Keep on Dreaming

I would like to embrace uncertainty. So how do I do this without throwing up?

On April 1st I took on the challenge to train for and run the Army 10-Miler at the end of October. With that decision I also took on a huge load of uncertainty. How will I find the time to do this? Can I do this? What if I fail? What if I never make it? Am I a fool for doing this? Will I be laughed at (I was)? What do I have to prove anyway? All these questions plagued my thinking. And then I did it. I stepped through the wall of fear and took that first step. In fact I did almost throw up, but I also discovered something about myself – I have more potential than I had come to think I did.

Last week I ran on the beach to condition my physical being. It took its toll on me, but through this journey I am learning that the pain, setbacks, and injuries are all part of game. To strengthen muscle you must first tear it. There is no other way. Logic would say that to increase the fullness of your life you must first go through some pain too. This might include acknowledging and letting go of things that hold you back like inaccurate beliefs, negativity, bad habits, toxic relationships, sin, etc… And even when you push through and start moving towards your goal something terrifying will show up to stop you – doubt. Doubt that achieving your goal will make a difference. This doubt is so powerful it can cause you to quit.

The way to beat the doubt is to doubt it. What if the doubt is wrong? What if achieving your goal is conditioning you to do greater works like achieve your life’s dream. What if your life’s dream has the power to sustain you? To feed you? To provide for your overall well being? I believe it does. Hang in there, dreams do come true. This is tonight’s lesson.

Here’s a song from the '90s to keep you dreaming (and dancing).  It's a song my wife and I used to groove to when we were dating.  Brings back good memories.

Trust the Journey

Let go. The more you try to control things the more you suffer. This is what my vacation and kids are teaching me.

When I was in Europe a while back, I made a conscious effort to let the trip play out as it would. There were many times I let things go against my desire to try and control things. Interestingly enough things worked out better than I could have hoped fir.

For example, on the last day there we were running late to the airport and no taxis were in sight. At first my anxiety level shot up and then something inside of me said; “Trust the journey. It will never fail you.” Sure enough when we arrived at the airport our flight was delayed. I could have spent the morning annoyed and upset, but instead I was at peace and enjoyed some time studying the architecture of the airport in Paris.

This week has been similar, but a little more difficult. The reason is my kids are with me and my natural tendency as a parent is to try and control the environment. I think it’s my desire to protect my kids that drives this. I worry they may get hurt, not have a good time, not have enough to eat, grow up to be delinquents, etc… When I try to control things I end up being the cause of the miserable time I was trying to avoid in the first place. So I’m letting go and trusting the journey will never fail them too.

This does not mean I am not aware and vigilant. It just means I realize I am not God. I am their dad and I can only do the best I can to direct, guide, and protect them. Most importantly I need to ease up and love them without condition (as I write this my 2-year-old daughter is smacking me in the head to go to the beach).

Let go. That is today’s lesson. Control is an illusion. Something you actually never have. Replace it with trust. Trust in a God who loves you and will never fail you. Trust in the journey called your life. God gave it you and He will see you through it.

Here’s a song to help you get started.

Beautiful Life

Life is beautiful. That’s the thought I had the other day as I ran along the MD seashore.

This week I’m at the beach with my family and it’s been amazing. My kids are a wonder to watch as they build imaginative landscapes in the sand and lose themselves in laughter as the cool (my wife would say cold) ocean water washes over their feet. Over the last few days we’ve settled into a relaxing daily routine that makes our lives back at home feel like a distant memory. I get up early and run barefoot in the surf for an hour, prepare and serve breakfast, pack lunch, head to the beach, dig a huge hole in the sand (this is mandatory my kids tell me), pop in and out of the water to cool off, break-up a few Tom and Jerry episodes, make sculptures in the sand (mermaids, dragons, and dolphins), watch people come by and see my creations, head back to the condo for dinner and nightly activities (miniature golf is the new favorite), negotiate with my kids to go to sleep (I’m relaxed and patient remember), and finally float off into dreamland.

The one thing that’s challenging is the temptation to eat all the tasty stuff they sell at the beach. You know, ice-cream, juicy steak and cheese subs with extra pickles, pizza, boardwalk fries, fresh squeezed lemonade, cotton candy, caramel apples with nuts (hmm hmm), deep fried shrimp with lots of cocktail sauce, etc… Most of these things I’ve resisted because I need to be in optimal condition for October’s race. Oddly enough, I don’t miss them. Temptations are just thoughts you haven’t challenged yet. In the past I thought these foods brought me happiness. Now I know that’s just a thought. I am happiness. I don’t need anything external to make me happy (except those boardwalk fries and fresh squeezed lemonade).

In actuality, being with my wife and kids and watching them have so much fun has brought the happiness out of me. I think it’s because I’m living in the moment. Kids have a way of helping you do this if you just go with it.

Vacations are great. They help us break out of the monotony of our daily patterns and realize much joy can be found in doing things out of the norm. However, you can experience this joy without having to go on vacation. Just try to do something different and new everyday. You’ll see what I mean. This is tonight’s lesson.

Here's a song to capture the spirit of this lesson.

Life's Miracle

“One day when my time is up God is going to ask me… did you ever put it on the line? Did you ever not know and still jump? Did you ever just close your eyes and… let go?”

This was a line I heard tonight while watching the movie Saint Ralph. It struck a chord with me.

My answer to God would be yes. I was born into this life not knowing how it would play out. On my first day of human existence I opened my eyes and woke up. Now I close my eyes to let go and remember the truth of my existence before I was born. Now I’m also putting it all on the line. My mind, my body, my spirit, my emotions. They are not mine to hold on to anymore. Not if I want to what do what I was born to do.

These words may not make sense but making sense of something as beautiful as life is not easy – and maybe not necessary.

When you allow your life to be a miracle you give people a glimpse into the face of God. This is a lesson I learned tonight from Saint Ralph and one I share with you.

Here’s the final song from the movie.

Keep Running

I’m happy with myself tonight. Why? Because something inside of me has changed.

Tonight I just wanted to eat a quart of Häagen-Dazs mango ice cream (which I did), skip blogging, read a book, and go to sleep. I was feeling an overwhelming sense of lethargy and I almost gave in to it. Then something inside of me spoke up and said, “What are you doing? Get up and go downstairs to run. Your life is waiting.”

That was a nice way of saying, “Get up off your lazy ass and keep training.” Harsh words I know, but sometimes you just have to get real with yourself.

Throughout this “running to my life” journey there has been a constant theme – running. I can’t run 10 miles, or any long distance, without running there. Does this make sense? Let me explain. To run 10 miles, or any long distance, I need to run there. Get it. Run there. Not walk there, not crawl there, not hobble there (although this might be the way it goes down sometimes). Run there. That’s what I have to do. Run there.

Sitting around, eating ice cream, and reading books is all good fun, but it’s not running. There is a time and place to chill, but it’s not when you are trying to get somewhere in life. That’s tonight’s lesson.

I think my cousin Kenny has this lesson figured out. Check out his message below. It’s deep.

Back to My Senses

I am not my feelings.

I am not my thoughts.

I am not my circumstances.

When I allow any of these forces to dictate my attitude and behavior, I’m potentially setting myself up for disaster. Why? Because these forces are only indicators to inform me of what’s going on inside and outside of me. Yes, I should acknowledge and maybe listen to them, but then I need to step back and see what the most reasonable response is.

How many times have you let your emotions get the best of you and said things you later regretted? How many times have you allowed your thoughts to consume you and acted in ways you later wish you hadn’t? How many times have you allowed circumstance to dictate your emotions and thoughts, even though you have no direct control of the circumstance? I do this quite often and I believe it’s time to stop.

Allowing anything other than truth to dictate my life sounds crazy to me. Time to come back to my senses and regain my sanity. "Take out the trash" so to speak. This is tonight’s lesson.

Here's a video that resonates with this lesson.



“Take out the trash… The trash is anything that is keeping you from the only thing that matters. This moment. Here and now. And when you truly are in the here and now, you’ll be amazed at what you can do and how well you can do it.”

Life is Good

“Life is good” read the bumper sticker in front of me as I drove home today - twice. “Is it really?” I wondered to myself because that’s not how I am feeling right now.

Just the other day a co-worker told me she believes life is simply a place of misery and suffering. It is riddled with one problem after another and generally these problems are out of your control. I told her, “Ok, so why don’t we all just die right now then. What’s the point of living a miserable existence?” She looked at me and sort of smiled.

So what’s the trick to living a “good” life instead of a miserable one? Your attitude.

Life does not feel “good” to me right now but that does not mean it is not “good”. I am simply reflecting my feelings because it’s how I feel. Feelings are not concrete truths. They come and go like the seasons and if you let them drive your attitude you will be like a ship tossed at sea – up and down, up and down, and all over the place.

Tonight’s lesson is avoid becoming a victim of your emotions by accepting them for what they are – indicators that you are a spiritual being having a human experience. Life can feel great at times and not so great at others. That’s alright. The important thing is to keep a balanced and realistic attitude. Don’t fool yourself with optimism either (though a positive attitude won’t hurt). Be realistic with your situation, step back, and see what concrete action you can take to yield positive outcomes – for you and for others.

Here is something I think we forget as adults. Kids seem to believe this and maybe that’s why they are intrinsically happy.

No Easy Way Out

Last Thursday I got “back in the saddle” and this morning the wild stallion called my life bucked me off and sent me flying through the air. Metaphorically speaking, I came down crashing and knocked out a few teeth. I think I may have broken some bones as well. But you know what. I don’t care. I will get on the saddle again and ride my life until it breaks or it kills me, whichever comes first.

I don’t care if I life is not fair. I don’t care if I don’t have enough money. I don’t care if I ever get an external breakthrough. Why? Because none of these things can actually bring me true happiness. I keep telling myself happiness is a choice, and now life is helping me to internalize this truth.

Lately, I wake up with what feels like a heavy vest strapped to my body. I know what this is now. It’s all the negative thinking in my head that does not want to surrender peacefully. It won’t leave without a fight and it's a coward because it attacks me at my weakest moments. I won’t let it win though. It can crush me with the weight of its negativity, but I’m still breathing. And as long as I’m still breathing I can always choose my destiny.

These words are easy to write, but the reality of changing your life for the better can be grueling. Sometimes the only thing you can do is run. Run to your life that is and not from it.

Tonight’s lesson is to hang in there and believe in a day when you will truly know what it means to live life to the fullest. Inch by inch and life’s a cinch. Find the fire inside of you and allow it consume all doubt, worry, anxiety, and fear. It will hurt and burn, but that’s what tears are for. Let them flow if you must.

When life punches you in the face, sometimes all you can do is turn to Rocky for some inspiration to punch back.. “There is no easy way out… there’s no shortcut home…”

Mind Shift

When I believe other people’s negative thinking I suffer. So what can I do about this? Stop believing other people’s “stinking thinking”. Instead, I will only believe that which I accept to be true and in alignment with God’s will for my life.

Lately the economy and its negative implications seem to cloud many conversations people have with me. I don’t think there is anything wrong with acknowledging the reality of things and realizing its impact on yourself and others. The trouble starts when you internalize these things and allow them to consume your attitude and behaviors. Katie Byron, a self-help guru, says there are only three kinds of business – your business, other people’s business, and God’s business. Macro events, like the economy, we have no direct control over fall into the category of God’s business. If you’re minding God’s business, who’s minding your business?

This is not to say that the economic recession has not had a real negative impact on many people, including many who were not the direct cause of it. I too have felt the pain of a down economy, but one day I woke up and said, “Ok… what can I do now. Wherever there is crisis there is opportunity to change things for the better."

In addition, it's a good idea to get your eyes off your own troubles by helping and serving others. Joel Osteen, a renowned evangelist, says, “I can’t see when my eyes are on me.” I think he is right.

That simple mind shift helped me move from a reactive mode to a proactive mode in my life. When I’m being proactive, like training to run long distances, I engage my mind, body, spirit, and emotions in a way that starts to unleash my inner potential. In turn, I start moving towards that which I want to manifest in my life. I start to feel in tune with my life’s purpose. I start to feel closer to God. And suddenly, things that are out of my direct control, like the economy, don’t negatively consume my thoughts and life anymore.

Tonight’s lesson is to always remember you can do amazing things in life if you choose to be proactive instead of reactive. When you make this simple choice, doors start to open, the stars align in your favor, and you start to feel and act happier all around.

Interestingly enough, now you are also in a great position to open doors for others, align the stars in their favor, and help them feel and act happier. Try it. It works like magic.

Here’s a song I feel resonates with this lesson.

Back in the Saddle

Ok... I'm back. Not just physically, but also mentally, spiritually, and emotionally (for the moment at least). Like Shakira (my wife's alter ego - we are all from the same city in Colombia) sings in "Waka Waka", it's time to "...get back in the saddle".

Tonight I finally ran after 2 weeks off caused by a strained tendon and ankle (my swollen right calf looked like Popeye's forearm for while there). It felt great and I realized one of the things I most love about running is sweating. In my mind every drop of sweat carries with it stress, anxiety, worry, negative thoughts, etc… I love to look down at the pool of sweat collect by my feet after I stop running. To me it represents all the bad stuff in my life I no longer need or hold. Next time I might even drop a dance step or two in that puddle to celebrate my new life.

To ease back into running I decided to jump on the treadmill tonight instead of going outside. As I ran I was reminded that only a few short months ago I struggled to run up a flight of stairs – literally. I don’t know exactly what was happening to me at the time (bet it had something to do with chronic stress and stinking thinking), but I was definitely in a life funk. I can only thank God for bringing me out of that state and blessing me with the grace to be here today. I’m also grateful to my sister for pushing me to get real with myself.

Tonight’s lesson is in life there are things you might not be able to do immediately, like run 10 miles, but with preparation, dedication, and practice you can accomplish anything you believe you can. The hardest step is that first one, but once you step out in faith everything will work out if you keep at it. Once you internalize this truth, taking on other challenges in life becomes more and more fun (not always easy though – you have to be honest with yourself here).

Here’s a music video to inspire you to keep pushing forward.

Keeping at It

It’s been fifteen days since I last ran, and those 10.5 miles took their toll on a body that still needs some conditioning.

Have I quit running? No. I’m just learning the hard way that everything in life has its price. In this case a strained tendon and sprained ankle. Doesn’t really matter though. This minor setback is well worth the joy I felt running those 10.5 miles and the mental boost it gave me afterwards.

Today two of my greatest teachers, my sons, also reminded me that pushing yourself to excel is well worth the effort. A while back I blogged about my oldest son’s tae kwon do class, and now his younger brother is in it as well. Those two little ninjas in the making are so serious about that class, it’s amazing to watch them.

To measure progress in the class the students receive tips (color tape wraps) on their uniform belts to signify they’ve demonstrated knowledge of a technique or concept like focus. Those tips are what drive my oldest son to act totally serious and focused in class and to push himself to execute his moves as powerfully and methodically as he can. Again, I have to say how amazing this is to watch.

Tonight’s lesson is inspired by my two little martial artists (imagine what’s going to happen when their beautiful baby sister is of dating age - they will have a combined 36 years of martial arts under their belt). To excel in anything you must practice discipline and focus and execute with heart and passion. You might not get a black belt right away, but keep at it, and one day you will.

And to drive this lesson home, let’s revisit one of my favorite flicks from the ‘80s. I can already imagine the day when I'll be coaching my kids at martial arts tournaments. My daughter is actually the toughest one of them all and she likes to fight dirty (hits the other two with anything she can get her little hands on).

You Were Created for More

“Every time you hit a wall… you have a decision to make… either you can stop at that wall or you can go parallel left or parallel right… you’re looking for that door and when you get to the door you have another decision to make. Should I open it or keep it closed? If you keep it closed you made the decision to quit. If you open the door you made the decision to carry on and continue on with your journey… always open the door because once you open the door and go through it, your mind resets… and it gets you a few more miles” ~ David Goggins, Ultramarathon Runner

150 miles. That's how much this guy runs. Amazing.

Tonight's lesson? You are capable of doing more than you think you can. Just remember to search for and find the door next time you hit a wall in life. And when you do, open and step through it. You will be amazed at how much more you were created for.

Here’s a video of the guy noted above.

Fighting Discouragement

“I’m fine without you now… I don’t need you here. I’m fine without you now… can you disappear.”

These lyrics are resonating with me right now and the thing I can live without is discouragement.

Life is not always easy and things may not work out the way you want. Fighting this truth leads to suffering. Embracing it leads to freedom. In words this is easy to say. In reality, it’s not so easy do.

Right now I am discouraged and it’s alright to be so. I don’t feel like pretending everything is cool because it isn’t. However, I will not stop believing life is magical and that I, and only I, can create my happiness. Also, I will not blame anyone or anything for my life - I own my decisions that brought me here.

Happiness is not a product of external circumstances. It is a choice. Happiness is a natural condition that lives inside of you and you always have the choice to manifest it or not. Life can beat you down, but you can’t let the “shadow” of circumstance to overcome you. By choosing to be happy regardless of circumstance you can step back, assess your circumstance, and take concrete action to move towards that which you think has positive value in your life. This is tonight’s lesson.

Here’s a video clip that resonates with this lesson.



“The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows… it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it… but ain’t about how hard you hit, it’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward… how much you can take and keep moving forward… That’s how winning is done!”

Masterpiece in the Making

“You are the masterpiece of your own life. You are the Michelangelo of your own life. The David that you are sculpting is you.” ~ Dr. Joe Vitale MSC.D.

Interesting statement, so what does it mean?

I think it means we have the power to shape our lives the way we want it. In addition, we have the God given talent to make it magnificent.

My parents have a statue of David in their home. They other day my son asked me why he is naked? “Good question,” I thought to myself, “Why is he naked?”

Maybe he is naked because he has nothing to hide. Maybe he is naked because he is comfortable with himself. Maybe he is naked because that’s how his sculptor saw him.

Could this provide some insight into our own lives? Who would you be if you had nothing to hide? Who would you be if you were comfortable with yourself? Who would you be if you saw yourself the way your Creator does?

Someone wonderful I bet.

Tonight’s lesson. If you’re going to take the time to create something as important as a life, make sure you sculpt a masterpiece.

Here’s an inspirational song I came across today you might enjoy.

Beating the Bullies

Do you know what “Border Bullies” are? They are people who show up to stop you from pursuing your dreams once you’ve made up your mind to leave your comfort zone. At least this is how Bruce Wilkinson describes them in this bestselling book The Dream Giver.

“Border Bullies” say things like, “I doubt you can do that,” and, “why do you want to do that?” Because “Border Bullies” are usually loved ones, or close to you, their words can hurt and discourage you.

In their minds, “Border Bullies” believe they are showing concern for you. What if you set out on your journey and fail? What if something bad happens to you? What if you never return from your journey? These are all worries that swim around in the minds of “Borders Bullies”.

The problem is that those worries are not your reality, and if you let them consume you, you’ve failed before you even started.

So how do you deal with “Border Bullies”? By not allowing their fears, worries, and anxieties to become yours. “Border Bullies” mean well and their words may have value, but in the end it’s your life and dream and no one can stand in the way of you becoming who you were created to be.

Tonight’s lesson is to always make it a point to listen to people and make a conscious effort to find value in their words. However, at the end of the day make up your own mind and look inside of yourself for truth and guidance.

This is a great book to read.

What is Love?

Love. That’s what I need to be happy. That’s what I need to be me in the truest sense.

It’s all around me all the time, so why do I keep failing to see it?

Maybe I’m looking with the wrong instrument – my eyes. Maybe I need to start looking with my heart. It can’t “see” in the normal sense of the word, but from experience I know it has the power to realize that which I cannot always see.

Maybe I need to expand my definition of the word love in order to wrap my mind around it. The Greeks have four words for love: Agápe, Éros, Philia, and Storge. Agápe is the highest form of love. Some describe it as the “all consuming” love God has for us. Éros is sensual love, similar to the love a husband and wife have for each other. Philia refers to brotherly love. Think Philadelphia. Storge is affectionate love like the one parent’s have for their children.

The one thing all these definitions have in common is they imply love is a verb. In turn, to “feel” love you must first put love into action or be the recipient of someone’s love in action.

Interesting how I just resolved my own dilemma. If I want to see love in my life, I must manifest that love through my actions. This is also tonight’s lesson. Love is in the doing, not just in the feeling.

Here’s an example of someone who put their love into action day after day.