For decades I have seen "dreaming" touted as a critical element of success...<br /> <br /> Dreams are for night time...when you are asleep...with your eyes closed...and you are oblivious to what is going on around you!<br /> <br /> The passion peddlers can spin dreaming all they want...but I have never woke up from a dream and found my plight in life any better,,,<br /> <br /> The best that I can say about dreaming is that I woke up and had to use the restroom!<br /> <br /> Dreams are good...they serve a psychological purpose...<br /> <br /> But what made my day better was dreaming the night away, opening my eyes, seeing reality for what it really is, getting out of bed and doing something!<br /> <br /> Gee...seems like no matter how you look at it...it always goes back to action!<br /> <br /> Ask a passion peddler..."If I do what you are saying...I have a 100% guarantee that I will achieve my goals...right?"<br /> <br /> Then ask for a 10X my money back if it doesn't work!<br /> <br /> Make them put their money where their dreams and passion are!<br /> <br /> A person could become a millionaire holding passion peddlers to their promises!<br /> <br /> But I think a vast majority will show their true colors if put to the test!<br /> <br /> I recently got a phone call from a fellow promoting investing in rare gems!<br /> <br /> I asked him if he did this for a living!<br /> <br /> He said yes for 25 years!<br /> <br /> I asked why?<br /> <br /> He seemed confused!<br /> <br /> I explained that if the stuff he was selling was such a great investment, why didn't he get loans on everything he had and invest in these sure things!<br /> <br /> If he did that he should have been retired long ago and not selling investments...<br /> <br /> He sat quiet and then hung up without another word!<br /> <br /> He could have, at least, said thank you for ruining his life!<br /> <br /> Passion Peddlers are found in every facet of our lives...they grab on to the "want" of the present and sell easy ways to obtain them...<br /> <br /> Success and happiness are not made of iron...<br /> <br /> There is no way to attract either!<br /> <br /> The law of attraction is a marketing ploy no different than drinking a certain beer will make you more popular!<br /> <br /> The answer is simple...if you want success and happiness...<br /> <br /> ...you have to do the right things at the right time...<br /> <br /> You can figure it out and do it...or...<br /> <br /> ...you can get directions from someone and do it!<br /> <br /> In either case...it is about action...DO IT! <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05803560269151364061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064924619404090174.post-8382809668878734302014-10-04T08:04:00.000-07:002014-10-04T11:10:36.940-07:00My mornings often include a visit to the local beach. &nbsp;Most of the time I go there for the solitude. &nbsp;It provides me with uninterrupted time to be with my thoughts. &nbsp;The rhythmic surf is undemanding on my senses, and allows me to ignore those other distractions that would put an overbearing demand my limited "thinking bandwidth!"<br /> <br /> Most of the time!<br /> <br /> A few days ago, my writing time was interrupted by a text that simply said, "It is beautiful out..."<br /> <br /> I responded graciously and went back to writing or at least tried. &nbsp;My curiosity got the best of me and I walked out the door and was taken aback by how nice the weather had turned!<br /> <br /> My "writing day" was ruined, at least until I inserted a beach walk.<br /> <br /> I went to my usual place on the beach, stood for a few minutes and savored the sound. &nbsp;Most of all, I cherished the fact that I was separated from my phone and in a 21st century sense...totally isolated!<br /> <br /> I fell backward in a sitting position against my place on the wall and closed my eyes...feeling the morning sun's heat on my face, legs and arms and the breeze that simultaneously cooled me. &nbsp;It was amazing and my mind momentarily blanked and I was "feeling the moment." &nbsp;I intended to extend this simple joy as long as possible.<br /> <br /> My section of the beach is uncrowded. &nbsp;A person can exist there relatively alone and uninterrupted. &nbsp;There are occasional beach walkers and runners. &nbsp;A few lay quietly and add to their tans. &nbsp;Others swim and play in the surf. &nbsp;The best part is that they leave me alone...most of the time. &nbsp;That is one of the reasons I like being there.<br /> <br /> NOT TODAY! &nbsp;My solitude was suddenly and uncharacteristically interrupted by a sweet feminine voice. &nbsp;"Do you mind if I sit here?"<br /> <br /> I opened my eyes and looked over and politely responded, "I don't mind, I am just sitting here and thinking...I don't think my thoughts are loud enough to be a bother and you definitely won't be for me..."<br /> <br /> She laughed briefly and then the tranquility resumed.<br /> <br /> I closed my eyes again and this time my mind drifted to and began focusing on a single thought...<br /> <br /> Being polite...That was really nice of her to ask and not just "plop" down. &nbsp;That is a uncommon behavior these days!<br /> <br /> ...then my mind shifted to political correctness...and how that was meant to create an environment of high end behaviors like the one I just experienced.<br /> <br /> BUT...<br /> <br /> On the outside, being politically correct is a worthwhile behavior, but it has been misused. <br /> <br /> This upsets me.<br /> <br /> Political correctness has driven us to apathy, and tolerance of less than acceptable behaviors and conditions. &nbsp;Rather than improving the behaviors of our world, it has hurt it. &nbsp;People have been using political correctness as a shield that they can stand behind that allows them to do unacceptable things and demand acceptance of others!<br /> <br /> Political correctness has forced us to accept obesity, and bullying, laziness, lack of courtesy, disrespect and on and on!<br /> <br /> Political Correctness should only apply to "states of being" and not applied to behaviors and actions. &nbsp;As a result of our tolerance of less than unacceptable behaviors, our world is in a downward spiral.<br /> <br /> Our Founding Fathers even warned against it and made laws in a valiant attempt to protect it!<br /> <br /> It make me sad...<br /> <br /> My thoughts were suddenly interrupted by the voice of the sitting companion, "What are you thinking about?"<br /> <br /> "Why do you ask?" I responded.<br /> <br /> "Because your face went from very happy to extremely intense to very sad in a moment." She replied.<br /> <br /> Although I was not overjoyed with the interruption, I also saw this as an opportunity to share an interesting concept that more people should consider as an option to how they live. &nbsp;So I quickly verbalized my thoughts.<br /> <br /> "Wow! That's really a deep thought!" she noted.<br /> <br /> That having been said we turned to the ocean and again went quiet. &nbsp;We sat there for quite a while and I opened my eyes to see if she was still sitting in her place and found that she was. &nbsp;This time I noticed that her eyes were closed and her face projected deep sadness and pain.<br /> <br /> "What are you thinking about?" I asked.<br /> <br /> She slowly opened her eyes and turned her head to me and replied, "I was thinking that I need a pedicure!" <br /> <br /> What are you thinking about?<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05803560269151364061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064924619404090174.post-41713243340388366662014-03-01T05:04:00.000-08:002014-03-01T05:11:27.635-08:00<b><i>Apology - It has been a while since my last "Weekend Update."&nbsp; It has not been for lack of topics to write about...but because of a hectic and a "fun-filled"&nbsp;life!&nbsp; Today, however, I was moved to write this update...because of an&nbsp;eye-opening experience that I think we can all entertain.&nbsp; </i></b><br /> <br /> Those who know me, understand that I normally take a "middle road" approach to most topics.&nbsp; Extremes have a tendency towards being limited to application to one's life.&nbsp; This "update" will not be middle of the road, in fact, much the opposite.&nbsp; This position is meant to make us think about our&nbsp;behaviors and the messages that it conveys.<br /> <br /> <b>Enough said!</b><br /> <br /> <i>"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness..."</i><br /> <br /> When I was in grade school, the US was going through turbulent times.&nbsp; The Vietnam war, civil rights and the cold war were just a few of the issues at the forefront of life and living at that time.&nbsp; Despite the challenges that we faced, each grade's curriculum included a unit on the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution.&nbsp; By the time I was 8 years old, I had memorized many parts of each, as an assignment (It was not an option).<br /> <br /> Included in the memorization exercises was a writing assignment.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> We were asked..."What does it mean to you?"<br /> <br /> I don't know if all grade schools did this or perhaps I had some really neat teachers, but rather than lecture on these "foundational" documents, we discussed them as a class.&nbsp; These were amazing discussions that I still remember to this day!&nbsp; One in particular has shaped the way I think!<br /> <br /> Our principal visited our classroom to talk about the Declaration of Independence.&nbsp; For all we knew he was there when it was written and helped craft its very words!&nbsp; The lesson started with him asking a number of us to recite what we had memorized.&nbsp; Whether we got it exactly right or totally destroyed it, he complimented us on our ability.&nbsp; Then he asked if we knew what that was all about?<br /> <br /> After a few answers, (which I think he must have had a difficult time keeping a straight face), he&nbsp;explained what it meant to him.&nbsp; He didn't say, "This is what it really means" or "This is what you&nbsp;must believe"&nbsp; he said,&nbsp;"This is what it means to me!"&nbsp; He left its interpretation up to us as individuals!<br /> <br /> "...citizenship with the US, or any country for that matter is not any different from membership in a club."&nbsp; A club has rules and privileges.&nbsp; If you do not abide by those rules, you can get kicked out of the club and you lose the privileges.&nbsp; It's like being in a horse riding club.&nbsp; By being a member you get to ride horses, but in order to ride the horses, you also have to feed and care for the horses.&nbsp; If you do not feed and care for the horses, you don't get to ride the horses.<br /> <br /> Our government is built upon the belief that everyone&nbsp;has equal membership.&nbsp; We have a right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.&nbsp; As long as we abide by the&nbsp;rules (laws) of membership (citizenship), we are free to ride the horses of Life, liberty and happiness.<br /> <br /> Break the rules and you give up those rights.<br /> <br /> Break those rules and you&nbsp;say to this country that you don't want to be a member of it any more.<br /> <br /> Break the rules and you lose your rights as a citizen!<br /> <br /> That is what a felony is!&nbsp; It is doing something that&nbsp;says, "I don't want to be a citizen anymore!"<br /> <br /> That made us think...<br /> <br /> I remember talking about it on the playground!<br /> <br /> I remember&nbsp;admonishing (and being admonished by) fellow students that our behavior was denouncing our citizenship (as if we really knew what that meant!).<br /> <br /> That simple discussion was life shaping!<br /> <br /> I doubt that those discussions happen today!<br /> <br /> The "Pledge" has been removed from the morning ritual!<br /> <br /> American History has been diluted by outcome based education.<br /> <br /> We wonder why the foundation of our society has eroded...and can not see that we have neglected to build a foundation at all!<br /> <br /> We have made it difficult for Life, Liberty and&nbsp;the Pursuit of Happiness, because we thought that these rights were so self-evident that they not longer needed to be taught...<br /> <br /> The fact of the matter is...they are self-evident...what they are&nbsp;lacking is a clear&nbsp;definition and an understanding of the recourse for not living up to the "rules" of citizenship (membership is this democratic society).<br /> <br /> Where am I going with all of this?<br /> <br /> Those who know me...know that I am&nbsp;a "die-hard" observer of human (societal) behavior.&nbsp; We can learn much about individuals and a society by how they act.<br /> <br /> This past week while on my "forced leisurely" drive to work (those who live in South Florida know what I mean), I observed driving behavior that told me a lot about what people think about infringing on the unalienable rights of others and the rules of membership (US citizenship)!<br /> <br /> About halfway to work (6 miles from home) a lady pulled out from a gas station and drove perpendicularly across the road to get into the left hand lane.&nbsp; She actually only pulled out into the traffic and sat blocking 3 lanes of traffic&nbsp;blocking the pursuit of happiness of a hundred or so&nbsp;other drivers!&nbsp;&nbsp;Her action communicated that she didn't care about the others and was willing to infringe on their rights for her own gratification!&nbsp; If she was on the playground with us kids...we all would have jumped on the opportunity to remind her that she just gave up her citizenship!&nbsp; Perhaps stupid driving like that should be a felony...and the convicted be immediately deported!&nbsp; LMAO<br /> <br /> I didn't have to drive much further beyond that declaration of selfishness when I came up behind an elderly driver traveling at a speed 25 miles per hour lower than the rest of the traffic!&nbsp; Not only was this driver blocking the rest of the travelers from arriving at their "Pursuit of Happiness" destination, by she was threatening their lives!&nbsp; WOW a double felony!&nbsp; No doubt that this person felt that they had earned the right to drive slow and infringe on others rights.&nbsp; Perhaps this person was incapable of living up to the rules of citizenship.&nbsp; In either instance, it was wrong.&nbsp; This person if on our playground would have been admonished and isolated...her rights to the swings set taken away along with their social security!&nbsp; LMAO<br /> <br /> As I drove further and about the time&nbsp;I thought myself free from this felonious hoard, a driver cut from the far right-hand lane to the far left-hand lane (5 lanes in total).&nbsp; This behavior would be OK if there were no cars in the lanes, but it caused drivers in each lane to slam on their brakes.&nbsp; There was a blue haze from the burning rubber and the driver just drove on as if&nbsp;it was no big deal!&nbsp; This one would have caused a playground frenzy!&nbsp; Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness...of many others infringed upon&nbsp;just so this person could get totally across the traffic!&nbsp; Three felonies!&nbsp; LMAO<br /> <br /> What was sad was that there were 3 more incidents&nbsp;similar to those before I arrived at work!<br /> <br /> What does this have to do with anything?<br /> <br /> I am noticing more and more how consistent behaviors are telling us about the foundational beliefs of individuals and of society!&nbsp; You may argue that what I observed was just poor driving, but I contend&nbsp;that higher level behaviors are guided by foundational beliefs.&nbsp; It follows that much can be told by how people act and behave!<br /> <br /> These individuals driving behaviors tell me that these people do not hold&nbsp;others' rights as more important than their own.&nbsp;&nbsp;It is because they allowed their perceived right to some pursuit to infringe on the rights of all of the others in the vicinity of their driving!<br /> <br /> If we could only have a legal system that treated people like they earned and communicated!<br /> <br /> We would have people who:<br /> <ul> <li>acted intentionally and are in prison...</li> <li>acted insanely and are in an asylum...</li> <li>acted out of stupidity...(perhaps they could be remediated, perhaps not)...or...</li> <li>JUST NEED TO BE DEPORTED EVEN IF THIS IS THEIR COUNTRY OF ORIGIN!</li> </ul> Regardless...what we need is to emphasize what it means to act like to be a responsible member of this society.&nbsp; We tend to forget that there are rules related to our membership and among them is the protection of our unalienable rights!&nbsp; It is not the government's place to do that...but ours...in the big things and the little things<br /> <br /> If you can not be help responsible for something as petty as driving responsibly...how can you&nbsp;claim to be a responsible member of this society...and why should we responsible members have to be forced to let you participate on our playground!<br /> <br /> We had it right as kids!&nbsp; We self policed...we didn't need playground monitors even though they were there...we were taught responsibility at a young age,&nbsp;it was expected of us and we lived up to it!<br /> <br /> Let's take note of the real messages that we are sending to society and show that we are responsible members of this club...the United States of America!<br /> <br /> Enough Said AGAIN!<br /> <br /> Pura Vida!<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05803560269151364061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064924619404090174.post-66574686402549175462013-12-27T11:53:00.000-08:002013-12-27T11:58:52.929-08:00<div class="post-body entry-content" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 520px;"> A Happy New Year is QUICKLY Approaching !<br /> <br /> 2013 is quickly drawing to a close...and what it afforded us will soon be memories...some of them good and some not so good!<br /> <br /> As we enter 2014, and we vow to make it a better year...<br /> <br /> Success advocates will be reminding you of how important it is not to carry any baggage from the past into it...or...<br /> <br /> Is it?<br /> <br /> Should we carry that past baggage into next year?<br /> <br /> This thought is intriguing!<br /> <br /> I like seeing through the fluff of the "snake oil" sales people...<br /> <br /> This may be one of those things in which they are selling you what you want to hear rather than what you need to hear!<br /> <br /> Let's listen to what we need to hear before it is too late!<br /> <br /> ******************************************<br /> <br /> When combined with our tradition of New Year's Resolutions, it makes me think that there may be some worthwhile baggage that we need to carry...<br /> <br /> Although you may not believe it...<br /> <br /> Our the broken promises, resolutions...AND our failures!<br /> <br /> That sounds pretty depressing and those experts who are trying to sell you a success placebo will argue!<br /> <br /> Let's look at the facts!<br /> <br /> Successful individuals do not quit trying...they do not give up on those things that they know are right...<br /> <br /> They persist until they achieve what they envision...<br /> <br /> With ongoing persistence...they resolve to improve their lot in life and set goals...<br /> <br /> They know their mission and align tasks to them...<br /> <br /> Some of these goals may not be achievable...on the first go around...but they do not quit!<br /> <br /> *******************************************<br /> <br /> Take a moment to reflect on the resolutions of the past...<br /> <br /> Especially those resolutions that you failed to accomplish...<br /> <br /> I am amused by people who...when creating their list of resolutions...exclude those that they failed on in the past...<br /> <br /> "I tried that one...not going to do that again"<br /> <br /> Nothing worth having comes easily...<br /> <br /> Perhaps...you already have a list of resolutions...<br /> <br /> It is simply those that you failed to achieve in the past!<br /> <br /> I know that my list...if it consists only of my past failures...would be longer than any list that I could generate in the few remaining hours of this year!<br /> <br /> Why not resolve to achieve your past failures!<br /> <br /> ******************************************<br /> <br /> I was listening to an interview with a high school football coach that said...<br /> <br /> "The Pro-Bowl performances are created at half-time!"<br /> <br /> Half-Time is an interesting concept...<br /> <br /> The first half of the game is played and then everyone leaves the field and licks their wounds and re-energizes or admits defeat!<br /> <br /> The coach has assessed the opposition for their weaknesses and adjusts the plan...<br /> <br /> Half-Time is a time for rest...<br /> <br /> We are given many Half-Times...New Year's is an official Half-Time!<br /> <br /> Are you licking your wounds?<br /> <br /> Are you going to admit defeat?<br /> <br /> Have you assessed your opponent?<br /> <br /> Have you resolved to win?<br /> <br /> Are you going to change your plays?<br /> <br /> 2013 had some weaknesses...<br /> <br /> There are holes in the defensive line...<br /> <br /> 2014 is in&nbsp;a locker room too!<br /> <br /> It is a "bully" team...playing with dirty tactics...<br /> <br /> Make no mistake...It is planning how it is going to beat you!<br /> <br /> It has as much to win as you have losing!<br /> <br /> You will never defeat it unless you learn for the first half...<br /> <br /> That baggage that I referenced is important to success...<br /> <br /> ********************************************<br /> <br /> As you resolve...<br /> <br /> Look at your past failures in a different perspective...<br /> <br /> I can almost hear you saying...<br /> <br /> "That was a great resolution...this year I am going to do it!"<br /> <br /> Just because you missed the pass the last time you tried that play...doesn't mean that it didn't have the potential of a touchdown!<br /> <br /> If every failed play in football was never repeated...there ultimately would be no plays...<br /> <br /> If people never tried and tried again...<br /> <br /> You get the picture...<br /> <br /> *********************************************<br /> <br /> Happy New Year!<br /> <br /> Resolve to not repeat the failures of the past...<br /> <br /> Not by failing at what you attempt...but<br /> <br /> By succeeding at what you tried and failed at!<br /> <br /> There is open field between you and the goal line!<br /> <br /> Catch the ball this time and run like the wind!<br /> <br /> Pura Vida</div> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05803560269151364061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064924619404090174.post-47741610427943894952013-08-03T06:43:00.000-07:002013-08-03T06:43:53.030-07:00Successful people always seem to be able to do the right things...and the right time!&nbsp; <br /> <br /> Many times it seems like they have fantastic luck and that opportunity has been handed to them!&nbsp; <br /> <br /> It is my observation and experience that luck is not handed to anyone (except in extreme cases) and that the general majority of successful people...made their luck...<br /> <br /> This begs the question..."How do I get lucky?"<br /> <br /> People are lucky in love...because they gave love first...and were prepared to accept it when given...<br /> <br /> People are lucky in business...because they gave their best to business...and were prepared to new opportunities when they arose...<br /> <br /> I could belabor this point...but I do not see a need to...you get it!<br /> <br /> To that end...successful people do their best to prioritze what they do...<br /> <br /> Successful people look to have&nbsp;3 major activities in their lives...<br /> <br /> 1 - Activities centered around their current commitments<br /> 2 - Activities centered around accepting new responsibilities<br /> 3 - Activities centered around preparation for the next step<br /> <br /> This is pretty systematic!<br /> <br /> It requires dedication and discipline...<br /> <br /> BUT WAIT!<br /> <br /> Let me not be unrealistic...there is a 4th activity...better stated...a "non-activity" critical to one's success...and this is a routine with a sub group that I call the HIGHLY Successful!<br /> <br /> In a word...<br /> <br /> REST!<br /> <br /> <strong></strong><br /> <strong>The World's Demands...</strong><br /> <br /> It would be great if the only things that were handed to us would fall exclusively in one of those 3/4 activity categories...<br /> <br /> But they don't!<br /> <br /> There are many other demands...<br /> <br /> I call everything outside of those 3/4 categories..."Noise"<br /> <br /> It is noise that distracts us...<br /> <br /> It is noise that fogs our clarity...<br /> <br /> Our lives are full of noise..<br /> <br /> And it is a fact that a lot of noise...is not good for our success!<br /> <br /> But noise and information overload and&nbsp;demanding jobs and demanding families are a "fact of life"...<br /> <br /> What are we to do?<br /> <br /> We can't just put the activities of success into the 3/4 categories and refuse to do the rest...<br /> <br /> In actuality a successful person does not start with everything falling into place...<br /> <br /> In fact...they may NEVER have everything fall into place...<br /> <br /> But what they do is to work diligently to do more things that fall into those categories each and every subsequent day...<br /> <br /> It doesn't take acting on many of those "properly categorized" to turn one's luck around!<br /> <br /> That leads us to the next question:&nbsp; "How do they do what they do?"<br /> <br /> <strong></strong><br /> <strong>The Hardest Person to say "NO" to...</strong><br /> <br /> We need to be needed...in fact there is one person that you really need...you!<br /> <br /> Despite the fact that the prior statement is "tongue in cheek"...we like to confirm that we are needed...<br /> <br /> We need to be needed...and we do not hear that we are needed enough...so we self-confirm our being needed...<br /> <br /> We confirm that through our "selfless activities...and sacrifices!<br /> <br /> so we take on other tasks!<br /> <br /> No big deal!<br /> <br /> We believe that we know what we are capable of doing...<br /> <br /> AND YET...<br /> <br /> We have a tendency to over-commit!<br /> <br /> It isn't that we take on tasks that we are incapable of performing...<br /> <br /> We take on lots of stuff that make us feel good about what we are doing...<br /> <br /> Sometimes we intentionally take on things to justify procrastination!<br /> <br /> Heck...the reasons for what we do are many are there are people who do them!<br /> <br /> The objective of a successful person is to reduce the number of those commitments on an ongoing basis!<br /> <br /> To do that...we have to learn to say "NO!" to ourselves...<br /> <br /> We have to stop thinking we HAVE to do that!<br /> <br /> We need to ask..."Do we NEED to do that?"<br /> <br /> HOW?<br /> <br /> By putting our "To Do" list up against those 3/4 criteria!<br /> <br /> We need to systematically and without fail ask:<br /> <br /> Is what I am doing...<br /> <br /> <br /> ...centered around&nbsp;my current commitments...or...<br /> <br /> ...centered around accepting a new responsibility...or...<br /> <br /> ...centered around preparation for&nbsp;my next step...or...<br /> <br /> ...centered around much needed rest?<br /> <br /> I can hear the answers&nbsp;now...<br /> <br /> NO...<br /> NO...<br /> NO...<br /> NO...<br /> <br /> And you say...I just have to do it!<br /> <br /> RIGHT!<br /> <br /> Then you need to ask...<br /> <br /> "WHY?"<br /> <br /> Listen to your excuse for not saying "NO" and develop a plan to make that excuse invalid in the future...<br /> <br /> It's a fact...You need to do what you need to do...<br /> <br /> But rather than loading your list with an every growing number of misaligned activities...establish a life-process that takes those things off of your list and keeps them and "their cousins" off...<br /> <br /> <strong></strong><br /> <strong>If you want SUCCESS go and get it!</strong><br /> <br /> It is this simple...<br /> <br /> It does not require any special incantations...or seminar fees!<br /> <br /> I take that back...there is a "magic" word that you need to say often..."NO!"<br /> <br /> and...<br /> <br /> You can send me $500 for this wonderful blog...and if you do not share it in 2 minutes your dog is going to get sick nd throw up on your carpeting...<br /> <br /> ...just joking!<br /> <br /> Just do it...and stop complaining!<br /> <br /> I bet what you are complaining about are not the things you love doing!<br /> <br /> Put this simple exercise into play...and I would almost bet (if I were a betting person)...that you'll see a significant difference!<br /> <br /> Enough Said!<br /> <br /> Pura Vida!<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05803560269151364061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064924619404090174.post-9469221909844209532013-07-27T04:06:00.001-07:002013-07-28T19:45:42.168-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9myKm650Qt80tzu-Amx-JTY-6WA5hBKfyrzoVXRIiXHT53DWcOfyRROlq_k42U2ge_fzdQWxQTCcCGMIAJSiF34Yr1ePKzsgy34wwvKqcQMwGsgYvz3AELiJ1aWhXIafHDZu6AlmvXaQ/s1600/Frog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9myKm650Qt80tzu-Amx-JTY-6WA5hBKfyrzoVXRIiXHT53DWcOfyRROlq_k42U2ge_fzdQWxQTCcCGMIAJSiF34Yr1ePKzsgy34wwvKqcQMwGsgYvz3AELiJ1aWhXIafHDZu6AlmvXaQ/s1600/Frog.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <b>Why worry about frog behavior?</b><br /> <br /> Every major civilization in our history did not believe...<br /> <br /> <br /> <ul> <li>The Romans never fathomed that they would collapse...</li> <li>The Mayans never fathomed that they would collapse...</li> <li>The Byzantines never fathomed that they would collapse...</li> <li>The&nbsp;Easter Islanders never fathomed that they would collapse...</li> <li>The list could go on and on!!!</li> </ul> <br /> One of the things that each of those civilizations had in common was that they were "blind-sided" ...caught totally unaware of the pending doom...<br /> <br /> ...and now...<br /> <br /> These people...these civilizations are nothing more than a memory!<br /> <br /> Who is to blame?<br /> <br /> We'll never really&nbsp;know...<br /> <br /> What destroyed them?<br /> <br /> We'll never really know...<br /> <br /> We can only speculate...<br /> <br /> They probably did not know or realize it themselves...<br /> <br /> So how can we?<br /> <br /> Why should we be any the wiser?<br /> <br /> Does it matter? &nbsp;They are dead and gone...we are alive!<br /> <br /> It appears that knowing is no more important than our high school history lessons...YAWN!<br /> <br /> If it is good to know...then...<br /> <br /> We can ask..."How could something like this happen?"<br /> <br /> ...and use our "gift of hindsight" to find the answer...<br /> <br /> But let me remind you of one of my "epiphanies of the utterly obvious"<br /> <br /> <strong><em>History&nbsp;is our greatest teacher...it will repeat itself...until we learn the intended lesson!</em></strong><br /> <br /> The interesting thing is that I believe that the answer to the "How did this happen?" question is not to be found only in our history...the answer is&nbsp;all around us!&nbsp; Not just in our history...but also in nature...ourselves as individuals, our society!<br /> <br /> ...AND...<br /> <br /> I believe that understanding frogs actually holds the answer!<br /> <br /> <br /> <b>A Vivid Image!</b><br /> <br /> In&nbsp;5th grade...My science book described a very interesting and somewhat disturbing animal behavior that, to this day, haunts me! <br /> <br /> The book&nbsp;warns the reader&nbsp;"NOT to repeat this research..."<br /> <br /> and I can tell you...that we totally complied with that warning after reading the entire section...<br /> <br /> I also suggest that you do not do this experiment...just trust it for what it has told us!<br /> <br /> The article&nbsp;said that researchers placed a&nbsp;live frog&nbsp;in a beaker of room temperature water...<br /> <br /> The frog loved it and sat in perfect bliss...<br /> <br /> The researchers then heated the water is slowly...expecting the frog to jump out when the temperature&nbsp;got to a certain level...<br /> <br /> Why?<br /> <br /> Because frogs actually have a highly developed central nervous system and amazing reaction system...<br /> <br /> Researchers hypothesized that the ability of a frog to discriminate was going to be very precise!<br /> <br /> Instead...they found that the&nbsp;frog just sat there!<br /> <br /> Totally&nbsp;oblivious of the rise in water temperature...<br /> <br /> Despite a higher order nervous system...It was&nbsp;clueless!<br /> <br /> It simply sat there...until&nbsp;the water became too hot to live in!<br /> <br /> and it died!<br /> <br /> Stupid frogs!<br /> <br /> <br /> <b>To Err is Human</b> <br /> <br /> After reading that section of the book&nbsp;I&nbsp;was glad that I was not a frog!<br /> <br /> Humans are much smarter than that!<br /> <br /> OR...Are we?<br /> <br /> We have many "higher order" systems supporting us...<br /> <br /> As a species these system allow us to be VERY adaptive...<br /> <br /> It is&nbsp;one of the greatest human strengths...<br /> <br /> I also believe that it is one of our greatest weaknesses... <br /> <br /> AND...it will be our demise!<br /> <br /> As an individual and as a society...and as a civilization!<br /> <br /> AND...as a species!<br /> <br /> Why?<br /> <br /> Because it is our ability to adapt that makes us no smarter than a frog!<br /> <br /> It is our ability to tolerate and adjust that has caused the demise of major civilizations!<br /> <br /> and it is causing the demise of ours!<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <strong>Of Frog-ness and Human-ness...</strong><br /> <br /> Biologists&nbsp;once labeled frogs as&nbsp;the "living environmental heath" indicator...<br /> <br /> Overall...frogs are sensitive to their environment...such as chemicals&nbsp;and contaminants...<br /> <br /> If a frog can live in it...the environment is pretty clean and healthy...<br /> <br /> It is interesting though...<br /> <br /> Frogs will continue to live in the environment (refusing to leave) until it kills them!<br /> <br /> Love canal in the northeast US is a living (DEAD) example!<br /> <br /> When you look at it for what&nbsp;frogs&nbsp;really tell us...<br /> <br /> Frogs are not a good indicator...<br /> <br /> Yet they are an indicator...<br /> <br /> Their bottom line is that...If they are not there...it is too late!<br /> <br /> Why do they do this?<br /> <br /> Frogs are both tolerant and sensitive at the same time...<br /> <br /> They are a lot like humans...<br /> <br /> They put up with things (tolerate) until it is too late...<br /> <br /> Humans are like frogs...<br /> <br /> We generally tolerate until we crumble!<br /> <br /> Think about it!<br /> <br /> As individuals and as a society...we are tolerant and sensitive at the same time!<br /> <br /> We will tolerate things that will ultimately lead to our demise...<br /> <br /> Allowing things (issues) to accumulate or heat up and then...<br /> <br /> "Where did all the people go?"<br /> <br /> <strong>Are we smarter than frogs?</strong><br /> <br /> Having set the stage...<br /> <br /> Let's cut to the chase and answer the question...<br /> <br /> Are humans smarter than frogs?<br /> <br /> The answer...<br /> <br /> In a word...<br /> <br /> NO!<br /> <br /> We are no smarter than frogs!<br /> <br /> In fact we have always&nbsp;acted, are acting and&nbsp;will continue to act like frogs...<br /> <br /> Maybe even worse...<br /> <br /> Frogs are peace loving and don't intentionally hurt the world around them...and seldom hurt one other!<br /> <br /> The "vanished civilizations" stand as reminders of just how oblivious and "frog-like" we were, are and will continue to be!<br /> <br /> Shame on us!<br /> <br /> You would think we would learn...<br /> <br /> Yet history repeats itself...Why? &nbsp;Think about it!<br /> <br /> But we can't...<br /> <br /> We are no better than frogs!<br /> <br /> Frogs may even be smarter than us!<br /> <br /> They don't waste time&nbsp;attempting to accumulating riches...<br /> <br /> They just sit around...eating bugs...doing what frogs do best and sadly die!<br /> <br /> Dumb People!<br /> <br /> <br /> <strong>The "froginess" of Individuals and Society...</strong><br /> <br /> We can conclude that as individuals, as a society, as a civilization and a species&nbsp;are&nbsp;no smarter than frogs...<br /> <br /> We are sitting in our respective beakers...in our water...<br /> <br /> Totally oblivious to the fact that it is heating up all around us...<br /> <br /> "It is just another degree&nbsp;or two...no big deal!"...we say to ourselves...or to other frogs around us!<br /> <br /> We are oblivious to the&nbsp;realization that the end result is going to be "frog soup!"<br /> <br /> This article is not just about "global warming" and the environment...(it could be)...in fact...at this point in our juncture the environment&nbsp;should be the least of our worries...<br /> <br /> We have proverbial water heating around us at a ever-accelerating rate...and we have to do something about it!<br /> <br /> As individuals...our being oblivious and lacking&nbsp;response to what is&nbsp;contributing to our heated environment...is not only leading us to our personal demises but also to our society's fall!<br /> <br /> It won't be long before our species disappears from the face of the earth!<br /> <br /> It is sad!<br /> <br /> We no longer aspire for higher levels of education...and more class...<br /> <br /> Instead...<br /> <br /> We tolerate sub-human behaviors like bullying...or disrespect...or just plain nasty talk...or stealing...or lying...<br /> <br /> You get the picture!<br /> <br /> Hey...you say...all of those actions are driven by the lack of our misaligned respect!<br /> <br /> DEAD ON!&nbsp; But...<br /> <br /> People will be people...right?<br /> <br /> We are supposed to embrace diversity and tolerate differences!<br /> <br /> But this has created a situation not unlike an avalanche!<br /> <br /> We fear addressing detrimental issues&nbsp;under the blanket of tolerance called "political correctness..."<br /> <br /> Political correctness...<br /> <br /> That is like saying criminally lawful!<br /> <br /> It is an oxymoron!<br /> <br /> I recently heard a religious&nbsp;leader call for&nbsp;the elimination of the "stand your ground" law...saying that "we have to protect our children..."<br /> <br /> Isn't that the law that says if someone acts in a way that threatens your life...you have a right to defend yourself...<br /> <br /> If we are protecting our children from that law...I think that we are admitting that their behaviors put them on the wrong side of it!<br /> <br /> That religious leader must not be thinking...or at least he is not being led by God...in actuality..he is...<br /> <br /> Grandstanding...pure and simple...<br /> <br /> He just exposed his real motives to the world...<br /> <br /> To incite unrest...for the sake of public attention!<br /> <br /> So Sad!<br /> <br /> I have an answer for his..."protect our children" thing...<br /> <br /> If you are a half-decent parent...your children will never be a threat to anyone!<br /> <br /> The only people who have to fear that law are those who are aggressive enough with others that they cause fear of bodily harm and death!<br /> <br /> I ask...Parents...have you done such a bad job raising your children that you have to lobby to have the law that protects good people from thieves and murderers removed from our books?<br /> <br /> If you do not think that you have a problem...<br /> <br /> Go and stand at a mall and listen to your children talk...<br /> <br /> "I am going to hit you in the face"<br /> "I am going to take you out"<br /> "If she was here I'd kill her"<br /> "he needs to be popped"<br /> <br /> and on and on!<br /> <br /> We idolize low-level sub-human behavior...<br /> <br /> We allow it because we think that it is cool!<br /> <br /> It is NOT COOL!...it is a festering wound that is causing our society to heat up...and who will be to blame?&nbsp; <br /> <br /> Those who allow that kind of talk and behavior!<br /> <br /> When I was growing up...I remember being at a Montgomery Ward store service desk with my mom...<br /> <br /> As we stood in line...a lady "went off" on the service person...<br /> <br /> Actually how she behaved was not unlike I observe dozens of times at Wal-Mart today!<br /> <br /> The only difference was that while she was ranting...the Manager of the Department called the police and they took her away...<br /> <br /> She actually was charged with&nbsp;disturbing the peace!<br /> <br /> My community did not tolerate that kind of behavior...<br /> <br /> I wish that would happen now!<br /> <br /> I truly would love to see those nasty-mouthed people hand-cuffed...and charged with disturbing the peace...<br /> <br /> We should seek peace...<br /> <br /> Those poor Wal-Mart Customer Service people are not paid enough to have to kind the kind of abuse that they get every day!<br /> <br /> These verbal abusers are bullies...I bet their children are too!<br /> <br /> They are the kind of people that need to be protected from "stand your ground!"<br /> <br /> Our society needs to protect its peace...<br /> <br /> But it won't because we have become tolerant of low class, sub-human, disrespectful, "just plain nasty" behavior!<br /> <br /> We have allowed fear to control our lives...<br /> <br /> The problem isn't that law...it is a lack of respect between individuals...the problem is those people who have to fear that they will be on the wrong side of that law...<br /> <br /> Who is to blame for that?<br /> <br /> It is us frogs!<br /> <br /> We have tolerated those bad behaviors and that has subtly contaminated ourselves and our&nbsp;society...<br /> <br /> Our tolerance is a contaminant...<br /> <br /> The behavior of our society members is a contaminant...<br /> <br /> We are living in a cesspool!<br /> <br /> We need to learn to love ourselves and then live by the "Do unto others..." law...<br /> <br /> Seriously...if we treated each other with respect...the "stand your ground" law would not be needed...it could be on the books and NEVER exercised...<br /> <br /> If we have to protect our children from that law...then the best thing to do is put them in jail before they get killed! <br /> <br /> It is sad!<br /> <br /> Why is this a issue anyway?<br /> <br /> It is simple...<br /> <br /> Grandstanding...like that "professed" "man of God"...shows how much like frogs we really are!<br /> <br /> The problem is not the law...it is the reason for the law!<br /> <br /> Let's stop being like frogs and learn from our history!<br /> <br /> That is a simple example of our "frog-ness" but the problem is more than a gun control bill...<br /> <br /> ...or standing your ground!<br /> <br /> We&nbsp;have grown oblivious to one of our greatest gifts...our past!<br /> <br /> I was recently told..."be a little more tolerant"&nbsp; you have to remember our history!<br /> <br /> I responded...<strong><em>I do remember our history and that is why I am intolerant</em></strong>...<br /> <br /> Those who can't remember the past are frogs!<br /> <br /> Our past is a gift...<br /> <br /> The cool thing about this gift is that it is gone!<br /> <br /> Yet...the fact that we learn from it...and apply those lessons...makes it awesome!<br /> <br /> Yet we allow the bad things of the past&nbsp;to contaminate our present!<br /> <br /> We bring up issues that are long since dead and gone...<br /> <br /> We remind each other of the "bad old - Good old days"&nbsp;and bring it back to life!<br /> <br /> It incites the shallow-minded people to action!<br /> <br /> It controls the simple thinking masses!<br /> <br /> This behavior causes us to relive our pasts over and over...<br /> <br /> When we relive our pasts...we have to time to live in our future!<br /> <br /> It brings up past wounds that we ourselves never really had!<br /> <br /> Our past...like any&nbsp;wounds should be allowed to heal...we may have scars as individuals or a society or even globally...but even scars fade and are forgotten over time!<br /> <br /> But let us not forget...and let it be the lesson that history taught us!<br /> <br /> Wise people&nbsp;remain aware of the mistakes and injustices of the past...they act on the lessons...over and over and over...and not on what caused us to learn the teacher!<br /> <br /> The bottom line....THE PAST IS GONE!&nbsp; Get over it and let's make today and tomorrow better!<br /> <br /> <strong><em>As a person thinks...it is how it&nbsp;will be...</em></strong><br /> <br /> Injustice, hatred, aggression, etc; love and feed upon attention...<br /> <br /> Ignore these bad characteristics...and&nbsp;they will starve...and die!<br /> <br /> Yet we continue to feed them...<br /> <br /> Think about it...<br /> <br /> What lives in this world is the sum total of our tolerances&nbsp;and intolerances...<br /> <br /> What lives and thrives in our world is what we allow to do so!<br /> <br /> Now that I think about it...<br /> <br /> We are worse than frogs!<br /> <br /> I could go on and on...<br /> <br /> But that is not needed...<br /> <br /> Our pond is a sacred place...<br /> <br /> It is the only one that we have!<br /> <br /> Our world is literally&nbsp;and figuratively contaminated...<br /> <br /> We are contaminated...<br /> as Individuals<br /> as a Society<br /> as a Civilization<br /> as a Species<br /> <br /> Our world is heating up...<br /> <br /> If we do not get smart to the change...<br /> <br /> We are going to end up like the bygone civilizations...<br /> <br /> We'll be that species that used to be here...<br /> <br /> We are going to end up like the frogs,,,<br /> <br /> We are going to "croak"<br /> <br /> Enough Said!<br /> <br /> Pura Vida!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05803560269151364061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064924619404090174.post-250387081006984782013-07-07T12:18:00.003-07:002013-07-13T05:46:41.266-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiolpvIyQUeO75b3w4yoojchBqMVT8KAp7_ChetKpHvKgEHC1_28UTXEIvaODatrJr7dyEF_SVdyNQ8QEm_SPfOOBOMLbPyFDzrxUnPWUNLPfnto5hEkP2R3t49RpQltvCSKvnopTcT0UM/s1600/Knowledge.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiolpvIyQUeO75b3w4yoojchBqMVT8KAp7_ChetKpHvKgEHC1_28UTXEIvaODatrJr7dyEF_SVdyNQ8QEm_SPfOOBOMLbPyFDzrxUnPWUNLPfnto5hEkP2R3t49RpQltvCSKvnopTcT0UM/s200/Knowledge.png" width="193" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> As we learn and seek to better our plot in life...we are often faced with the questions:<br /> <br /> "What do I need to do to make a change in my life?"<br /> <br /> ...or...<br /> <br /> Do I need to learn something else?"<br /> <br /> ...if so...<br /> <br /> "What education should I pursue?"<br /> <br /> ...or...<br /> <br /> "What do I need to learn next?"<br /> <br /> ...or...<br /> <br /> "What do I need to know to move to the next level?"<br /> <br /> <b>Is there such thing as too much information?&nbsp;</b><br /> <br /> We are inundated with information on a continual basis...<br /> <br /> Attached to much of the data that we are inundated with are claims that allures us and leads us down the path that we should be walking!<br /> <br /> <strong>Shifting Gears...A detour...for a moment!</strong><br /> <br /> Let's divert for a minute!<br /> <br /> The aforementioned "claims of data-value" I call "meta-claims"&nbsp; They are "tags" that may of may not be real...<br /> <br /> Data on its own merit has no&nbsp;value!&nbsp; It is just data!<br /> <br /> Data begins to have "potential value" when it is interpreted...and it turns from data to "information"<br /> <br /> Information still lacks real value until it turns into actions or reactions...<br /> <br /> It is what information causes one to do or not do that is of value...<br /> <br /> Yet the form or function of&nbsp; information does not change...<br /> <br /> Information is a virtual sense is a catalyst!<br /> <br /> A catalyst of action or inaction!<br /> <br /> <strong>Back to the track!</strong><br /> <br /> Data improperly interpreted or rejected or blindly accepted can be misleading...<br /> <br /> Did you catch that?<br /> <br /> "LEADING" or "MISLEADING"<br /> <br /> It can take our actions down the right path...or the wrong path...<br /> <br /> It is important to have the correct information to ensure that you are acting properly...<br /> <br /> There is another possibility...time is often wasted on the acquiring and processing information that we'll never use...<br /> <br /> I call this type of information...trivia!<br /> <br /> It is (was) important to someone...but not to us!&nbsp; (TRIVIAL)<br /> <br /> To maximize our effectiveness and impact...we can not afford to waste time chasing data that we'll never use...<br /> <br /> Why?<br /> <br /> Excess knowledge tends to cloud, diffuse or even block the information that we need!<br /> <br /> All this having been said...it is critical for us to be discerning in our learning...aligning our pursuit and acquisition of information with our mission, purpose or intent!<br /> <br /> <b><i>So the answer is "YES...there is such a things as too much information!"</i></b><br /> <br /> <b>*******************************************</b><br /> <b></b><br /> <b>Is "Information is King?"</b><br /> <br /> Information is critically important...<br /> <br /> ...but it must be recognized that not all information rules our lives...<br /> <br /> ...It is only focused and useful information that reigns...<br /> <br /> ...or should rule our actions and reactions...<br /> <br /> All other information is our enemy...<br /> <br /> Why?<br /> <br /> Because we lack infinite mental capacity...omniscience...DUH!<br /> <br /> We are easily overloaded and when this happens...we risk "pushing out" information that we need and replace it with useless information...<br /> <br /> ..."trivia"<br /> <br /> ...or worse...<br /> <br /> ..."counter productive"<br /> <br /> It follows that we are best served by specialized knowledge that serves our purpose...<br /> <br /> ...and should be allowed to rule our actions...<br /> <br /> <b><i>So the answer is "YES...but only information that serves our purpose!"</i></b><br /> <br /> <b>*********************************************</b><br /> <b></b><br /> <b>What Information should we pursue?</b><br /> <br /> Theoretically...we want everything that we know to be useful...<br /> <br /> Better stated..."Productive"...<br /> <br /> In truth this leads us to an insight that makes the pursuit easy!<br /> <br /> To start...let's look at a few "guiding principals" related to information acquisition:<br /> <br /> <ul> <li>Information that does not serve our immediate needs has to be questioned...</li> <li>The value of "stored for future use" information declines in value by the amount of time "in the future" that it will be put to use...</li> <li>The value of information is relation the the probability that it will be used</li> </ul> <br /> We can conclude that the value of information is determined by its immediate application<br /> <br /> Having sorted through that "short list"...this takes us to the next categorization...<br /> <br /> <b><i>So the answer is "We need to seek and obtain productive information!"</i></b><br /> <br /> <b>**********************************************</b><br /> <b></b><br /> <b>Productive Knowledge...</b><br /> <br /> Information when properly used becomes productive knowledge!<br /> <br /> HUH?<br /> <br /> Information has great potential (potential energy)...<br /> <br /> It changes into "knowledge" when it is used to an end...(hopefully a "good" end)<br /> <br /> In other words...<br /> <br /> That which we use has value to us...<br /> <br /> Knowledge which serves our purpose is the best kind of knowledge...<br /> <br /> Especially when our purpose is good, true and beautiful...<br /> <br /> It then makes sense that we have to control information flow and its use...<br /> <br /> In order to control our information intake...we have to be able to categorize it as good (useful) or bad (counter productive)...<br /> <br /> Being able to recognize good information from bad information is a talent...a gift...<br /> <br /> But it can also be learned!<br /> <br /> Given the specialized nature of useful information...it follows that the amount of bad information far outweighs and out numbers the good information...<br /> <br /> All we have to be able to do is put the information into one of two categories...<br /> <br /> If it fits...into one of those two categories...<br /> <br /> It is potentially useful or good!<br /> <br /> <b>The two types (categories) of valuable information...that can lead to knowledge...</b><br /> <br /> There is information that makes us more efficient. &nbsp;This type of information when it is converted into knowledge, provides us with more time to learn and do other things. &nbsp;It adds value by providing proverbial "bandwidth."<br /> <br /> There is information that makes us more effective. &nbsp;This type of information when it is converted into knowledge,&nbsp;differentiates us from others that are doing the same things as us...<br /> <br /> Does this make sense? <br /> <br /> There is Efficiency information and Effectiveness information...<br /> <br /> Although both serve to the same end...they are very different!<br /> <br /> Each must be balanced so as not to create lop-sided or biased performance...<br /> <br /> HUH?<br /> <br /> We can become focused on efficiency and not produce great results...<br /> <br /> ...or...<br /> <br /> We can become focused on effectiveness (how well we do a job) can totally mess with getting stuff done in the required amount of time!<br /> <br /> Did you catch it?<br /> <br /> Real value has 2 components...<br /> <br /> 1 - Doing the right thing (effectiveness)<br /> 2 - AT and IN the right time (efficiency)<br /> <br /> THE BALANCE!<br /> <br /> There are many variations on this theme,,,but it is the right blend that produces value!<br /> <br /> <b>************************************************</b><br /> <b></b><br /> <b>Let's put this all together into a workable plan...</b><br /> <br /> The perfect situation arises when you know...<br /> <br /> Your purpose...<br /> <br /> and...<br /> <br /> Your mission...<br /> <br /> Then sifting through the information is easy!<br /> <br /> Simply answering the question "Does this information make my mission more effective or does this information make it easier or faster in the achievement of my objectives?"<br /> <br /> If the answer is yes...<br /> <br /> Then it can become valuable (i.e. turned into knowledge)<br /> <br /> BUT...<br /> <br /> Not all of us have a perfect "handle" on our mission and purpose!<br /> <br /> If that is the case...<br /> <br /> Then look at what you are doing RIGHT NOW!<br /> <br /> If the information serves you at this moment...<br /> <br /> It is worth acquiring,,,<br /> <br /> If not...<br /> <br /> FORGET ABOUT IT!<br /> <br /> LOL!<br /> <br /> As funny as this sounds...this exercise serves a greater purpose that will help clarify your pursuit!<br /> <br /> At minimum...you should do what you are doing as efficiently and effectively as possible!<br /> <br /> Believe it or not...<br /> <br /> Where you you are and what you are doing is probably not vary far from your purpose and mission...as much as you may not like that...<br /> <br /> So seek the information that you need today...let it guide you and you'll find more and more clarity!<br /> <br /> We do not need to belabor this topic any further...<br /> <br /> Get out there and start sorting!<br /> <br /> Make it make a difference in your life and the lives of others!<br /> <br /> Enough Said!<br /> <br /> Pura Vida! <br /> <br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05803560269151364061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064924619404090174.post-27444398292976646952013-07-06T04:23:00.001-07:002013-07-06T04:23:58.589-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQmsFJXxPnzMtkQEwsjvra1OmJwALinKBYd4CIAL64EMfRoXOTp" /><br /> <b><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></b> <b><span style="color: red;">Some of the best lessons have been around for centuries!</span></b></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <b><span style="color: red;">This submission recalls one of those stories that made a big impact in my life...</span></b></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <b><span style="color: red;">It comes from one of the first Chinese philosophers...centuries before thinking was cool!</span></b></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <b><span style="color: red;">"Sit back" and listen...I will not include the moral...you can make up you own...</span></b></div> <br /> There once was a man who had inherited the land of his family...<br /> <br /> This land had been in his family for as many generations as anyone could recall...<br /> <br /> In an attempt to carry on with the family tradition he tried his best at farming...<br /> <br /> His best was not very good...in fact, his farm could not produce even enough to feed the sparrows!<br /> <br /> In his poverty and desperation, he walked to town and sought the advice of a sooth-sayer...<br /> <br /> After deep contemplation the sooth-sayer gave his prediction...<br /> <br /> He told the poor man that he would be faced with a VERY difficult decision...<br /> <br /> ...but if he picked the right path...he would become one of the richest people in the province!<br /> <br /> The poor farmer left the sooth-sayer with hope...and consternation...<br /> <br /> After a few days...the farmer decided that the farm was not going to be the source of his wealth...<br /> <br /> He knew he had to leave the farm and travel the world looking for that source of wealth!<br /> <br /> &nbsp;After a few more days of contemplating his plight...he went back to the town and found a man to buy it...<br /> <br /> He took his money...and began traveling around the world in search of his riches...<br /> <br /> The years passed and his searching took him no closer to the riches that he was promised...<br /> <br /> As he neared the end of his life, he longed to see the family's farm one last time...and he returned...<br /> <br /> As he approached the farm, he saw that it was no longer a barren plot of land, but held a magnificent palace...<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQAFHSuwPPcS49O2aca3lWDv7PznQoNTqlfZu7B5g_a6QXJZ5cfuA" /></div> <br /> He approached the gate and was met by the landed owner who recognized him...<br /> <br /> They talked of his travels and finally the wanderer asked the landowner about the palace...<br /> <br /> The landowner humbly admitted to the good fortune that was given to him...and how shortly after buying the land...he walk down the path to one of the fields...he looked down and found a ruby the size of his fist...with a little digging he found that this land provided large rubies with nearly every shovel that every dug in it!<br /> <br /> *******************************************************************************<br /> Our lives are much like this...<br /> <br /> We know that success lies just around the corner...and we have a choices to make and are often allured by what we think the path to success is!<br /> <br /> Our riches are more often found where we reside...<br /> <br /> We are where we are for a reason...and simply have to look for the gifts that our present longs to give us...<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="data:image/jpeg;base64,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" /></div> <br /> Enough Said!<br /> <br /> Pura Vida! Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05803560269151364061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064924619404090174.post-72493323285622559532013-06-29T04:44:00.001-07:002013-06-29T04:44:12.258-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: red;">This may sound like the familiar comedy presentation&nbsp;</span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <i><span style="color: red;">"You may be a Redneck"</span></i></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <b><span style="color: red;">READER DISCRETION IS ADVISED</span></b></div> <br /> I have been thinking about the characteristics of a successful (value-added) life...<br /> <br /> Despite the fact that I have dedicated a goodly portion of my life&nbsp;to understanding the components and characteristics that leads one to success...I know one thing!<br /> <br /> Success is a difficult thing to define...<br /> <br /> I can openly admit to the fact that I have been somewhat unsuccessful in <strong>clearly and accurately</strong>&nbsp;defining what success is...<br /> <br /> Every time that I think that I "nailed" it down...it slips away!<br /> <br /> ...it is elusive...<br /> <br /> ...and rather than wasting any more of my time (and yours)...&nbsp;I decided that perhaps I would carve away at the whole thing of "life"...removing what success isn't...leaving us with a somewhat clearer understanding of what it possibly is!<br /> <br /> What we do know is...<br /> <br /> If a life isn't successful...<br /> <br /> It is a life wasted!<br /> <br /> Although not completely true...let's look at this in&nbsp;a simple binary fashion...<br /> <br /> I call it the "net' perspective...<br /> <br /> If a life contains more failures than successes...it is a waste...<br /> <br /> If a life contains more successes than failures...it is not wasted...<br /> <br /> <strong>Shifting Gears...</strong><br /> <br /> One of my favorite stories is about the unveiling of the statue "David." &nbsp;Michelangelo was asked, "How did you build such a beautiful statue?" &nbsp;To that he replied..."I did not build it...I started with a large amorphous block of marble and took away everything that wasn't David!"<br /> <br /> Our lives are like that!<br /> <br /> When we enter the world our options are infinite...and as we go along...we chop away at the possibilities...until we figure it all out!<br /> <br /> Our hope is that by the time we unveil our masterpiece...it isn't too late!<br /> <br /> The pursuit of understanding is often like that! &nbsp;It isn't about what we amass...but that which we chisel away...<br /> <br /> As I think about it...isn't this scientific method?<br /> <br /> <strong>Back on Track...</strong><br /> <br /> Let's chisel away...<br /> <br /> Let's look at <strong><u>SOME</u></strong> of those things (actions, behaviors, characteristics) that cause us to waste a life!<br /> <br /> <ul> <li>If you think that you don't have anything to change...you may be wasting your life!</li> <li>If you have stopped learning...you may be wasting your life!</li> <li>If you have had a moment of aggressive nastiness...you may be wasting your life!</li> <li>If you have put someone down...you may be wasting your life!</li> <li>If you have ever bullied someone...you may be wasting your life!</li> <li>If you are not striving to build a legacy...you may be wasting your life!</li> <li>If you think that your failures are someone else's fault...you may be wasting your life!</li> <li>If you are waiting for something to happen before you can start...you may be wasting your life!</li> <li>If you don't take time everyday to reflect and show your gratitude...you may be wasting your life!</li> <li>If you do not know what you need to be doing right now...you may be wasting your life!</li> <li>If you haven't started doing something to get you closer to your goal...you may be wasting your life!</li> <li>If you do not greet the day with love, excitement and anticipation...you may be wasting your life!</li> <li>If you do not know specifically what your mission in life is...you may be wasting your life!</li> <li>If people are not positively changed by being around you...you may be wasting your life!</li> <li>If your speech contains anything negative or hostile...you may be wasting your life!</li> <li>If you think that you have to stand up for your rights...you may be wasting your life!</li> <li>If you have never failed...you may be wasting your life!</li> <li>If everything comes easy...you may be wasting your life!</li> <li>If you do not look for something nice to say to everyone you interact with...you may be wasting your life!</li> <li>If you think you can have what you got and get what you want...you may be wasting your life!</li> <li>If you are hanging with people who drain you with no return...you may be wasting your life!</li> <li>If anything that you do is illegal...you may be wasting your life!</li> <li>If you think that you are in control...you may be wasting your life!</li> <li>If you have asked for leniency or an exception...you may be wasting your life!</li> <li>If you have ever done less than you could have...you may be wasting your life!</li> <li>If you think that anything in your past gives you license to do something today...you may be wasting your life!</li> <li>If entitlement is a required component of your success equation...you may be wasting your life!</li> <li>If you do not say "thank you" often during the day...you may be wasting your life!</li> <li>If you have not been criticized for being too focused...you may be wasting your life!</li> <li>If you have never asked for help...you may be wasting your life!</li> <li>If you have never given help...you may be wasting your life!</li> <li>If you can't remember the last time you couldn't wait for tomorrow...you may be wasting your life!</li> <li>If you haven't wished that you could return to a younger time and done it over...you may be wasting your life!</li> <li>If you are NOT thankful for everything that has happened to you...you may be wasting your life!</li> <li>If today is not the "last of your past"...you may be wasting your life!</li> <li>If you do not realize your own uniqueness...you may be wasting your life!</li> <li>If you are living as if you have tomorrow...you may be wasting your life!</li> <li>If you are not in control of your emotions...you may be wasting your life!</li> <li>If you don't laugh a majority of the time...you may be wasting your life!</li> <li>If you think yourself better than someone...you may be wasting your life!</li> <li>If you say..."I am too old"...you may be wasting your life!</li> <li>If you say..."I am too young"...you may be wasting your life!</li> <li>If you are thinking that none of these apply to you...you may be wasting your life!</li> <li>If you didn't think "I can add more to this list"...you may be wasting your life!&nbsp;</li> </ul> <br /> <br /> <b>IF YOU READ THESE BULLETS AND DID NOT THINK..."I HAVE SOME THINGS I CAN ADD TO THIS LIST"...</b><br /> <b></b><br /> <b></b><br /> <b></b><br /> <b></b><br /> <div> </div> <b> </b><br /> <div> <b>IF YOU READ THESE BULLETS AND DID NOT THINK..."I HAVE SOME THINGS I CAN CHANGE ABOUT ME"...</b></div> <b></b><br /> <b></b><br /> <b></b><br /> <div> </div> <b> </b><br /> <div> <b>TAKE A GOOD LOOK AT YOURSELF...AND...CHISEL AWAY!</b><br /> <strong></strong><br /> <strong>THERE IS A MATERPIECE HIDDEN WITHIN YOU!</strong></div> <strong></strong><br /> <strong>YES...SUCCESS IS IN THERE!</strong><br /> <b></b><br /> <b>ENOUGH SAID...</b><b>&nbsp;</b><br /> <b> </b> <div> <b>PURA VIDA!</b></div> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05803560269151364061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064924619404090174.post-36744650502075800112013-06-22T05:55:00.001-07:002013-06-22T05:55:18.744-07:00Let's start with a simple test/example...to see what you are capable of!<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/IrewnzQYrPI?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div> <br /> Interesting?<br /> <br /> We think of ourselves as being so aware of the world around us...but...<br /> <br /> Look at how much you are incapable of...<br /> <br /> How much is going on around us...that we are oblivious to!<br /> <br /> This sets the stage for some interesting thoughts!<br /> <br /> Let's start with what you heard...<br /> <br /> You heard every tone...right?<br /> <br /> I bet...NOT!<br /> <br /> You are limited by your auditory acuity...<br /> <br /> You miss a lot of sound (data) because you lack&nbsp;audio acuity!<br /> <br /> You lack the ability to detect it...<br /> <br /> You hearing has been desensitized!<br /> <br /> Much of the sound spectrum...you (we) could not&nbsp;and in many cases...NEVER... hear!<br /> <br /> Guess what?<br /> <br /> ...The same holds true for every other of your (our) senses...<br /> <br /> Our eyes can only see a narrow portion of the electromagnetic spectrum (visible light)...but there is a lot more electromagnetic energy (data) that we can't perceive with our eyes!<br /> <br /> (That's right...data is conveyed by energy!)<br /> <br /> As a result...we have other senses to detect other portions of the electromagnetic spectrum...<br /> <br /> I could go through every sense...but I think you get the picture!<br /> <br /> 1 -Hearing - Sound<br /> 2 - Sight - Light<br /> 3 - Smell&nbsp;Chemical composition of air <br /> 4 - Taste - Chemical composition of&nbsp;solids/liquids<br /> 5 - Touch - Heat and pressure<br /> 6 - Kinesthetic - Positional (muscular)<br /> 7 - Vestibular -&nbsp; Gravity<br /> <br /> Yes 7 senses...not 5!<br /> <br /> Many people have been taught that there are 5 senses...but there are 7 distinct senses!<br /> <br /> Yet because each only detects a narrow portion of the spectrum we miss data!<br /> <br /> Now let's go back to our original thought...<br /> <br /> There is a lot of data that we receive...and are totally oblivious to the fact that it is there!<br /> <br /> Let's go outside the box...<br /> <br /> If there is stuff that we can't sense because our senses have been desensitized...there may be a ton of stuff happening around us that no one can "sense" because there is no sense organ for it!<br /> <br /> Many will argue that&nbsp;the senses that we have are those that we needed to get to where we are...and that all of the other stuff going on is frivolous...<br /> <br /> I totally agree!<br /> <br /> My point is that thinking that we have all the data important to truth is narrow...in fact our truth is as narrow as our senses are limited!<br /> <br /> Have we considered that "Truth" is not contained within our limited data sources...but a sum total proposition of all of the data!<br /> <br /> The entire energy spectrum!<br /> <br /> <strong>Advanced Science...</strong><br /> <br /> Physicists have spent years studying energy and some of them...postulating multiple dimensions...<br /> <br /> Sadly...we'll never be able to see them...feel them...hear them...because our senses are incapable of detecting them...<br /> <br /> Something to consider...what physicists are calling multiple dimensions may just be energies that we can not detect!<br /> <br /> an interesting thought...but it is just that...<br /> <br /> Does it matter?<br /> <br /> Let's go back to an argument that I mentioned earlier...<br /> <br /> <br /> <strong>The Expanding Universe...</strong><br /> <br /> When I was in 3rd grade...and going through our science book...one chapter was about the stars! &nbsp;We were studying astronomy!!!!...While we were doing our lessons...my teacher told us that scientists believe that the universe is&nbsp;expanding...<br /> <br /> A&nbsp;little boy (me) sitting in the back of the room asked, " Isn't the universe really considered everything?"<br /> <br /> To that the teacher answered ..."yes"<br /> <br /> "So if it is expanding...what is it expanding into?"<br /> <br /> She looked at me but did not answer...<br /> <br /> "Because if it was everything...then&nbsp;it had to be expanding into itself which was already the universe...which means that it isn't expanding..."<br /> <br /> To that the teacher corrected me and said, "the universe is expanding into nothing..."<br /> <br /> I think that she hoped that I would shut-up!<br /> <br /> But I kept at it...and she finally put an end the&nbsp;"fruitless" discussion by telling us that this is what the book (data) tells us and we simply have to accept it until scientists find (see or hear) something different!<br /> <br /> In other words...<br /> <br /> It doesn't matter!<br /> <br /> <strong>Expanding knowledge...like the universe...</strong><br /> <strong></strong><br /> When I think about data being energy...it takes me to this thought...<br /> <br /> Knowledge is infinitely vast!<br /> <br /> Knowledge is constantly growing...expanding...<br /> <br /> What is it expanding into?<br /> <br /> Itself?<br /> <br /> LOL!<br /> <br /> Does it matter?<br /> <br /> I think so!<br /> <br /> Attempting to expand knowledge is useful,,,<br /> <br /> ...when it's application is of benefit...<br /> <br /> But what is of value...and what is frivolous?<br /> <br /> There may be a message in our "growing older" experience...related to that fact that&nbsp;we as humans become desensitized...over time...<br /> <br /> Perhaps this is the crux of wisdom...a desensitization to extraneous and frivolous data...<br /> <br /> Perhaps we lack certain senses because there is no need for&nbsp;certain pieces of&nbsp;&nbsp;data...<br /> <br /> Perhaps we should learn to do what we can with what we have!<br /> <br /> Perhaps many of the additional senses that we lack have gone the course of our appendix...<br /> <br /> ...which is a remnant of some organ we had in the past...but no longer serves a function...<br /> <br /> WAIT...physiologists have discovered that the appendix does serve a function!<br /> <br /> It is a place that reserves&nbsp;the beneficial bacteria&nbsp;from our intestinal tract...in the event that we get sick and discharge or kill the bacteria that resides in our intestines...the bacteria reserve in our appendix recharges us!<br /> <br /> It is something...Darn...just when we were thinking that it was useless!<br /> <br /> ...that new data...consequently led to information (interpretation) and insight!<br /> <br /> We knew that it was there...but our interpretations and tribal knowledge said it was useless...<br /> <br /> Our real&nbsp;benefit came when we did more with what we already had!<br /> <br /> A lesson...raw data...leads to information and when properly interpreted it leads to insight!<br /> <br /> Our goal is to do the most with what we have...before we attempt to move forward!<br /> <br /> Maximize it!<br /> <br /> But then again...<br /> <br /> Does it matter?<br /> <br /> Whether we knew what an appendix did or not...did not make the appendix function or function better!<br /> <br /> <strong>The Narrow View and Arrogance...</strong><br /> <br /> The biggest risk that we run as human beings is that we accept what we sense as fact and reject everything else...because we don't sense it...<br /> <br /> "I'll believe it when I see it or hear it with my own ears..."<br /> <br /> Just because you can't hear it doesn't mean that it is not there!<br /> <br /> It just means that&nbsp;it is below&nbsp;the threshold of your perception or to go a bit deeper...our understanding!<br /> <br /> It is our own weaknesses...that which aids and abets&nbsp;"deception..."<br /> <br /> Let's think about this&nbsp;and apply the potential&nbsp;arrogance in an effort of science...<br /> <br /> The search for extra-terrestrial life...<br /> <br /> Scientists are looking for planets rotating stars...at a distance that would create&nbsp;earth-like conditions...<br /> <br /> It is our narrow and arrogant&nbsp;understanding of fact that lies at the foundation of this effort...<br /> <br /> Perhaps we are a rarity and that life&nbsp;abounds in a vacuum full of radiation...the void of space itself!<br /> <br /> Perhaps in the real world...liquid water affects the abundant life like molten rock affects us!<br /> <br /> One may argue that we would have found it if life like that existed...<br /> <br /> maybe yes...maybe no!<br /> <br /> Definitely not if we were not looking for it!<br /> <br /> The space around the earth could be filled with life...like our oceans abound...and that life could be significantly more intelligent than us!<br /> <br /> Why do I say that?...because it has nothing to do with us!&nbsp; LOL!<br /> <br /> We have allowed our narrow view to limit our search and perception!<br /> <br /> Doe it matter?<br /> <br /> <strong>Expectation theory...(kind of...)</strong><br /> <br /> Psychological studies show that people see what they expect to see...or believe that they should see!<br /> <br /> The mind plays some terrible tricks on us!<br /> <br /> People see things that aren't there...<br /> <br /> ...and miss things in plain sight!<br /> <br /> Some may argue that we are simply doing the best we can with what we have...<br /> <br /> But why do we allow the data/information of others influence us?<br /> <br /> It may be that we subconsciously recognize the fact that we can not acquire all of the knowledge important to us and depend (default) to the information of others for the sake of efficiency...<br /> <br /> ...just like lemmings do!&nbsp; LOL! &nbsp;(BTW Lemmings do really stupid things!)<br /> <br /> Seriously, it may be that we are not independent and we would desire...but more like ants and bees...whose synergistic (I hate this concept...LOL) is apparent in the ability of the hive/colony to be more than the sum total of the hive/colony members...<br /> <br /> The critical nature of this concept is that it totally depends on trust (ants and bees have trust?&nbsp; I believe so!) and specialization (credible "trustworthy" information).<br /> <br /> If there is a risk that "IF" the individual conveying the information is inaccurate...the entire hive/colony suffers...perhaps to its demise...<br /> <br /> We need to recognize this risk even in our own activities...<br /> <br /> Although we are not structured as an insect hive or colony...we still run the same risks as they do when we blindly accept information...or lack information!<br /> <br /> Mass hysteria...caused by misinformation...or even hype...can lead us down a path detrimental to our society...<br /> <br /> Hype campaigning...can cause voters to divert to the wrong conclusions...and elect the wrong individuals!<br /> <br /> This scares me!<br /> <br /> Inaccurate news reports...<br /> <br /> "Remember the Maine!"<br /> <br /> Causes wars!<br /> <br /> This scares me!<br /> <br /> In a sense...we are a hive or a colony...and we have to protect our existence at our core!<br /> <br /> Does it matter?<br /> <br /> I believe that it does!<br /> <br /> <strong>Other Senses...</strong><br /> <br /> Scientists have found that pigeons have the ability to sense the earth's magnetic field!!!<br /> <br /> Although they have yet to say it...this is another sense!<br /> <br /> Why do I call it a sense?&nbsp; <br /> <br /> Because they use it to find home!<br /> <br /> AND it works every time!<br /> <br /> Scientists have found that Hammerhead Sharks can sense life buried in the sea floor!!!<br /> <br /> This one they have called another sense!<br /> <br /> Why?<br /> <br /> Because that is how they&nbsp;find food!<br /> <br /> AND it works every time!<br /> <br /> What is important&nbsp;about these discoveries is that it confirms that&nbsp;there is other senses...<br /> <br /> Many would argue that if there were other senses...we would have found them...<br /> <br /> Now we can say...with confidence...<br /> <br /> THERE ARE OTHER SENSES!!!<br /> <br /> and they can serve a beneficial function!<br /> <br /> We often reject the thought because we don't have them!<br /> <br /> Think of all of the money we'd save on GPSs if we had the pigeon sense...LOL!<br /> <br /> <strong>Senses and Truth...</strong><br /> <br /> A Pigeon's truth is different from ours because it has&nbsp;different and/or additional information...<br /> <br /> A Hammerhead Shark's truth is different from ours because it has&nbsp;different and/or additional information...<br /> <br /> But how do we know what their "truth" looks like?<br /> <br /> We really can not know what they feel like...<br /> <br /> Why?<br /> <br /> Because we lack that sense!<br /> <br /> We are oblivious to the energy that they sense and feel...<br /> <br /> even how it feels!<br /> <br /> What responses it drives...<br /> <br /> As a result...<br /> <br /> We have to convert "truth" into something that we can understand!<br /> <br /> The weird thing is that for us is to understand that which we can not sense...it must be converted into data that we can see or hear or taste or touch or feel...and so on!<br /> <br /> We do not know what their sense really is like!<br /> <br /> We do not know their reality!<br /> <br /> Real pigeon and shark "Truth" is lost in translation!<br /> <br /> This important aspect of data and translation must be fully grasped in order for us to understand what we really know as "truth"<br /> <br /> At best what we know is limited...<br /> <br /> More often...we are functioning under some delusion!<br /> <br /> Yet we are functioning!<br /> <br /> Does it matter?<br /> <br /> I do not know!<br /> <br /> <strong>Searching for an answer...</strong><br /> <br /> What matters is recognition...<br /> <br /> Recognition of the limitations of our perception...and the data that it provides...<br /> <br /> Recognition of the fact that there is massive amounts of information that we are incapable of capturing...<br /> <br /> Recognition that we remain a hive or colony and that misinformation can have dire adverse effects on our very existence...<br /> <br /> Recognition of the fact that people use misinformation to "hype the hive" and misdirect us&nbsp;for their own selfish reasons!&nbsp; (perhaps&nbsp;the "hypers" had misinformation to begin with!)<br /> <br /> These recognitions&nbsp;limit our definition to truth to simply "that which works...for us...right now"<br /> <br /> The elements of this definition are very important...<br /> <br /> 1 - How well it&nbsp;works or&nbsp;serves us...<br /> 2 - How broadly&nbsp;serves us (how big "us" is)<br /> 3 - How long&nbsp;the "truth" provides elements 1 &amp; 2<br /> <br /> Let's&nbsp;push this a little further before we close for the weekend!<br /> <br /> Since our senses are limited and we can be misinformed by&nbsp;others...<br /> <br /> Your truth is limited to you as an individual...<br /> <br /> It is what makes you function...survive and thrive!<br /> <br /> You (we) no more...have the right to push our truth on another as they have on you (us)...because of the "risk" or limitations of what we know...<br /> <br /> Those who claim to be aware or hold more knowledge or enlightened&nbsp;may be just the opposite...<br /> <br /> ...we need to be keenly aware of this fact...and not&nbsp;fall prey to them...or act like them...<br /> <br /> If there is a time for it to be "all about you" it is with this concept and this concept only!<br /> <br /> Does it matter?<br /> <br /> I believe so!<br /> <br /> It is a critical aspect of success!<br /> <br /> Enough said!<br /> <br /> Pura Vida!<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05803560269151364061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064924619404090174.post-8160337092476404732013-06-15T04:24:00.002-07:002013-06-15T04:24:57.492-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-G9CqzdAy4bhGHBhX1n75p9AjRYRC_WbN8tmeAy8fxOUj6Hg0H6x1eI6Ip84Kqs4aRsOJKlS9q1djcplPpF710TiObFY6vUXpEyEDqZUaw4EypwazqHr-_89RQY5DkydA53iv-x5K_F0/s1600/warning+philosophy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-G9CqzdAy4bhGHBhX1n75p9AjRYRC_WbN8tmeAy8fxOUj6Hg0H6x1eI6Ip84Kqs4aRsOJKlS9q1djcplPpF710TiObFY6vUXpEyEDqZUaw4EypwazqHr-_89RQY5DkydA53iv-x5K_F0/s320/warning+philosophy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> <strong><span style="color: red;"></span></strong><br /> <strong><span style="color: red;">In a way this is simply mental rambling...done simply to open some doors of deeper thought...</span></strong><br /> <br /> <strong>From&nbsp;a "Day to Day" perspective...Rocks don't change... ...much...</strong><br /> <br /> I once read a quote that said...(poorly quoted...but you'll get the point), "If you aren't getting better...you are getting worse..."<br /> <br /> At first I disagreed with that statement...because there are many people that are phenomenally great at being stable as if their life's motto is...&nbsp;"same old - same old"<br /> <br /> That is to say that they definitely aren't getting better...AND they definitely are not getting worse!<br /> <br /> And they were (are) happy!<br /> <br /> But as I thought deeper into this topic...I had to ask...<br /> <br /> Is not getting better...bad?<br /> <br /> So deep in thought, was I, that I was not watching where I was walking and low and behold...I stubbed my toe...on a rock!<br /> <br /> Not really...but it made me smile!<br /> <br /> <br /> <strong>So let's go back to "the rocks!"</strong><br /> <br /> Rocks don't change much from day to day...<br /> <br /> They are a great "standard of stability"<br /> <br /> If there was such thing as a picture of "same old/same old" it would be a rock...<br /> <br /> I can say that except for geologists...for everyone else...<br /> <br /> Rocks are boring...<br /> <br /> AND DEAD!<br /> <br /> BUT WAIT!<br /> <br /> I bet that you are asking..."Didn't you just write about the fact that a rock could be conscious?"<br /> <br /> Yes I did..."but I did not say that consciousness required life!<br /> <br /> This leads us to an interesting thought about apathy!<br /> <br /> Apathy requires consciousness of the situation...but it includes inaction!<br /> <br /> A rock by definition is simply the "epitome&nbsp;of apathy!"<br /> <br /> It just sits there...no matter what the situation may be...<br /> <br /> Apathetic people (those who lack action) are the same...<br /> <br /> They are nothing more than rocks!<br /> <br /> What an interesting thought!!!<br /> <br /> Rocks are boring...<br /> <br /> AND DEAD!<br /> <br /> <br /> <strong>Change and life...</strong><br /> <br /> There are so many interesting and technical definitions of life...<br /> <br /> My perspective on the definition of life changed when I thought about providing value to the world around us...rather than just the standard definition of life which includes:<br /> <br /> <ul> <li>The ability to reproduce...</li> <li>The ability to self-sustain...</li> <li>The ability to grow...</li> </ul> <br /> What I have concluded is that the standard definition of life is VERY self-serving...but I had to ask...<br /> <br /> Is that living?<br /> <br /> HUH?<br /> <br /> Is there a difference between Life and Living?<br /> <br /> It the difference distinct (black or white)...or is it just different shades of grey?<br /> <br /> <br /> <strong>Levels of life...</strong><br /> <br /> Life exists on many levels...perhaps it would be easier to envision a continuium...<br /> <br /> It is the "rating system" that we could use to segment and stratify (classify)&nbsp;each individual entity!<br /> <br /> Let's create one!<br /> <br /> The possibilities are endless...so I get to pick one!<br /> <br /> Let's use a standard of "Value" <br /> <br /> Value...we'll define as "positive contribution to the world, outside of the "living entity"<br /> <br /> On one end of our spectrum we then have a life that is totally self-serving...that contributes to the world around it!<br /> <br /> We call them parasites and predators...<br /> <br /> AND...<br /> <br /> On the opposite end of the spectrum...we have life that is totally altruistic...<br /> <br /> We often call that type of life "food"<br /> <br /> As we ponder this concept...we realize that the extremes are purely theoretical...<br /> <br /> There is a "value proposition" involved in all life...<br /> <br /> It is the answer to the question...<br /> <br /> "What does the world get...for what the entity took from it?"<br /> <br /> I know that this is boring...but stay with it for a little bit longer!&nbsp; LOL!<br /> <br /> It is just logical that "Most" of life resides around the center of our rating system...<br /> <br /> AND...<br /> <br /> That value is dynamic and relative...meaning that at any time something can be valuable to the world around it...and then suddenly become valueless!<br /> <br /> ALSO...<br /> <br /> Something valuable in one part of the world may actually be detrimental in another part!<br /> <br /> DUH!<br /> <br /> An epiphany of the utterly obvious!<br /> <br /> Enough of the "value" discussion!<br /> <br /> <br /> <strong>What to do?&nbsp; What to do?</strong><br /> <br /> Earlier in our discussion we contemplated the difference between "life" and "living"<br /> <br /> An interesting concept to note is that the "value" can not be determined or defined by the "entity" for itself...<br /> <br /> "Value" is determined by the world external to the "entity"<br /> <br /> Which means that what it provides to the outside world is of greater value than what it takes in value from the world...<br /> <br /> It is a "net cost" thing!<br /> <br /> Success (for those aspiring for it and rather loosely defined) is the point at which the world receives more value than it gives for the entity's presence!<br /> <br /> In order to be a&nbsp;"valuable" entity...one must continually strive to add value that is either equal to or increasing or changing...(the latter preferred)...<br /> <br /> Do you see where we are going?<br /> <br /> <br /> <strong>Time for a commercial break!</strong><br /> <br /> What is this world coming to?<br /> <br /> What ever happened to <em>Common Courtesy</em>?<br /> <br /> When did <em>Common Sense</em> become a trait to be avoided?<br /> <br /> Good questions!<br /> <br /> We may have the answer for you!<br /> <br /> Back in the days of yore...<br /> <br /> Common Courtesy was simply expected...<br /> <br /> Common Sense was a trait that everyone strives for...<br /> <br /> Then came excuses...<br /> <br /> Like...<br /> <br /> "...OH...he is just angry...he loses control and common courtesy falls by the wayside..."<br /> <br /> "...they are teenagers...everyone knows that all teenagers lack common sense..."<br /> <br /> I bet you can think of hundreds of these excuses that licensed individuals to be discourteous...or just plain STUPID!<br /> <br /> What we have realized that "excuses" and the universal&nbsp;acceptance of them is a fatal disease!<br /> <br /> Excuses must be avoided at&nbsp;all costs...lest you fall victim to this terrible pangenic disease!<br /> <br /> Disease you ask?<br /> <br /> What are the symptoms...<br /> <br /> The first symptom is that people tend to lose their hearing and eyesight!<br /> <br /> They begin to fail to see bad things going on around them...<br /> <br /> The second symptom is lethargy...(some experts have called this "political correctness")<br /> <br /> Their reactions are delayed to a point that that any response to the detrimental behaviors around them are meaningless...<br /> <br /> The third symptom is apathy...<br /> <br /> The infected give up totally...take on a rock-like&nbsp;appearance...and retreat&nbsp;into total non-effectiveness...<br /> <br /> Rock-like?<br /> <br /> ROCKS ARE DEAD!<br /> <br /> This message has been brought to you by the association for the elimination of rock-like apathy!<br /> <br /> <br /> <strong>Success and Living...</strong><br /> <br /> If we strive for success...we are by definition striving to go beyond life to living!<br /> <br /> Success (and we all know it) is temporal...and volatile...<br /> <br /> Success (value)&nbsp;of one moment can be totally "value-less" the next...<br /> <br /> Success over a period of time is simply "maximizing" the number of moments that value has been added to the outside world...relative to what has been received!<br /> <br /> If we pursue success we are always "taking it to the next level"...<br /> <br /> Doe this make sense?<br /> <br /> Excuses for failure simply add explanation...but do not create value...<br /> <br /> That is just common sense!<br /> <br /> This is more than common sense...<br /> <br /> It is a commitment...and obligation!<br /> <br /> To our entire existence...but more importantly...to every moment...<br /> <br /> ...we need to take it to the next level and the next and the next!<br /> <br /> <strong></strong><br /> <strong>Let's revisit our "Common" theme before we close for the weekend...</strong><br /> <br /> Speaking of taking it up a level or three...there is something that (I think) needs to become a level again!&nbsp; <br /> <br /> I hope that you agree!<br /> <br /> We joke about common courtesy and common sense&nbsp;being oxymorons...<br /> <br /> We&nbsp;are guilty of letting it become that!<br /> <br /> Most of psychology and sociology agrees&nbsp;that individuals have a tendency to perform to the expectations of the world around them...<br /> <br /> If an individual does not display common courtesy...or exhibits common sense...it is because it is not expected...<br /> <br /> The lack of either is not a genetic issue...<br /> <br /> It is the result of the world around them...(their world)...becoming apathetic to less than desirable behaviors...<br /> <br /> We can change this...<br /> <br /> How?<br /> <br /> By first modeling and then expecting common courtesy and common sense from those around us!<br /> <br /> Let's make Common courtesy and Common sense...<br /> <br /> COMMON!<br /> <br /> If it is common then it is expected...<br /> <br /> Let's take life to the next level...<br /> <br /> It is our obligation to do this in EVERY moment!<br /> <br /> Enough said!<br /> <br /> Pura Vida!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05803560269151364061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064924619404090174.post-62059933172564722472013-06-08T06:52:00.000-07:002013-06-08T06:52:53.475-07:00The introduction to one of my classes begins with the following picture and a "Psycho-Geography"&nbsp;question...<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4VLzFweF3NNSTggU4Tj-KK8tKGthxkKFq7061l_1NZZ1by6uuGjxlWc53ea2ALvg_TdUDoFNai3tUoHP9tstrl9k2nkhnSUMMObljTFXsUlnBCAvFL1aEiVPmT3g-9JJP2a1_TkPxBn4/s1600/Mountain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4VLzFweF3NNSTggU4Tj-KK8tKGthxkKFq7061l_1NZZ1by6uuGjxlWc53ea2ALvg_TdUDoFNai3tUoHP9tstrl9k2nkhnSUMMObljTFXsUlnBCAvFL1aEiVPmT3g-9JJP2a1_TkPxBn4/s320/Mountain.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> This question really checks your geography/history intelligence...<br /> <br /> The funny thing is although nearly everyone really knows the answer...YET the majority get it wrong!<br /> <br /> Here's the question:&nbsp; <strong><em>What was the tallest mountain on earth before Sir Edmond Hillary found Mount Everest?</em></strong><br /> <br /> What do you remember from your elementary school geography classes?<br /> <br /> Dig deep...the answer is there!<br /> <br /> Many people tell me that they do not remember anything from those lessons...<br /> <br /> Some will (in frustration) tell me that this information does not matter...<br /> <br /> In reality...the information does not matter...BUT...<br /> <br /> What matters is what you response teaches you!<br /> <br /> What is the answer?<br /> <br /> Mount Everest...<br /> <br /> Hillary did not create the highest mountain...he only discovered it!<br /> <br /> Before he discovered it...it was the highest mountain on earth and remains the highest to this day!<br /> <br /> OK...I am proud of you!&nbsp; You knew the answer!<br /> <br /> When this question was first posed to me...I allowed my ego to make it necessery for me to dig into my cranial archive of mountain names!<br /> <br /> I listed probably 20 or more earlier known mountains...<br /> <br /> My "academic arrogance" clouded my interpretation of the sentence and my perception of the real world...or at least my answer...<br /> <br /> I learned an important lesson about interpretation and perception from that experience...<br /> <br /> What we accept as fact often clouds our ability to see the real truth!<br /> <br /> Do you know what I mean?<br /> <br /> <strong>Shifting gears...kind of!</strong><br /> <br /> Early in the 20th century...Albert Einstein&nbsp;looked at the world a bit differently...and from his perspective proposed the "Special and General Theories of Relativity."&nbsp; This was sparked by his&nbsp;inability to use Newtonian physics to reconcile how he saw the universe...things just didn't look right!<br /> <br /> Newtons "laws" especially related to gravity had been accepted as the way to see the universe for over 200 years!&nbsp; It was time tested, seldom challenged...and nearly grounds for a charge of scientific blasphemy or heresy if something contrary was proposed. <br /> <br /> It didn't take much looking for him to find an alternative explanation for what he "found"!&nbsp; <br /> <br /> The scientific community was intrigued by his discovery...but refused to accept&nbsp;it until it was tested, confirmed, retested and verified!&nbsp; Finally the day came and it was announced in newspaper headlines around the world..."THE UNIVERSE HAS CHANGED"<br /> <br /> The fact of the matter was...the universe&nbsp;DID NOT change...it had been operating under those laws since its creation!<br /> <br /> Gravity always warped the universe's fabric...we just didn't see it that way<br /> <br /> Light always acts a certain way...we just didn't see it that way<br /> <br /> Matter has always acted a certain way...we just didn't see it that way<br /> <br /> The way that it was seen was a matter of generally accepted interpretation which dorve the science communitys' perception....<br /> <br /> But what the scientists were seeing based upon their assumptions was not real...although everything that they saw was real!<br /> <br /> Confusing?<br /> <br /> When Einstein was asked about the "laws" he created...he admonished his interviewers with..."I did not make those laws" I only found them!&nbsp; <br /> <br /> He realized that man creates nothing...only finds it!<br /> <br /> What we accept as fact often clouds our ability to see the real truth!<br /> <br /> <strong>Lesson Learned!</strong><br /> <br /> Unless things have changed since I went to bed last evening...mankind does not possess the ability to create anything...<br /> <br /> In our arrogance we may think that we do...but the fact of the matter is...we only have the ability to discover the hidden gifts and laws with more clarity than our predecessors...<br /> <br /> We only have the ability to take what we have found and put them into&nbsp;unique, useful and valuable&nbsp;combinations...<br /> <br /> We are simple creatures...that are totally restricted to cause and effect!<br /> <br /> We may think ourselves different...but we cannot affect immutable laws...just discover them...<br /> <br /> True genius arises when a law (relationship) is discovered and we can apply that knowledge consistently...to a predicted outcome!<br /> <br /> This in fact goes beyond genius&nbsp;into a realm that we call "wisdom"...<br /> <br /> Although our knowledge grows on a continuous basis...knowledge alone has no value if it narrows or filters our vision...causing to miss seeing the&nbsp;mountain that stands before us!<br /> <br /> Newton was good...his explanation served humanity well for 2 centuries...<br /> <br /> Einstein was better...his explanation will serve humanity well into the 21st century...<br /> <br /> Knowledge is good...but the downside of it is that we often accept is as fact and overlook some brilliant gems...<br /> <br /> What we accept as fact often clouds our ability to see the real truth!<br /> <br /> <strong>Someone is watching you!</strong><br /> <br /> Shifting gears...<br /> <br /> Have you ever had that feeling that you were being watched?<br /> <br /> Do you drive differently when a police officer is behind you or beside you?<br /> <br /> Do you act one way when with certain people and differently when with others?<br /> <br /> Answering "YES!" to any of those questions is part of the explanation (definition) of consciousness...<br /> <br /> What I think is interesting is that we retain the right of consciousness to ourselves...In our narrow view of existence we believe that inanimate objects such as rocks or even simple living organisms lack consciousness...<br /> <br /> Given that narrow perception...it follows that...<br /> <br /> Atoms do not have consciousness...they are the building blocks of our universe...<br /> <br /> ...and it follows that sub-atomic particles do not have consciousness either...<br /> <br /> Now...Watch this!<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/DfPeprQ7oGc?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div> <br /> Interesting huh?<br /> <br /> The electrons acted differently when they were observed!<br /> <br /> ...not unlike how we acted as teenagers...when our parents were around!<br /> <br /> We&nbsp;behave with one set of rules when left to ourselves and entirely&nbsp;different set of laws when watched by our parents!<br /> <br /> Heck...many of us act one way in church and entirely different in a bar!<br /> <br /> I like this observation because it changed the way that I look at consciousness...thinking that we are the only conscious creature may be totally wrong!<br /> <br /> So I have concluded that consciousness is more than perceiving a certain situation and acting relative to those conditions.<br /> <br /> Or...<br /> <br /> Perhaps the issue is not with the definition of consciousness...but with who or what&nbsp;I think is conscious!<br /> <br /> What we accept as fact often clouds our ability to see the real truth!<br /> <br /> Does this make sense?<br /> <br /> <strong>Success and Perspective</strong><br /> <br /> What I have learned from all of this has deeply affected how I look at success and my pursuit of it!<br /> <br /> First and foremost is that we as humans totally lack "crea-tive" powers...but&nbsp;we are awesome at "rela-tive" powers...<br /> <br /> The great strides in our society and science were not "crea-ted"...but discovered and later "rela-ted"<br /> <br /> The world is full and many hidden gems...waiting to be discovered...and many things discovered that need proper understanding...<br /> <br /> Genius springs from the ability to perceive the world differently so that we can see these jewels that are hidden in plain sight!<br /> <br /> Think about it...warped space...gravity...did not suddenly appear when Einstein explained it...he simply found a way to put it into terms that science reluctantly bought into after they saw the value!<br /> <br /> Success is not found in getting many people to believe in what you saw...Einstein saw light and gravity differently for decades...he was alone...but succeeded...<br /> <br /> ...thousands of people claim to have seen Bigfoot...yet it is not proven...<br /> <br /> Success is found in the broad range application of what you have found...its impact...what I call true&nbsp;wisdom...<br /> <br /> If you seek success...do not try to create something...<br /> <br /> "It is what it is!"<br /> <br /> Nothing exists that hasn't existed since the beginning...it has always been there...(some astrophysicists will argue with me on the creation of elements heavier that hydrogen and helium...but this is nit-picky at this point).<br /> <br /> It is up to us to change the way that we look at the world around us and find the components that will lead to our success...<br /> <br /> The foundation of success lies in a different&nbsp;perspective...until it changes...we'll always see things as they are...<br /> <br /> What we accept as fact often clouds our ability to see the real truth!<br /> <br /> Enough Said...<br /> <br /> OK...One more thing...<br /> <br /> Pura Vida!<br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05803560269151364061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064924619404090174.post-34711497063071780462013-06-01T06:19:00.000-07:002013-06-01T06:19:02.559-07:00I am creature of habit...<br /> <br /> Actually all human beings are...<br /> <br /> So...this epiphany is not earth shattering!<br /> <br /> A majority of my days begin at 5:30 am...actually at 5:20 because without exception I wake up at that time regardless of the time I retire...to beat my clock's alarm (because I hate it!)<br /> <br /> and from 5:30 to 8:00 I have a regular routine that takes me to the point of my leaving for the office...<br /> <br /> and then...I park in the same parking place...despite the fact that most of the lot is open...<br /> <br /> and I walk through the same door...and say the same things to the people who are in the habit of arriving earlier than I do!<br /> <br /> On weekends...when I promise myself, before retiring to bed the night prior, that I will "sleep-in"...<br /> <br /> I wake up at 5:20...lay there for a few minutes...and get up!<br /> <br /> <strong>There is comfort and security in routine...</strong><br /> <br /> The one thing that I can depend upon...is that if I follow my routine...I will be capable of providing the results expected by my superiors and dependents...a majority of the time...<br /> <br /> I have routines so that I do not let others down...and as I think about it...so that I do not let myself down...<br /> <br /> But like everyone else around me...(you included) we may be creatures of habits...but not all of our habits are perfect or work perfectly every time...<br /> <br /> <strong>This opens a new door!</strong><br /> <br /> One of my regular lectures explains that we are defined by our habits...<br /> <br /> I'll be REALLY brief...<br /> <br /> Our habits are simply those behaviors and actions (reactions) that we repeat often enough that people relate it to us, in a cause/effect fashion.<br /> <br /> We are not who we think we are...thoughts are ours and ours alone...they have no substance...<br /> <br /> We are not who we say we are...talk is cheap!<br /> <br /> We are known and recognized by our actions...by what we do...<br /> <br /> Since I am merely the sum total of my habits...my value is a simple math equation...<br /> <br /> Value = Beneficial habits - Detrimental habits<br /> <br /> Value is defined...not by us...but by those around us!<br /> <br /> You may argue that you have habits that are only detrimental to yourself...<br /> <br /> I agree...but in the long-run...these will hurt you (kill you) and those around you will be hurt by your death (I hope LOL!) and deem even the most hidden habits detrimental!<br /> <br /> Breaking some basic paradigms...(myth-busting!) we have no control over the determination of our value!<br /> <br /> That leads to the fact that if we desire to be a contributing (valuable) individual...we have to be pursuing better habit...or does it?<br /> <br /> <ol> <li>If I desire to be of more value...I am afforded many options...</li> <li>I can stay the way I am (in terms of my beneficial habits) and work diligently to reduce the number of detrimental habits</li> <li>I can&nbsp;increase the number of beneficial habits and keep my detrimental ones static</li> <li>I can increase the number of beneficial habits and decrease the number of detrimental ones...</li> </ol> <br /> So many choices...and no right way!&nbsp; How we go about choosing which value increasing strategy is right for us is a matter of preference...<br /> <br /> BUT...<br /> <br /> This perspective provides some interesting insights...<br /> <br /> It clearly defines some obscure terms...<br /> <ul> <li>Addiction = a detrimental habit that an individual refuses to eliminate in their quest for ever-increasing value...</li> </ul> <br /> <ul> <li>Control = the strength of the "-" sign in our overall equation.</li> </ul> <br /> <ul> <li>Success =&nbsp;any point in time when beneficial habits out weigh the detrimental habits...</li> </ul> <br /> Are you seeing what I am seeing?<br /> <br /> All this habit talk is boring!<br /> <br /> The Effective Process...<br /> <br /> I once wrote that the most effective way to eliminate a habit is with another habit...<br /> <br /> and...<br /> <br /> being finite creatures...of limited capability...<br /> <br /> if we focus solely on increasing good habits...the detrimental habits will be displaced!<br /> <br /> and over time...<br /> <br /> Those things which are of less benefit...will be pushed to the "detrimental" list and we'll work on displacing them...<br /> <br /> BUT...What about my purpose and mission?<br /> <br /> At any given time...your purpose and mission is defined by the sum total of your beneficial habits...<br /> <br /> and...<br /> <br /> Your effectiveness is the "Net" of beneficial and detrimental habits...<br /> <br /> Many people are on a constant pilgrimage...in search of their purpose in life...<br /> <br /> Let's look at this from a different perspective...<br /> <br /> If&nbsp;our beneficial habits are constantly changing...what we are doing today...may be considerably different next year!<br /> <br /> Our purpose may be to simply be&nbsp;gleaning through our habits and improving their value...or changing them continuously...<br /> <br /> A clearly defined purpose or mission may be&nbsp;restrictive...and actually counter-productive...<br /> <br /> Doing what matters and&nbsp;of value...OFTEN may be a better defining purpose than what many of the books advise!<br /> <br /> Seriously consider this...<br /> <br /> There are some great benefits to this perspective...<br /> <br /> You are not waiting&nbsp;to blossom or acquire something before you fulfill your purpose...<br /> <br /> At any given moment...you can live up to your purpose based upon the value you can contribute...<br /> <br /> and so on...<br /> <br /> OK...I have belabored this point!&nbsp; <br /> <br /> Why did I call this a "Wake up call?"<br /> <br /> It is just that for me!<br /> <br /> I realized my life is a 5:20 am awakening...<br /> <br /> There are certain things that have to happen (habits) in order for me to be effective...<br /> <br /> Getting up earlier in the morning will not serve me any better...<br /> <br /> Getting up later has the same impact...<br /> <br /> The first and most important habit in my life is to "Wake up!"<br /> <br /> From that single habit all else springs...&nbsp; DUH!<br /> <br /> Perhaps what we need to realize is that waking up is not just "a first thing in the morning" habit for me...<br /> <br /> but...<br /> <br /> An ongoing habit that&nbsp;although conceptually the same...must take on different forms throughout my day and life!<br /> <br /> Wake up to...(you can fill in the blank)<br /> <br /> And...<br /> <br /> ...as I think deeper...<br /> <br /> I don't wait for the alarm...I wake up before it because...I hate the sound of it!<br /> <br /> Now there's a habit I need to reproduce!<br /> <br /> Enough said!<br /> <br /> Pura Vida!<br /> <br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05803560269151364061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064924619404090174.post-29289569007283553742013-05-25T03:35:00.000-07:002013-05-26T14:52:48.185-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB3UCRedlzKYEigoEkpomWuUZNNhRgFX5tTteIhSVDYVMqHWkWhNX-EGsJPQZ6z2FwD9l5EAZBUzQ5zhaIB4uetY5yrvnAXyIOZQ28Mr91cp80i8r23D_88xnU9USlkzbQzIT208Szxl4/s1600/Liberty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB3UCRedlzKYEigoEkpomWuUZNNhRgFX5tTteIhSVDYVMqHWkWhNX-EGsJPQZ6z2FwD9l5EAZBUzQ5zhaIB4uetY5yrvnAXyIOZQ28Mr91cp80i8r23D_88xnU9USlkzbQzIT208Szxl4/s320/Liberty.jpg" width="204" /></a></div> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.18px;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I remember so clearly the first time that I read the following inscription...</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.18px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.18px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.18px;"><em><strong>Not like&nbsp;</strong></em></span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colossus_of_Rhodes" style="background-color: white; background-image: none; color: #0b0080; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.18px; text-decoration: none;" title="Colossus of Rhodes"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em><strong>the brazen giant of Greek fame</strong></em></span></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.18px;"><em><strong>,</strong></em></span><br /> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.18px;"><em><strong>With conquering limbs astride from land to land;</strong></em></span><br /> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.18px;"><em><strong>Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand</strong></em></span><br /> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.18px;"><em><strong>A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame</strong></em></span><br /> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.18px;"><em><strong>Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name</strong></em></span><br /> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.18px;"><em><strong>Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand</strong></em></span><br /> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.18px;"><em><strong>Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command</strong></em></span><br /> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.18px;"><em><strong>The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.</strong></em></span><br /> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.18px;"><em><strong>"Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she</strong></em></span><br /> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.18px;"><em><strong>With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,</strong></em></span><br /> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.18px;"><em><strong>Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,</strong></em></span><br /> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.18px;"><em><strong>The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.</strong></em></span><br /> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.18px;"><em><strong>Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,</strong></em></span><br /> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.18px;"><em><strong>I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"</strong></em></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">...that I can almost write it from my memory!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;">For those who have been there...I know that you recognize it!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;">For those who haven't...it is at the statue of liberty...</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;">Our country has...from the very beginning...been a place of refuge for those longing for Liberty and Freedom!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;">Their arrival on our shores was often the end of a long awaited dream...and the beginning of yet another!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;">For a great part of our history...it was the majority of the population that knew the feelings...</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;">They did not take it for granted...</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;">As a result our American citizens thought and acted differently!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;">They treated our country with respect!&nbsp; A gift...</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;">These people knew oppression first hand...</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;">They were grateful to be here...</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;">They wished for others to have the same...</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;">They fought viciously to keep America free..</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;">...and provide an opportunity for others to breathe free air!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;">They were the backbone of our nation...</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;">The muscle...life blood and sinew!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;">They tasted freedom and would not allow anything to compromise it!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;">They sought a better life...for themselves...</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;">But more for their children and grandchildren...and friends...</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;">It was "What made America GREAT!"</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;">That is behind us...now a majority of our population doesn't know those feelings of freedom...</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;">The may not know what Liberty and Freedom is except from text books...</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;">Many have never tasted oppression and do not have a first-hand knowledge of the value of Liberty and Freedom...</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana;">They do not know the bitter taste of tyranny!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;">It is sad...because it has taken us to a different place in our nation's life...</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;">Everyone is seeking "their own thing!"</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana;">Liberty and Freedom have an entirely different meaning!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;">They are no longer united in a common purpose...or are they?</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;">I believe that a majority regardless of their affiliation agree on certain things!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;">This was supported in a recent article that I read!</span><br /> <br /> <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/maybe-americans-agree-more-know-125247609.html">http://news.yahoo.com/maybe-americans-agree-more-know-125247609.html</a><br /> <br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you took the time to read the article...you'll see that the writer has found that there are common concerns among the majority of Americans regardless of their affiliation...</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;">These include:</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;">The Economy</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;">Our Military</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;">Our Global position</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;">Education</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;">The Family</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;">What has changed is that our attention has been diverted by hype!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;">The political parties have found that it is polarity and hype&nbsp;gets people who normally do not vote...to vote!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;">Our political parties are focused on getting votes rather than taking care of (representing) what they should be doing!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;">As a result...the "majority-middle road'ers" have grown apathetic and gone quiet!</span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;">That is&nbsp;disheartening!&nbsp; </span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;">Why?&nbsp; </span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;">Because our future is being shaped by extremists and extreme views rather than the true majority...</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;">Hype wins elections...but it also misleads and misdirects!&nbsp; </span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;">It leads to bad decisions...</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;">The bad thing is that this is one of the few situations that "fire can fight fire"</span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;">However...it just burns everyone...rather than helping...</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;">Enough of this...</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;">There is still hope...if the "middle-roaders" take just a moment to stand up and voice their real opinions and needs...</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;">It is time to elect representatives and get politicians out of our government!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;">I have said previously...the last place that we should find politicians is in government...</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;">I have had many people challenge that statement...</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;">Politics is ultimately the art of positioning and compromise...</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;">Positioning and Compromise becomes either self-serving...or it leads to a less than desired solution...</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;">I see it as a "Lose/Lose" proposition rather than the "Win/Win" that we are deceived into believing it is!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;">What will it take?</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;">To get us back on the "right track" may mean some significant loss...that will spur the the "middle-roaders" to meaningful action...a return to true citizenship...</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;">What is true citizenship?</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;">It is simply an individual who has a grateful understanding of Liberty and Freedom...one who does not believe that the government has no other responsibility than to protect those two precious gifts...and acts with passion to that end...</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana;">Are you an American citizen?</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana;">If not...</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;">Let's return to this...without a need for crisis...</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;">Enough Said!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;">Pura Vida!</span><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05803560269151364061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064924619404090174.post-26290252997730231592013-05-18T06:35:00.000-07:002013-05-18T06:35:47.494-07:00I have no idea why...but...<br /> <br /> Almost a day doesn't pass in which I do not hear some variation of this...<br /> <br /> <b><i>"I am still looking for my purpose..."</i></b><br /> <br /> I can't tell you what your purpose specifically is...but I can at least share what I have learned!<br /> <br /> What I know is that it is the plight of human-kind to search for meaning and purpose!<br /> <br /> If you are searching...do not think yourself unique...nearly everyone does it consciously or sub-consciously!<br /> <br /> Stand in a crowd and look around...most of the people around you are or <u>were</u> searching too!<br /> <br /> Were?<br /> <br /> The sad thing is that many of those around you have either grown apathetic and settled, or just plain quit searching...<br /> <br /> Why?<br /> <br /> The answers to that one word question are as numerous as there are people...yet there are a few general categories related to failures or excuses that people give for quitting!<br /> <br /> <ul> <li>Many have pursued things that they had no right to be chasing!</li> <li>Some never really started...just talked about their goals and dreamed their lives away!</li> <li>Some were deceived by visions of grandeur...and scared by the possibility of failure or achievement!</li> <li>Still others were ill-prepared by their impatience...thinking that they had learned enough and paid sufficient price...so that when the opportunity arose...they were not ready to take it!</li> <li>Some just quit!</li> </ul> <br /> What most "searchers" miss is the fact that one's purpose is not determined by what they get today!<br /> <br /> Today's rewards&nbsp;"<em>do not your purpose make</em>"...they are nothing more than food to keep you going until tomorrow and every day thereafter...until you have fulfilled your what you were designed to do...your purpose!<br /> <br /> So what is your purpose?<br /> <br /> <strong>My first bit of advice...</strong><br /> <br /> Look to your future!<br /> <br /> Your purpose is found in your&nbsp;epitaph!<br /> <br /> The bottom line is that <b>your purpose</b> in life is to leave a legacy!<br /> <br /> It is not really the end...but what you did along the way...<br /> <br /> I have often described it as the meaning of "dash" that will be found, between the birth year and death year, engraved on your grave's headstone... <br /> <br /> It is the story&nbsp;that lives on after you are gone!<br /> <br /> It is the sum total of what you have done with your life...<br /> <br /> It is the&nbsp;GOOD that you are remembered for...<br /> <br /> It is the BAD that you are remembered for...<br /> <br /> It is your successes and failures...<br /> <br /> It is what you have left...<br /> <br /> AND WHAT ABOUT THOSE PEOPLE WHO LEAVE NOTHING?<br /> <br /> FROM MY PERSPECTIVE...Leaving nothing...is the ultimate failure!<br /> <br /> Why?<br /> <br /> Because you left nothing...and won't be remembered!<br /> <br /> You have wasted your time and consumed resources that someone else could have put to better use!<br /> <br /> That last statement is pretty harsh...I reminded you of that...so as to put your search for your purpose into proper perspective!&nbsp; You can not quit!<br /> <br /> So this leads to the question...<br /> <br /> What&nbsp;am I going to leave when&nbsp;I am gone?<br /> <br /> I do not think that this is a difficult question to answer...<br /> <br /> The difficulty occurs when when we complicate it with&nbsp;unrealistic dreams and aspirations...<br /> <br /> These tend to misdirect us and&nbsp;cloud our vision...<br /> <br /> <strong>The truth is...</strong><br /> <br /> Elegance is found in simplicity...seek the simple answer!<br /> <br /> How do we do that?<br /> <br /> <b><i>Cutting to the chase...</i></b><br /> <br /> I would love to be able to tell everyone specifically what they should be doing...<br /> <br /> Oftentimes...the specifics related to one's purpose are actually easy to identify...<br /> <br /> Ask yourself...What do I LOVE doing?<br /> <br /> Believe it or not that is more often than not...your purpose!<br /> <br /> That is what you have been built for!<br /> <br /> Your mind and body often reward your connection with your purpose with positive feelings!<br /> <br /> Look into this concept seriously...<br /> <br /> When "function" (purpose) finds its "fit"... it feels good!<br /> <br /> Yet...This is just the beginning...<br /> <br /> Your purpose in life is to find your purpose AND&nbsp;(on a daily basis)&nbsp;refine what you do!<br /> <br /> You aren't going to be "dead on" right off!<br /> <br /> Keep refining...<br /> <br /> That in actuality is part of your purpose!<br /> <br /> Ultimately you will find that in doing that...you will have built a backlog of great and wonderful experiences ...(your legacy)...<br /> <br /> <strong>MISSION FULFILLED...</strong><br /> <br /> You can be a legend...or...<br /> <br /> At least one&nbsp;in your own right!<br /> <br /> How?<br /> <br /> I can't tell you what your mission is...but I can tell suggest how you handle your life after you identify it!<br /> <br /> Here is a simple guide...that may help take you one step closer to doing what you were meant to do...the right way!<br /> <br /> Here it is:<br /> <br /> 1 - Start by being honest with yourself...You can lie to others...but the person most hurt by lies is you!<br /> 2&nbsp;- Realize that you are entirely alone and that no one owes you anything...<br /> 3&nbsp;- Realize that your clock is ticking...make the most of every moment...<br /> 4&nbsp;- Stop thinking that the world should "cut you slack" for stupid, lazy or selfish things that you have done...you have earned what you got!<br /> 5&nbsp;- Stop looking at what you can get for yourself and focus on what you can do for others with what you got...<br /> 6&nbsp;- Be satisfied with who you are and what you got...<br /> 7&nbsp;- Remain humble...you have nothing to prove to anyone but yourself<br /> 8&nbsp;- Be sensitive to others<br /> 9 - Do not be anything but yourself...<br /> 10&nbsp;- Do not settle on anything but your best...Stop "trying"...either do it...or don't!"<br /> 11&nbsp;- Smile more!<br /> 12&nbsp;- Walk a little taller...<br /> 13&nbsp;- Dance a little longer...<br /> 14&nbsp;- Sing a little louder...<br /> 15 - Stand a bit bolder..being proud of who you are<br /> 16 - If you can't say nothing nice...don't say anything at all!<br /> 17&nbsp;- Leave every moment a little better in gratitude for your having been a participant...<br /> <br /> Even without really knowing your true purpose in life...if you follow these guidelines...you'll leave a legacy!<br /> <br /> Perhaps your mission is only to live within those guidelines...<br /> <br /> Perhaps that is everyones' purpose!<br /> <br /> Perhaps we are looking for something that we all have in common...<br /> <br /> How will you be remembered?<br /> <br /> What is your legacy?<br /> <br /> In a VERY cryptic way...LEARN/EARN/RETURN<br /> <br /> More on this in a future post...<br /> <br /> Enough Said...<br /> <br /> Enough Asked!<br /> <br /> Pura Vida!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05803560269151364061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064924619404090174.post-85426341679559431182013-05-11T03:56:00.002-07:002013-05-11T03:56:40.823-07:00"It was a lot easier when I was growing up!"<br /> <br /> "Kids these days are rebellious and irresponsible...not accepting or following their parents'&nbsp;guidance..."<br /> <br /> That is definitely an accurate description of today's situation...<br /> <br /> The interesting thing is that the previous observations were a&nbsp;paraphrased&nbsp;excerpt, from the Greek, written almost 3,000 years ago!<br /> <br /> Some things change and some things don't!<br /> <br /> I can vividly recall my parents saying the same thing about my generation...and I have carried on that same tradition...<br /> <br /> <strong>Perhaps "It is what it is..."</strong><br /> <br /> or...<br /> <br /> We have not yet learned the lesson that history is trying to teach us!<br /> <br /> If you recall...one of my "Epiphanies of the Utterly Obvious"&nbsp;&nbsp;(EUO) is...<br /> <br /> <em><strong>History is our best teacher...she will patiently repeat herself...until we learn the lesson that she intends to teach us!</strong></em><br /> <br /> So what is the lesson?<br /> <br /> Is it about us as parents?<br /> <br /> Is it about our children?<br /> <br /> ...or...<br /> <br /> Is it not related to parenting or children whatsoever?<br /> <br /> These are questions that I have been pondering since a discussion with my mother a few weeks ago...<br /> <br /> We&nbsp;were reminiscing about my growing up and how good we had it!<br /> <br /> Back then...<br /> <br /> We could go for 3 day camping trips...alone...and my parents wouldn't worry!<br /> <br /> We fished and hunted...<br /> <br /> In first grade...just about every boy brought their scout knives to class...to show off what they got for Christmas!<br /> <br /> We were up at the "crack of dawn" or earlier because we were excited about what the day offered!<br /> <br /> We had odd jobs...and made enough money to buy our own first motor cycles...or cars!<br /> <br /> We stayed up all night and watched planetary conjunctions...meteor showers...<br /> <br /> We spent an excessive amount of time at the library studying how to do things...and then we did them!<br /> <br /> We dammed streams and made mini lakes!<br /> <br /> We picked berries and hunted wild&nbsp;asparagus!<br /> <br /> We water skied every night!&nbsp; SERIOUSLY!<br /> <br /> We dreamed...and attempted to make many of them a reality...to the best of our abilities!<br /> <br /> Why?<br /> <br /> Because it was fun!<br /> <br /> I digress...<br /> <br /> Yet we were a rebellious lot!<br /> <br /> I guess!<br /> <br /> As a fifth grader...I vividly recall my attempt to "fight" the establishment who wanted to remove a row of majestic oak trees that lined the road we lived on...in order to widen and re-pave&nbsp;it!<br /> <br /> I lost!<br /> <br /> I remember the disbelief of local authorities who questioned our "archaeological&nbsp;dig" activities along a railroad cut&nbsp;that we systematically conducted after weeks of study...that we decided to do after finding ancient pottery shards and arrowheads on a walk!<br /> <br /> We were shut down!<br /> <br /> Despite all of our failures...we persisted...and/or went on to another endeavor!<br /> <br /> <b><i>Perhaps our persistence was confused with rebellion!</i></b><br /> <br /> <strong>Those were the "good old days!"</strong><br /> <br /> Those were&nbsp;MY good old days!<br /> <br /> They are absolutely fond memories!<br /> <br /> Not all of them were good...and I seldom do not remember the bad times...but vividly recall the good ones!<br /> <br /> What I often forget is that TODAY will someday be someone's "Good Old Days"<br /> <br /> and now knowing that...<br /> <br /> I have to ask...<br /> <br /> What role am I going to play in it?<br /> <br /> Am I going to be something that someone remembers or forgets?<br /> <br /> <strong>Shifting Gears!</strong><br /> <br /> The "good old days" made me who I am today!<br /> <br /> There are days that I long to go back...<br /> <br /> ...UNTIL...<br /> <br /> I realize that during my "good old days" I longed for the future...to get to the places that what I was doing then would take me...<br /> <br /> I couldn't wait to get...<br /> <br /> ...HERE...<br /> <br /> My "good old days" were&nbsp;my "Life 101 - Introduction to Life" classes...<br /> <br /> Although I never got a report card...I hope that I got "A's!"<br /> <br /> I certainly appreciate my teachers and professors!<br /> <br /> I certainly enjoyed the lesson plans!<br /> <br /> I am grateful for all of it!<br /> <br /> <strong>Back to our discussion...as if it ever started!</strong><br /> <br /> The good old days!<br /> <br /> We were what we were and did what we did...to get us here...<br /> <br /> We have good memories and we have bad memories...<br /> <br /> Both have made us what we are...<br /> <br /> It doesn't pay to dwell on the bad things...unless we learn lessons from them...<br /> <br /> Dwelling on such things is like living them over and over and over!<br /> <br /> Learning from them...allows us to heal...so that...<br /> <br /> We can dwell on the good things...over and over and over...<br /> <br /> and ultimately grow...<br /> <br /> In nature...there is inevitable storms, and cold snaps...and floods and droughts...<br /> <br /> If they persist...the flora and fauna dies...<br /> <br /> But if they persist through those times...<br /> <br /> The sun and warmth helps them recover and regain their foothold!<br /> <br /> <b>Our lives are just like that!</b><br /> <br /> We can live in a world of storms and drought...but this will ultimately lead to our extinction!<br /> <br /> or...<br /> <br /> <b><i>We can persist...</i></b><br /> <br /> ...Put them behind us and regain a foothold...and&nbsp;flourish!<br /> <br /> ENOUGH SAID!<br /> <br /> PURA VIDA!<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05803560269151364061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064924619404090174.post-13671082517118009782013-05-08T06:41:00.000-07:002013-05-08T06:41:57.014-07:00Here is a quick look into my next book!<br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"></span></b><br /> <b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"></span></b><br /> <b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Introduction<o:p></o:p></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">As we stood at the edge of a perfectly mirror-like lake, so close, in fact that even a ripple would have made our feet wet. He reached down, picked up a small stone and broke the silence with a contemplative whisper, “Even a rock this small can change the nature of this large lake!” With that, he threw it as far as his arm could muster. It, amazingly, flew quite a distance and broke the perfectly flat surface, with a splash. So disruptive was the small impact that, for a moment I thought I heard the sound of glass shattering! <o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">My mentor placed his hand on my shoulder and in a commanding tone that I seldom heard, “Watch the waterline with me…we have something to learn.”<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">What seemed like minutes passed and suddenly the tiny ripples from the stone’s interruption of the glass-like surface appeared at our feet. “See what I mean?” he asked. <o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">I watched as the static edge of water quivered ever so slightly and then resume its perfectly motionless state. “It changed for a moment as the ripples met and encountered the shore, but it went back to what it wanted…didn’t it? “I replied.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">He smiled, shook his head and in almost a taunting manner responded, “That is only partly true…the ripples are only the result of the initial event has led to a permanent change in the lake!”<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">“What permanent change?” I asked in a disbelieving tone. <o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">“After the rock entered the water, it did not dissolve. It was added to the lake. It increased the overall volume of content of the lake! If you were observant enough, you would have noticed that the level of the lake rose ever so slightly! The water was lifted because I did something. It is that we are not sensitive enough to realize that we truly made a difference!”&nbsp; We are desensitized to our real impact on the world around us and this blindness has many negative implications.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Without saying a word my eyes caught his and asked, “Can you please tell me more?”<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">He graciously and humbly continued, “We delude ourselves into believing that everything that we do and say has to have a huge impact. The fact of the matter is that everything that we say or do either adds or subtracts from the world. It may make a splash as we intended, but it is what happens after the ripples are gone that really matters!&nbsp; One stone made the difference that was required, yet we continue to throw stones until we see the level rise with our own eyes.&nbsp; The problem is that too many stones are a problem by themselves.”<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">It was at that moment in my life that I realized that I had learned more from my mentor in our brief encounters than our formal sessions! It was in our brief interactions, like that time or as we walked to our cars after work or passed each other in the hallway, that he would throw a few words (stones) at me (usually a sentence or two), hoping they would shatter the surface and ponder them at their true depth. <o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">He hoped that I would be ultimately uplifted and grow as a result of the exercises and experiences.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">These axioms were not flippant phrases or clichés. They were crafted and released only after years of experience, observation, testing and thought. These were his pearls. He meted them out as his most precious treasure. Luckily I listened to the whisper as we stood by the lake.&nbsp; I almost missed this gift!<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Adages! Aphorisms! They are words of wisdom that are the result of an amazing intellectual-distillation process. Being universal in nature, these gems do not require time or location to be meaningful. They transcend all of that! These epiphanies are little arrows of truth and insight. Most, if not all of the important and life-changing ones hit their intended target and stuck. Each had a tiny and almost unnoticeable affect, yet over time I knew that they had become part of my nature.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">In an attempt to ensure that his “effort in insight” was not wasted, I started a new notebook. This was when I started carrying two notebooks! One book was for me and the other, more precious book was used to record his “Epiphanies of the Utterly Obvious!”<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">He would often remind me that “The greatest truths hide in plain sight. “That is how the notebook got its title. Flashes of great insights (epiphanies), hiding in plain sight (the utterly obvious).The “epiphany exercise” was not reserved to a “him to me” venue. Over a short period of time, it became a competition to see who could find a truth and create a “knock your socks-off” quip. We became each other’s best and worse critic! We would judge the value of each of these by our responses to them. If we exclaimed, “Oh man, why didn’t I see that?” that epiphany was a winner and was given a place in the record book!<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">That first notebook and the many others that followed were not only permanent records of the insights, but also a scoreboard that along with my other journals are among the few treasures that I have cherished and lugged with through my life’s journey. Unlike the journals, they do not record the time, place and situation. There is no need to! Instead, they are records of observation and insights, facts that apply almost universally. They contain the adage and when necessary, a brief explanation. Most of them however did not have to be explained.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">“They are meant to be applied…” he once said as I wrote, “…which means that they have to be interpreted by the hearer and directly used in their context, not one biased by our explanation.”<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">As it was with that stone that my mentor tossed into the lake, his epiphanies made temporary ripples in my life and at the same time, I was permanently uplifted ever so slightly, but so little that I didn’t realize it.&nbsp; As the number of epiphanies grew, it became apparent to me that I was better for the experience.&nbsp; The shoreline of my life had risen to a point that I could see a real difference!<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">“True wisdom should never be hoarded…but shared with those who possess the ability to understand and apply them!” he advised, “It is not our right to judge who is capable or incapable, so share them as often and with as many people as possible.&nbsp; Let them be the judge of the value.”<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">As I stand at the edge of this proverbial “tranquil lake” of life, loosely clutching a handful of epiphanies, the urge to throw them is unbearable. I long to see the tiny ripples reflected in the eyes of the listeners, knowing that even if they do not immediately realize or feel it, they were lifted ever so slightly by the impact and inclusion of them, in their lives. &nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">“Be patient and do not become discouraged…someday they'll notice how high they have been raised!”<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">“Even a stone as small as this can change the nature of a very large lake…”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Our first Epiphany of the Utterly Obvious!<o:p></o:p></span></div> <b><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" /> </span></b> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> <b><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Chapter 1 – Setting the stage<o:p></o:p></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> <span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">My mentor emphasized that EVERY interaction between individuals should carry meaning and value.&nbsp; It was that belief that spurred epiphanies of the utterly obvious.&nbsp; Rather than an impersonal and meaningless greeting in a hallway, he (and later I) shared with each other, what we believed was a new insight of value.&nbsp; Given that…let’s walk past each other and not waste time with stories.&nbsp; Let’s jump right into a series of epiphanies of the utterly obvious that sets the stage for the rest of this book.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> <span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> <b><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Our first epiphany…<span style="color: #c0504d; mso-themecolor: accent2;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> <b><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> <i><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">History is our greatest teacher and will relentlessly repeat its lessons until we grasp…what it intends to for us to learn…<o:p></o:p></span></i></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> <i><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></i></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> <b><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Our second epiphany…<o:p></o:p></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> <i><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The most valuable trait that a person can possess is called “common” as in “common sense”…<o:p></o:p></span></i></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> <i><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></i></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> <b><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Our third epiphany…<o:p></o:p></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> <b><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> <i><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Wisdom is as endangered as is the passenger pigeon…OH YEAH!&nbsp; The passenger pigeon is extinct…<o:p></o:p></span></i></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> <span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Like me, these three epiphanies, when considered in both, individually and in combination, generate some interesting thoughts.&nbsp; The thought that comes to me is...<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> <span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> <b><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Information is king…or is it?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> <b><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> <span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">One of the inevitable “facts of life” with the widespread use of the internet, the 21^st century has truly become the “information age.”&nbsp; The easy access to information provides many advantages to individuals and to our society, but with those benefits there is a cost. &nbsp;We are often inundated with “Too Much Information” (TMI)!&nbsp; Valuable information is often buried in a mountain of worthless trivia, to the point that TMI has become a commonplace abbreviation in conversations.&nbsp; Other times, we simply do not want to know certain “tidbits!”</span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> <span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> <span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I do not have to belabor this point, the 21^st century’s offering of easy access to information is a liability.&nbsp; We simply get too much information, it becomes expected, and a commodity and we underplay its overall value.&nbsp; We lose!&nbsp; The loss is the result of a narrow and somewhat arrogant view related to the value of information.&nbsp; Information (or knowledge) is only part of the real “value equation.”&nbsp; This may sound a bit cryptic.&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> <i><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"></span></i><br /> <i><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">“Information is only one component of the entire recipe…” &nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></i></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> <i><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></i></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> <span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Let’s shift gears and digress for just a moment and gain a deeper understanding of the “I” part of TMI, information.&nbsp; Traditionally, information is regarded as the accurate understanding of “Cause and Effect.”&nbsp; In other words; “if this…then this” is the information equation.&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> <span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> <span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">This is the essence of scientific method and what man has relentlessly pursued for centuries.&nbsp; Information is not completed understanding, but the first step of the understanding process.&nbsp; It holds within itself the potential of action, but must be put into context for it to be valuable.&nbsp; Information may not be king, but it holds within itself the “royal bloodline!”&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> <span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> <span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Based on the prior thoughts, information is a critical component, yet without application, it has no value. Information is a description of a cause and the related effect.&nbsp; It is a discovery or insight (information) providing an understanding of what to do to get the desired effect.&nbsp; If one does not act upon the information, nothing happens.&nbsp; Moreover, without a complete understanding of other “effects” related or directly linked to a specific “cause,” there may be other effects, some adverse and others positive.&nbsp; There also may be other “effects” associated of connected to the desired effect (Any effect can itself be another “cause in an infinite chain), creating other “effects.”&nbsp; We can conclude that action based upon myopic information may have a “net effect” with a considerable negative cost.&nbsp; This can be likened to taking a drug to combat pattern baldness, which grows hair, but causes pancreatic cancer in every instance.&nbsp; It did what it was designed to do, but at a huge cost to the patient,&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> <span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The oft missing component from the effective use of information is what I have labeled as “impact.”&nbsp; If cause/effect is understood completely, it carries beyond the “narrow” and finite view, which is only focused on the desired effect.&nbsp; For it to have value, it must be significantly understood with a broadened “global” view that not only includes all of the intended effects, but also the unintended consequences or effects (negative and positive) which were related to the initial cause initiated or the effects related to the desired effect, causing other effects (negative and positive).&nbsp; It is an understanding of and the ability to forecast the “costs” or “impacts” related to the information possessed (cause and effects) that leads to real value.&nbsp; This value is recognized as wisdom.&nbsp;&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> <span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> <span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">It is easy to confuse Information with wisdom and as a result many believe that simply possessing an ocean of information with the ability to make effective change is wisdom.&nbsp; When acted upon, information can create change, but is it valuable?&nbsp; Not unless it has a net positive valuable impact.&nbsp; Those who possess that information are considered “wise” or at bare minimum ones with “common sense.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> <span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> <span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Wisdom generally comes through experience.&nbsp; It is not the exclusive right of the aged!&nbsp; Wisdom can be shared and handed down from generation to generation.&nbsp; Because of the availability of information and the misclassification, we have lost much of the traditional transfer of wisdom.&nbsp; Although the transfer of wisdom is weak at best…we (who continue to relentlessly share our thoughts) are on the right track.&nbsp; Like “Mother Nature” we have to persist and repeat ourselves until the lessons are learned.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> <span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> <span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Information is important.&nbsp; Insight and wisdom are to be preferred.&nbsp; When obtained, the real value becomes obvious.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> <span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> <span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Let’s not stop here and pursue our thoughts even deeper.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> <span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> <span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The prior thoughts addressed the “Information” part of TMI.&nbsp; Shifting gears, yet again, we find that the “Too Much” part TMI is just as destructive to what mankind is “designed” to do.&nbsp; “Too Much” information makes all of it unintelligible!&nbsp; TMI is simply noise!&nbsp; The 21^st century will in all likelihood go down as the period in our history filled with noise and distraction!&nbsp;&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> <span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> <span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">This label will come back to haunt us unless we grasp the true beauty and elegance of simplicity.&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> <i><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">“Truth hides in plain sight…”&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></span></i></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> <i><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></i></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> <span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Ignoring or filtering the noise and extracting the simple truths that anxiously wait to be discovered will carry a premium to the few that grasp this talent.&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> <span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> <span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">What talent?</span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> <span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">&nbsp;&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> <span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Let’s look at the simple discipline.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> <span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div> <div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"> <span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">First is the recognition that Information is the understanding of “Cause/Effect”.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"> <span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div> <div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"> <span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Second is that most “Cause/Effect” relationships are cloaked by noise of frivolous pieces of data. <o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"> <span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div> <div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"> <span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Third is that it is necessary to filter the noise to get to the truths.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"> <span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div> <div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"> <span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Fourth is that “wisdom” goes beyond “Cause/Effect” to “Cause/Effect/Impact”.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"> <span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div> <div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"> <span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">&nbsp;</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Fifth and finally is that from the very beginning truth is simple and elegant.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: -0.25in;">&nbsp; </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Those who can see it must create short and meaningful ways to convey it to those who don’t or can’t.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: -0.25in;">&nbsp; </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Real genius is not found within complex explanations…but in the elegance of simplistic explanations of most complex and pressing challenges…AND THEN VALUE IS ADDED WHEN WE ACT ON IT!</span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> <span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> <span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Albert Einstein was able to explain much of the universe with 5 characters!&nbsp; E = MC2.&nbsp; It can’t get much simpler than that!&nbsp; As I pondered his equation, it hit me that he did not create the laws of the universe, but simply found them and explained them in an elegant and simple way that was easily understandable!&nbsp; They were hiding in plain sight, waiting to be found.&nbsp; His equation remains, to this day,&nbsp;an elegant epiphany of the utterly obvious!<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> <span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> <span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Let’s travel back in time…to the dawn of man…”a simpler but precarious time” when the future of the species hung on one’s ability to learn the essentials of survival.&nbsp; After a harrowing day of eking out a living and escaping imminent dangers, the wise (oftentimes lucky) elders gathered around a fire and shared their stories and the rest of the tribe sat in the shadows and intently listened to the wisdom and applied that insight to their own lives.&nbsp; The human species survived because the living learned from the tales told of the less fortunate and were able not to repeat their errors.&nbsp; History will repeat itself until we learn!&nbsp; In their case a failing grade in the school of life was fatal!&nbsp; Our ancestors “learned and lived” and not the opposite as we often (and wrongly) quote.&nbsp; They would listen to everything and glean out the important, yet hidden messages, realizing that they were a matter of life or death.&nbsp;&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> <span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"></span><br /> <span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Epiphanies of the utterly obvious evade widespread discovery by hiding in plain sight.&nbsp; They also are often rejected by most because their perception is calloused by their own experience and biases (internal and external noise).&nbsp; When found the flash of insight is often amazing.&nbsp; Many have had the “eureka” moment, the epiphany of the utterly obvious.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> <span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> <span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">What is an epiphany of the utterly obvious?&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> <span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> <span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">It is a simple truth that, when grasped, changes the world of the “grasper!”&nbsp; As we delve a bit deeper into understanding this type of epiphany, it is not a simple restatement of a truth that everyone knows. It is an observation of reality that everyone knew but was unable to state in elegance or apply easily.&nbsp; In other words…epiphanies of the utterly obvious are potentially life changing quips.&nbsp; They are truth found and distilled into as few words as possible to the extent that they are understood by all those who stop long enough to savor the beauty of the combination.&nbsp; Wisdom is rare, but it is not yet extinct.&nbsp; It is just not as easily shared as it was in the past.&nbsp; It is hidden by the noise of the 21^st century.&nbsp; Let’s cut through that noise and find some together.<o:p></o:p></span></div> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05803560269151364061noreply@blogger.com2