Setting Expectations

If you set your expectations low, you will never know disappointment. But do you really want that type of standard? Disappointment is a part of the growing process. For if you don’t know what disappointment is, you’ll never know what a true accomplishment is. So set the bar higher, but not so high that you can’t reach the good liquor on the top shelf.

I Will

Life is a series of overcoming difficulties. Though each person faces different challenges than their neighbor, the challenges are similar in structure and intensity. Without difficulties we cannot know what our limitations are. So before you say “I can’t,” say “I’ll try.” Before you say “I won’t,” say “I will.” And before you say “Hey, Bubba, watch this,” be sure you’re adequately insured.

Weather

Trying to predict a person’s behavior is like predicting the weather. It’s an exercise in futility. That’s why, as when we deal with unpredictable weather, being prepared is essential in adapting to changing conditions. Have your mind open to the possibility of surprise and nuance. Don’t go into a conversation and try to predict its flow. If you do, there’s a strong possibility your wind gusts from the north will bring a 90% chance of disappointment.

Fallible

Life will throw many things your way, and many times you will win. But there will be many times you will fail. It’s impossible to do the right thing, every moment, every day. And being human is just another word for fallible. It’s also an acronym for Hesitating Uncles Make Aunts Nervous, but no one ever uses that.

Attentive

Be attentive to those around you. Provide eye contact during conversations. Ask them how they are. Seek counsel, if it’s appropriate. And if you know them well, demand large sums of money.

Dreams

Toxic thinking can poison conversations, attitudes, and relationships. Avoid toxic thinking by focusing on the good in people. Find the bright side and stick with it. Before long, your attitude and conversations and relationships will show improvement beyond your wildest dreams. Including that dream involving Scooby, Shaggy, and the Kardashians.

Breathe

Breathing is fundamental for controlling emotional extremes. If anger enters a moment, take the moment back with a deep breath. If sadness consumes you, breathe deeply, and let the air fill every space in your body. And if you find yourself swallowed up by paranoia, there’s nothing you can do. You’re going to die.

Strength

Obstacles in our path are a necessity in life. If it weren’t for obstacles, life would be less interesting. The lack of a challenge leads to a lack of any type of growth. Working against resistance makes us stronger in the end. Free weights make us stronger in the arms and legs.

Attitude

An attitude is much more powerful than words or deeds. Your bearing dictates so much about you. Words can always be countered with arguments. Deeds can often be misinterpreted. But an attitude colors everything about you. Bring despair to a meeting, and despair is what you receive. Bring indifference to a friend, and the friend will not be your friend for long. But bring a smile to your encounters, and people will listen and observe with interest. A full smile shows compassion, warmth, and what you had for lunch.

Rising Sun

As you watch the sun rise and fall, be reminded that life is also a cycle. With the new day comes an awareness of surroundings, discovery, and a chance at renewal. With the night we find rest and recuperation. But as you continue to watch the sun, be aware that you'll go blind if you keep doing that.

Imagination

Dreams are a gateway to your imagination. When you sleep, climb inside your subconscious and seek new paths to colors and sounds and intensities. Participate, don't spectate, and be amazed at what you can do. Fly through new universes and explore worlds never seen. Dreams are adventures you can take while your body regenerates from the previous day's challenges. And if you have insomnia, you can read a newspaper.

Perspective

When I have a crappy day, I'll happily remember that I've been granted another day on this earth. My eyes can see, my ears can hear, my legs can wallk, and my hands can work. And the sweat that poured out of me today was a confirmation of life itself. And when I get sad knowing I've lost my sense of smell, I'll rejoice in the fact that I can't smell anyone else's confirmation of life itself.

The Lessons

Though the quantity of life's decisions may overwhelm you, just know that the inevitable failures will produce learning opportunities. Which means by the time you fail 4th grade for the 3rd time, you'll be brilliant and well rounded.

Missed Opportunities

Many who fear the unknown will never know bliss. They will never see the beautiful stream that lies at the end of a long trail. They will never find the rewards of mutual trust and the depth of love that trust brings. They will never grow beyond their self-constructed walls. They will never know the rush of jumping out of an airplane and soiling one’s jumpsuit at 15,000 feet.

Right or Wrong or Something

Everyone must look deep inside their heart to find the answers. For inside the heart beats the knowledge of all those who have come before, and the voices from the past will lead us to a place of calm enlightenment. Inside there will be voices, both right and wrong, and the heart will point the way to that which is correct. Which is a little problematic for sociopaths.

Greet the Day

The sun rises, and billions rise to greet the new day. A new day brings new wonder. It brings challenges. It brings many things to you, and you must handle these things with a sense of peace, grace, and an acknowledgement that this new morning is a gift. So acknowledge me a coffee and a bagel.

Rubber Soul

Dream and seek the questions.
Seek and find the answers.
Answer to find new balance.
New Balance makes great tennis shoes.

The Universe (part 1)

The universe is yours to explore. A harmony of dark and light, a gift for your eyes, and a door for your mind. It is mystery and beauty coexisting in a oneness so vast, it can easily take your breath away. After all, it is a vacuum.