Blank Slate

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Having a blank slate is sometimes as daunting as it is exciting.”     -Joe Madureira.

So, what are you going to do next? I think  we all ask ourselves this, especially at the beginning of a new year. I was asked this after completing a large goal that I had  dreamed up many months prior to actually completing it. At the time I   could only figure   I’d keep striving and move forward to yet an even larger goal, a complete recovery. After the ball dropped in Times Square New York  and cheers erupted around me, I finally found my answer to that question. While I certainly  fulfilled a day dream by walking across the Brooklyn Bridge(see here!)  at the same time I  accomplished something even larger. I didn’t realize this until the clock struck twelve and 2016 was ushered in  with champagne that I had my  answer. Any goals that I have set and met were years in the making and a concerted effort.  Even more important than    my daydreams is all the wisdom and strength I have garnered by pushing through and past the many struggles I have faced. Each new idea was but a spark that eventually caused a forest fire in the landscape of my mind. I  also could not have  fulfilled these goals without the helping hands of friends, family, and  generous strangers. Each of their  hands  joined to create a bridge I could walk across to reach the other side. Oftentimes those goals involved independence and things people take for granted everyday. The ability of having freedom of physical movement,walking, social skills, and many simple activities of daily living. Each of your accomplishments   are the result of a concerted effort as well. Without the support of others many of us would still be at the starting line of the race. Entering  this new year it will be best spent continuing on the journey of moving forward, and if I’m lucky in this new year that bridge of hands will  still be there.

make a bridge for others!

bleu

How

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“At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person.”

-Albert Schweitzer.

 

We have a problem with matching our thanks to the level of the gift given. Oftentimes we  feel that We cannot fully reciprocate or convey  gratitude properly, when were given something  big(see here!)or a priceless  act of kindness.  I’ve not only received  loads of physical help, but also  the gift of a nice meal out, gifts of someone’s time, and help from kind strangers.  Among these  have been the gifts that are priceless and bear no  feasible value. It’s when someone gives a part of their life in order to make yours better, that requires an  acknowledgement  that  it seems we cannot

match. Is a  thank you card sufficient? A hug, a gift card, a favor, a nice dinner perhaps? No, none of these will do, because the best thank you is to live fully and well. The reason  this is sufficient is because when someone pours themselves into you, pour all that you can of yourself back into  your life. People help in these priceless ways because they sincerely want to see you triumph in life. My friends, family, and some strangers didn’t give  of their time and money when I was in an ICU to witness me die, but to  see me survive and thrive.  Of course, when someone gives from their heart they don’t expect or even want something in return. However, the   best and only way  I can thank them is to live well. The life that they put into me deserves to be  given a return. This return on investment can be achieved if I  put my spirit into achieving my dreams and living the life they want to see me have. Because of what they’ve given me, I will not quit, give up, or waste any of thier priceless gifts. Therefore, thank those that have given to you by living well and enjoying each day you have, because as I learned  you never know when those days could end.

work on your dreams!

bleu

 

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“Those who follow the crowd usually get lost in it.”

― Rick Warren.

You might as well stop trying to fit in now, because you were never supposed to. We  have spent so much time in our lives trying to “fit in,”  but no one was told that were not actually meant  to. The world was not to be riddled with strife, wars,  poverty ,sicknesses, and spiritual darkness were  not to have a place in it. Many times if not all, we’re our own worst enemy.  As  an example think of the disease of cancer, it has been studied and traced back to some foods(processed,GMO) and chemicals. Who created all that food and  made the chemicals(usually for profit)?   If you  guessed people(us) you are correct !   In having  self centered desires and the lust for money, people voluntarily choose to harm each other. The very act of trying  to fit in brings about   the bullying, but who’s doing it? Other people, or are we doing it to ourselves? In fact it’s better not to conform to the majority of this world, because more often then not average  is becoming the  status quo. Just as children are slowly bullied into becoming like everyone else, so are we by the world and its systems. However, there is an inherent problem in being like everyone else, not only is it boring, but it has a way of dimming  the light  we originally entered the world with. Each of us are born bright with optimism, drive, imagination, and  a lack of awareness of other people. As we grow, the ebb and flow of society slowly encourages us to join the crowd, heightens our awareness of others causing comparisons, and  works out the wild and free spirits we’re born with. If  were able to protect and retain these spirits from the world that wants to steal them we become conquerers. We overcome the petty preoccupations and can’t be bothered by what other people think. Therefore, don’t be afraid of  being  amused   and wondered like a child or hiding your quirks. Those are the very things that the  world  is jealous of and sets out to steal. Your childlike spirit is a precious gem to be protected and valued, so enjoy it and don’t be afraid to show it!

Cheers child!

bleu

Don't look back in anger.

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“You will not be punished for your anger, you will be punished by your anger.”

-unknown.

Why me!? Well, why not me? This is the question and answer many  give themselves, who have suffered a catastrophic event or injury. It’s undoubtedly understandable to be angry in such  bad circumstances. However, it’s not always helpful or healing. While anger can help you break out of something(depression)or help you overcome it,it  can also hold you back. Anger can anchor you in the past, or create unrest in your heart and mind. What you believe in is very powerful and  will dictate the direction in which your life  goes. Therefore, play  the right mental movies for yourself. Films that portray you as the victor, times of happiness, and  positive plot lines. These  mental movies can stir up  courage, hope, and strength  or place fear and doubt in your heart. When the movies that you play yourself are the opposite of fear and doubt, it opens the door for peace to enter your mind and heart. “A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body”(Prov. 14:30nlt). If you find yourself in a hospital bed don’t take the situation lying down. Instead,  screen films in your mental movie theatre of  improving health, happy moments, and the day of your eventual discharge. Also, when dealing with a sickness be careful not to get anchored in the past for too long. Instead, keep your thoughts positive, the movies victorious, and your eyes forward.  Your dreams can and will become a reality  with a positive, and strong attitude. Not to mention, dreams don’t have to remain in the  thought realm, dreams and life are meant  to be experienced!

cheers and onward!

bleu

New year, no fear.

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“Don’t let your fear of what could happen, make nothing happen.” -unknown

   How likely  is it that  what you fear will come true?  It’s good to ask yourself these questions. Is this true? Is it  factual?  Do I know what the future holds? By asking yourself these questions, your  fear will soon  hold  little weight in your mind. Because, many of our fears have no real power and many aren’t steeped in reality. The likelihood that your fear will come true is slim to none.   In the movies that  you play in your mind are you the victim or the victor? Decide  to see yourself healthy, wealthy, and  victorious.Not to mention, you can control your fear, it doesn’t control you nor dictate your future. In 2016 we will have  365 days and 8,760 hours of time to fill as we choose, don’t let fear cause you to waste any of it! This new year signifies a fresh start  for all of us around the world. It holds new goals, new  possibilities, new opportunities, and new horizons!   Among these things, in the United States, many  set for themselves New Year’s resolutions. However,  many resolutions while they have strong beginnings eventually  taper off into the dust bin of forgotten.  So many people are pre-occupied with body image and health, they forget about  their mental health. Rather then resolve  to eat healthier, why not resolve to think healthier? Part of that is to shed the thoughts   and feelings preventing you from your full potential.   Not enough of us are told that we can set  our own limits, as well as  break them. One of the biggest  offenders is fear  and his sidekick doubt. These two combined have  paralyzed many ideas  in their  infancy as well as the people who originated them. Too often they plant the seeds of failure in your mind, that then bloom into invisible walls. It’s the fearless who  find ways over the walls and meet their dreams on the other side. What ever it is you’d like to do, or the goal that you wish to meet, you can achieve it. Choose to shed fear rather then pounds at the gym. Without the weight of it holding you down, you’ll be so light, that reaching the stars will  naturally become possible.

shoot for the moon!

bleu

Just Kids

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         “If you carry your childhood with you, you never become older.”

-Tom Stoppard

So, why did  you grow up?  As kids, we were all in a hurry to be a “grown up.” Anticipating staying up as late as we wanted and eating ice cream for breakfast. However, once we got there it turned out that eating healthy and getting regular sleep was more sensible. What happened to our freedom of choice as grown ups? Even more so, where did that childhood wonder run off to? The World played its  hand in eking out most of it from us through time. Those of us that managed to hold on to some of it, flourished in  our levels of happiness and were called “easily amused.”   The presence of an overactive imagination and silly sense of humor faded out with our dislike for taking baths. As those traits began to fade, we acquired new ones of stress and responsibility. With the age of a grown up finally reached and all the new freedoms, why did we restrict ourselves!? Did the popular opinion  to  sway towards being boring come from jealousy?  Perhaps the majority was envious of the minority who managed to retain some of that magical  childhood  spunk.  The world is far easier to navigate if you can  manage to evade the sinister stress monster or find the magic in the mundane. Both  of which are qualities we had as children that the jealous world attempted to rob us  of. How could we let this happen? Generations have come and gone having forgotten about their childhood dreams. Didn’t anyone get the memo that we’re allowed to do whatever we want now!?  While unfortunately you do have to conform to the World’s system, you don’t have to conform to its mindset. Try to find that stubborn  little kid inside and  don’t  fear the path of resistance. Most will choose the path of least resistance, which usually leads nowhere all that wonderful. We may have been  forced or in a hurry to grow up, but this is one instance where being behind  is actually beneficial.

find your *magic* and keep it!

          bleu

Happy Holidays

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“Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them.”      -Dalai Lama

“ So this is Christmas and what have you done?” asks a pensive  John Lennon in his song also known as Happy Xmas(War  is Over.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yN4Uu0OlmTg&w=420&h=315%5D

With the upcoming holidays and the world on the brink of what seems like another war, this 1963 song seems eerily relevant today. Around the globe the coming of the new year is met with  holiday celebrations and the symbolism of a fresh start. Instead of looking back, consider the future rather then harbor any regrets,  and instead make up your mind to change them  as you move forward. The impending holidays also bring to the forefront of people’s minds the spirit of  altruism. While We can’t all spend our days giving 100% of ourselves to charity, We can at least vow to be a  positive influence on ourselves and others, rather then a  negative one. As humans it’s all too easy to be self centered, and our  selfishly motivated decisions can sometimes hurt others.  What many people don’t fully realize is that in helping others you actually help yourself too. Therefore in giving you’re also receiving, it’s a win-win situation! As  the new year brings with it renewed motivation for personal goals, why not with it a new vision? A vision that is geared more towards equality, peace, positivity, and altruism. The consideration We have for the good of mankind should be in the forefront more then once a year, or  only reserved for when a tragedy strikes. The  larger question that looms is  “Can  these  things be brought about  on a regular basis, rather then just by Santa Claus or  new year resolutions?” The good news is that you don’t have to wait for someone else to answer this question, because you can. Each of us has a choice everyday rather then just once a year to   pursue  dreams, set new goals, be a positive influence , and  to help others. Don’t just meet each new year with  zest and motivation but how about each new day?

Tomorrow is new   and cheers!

bleu

 

heart of a lion

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“The struggle you’re in today is developing the strength you need for tomorrow.” -unknown.

I’m not courageous it’s just that sometimes that’s your only choice. There are two types of people when the situation becomes dire, there are those that will  let the wave of bad circumstance overcome them, and  those that will choose to overcome the circumstance. Rather then hide from the world it is better to go out and meet it. Everyday you engage  with and enjoy life  is a battle won. You have to fight  many small  battles before you can win the whole thing. In facing your fears and choosing to  be seen rather then invisible you’ll find healing. Those who have made their namesake last throughout history did so by jumping into the unknown, facing their fears, and choosing to stand up when others sat  down. The best stories are when the underdog or  the “little guy,” come out on top. However, we often forget  that many of those stories are true. We love those stories, because at one point or another we’ve all been that character. When faced with a giant monster of a problem, in our fear we forget that monsters can be killed. Rather then letting the wave of doom and gloom pull you under, why not  choose to ride it onto better things instead?    You  should  dictate the situation(or illness) and not let the situation dictate you. Even when  outwardly everything seems against you, you can choose to see your way out of it. The human spirit is indomitable. Just as a talented musician plays their instrument, it does not play them. When I’ve met those with a warrior soul, they’re people that  saw a bad circumstance as a challenge, and sought to  beat it.

it’s only a challenge!
bleu

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Revel

1940s-Dance-Party-vintage-photo“Faith is the  substance of things hoped for, and the evidence  of things not seen.”

Everyday you’re  free is cause for  a celebration. We are so accustomed to  our innate abilities to roam where We’d like  and do what We want that it is completely taken for granted. Most of us  have no knowledge of what it’s like to be limited. However, when you  actually experience  being limited, freedom becomes appreciated and tangible. Many of us don’t know what it  actually feels like to be free, even though We are everyday. The first time I felt  the true rush of freedom, I just stood there soaking it in and enjoyed the moment for  as long as I could.  For what has  seemed like an eternity, I have not been alone or free to roam where I please.  As it turns out  there is nothing to fear in being alone, because We aren’t and  it is refreshing to have a moment to yourself. How many times  did I wander unrestrained, and be completely unaware of what a privilege it  was?  After  enduring real limitations,  you realize the  value  of freedom and  why you need to break through those limitations. How many people place limitations on themselves that are  not only invisible but also unnecessary? When you have  complete freedom, of thought and in movement there is no reason or place for limitations. You have the freedom to travel, to choose, and to move(some do not. Choose the light over the dark,what  you feed  into is what grows. Delight in your blessings and abilites, and for God sake do not remain stagnant or still! If you asked a man who  was wheelchair bound what He wants to do most, He’d  likely tell you “run.” Therefore, run don’t walk past  any limitations and certainly don’t place any on yourself!

run, don’t walk and cheers!

bleu

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if you're able.

helping-hands

“Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them.”

-Dalai Lama.

Do both of your hands function? I have often daydreamed about what I would do if both of mine did, because currently my left hand does not. I think I would take up knitting, complicated needle point, scrub  the entire floor with a tiny toothbrush, and finally  find every excuse to use my hands. When you have  an ability naturally,  it’s taken for granted. If only We all realized how amazing  having them truly is. We would all be  much more grateful, and  eager to use our abilities.  Also, it’s likely that We’d look for opportunities to be able to use them.  Many of these opportunities, would be in helping those that do not have the same abilities.  Being aware of these things now, I know  in  the  past  that I would’ve been much more charitable and helpful towards my fellow man. Just as John Lennon imagined an enlightened World so do I. However, my wish is that everyone would fully realize what a gift they have and share it amongst each other. If that happened, I imagine there would be no need for charity  or as many costly social programs. The level of people helping each other would dramatically  increase. Just imagine if We met each day as zealous as Scrooge  on Christmas morning. What kind of  dreams would be  realized if We were aware of  our innate abilities and gifts?  Even more so  if We  shared them, culminating into a  collective good that We all  benefitted from. There are times each of us  can recall  of not going out of our way to help someone. If We were aware of how incredible our abilities to function normally really are, very few things would be considered as “going out of the way.” Instead  helping others would just be a normal part of life.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLgYAHHkPFs&w=420&h=315%5D

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