Check it out at:
http://FitnessStartsWithYou.wordpress.com
http://AnswerStartsWithYou.wordpress.com
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
I'm not a writer and I make lots of mistakes
I'm skimming a book about getting over the fear and paralysis of writing. Most people have trouble writing because they want it to be well written on the first draft and few people are able to put pen to paper (or finger to keyboard) well on the first go. Writers are hard on themselves, and expect perfection.
Obviously, I'm not a writer. I'm going way too fast to even expect anything close to perfection. When I re-read my previous post about Vanessa Mae 24 hours later, it occurred to me I didn't even read or correct the grammar mistakes prior to posting it! DOH!
Sigh. Now, that's not taking oneself too seriously. I know I make mistakes (lots actually), but I accept that because I know sometimes, the hardest step is the first one. Here's to putting it all out there! :)
If only I could correct my grammar on other people's posts... oops!
Obviously, I'm not a writer. I'm going way too fast to even expect anything close to perfection. When I re-read my previous post about Vanessa Mae 24 hours later, it occurred to me I didn't even read or correct the grammar mistakes prior to posting it! DOH!
Sigh. Now, that's not taking oneself too seriously. I know I make mistakes (lots actually), but I accept that because I know sometimes, the hardest step is the first one. Here's to putting it all out there! :)
If only I could correct my grammar on other people's posts... oops!
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
A Different Artist
I remember many years ago in the mid-late 1990's, my husband made me listen to some music. Since our musical taste does not always match, it was no surprise when I was a little concerned about what I was about to subject my ears to.
The artist was Vanessa Mae and the album was her first one - The Violin Player. I'll be honest - I was sceptical when he told me Vanessa Mae played violin with a techno spin. Remember - this was the mid 1990's. Another artist named Ashley MacIsaac, a Canadian East Coast fiddler, was also gaining media attention through non-traditional music, and controversial interviews. It was as if the violin world had been turned upside down.
"Violins are for classical music!" people said. Like many others, I had only been exposed to traditional 'violin' music when I played from grade 8 until high school graduation. These artists were messing with traditional sound!
Alright, alright - who am I kidding? I loved it! I could quickly see how both these artists were going to change violin music. It was going to open up the art-form to a whole new group of people and I could see absolutely no harm in that. I don't believe in keeping things "pure" and in fact, think that Purity is like snuffing out Opportunity.
On that note (ha ha), I'd like you to consider what thoughts or ideas you have that may just change the landscape in ways no one else has tried? It's easy to be a naysayer and everyone does it well - but that is the worn, well formed path. Take the tougher, harder road. I dare you to.
P.S. Here's one of Vanessa Mae's videos.
The artist was Vanessa Mae and the album was her first one - The Violin Player. I'll be honest - I was sceptical when he told me Vanessa Mae played violin with a techno spin. Remember - this was the mid 1990's. Another artist named Ashley MacIsaac, a Canadian East Coast fiddler, was also gaining media attention through non-traditional music, and controversial interviews. It was as if the violin world had been turned upside down.
"Violins are for classical music!" people said. Like many others, I had only been exposed to traditional 'violin' music when I played from grade 8 until high school graduation. These artists were messing with traditional sound!
Alright, alright - who am I kidding? I loved it! I could quickly see how both these artists were going to change violin music. It was going to open up the art-form to a whole new group of people and I could see absolutely no harm in that. I don't believe in keeping things "pure" and in fact, think that Purity is like snuffing out Opportunity.
On that note (ha ha), I'd like you to consider what thoughts or ideas you have that may just change the landscape in ways no one else has tried? It's easy to be a naysayer and everyone does it well - but that is the worn, well formed path. Take the tougher, harder road. I dare you to.
P.S. Here's one of Vanessa Mae's videos.
Monday, April 21, 2008
I hate customers
I hate customers.
I know, I know - without them, I'd have nothing. The company would have nothing. But some customers spoil it for everyone else. I wonder how some people can live their lives doing things that they know are wrong. I don't know how they justify it.
And now, I've even let a bad customer take away my happy thoughts - now that's a shame. I'll have to let this one slide before it takes any more of my time and energy.
I know, I know - without them, I'd have nothing. The company would have nothing. But some customers spoil it for everyone else. I wonder how some people can live their lives doing things that they know are wrong. I don't know how they justify it.
And now, I've even let a bad customer take away my happy thoughts - now that's a shame. I'll have to let this one slide before it takes any more of my time and energy.
I hate bad customers.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Sun, Water, Rocks and Water Guns
Friday was the first day this year I turned the AC on in the car. And before I turned on the AC, I rolled down the window and enjoyed the breeze.
It's Sunday afternoon and for the past 36 hours, the water guns, kiddie pools, swimsuits have all come out twice already as the kids have began their summer play.
For the adults (that's me), I've brought out the music, drinks and food. Even the laptop is out getting some Vitamin D as I write this. Enjoy the first taste of summer. Yum.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
80's Memories
I teach fitness classes and the latest music includes a cover of the George Michael song "Freedom". Of course, this takes me back to the 80's where I remember fondly:
MuchMusic (the MTV equivalent in Canada)
Video killed the Radio Star
Madonna's Lucky Star
Wham (what did it say on those shirts?)
Duran Duran - could they have been the first boy band?
Frankie told us to Relax
Cyndi reminded us Girls just wanna have fun
CD's (bye bye tapes, bye bye Vinyl - damn - how am I going to play those records?)
We all have our own memories and I even have cool memories about other things like Diana getting married and having babies and not so cool ones like Reagan getting shot. What I'll remember most about the 80's are the friends who helped me get through the decade in that roller coaster ride we call life. Thanks for the music and thanks for the memories.
I leave you with an early 90's song from George Michael called Praying for Time from my angrier phase when I was grumbling about other people not caring and acting. It all starts with you and me and it only took me decades to learn that one.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Go fly a kite
Or go buy a sailboat? Life's too short.
This one's for you buddy! :)
Apr 20 update: OMG - you bought a sailboat! Congrats! :)
This one's for you buddy! :)
Apr 20 update: OMG - you bought a sailboat! Congrats! :)
Sunday, April 13, 2008
What the Frak?
As I was catching up on the first 2 episodes of Season 4 of Battlestar Galactica the other day, I was amazed at what the characters were saying. It was as if they were speaking to me regarding life and life's questions and answers.
I love this show in so many ways - from the smart story-telling, to the incredible acting (Canadian actors too!), to the cinematography (I have no idea what that means - I only know it looks amazing) - there is a lot to appreciate. Without giving away anything about the show, let's call it a story about 2 races - the Humans and the Cylons. In fact, a battle between good and evil.
The thought suggested on the show was that if you were Cylon (supposedly evil) and never knew it until now, does that change anything about who you were prior to today.
Say for example, you always fought against the Cylons. You lived your entire life devoted to helping yourself and others in beating them mentally and physically. Now, what happens if you find out today that you are actually Cylon and always have been. What does that mean? What defines you? Your thoughts, beliefs and actions, or your genetics?
Here's what I believe: I'm Human. And even if I were Cylon, it really wouldn't matter because I believe what defines me are things within my control (not genetics). What I believe and what I choose to do is who I am. So I choose to believe that I am capable and able to do whatever it is I need to do in this life and if that means battling Cylons for instance, then so be it. Every day is a new day for kicking some Cylon butt. You game?
If you want a 4 minute introduction to the miniseries, click here.
If you want an 8 minute video summary of the past 3 years worth of episodes (that would mean all spoilers), try watching this.
I love this show in so many ways - from the smart story-telling, to the incredible acting (Canadian actors too!), to the cinematography (I have no idea what that means - I only know it looks amazing) - there is a lot to appreciate. Without giving away anything about the show, let's call it a story about 2 races - the Humans and the Cylons. In fact, a battle between good and evil.
The thought suggested on the show was that if you were Cylon (supposedly evil) and never knew it until now, does that change anything about who you were prior to today.
Say for example, you always fought against the Cylons. You lived your entire life devoted to helping yourself and others in beating them mentally and physically. Now, what happens if you find out today that you are actually Cylon and always have been. What does that mean? What defines you? Your thoughts, beliefs and actions, or your genetics?
Here's what I believe: I'm Human. And even if I were Cylon, it really wouldn't matter because I believe what defines me are things within my control (not genetics). What I believe and what I choose to do is who I am. So I choose to believe that I am capable and able to do whatever it is I need to do in this life and if that means battling Cylons for instance, then so be it. Every day is a new day for kicking some Cylon butt. You game?
If you want a 4 minute introduction to the miniseries, click here.
If you want an 8 minute video summary of the past 3 years worth of episodes (that would mean all spoilers), try watching this.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Understanding People
QuestionableMe suggested that trying to ’figure people out’ would be impossible. QM suggests that the failure is due to assumptions based on logic and rational thought. I believe the underlying question isn't about whether you can predict someone, but whether you can (or should try to) understand them. I like where QM went in the summary of why you might want to 'figure out' people and I'll suggest another question.
What does it mean to understand someone?
Let's take a typical example of meeting someone brand new for the first time. You begin by talking about things like the weather, and then basic vital stats - where you went to school, what you took, where you work, what you do, your favourite music, books, movies, your family stats, etc etc. They are in some ways meaningless - you can find 2 individuals who have exactly the same vital stats and find that you have nothing in common. I believe as you're sharing this information in the beginning, what is not said, reveals the more interesting information. You begin to guess that this person is very intense or very easy-going. You begin to hear and think about their ethics and motivations. You make judgements on whether this person is 'interesting' to you or not.
Taking the time to get to know someone is a compliment: "I like what I see and hear and I want to know more." Understanding someone isn't necessarily about being able to predict their behaviour - not even the individual can always do that because humans make decisions and behave based on logical and emotional responses. Just because we can not always predict ones' behaviour doesn't mean we shouldn't try to understand them.
In that understanding of others, we learn about ourselves. Ultimately, isn't it understanding yourself, your goals and dreams what really drives your ultimate happiness in life?
Get to know someone better and you may find you got to know yourself better.
What does it mean to understand someone?
Let's take a typical example of meeting someone brand new for the first time. You begin by talking about things like the weather, and then basic vital stats - where you went to school, what you took, where you work, what you do, your favourite music, books, movies, your family stats, etc etc. They are in some ways meaningless - you can find 2 individuals who have exactly the same vital stats and find that you have nothing in common. I believe as you're sharing this information in the beginning, what is not said, reveals the more interesting information. You begin to guess that this person is very intense or very easy-going. You begin to hear and think about their ethics and motivations. You make judgements on whether this person is 'interesting' to you or not.
Taking the time to get to know someone is a compliment: "I like what I see and hear and I want to know more." Understanding someone isn't necessarily about being able to predict their behaviour - not even the individual can always do that because humans make decisions and behave based on logical and emotional responses. Just because we can not always predict ones' behaviour doesn't mean we shouldn't try to understand them.
In that understanding of others, we learn about ourselves. Ultimately, isn't it understanding yourself, your goals and dreams what really drives your ultimate happiness in life?
Get to know someone better and you may find you got to know yourself better.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Passion is...
According to Wikipedia, passion is "feeling very strongly about a subject or person. Passion is an intense emotion compelling feeling, enthusiasm, or desire for anything and often requiring action."
Others tell me I'm a passionate person and according to the description above, I'd say that's pretty accurate. If I feel strongly about something, I do feel the need to act on it - and sometimes, it is as simple as communicating that message to others. Yet, many times, I talk to people who feel a passion towards something and yet are unable to act. They dream of what they would do, if they won the lottery, or what they would do with free time, or where they would go if they could take a trip. It seems we all have dreams and passions that go unfulfilled. Yet this is our own doing; not anyone else's.
Why don't you do it? What are you afraid of?
I know I have my reasons for why I may not act at times, and I try to minimize that fear of making the wrong choice. At times, the fear should be not in making the wrong choice, but perhaps the fear of not making a choice at all.
I encourage you to live your life the way you want to live it today and don't delay any longer. Life's too short.
Others tell me I'm a passionate person and according to the description above, I'd say that's pretty accurate. If I feel strongly about something, I do feel the need to act on it - and sometimes, it is as simple as communicating that message to others. Yet, many times, I talk to people who feel a passion towards something and yet are unable to act. They dream of what they would do, if they won the lottery, or what they would do with free time, or where they would go if they could take a trip. It seems we all have dreams and passions that go unfulfilled. Yet this is our own doing; not anyone else's.
Why don't you do it? What are you afraid of?
I know I have my reasons for why I may not act at times, and I try to minimize that fear of making the wrong choice. At times, the fear should be not in making the wrong choice, but perhaps the fear of not making a choice at all.
I encourage you to live your life the way you want to live it today and don't delay any longer. Life's too short.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Are you having fun yet?
The interactive displays at the ROM (Royal Ontario Museum) in Toronto, Canada make for easy fun for kids. Dress-up and fantasy are things that kids easily do without thinking twice about. How many adults do you normally see getting into the groove and act like a kid again? What is it that stops us from acting goofy? I have yet to hear a good reason for this. If you were at the ROM the other day, you would have seen grown-ups dressing up alongside the kids having a blast.
Stop thinking about what the rules are and start being and doing whatever it is you want to do. Be a kid again and don't forget to have fun.
Friday, April 4, 2008
Daisy's Doubts
We all have days when our “can’t do it” voice is a bit louder than we’d like. For instance, listen for a moment to my inner voice talking…
“You can’t write?!!”
“There are so many blogs out there – why would anyone be interested in reading yours?”
“What makes you the subject matter expert?”
“You only just started one blog, and now you’ve got 2 active, and a 3rd on the way?”
Wow, eh. What was I thinking? Who am I kidding? Why am I doing this? And those poor people who are reading this – what must they think? Oh dear. But wait, let’s delve deeper into those thoughts.
Why in the world am I doing this? Because I enjoy it! If I have an expectation that tons of people are going to come and read this, then, I might be disappointed, but if I keep my expectations reasonable, then there will be no disappointment. I write because it makes me happy and I get motivated by making a positive impact on people’s lives.
I started Answer Starts With You a few months ago as just a personal place to put my thoughts. I put it out in the Blogosphere in March 2008. A few days ago, I started Fitness Starts With You. In a few short days, I noticed visits from India, Argentina, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States and of course my home country Canada. To think I went from zero to something in a few short days is really a fantastic feat considering all I wanted to do was just write.
So thank you for coming. Thank you for reading. If you’re enjoying this, please write comments, notes, feedback and forward the link to others. Just remember the more you read, the more I'll write.
P.S. Plus, look how I’ve learned to include photos, embed links that open in new windows and other stuff I couldn’t do just a few days ago!
“You can’t write?!!”
“There are so many blogs out there – why would anyone be interested in reading yours?”
“What makes you the subject matter expert?”
“You only just started one blog, and now you’ve got 2 active, and a 3rd on the way?”
Wow, eh. What was I thinking? Who am I kidding? Why am I doing this? And those poor people who are reading this – what must they think? Oh dear. But wait, let’s delve deeper into those thoughts.
Why in the world am I doing this? Because I enjoy it! If I have an expectation that tons of people are going to come and read this, then, I might be disappointed, but if I keep my expectations reasonable, then there will be no disappointment. I write because it makes me happy and I get motivated by making a positive impact on people’s lives.
I started Answer Starts With You a few months ago as just a personal place to put my thoughts. I put it out in the Blogosphere in March 2008. A few days ago, I started Fitness Starts With You. In a few short days, I noticed visits from India, Argentina, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States and of course my home country Canada. To think I went from zero to something in a few short days is really a fantastic feat considering all I wanted to do was just write.
So thank you for coming. Thank you for reading. If you’re enjoying this, please write comments, notes, feedback and forward the link to others. Just remember the more you read, the more I'll write.
P.S. Plus, look how I’ve learned to include photos, embed links that open in new windows and other stuff I couldn’t do just a few days ago!
Thursday, April 3, 2008
A Different Diet
I don't know why people love to diet. Okay, actually, I do know why people go on diets but diets don't work, (and that is a whole other story).
Since people like the term, I thought that I could give new meaning to the word 'diet'. I think it is time to go on a Vocabulary Diet.
This diet will take some time to adjust, and we'll fumble at first, but with consistency and a conscious effort, I know we can succeed. Let's just start with one word to start, and with time, we'll add more to the list.
Let's start with the easy target and remove this phrase:
"I Can't"
Examples:
"I can't afford that. I can't get a raise. I can't meet people.
I can't find a girlfriend/boyfriend. I can't get a job. I can't fit
into my clothes. I can't.."
Replace with:
"How can I afford that? How can I get a raise? How can I meet
people? How can I find a girlfriend/boyfriend? How can I get a
job? How can I fit into my clothes? How can I...?"
As Yoda says, "Do or do not. There is no try."
P.S. If you're looking for strategies on making fitness enjoyable, check out my other blog here.
Since people like the term, I thought that I could give new meaning to the word 'diet'. I think it is time to go on a Vocabulary Diet.
This diet will take some time to adjust, and we'll fumble at first, but with consistency and a conscious effort, I know we can succeed. Let's just start with one word to start, and with time, we'll add more to the list.
Let's start with the easy target and remove this phrase:
"I Can't"
Examples:
"I can't afford that. I can't get a raise. I can't meet people.
I can't find a girlfriend/boyfriend. I can't get a job. I can't fit
into my clothes. I can't.."
Replace with:
"How can I afford that? How can I get a raise? How can I meet
people? How can I find a girlfriend/boyfriend? How can I get a
job? How can I fit into my clothes? How can I...?"
As Yoda says, "Do or do not. There is no try."
P.S. If you're looking for strategies on making fitness enjoyable, check out my other blog here.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Creative People doing their thing
I've previously posted about how the adult world seems to systematically break creativity out of us while I personally try to keep it more front and centre with my box of crayons.
I think this is definately a skill I can improve on even more, especially when I find special "blogs of note" like Found In Pockets and People Reading. And for something a little different (and lesser known), try Questionable Me.
I think this is definately a skill I can improve on even more, especially when I find special "blogs of note" like Found In Pockets and People Reading. And for something a little different (and lesser known), try Questionable Me.
They are fabulous examples of people who have the gumption to do something different and then get noticed (positively) for it. Plus, they are also fabulous examples of living in the moment. I ask again, how do you live your life?
Changing Perspectives
Sometimes we need to twist our necks around in order to see something that might have always been under our noses. Or we need someone else who's already looking at it from a different angle. I suppose that's why we ask others for their opinion.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
More grumpiness
It must be cultural or something. I really don't understand why some people only look at the negative side of things.
Here's an example. The discussion was regarding selling the existing home, and buying a condominium. There are many valid reasons for considering this move, and this has been discussed by the couple for well over 10 years already. In the past 10 years, I continue to hear excuses about why the move hasn't happened yet, however, I can tell in the discussion, they really are moving further along in the process. For instance, I've been part of discussions regarding painting their current home. (For background, I've painted 2 full houses top to bottom in less time than they've spent discussing their potential move.) What I heard them say was that painting was difficult and would be hard for them to do. This would be (I believe) the 3rd time I've offered to paint their house (for free). My only rule is that they can not be in the house when I am painting. They move as much as they can, and leave the rest, and I will take care of it.
Doesn't that sound like a very reasonable proposition? Especially if you've seen my painting skills - pretty darn good quality at that price (and fast too!). But alas, they are not sold. Somehow even after I gave them the best offer I could (I go buy the paint for you, I move the furniture for you, I provide the stuff to paint with, I clean up for you, - I take all the hassles out and all you have to do is pay for the paint and they're still not convinced. Do they realize it doesn't get any better than this, if they seriously want their home painted? This is what I heard next: "you know, it's really hard to sell and buy a home - if you sell first, and then can't find one to buy, you're screwed. If you buy first, and then can't sell yours, you're screwed again. Maybe we shouldn't even move."
Please help me understand people like this. What do they really want? To just find excuses to complain about something?!!
If you're wondering - of course it's family.
Here's an example. The discussion was regarding selling the existing home, and buying a condominium. There are many valid reasons for considering this move, and this has been discussed by the couple for well over 10 years already. In the past 10 years, I continue to hear excuses about why the move hasn't happened yet, however, I can tell in the discussion, they really are moving further along in the process. For instance, I've been part of discussions regarding painting their current home. (For background, I've painted 2 full houses top to bottom in less time than they've spent discussing their potential move.) What I heard them say was that painting was difficult and would be hard for them to do. This would be (I believe) the 3rd time I've offered to paint their house (for free). My only rule is that they can not be in the house when I am painting. They move as much as they can, and leave the rest, and I will take care of it.
Doesn't that sound like a very reasonable proposition? Especially if you've seen my painting skills - pretty darn good quality at that price (and fast too!). But alas, they are not sold. Somehow even after I gave them the best offer I could (I go buy the paint for you, I move the furniture for you, I provide the stuff to paint with, I clean up for you, - I take all the hassles out and all you have to do is pay for the paint and they're still not convinced. Do they realize it doesn't get any better than this, if they seriously want their home painted? This is what I heard next: "you know, it's really hard to sell and buy a home - if you sell first, and then can't find one to buy, you're screwed. If you buy first, and then can't sell yours, you're screwed again. Maybe we shouldn't even move."
Please help me understand people like this. What do they really want? To just find excuses to complain about something?!!
If you're wondering - of course it's family.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Creative Writing
Last night I did some searching through blogs for some keywords and I was stunned by the sheer volume of quality writing by so many people!
What struck me was how many creative writers there are out there who are able to weave incredible poems and stories in ways that would be impossible for me. Yet - is it really impossible? Alas, of course I can not give up quite that easily. I will have to make an attempt at writing some short piece of fiction just to see and should I fail to post something here then you'll know that it was far more difficult than I anticipated. That, or I just got really lazy or busy.
P.S. - Click here for a great one!
What struck me was how many creative writers there are out there who are able to weave incredible poems and stories in ways that would be impossible for me. Yet - is it really impossible? Alas, of course I can not give up quite that easily. I will have to make an attempt at writing some short piece of fiction just to see and should I fail to post something here then you'll know that it was far more difficult than I anticipated. That, or I just got really lazy or busy.
P.S. - Click here for a great one!
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Not for Grumpy People
Some people are so miserable and grumpy, I wonder if they know how to smile. Every opportunity you give them, turns into excuses for why something won't work. I'm not sure if it's a cultural thing (though I'm sure that has some impact) but I wonder if they've ever been exposed to the other side of the coin.
I started to wonder why I even feel so passionately about grumpy people. Why do I care what they think. I mean, they exist, they live their lives and who am I to judge or make comment on how they choose to live their lives? If they want to be grumpy - let them, right?! If I dissect this further, I realize what has changed in me internally - I used to be grumpier, and I see the light now.
I used to think of it as "the glass is half empty but it means we can easily fill it up with more". I guess I always used to see additional opportunities when it looked a bit tough. Now, I realize there is even another way - "the glass is half full AND we can easily fill it up with more".
I am amazed at the impact this attitude has on everyone around me. Not only am I happier, everyone around me is happier! The facts have not changed, yet we all seem to be having more fun trying to fill the glass! With this change, I now want to share this secret even with the grumpy people.
I realize though that some people are absolutely satisfied in their grumpiness and that won't change until they decide they're ready to change. Sometimes, I need to keep my passion in check and make sure I don't waste too much time on the grumpy.
This blog is not for the grumpy. It's for those who are already open and ready - let's share the secret and pass it along.
I started to wonder why I even feel so passionately about grumpy people. Why do I care what they think. I mean, they exist, they live their lives and who am I to judge or make comment on how they choose to live their lives? If they want to be grumpy - let them, right?! If I dissect this further, I realize what has changed in me internally - I used to be grumpier, and I see the light now.
I used to think of it as "the glass is half empty but it means we can easily fill it up with more". I guess I always used to see additional opportunities when it looked a bit tough. Now, I realize there is even another way - "the glass is half full AND we can easily fill it up with more".
I am amazed at the impact this attitude has on everyone around me. Not only am I happier, everyone around me is happier! The facts have not changed, yet we all seem to be having more fun trying to fill the glass! With this change, I now want to share this secret even with the grumpy people.
I realize though that some people are absolutely satisfied in their grumpiness and that won't change until they decide they're ready to change. Sometimes, I need to keep my passion in check and make sure I don't waste too much time on the grumpy.
This blog is not for the grumpy. It's for those who are already open and ready - let's share the secret and pass it along.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Deja Vu
Someone I know absolutely believes in destiny. What is surprising about him, is that you would think he's the last person in the world to believe this. He takes control of his life and conquers everything he sets his mind to. He's very much a 'driver' behind the wheels of his life.
So, when he tells me that he believes, of course I have to ask.
Daisy says... So, if your destiny was to find treasure worth 50 million dollars, why would you even go looking for it, when it will happen anyway?
He says... I don't know what my destiny is. I don't know if it is to find or not find that treasure. If I stop looking, it is for a reason. If I start looking, it is for a reason, and that was meant to happen. The only part that is missing, is I don't know what is meant to happen.
Daisy says... Why do you believe?
He says... Have you ever had deja vu? I've had it a few times and everytime, it is amazing how clear it is, and I realize as it is happening that either this has happened before, or I know exactly what is going to happen next. I know exactly what path I am supposed to take next. It is as if something is guiding me accurately to wherever I am supposed to go.
Daisy says... I have and each time, I swear it is a scene that is not only familiar, but incredibly clear and accurate. You're right. I know what will happen next, and I know what decision or path I should take. I'm only redoing the scene again.
Many of us experience deja vu - it's strange and scary because we have no idea what it means. We can't begin to understand it, and that scares us. It is particularly disconcerting for those of us who believe we take control of our own lives and make things happen in our lives. Yet, I love his answer - it's simple. Of course. It makes sense.
Thanks buddy. I'll continue on my way, because I feel it in my gut, and because it's my destiny.
So, when he tells me that he believes, of course I have to ask.
Daisy says... So, if your destiny was to find treasure worth 50 million dollars, why would you even go looking for it, when it will happen anyway?
He says... I don't know what my destiny is. I don't know if it is to find or not find that treasure. If I stop looking, it is for a reason. If I start looking, it is for a reason, and that was meant to happen. The only part that is missing, is I don't know what is meant to happen.
Daisy says... Why do you believe?
He says... Have you ever had deja vu? I've had it a few times and everytime, it is amazing how clear it is, and I realize as it is happening that either this has happened before, or I know exactly what is going to happen next. I know exactly what path I am supposed to take next. It is as if something is guiding me accurately to wherever I am supposed to go.
Daisy says... I have and each time, I swear it is a scene that is not only familiar, but incredibly clear and accurate. You're right. I know what will happen next, and I know what decision or path I should take. I'm only redoing the scene again.
Many of us experience deja vu - it's strange and scary because we have no idea what it means. We can't begin to understand it, and that scares us. It is particularly disconcerting for those of us who believe we take control of our own lives and make things happen in our lives. Yet, I love his answer - it's simple. Of course. It makes sense.
Thanks buddy. I'll continue on my way, because I feel it in my gut, and because it's my destiny.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Enlightenment
I was having a debate with someone yesterday and I guess I feel so strongly about this, that I have to put it down in black and white. And just because I feel strongly about it today, does not mean my opinion may not change tomorrow if you introduce new information for me.
Be forewarned. You may disagree.
Her belief is that ignorant people should be enlightened. We should do a better job of telling people in other societies, communities and cultures about our ways. Let me use a specific example. We should tell others that women are treated as equals and not inferior to men.
(I'm going to get flack for this, I can tell. Here goes.)
I know that as a woman living in Canada, I enjoy freedoms and rights that I think are rightfully mine to enjoy. In fact, I think we still have some more ways to go to attempt to reach the equality balance. Having said that, I do not agree that everyone needs to be aware of this.
What I mean is that if you're from a culture where women are not seen as equals, I do not see it as my job (or anyone else's for that matter) to enlighten all the women of this culture that they should not accept this inequity. By 'enlightening' them, it is imposing our belief system on another group, and who is to judge on which system is better, or even the right one? Someone even referred to Star Trek - one of their rules is to not change the species/people they meet by imposing Star Trek beliefs. It is true. We do not know of who they are, and what they value, and why it is the way it is - who are we to judge another culture/group of people?
I can certainly judge what I know of it and say "wow, that sucks, and I would never be happy there", however, I can not continue drawing a line to say, "wow, that sucks, and no women would or should ever be happy there". We assume that we know better because we live differently. I am sure that there are people (including women) who are satisifed with the life they live in these cultures. Morever, some of them, may even not appreciate getting the information. Some people don't know what to do, or feel that there is nothing they can do.
Now that you think I'm crazy, here's what else I believe.
Some people, in any society, questions things. They are the ones who seek out to be enlightened. They want to understand the world beyond their own group. Information is available for those seeking it and though it may not always be easy, I think for those who have a will, there is a way. I believe that information needs to be relayed internally. It is not from outsiders (like us judging others), but from insiders who live and breathe it every day. They are the ones who are better able to understand their world, and therefore, the additional information the outside world can provide. There are always the early adopters in any society who seek, find and begin to make change. I think we need to let them find whatever information they need. Our only job is to make the information available.
Be forewarned. You may disagree.
Her belief is that ignorant people should be enlightened. We should do a better job of telling people in other societies, communities and cultures about our ways. Let me use a specific example. We should tell others that women are treated as equals and not inferior to men.
(I'm going to get flack for this, I can tell. Here goes.)
I know that as a woman living in Canada, I enjoy freedoms and rights that I think are rightfully mine to enjoy. In fact, I think we still have some more ways to go to attempt to reach the equality balance. Having said that, I do not agree that everyone needs to be aware of this.
What I mean is that if you're from a culture where women are not seen as equals, I do not see it as my job (or anyone else's for that matter) to enlighten all the women of this culture that they should not accept this inequity. By 'enlightening' them, it is imposing our belief system on another group, and who is to judge on which system is better, or even the right one? Someone even referred to Star Trek - one of their rules is to not change the species/people they meet by imposing Star Trek beliefs. It is true. We do not know of who they are, and what they value, and why it is the way it is - who are we to judge another culture/group of people?
I can certainly judge what I know of it and say "wow, that sucks, and I would never be happy there", however, I can not continue drawing a line to say, "wow, that sucks, and no women would or should ever be happy there". We assume that we know better because we live differently. I am sure that there are people (including women) who are satisifed with the life they live in these cultures. Morever, some of them, may even not appreciate getting the information. Some people don't know what to do, or feel that there is nothing they can do.
Now that you think I'm crazy, here's what else I believe.
Some people, in any society, questions things. They are the ones who seek out to be enlightened. They want to understand the world beyond their own group. Information is available for those seeking it and though it may not always be easy, I think for those who have a will, there is a way. I believe that information needs to be relayed internally. It is not from outsiders (like us judging others), but from insiders who live and breathe it every day. They are the ones who are better able to understand their world, and therefore, the additional information the outside world can provide. There are always the early adopters in any society who seek, find and begin to make change. I think we need to let them find whatever information they need. Our only job is to make the information available.
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