A Little Less Stress

Hey Friends!

I have been dormant these past two weeks as I have been on a much needed break from life. No, I wasn’t in a coma, I was on vacation! It’s amazing what a little time away from “life” can do for you isn’t it? Your eyes are opened up, your interest is sparked, your vision increased and the tension of normality relaxes. Sometime it’s hard to think-outside-the-box of your regular regime until you change your surroundings. Too much comfort and familiarity causes a horrible case of contentment.

Don’t let your special character and values, the secret that you know and no one else does; the truth – don’t let that get swallowed up by the great chewing complacency. – Aesop

There are things in my life that I hate. Some things I can’t stand, and many that I wish could be changed. I’ve come to realize that this will always be the case. I will always want something to be slightly different, something a little less stressful or a little more glamorous. What I’ve learned is that each of these things is something that is pushing me, stretching me and preparing me for something greater than I am at this moment.

The only way these things will defeat me is if I allow them to. I have to make the conscience choice to keep a fresh picture of change in front of me, and remember that I can’t get comfortable where I am. There’s nothing worse than getting in a rut and losing sight of the dreams and ambitions you have locked away in the back of your mind.

Complacency is bad for you. Don’t get comfortable with mediocrity; strive for something greater. Don’t let the things you hate in your life kill your vision. Let it shape you and propel you into the next step. Mix up your surroundings, do something new, go on vacation.

Get a picture.
Make a plan.
And make it happen.

Level Up Already

I was sitting at my computer the other day, engrossed in Castle Age. It’s one of the best applications I have found to distract me on Facebook. I know, I’m such a nerd. But I LOVE IT! Being a nerd is fabulous.

In a nutshell, you lead an army and complete quests, grow your army, invade and duel other players, fight in epic team battles against horrible creatures, build castles, make money and increase in health, stamina and energy. All the while you are going from level to level by gathering experience points.

While I was waiting for my energy to increase so I could take on another Orc King, I thought how similar this game was to real life. And maybe this is why I, and so many others enjoy it so much.

I know, you think I’m crazy. Settle down and hear me out.

If you think about it, real life is all about completing quests, “dueling” with personalities, joining forces with your peers for a common goal, starting a career, making money and gaining experience. Sure, you don’t have Elven weaponry to aid you and you don’t have an army of knights and magical powers; but the parallels to this are just as important.

Take A Look At This
CASTLE AGE // REAL LIFE

Defeat the Orc King // Defeat college or work
Fight another player for money and points // Duel with people and personalities that TICK you off!
Build Castles // Buy a house, rent an apartment
Stash your gold // Save your money
Grow your army // Network, make friends
Increase Health, Stamina, Energy and Experience
Level Up

You may have trouble wrapping your mind around this, but so many people live life through a virtual world rather than taking the same basic ideas and creating a promising life in the real world. Not every one of course, but some people are too intimidated by the unknown that they never take the chance to live life out for themselves.

I think life is full of exciting quests and lands to be conquered. I love the distraction of the virtual world, but living real life is so much more rewarding.

Take all the experiences you have, all your resources, your network, your circle of friends and invade the real world! It may take you awhile to get to the next level, but GET THERE! DO IT! I know you can.

Thanks for reading.

Church…is it for you?

As I sat in service this weekend I looked around at the hundreds of people who were worshiping God and listening to the message, and I wondered to myself what they were all thinking. How many of them didn’t want to be at church, how many of them were just putting up a front and only offering “lip service” to God and how many were truly on fire?

As I thought of this, I wondered how many people don’t go to church. Some who don’t think it’s important, people who have been hurt by the church, people who don’t believe in God…and I wondered what these people thought of the whole church thing.

Basically, if you’re reading this right now, you fall into one of these categories; you either DO go to church or you DON’T. And if you’re reading this, I want to know why you either DO go to church or DON’T.

Just give me your thoughts on church and how it affects, or doesn’t affect, your life. I’m open to any and all kinds of answers so go for it…I’m all ears.

Look forward to reading your comments.

Too Many Beads

By nature I am a creative person. I enjoy taking things and making them better or creating things from scratch.

Not like crafts-creative; no, I don’t make ‘lil felt ornaments at Christmas. Nothing like that.

I mean, I can see a toothbrush holder for a bathroom and suddenly it’s like I’m in that bathroom. I know the colors, the pictures on the wall, the towels…yes, just from a toothbrush holder. Small things spark my imagination and I can see a plethora of possibilities for it.

It’s draining.

I was recently in The Great Indoors; love that place! While I was in there, I started to feel dizzy. Like, my head was literally spinning and I didn’t  know why. I figured out it was because of all the options I was seeing. All the paintings, all the couches, lamps ,towels, plates, silverware, clocks and toothbrush holders. My brain was going crazy because it couldn’t help but find a magnificent resting place for each thing I saw. It started to be too much and I had to leave!

This happened again a few weeks later in a craft store that sold beads. Oh my. Thousands upon thousands of beads were hanging up all over the place. Everywhere. Every wall, every shelf and every nook ‘n cranny was filled to the brim with a disgusting amount of beaded charm. Again, I was feeling light headed. Even though I have no desire to string a group of stone beads together for a dainty necklace, I was overwhelmed with the possibilities for each bead.

In life, it can be hard think past what you see, on to what could be. It’s hard to imagine something that’s not there. It’s not easy for everyone to see a toothbrush holder and plan out an entire room, but I challenge you to imagine the possibilities in every situation. Every person you meet, every distant land you travel to, every novelty you enjoy and every toothbrush holder you see; think past what you would normally assume, on to something bigger and better.

“Limitation live only in our minds. But if we use out imagination, our possibilities become limitless.” Jamie P.

Seasons Change

Life. It can be so crazy. People come and go, in and out of our lives. Some leave something wonderful behind and others just leaving a bad taste in our mouths. Funny thing though; right when you think you know what to expect, something changes. Your normal life and everything you’ve come to expect suddenly is history. That’s life I suppose; change, change and more change.  

“He who rejects change is the architect of decay.  The only human institution which rejects progress is the cemetery.”  Harold Wilson

I never used to be good with change…I was a sorry basket case when things started to be different from normal. I was the male version of Anne of Green Gables; always wanting things to stay the same. In my mind if it wasn’t broken, don’t fix…ya know what I mean? Of course I learned that change was impossible to escape and although it wasn’t always fun, I had to adapt to it and embrace it.

I’ve had some amazing people come into my life, and I’ve had to accept the fact that they may not always be there. They have a calling that may not always include a close proximity to me; darn it all. They’ve taught me, inspired me, and gave me a greater worth. They’ve challenged me, pushed me and believed in me. I’ve always known that not everyone has one of these great people in their lives and that these moments should be cherished. Not every Anakin has an Obi-Wan, not every Robin has a Batman and not every Frodo has a Fellowship. Some people go their whole lives without someone believing in them, but they don’t give up. Those of that have been lucky to have an Obi-Wan, should jump at the chance to be that for someone else.

Change is going to happen. The people in your life RIGHT NOW, may not always be there no matter what you think, and if they are in your life; there’s a reason. Don’t expect things to stay the same, expect change and then you won’t be surprised when it comes. Invest, believe and create worth in others while you have the chance.

Thanks for reading.

Birds of a Feather

You’ve heard the saying, “Birds of a feather flock together” right? The very old proverb that has been in use since the 16^th century, it’s a pretty simple concept; people with similarities, whether likes, dislikes or common interests, always seem to associate with each other.

What is it that makes us want to hang out with people who are like us; it seems so monotonous doesn’t it? Maybe even a little bit safe, or comfortable.

In my realm of living and breathing, I see this all the time. It’s kind of funny to watch people and the discomfort they seem to feel when someone who is different comes into the circle. It’s like they go from being completely normal too totally inept.

How do I talk to them? What do they like? Will they think I’m weird? They look mean…etc.

I’m sure we’ve all had moments like this. It’s not easy stepping outside your comfort zone, into a world of people you may not know how to interact with. I know there are times when I don’t like it. I automatically put someone in a box and don’t give myself a chance to get to know them. I assume they are a certain way, and then I assume I won’t like it and then I just continue on with my life.

Funny thing is this. Whenever I actually decide that I’m not really all that great, and go ahead and talk to somebody that I ordinarily wouldn’t…I find I really enjoy it! I like hearing about things I don’t normally hear about, or learning things from other people, or having a friend who is totally not what anyone would expect!

It all starts when we are very young. We are taught to put people into groups and to make sure we know which ones not to be around and which ones are okay. In schools you have the Goths, Preps, Tomboys, Nerds, Jocks, Cheerleaders, Losers, Bullies and everyone else in between. What would happen if people  past the façade of humanity, and what we’ve been taught, and looked a little deeper before jumping to conclusions about someone based on race, gender, religion, ethnicity or appearance? Would it be so bad to reach out a hand of kindness to someone who doesn’t fit into your version of the world?

“I can relate to anyone. I can hang out with stoners, skaters, surfers, stockbrokers, lawyers, athletes, rappers. I feel I can hang out with any group of people and find common ground to talk with them.”  - Barry Zito 

You may not need any new friends, or want any new “birds” in your flock, but someone else may need you. It’s not always about what we want, or what works for us, but about breaking barriers and doing something for someone else. It won’t be easy, but it will be worth it.

Thanks for reading!

Man vs. Machine

The other day my sister and I were taking a casual shopping trip to Wally World (aka Wal-Mart for the non-educated). We were heading to a friend’s house, so we were just getting some snack foods and a game…nothing major, like six items total. We contemplated our exit strategy and decided to head for the self checkout line. As you know, this experience of “self check out” is not for everyone. Definitely not for the faint of heart, pregnant women and anyone on social security. Sorry.

We attempted the shortest line, #50. There were only two people in front of us and they were together, so technically one person. They seemed young enough, this should be quick. They attempted to type in the barcode number for 3 rolls of wallpaper for like an hour (or 4-5 minutes, whatever), before help arrived in the form of the exuberant Wally employee, Ivy. She happily typed in her codes only to discover that, “Oh, no!” it’s broken…hoorah. She offered the couple a chance to go through her line which btw is invitation only.

Great.

So, we decided to head over to #48, surely this would get us out quickly. A foreign lady and her two kids were in line in front of us, with way more than 12 items or less, but even so it shouldn’t take too long. Well, all was well until the coconut wouldn’t scan…for like 15 minutes…darn coconut. After the coconut disaster had passed, it was our turn to master the machine. Of course the first thing we tried DID NOT SCAN! So, we left them there and continued…seriously, we stood there on the verge of a complete outburst in laughter. Not at the woman, or the fact that Wal-Mart was having issues, or even that Ivy was still so pleasantly (NOT!) helping out all the customers. We were laughing at this ridiculous situation we found ourselves in. A 20 minute trip to the Wal, had turned into a 45 minute fiasco with lines clear to China and the fast and furious “express” lanes breaking down left and right…hysterical.

“How much of human life is lost in waiting.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

The machine world that we have grown so dependant on to speed things up for us, can most definitely slow things down to a halting, screeching, incredibly abrupt halt. Interesting isn’t it?

23 and Counting

So I recently celebrated 23 years of existence on planet earth. It’s been a great couple of decades; the parts I remember that is. As I have been reminded numerous times that I am 7 years away from being 30. Not that this is bad, but…I have a lot to do before then! Lots of dreams waiting to become reailty, lots of falls to stand back up from and lots of people’s lives to touch.

I’ve been able to do many things in my first 23 years; save my brothers finger, and his life, from ending; minister in 5 states, 3 countries, and on a cruise ship. (I heart Albania!); traveled to Europe and toured the Coliseum, Pompeii and the Catacombs; paid cash for my first car; graduated high school with a 3.83 GPA; made it through college with no debt and graduated with a 3.99 GPA and a Bachelor’s degree. That’s a lot, especially since most of that was in the past 4 years! I have been blessed with many opportunities and I’m excited about what is next.

Here are a few  things I MUST do before I turn 30:

1. Go to Paris, Scotland, Ireland and Australia
2. Visit all 50 states
3. Start a business (or further the one I do now)
4. Learn to play the violin
5. Learn how to make my own clothes
6. Write a book
7. Go to a show on Broadway
8. Get a tattoo or piercing (a Henna tattoo might suffice)
9. Buy a sports car
10. Save (at least) $100,000.000
11. Buy a house
12. Get married!
13. Adopt a baby from Romania
14. Figure out what I want to do for the rest of my life!

 

Dreams pass into the reality of action. From the action stems the dream again; and this interdependence produces the highest form of living.
- Anais Nin

Age is something to be proud of, not to be feared. I’m totally excited about what is in store for the next 23 years of my life! Dreaming big and ready for what’s ahead!

Don’t give up on YOUR dreams. Make a list of everything YOU want to accomplishment and then make it happen! You never know what you’re capable of until you try something new.

Thanks for reading!

Super Size It

Invisibility. Super Strength. Flying. Telekinesis. Mind Reading. Night Vision. Mutation. Time Travel. Immortality.

I think we all have had moments where we’ve envisioned ourselves with some sort of super power or magical ability. Whether it be the grandeur of Superman, the allure of Electra and Storm, the mystery of The Cullen’s, or the darkness of Batman – or maybe the legacy of Wonder Woman, Thor or Captain America. Whether you’d prefer to be in The Justice League or the XMEN, or be a vampire of werewolf. Either way, we all have something in us that would love to be super human. It’s there inside all of us just waiting to escape the confines of our human form. Do you know what I’m talking about?

“Never underestimate the power of dreams and the influence of the human spirit. We are all the same in this notion: The potential for greatness lives within each of us.” Wilma Rudolph

I remember being a kid, thinking of all the things I would do if I had super powers – all the good I would do and how great it would be. Even so young, I wanted to do something great; be something great or at least be something more than I seemed to be. We all want to do something great; to save the day and make a significant difference.  Sometimes that desire is hidden amidst layers of self-doubt, insecurity and fear, but it’s there. We forget under layers of rejection, confusion, anger, dis-contentment, circumstances and hurt.

Some find what they are looking for and reach their goals, but really the journey never ends; it continues from one challenge to the next; from one great victory to another. Even though we will probably never be able to bend metal with our minds, or bring down the greatest foe with the flick of our pinky finger; we will always have the ability to make a difference with the uniqueness each of us possess. The ability to communicate, to care for the sick, to defend the innocent, to fight for freedom, to stand up for what is right and to serve others.

“It is incumbent upon us to understand our greatness and believe in it so that we do not cheapen and profane ourselves.” – Meir Kahane 

“Integrity is the first step to true greatness. Men love to praise, but are slow to practice it. To maintain it in high places costs self-denial; in all places it is liable to opposition, but its end is glorious, and the universe will yet do it homage.” – Charles Simmons 

The “super power” we possess is greater than anything we’ve seen or read about. Find your niche, locate your gifts and choose to be someone’s hero. The only thing stopping you — is you – (and the big, hairy thing standing behind you).

Thanks for reading!

Word Worm: Part 2

A powerful agent is the right word. Whenever we come upon one of those intensely right words… the resulting effect is physical as well as spiritual, and electrically prompt.
 - Mark Twain

Welcome to Part Two of Word Worm – if you missed the first part, you better go read it! The research through World Wide Words and Squidoo, have been incredible and I have compiled 26 interesting words for you to learn, enjoy and use to amaze people with!

“N” IS FOR “NUDIUSTERTIAN”
Means “the day before yesterday”

“O” IS FOR “OXTER”
Oudated word meaning “armpit”

“P” IS FOR “PILLIVER”
Old English word meaning a pillowcase

“Q” IS FOR “QUOCKER-WODGER”
A wooden puppet on a string

“R” IS FOR “ROARATORIOS AND UPROARS”
The term refers to oratorios and operas

“S” IS FOR “STINKING ROGER” AND “SPONDULICKS”!
Afetid flower with a distinctive, indelicate fragrance similar to a figwort, henbane or marigold

“T” IS FOR “TITTYNOPE”
Refers to a small quantity of anything left over be it a measly morsel of gristle remaining on a dinner plate

“U” IS FOR “UMQUHILE”
An adverb meaning formerly, previously; or, former

“V” IS FOR “VOMITORY”
A passageway leading to a tier of seats in a theater

“W” IS FOR “WINKLEPICKER”
Refers to a style of shoe or boot worn in the 1950s onward by both male and female British rock and roll fans

“X” IS FOR XANTIPPE
The wife of Greek philosopher Socrates who was known for her bad temper. Now the term is used to signify a shrew or surly spouse (who more often than not thinks children should neither be seen nor heard)

“Y” IS FOR “YEUK”
A 15th century Middle English word used by the Scots meaning “to itch”

“Z” IS FOR ZOUCH
A differently-abled, experientially-enhanced, non-traditionally ordered Don Juan with temporarily unmet objectives

Ok, that’s all folks!

Thanks for reading and see you on Wednesay,

Ben : – )