R2ML: Running to My Life

Life's Paradox

2011-10-07T21:32:00.002-04:00

I started dying the day I was born. This is a fact. But I also started living with that first breath. That’s the paradox of human existence. We are living and dying at the same time.

Makes me wonder what the point of life is then. If I’m dying why even try to live? Wouldn’t it be easier to just let the days pass by without caring? Without trying? Without loving?

No.

While I’m breathing I choose to live life to the fullest. Why? Because I’m dying. That’s how the paradox works to propel me towards an extraordinary human existence.

The lesson in all of this? Love life. Cherish it. Thank God for it. And go help others do the same.

I think Steve Jobs shared a similar perspective.

Dear God

2011-07-11T21:47:00.003-04:00

God... are you helping me to do this? If You don’t, I’m not sure I will make it. I do believe in myself and what I am capable of. At the same time I am realistic about my limitations. I can endure, but only with Your grace. In return, I don’t have much to offer except my love and belief in You, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. In the past I tried to cut deals with You and make promises I couldn’t keep. This time I’ll just be honest with You and myself. I can never make good on my promises to You except for one - to never stop believing You are there for me. Regardless of what happens, You will never leave or forsake me. I now believe this and it inspires me to push forward.

The lesson? Sometimes a resurrection is needed to live life to the fullest.

The Quest

2011-04-30T20:14:00.003-04:00

The quest will not surrender so easily
Its treasure must be fought for
Seek outside and it will never be revealed
Because it lives inside a place forgotten
In the times of reason and thought
It can’t be made sense of
You must endure until it’s time
To hold it in your hands
But it’s only in your heart
That it will truly appear
That is if you’re ready to see it
To know it... to love it
All this time the quest
Was no more than an acceptance
You were created for a reason
And that reason is simply to be you
You are your own treasure
The quest is over
But the journey continues…

The lesson? Life is only as complicated as you believe it to be.

Here's a chill song to help you reflect on this lesson.

Dreams and Prayer

2011-04-14T11:42:00.005-04:00

The hardest part of making your dreams come true is the last stretch. Why? This is the part of the journey you will have to run alone.

Just before realizing your dreams friends and family will think you're nuts for shaking established comfort zones. Society will tell you to stick to your 9-5 job and not rock the boat. Well meaning mentors will project their own fears on you. You might even feel as though God has abondonded you. But He hasn’t and never will.

A similar thing also happens when you run long distances. There comes a point where you can no longer feel your legs. Your mind is overwhelmed with exhaustion and it can’t think clearly anymore. Even your ability to see may give out on you.

But this is where you find yourself. This is where you see the power to accomplish the extroadinary is within you. The trick is it can’t be accomplished with a conscious mind. You have to trust the power inside of you to see you through. It’s on the other side of the finish line that you will return to reality and see what you have done. Others, now seeing your accomplishment, will embrace you. But until then, it’s only you and God my friend.

Today’s lesson is to understand great things are only accomplished with great effort and risk. Until you are ready to let go of any and all safety nets, you won’t know what you are really capable of.

Here is a video that resonates with this lesson.

Bending Reality

2011-04-13T22:00:00.004-04:00

“Wayseer,” what’s that?
Someone who sees life for what it is
Truths not readily apparent on the surface
Maybe it’s a tortured soul
One that knows it’s away from home
Gifts sometimes seen as a curse
Can’t always explain what they mean
Language a limitation to conception
Ideas only expressed through spirit
So much energy bottled up
It has to find its way out
Alone on a quest few understand
In search of the universe within
It’s hard to live like this at times
So it’s easier to be self-destructive
The world is a duality of reality
The eyes see what the want to see
Purpose… Meaning… A reason
Without these what’s life?
“Wayseers,” an interesting concept
Wonder if there's room for one more

Tonight's lesson? It's cool to be you.

Stripping for Truth

2011-04-08T17:29:00.004-04:00

If you let them, false truths will strip you of your dreams and imprison you in your mind. But what if you strip yourself of false truths first?

False truths tell you your dreams are impossible. They tell you don’t deserve your dreams. They tell you life is designed to kick you in the teeth at every occasion. They do this to control you. To keep you from realizing that within you is the power to bend and shape reality.

So what kind of reality to you want to create? How about one aligned with God’s natural plan and design for humanity? I think this is a great place to start.

Tonight’s lesson is to remember the truth of who and what you are. You are more than the lies the world has fed you. You and all of humanity where created for a purpose. Dreams are blueprints to accomplish this purpose. Keep them alive and never stop believing in their power to sustain your existence.

Here’s a great song that resonates with this lesson.

Run to Live

2011-03-30T22:28:00.004-04:00

Tonight’s run was a hard, but necessary, one. The weight of my thoughts was literally weighing me down.

I tell my sister she saved my life by getting me into running and I’m serious. With the birth of my 4th child and all the responsibilities that come along with it, I’m feeling I need to step up my game. In spirit, chasing the extraordinary is challenging but energizing. In the flesh, chasing the extraordinary is hard and it causes stress. This is where running comes in.

When I run I can literally feel my stress levels moving from my feet up to the top of my head. Somewhere in the middle of my run the desire to quit is overwhelming. But I can't quit because soon after I push beyond that point, my stress rushes out of the top of my head and into the air. What’s left is a refreshed and rebalanced me.

With this renewal I’m ready to take on the challenges of life again. And when I feel overwhelmed I go for another run. Assuming I go running every other day, my stress levels stay at the optimal level needed for creativity and productivity.

Tonight’s lesson is to never fear dying while running on a treadmill (or in life).

Will Smith has something interesting to say about this lesson.

Amazing Grace Arianna

2011-03-20T22:37:00.005-04:00

Do you believe in miracles? What if I told you I saw one today with my own eyes? What if I told you I watched an angel open her eyes for the first time ever and in them I saw God? Would you believe in miracles then?

Today my daughter Grace Arianna was born and words cannot begin to explain the beauty of it all. I have been waiting for her all my life. I think even before I was born into this world I knew her. As I gazed into her beautiful eyes I saw something wonderful. I saw me through her eyes. In her eyes I am me in my purest form because she knows me no other way. That’s why I believe I saw God in her eyes. Because that’s how God sees me… and you.

You see, life is really not that complicated. We are born into this world pure and free. Over time that pureness and freedom is tainted and challenged. But no matter what we do or what happens to us, God sees us as we were the day we were born. Remembering this truth frees us from the self-imposed prisons we construct in our hearts and minds.

As I look at my beautiful daughter and children I can’t help but wonder if I'm fit to be their parent. But you know what? I think I am. Not because I know anything special or because I am perfect, but instead because I know where they came from and why they are here. They were born into my care so that I might love them as God loves me – without condition. God placed dreams in their hearts that I will help them discover and follow. Not a day will go by that I don’t tell them I love and believe in them. Not a day will go by that I don’t tell them they are a gift to the world and the world is a gift to them.

Through my children I am reborn. Through them I remember who and what I really am - a child of God who has known suffering but in the end awoken to the truth of life.

Grace Arianna, I love you with a love that is inexplicable. Thank you for choosing me to be your daddy. Thank you God for this gift.

Tonight’s lesson? Life is amazing. You are amazing. Let God's grace fill your heart with this truth. You will be amazed at what happens next.

Bring Out the Fire

2011-03-18T19:33:00.001-04:00

I stood to face the horizon
The future a big unknown
The past a windblown memory
The journey must continue...

I awoke to a new sun
One that shone a different perspective
Its glow let me see again
The journey must continue...

The struggles, the pain
It consumes my being
Endure, drive forward
The journey must continue...

Days and nights trapped in photos
Moments too many to carry
Embrace it, love it
The journey must continue...

A new horizon
One without a beginning or an end
This is the meaning of life
The journey is eternal...

The lesson? Live the journey. "If you want more... bring out the fire..."

Here is a song to inspire this lesson.

Family Man

2011-03-16T23:12:00.005-04:00

Sometimes I wonder what the meaning of my life is. Why was I born into this world? What exactly am I to do with my life? What’s going to happen to me when I die? Am I on the right track? Why I do I wonder so much.

I think it’s because I have always been curious. My dad reminded me of this tonight as he recounted memories I had long since forgotten. Beautiful memories that I am grateful he still holds on to.

The answers to the questions above are simple. So simple they are sometimes difficult to accept. I, you, we are the meaning of life. God made us simply to be us. We are born into this world to realize that truth. When we die our bodies fade into the earth and our spirits reunite with God. Am I on the right track is not the right question. The real question is have I awoken to my journey? The answer is yes when you stop living for the destination and start living in the moment. The reason we wonder is because wondering is one of our greatest God given gifts. Wonder is what’s needed to bring this world in alignment with God’s original intent for it.

Tonight’s lesson is to remember and embrace that which makes life beautiful for you. For me it’s my family. There is nothing I would rather be than a family man right now.

This song and movie remind me of this.

Written in the Stars

2011-03-08T22:44:00.005-05:00

I think I finally understood something tonight. Life’s struggles are needed to prepare us for the afterlife. Through life’s struggles our mind, body, spirit, and emotions are strengthened and refined. The more theses parts of our being are strengthened and refined, the closer we come to knowing God’s purpose for us. I believe our ultimate purpose is to love and be loved by God. And we are to share this love with others to include the non-human world.

This thought came to me after a long run on my treadmill. I had pushed myself to a point where I thought I had no more to give. Then something inside of me said, “Keep at it and incline the track as high as it will go.” That’s were my exhaustion turned to pain. It’s also where I discovered struggle is needed if you are to grow. In my case I want to run farther and farther. I want to run to my life and never stop.

Tonight’s lesson was inspired by my dad who reminded me that no matter what life throws at you, you always have the choice to choose your response and attitude. Keep a positive spirit and one day your name will be written in the stars. I love you dad for inspiring me with this truth.

Here’s a song to inspire this lesson. “Ohhh, written in the stars… I'm on my way...”

Power from Within

2011-03-01T22:51:00.009-05:00

I run to be free. Free from the thoughts that hold me down. Free from the emotions that blur my vision. Free from the rage that will consume me if I don’t first burn it out.

I run to lose my mind. To forget who and what I am. To forget where I am or where I came from. To finally remember I am me. Just me. No more. No less.

I run because of love. Love for my wife and children. They deserve the best of me. A balanced and peaceful man is what they get when I run.

I run because God created me to do it. When I run, stillness overtakes me. In those moments I intensly feel His presence. God is always there, but when I run I lose myself in the moment with Him.

Running, or anything that seriously gets you out of your comfort zone, is good for you. It brings you into balance by aligning you mind, body, spirit and emotions. This is tonight’s lesson.

Here are some videos that resonate with this lesson. I love this song and running on the beach.

More than Choices

2011-02-26T15:52:00.001-05:00

“You are more than the choices you have made.”

It’s great to hear this because lately I’ve been making some bad choices. Things not worth mentioning but that God knows nonetheless.

Why am I self destructive? Why do I let my thoughts and feelings overwhelm me? Why do I find it hard to trust God? Why can’t I just chill out?

Because I am human. I have to keep reminding myself of this. If I was perfect I don’t think I would need God. It’s my imperfections that keep me from becoming full of myself. It’s my imperfections that remind me of God’s grace and love. My kids can never do anything that would keep me from loving them. I think the same applies to our relationship with God.

God’s love inspires me to be a better human being. It also helps me turn from darkness to light. When my life seems like a series of bad choices, I just need to pause and remember this. This is today's lesson.

Here’s a song that resonates with this lesson.

Understanding Life

2011-02-24T18:10:00.002-05:00

“Who are you when no one is looking?” That’s the thought I had today.

I wish I could say I’m a saint, but that would be a lie. I’m just a guy trying to understand life and do the best I can is probably a more accurate answer. And on occasion I fail and struggle to forgive myself and move on. Thank God I’m getting better at that.

Life is a strange thing. I wonder a lot about the purpose of it all and honestly it’s hard to answer the “why” questions without reflecting on my relationship with God. Why was I born? Why am I alive? Why am I thinking these things? Without a master plan and creator it all seems a bit senseless.

Through my kids I have seen three human beings materialize out of ether and now those three human beings call me dad. It’s wonderful and a little crazy at the same time. I understand the science behind a human life, but how do you explain my kid’s consciousness? The only thing that makes sense to me is that God breathed consciousness into them.

But why where they born onto this planet and reality? Why do I feel compelled to tell them that there is much more to life than what you perceive with your senses? I think it’s because the God that created them created me too and as a parent His spirit and flows through me to them – and vice versa. Interesting huh?

I’m not sure how this last paragraph ties in with my original thought, but I like it nonetheless. Tonight’s lesson is that it is ok to let your imagination take over when reflecting on wondrous mysteries. It makes you feel alive.

Here’s a song that resonates with this lesson.

Tomorrow is Today

2011-02-22T21:07:00.000-05:00

Today is my birthday and the 2nd anniversary of my sister’s stroke. Ironically, the day I was born and the day she almost slipped away are the same.

What are the chances of this happening I ask myself? Impossible I think. That’s why I know there is something more at work here.

In between birth and death there is life. Maybe that is what God is trying to tell us through all of this. Celebrate life while you’re alive. Let go of all the nonsense that keeps you down. As long as you’re breathing you have the power to manifest the life you dream of. It might take time but it’s possible.

And when tragedy does strike, let God show you how to be reborn through it. That's what my sister did with Thoughts of a Butterfly. That is tonight’s lesson.

Here’s a song to remind us that that butterflies fly when the sun comes out.

Love without Condition

2011-02-13T19:33:00.013-05:00

“Why do I love God,” I asked myself today?

Because He loves me just as I am. Because in His eyes I am perfect.

With all the mistakes I’ve made in my life, with all the evil I have committed, with all the times I’ve hurt others, God continues to let me know that He still loves me.

And sometimes He does so in ways I would never have expected.

How?

Through you. Through random acts of love. Through people I don’t even know but that I see God’s compassion and love flowing through. I see and feel God’s presence when I choose to look with my heart. I see and feel God’s love when I stop judging, but instead love as He loves – without condition. That’s tonight’s lesson. Love as God loves so that you too may know His love.

Here’s a song that resonates with this lesson.

Aligning Stars

2011-02-12T11:50:00.004-05:00

“He’s amazing.” That’s the thought I had yesterday as I watched my son walk into his school.

Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about my purpose in life at this moment in time. I’ve been so consumed trying to “make things happen” and “keeping up” that I sometimes miss what’s right in front of me.

I believe in chasing dreams and doing the extraordinary. I love pushing myself to realize deeper truths about life. I love sharing my passion for life with others. But none of this compares to my purpose right now – to guide my children into discovering and living their own purpose.

With a 4th baby on the way in a few weeks I’m struggling to align stars. But do I really have the power to align stars? I don’t know. But I know God does. Maybe I need to let Him do His thing. Maybe all I need to do to live my purpose right now is love and trust. This makes sense to me.

Today’s lesson is to remember the power love has to align our life around the purpose God placed in our hearts when He created us.

Here’s a song to inspire this lesson.

Blowing Up

2011-02-07T19:33:00.000-05:00

This past weekend was not one of my most graceful. In short, I lost it. Why? Too much internal stress bottled up and exploded like a soda bottle that has been violently shaken.

So what did all this drama teach me? That I am human. That I have my physical and emotional limitations. That I need to start running actively again and burn out the stress hormones that are causing my nerve endings to rattle.

The crazy thing is I started off the weekend listening to an inspirational song and I felt I was on the verge of a breakthrough. A blowup is more of what I got. But such is life.

Tonight’s lesson is to remember to be patient with yourself. It’s ok to be human. It’s ok to hurt. It’s ok to lose it on occasion if you have to. After all we are spiritual beings living a human experience. This fallen world can take its toll on the spirit. That’s why God invented tears. The trick is to pick yourself up again and trust God’s plan for your life.

Here’s the song I was inspired by. “I’m coming home…”

Relationships Matter

2011-02-03T19:33:00.000-05:00

“Get at it.” That’s the thought I had tonight as I recapped my weekend in NY.

This past weekend I had the good fortune of spending time with people I love. We ate bagels at Murray’s, visited St. Patrick’s church, went to the top of the Empire State Building, ate some wonderful cuisine, laughed, drank wine, laughed, exchanged dreams, challenged dreams, went to an insane bowling club, walked through Times Square, popped in the M&M store, took a break at Applebee's, and finally ate official NY pizza (I loved that stuff since I was a kid).

I was actually in NY in pursuit of my dreams (more on this later), but in the end the greatest lesson I was reminded of was the only thing that really matters in life are relationships.

“Get at it,” would seem to imply doing something or making things happen. Yes, I think that’s important. But not as important as nurturing and developing relationships with people I love. Life has become hectic lately. Dreams are on the verge of coming true. Mortgages are due. But you know what? Life means nothing without people to share it with. That’s tonight’s lesson. "Get at" spending time with people is what I'm taking away from all of this.

Here’s an ‘80s tune that reminds me of spending time in NY as I grew up.

Behind the Scenes

2011-02-01T19:33:00.022-05:00

“The real magic happens behind the scenes.” That’s the thought I had today.

My wife used to be a professional ballerina and over a 12-year period I watched her on and off stage and got to learn what it takes to put on a professional ballet performance. When I used to sit in the audience the dancers looked so poised and fluid on stage. On occasion I would go behind the scenes and there I’d see exhausted and sweaty dancers doing the best they could to catch their breath. But without fail, they would glide back onto the stage and perform with grace and beauty again and again and again. After the show they would glow that warm glow that accompanies a job well done. This always amazed me.

Behind the scenes of every great performance or success is a tireless pursuit to make it happen. The spotlight moment is but a brief instant compared to the work needed to get there. If the spotlight is all you aspire to have, you’ll never do the work needed to get there. Life is not that easy. That is what I learned from my beautiful ballerina wife. It’s also the lesson I share with you tonight.

Here's a behind the scenes video at the Washington Ballet. It features my friend Jonathan Jordan who plays Peter Pan. Jonathan is one of the most disciplined people I know that lives the lesson above.

Everyday Magic

2011-01-31T19:33:00.002-05:00

“Get out of the way and let the magic happen.” That’s the thought I had to today as I wondered what is to become of my life.

So what exactly does this mean. What is “magic”? Does it involve a rabbit, a hat, and a magic wand? No. I don’t think so in this case. The magic I’m thinking of here are those wonderful moments in life when the stars align in your favor despite you. It’s those moments you sit back and smile at God’s goodness in your life.

I’m a firm believer in taking action to manifest your dreams, but sometimes stepping aside and letting God do His thing is the best thing to do. I like to call this “everyday magic”. This is tonight's lesson.

Here’s a ‘80s song that resonates with this lesson.

Step Up and Jump In!

2011-01-17T19:33:00.023-05:00

I once heard a story that went something like this.

A man lived by a river called Life. Everyday he would go down to the river, dip his cup into it, and take a drink. Day after day and year after year he did this.

Then one day he had an epiphany. Instead of taking a drink from the river called Life, he jumped into it. In that moment he realized Life offers more than a daily drink. If you want to, you can jump into it with all your being.

This story resonates with my life right now. I think I have one foot in the river called Life. But something keeps me from throwing myself in completely. What's holding me back I wonder? I need to run and figure this out.

Tonight’s lesson is to never fear what might become of you if you throw yourself into the river called Life. I think some call this living in the “flow” or the "moment". It's where I dream of being.

Here’s a song and video that inspires me to “step up” and jump into the flow.

What are Dreams?

2011-01-07T23:42:00.007-05:00

“You can do anything in your dreams,” said my 6-year-old as he prepared to go to sleep tonight. I pray he never forgets this.

Dreams. What exactly are they? Are they things you hope to acquire? Things you hope to do? Things you want to be? Are they a “thing” at all? Do you just get one big dream? Can you have many dreams?

I think dreams are all of this and more.

To me dreams are something that have no time or place. No beginning and no end. They have existed since the beginning and will be here through the end. Dreams are placed inside of us when we are born to remind us of something greater within ourselves. They are hard to put into words, but easy to spot when they materialize. And even when they come true they keep on growing. Sometimes our dreams become the catalyst for others to realize their dreams.

Dreams are worth chasing. Their worth giving your life for. In the end you might discover that to dream is to be close to God. I think that’s what my son was talking about tonight. It’s a lesson I share with you.

Here is one of the greatest dreamers of our time.

Move On

2011-01-04T19:33:00.004-05:00

The day starts bright,
And soon turns to dark.
How did I end up here again?
A place I detest,
But am still drawn to.
Attachment, it’s a curse.
The desire to escape reality.
But why?
Reality is all I have.
It’s where the moment lives.
Is it fear? Is it worry?
Fear and worry about what might be?
Who I might be?
I’ll let go again now.
Empty me of me.
It’s the only way out.
It’s the only way to be me – for real.

The lesson? Be understanding with yourself and move on.

Here's a '90 song to inspire this lesson.

What is Joy?

2010-12-27T21:59:00.003-05:00

Joy is cleaning out my garage so my kids can play in it.
It’s making my bed in the morning and marveling at the order of it.
It’s my daughter saying, “C’mon Daddy, as she holds my hand.”
It’s having my son burry his head in my stomach showing how much he trusts me.
It’s my oldest son saying, “Watch this dad,” as he amazes me with his talents.
It’s watching my children hug each other after they have been apart.
It’s my wife smiling at me as I walk downstairs in the morning.
It’s sitting in my favorite chair with a great book.
It’s the feeling I get when I use my imagination.
Joy is all those small things I could easily take for granted,
If I'm not paying attention.

This is tonight's lesson.

Here's an '80s tune that helps me to pay attention to the "finer [and simpler] things".

Enough is Enough

2010-12-17T19:33:00.005-05:00

“That’s enough.” That’s the thought I had today as I committed to letting go and chilling out.

I’m letting go today. Letting go of what I think I should or should not be doing. Letting go of thinking the weight of the world is my responsibility. Letting go of everything that has been keeping me down lately. But I’m not letting go of the lessons I’m learning.

How can it be that life feels like a sweet dream at times and like a tragic nightmare at others? Maybe that’s how it’s supposed to feel. Life is designed to teach us what we need to learn. Right? Sometimes the easy way works. Sometimes the hard way is the only way. The more I struggle with accepting this truth the more I suffer. Life is light and dark and everything in between. This is what makes it the adventure it is. The trick is to bring light to the darkness I think.

Today I talked with a few friends at work about all of this. The common thought we all shared was “it is what it is”. I think this is called reality. The quicker you accept it, the quicker you find peace. But peace is not on the outside. It’s on the inside. I’ve told myself this a million times and I’ll say it again. Peace is a decision. But sometimes to make that decision you must first decide you’ve had enough. This is tonight’s lesson.

Here’s a mellow song to help you clear your head.

Frozen in Stillness

2010-12-15T19:33:00.011-05:00

I have lost sight of the true meaning of life. Worry, anxiety, and discouragement have consumed my thinking and emotions. With all that I have learned and lived, I am at a loss as to what to do.

Control your thoughts. Run and expel the toxins. Breathe deeply and meditate on the wonder of life. Remember life has a beginning and an end; don’t waste a moment of it. Lead with a grateful heart. Your attitude determines your altitude. All these ideas and more swirl around my head.

Stop. Be still.

Kiddo… When did the battle become yours? When did I say I would abandon you? You know too much. You think too much. It’s all good but you’ve lost sight of the truth. I did not create you to crack the code to the mysteries of the universe. I created you simply to be you. You are a manifestation of my love. Do you understand that?

These words you write. Have you forgotten to read them? I’ve given them to you for a reason. I wanted you to know me. Not in some abstract cosmic way, but for real. I’m not some idea or concept. I’m your Father.

You’re suffering kiddo because you’re trying too hard to make sense of things that don’t need to be made sense of. Sometimes it’s alright just to be. You call this the moment right? Let go for now. I will not abandon you. This is the lesson I want you to reflect on tonight.

Maybe it’s time to “break the ice and feel like time is standing still”. Let it flow naturally kiddo. It's like breathing. It's like riding a bicycle.

Angels from Above

2010-12-14T19:33:00.007-05:00

In her eyes I see laughter manifested in spectacle,
Her smile radiates divinity in motion.

She doesn’t know it yet, but she’s an angel.
An angel sent to help me find my own wings.

She teaches me more than any book I’ve ever read,
Or wise words shared by a student of life.

She is the moment in its purest form,
Like water she flows through my inner spirit.

I look at her and wonder how something so beautiful,
Could exist in this world.

She reminds me of who I could be,
An angel who loves life simply because it's there to love.

The lesson? Daughters are a gift from God. Cherish them. Thank God I have one more on the way!

Here’s a video of a talented dad who cherishes his own little angel.

Running for Peace

2010-12-13T19:33:00.003-05:00

Peace is not a by-product of your circumstances and external life. It is a direct reflection of your interior life.

Thoughts and feelings lie at the core of your interior life. You can argue which comes first, but I’ve found that thoughts trigger feelings. So if you want peace, a good starting point is to examine and modify your thoughts.

That’s actually why I blog. Writing my thoughts out helps me understand what’s going on inside my mind. Over time I can see patterns in my thinking and behavior. In turn, I can take action to modify my thoughts, behavior, and life. My thinking about things is what causes me stress or not.

There are many methods out there to modify thinking habits but the simplest is writing things out. This helps you step outside of your thinking and see if it adds value to your life or not. A lot of stressful thinking is the result of worrying about the past or future. The brain can’t tell the difference between real and perceived threat and will react to both by stressing you out – literally. This is an age-old physiological response known as “fight or flight”.

Ways to diffuse stress caused by poor thinking include training the body and spirit. For me, coming into complete balance means having my mind, body, spirit, and emotions working together in a positive manner. In my life it’s been difficult to focus on all four areas at the same time, but when I do, I have known a great sense of peace.

This is tonight’s lesson. Take action to bring your mind, body, spirit, and emotions into balance. The end result is a peaceful existence. Running is a good start.

Let the 5th Dimension inspire you to "Let the Sunshine In" and bring balance to your life.

Attitude Adjustment

2010-12-10T22:46:00.003-05:00

“What a terrible day.” That’s the thought I had tonight as I failed to run again. But was it really so terrible? Let me explore this.

I guess this is all just part of the journey.

Right now it seems like my mind is fixated on solving one problematic aspect of my life – my professional future. To compensate for this stress I’m up to 2 or 3 cups of coffee in the morning and 1 Mountain Dew in the afternoon. I rationalize this by saying it’s part of the creative process. That’s BS. It’s nothing but a mental escape.

It’s like I’m playing a broken record over and over in my mind. One moment all is calm. And the next a storm starts raging. I know running works to bring me into balance, but somehow I just can’t keep a consistent schedule.

Tonight I talked with a new co-worker who brought me a new perspective. He and his wife are living in a motel. Both had been laid off and literally lost everything. He also told me that he’s keeping a positive attitude about the whole thing. He’s working two jobs now and has hope for the future.

That’s it! Today was not terrible. It was a learning experience. The problem with me right now is not my circumstance. It’s my attitude. I lost my attitude of gratitude for a moment there. When this happens the lights go out and all I can see is darkness. Let me turn the light’s back on.

I am grateful for this "terrible" day. That’s tonight’s lesson. You can always choose your attitude once you get over yourself.

Here’s a video that resonates with this lesson.

Looking for Serenity

2010-12-09T21:06:00.002-05:00

The Serenity Prayer

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.
Amen.

~Reinhold Niebuhr

Tonight's lesson? Surrender is the beginning of acceptance. Then comes serenity.

Here's a song that resonates with this lesson.

Crazy Dreams

2010-11-30T23:37:00.005-05:00

“Don’t fear the next step. Just take it.” This is the thought I had tonight.

But what if I don’t know what the next step is? Then I’ll just keep running I guess.

Chasing dreams is a messy business. They can be elusive and distant, or so close you can feel them. Maybe they don’t want you to catch them because they would stop being a dream. What if their purpose is to keep you moving forward?

I don’t know. Sounds crazy to me. But then again a dose of crazy here and there is good for the soul. It reminds me I'm human after all. It reminds me that I need God.

Tonight’s lesson? Dreams would be no fun if they weren’t crazy. They also seem to come true when you have nothing left to turn to but them.

Here’s a song that resonates with this lesson. It’s from a “Rad” ‘80s clip. If you like the song it's "With You" by John Farnham.

Chasing Dreams Forever

2010-11-24T19:33:00.003-05:00

Live Your Best Life

“This is a call to the living,
To those who refuse to make peace with evil,
with the suffering and the waste of the world.
This is a call to the human, not the perfect,
to those who know their own prejudices,
who have no intention of becoming prisoners of their own limitations.
This is a call to those who remember the dreams of their youth,
who know what it means to share food and shelter,
the care of children and those who are troubled,
to reach beyond barriers of the past,
bringing people to communion.
This is a call to the never ending spirit
of the common man, his essential decency and integrity,
his unending capacity to suffer and endure,
to face death and destruction and to rise again
and build from the ruins of life.
This is the greatest call of all,
The call to a faith in people.”

~ Algernon D. Black

Tonight's lesson? Search for and find that thing inside of you that seeks to make a positive difference in the world. Never, never, never stop doing this.

Here's a song to help you chase those dreams. It's also a great song to run to.

Uphill Battle

2010-11-20T16:51:00.008-05:00

“Don’t ever quit on yourself.” That’s the thought I had today as I went for a long, mostly uphill, run.

Shortly into my run my lungs started burning like never before (it’s cold outside now). The hill in front of me looked like a mountain and the thought of stopping and walking was extraordinarily tempting. Then I realized running uphill is what makes me stronger. So I closed my eyes and just kept putting one foot in front of the other. As I reached the top of the hill I was reminded that in life it’s the uphill battles that define our resolve.

I also thought of my friend EVK. He’s a stroke survivor like my sister. And a hardcore runner and martial artist. His passion and story inspire me to run to my life. I hope it does the same for you. Here’s his blog if you’re curious.

Way of the Dove – Be the hope. Live the change.

Today’s lesson is to remember this. “The harder the breeze, the stronger the trees.”

Here is one of EVK’s videos which demonstrate his powerful ability to run inspite of ongoing physical challenges caused by his stroke. He has a running event coming up on April 24, 2011 if you’re interested.

In addition, here's the song that inspired me to push on today. I think this should be EVK's theme song. :-)

Show Some Love

2010-11-19T19:33:00.000-05:00

I think the world needs more love. Usually I'm reserved about sharing deeply personal things. Tonight I'm going in a new direction. Here's a thought I wrote for my wife. I call it "Through it All I Love You".

The days blur into years,
And the experiences into memories.
Through it all I love you.

Times have been good and bad,
And we’ve shared them all.
Through it all I love you.

The past is written and the future unknown,
Here and now is all we have.
Through it all I love you.

I’ve committed my life to you,
For better or for worse.
Through it all I love you.

I am blessed to share today with you,
Then tomorrow and eternity.
Through it all I love you.

Thank you for being my wife,
And the gift of our children.
Through it all I love you.

Always know my heart is yours,
And my sun rises with your smile.
Through it all I love you.

The lesson? The world could use more expressions of love. Don't hold back.

Here's a song that captures this message. I dedicate it to my wife. I'm lucky to be in love with my best friend.

Learning to Listen

2010-11-18T23:08:00.005-05:00

Into the mirror I stared
Wondering who the reflection I saw was
Those eyes… they look familiar
Could they be the ones I’ve looked through before?
Life… what exactly is it?
When did it become so complicated?
You there... In the mirror!
Answer me!
Who are you?
What are you?
Why are you here?
How did you become me?
Answer me. Now!
No answer…
No words to explain
I am you, you are me
Close your eyes
To see us clearly
Listen with you heart
All the answers are there.
They’ve always been there
Waiting for the day
You were finally ready to listen.

The lesson? "All I ever wanted, all I ever needed, is here in my arms."

Here's a song I feel connects with this lesson.

Learning Self-awareness

2010-11-17T19:33:00.040-05:00

Do you have toxic people in your life? People who compliment and indirectly criticize in the same sentence? People who lack the courage to tell others their feelings and instead take their bad feelings out on the innocent? Are these people perpetually talking about themselves, their life, their feelings, and what they think about everything? Are they opinionated, self-righteous, and/or alarming? Do they like to scare others with their words then explain how they will resolve things? Are they convinced they're heroes? Are you convinced they're toxic?

In my own life, people like this mirror things in me I would prefer didn’t exist. Maybe that’s why they are in my life. They help teach me about me.

Toxic people also serve to help us see faults in ourselves that might be holding us back from a fuller life. Their toxic nature can help us purge attitudes and behaviors we don't need anymore.

Much self-help literature says a fuller life starts with self-awareness. You are at the root of the life you want or don’t want. You define you. So what are toxic people teaching you about you? This is tonight’s lesson and reflection.

Here’s a great video by Joyce Meyer on the subject of self-awareness.

Dealing with Energy Thieves

2010-11-16T19:33:00.008-05:00

Do you know what an energy thief is? It’s a person who feels better by making others feel miserable. Many energy thieves aren’t aware of what they are doing. It’s just a natural behavior that has developed over the years.

In his book “The Celestine Prophecy”, James Redfield does a solid job of describing the phenomena behind energy thieves. He calls it the “four control dramas”. Control dramas refer to behaviors aimed at zapping the energy out of others so you can stop feeling bad. He argues your control dramas are largely determined by early care taker’s control dramas. Your control dramas developed as a defense mechanism against those attempting to steal your energy. By energy, I mean emotional well-being.

The first type of control drama is the “Interrogator”. They steal your energy by questioning you, drilling you, and making you feel like your under a microscope.

The second type of control drama is “Aloof”. The aloof person forces you to send energy their way by being mysterious and distant. In an effort to understand them, you focus all your attention on them and they withdraw to make you focus harder.

The third type of control drama is the “Intimidator”. They steal your energy by threatening, scarring, or abusing you. Intimidators are known to inflict physical harm on others thus making them the most dangerous type of control drama.

The fourth type of control drama is the “Poor Me”. They make you feel bad for them by complaining, twisting things around, and appearing like a victim.

At different times we all play out these control dramas. Each control dramas triggers an opposite control drama. For example, an “Interrogator” or “Intimidator” will trigger either an “Aloof” or “Poor Me’ response – or vice versa. The idea is to realize a control drama is at play and defeat it by calling it out or leaving the situation.

Adults need to be especially mindful to not impose control dramas on children who can’t do much about it. These children will grow up to be energy thieves themselves and continue the doom loop of control dramas.

With all this said is there a solution? Yes. Be an energy creator, not an energy taker. Do this by genuinely taking an interest in the pain of others. Send smiles not bad thoughts. Be realistic about your emotions and the emotions of others. Help them see when control dramas are at play. Show love instead of anger. All these things create energy and lift the spirit of others. This is tonight’s lesson.

Here's agreat video on the subject of control dramas.

Imagination, Action, Perseverance, and Fun!

2010-11-15T19:33:00.007-05:00

This past weekend I watched Pixar's Toy Story 3 with my kids and loved it. Inspired by the film, I realized that imagination is one of my greatest gifts. With it life is full of possibilities and wonder. At the same time, imagination is one of my greatest weaknesses. It is sometimes an escape from the current reality of things that leads to inaction.

I’m realizing that many things in life are like this. They can be a positive or a negative depending on how you use them. Imagination inspires me. It fills my heart with joy at what can be. I love to dream. I love to imagine. At the same time, too much of this and I don’t get done what I need to get done to realize those dreams. In this world, everything requires contemplation plus action.

Sometimes it’s alright not to act. There is nothing wrong with being a dreamer. But if you want to eat, pay your bills, and be of service to others, action is required. I think the trick is to find balance between dreaming and acting. Too much of one or the other can push you in the wrong direction. This is tonight’s lesson. Dream and have fun, but act and manifest your dreams to the benefit of the world.

Toy Story 3 took over 9 years to make. Sometimes imagination also requires perseverance… and fun!

Here is a behind the scenes look at Pixar and the making of Toy Story 3. I love this place.

Mistake or Lesson?

2010-11-11T19:33:00.003-05:00

We all stumble in life. Do and say things we later regret. The idea is to not let the mistakes define our life. But instead, use our mistakes to move towards a better life.

What are your mistakes telling you? Is there something wrong under the hood? Are emotions or thoughts out of balance? This is what I have been asking myself lately as I give into negative habits of the past I consider to be ongoing mistakes.

Maybe the mistake is not a mistake after all. Doesn’t everything in life serve a purpose? I think so but it doesn’t mean I need to almost drown to learn to swim. A swim lesson will do.

This last thought leads me to think it might be of value to document the lessons our mistakes teach us. Lesson are great, they help you move forward. Mistakes on the other hand can keep you stuck. I guess you have to figure this out for yourself.

Tonight’s lesson is to take time to study and learn from your mistakes. Don’t be quick to overlook them and don’t be quick to condemn yourself because of them. We put a lot of time into learning from the mistakes of others (and pointing them out I think). What can our own mistakes teach us?

Sometimes mistakes can be painful… and funny.

Is there a Plan?

2010-11-10T19:39:00.003-05:00

Does God have a plan for my life?

I sure hope He does, because right now I could use a plan. A well laid out one with clear steps preferably. But that’s not how life works is it? You generally have to step out in faith and hope first. And when you do, God makes a way for you.

The problem is I’m tired. Tired of trying and not having much to show for my faith. At least not the things I had hoped to see. You know. Like being able to pay my bills without worry, the patience to not take offense at others, and the belief that no matter what happens life will work out alright.

What’s the lesson in all of this? To be honest I’d rather not hear it but it has something to do with trusting God’s timing. I’ve been told He doesn’t come too soon or too late. He shows up at the perfect time because He is perfect. I’m nowhere near perfect so I’ll bet on this promise.

Here’s a song that connects with the spirit of the message tonight.

R2ML: Resurrection

2010-11-09T22:48:00.005-05:00

“I still have something to say.” That’s the thought I had as I ran tonight.

My intention was to complete my 10 mile running journey and put this blog to rest. The idea being the journey was over and I would not have anything more to say. Oddly enough, I’ve been having more thoughts than ever and I’m at a loss as to what to do with them other than write them down here. Also, I’ve been a mild funk since completing the Army 10-Mile and running and blogging help me clear my head.

On every journey there is always a return phase. Maybe this is my return. I’ll call it R2ML: Resurrection because I’m alive again and loving it. Guess I’ll need to come up with another adventure soon.

To keep in the spirit of my previous blog post structure, here is tonight’s lesson.

“If you’re livin’, if you’re breathin’… you’ve got something to say… and no one can say it like you do, God is love and love speaks through you…”

Here’s the song I pulled that lesson from.

Ran to My Life

2010-10-25T22:35:00.019-04:00

Every beginning has its end. Yesterday, I ran and completed the Army 10-Miler marking the end of this season in my life. This will also be my final blog post on R2ML (though I'm considering starting another blog).

At 12:33 a.m. on April 2, 2010 I wrote my first ever blog post. In it I described a journey I had embarked on to run the Army 10-Miler with my sister. My reasons for doing so included honoring my sister’s recovery from a stroke, becoming a better dad and husband, discovering truths about life and myself, and pushing myself to do something I never imagined I could do. I believe all those things have been fulfilled in one form or another.

As I sit here and write this final post I have to ask myself what this journey has really taught me. At the end of each blog post I have written a lesson to myself to remember what was going on in my heart and mind at the time. In total I’ve captured something like 116 lessons which mostly deal with the self.

The lesson I internalized this past Sunday is that life is not at all about the self. It’s about relationships and community. It’s about the bonds and love we share with others. True life lies in getting beyond yourself and realizing how connected you are to everyone and everything else.

30,000 people ran the Army-10 Miler and the connection we all shared for a moment is something I will never forget. I will also never forget the people I met along the way. One of my most memorable experiences was running past my family and friends as they cheered me on (loved the signs mom!). Words cannot express the depth of love I felt for them at that moment. It was as though I was looking at them through another set of eyes. Like I was seeing them for the first time again. They are my family. Souls God genetically and lovingly connected to me. Seeing my wife and children in that light moved me to tears. Wow! I thought to myself. These amazing miracles are our children Babe!

As I ran I witnessed countless acts of human dignity, connection, and love. A man completing the race in a wheelchair was encouraged and cheered on by those around him. A lady rode her bike along the runners and cheered words of encouragement. Army bands played music from my beloved Rocky films (I loved this). Wounded Warriors smiled as they ran by. People from all walks of life and nationalities shared a glance of understanding and fellowship.

Something that was especially moving was the race started and ended at the Pentagon. I couldn’t help but feel a strong sense of connection and love for my country. A country where life, freedom, and the pursuit of happiness are a reality. A country where anyone is free to run to and find their life. Thank you to all that have served and continue to serve to protect and defend those values. Running with you, for you, and in memory of you was an honor.

This all inspired me in a way I have never known. This was my greatest lesson. We exist on this planet to love and care for one another. It’s what God intends I believe. This is tonight’s lesson. The final lesson of this journey.

Thank you for running to my life with me. I pray your own journey may always be blessed.

Sadly every beginning has its end. I’ve run to my life and found it. New adventures like a 4th baby are next!

I hope these words inspire you to seek and find the truth within yourself my friend. Go and run to your life and let me know how it’s going.

God bless!

journeyman@r2ml.com

"Shine On"

Somewhere between the end
And the point where we begin
There's a fire burning brightly
That's found it's way to dim
When the feeling's gone...

Shine on Shine on
and onto something new its long and overdue
I will remember you
Shine on shine on
And let the other's see you've got your victory
Will you remember me

I was with you in the valley
And up upon that hill
So take just one more step in front of you
For I am with you still you still
And you're not alone

Shine on Shine on
And onto something new its long and overdue
I will remember you
Shine on shine on
And let the other's see you've got your victory
Will you remember me

Can you see my hands are open
I am waiting just ahead
And you think you need it all now
But you needed me instead

Shine on shine on shine on shine on won't you won't you shine

Shine on Shine on
And onto something new its long and overdue
I will remember you
Shine on shine on
And let the other's see you've got your victory
Will you remember me

Somewhere between the end and the point where we began

Into the Deep

2010-10-22T19:33:00.008-04:00

In the end it's just you and the fire in your heart,
The praise, inspiration, and glory will fade.
Who will you be then?
Will you know the truth?
How did you get here to begin with?
Shouldn’t you have died along the way?
Step after step you took,
Running into the unknown.
What will be waiting for you,
You can only wonder.
It doesn’t matter now,
Just run with all your heart.
Remember I am there,
In every step you take.
I’ll never leave you,
I’ll never let you down.
You had the will to choose,
And you chose Me.
That means something you know,
More than is understood at times.
Let go now.
Trust in Me.
I am with you.
I love you... remember this kiddo.
You were created to do this.

No lesson tonight. You are the lesson.

Here's a video to help you clear your mind and relax. Remember to enjoy the journey.

Defining Moments

2010-10-21T21:12:00.003-04:00

My mind is starting to try and play tricks on me. Why? I think it wants me to fail on Sunday. Why? Because when I complete the Army 10-Miler I will have proven it a liar.

It’s telling me my knee hurts. That I’m not used to running in the cold. That I haven’t fully recovered from a chest cold. On and on it goes. But I’m not listening. Live or die I will run on Sunday.

This leads me to another conversation going on in my head. One between my old self and my new self. My new self feels it is on the threshold of a different existence. One where anything is possible. It does not believe in self imposed boundaries. It only believes in possibilities and perseverance to make them happen.

Life is a bit surreal right now. But I like it.

Tonight’s lesson is to seek and live those defining moments in your life. You know. The moments that let you know who you really are and what you were created for.

Here’s a song to inspire that moment.

Looking in the Mirror

2010-10-20T19:33:00.001-04:00

What do you see when you look in the mirror? The face of a person broken by life? How about the face of a person who is the embodiment of life?

What’s going on behind those eyes you see has a lot to do with the answer.

When I look in the mirror I see a man shaped by time. A man who has known joy and pain. Laughter and tears. I see a man who has a life ahead of him. A man that will finish the race better than he started it. I see a man who knows how to love because he is love. He is the manifestation of love. A gift from his Creator and Father. He just forgot this for a while.

Tonight’s lesson is to look into the mirror of your own life and ask yourself what you see. Anything less than a miracle is a lie.

Here is a movie clip that connects with this lesson.

True Nature

2010-10-19T19:33:00.005-04:00

Can life change in a blink? Yes it can. Just like that God pours his Spirit into yours. Like He did when you were conceived.

Life. What’s the meaning of it all? How did I get to a place where I forgot the truth of things? How did life lose its magic? Easy. I became human. Forgot that that’s just part of the story. Yes, I’m human, but also spirit. Why? Because God created me and He is spirit. A part of me is what I see in the mirror. The other part is what I can’t see with my eyes but feel when I close my eyes and listen with my heart.

This running journey has reminded me of my true nature. It’s the force that propels me forward and graces me with the ability to run 10 miles and beyond. Daily life and its worries had beaten my vision and dreams down. I always knew they were there, but the weight of responsibility drowned me. Instead of lying down and dying a slow death I opted to get up and run. Run to my life that is.

Life can change in a blink. This is tonight's lesson.

Here’s a song that resonates with this lesson.

Towards the End

2010-10-18T19:33:00.008-04:00

In life you must sometimes run the journey alone. Nobody or anything can do for you what you must do for yourself.

Last week my sister and running partner notified me she would not be able to run the Army 10-Miler with me this Sunday. At first I was discouraged. This was something we had hoped to do together. A big part of my embarking on this journey was to complete it with her. Unfortunately, her knee is injured and running 10 miles is not possible right now.

With this news I had to take a look inside my heart. What is life trying to tell me? Why have things played out the way they have? I don’t know to be honest. What I do know is that I must run and complete this race with all my heart. When I started this journey I was unsure if I could make it. Now I believe I can. It’s only 10 miles and roughly 100 minutes, but to me it feels like lifetime.

I can see my family at the finish line. It’s for them that I’m really doing this. I want them to know that the answer to life lies on the other side of the unknown. Anyone who dares to can venture there. You only need to believe in yourself and commit to taking the steps. Break through the fear and pain that holds you back and you will be amazed at what you discover. Life. This is tonight’s lesson.

Here’s a song that inspired this lesson.

Going Home... Again

2010-10-15T19:33:00.003-04:00

Through my children I am reborn. Not in a way that imposes my dreams but in a way that releases theirs. Life is beautiful I tell them. Everyday magic still exists. You have the power to shape your life. God dwells within you. Are the embodiment of His greatness.

Life is not supposed to be a place of torment and needless suffering. It’s a journey to find yourself. In doing so you come to understand your Creator in way that transcends human understanding. Life will have its pain, but it serves a purpose. To realize the light you must have awareness of the dark. In this reality at least and it’s the only one I know right now.

Life means something. You have to discover and live that something. To do this you must venture into the unknown. When the unknown becomes known you will understand the meaning of it all. You might even realize you are home and it's where you belong. That is tonight’s lesson.

Here’s a song that connects with this lesson.

Learning the Hard Way

2010-10-12T19:33:00.005-04:00

“Dreams without action are fantasies.” That’s the thought I’ve been having lately.

Everyday I wake up with a headful of possibilities and anxieties. The possibilities inspire and energize me. The anxieties discourage me. Both serve a purpose, but at the same time pull me into the past or future. They work to keep me from the present moment known as reality.

Reality is I need to wake-up and get moving if I am to accomplish anything worthwhile. Thinking about what I can do has value, but if I don’t write it down and take action it never happens. I’m a possibilities thinker and have a natural inclination towards idea generation. The problem is ideas can be so exciting compared to the actual work required to materialize those ideas. It takes enormous discipline to stick with something once the initial “high” has worn off.

So what does this have to do with running? A lot.

When I originally thought about running the Army 10-miler I was full of energy and hope. The thought of training and conditioning my body and mind was exciting. Then I went running for the first time and the euphoria wore off quickly. I realized that I was on a painful journey. One that would require commitment, discipline, and sacrifice. I internalized this and started this blog to keep me motivated and focused.

Now the race is 12 days away and something inside of me has ignited. I want to run and finish the race with heart. I also want to apply all that I have felt and learned to the rest of my life.

“Dreams without action are fantasies.” This is tonight’s lesson. One I am learning the hard way. But I'm also loving every moment of it. I only have one shot at life afterall.

Here’s a video that resonates with this lesson.

Tips for Living

2010-10-11T19:33:00.008-04:00

1. Keep your unfounded opinions to yourself
2. Listen twice as much as you speak
3. Allow others to be who they are without judgment
4. Believe in yourself and your abilities
5. Always do your best and encourage others to do the same
6. Sincerely share your life’s story
7. Love without condition

Tonight's lesson? Be yourself by letting go of who you think you are and becoming who you truly are. How do you do this? See the 7 steps above. :-)

Here's a song to inspire that realization.

Pour Your Heart Out

2010-10-06T21:55:00.001-04:00

In the depths of existence
Lies a place few venture
It’s here one discovers the light
Go there my friends
And extract its nectar
Carry it home in your heart
Stare into the blank canvas
Be it pixels or papyrus
And poor out all you have found
The universe will applaud you
And men will ask how
Such brilliance could exist

Tonight’s lesson? Let the creativity in your heart pour out. You will be amazed at what’s in there.

Here’s are some inspirational thoughts to inspire you.

No Escape

2010-10-05T19:33:00.008-04:00

I’m looking for an escape. Instead I must run towards that I seek to escape from. The hidden exit door lies at its center, not its outskirts.

So what do I fear most? Failing. Failing to provide for my family. Failing to deliver on what I say I can deliver. Failing to live my dreams. Which brings me to another question.

What is my dream? To help others realize and live their own dreams I think. But can this dream sustain my existence. Can it pay my mortgage and put food on the table. Can it make me happy? I don’t think life will answer these questions without me first venturing out in faith. This is scary. Keeps me up at night thinking about it.

What has this running journey taught me so far? Step by step, mile by mile. Turn the pain into energy. Let go of limited thinking. Keep at it and grow stronger. It's alright to be afraid. Just push through it.

The Army 10-Miler is 19 days away. I feel good about my training and progress. Now I just need to apply all I’ve felt and learned to my greatest journey – life. This is tonight’s lesson.

Here’s a song that connects with this lesson.

Not too Crazy

2010-09-30T23:41:00.006-04:00

“You haven’t written anything crazy lately,” said my sister today.

I’ve become too serious lately. That’s what a family, mortgage, challenging economy, and headful of possibilities and fears will do to you. On occasion my quick wit and humor pop out before I can suppress them. Oddly enough, I have made a conscious effort to be more “logical” lately. Whatever that means.

All my life I enjoyed trying on different personas. At one point I even imagined I was a vampire (after a dream in which a vampire bit me on the neck and I actually woke up in pain). Right now I’m trying to figure out my persona, like I did in the past, but I’m coming up short. The reason? There is no persona. There is only me. And this makes me happy.

I’m not sure if this post qualifies as “crazy” but it will have to do for now. “Crazy” has left the building for the moment. He will be back I’m sure. But for the moment it’s nice to be me.

Tonight’s lesson is that it’s alright to be “you” at times. And if you’re crazy for real… go ahead with your bad self. Who knows? Maybe I am a vampire who's forgotten the truth about himself. Now this is crazy. Would make for a great movie though.

Here’s a song that resonates with this lesson minus the vampire thing.

Victim or Victor?

2010-09-29T19:33:00.009-04:00

In my life things have happened that I wish had not. Some were of my own doing. Others were not. The pain these things caused still lives with me today and unconsciously impacts my attitude and behaviors. The worse being fear and anger.

So what would my life be like without this pain? Extraordinary I think. I’d be free to be “me” and I’ve learned “me” is a happy person who knows how to love unconditionally.

I have not written much lately because I have been processing a lot of thoughts, emotions, and life circumstances. Also, the word cancer is now part of my family’s vocabulary. My sense is everything will be alright because life always has a reason (even though we may not agree with it at times).

The other day I caught the end of the movie Good Will Hunting. I think it’s a brilliant portrayal of the suffering a human can endure and still come out a victor in life. I resonate with the movie and the lesson it teaches at the end is powerful.

“It’s not your fault,” says Will’s therapist. “It’s not your fault.”

Acknowledging past hurts that were not of your own doing is the first step to letting go. It’s painful I know, but necessary if you are to release yourself from the prison of your mind. This is tonight’s lesson.

Here’s the noted scene from the movie.

Way to Freedom

2010-09-26T21:30:00.003-04:00

Forgiveness is the beginning of freedom. We all carry around past hurts, experiences, traumas, etc… that shape who we are today. Sometimes the suffering was caused by ourselves and sometimes by others. It doesn’t matter how it got there because the important thing is to let it go. The only way to do this is by forgiving.

When you choose to forgive yourself and others it feels like a heavy weight has been lifted from your life. I know this is easier said than done and there are things we would rather not forgive. The thing with forgiveness is that it doesn’t mean you agree with what happened or the impact it had on you. Forgiveness simply means you will no longer allow that hurt to torment your life and hold you back. When you forgive you are really doing it for yourself. You are letting go of a burden that does not need to be carried around anymore so that you can live a fulfilled life.

This subject has come up a lot with me recently. I’ve been pushing myself to run harder and faster. In turn, I’ve observed that when my thoughts surface past or current hurts, resentment, bitterness, etc… my energy level drops off. However, when my thoughts center on forgiveness I feel much stronger and able to run faster.

Tonight’s lesson is to examine those things in your life you feel hold you back or de-energize you. Is unforgiveness at the core? If it is, help yourself out and start making a conciouss effort to forgive. It doesn’t mean you are in agreement. It simply means you have chosen freedom above all else.

Here’s a song and video that resonates with this lesson.

One Day

2010-09-21T21:35:00.004-04:00

There was a time when I hated life,
Tomorrow seemed like a place I’d rather avoid.
Darkness and loneliness became my truth,
Alone in my mind I sat and faded away.
Nothing mattered, I just didn’t care,
“I have no conscious,” I believed.
My life was nothing more than a lifeless shell,
Pulled this way and that by illusions.
A living hell I was in,
And I didn’t care enough to find my way out.
For years I secretly died,
Hoping one day it would all just end.
Courage was not mine to manifest death,
So I took the easy way out.
I lived a life with no purpose,
No connection, no inspiration.
Then something inside me spoke,
And I told it to be silent.
But day after day it cried out,
Until one day its Creator cried back.
"I’m so sorry" He spoke,
But I have not forgotten you.
You were my child before all of this,
And forever you are mine.
So now it is I that cry out,
Please, please help me.
I returned from the land of the dead once,
And now I’m alive.
That has to mean something,
And if it doesn’t then I’m lost.
But I will never stop believing in You,
Simply because I love You.
You created me for a reason,
One I humbly ask You give me now.
If not for me,
Then for those I love.
Make a way for them to,
Let go, laugh, live, and love.
Then I will have served my purpose,
Then I will know my life means something.

Tonight's lesson? Life is a gift. Be sure to open the box.

Here's a song that connects with this lesson.

We are Free

2010-09-18T00:20:00.003-04:00

Years ago in the darkest days of my life I would close my eyes and imagine myself trapped in a black box. I remember looking up and all I could see was more darkness. The reason I knew I was in a box was by feeling the four walls and floor that encased me. I would reach for the top edge to see if I could pull myself out, but I could not reach it. So I quit trying and accepted my fate.

Then one day a light appeared in the box with me and I was able to see a door I had never seen before. I was eager to step through it but was afraid of what was on the other side. So I sat in the box with the light. On occasion I would crack the door open and a light as bright as the sun would flood in. I couldn’t see beyond the bright light so my fear remained and I stayed trapped. Day by day my courage built and I would open the door a little more. Each time the light would blind and daze me and I would close the door.

One day, and without warning, the door flung open and the box dissolved into the light that penetrated it. The prison that had held me for so long was no more. It was all a construction of my mind. As I looked around I saw a vast land covered in trees and grass. It had rivers flowing through it and a sky so beautiful I can’t describe it in words. I heard voices and realized there were others like me here. We’re they trapped too I wondered?

This place became my home and it has sustained my existence. Others have joined me and I am grateful for their presence. I have learned that I have the power to shape this world and my destiny. I have also learned that I am part of everything in this world and beyond.

Tonight’s lesson? The only prison that can hold you is the one you call your mind. Realize this and you will discover a world in which you are free to dream. God did not create you to be a prisoner. He created you to be free.

Here’s a song that helped bring me through the journey.

Life Lessons

2010-09-16T19:33:00.006-04:00

Keep it simple. Eliminate desire for external things. Enjoy those things that come your way. Pass on the blessing.

Build and nurture relationships. They are all you will remember and value in the end.

Stay focused. Identify why you want to do something, how you will do it, and what you want to do. Then go do it until it’s finished.

Take out the trash. Empty your mind and heart of anything that does not make you a better person.

Ask yourself why? Why are you doing what you are doing? Why do you believe what you believe? Why are your alive?

Embrace change. It’s the only constant in life.

Give it all. Don’t save anything for the swim back.

Here’s a video that resonates with the last lesson.

Lose to Win

2010-09-15T22:39:00.006-04:00

“Go hang your glory on the wall… there comes a time when castles fall… and all that’s left is shifting in the sand.”

To get to the other side of this journey I will have to die – to myself that is. That’s the castle that must fall so the glory may reside with God.

My last two runs have been different. I’m able to lose myself in the moment quicker and keep my pace up longer. It’s funny… just a few months ago running 10 minutes felt like it would kill me. Running was something I feared. Now it’s something I love.

Tonight’s lesson is to face things in life that you fear. With God’s help they may actually strengthen you. In addition, you may come to love them.

Lose to win. Trust your heart. That’s the message of the song below.

Change

2010-09-14T23:58:00.001-04:00

“The only constant in life is change.” Yes, I agree. I also believe that change can feel like a punch in the face. If it doesn’t knock you out, and if you don’t run away, it can inspire you to come back harder.

But what if you can learn to see the change coming and duck out of the way before it hits you in the face? I believe this is possible. What if you can learn to absorb the energy of the change and flow with it? I believe this is possible too.

Tonight a wise friend told me, “The past was the best thing that could have happened to me. The present is the best thing happening to me. The future is the best thing that’s going to happen to me.” It took a moment to realize the depth of his words but it’s finally sinking in. Everything in life, including change, is there for a reason. It makes us who we are. This is tonight’s lesson.

Here’s a song that resonates with this lesson.

Grinding Forward

2010-09-13T19:33:00.002-04:00

Sometimes all you can do in life is put one foot in front of the other. Don’t look up, don’t look sideways, don’t look forward, and don't look back. Just look down and focus on putting one foot in front of the other.

This is my life right now – running and personally. I don’t feel like running even though the Army 10-Miler is a month away. But I know I need to continue my training and feelings can’t dictate my life. Personally, I wish life had a timeout button so I could catch my breath. But it doesn’t so prayer will have to do.

I’ve never lived a time like this before. The world is full of hope and possibility and at the same time feels like it could get pulled out from under me at any moment. I talk a lot about trust and I guess that’s what I must do. Trust that life is good. Trust in my ability to push forward. Trust this all just part of a greater purpose.

Tonight’s lesson is a simple one. You can never be stuck if you choose to put one foot in front of the other and move forward. And don’t worry, if your feet our planted on the ground, it’s impossible for the ground to fall out from under you.

Here’s a video that resonates with this lesson.

Amazed in the Moment

2010-09-10T23:50:00.001-04:00

What does it mean to be a parent? I have three kids and I’m still not exactly sure.

I wake up in the morning and am amazed at the fact I’m a parent. To be honest it’s all still a little surreal to me. I wonder if this is how other parent’s feel. At the same time it’s one of the coolest things I have ever experienced. I think one of the favorite moments is when I come home and my kids yell out, “Daddy!” and run over to hug me. Moments like these make me feel like I’m dreaming and it’s a dream I never want to wake up from.

My two boys returned to and started school this past week. As I drove my oldest son to school this week I couldn’t help but think how amazing it is I am actually a dad. I wonder if my parents felt like this. My son likes to chat and he tells me incredible things. Today he was trying to explain to me that there is power in exercising. I said, “Why is that?” and he said, “Because God puts power in exercise so that it can find its way to us.” His words remind me that at his young age he has great clarity because his head has not yet been filled with illusions.

Maybe I do know what it means to be a parent. I think it has something to do with living in the moment and helping my kids continue to do the same as they grow up. When I live in the moment I feel most connected to my kids and life in general. The moment is the here and now and I’m noticing this where my kids spend most of their time. Maybe we should all spend some more time in the moment so we can enjoy life the way kids do. This is tonight’s lesson.

I think this little guy has the whole living in the moment thing figured out.

Good to Great to Extraordinary

2010-09-09T21:41:00.001-04:00

Do you know the difference between being good, great, and extraordinary? It’s work, hard work, and grace. This is the thought I had tonight as I ran.

So what does it mean to be extraordinary? Contrary to what the world might tell you, being extraordinary has nothing to with external things or even with personal accomplishments. Being extraordinary is all about using your natural and acquired talents to live life to the fullest. It’s also about making a positive difference in the lives of others. To be extraordinary you don’t have to be a celebrity or a Mother Teresa. You simply have to be you to the fullest. That’s where the grace part comes in.

My wife is a Realtor and the mother of three children (4 if you count me). When we were first married we envisioned how wonderful it would be to have a family. In actuality, our kids are the greatest miracle we have ever been blessed with. In practice, providing for and keeping up with 3 small children can be mentally, physically, spiritually, and emotionally demanding. I look at my wife, and she may not know it, but I think she is extraordinary. She has transcended greatness because she chooses to recieve the grace required to fulfill her role as a mom to the fullest.

Interestingly enough, once you cross over to being extraordinary something else shows up to propel you further – love. It’s there all along, but living an extraordinary life somehow makes it a little more tangible. Almost like you can point to it and say, “There it is.” My wife does what she does and is able to do more because she is filled with love. This is tonight’s lesson. Remember to seek grace in your life if you want to live it to the fullest.

Today inspiration came to me in a unique form – a professional makeup artist. Here’s her story.

Why I Run

2010-09-08T19:33:00.002-04:00

Why do I run? Because I want to know what I’m made of. I want to know exactly how resilient I am. I want to know that I can do. I run to feel my life in motion. I run to forget the illusions that hold me back. I run to be a better me today. I run for peace. I run for wisdom. I want to know with all my heart life is good. I want to know I was created for a reason. I want to believe that life means something. I run to clear my mind, my heart, and my emotions. I run to remember the best parts of my life. I run to be the best part of my life. I run to discover hidden truths. I run to live those same truths. I run for my family. I run for humanity. I run for my God. I run for me. I was made to be in motion. I’m running to my life.

Seeking Grace

2010-09-07T22:21:00.004-04:00

As long as you think life or anyone owes you anything, you will suffer. This is what I’m learning right now.

Growing up I can’t say I ever remember a time when my life needs weren’t met. I never really worried about where my next meal would come from, how I would clothe myself, or if I would have a roof over my head. As an adult and parent all that has changed. Now I consistently worry how I will provide for my family and when I feel something is an obstacle to that I become angry.

So why is that? Maybe it’s my parental instincts. Like a caveman I have a natural instinct to want to care for and protect my tribe. Something creates a threat and naturally I want to destroy or remove it. The only problem is that now I’m supposed to be civilized. I feel the intensity of a caveman and the reason of a modern man at the same time. This inner struggle is grueling.

As I sit here writing this I’m realizing I’m on a distorted mind trip. Everything I have written in this blog points to the truth that positive things manifest in life when you develop the right thinking, attitude, and behaviors. I also write a lot about being in the moment. When you stress about the past or worry about the future you step out of the moment and begin to suffer.

Writing about the truth of life is easy. Living it consistently is not. Therefore, I will be patient with myself right now and let the healing begin. I also recommend you do the same. This is tonight’s lesson.

Here’s a song to inspire us.

Connecting to Truth

2010-09-06T22:29:00.004-04:00

"Goodnight Daddy," just said my daughter as she kissed me on the cheek. Now that's where I need to focus my thoughts. Lately, my thoughts have focused on the wrong things and they've taken their toll on my overall well being.

I spent the holiday weekend at my parents and went running at a lake by their house. Typically, my runs there are uplifting and peaceful. Not the last few days. My last two runs were grueling and it took an enormous amount of resolve to not quit and just walk. It felt like something dark inside of me wanted to escape and tear me apart as I ran.

So what's up? I don't know. Maybe something inside of me is changing and causing turbulence in the process. Maybe I need to step back and meditate a bit. Maybe I need to see a priest. All of the above make sense but they are no excuse for quitting.

Tonight's lesson is to focus your thoughts on the beautiful things in life. In my case, all the blessings God has given me starting with my children. When you do you reconnect with the truth. Darkness tries to disconnect you, but it can’t if you turn on the light of truth – you are and always will be connected to everything else.

Here’s a video that connects with this lesson.

Persist I Must

2010-09-02T22:11:00.000-04:00

“Persist through crap… criticism, rejection, assholes, and pressure.” This is what Richard St. John, an expert on the concept of success, says to do.

Right now I’m up to my ears in crap. Negative thinking, toxic relationships, worry, lethargy, etc… All this crap has seeped back into my life. So much so that I want to call it a day and go sell t-shirts on the beach or something. I have this crazy fantasy about throwing my cell phone into the lake by my house, cashing a Friday paycheck, getting in my car, and driving west until I run out of money or gas – whichever comes first. I won’t stop though. I will hitchhike or walk to the West Coast and when I get there I will dip my feet in the Pacific Ocean. In that moment I will be transformed into a new being. One with a deep appreciation for life. One who feels grateful and blessed for the life God has given him. One who adores the people in his life. One who believes that by some cosmic twist of fate, life is going to work out great. Not because he deserves it, but instead because he believes it.

So why not believe this now without all the drama of running away? What would I be running from anyway? My life? I thought this whole journey was about running to it not from it.

Did you hear that? It’s the sound of a toilet flushing. No more crap in my life for the moment. Sorry to be so lucid.

Tonight’s lesson is to cut the crap and start believing the truth of life – its extraordinary and worth living to the fullest. A butterfly told me that so I have to believe it. Butterflies do not lie.

Here’s a great TED Talk by Richard St. John.

Questioning My Thoughts

2010-09-01T00:14:00.002-04:00

Life has a pattern. Every time you’re on the verge of a breakthrough, a breakdown will show up and try to derail you. This is what happened to me tonight.

Last night I was in an intensely creative flow and my hope was to continue it tonight. I’m working on some things that require me to stay focused and imaginative if I ever want to get them done. I was ready to jump in tonight and then my stinking thinking kicked in. However, I did something different this time around (after feeling like a dope for a while). I verbally stated my negative thinking and in doing so was able to get to the core of the illusion quickly. In turn, my emotional state lifted and creative juices started flowing again. Then I got back to work.

I’m realizing that identifying and questioning my thinking really works to improve my attitude. Yes, I still experience emotional lows for a moment, but I don’t stay stuck. Once I realize the thought that is causing the emotional upheaval, it loses its control over me.

Tonight’s lesson is to pay attention to those patterns and thoughts in your life that either build you up or tear you down. Question the latter and life becomes much more peaceful and creative.

Here’s another ‘90s song to inspire your journey.

Keep on Dreaming

2010-08-30T19:33:00.013-04:00

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

2010-08-28T11:19:00.003-04:00

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

2010-08-26T22:08:00.002-04:00

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

2010-08-21T00:00:00.003-04:00

“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

2010-08-19T23:22:00.001-04:00

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

2010-08-18T19:33:00.009-04:00

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

2010-08-17T19:33:00.005-04:00

“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

2010-08-16T10:24:00.002-04:00

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

2010-08-13T22:47:00.014-04:00

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

2010-08-12T22:54:00.005-04:00

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

2010-08-11T22:52:00.010-04:00

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

2010-08-10T21:18:00.002-04:00

“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

2010-08-09T20:09:00.007-04:00

“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

2010-08-05T22:32:00.002-04:00

“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

2010-08-04T21:17:00.004-04:00

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?

2010-08-03T19:33:00.005-04:00

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.

Walking the Middle Path

2010-07-30T19:33:00.010-04:00

I have a tight Peroneus Longus. At least that’s what internet wisdom tells me.

“The peroneal muscles run down the outside of the lower leg and are often neglected in a stretching routine.” I’m still figuring out the whole mechanics thing behind running, so the other day when my passion propelled me to run 10.5 miles, I was not technically prepared. Now I’m hobbling around with a pain in my lower right leg. But you know what... I love it.

A friend today told me I should get a cane and I thought to myself, “That’s an idea… Maybe I can buy a big furry hat to go with it.” My sister is always telling me I could be more stylish so now’s my chance.

In all seriousness, I need to figure this out so I can continue my running training. Once again I’m learning that life is about balancing the practical with the visionary. I believe Buddhist’s call this “walking the middle path”. This is also tonight’s lesson.

It’s back to the running mechanics lab for me.

Learning to See

2010-07-30T00:21:00.006-04:00

While I was running the other night I blinked and one of my contacts fell out. The end result was I could see clearly out of one eye, but not the other. The next day this caused me a serious headache.

Life is like that right now. Some things seem clear and others blurry. Trying to reconcile them is also making my head hurt (and probably my wife's head as well).

To resolve the contact situation I went to my eye doctor and he gave me a spare contact lense (I ran out of contacts and my prescription expired).

Logic would say I also need to go to someone to help me with my life issue right now. I need someone to help me gain clarity again. Maybe that someone is inside of me and I’m just too blind to see him. Interesting thought.

The lesson? Seek and you shall find. Ask and you shall receive. Knock and the door shall be opened. You don't need sight to do this. Only vision.

Maybe I need to start training to see with “no eyes” like Frank Dux.

Live While I'm Alive

2010-07-28T19:33:00.007-04:00

“In the end we are our choices. Build yourself a great story.” ~ Jeff Bezos, Founder and CEO of Amazon.com

Last night I made a choice to take my story in a new direction by running 10.5 miles. It was not my most graceful run (I can only imagine what my neighbors must have thought) but I did it - swollen knees, hips, toes, and all.

Today I’m asking myself what inspired me to run through the night like a madman. Maybe it was the beauty and coolness of the moonlit night. Maybe it was the love I have for my family. Maybe it was my desire to draw closer to my creator. Maybe it was my time.

In reality I think it was all of the above and then some things I can’t recall in my mind but do understand with my heart.

My next journey is to step back and see what I can do to learn more about the mechanics of running. I hope to speed up my pace a bit and begin running with others. Let’s see where the journey goes.

The lesson tonight is to remember anything is possible if you believe and are willing to put in the time and effort needed to realize and release your potential. Nothing worth doing ever comes easy. This is something I want my kids to remember every single moment of their lives.

Here’s a song I feel resonates with my thoughts and feelings right now.

“It’s my life and it’s now or never… I ain’t gonna live forever… I just want to live while I’m alive…”

Power of Friendship

2010-07-26T23:35:00.006-04:00

The power of friendship is amazing and this past Saturday I was blessed to feel this truth with all my heart. It’s been a while since I caught-up with my long time friends, but the depth of our understanding and transparency towards each made me feel like we had never been separated.

“Friends are roots that connect you to something greater than yourself,” was a thought I had. Being around my old friends brought me back to the base of my soul. Around them I felt most close to who I really am. No fronts. No illusions. Just me. Happy me.

So of course I have to ask, “How do I keep this reality going?”

Looking back at my blog posts an answer has emerged. “Stay in the moment, be honest and transparent, and just be yourself. Life is difficult enough without trying to play a role that is not naturally yours."

Tonight’s lesson? Nurture and make time for those things in life that bring you back to the base of your soul, like friends. There is a lot of happiness to be found there.

And here's a video I could not resist posting.

The First Step

2010-07-23T07:33:00.003-04:00

Almost 4 months ago I walked down to my basement, stepped on a treadmill, and took the first step towards the rest of my life. Looking back I could not have imagined I would be where I am today. Have I had some major life breakthrough or something? Yes, but not in the way I expected.

The breakthrough has not been on the outside as much as it has been on the inside. Specifically, I’ve come to a point where I now understand you don’t need breakthroughs to love life - you only need to understand your purpose.

So what’s my life’s purpose? Me. I am my life’s purpose. The purpose of my life is to simply be me… right here, right now. No more no less.

So what’s the value in internalizing this? Freedom. Freedom from the illusion I have to be doing this or that to be happy. I am happy simply because I’m me.

With this clarity I can now go about doing whatever it is I want to do without the burden of anxiety, worry, fear, etc… I can even run 10 miles and help other’s discover their life’s purpose.

The lesson in all of this is that to get anywhere in life you must take that first step. It’s the hardest one to take, but also the most important. Then it’s time to run to your life. What are you waiting for?

Here’s a song that captures the spirit of this lesson.

Extraordinary Peace

2010-07-22T19:33:00.007-04:00

“You can keep the darkness.” That’s what I say nowadays when I run into gremlins.

Gremlins come in all sorts of packages. Some are disguised in human flesh while others run around calling themselves belief and circumstance. They all share a common goal; to discourage you from living your life to the fullest. They do this by pulling you out of the moment and into their distorted, negative, and dark reality.

So how do you stop the gremlins? By beating them at their own game. Gremlins can only trouble you if they pull you into their reality. The trick is to pull them into yours.

You know when a gremlin is at work because you feel a sense of heaviness in your stomach, almost like nausea. If you continue to listen to and/or believe the gremlin, the heaviness is replaced by anxiety. Anxiety turns to worry, discouragement, frustration, fear, and/or anger. These feelings have a way of influencing your behavior, and at this point the gremlin has pulled you into its reality and you become the gremlin.

So how do you avoid this?

When a gremlin tells you what it thinks or believes, tell it what you think and believe. When a gremlin tells you something is impossible, you tell it everything is possible and you just need to put in the effort to identify a starting solution. When a gremlin plays the role of the victim, you tell it you feel its pain but you’re focusing on victory. When a gremlin treats you poorly, you treat it with kindness. Do this and you will beat the gremlin at its own game. Eventually the gremlin won’t want to play with you any more, and that’s fine, because who wants to play with gremlins anyway?

The lesson? Your reality is always a place of extraordinary peace if you believe and say it to be.

See if you can tell who the gremlin is in this video.

Propelled by Passion

2010-07-18T23:57:00.004-04:00

By God’s grace and the kindness of a friend, my family and I had the opportunity to spend the last 4 days at Deep Creek Lake in the mountains of MD. It was a magical experience and I cherished every moment of it. I also learned a lot about my family and myself.

I learned that my oldest son has a passion for discovery. He spent hours examining animal life under the rocks in the lake. I learned that my second oldest son has a passion for adventure. He spent hours climbing those same rocks and gazing out into the distance. I learned that my youngest daughter has a passion for the unknown. Without any fear she struggled to free herself of my grip so she could practice swimming (she had a life vest on to help her float). Finally, I learned that my passion is to realize and help my children learn their passions. In doing so I am realzing my own life's purpose - to be a great dad and human being.

I wish I could say that everything was cool every second of our trip, but that’s not how life works. My children, like me, have their daily highs and lows. The great thing about kids is one moment they’re screaming and fighting, and the next laughing and playing. Their ability to bounce back quickly from negative emotions is teaching me a lot about how to deal with and manage my own emotions.

I did have an opportunity to do some running through the forest. Inspired by the “energy” of the forest I pushed myself to run farther and harder. It was fun and I had another interesting thought, "The moment is in the doing."

Tonight's lesson is to remember to find that passion inside of you that awakens your heart and makes life beautiful.

Here's a song I feel connects with this lesson.

"Don't know how it is you looked at me... And saw the person that I could be. Awakening my heart... Breaking through the dark..."

Burning Up

2010-07-14T23:10:00.003-04:00

Comfort… It’s the enemy of breakthrough. That’s what I’m learning through life and running right now.

So why do we allow comfort to become our reality? I think it’s because we fear who we might actually be on the other side of the fence. What if I can’t keep up? What if I fail? What if I am not happy? These and other questions work to keep us in our comfort zone.

What if everything you ever dreamed of is on the other side but to get there you have to leave your comfort zone. In words this is easy. In practice it’s nearly impossible – but that’s what makes it worth doing. Just look around. How many people do you see living life to their fullest potential and loving every minute of it? Very few I think, but it doesn’t have to be this way.

Every single human being on this earth was created to exemplify God’s awesomeness in their own unique way. The trick to doing this is you first have to believe it and then you have to take action to manifest it. It also requires a lot of patience.

When I run it’s easy to say, “I’ll run X miles today.” In practice, it’s not that easy and there is always a burn. This burn hurts and my mind complains, but it’s the burn that is lifting me over the fence. I don’t think there is any other way to achieve a breakthrough.

Tonight’s lesson? Sitting in your comfort zone will keep you from achieving that wonderful breakthrough also known as your life’s purpose. When you realize and move towards your life’s purpose you will finally wake up and realize life is extraordinary. You might also discover the tremendous power you have to make a positive difference in the world.

Here’s a video I came across today that resonates with this lesson.

Finding Freedom

2010-07-13T22:56:00.005-04:00

“Freedom is not outside of you, it’s inside of you.” That’s the thought I had today as I wrestled to free myself of some troublesome thoughts and habits.

So how do you achieve inner freedom? I’m not exactly sure but I think it has to something to do with turning off the inner critic. You know, that voice that says you’re not good enough, you can’t do it, or you’re going to fail so why waste your time trying.

Ever since I ran 6+ miles the other day, my inner critic has been giving me a hard time. In turn, my last few runs have felt a bit off. Physically, I can now push beyond the point of wanting to quit, but that discouraging voice in my head just won’t shut-up. Yes, I can tune it out and ignore it but I dream of the day it will be gone – forever.

So I will continue to run longer and harder. God willing the inner critic will quit before I do.

Tonight’s lesson is to remember that freedom always has a price – your all. You can surrender it to yourself or to the inner critic, but you can’t do both. To surrender to yourself you have to start with forgiving yourself. I think that’s the beginning of inner freedom.

Here’s a song that inspired me to reflect on this lesson today.

Stepping Back

2010-07-10T01:17:00.002-04:00

Lately I have felt a bit removed. Almost like I’m watching my life unfold. I'm aware I’m doing this, and even though I prefer to be an engaged person, the new perspective is teaching me a lot about myself. In turn, I’m seeing my strengths and weaknesses for what they are – tools to help me advance as a human being.

Running continues to inspire me to push forward. To see things in different ways. To realize I have much more potential than my mind thinks at times. One foot in front of the other I tell myself. This is true for running as well as life.

Tonight’s lesson is inspired by something I saw today. “The greater the struggle the more glorious the triumph.”

I hope this short film inspires you as well.

In Search of Happiness

2010-07-07T21:36:00.001-04:00

Happiness is not something you seek. It’s what you are.

This is what I read last night and for a moment there it made complete sense. One of the things I do when I question my thinking is ask myself, “Who would you be without this stress inducing thought?” My usual response is, “Happy… me.” So I conclude that happiness is my true state of being. When I’m happy I’m just being me.

A little metaphysical I know, but it’s helping me sort out my thinking. You see, I spend a lot of time coming up with ideas I think will make me happy. Most of them external and even when I obtain them I’m not any happier.

In reality, I don’t need anything to be happy because I already am. Always have been and always will be. I cannot be anything other than myself which is happiness in its purest form. What I need to do is stop thinking this or that will finally make me happy. It’s a relentless illusion that only serves to make me unhappy by pulling me out of the moment.

Easier said than done.

Tonight’s lesson? Happiness is not something you seek. It’s what you are. Realizing this will empower you to attract and create an extraordinary life. The one you were always meant to have and live. The one you will share with the world in order to make a positive difference.

Here’s an interesting video by on the subject of happiness.

Breakdown or Breakthrough?

2010-07-06T22:55:00.012-04:00

I feel frustrated when I think I’m stuck - like now. It’s as though I’m trying to move forward and at the same time some unseen force is trying to hold me back. It’s a powerful force. So powerful it overwhelms me at times. When I yield to it, it feels like a breakdown. When I move forward in spite of it, it feels like a breakthrough. This past Monday I had a breakthrough after running for 1 hour 8 minutes and 55 seconds in 100 degree weather.

Towards the end of my run, my mind had had enough. Then something inside of me said, “What side of the fence do you want to be on? Breakthroughs are on this side – keep running.” All I could do was look down and watch one foot move in front of the other. I must have mesmerized myself because towards the end of my run, my mind could not make sense of where I was anymore. This is when the breakthrough happened.

I wasn’t delirious. I wasn’t exhausted. I was in the moment and I loved it!

What I learned from this experience is that “being mindful” and “being in the moment” cannot occur at the same time. When I run, and try to push my life forward, my mind puts up all kinds of discouraging thoughts and mental images. The only way to silence it is to slice through it by pushing on. I think this is the secret to breaking through. This is also tonight’s lesson.

Here is a useful technique for relaxing and stepping into the moment. Give it your full awareness. You will really enjoy it.

Magic in Motion

2010-07-03T22:41:00.004-04:00

I’m coming up short. That’s the thought that hunts me lately. Whether it's applied to finances, parenting, or life in general, this thought serves to pull me out of the moment. In turn, my perspective on life becomes negative and my attitude follows.

That thought has been part of me for so long, cutting it loose is not easy. But running is helping me do just that. When I run I always get to a point where my mind becomes still and I can see that thought for what it is - a lie. The longer I run the clearer my head gets and the better I feel. Over time the clarity fades but I’m convinced one day it will be permanent. Until then I’ll keep on running to my life.

Tonight’s lesson is to clear up your thinking you need to do something that pulls you out of your comfort zone. Running, or any other activity that requires your full attention, is a great tool to help you do this. Attitude follows thinking, so clear up your thinking and your attitude will also improve.

Here’s a video illustrating how far David Blaine has gone to achieve mental clarity.

"Magic is pretty simple... It's practice, it's training and experimenting while pushing through the pain to be the best that I can be. That's what magic is to me." ~ David Blaine

The Joy of Happiness

2010-07-01T22:30:00.003-04:00

What holds us back from living each and every day like it were our last? From being kind every moment of the day? From believing life is magnificent? From loving with reckless abandon?

For me it’s all the internal baggage I carry. Past hurts, opinions, perspectives, fears, worries, anxiety, excuses, etc…

So what happens when you lose the baggage? Happiness I think.

For a long time I believed happiness was just a “feel good” concept that is only temporary. I don’t believe that anymore and I never want to believe that again.

Happiness does exist. So does suffering. So does pain. So does joy. It’s all part of the package called life. The idea is to live it all – fully. The world is full of dichotomies – light and dark, yin and yang. It’s what keeps things in balance.

My kids are teaching me a lot about happiness. Through them I see that a human being’s natural state is “happy”. Yes, they scream, cry, fight, yell, and argue but they always return to the state of happiness – fast. Could a permanent state of happiness be a code word for joy? Yes, I think so.

The thing to remember is joy is a choice. This is tonight’s lesson. You can always feel it regardless of what’s going on inside or outside you. You can even find joy in things you think are not joyful. You just have to look hard. While your down there dig a little deeper and you'll discover something interesting. Peace.

Here’s a guy who figured some of this out and shared it with the world just before he went home.

Finish Strong

2010-06-30T23:27:00.001-04:00

How long can I keep this up? That’s a thought I battle everyday.

Some days things seem so clear. The stars align and the effort feels “effortless”.

Other days are not so clear. The stars hide behind a cloudy sky and the effort does not feel "effortless".

So which days are better? Neither I think. It’s all part of the process called life. The important thing is to keep moving forward. Just like running, you’ll get somewhere as long as you keep putting one foot in front of the other. The trick is to appreciate every moment.

The lesson in all of this is something Nick Vujcic, a remarkable human being, taught me the other day. “Along the way you might fall down… it’s not the end… it matters how you’re going to finish… finish strong.”

Here’s a video of Nick putting this lesson into action.