So as terrific as Tuesday is today is a good one or has started out that way. Somewhere in the deep recesses of my mind a wall post from a friend of mine came to mind. A brief search lead me to attribute the wonderful piece to Marianne Williamson. It is an excerpt from her book A Return to Love. In case you have never read it, it reads:
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
Pondering the words that I could remember at the time of driving to work this morning something insightful occured to me. For some of us (myself included) our deepest fear is that we live a life of mediocrity and fail to realize our true potential. This may be the cause of the famed mid life crisis phenomenon that millions go through around their late thirty’s to mid forty’s. It is said to be a time that we make absurd changes to our lives as we realize that our youthful exuberance is slipping away slowly but surely.
Which brings us to the here and now (I’ve got a couple years to go before I hit my midlife and I’ve already begun to plan for it). In all honesty my greatest fear is living a life of mediocrity. For some of us we are bombarded with the status quo of being educated, getting a good job and starting a family.
For some that might be all she wrote but for others that plan might lack zest and a certain level of theatrical enthusiasm. Some may be content with the 9-5 minimum wage while others may take the stage, while others take to politics with an agenda to save the world (while filling their pockets) and make it more comfortable for all (or the world 1%).
Needless to say that it would take me as well as anyone else an entire lifetime to tell you how to live a life full of meaning.
Millions of books, DVD’s, TV Shows, lectures, and papers have been published on this topic. It would be unintelligent of me to attempt to answer this question with one blog post and I dare not try. But I will say this; life is an amazing thing and for everyday you're alive and well make the best of it. We all know the cliché sayings “break the rules, kiss slowly, and forgive quickly” and the list could go on and on for light years to come. But after all is said and done one thing is certain…Life goes on. And as it goes on so should you.
For some we may never attain the finer things in life but that does not mean that we cannot be happy. We may all have come across the saying that we should not settle for less than what we deserve or we would be deserving of what we settle for (loosely paraphrased).
And that my friend is the crux of the matter. Be empowered and live the life that brings you the greatest amounts of happiness and meaning.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
The Weekend Road Warrior 10k Edition
So just a month and some days after I embarked upon my first marathon I found myself signing up for my second and waiting patiently on the third. As is always the norm thousands/millions of people the world over resolve to make weight loss and fitness their first and foremost resolution to begin the new year. As such the Medical Benefit Scheme in Antigua strives to help individuals stick to their resolutions. Hence they host a resolution fun run/walk every January to provide individuals with the necessary motivation that they need to get off the couch and out onto the open road. I was excited beyond words when I saw the ad in the paper a few weeks a go and immediately started to spread the word to friends and family members who I figured may be interested in taking up the challenge. Strength definitely abounds in number as at least 1,000 persons turned out to this event.
Needless to say that it was not as taxing on my body as the 15k I did in December. This may attributed to the mental fact that I knew it was 5k shorter or that I made the journey with several person from the 5A.M. Hike Club (Kerri, Bappy, Grainas, and Paula just to name a few) either way it was one for the history books. We made the mark in 1.5 hours with souls still in check.
Luckily the Medical Benefit Scheme has at least one such event planned for the remainder of the year, so those of you (myself included)who may fall off their exercise regime their will be moments of redemption readily available.
So if you have not begun to put the pedal to the medal where your health/fitness is concerned now is a good as time as ever. After all it is only 24 days into the new year. So if your lacking motivation just take a look in the mirror and tell your self ... self" we can do better than this". Unless self trains 7 times a week for marathons then self is on the right path and should take one for the team and miss a day so we could all be on the same page.
So in the words of the most interesting
man alive "stay thirsty my friends".
Needless to say that it was not as taxing on my body as the 15k I did in December. This may attributed to the mental fact that I knew it was 5k shorter or that I made the journey with several person from the 5A.M. Hike Club (Kerri, Bappy, Grainas, and Paula just to name a few) either way it was one for the history books. We made the mark in 1.5 hours with souls still in check.
Luckily the Medical Benefit Scheme has at least one such event planned for the remainder of the year, so those of you (myself included)who may fall off their exercise regime their will be moments of redemption readily available.
So if you have not begun to put the pedal to the medal where your health/fitness is concerned now is a good as time as ever. After all it is only 24 days into the new year. So if your lacking motivation just take a look in the mirror and tell your self ... self" we can do better than this". Unless self trains 7 times a week for marathons then self is on the right path and should take one for the team and miss a day so we could all be on the same page.
So in the words of the most interesting
man alive "stay thirsty my friends".
Monday, January 9, 2012
Motivated Mondays 2012 Edition
So on the first Monday of the year I must admit that I feel incredibly amazing. So much so that I almost wanted to stay home this morning and bask in the glory of the first Monday of 2012. The ride to work seemed too short as well as the hours seem to be passing by too quickly for my liking. Needless to say … I am having a great day. I’ve got on new pants and new shoes and by golly gosh darn it I feel brand new.
I opted not to write my first blog post for the year until I felt 100% like the motivational force that I sometimes convince myself that I am. Alas 2011 is no more and 2012 is just bursting with possibilities, pleasantries, and pure prosperity and pleasure (in case you have not seen Mr. Poppers Penguins, it might give you a case of the P’s).
So this is me telling you to grab 2012 by the horns and ride her till the wheels fall off. The start of a new year is more often than not the ideal time to get on whatever band wagon you need to get on. Whether it is personal, financial, spiritual, mental, emotional, or physical now seems more than likely the opportunity to get off the couch and start doing something with your life.
I may be wrong but I would bet the farm that gyms across the world see an increase in membership in the first few months of the year as well as supermarkets may sell more yogurt and fat free foods. For all intent and purpose it just seems like the most wonderful time of the year (after all Christmas was only a few days ago and we are still basking in its after glory).
On to the topic of resolutions, I thought to myself that most resolutions come as we would have done the opposite to the things we now resolve to accomplish. And then it hit me, if we did not fail at something last year we would not resolve to make it better this year. As such what we need is clarity. Let me explain with an example: For the first three months of last year I saved not a penny. Not that I am a shopaholic, I merely depended on my own will to take the money from one account and place it into another (big mistake). What became clear to me was that things will always pop up and unless you are a Shaolin Monk who is disciplined beyond belief, then more than likely you might falter. My plan was then to make my savings automatic from one institution to another eliminating myself (unreliable third party) and entrusting it to a more reliable source (barring a financial meltdown that is). Thus began my saving which has continued into this New Year. My resolution was to save but my clarity came as I realized that my will power was not my safest ally in this battle for better finances.
As may be the case for some us who join a gym with the intentions of gyming (not actual word) everyday but falter by the wayside under the guise of “I’ll go tomorrow and stay an extra hour, it’s raining, I’ll go on my day off, on the weekend for sure etc. etc. etc.” This by no means is speculation but excuses that I myself have given for my lack of effort. My clarity for my failed achievement of my six pack (at least 10 years in the making) came as I realized that my body by Jake transformation will not be swift and sever but slow and painful. As is I have resolved that fitness is a lifestyle and not a goal to be achieved (or whatever helps me sleep at nights).
So whether your battling finances, spirituality, personal growth, relationships etc etc. there is no time like the present to make a new start.
New beginnings call for new experiences and new experiences call for new adventures. After all life is an amazing adventure. So plot a course not simply for a “better” you but for a you that embraces the changes necessary to live a more fulfilled life.
P.S. don’t beat yourself up about things that don’t work out the way they should…Everything happens for a reason.
I opted not to write my first blog post for the year until I felt 100% like the motivational force that I sometimes convince myself that I am. Alas 2011 is no more and 2012 is just bursting with possibilities, pleasantries, and pure prosperity and pleasure (in case you have not seen Mr. Poppers Penguins, it might give you a case of the P’s).
So this is me telling you to grab 2012 by the horns and ride her till the wheels fall off. The start of a new year is more often than not the ideal time to get on whatever band wagon you need to get on. Whether it is personal, financial, spiritual, mental, emotional, or physical now seems more than likely the opportunity to get off the couch and start doing something with your life.
I may be wrong but I would bet the farm that gyms across the world see an increase in membership in the first few months of the year as well as supermarkets may sell more yogurt and fat free foods. For all intent and purpose it just seems like the most wonderful time of the year (after all Christmas was only a few days ago and we are still basking in its after glory).
On to the topic of resolutions, I thought to myself that most resolutions come as we would have done the opposite to the things we now resolve to accomplish. And then it hit me, if we did not fail at something last year we would not resolve to make it better this year. As such what we need is clarity. Let me explain with an example: For the first three months of last year I saved not a penny. Not that I am a shopaholic, I merely depended on my own will to take the money from one account and place it into another (big mistake). What became clear to me was that things will always pop up and unless you are a Shaolin Monk who is disciplined beyond belief, then more than likely you might falter. My plan was then to make my savings automatic from one institution to another eliminating myself (unreliable third party) and entrusting it to a more reliable source (barring a financial meltdown that is). Thus began my saving which has continued into this New Year. My resolution was to save but my clarity came as I realized that my will power was not my safest ally in this battle for better finances.
As may be the case for some us who join a gym with the intentions of gyming (not actual word) everyday but falter by the wayside under the guise of “I’ll go tomorrow and stay an extra hour, it’s raining, I’ll go on my day off, on the weekend for sure etc. etc. etc.” This by no means is speculation but excuses that I myself have given for my lack of effort. My clarity for my failed achievement of my six pack (at least 10 years in the making) came as I realized that my body by Jake transformation will not be swift and sever but slow and painful. As is I have resolved that fitness is a lifestyle and not a goal to be achieved (or whatever helps me sleep at nights).
So whether your battling finances, spirituality, personal growth, relationships etc etc. there is no time like the present to make a new start.
New beginnings call for new experiences and new experiences call for new adventures. After all life is an amazing adventure. So plot a course not simply for a “better” you but for a you that embraces the changes necessary to live a more fulfilled life.
P.S. don’t beat yourself up about things that don’t work out the way they should…Everything happens for a reason.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Twas The Early Morning Before Christmas
Twas the early morning before Christmas and all through the bushes all the creatures were stirring even the mice. The sound of a 100 footsteps could be heard getting closer and closer. Their socks pulled up to their knees hoping not to get stung by bees.
Out on the trail there was a commotion. The regulars were blazing the trail but the newbie’s were struggling for sure. Some had enough water others had not a drop but though some lagged in the back, none were left behind.
Some brought their children while others left them home to snore. Dreams of play stations and blackberries were floating around for sure. Mamma in her leggings and Daddy in his cargos were up and ready to blaze the trail for sure.
The moon was still a shining as the sun had yet to rise, but in the darkness we were hiking even those with yampee in their eyes.
So there we were with such a clatter that the villagers wondering what’s the matter.
Some smiling some crying while Jimmy shouting to the rear “what’s the matter, I’ve never done this trail before but neither has the Mad Hatter”.
Up and down and all around, through the water and under the trees some had a ball while others held on to their knees. We slip and slide but take it all in stride not envying those who stayed inside.
Monks Hill, Boggy Peak, you name it we’ve probably been to the top. Sugar loaf was too sweet but Rendezvous was just around the rock. We never stopped to listen the mundane sounds of the clock only to the wind and the trees as the beauty leaves you in shock.
So in case you wake from sleeping and find mom and dad missing don’t be alarmed they only went Hiking.
Original by Clement Clarke Moore
Remake by Shawn N Maile
Out on the trail there was a commotion. The regulars were blazing the trail but the newbie’s were struggling for sure. Some had enough water others had not a drop but though some lagged in the back, none were left behind.
Some brought their children while others left them home to snore. Dreams of play stations and blackberries were floating around for sure. Mamma in her leggings and Daddy in his cargos were up and ready to blaze the trail for sure.
The moon was still a shining as the sun had yet to rise, but in the darkness we were hiking even those with yampee in their eyes.
So there we were with such a clatter that the villagers wondering what’s the matter.
Some smiling some crying while Jimmy shouting to the rear “what’s the matter, I’ve never done this trail before but neither has the Mad Hatter”.
Up and down and all around, through the water and under the trees some had a ball while others held on to their knees. We slip and slide but take it all in stride not envying those who stayed inside.
Monks Hill, Boggy Peak, you name it we’ve probably been to the top. Sugar loaf was too sweet but Rendezvous was just around the rock. We never stopped to listen the mundane sounds of the clock only to the wind and the trees as the beauty leaves you in shock.
So in case you wake from sleeping and find mom and dad missing don’t be alarmed they only went Hiking.
Original by Clement Clarke Moore
Remake by Shawn N Maile
Monday, December 5, 2011
The Weekend Road Warrior
Yesterday I had the privilege of taking part in my first ever 15 mile walk/run marathon. Needless to say that although I think myself to be in relatively good shape I was no match for the 15 mile walk from the Sandals Hotel to the Pineapple Hotel. Originally my friends and I (Bappy and Kerri) signed up for the 10k walk but upon completing that distance we decided to trek on till the end of the course. The race was scheduled to start at 6am but due to inclement weather we rolled out of the hotel at 6:30am. In attendance was the reigning Queen of Carnival as well as scores of girls from the Antigua Girls High School along with their parents, teachers and well wishers. The stars of the show though were Rick Ball and Jamol Pilgrim, single leg amputees who have risen above their challenges and keep pressing toward the mark of greatness. . Both men being single leg amputees was indeed sheer motivation for those in attendance. I saw nothing of them once they left the starting line as a light drizzle welcomed the runner and walkers to the open road. The showers continued at intervals throughout the race acting as a relief from the otherwise blazing sun and kept the participants hydrated.
This by far is the most strenuous activity that I have embarked upon in my life time. There were points where I thought that I was going to lose my sanity for seeing nothing but asphalt for miles and miles in front of me. I asked myself “self, who wakes up at the crack of dawn and decides to walk 15 miles in pouring rain without the prospect of cash prize or any other winnings?” the self said, “people who see life as a challenge that’s who. The muscle aches, hunger and fatigue would take days to describe but I soldiered on, not out of peer pressure or the thought of not finishing but the thought that if guys who have only one leg can run the entire thing, why can’t I walk it with my two legs. And so I trekked on mile after mile after mile with water stops, Gatorade stops and multiple bathroom stops to complete a 4 hr journey. I think it safely to say that I have achieved something great for 2011. If all goes well in the year to come this will not be my last such event. It’s an exhilarating feeling to know that you can do something that some people can only dream of.
About a mile away from the finish line I passed a woman on her porch sitting in a wheel chair with both legs amputated. When her neighbor inquired of her what she was doing in the rain she replied “I’m watching young people run”. I can only imagine that she too was once young and able to run. What confined her to a wheelchair I am not sure but I am sure she longs for the days of having legs.
All in all it was a great experience, if nothing else I am sure that I have an interesting conversational piece for years to come.
Life: JUST DO IT
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
My Business
Through the coercing of a very good friend (Kerri Gore) I was gently persuaded to join her in attending a small business workshop for the sole purpose of her having someone in the class that she is familiar with. My apprehensions were not many so I decided to go along. Luckily enough the coordinators had room for one more member. And as such I was now a participant in the Community First Cooperative Credit Union Second Empowerment Session. I had no idea what to expect other than being lead through the procedure of registering a business in Antigua of which I was already aware. However the information and knowledge I walked away with was anything short of remarkable. Luckily there was a consultant on island from South Africa who spoke to us about “Developing a culture of Entrepreneurship”. Mr. Lourens’ presentation was inspiring to say the least. Two things that stood out were his notion that as entrepreneurs we should not be “trying” to start our own business but rather “starting” our own businesses. His six degrees of separation also hit home as I had a college professor who migrated to South Africa some years ago but returned to lecture in Trinidad while his family remained. I automatically began thinking that if I desperately needed to get a package to Mr. Lourens using only six persons that I could accomplish such a feat rather easily.
Listening to the presentations from the Credit Unions General Manager and President gave me the impression that they are genuinely concerned not only about the future of their Credit Union but also the future of its members and by extension the country. It was a humbling yet stimulating experience that has caused me to ponder not only about my finances but life in general.
Stopping short of writing a small booklet on my experience, I decided to simply make two lists of things I learnt from the sessions.
Ten myths about Entrepreneurs.
1. They are born and not cultivated.
2. They are gamblers.
3. They desire to always be the only person in charge.
4. They work longer and harder than managers in large corporations.
5. Should be young and energetic.
6. Money is their only motivator.
7. Success will follow in a year or two if they are talented.
8. They are lone wolves who operate better outside the pack.
9. Endure a great deal of stress.
10. Most Entrepreneurs are millionaires.
Ten things I learnt from the seminar.
1. Anyone can have a good idea for a business.
2. Getting your business from the idea stage to the operating stage is no easier than trying to walk to the
moon.
3. You will never have too much information about the field of business you plan to get into.
4. Sharing your ideas can be beneficial- even with your competitors.
5. Money is not always your major motivator.
6. Proper planning is equally important as proper execution.
7. Hiring an accountant to manage your finances is tantamount to hiring an astronaut to take you to the moon.
8. Quitting your day job before your idea has started to generate revenue may not be a wise idea.
9. Catching a humming bird may be easier than acquiring a business loan.
10. Trying to reinvent the wheel is not a good idea.
Those pursuing the goal of owning their own business may find this website useful; http://www.bransoncentre.org/Caribbean/home.html.
Listening to the presentations from the Credit Unions General Manager and President gave me the impression that they are genuinely concerned not only about the future of their Credit Union but also the future of its members and by extension the country. It was a humbling yet stimulating experience that has caused me to ponder not only about my finances but life in general.
Stopping short of writing a small booklet on my experience, I decided to simply make two lists of things I learnt from the sessions.
Ten myths about Entrepreneurs.
1. They are born and not cultivated.
2. They are gamblers.
3. They desire to always be the only person in charge.
4. They work longer and harder than managers in large corporations.
5. Should be young and energetic.
6. Money is their only motivator.
7. Success will follow in a year or two if they are talented.
8. They are lone wolves who operate better outside the pack.
9. Endure a great deal of stress.
10. Most Entrepreneurs are millionaires.
Ten things I learnt from the seminar.
1. Anyone can have a good idea for a business.
2. Getting your business from the idea stage to the operating stage is no easier than trying to walk to the
moon.
3. You will never have too much information about the field of business you plan to get into.
4. Sharing your ideas can be beneficial- even with your competitors.
5. Money is not always your major motivator.
6. Proper planning is equally important as proper execution.
7. Hiring an accountant to manage your finances is tantamount to hiring an astronaut to take you to the moon.
8. Quitting your day job before your idea has started to generate revenue may not be a wise idea.
9. Catching a humming bird may be easier than acquiring a business loan.
10. Trying to reinvent the wheel is not a good idea.
Those pursuing the goal of owning their own business may find this website useful; http://www.bransoncentre.org/Caribbean/home.html.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Resolutions?
As we near the end of 2011 many of us are forced to accept the reality that we haven't lived up to all of our new years resolutions.
I for one have come close in some aspects but in others have fallen by the way side. In this world of calamity planning and good ideas will only get you so far. Execution and determination are bound to bring results but procrastination and constipation are bound to cause problems.
So maybe I don't have a six pack as yet( 10 years and counting)and maybe I have't saved as much money as I planned to and although I am not publishing Psychology related articles I still had a fairly good year.
I somehow managed to become the Public Relations Officer of the best hiking club in Antigua and have had two pieces published on two websites. I have made new friends and have continued learning.I will board a plane before the year ends and i have read a book or two (second nearing completion) for the year as well. I have blogged sporadically although somewhat regularly. All in all my journey to self fulfillment continues. So as we get ready to celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas and the start of a new year, lets not forget to look out for the little things that makes Monday feel like Friday.
I for one have come close in some aspects but in others have fallen by the way side. In this world of calamity planning and good ideas will only get you so far. Execution and determination are bound to bring results but procrastination and constipation are bound to cause problems.
So maybe I don't have a six pack as yet( 10 years and counting)and maybe I have't saved as much money as I planned to and although I am not publishing Psychology related articles I still had a fairly good year.
I somehow managed to become the Public Relations Officer of the best hiking club in Antigua and have had two pieces published on two websites. I have made new friends and have continued learning.I will board a plane before the year ends and i have read a book or two (second nearing completion) for the year as well. I have blogged sporadically although somewhat regularly. All in all my journey to self fulfillment continues. So as we get ready to celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas and the start of a new year, lets not forget to look out for the little things that makes Monday feel like Friday.
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