Category: lifestyle

The Cryptid Carnival

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A Message To My Sons

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TaiGreenwayTN

           I hope you never seek validation from others in any aspect of your life

I hope you are confident in your desires and remain true to your personal passions

I hope you cling to wonder and curiosity

I hope you recognize your power to manifest an intentional and tranquil life

I hope you are capable of being happy for others

I hope you understand that gratification is fleeting, as is every emotion and moment

I hope you find peace in simplicity

I hope you transform this world, but do not become lost in the trend

I hope you stand in the rain and still enjoy getting wet

I hope you gain insight from those you encounter and embody lifelong learning

I hope you cry when you are sad

I hope you cry when you are joyous

I hope you speak with eloquence and love

I hope you gaze at the moon in admiration

I hope you accept the journey of LIFE with ease and calm

I hope you choose tolerance

I hope you travel to seek, not travel to tourist

I hope you help people without expectations or applause

I hope you demonstrate patience

I hope when you experience deep sadness you have the courage to redirect your life

I hope you appreciate the value of time and never allow money to consume you

I hope you can sleep without melatonin, and survive a day without caffeine

I hope you rest when you are tired

I hope you strive when you are capable

 I hope you smile when you think of me

My wish for you…I am hopeful

You’ve Already Failed at Keeping Your New Years Resolution & Here’s Why

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We’re two months into the New Year and let’s be honest, the majority of us have predictably failed at keeping our resolutions. In my early twenties I was much more optimistic about making simple lifestyle changes, becoming outrageously successful and of course, losing weight. 
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Topanga, Malibu, CA

We cling to this idea that right after Christmas the New Year will bring about dramatic changes in our lives. We chant positive affirmations, and the festive spirit of the holiday season allows us to live in this delusional happy state for a few weeks. Naturally, this optimism fades as the decorations come down and our mundane schedules pick back up. We quickly abandon the promises we’ve made to ourselves and here’s why.

 Most resolutions are impulsive

                Many of us make last minute resolutions on the first day of the year but they don’t come from a place of genuine concern or interest. They are impulsive or spontaneous decisions, and I’m sure you’re well aware of how hasty actions can quickly turn into awkward disasters. Yep, you’re right, it’s nearly impossible to stop smoking cold turkey, and it’s physically draining to work out every day when you’ve never exercised. So instead of reacting to this momentary impulse how about keeping it real with yourself in regard to your goals.Take it slow, layout a practical plan, and be kind to yourself for once. Accept this universal truth; we all fall off the wagon sometimes. 

 Resolutions or Abandonments? You decide.

At this point perhaps we should just change the word resolutions to abandonments, because that’s what most humans do. We inevitably abandon the promises we’ve made to ourselves.

You declare a newly found love for animals along with a hatred for factory farming. So the next step you take is a resolution to become a vegetarian in the new year. Two days later you’re chowing down on a juicy double cheeseburger at your favorite fast food joint. Swift abandonment. Indeed, we are the sum of our routines and these habits are hard to break. Is it negative to assume before you begin that you will fail? Perhaps, but it’s even more depressing and unhealthy to pretend we’re able to immediately stop or begin a new behavior effortlessly.

If we’re being honest with ourselves and wish to live an authentic life, the best solution would be to release this idea of resolutions and accept a new tradition of abandonments. Focused on leaving things behind, like our awkward obsession with Donald Trump and Kylie Jenner’s lips. Kidding. But, of course there are certain things we all wish to leave in 2015… is your list realistically achievable?

Not to be a negative Nancy, but more than likely you’ve already failed at keeping or completing your resolutions for many years. Am I wrong? However, in the process you’ve probably discovered how pointless resolutions are to proclaim in the first place.

Many self-help gurus may disagree, suggesting that we should focus on the positive progress we make, but there’s nothing wrong with embracing failure and being mindful of the things we’ll realistically abandon.

 I’m in no way suggesting that you won’t conquer your fears this year, or become extremely fit and land a fantastic job. Eventually, your hard work and consistency will be equivalent to your reward. We all have a set of goals we’re working towards, and I commend the passionate pursuit of happiness. I’m simply recommending that we acknowledge our silly unrealistic expectations for what they are and try becoming less impulsive with our goals. 

This year, Don’t make resolutions,  Make sincere commitments.

Take the time that you NEED and commit oneself to something completely. In the words of the great Jedi Master…

  

“Do. Or do not. There is no try.” 

                 -Yoda

                                     The Empire Strikes Back

The Traveler Is You

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SPEAK

We think sometimes that the deepest secrets of life can only be uncovered in a monastery – can only be found at the end of a long and difficult journey to a land somewhere near the roof of the world. We don’t even dare hope that we will be one of the lucky ones who finds the true master to teach us a true path to follow. It seems too impossible. We think sometimes that the greatest adventure, the most meaningful quest can only be found by someone not bound by an ordinary life. That we must be free of family and job, with our backpack ready, and a ticket to some exotic destination promising possibilities….

But the truth is that seekers come in all shapes and sizes, living all kinds of lives. The truth is there is a power in each of us, a power that goes largely untapped and unrecognized, hidden even from our own selves. The truth is that we don’t have to go anywhere, there are no tickets to buy, no bags to pack.

But you do have to be ready to travel. The truth is that the quest exists, the journey is real.

The traveler is you.

– Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu.