Posts Tagged ‘life’

Go Sailor

Efforts and courage are not enough without purpose and direction.”– John F. Kennedy.

You may not be the Captain of a ship, but you still need to know in which direction your rudder is pointing! Except in this instance the ship is your life and the rudder is your thoughts. Your life will go in the direction of your dominant  thoughts. However,  if you’ve aimed your ship at the cliffside rocks, there is still a way to turn it around. It’s possible to take your thoughts captive and replace those negative  thoughts with positive ones. Because, whether you’re aware of it or not we all have an enemy whispering  into our ears trying to derail us from the great  and fulfilling future  we have ahead of us. All it takes is a steady stream of “you cant’s,” “ it’s not going to happen,” and    this is impossible,” to derail your  ship from reaching its destination. Nowhere  in your life   did  anyone ever tell  you that you simply could not do something, besides your Mother when you were a child, yourself, and guess who else? The enemy!  The one who comes to  kill steal  and destroy your dreams. Therefore, we need to recognize when we’re being lied to. Because, if we fall prey to these lies the cost is too great. The cost is the future you were(and are) meant  to have. What many of us have not been privy to our entire lives is the truth about who we  are.  We are beautiful, capable, strong, intelligent, and  first and foremost LOVED.  You see, this enemy of ours  who loves to tell us the opposite of all those things celebrates when we actually believe them. In nearly every instance of  human failure you can find a place where  someone believed those lies. Because if you believe them how could you succeed!? By convincing you that you’re weak when your actually strong, you’ll let life and its challenges run right over you. However, once you have  the enemy’s  tactics on lock down you’ll easily overcome them. Why?  Because you’re capable,you’re beautiful, you’re strong, you’re loved, and that’s the truth! Now go out there and make the enemy  be scared of you.

Sail on strong!

bleu

keep pushing

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I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”

-Thomas A. Edison

 
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If a little seedling  can manage to grow through cement, why can’t you do the same with your difficult  circumstances? The world worships at the feet of the God of success, but what do we do with failure and catastrophe? Rather than meet these challenges with a smile, We crumble and fade from them. When you’re going through a hard time keep smiling. Make people wonder where  that smile came from, and how it got there. Meet life dancing with your hand in the air rather than lying down. Imagine what you’d do if the floor was pulled out from beneath you, because that’s what happened to me actually! In one fell swoop, I lost my high paying job, my apartment, a significant other, and my left arm and leg were paralyzed. I went to bed expecting to go to work and then home to New York City, but instead woke up in a Hospital back where I started with even less than I had   as a child. In this situation you can either give  up  and fall into the arms of a suicidal depression or   get up  even when you don’t feel like it. Despite my desire to bury myself under the covers in my bed,  I  forced myself  to get up and go to rehab every week. Because, regardless of how I felt, life wasn’t going to hand  progress over to me  I had to push back to achieve it. I can assure you , that if I can  do it, so can you! Just as trout swim miles upstream to spawn, sometimes  we find ourselves swimming upstream as well.  Perhaps  we aren’t swimming upstream to spawn, but  our reasons are not so different from the trouts. That reason is simple,  both of us are swimming towards  Life and not away.

God speed!

bleu

Warning: Perspective changes ahead.

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“True love is like ghosts, which everyone talks about and few have seen.”

-Francois de La Rochefoucauld.
 
Is my life better since I almost died? I don’t think so, or at least I didn’t see the value or purpose of the last three years. I believed that  I would’ve been enjoying life more (and having successes, and had plans) had the ordeal not occurred. How true it is that life happens while your making other plans.  However, there is still gold to be found amongst utterly horrible unenviable circumstances. When life attempts to knock you out, you have to come back at it with fists flying. Even though you may  be weary, there is still strength to be found in the indomitable human spirit. Even professional fighters with bashed in faces can still see. I’ve come to find that material belongings have no real value in the big picture. Money itself is  just paper. It is not material goods, not  gossip, social status, some daft guy, nor pridefulness. Instead it is the people and relationships that come to your aid. Nothing brings about true gems like a death defying situation, or dire need. It is those   people who remain in your corner of the ring, that are priceless. How they shine in the noon day sun of love to be seen from miles around. It is those that  stay in your corner, the friends, and vehement supporters that deserve  your recognition and time. Therefore, don’t wait until  you nearly die to see them for what they are.
-Cheers wherever you are,
bleu

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this isn’t a dress rehearsal

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“Life is not a dress rehearsal, stop practicing what your going to do and just go and do it, you can transform today.” -Marilyn Grey

If your just shooting for average, your failing miserably. It’s an act of the foolish to compare oneself to others, or measure against them. It’s  a ritual of mediocrity to compare  with other people.  you were created for something far bigger than you can imagine. The truth is that even if your doing well, there is more out there for you. A sense of dissatisfacion is a signal that your not fulfilling your purpose. It is when were  doing what we were made for that fulfillment will be reached. Rather than surmise your  doing well  by measuring  against what others are doing, why not take a different approach? What would happen if you aimed to be different or do better than everyone else instead?  Also don’t  shy away from  proclaiming your big dreams to others, for fear of rejection or sounding silly. Fear is what limits us in many  if not all ways. Don’t be  afraid of what other people think, because it robs you of your potential. Even  by simply proclaiming your dreams and aspirations out loud(no matter how “crazy”) you’ll see things  begin to shift and your life will change. I’m fairly confident that no one in history who posessed a legendary last name settled for doing just as well as  everyone else. Due to the mass  practice of people comparing themselves to  each other, it’s  exactly why We see so few names that outshine the rest. This is a bad habit  of humanity that  needs to be broken. Not to mention, by escaping the comparison trap, you’ll focus more on your particular brand of potential,squelch the green monster(jealousy),and you might just find yourself in a niche of society. This would be an excellent occurrence, because then you will be like  no one else. Which is  the point of course, to be the one and only YOU.

GO!!

bleu

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kk8eJh4i8Lo&w=560&h=315%5D

This is not a Test

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“Trials teach us what we are; they dig up the soil, and let us see what we are made of.” Charles Spurgeon

Growing up can be  difficult, but being an adult is even harder. We are continually tested, with exams in school,our patience,in our ambition,by children, and even in our relationships. Not only do these things test us,but even time tests us!   Within life there are multiple tests nearly everyday. However, We  tend to forget that life itself can be one giant test,and one in which there  are no retakes. Not to mention, you  won’t be graded on a curve.  My particular test has been an illness(or accident)that with it brought  grades  not of letters,but of emotions,and in steps of recovery. I no longer had to memorize book knowledge,but instead bring forth my  soul into something tangible that would carry me through the circumstances. A correct answer on a  test wasn’t going to achieve the goal of walking  better(or at all)for me. Instead of answers I needed to take action and ask even more  questions of myself. Now was  the time to grit my teeth and employ my resolve to see just how much I  had learned in the class of life thus far. It came as no surprise that class is not quite over,and the teacher  can be a harsh one. She generally  offers no retakes when you fail,but when you catch Her on a good day you’ll receive quite a few, so try not to screw it up too badly(ha-ha). However,  the entirety  of  the class cannot be retaken. Therefore, it’s best to show up everyday,be present,be mindful,and certainly be kind to your classmates. As it turns out when you employ these tactics in a  state of positivity, it becomes increasingly easier to ace anything. Also, don’t fear graduation day too much(see here). Since We only get to take this class once, I think it’d be a grand idea to  rise to a challenge with the reply “this is exactly what I need,” and  don’t   let too many opportunities pass you by.  Even when said opportunity is daunting, remember a marathon is completed by taking that first step.

5K? no problem,   

bleu

Listen to these lyrics, they’re for you.[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnoyiVZUxUk&w=420&h=315%5D

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Defying Death

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“For life and death are one, even as the river and the sea are one.”

-Khalil Gibran.

Not too long ago a friend asked me if I was afraid of death, and She was right in supposing that I am not. In coming so  close to  dying  and surviving, any fears  of it were removed.  Although I cannot completely take the credit. Many doctors,nurses,friends,family,and certainly angels were present. There is no reason to fear death because We are immortal. It has been scientifically shown that, energy can neither be created nor destroyed. Therefore, our energy(or soul) must simply be transferred somewhere else. This  life is a transient plane. If your circumstances are bad, it helps to remind yourself that nothing is forever. This reminder also helps us to savor the present moment.While no one knows what happens to us when We pass,there are many theories. Some people have actually surmised  a weight for our soul( 21 grams). There is no reason to fear. Through my recovery, love has  continually carried me through. Each day We have a choice, there is no “wrong side of the bed.” Were not  at the mercy  of  our emotions. This certainly  doesn’t mean  be robotic,just that We have a choice. I don’t know about you, but I enjoy  having some semblance of control. Even though the World seems random or out of control it is oddly enough quite orderly. The Earth obeys laws of nature, the sun rises and sets each day, and even the stars are  in patterns that create constellations. Each day your lungs inhale oxygen,you open your eyes, and move about freely(some cannot) We are not like a Fall leaf carried by the wind, so this is actually  good news!  You can make a conscious decision to  be happy(and share it with others)or not.  As Yoda says(nerd alert!). Do or do not, there is no try.Hope deferred makes the heart sick, if you  follow the ways of love, you can’t go wrong. Each of us have options(yay options!) We can choose life(positivity) or choose death(negativity) Both have been placed before us. To my knowledge you’ll always win  when you choose life.

LOVE,

bleu

Pick your poison.

6293413042b92f609a118362d020e099If I’m anxious and I  pinpoint where I lost my peace, that will usually expose the lie I believed. -Bill Johnson.

Our thought life is just as important to us as our physical world because thoughts can manifest into the physical. Throughout my recovery it has been  essential to  think as positive as possible(or sometimes not at all) I found that what I read,listened to,and believed in had a big affect on how I felt. I now avoid or simply don’t do the things that have proven to be toxic and bring me down. Many times I’ve had to block out the bad things people have said in order to continue with a hopeful and determined spirit. Whatever brings you down or dashes your hope is usually a lie. Sometimes you have to put on “earmuffs,” and continue on with what you know to be true. I’ve found that you simply have to ignore the snakes in your apple tree because they only serve to bring you down. There are many forms a snake can take. It could be your Doctor, a stranger,an article that focuses on the negative,internet forums(strangers) or  even a coworker.  I have learned the hard way to avoid using Google too much  or  especially any internet forums! As it turns out both will either  give you false information or seriously bring you down. The solution?  Simply immerse  yourself in what is light and steer clear of any darkness. My recovery has been a fight for my life in many ways so I choose to avoid what could bring me down. As  a general observation it seems the majority of the population will take from you(in the physical or spiritual) so stick by those that know how to give and lift you up. As I think We all know, life is  just too short to let someone(or something) steal your precious time with  doubt,worry,fear,or grudges. Going through life without  encountering these things is nearly impossible. However, it is possible to choose to not  let it effect  you. As it turns out when dealing with these things, getting angry actually helps. At some point when your sick of these things trying to bring you down, it’s time to fight back. Thwart those thoughts, keep good company, and by all means don’t” Google it.”

      http://lmgtfy.com/?q=the+power+of+words  Oddly enough not everything that has power is physical, your words can pack a punch too. Speak  with words what you want to bring into existence. Were creative beings, therefore our words create our realities. This gives validity to the  belief that speaking to your plants will help them grow. We are just as organic and words can help us grow as well.  Rather then spitting poison darts  at others or even yourself, watch what you say, think,and take in from others because just as  these can build you up, they can also tear you down. We all need to learn how to speak life into ourselves, and each other. Because a positive force propels you upward not downward.   

Onward&Upward!

bleu

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About a Boy

holding hands“Sometimes heartbreak is a lesson, the best thing to do is just learn the lesson.” – Jon Voight.

Since the eponymous holiday  of St.Valentine is upon  us, this led me to reflect upon past loves.One cannot avoid  this holiday as it announces itself  in  a  flurry  of  pink,red, hearts, and candy in every convenience store as soon as February  draws near.I guess Love just cannot wait!  Normally this holiday comes and goes with an eye roll   and “anti- Valentines Day,”cards  mailed  to friends  from me. Instead, in anticipation  of it I thought about  the  subject  of heartbreak(that and the great decor’ this time of year) I admit, I have a difficult time letting go.The  biggest regret  I have  of this is the time wasted spent talking about, thinking about,or crying about someone who was simply not worth it. A good friend of mine  once told me “Don’t waste your time on a man(in this case boy) who is not strong enough to jump the hurdles with you.” This is good advice for a couple of reasons, one, look for those on your playing level and two,  time is precious. I’m no expert but I do know the best things I did when in this sad state were going out and pursuing what made  me happy and healthy(yay for rad friends!) Unfortunately  though for some it is true that no one can complete you.However, if you learn how to love yourself(start HERE!) you’ve already won.While you shouldn’t resign yourself to lone wolf status forever, you’ll be better off(and healthier) if you can carry your own.It’s a win-win situation to be and feel whole in yourself.We all deserve a person that recognizes how wonderful we are.Do  the things that  you enjoy,fulfill  you, and that truly enrich your life it  will only  serve you for the best. As they say “The best revenge is living well.” Besides when you do  meet the person who is worthy of your time it will be all the better if they find you to be a happy and whole  person all on your  own.When your on  life’s  path to the top of the mountain to conquer it(whatever yours may be) the best thing is to meet a fellow traveler who is also  on their way up too and can  keep you company on the way there.This year go on a date with your best friend,be it a boy or girl! 🙂

Safe Travels this holiday!

bleu

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Facetime isn’t just for iPhones.

You know what’s amazing?
There are millions of people in the world and yet we all look different.
There are so many combinations of two eyes, one nose, and a mouth it’s amazing.
It certainly makes my face making attempts with a Mr Potato Head look infantile.
Because if you really stop to think about it, how is that possible?
Furthermore, if the eyes are the window to the soul then your smile is it’s door.
Growing up my Mum often pointed out people’s unique or beautiful smiles.
They not only change a persons appearance but display a light or happiness from someones soul onto their face.
Even crooked smiles are lovely, because why should they be straight?
Trees that wind and twist are often more interesting than the straight and narrow ones, the same could be said of smiles.
In a busy distracting world “grownups,” tend to lose their childlike wonder.
If you’ve ever noticed,anyone that retains it comes off as “magical” or easily amused.
That’s not so because those people have just found how to quiet their minds to catch the things in life that often go unnoticed.
In the film American Beauty,I once  thought the bag in the wind scene to be stupid(below).


However,  it isn’t and it’s a good example of  just quieting yourself to notice the unseen beauty around you.
When I find myself looking too much at ground level, I know it must be time to look up.

Because if you fail to look beyond yourself or your immediate surroundings you’ll miss out on the beautiful sky and looming buildings just above your head.
As we know, a bird cannot fly very far stuck in a cage….
The “world” looks up to supposed perfect celebrities, but they forget its better to look down.
After all kids see at a lower level(eye-level) that’s why they catch more than us.
While were  thinking of jobs, appointments, bills, or a current dilemma we miss the small things like a passing smile from a stranger, the little fuzzy caterpillar climbing a tree, or tiny birds hopping along the sidewalk in all their cute glory.
Life is a series of many small moments, and while in our “grownup” heads we simply miss them.

some of my  favorite smiles:

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Keep looking up(and down!),

bleu

Parents just don’t understand

As the young Will Smith sang“Parents just don’t understand.”
While 16 year old me agreed with that, I actually felt that way not too long ago.
When I  was first taken to my parents home for recovery I was highly agitated about it.
I even accused them of kidnapping me!
However, after one day when I was particularly mean to my Mum(i.e taking it out on Her) I began to think that maybe it’s ME that doesn’t understand…
After all they want the same thing I do, which is ultimately to get my life back.
As teens we all despised our own parents at one point or another and I found myself feeling that way again.
Although at the time I failed to take into account that they’re just people too.
We all were struggling with how to deal in the midst of this tragedy(see here.)
After I thought about it more and reminded myself that we were all working towards the same goal, it helped lessen the frustrations.
Because, you know they’re just humans too.
In fact they were a pair of rock n’ roll kids who basically ran away from home together at the age of 18 or so.
See the awesome “professional picture” of them below from the 1980’s which is my favorite. Many a visitor to my NewYork apartment marveled at it.

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When it comes down to it between these two humans, I think they did a pretty good job in raising me. They truly love my sometimes crazy self.
In sum, who I am today has in a large part been due to my parents.
Whether it be due to age or trials and tribulations, I’m proud of who I am.
They helped me when I needed it, and even when I accuse them of kidnapping they still love me and your parents do too, so try and cut them a break once in awhile.

Rock on and cheers!

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