Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.
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So most people don’t know this about me- but I got to Al Anon meetings twice a week. I go because I have been affected by the disease of alcoholism, and up until pretty recently- didn’t seem to really realize it. FYI- Al Anon is for friends and family of alcoholics- it is not Alcoholics Anonymous.
For the longest time I thought drinking excessively and partying with my friends on a weekly basis was normal- until I realized what it was doing to my body as well as my emotional and mental well-being. I was influenced by people that I dated, family members and friends- and I tried to control almost every aspect of my life. It was unbearable- and I was not willing to admit that until recently when I realized- SHIT!! My life has been seriously affected by the alcoholics in it.
Al Anon has taught me to let go of the things I cannot control, to have a good balance of nurturing myself as well as others, and it has taught me that balance in all realms of fun and seriousness are ok. Most of all- it has taught me that it is ok to feel- to have a sad moment, or a hard day- but that the things out of our control are not things that we should be dwelling on. We can only control only our attitude and reaction to the things that life throws at us. A positive attitude can overcome anything…
Today I wanted to share something that I read in a book that has daily readings and insights as I study the 12 steps of Al Anon.:
When I can finally persuade myself to let go of a problem that has been tormenting me, solutions begin to unfold that I never dreamed were possible. This should convince me that my human understanding does have limitations- that there are things I can’t figure out by myself. Only then I will let go- and trust that the universe has a reason and will help me.
Such an experience- seeing things happen that I did not bring to pass-should prove to me that another person’s actions and fate are not in my hands. The sooner I accept this, the sooner good things will begin to unfold in my own life.
Stubborn self-will only hinders the working out of our problems- I have the understanding today that I am not all-powerful and all-wise and that sometimes- you just have to let things play out.
I have to say today that things have been super tough lately and the quote above is exactly what I needed to hear. I accredit Al anon, my loving girlfriend, and my supportive friends and family for the strengths I have build and continue to build every single day.
With that I leave you with words to live by that I picked up in Scotland:
What is for you, won’t go by you.
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Looking out the window at a curly headed girl…thinking of my life where anything is possible…
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Unexpected….
If i could tell the world just one thing it would be:
“We’re all ok. Not to worry because worry is wasteful and useless in times like these”
As I sat in front of the computer screen this afternoon listening to thought provoking music, admiring the words for their beauty despite their solitary woes- I thought to myself- “Allowing yourself to feel deep solitude and contemplation at times can feel incredible, it’s really helpful to the soul and it allows us to REALLY feel our emotions and to be thankful for all the good in our lives.” It gives us the perspective needed to help others when needed, and the will power to find the positive amongst the mental ruin. There IS good in every little trivial detail of our lives. You just have to WANT to find it.
It’s ok to be sad, its ok to feel pain. There is no weakness in being human- only weakness in denying yourself and pretending to be constantly resilient- because guess what: you’re not. If you’re sad: remind yourself of one thing- “this is only temporary, and things WILL get better” and that enjoying a slow contemplative song is apart of the adventure in gaining perspective and learning about what sort of things trigger your emotional behavior.
I believe that everything happens for a reason. Relax your heart, give people the benefit of the doubt, instead of assuming the worst- and you might be surprised at what the outcome is.
Have a great day everyone…
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[Flash 9 is required to listen to audio.]This track has had 0 playsApple Think Different by Steve Jobs
How amazing is this….
The people who are crazy enough to think
that they can change the world… are the ones who do. -
Lara here..
Inspired by a conversation I had with Torri G- I decided to post this and remind you all of something really important. The only thing standing in your way of achieving anything you want- is you. Once you decide and realize your potential and greatness and strive for it- you WILL achieve it.
”Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything — all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure – these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.” -Steve Jobs
The only thing we have to fear is fear itself….once we set this aside….we avoid the trap of living life fearing that we have something to lose…because we have NOTHING to lose.
I believe in dispelling all fear….fear of failure, fear of rejection and fear of letting yourself down…because these fears are irrelevant and they inhibit the progress and innovation that we all harbor in ourselves.Euphoria can be found in any aspect of life, paradise can be achieved if you want it. These are all results of positive thinking and will power to be happy and succeed.
Life is for living…not living up tight.
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Make someones day in a small way everyday….and together we can make the world a better place. People don’t understand or realize that the small things add up in the long run…
My daughter has been saving her birthday money and allowance for almost 9 months now so that she could afford an iPod touch with a camera in it.
As of this morning, she had saved the amount needed and headed to the Apple Store in Utah with my wife. They arrived at 10:30am, not realizing that the store would be closed from 11am to 2pm today. As they approached the store, two friendly Apple employees greeted them and said that they were sorry, but they were closed.
My wife pointed to my daughter who had a mason jar full of cash in her arms and explained why they were there and also pointed out that is was not quite 11am yet. They again said they were sorry, but could not let them in. My wife and daughter were sad, but understood and made their way to another store in the mall.
About three stores down, an Apple employee raced after them and explained that the manager was going to make an exception and let them in. When they were let in the store, they were the only customers in the place and every one of the employees stopped what they were doing as my daughter approached the register.
As she took all of the cash out of the mason jar, one employee stepped forward and said, “I don’t mean to bother you, but I have to tell you that this made my day.”
After the transaction had been made and my daughter and wife were on their way out, the store manager raised his voice and said to all of the employees, “Everyone, please give [redacted] a round of applause for saving her money and buying an iPod today.”
My daughter was caught a little off guard by all of the attention and waved goodbye, then called me with the story.
Nice work Apple!
-Matt
