Motivation

What does it take for you to undergo a certain task?

Now take that task and place it in the wee hours of the morning (or if you're a morning person at the late hours of the night).

How much more effort must you exert to go do that same task?

Has your attitude changed at all?

If your attitude hasn't changed then I commend you for such passion and love for whatever task you're given.

But if you're a normal person your attitude definitely changes to that of dread most of the time. And the effort you have to exert to force yourself to do that task definitely increases.

Nevertheless if you set out to perform whatever task, you my friend are motivated.

Now motivation can lie in different areas: a certain goal, proving of oneself to another, pride, or just affirmation in one's own abilities.

These last few years for me, I've been working towards a certain goal and thats what mainly kept me going. However it wasn't til the beginning of this year that I realized that when one sets out to do a task over and over again, the best motivation should lie in the love for that task. And I fully support that because love does trump all and it can lighten the burden and mood of any situation. 

But that's not all, lately I've told myself that I can do certain things. Mainly because in the past I had done similar or harder things. If I was able to do this or that back then, what's stopping me now from being able to accomplish that? I guess for me a certain motivation arises from past experiences that I've persevered through. So now whenever a hardship arises and it shows any similarity to a past predicament, I aim to do my best and reaffirm to myself that I can pull this task off. 

This recurring theme of affirmation of one self, just reminds me that we humans are creatures that want to be loved and affirmed. May you be toddler or an old geezer there is nothing out there when you are reminded either by yourself, a peer, or a person you respect that YOU can do this. 

But I digress back to the main point.

What motivates you through life?

Can you honestly answer and say its something not purely selfish or egotistical?
If not I challenge you to reconsider your motives.
And to reassure you perhaps, I have/am/will be reconsidering my motives along with you.

The Epitomizing Measuring Stick

There is always a standard.

Whether it be in a menial task or a highly lucrative position.

The bar is set when one single person goes above and beyond the requested. Or in a team aspect when a level of achievement is so high and dominant.

We all strive to work towards that standard. Sacrifices are made, tears shed, bodies broken down, relationships made and broken. All for the sake of becoming THE measuring stick. 

Sure that's great, one can reach an apex of anything, if they put their mind to it. However what good is it when that's all we do. 

The REAL standards are set when the person or people who set it, do it without even thinking. 

Did I lose you?

Let me explain myself. I say that because the ones who set the bar of excellence tend to be the ones who have a passion for whatever they do. Sure the passion usually ends up being interconnected with talent. But they do whatever not because they have to, but because they want  to. And they do so in an excellent manner. Sure when they first began, they had to have had a goal. But once becoming so wrapped up in a task that brought them joy and happiness, the self-centered thoughts begin to fade away. What replaces it is pure unadulterated results. And for the truly blessed that ends up becoming work or success that is unparalleled. Aka what normal people like me aim to be. 

I hope what I said makes sense. 

Probably lost you more than once and forgive me for that.

Resentment... and Joy?

There are always those moments in life that one just wishes they were somewhere else. For me right now, its a place that I've worked and paid my dues for (least thats what I think, perhaps in the eyes of others I really haven't). And yet here I am nowhere close to my goal destination. 

Wouldn't be so bad if that goal was unique only to me, but alas this destination is highly regarded by many across the nation. And so here I am in a state of resentment and maybe even envy of those who are actually there. 

Don't get me wrong I have nothing against those who have paid their dues and are now reaping the benefits of their work. Actually I'm quite happy for them and wish them the best of luck along their journey. 

[It just tears at me when perseverance and willpower just doesn't seem to cut it when one needs it to.]

How so then can I be feeling these mixed emotions of resentment and joy for the exact same group of people. Perhaps I'm just weird and things just aren't working correctly in me. But I wanna say that isn't the case. 

Are these two emotions together, justifiable? 

Meaning can they actually coexist? 

(Obviously they can, me being that case). 

Guess the best remedy would be how James 1:2 puts it "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds....

Be Brave, Take A Chance...

So many of you are familiar with the story of Jesus walking on water and the sidestory of the disciple Peter who attempted to do the same thing.

Now growing up the moral of that story has always been on how our faith in God is always so lacking, so little. That being said, I'm not gonna say anything to change your mind on that. Mainly because thats exactly what it is. However we always tend to focus in on our faults and flaws. So when Peter who is on his way to Jesus begins to sink and drown we narrow in on that and remind ourselves how we have to keep our faith in the Lord and to not waver in our walk.

Yet stumbles and sinking are just inevitable, we are flawed. What can you expect?

But thats besides the point, this entry is pretty similar to one of my earlier ones. As well as probably another one. I apologize for the repetitiveness of some of my entries, unfortunately I seems the underlying things that I bring up are of the same subject time after time again.

Now if you're still reading this I would like you to open your Bible to Matthew 14:22 and read til verse 33. So its the story that I mentioned above, glad that you caught on.

The disciples are in a boat and in a scary storm, all of a sudden they see a ghost? No it's Jesus (He must've been like "Seriously?! You can't even tell its me?). But then Peter (in verse 28) out of all the disciples asks Jesus "Lord, if it's you, tell me to come to you on the water." Verse 29, "Come," he said. Verse 30 Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water.... OK hold it right there.


Lets analyze this scenario real quick. Stormy, wooden boat, big waves, probably soaked to the bone, thunder, lightning. AND you wanna get out of the boat and walk to Jesus?!

Yes we often capitalize on Peter's diminishing faith, but holy smokes. At this moment Peter essentially shows that he's got the guts to do anything for the Lord.

I don't know about you but you have to give Peter props for that.
Disregard for a moment his lack of faith in the subsequent verses.
Think if you were in his shoes if you would've done the same.

Be brave, and take a chance...
With an unwavering faith in Him.

The Intricacies of a Person

How long does it take a person to get accustomed to another's mannerisms?

For some people its just a matter of days, between others it can take years.

Why is that?

Those bonds that we create with each other can bring out the real us.

However the more quality time we spend with a person helps us realize who another person is. Even just time spent with another makes us aware of people's actions and what not. But why is that at times years can pass by and you can end up not knowing the slightest details of a person you've shared countless memories with?

Isn't that just sad?

Perhaps you have some kind of lame excuse to counter my argument. But to me, if you become acquainted so well with another person, you ought to at least become aware of their likes, dislikes, and some mannerisms. Even the least perceptive person should be able to pick up on things like that. So why is it that people trying to be friends can't manage to do that?

Sadly it's probably because humans just tend to focus in on our own selves. I'm definitely guilty of that.

That being said I challenge you to become someone who does not only befriend people, but understands them.

Mind you though to gain ground, you must also give some. Remember that and with understanding as your goal. You'll truly become a friend/person that can be depended on, trusted, and a friend any friend would love to have.

Sunshine, Friends, Rita's, and Wendy's.

Above is a picture I took today when on route to a Rita's Italian Ice. Being the first day of spring and all, a 30 minute drive for a free regular ice at Rita's was greatly welcomed.

But back to the picture, the scenery may not be the most beautiful. However such a sunny day with friends and an awesome time brought happiness to the four of us.

It's always the little things in life.
Take a second, some time to enjoy whats around you.
You could be amidst awesomeness which in turn could bring you great joy.

Failure: Life's TO

Amidst all this March Madness, the hustle and bustle of college hoops has overrun the nation.

Now time outs are crucial to these college teams. Whether to cool the opponents current fiery drive, give a break to the already weary players, or to regroup and focus the athletes' mentality.

The last part is what I feel failure is in our lives.

We all stumble in our journey. Making mistakes here and there. Regret prevalent in our minds.

However amidst that, failure allows us to zero in on what we just did wrong or messed up. Allowing us to focus our thoughts on how to not repeat the same mistake. We then set out with a new and vigilant vigor to succeed. Yet time after time we screw up again. This cyclical process repeating itself over and over again.

Doesn't it suck? You think that perhaps, "I've got it this time"; but unfortunately you just can't seem to do it.
Well next time you fail, stop and think. Take the timeout. You need it, to have failed means you are weary and need the rest. Then once you begin again, set out to not mess up as usual but be positive, know that you ARE capable.

Determination/ willpower are powerful tools. If you have even an ounce of them, it can take you a mile.
So I urge you to once again rethink your life and be brave and determined to be the best you can be, the child of the risen Lord you were made to be.

For through Him, you can achieve anything.

Memories

So tonight I got the pleasure of just getting together with some people that I used to hang out with all the time freshman year. It's been awhile really since we all got together.

I'll be the first to say and gosh have I missed it. We thought of things from that year and it brought back fond memories (well I hope it did for them as well).

Got me thinking though how easy it was for us to sort of "drift" apart. Yes people go their separate ways in life, but when you connect with a group of people for a whole year, you'd think that the following years to come would be the same.

Seems perhaps we get tired of monotony but there is joy amongst such unchange. Memories are meant to be treasured and relived from time to time.

I'll leave with this.

Has separation happened to you and an older group of friends?
Have you done anything about that or just sitting there complaining about it?
If so, be the catalyst.
I've got a hunch that if you miss those times, the others will too.

Heres to the days bygone and memories yet to be made. :-)

Not Skilled To Understand

Time and time again, I just fall down on my face.

Frustrating at times, but the Lord uses it to bring me back to earth.

He has His plan, but I cannot and will not be able to predict it ever.

What to do, what to do?

Trust in my Savior, my God.

Timidity

Humans just tend to hold back. Why? Face it, it's because we're afraid.

Afraid of being wrong, afraid of not having the answers, afraid of losing something may it be a person or dignity.

Two quotes come to mind for this

"To dare is to lose one's footing momentarily.  To not dare is to lose oneself."  

"You'll always miss 100% of the shots you don't take."

Take a chance.
You may even surprise yourself.

Companionship

We've all had those moments when we were alone, trying to finish a task or just get yourself motivated to do that task.

And then time just stands still. Your next appointment just isn't coming any sooner and the slowness of time is starting to get to you. You wish for things to hurry up, like your professor to just end class, a race to just come to a close.

BUT then there are those same situations shared with a friend or someone close. It's those moments when time just flies! You don't even notice how an hour has passed. You begin to wonder how that situation could be ove so quickly.

It's all attitude. The saying "Time flies, when you're having fun" is so true in this context. When was the last time that time seemed like it was at a halt when you were happy and having fun?

For everyone of you reading, I doubt that's ever occurred for you. If so, I am truly sorry to hear that.

So guess getting back to the main point. Today I was out running with one of my friends, now usually I run by myself since I can barely find anyone to go with most of the time. But today was different, the run was nothing out of the ordinary but what was noticeable was as time passed it wasn't as noticeable as when I ran by myself. Actually I glanced at my watch a few times, but because I was with my buddy, the registering of 30 minutes was only that 30 minutes had passed and that we should be around mile 4. I wasn't thinking "ughh gosh 30 minutes how much longer to go". That thought never even crossed my mind.

So everything coming to a point, guess what I'm trying to say is value your companionship with the people around you. Your friendships arise from there and with that a renewal of attitude surfaces. From there any old menial task becomes easy and less notice on time spent on it becomes realized.

All that with just a friend to uplift an attitude.

A Sense of Anticipation

Anticipation its that feeling we all experience and grow to love it, thrive off it, at times quell it, and perhaps sometimes just get shivers from it.

Why is that though? Are the things that we want or wait for that enjoyable or nerve-racking?

At this moment, I am experiencing anticipation in several situations. All these situations having some kind of impact on my immediate future, and yes possibly my future on the whole. Scary stuff huh?

So what do I do with all these things on my mind? Worry? Be apathetic?
Nope, to worry just increases stress level and thus makes the anticipation something to despise; to not care would mean that the effort I put forth would mean nothing and thus a loss of identity.

The middle ground of those two feelings is of course aimed for. But to do so without slipping into either extreme is the test that we all undergo. By ourselves this can't be achieved. Even with the biggest posse in the world, it still ain't possible. Hope you can tell what I'm getting at here. If not pick up that book called the Bible and look up Jeremiah 29:11, Philippians 4:13, or Philippians 4:6. That should shed some light on things.

All these things in the back of my head, I've gone through and played them out with basically all the outcomes, good or bad, awesome or heart-crushing. It's my personality the way I am that I do so. However I've come to realize that whichever outcome plays out. One thing will remain the same. The love of the Father.

Only time will tell. I've got money that how things pan out will only be 25% or less in favor towards me.
Unfortunate statistic for myself?
Yes.
Willing to see what those opportunities can help me achieve and how they can make me a better person?
Yes.
The Almighty watching over my life?
ALWAYS.

30 Day Thingy - Last Day

Day 30 - Your highs and lows of this month.

So just gonna name highs and lows of this month in the next few lines in no particular order. Here I go!

Winning another conference meet, spending quality time with some freshman year buddies, meeting a new person(s) who make(s) me smile, realizing there is more to life than just success, not achieving my goals, watching a person succeed even though not a point scorer, watching others not achieve their goals, being entrusted with a position of authority, seeing a glimpse of warmer weather, seeing certain individuals be less grateful for their blessings, remembering God's hand is in everything, and the list could probably go on.

There you have it. The last day of this 30 day thing-a-ma-bob. I hope you enjoyed finding out certain and at times useless information about me. Now onto getting back to actual entry posts for this blog.

30 Day Thingy - Day (# of days in February during a leap year)

Day 29 - Goals for the next 30 days.


I'll outline my goals in bullet fashion:

• Get a job/internship for the summer, sent out a good handful of applications and waiting to see if I've gotten anything (sort of a goal, guess its more of a hope).
• Exhibit love, mercy, compassion, and patience to all.
• Strive to become a better steward of Christ.
• Better my relationships with close friends.
• Attempt to mend fractured friendships.
• Be more thankful for what I have.
• Get good/decent grades (haha thats a good one, only some of you reading will get that)

I'm sure there are others in the recesses of my mind but thats what I got so far. 

30 Day Thingy - Day (usual # of days in February)

Day 28 - Something that you miss.

I guess something that I miss would have to be the close friendships I once treasured. Certain things drive friends apart like distance and perhaps disagreement. But what I'm referring to here lies more in the buddies I grew up with in high school and such. It's those people who I spent so much time with that I regret to say I only see little over a handful when I'm home and such. All those fun times that we experienced lie forever ingrained in our memories but unfortunately we no longer see each other. 


All that was inevitable right? Change comes and all of us were off to our respective schools or jobs. But shouldn't we have opposed that change with all our might? Change is good, but when it alters the relationship between peoples it then becomes something unfortunate.

So there you have it. Something that I miss: forgotten friendships.....

30 Day Thingy - Day 3^3

Day 27 - A problem that you have had.


Guess the biggest problem I've always struggled with is my stubbornness in trying to do everything by myself. Perhaps its due to my nature in having to have some kind of control over everything. Or my unwillingness to see that others are just as adept as me or even better. It's just hard for me to step back and let things get done by others. Especially when I see something not being done and I figure its just for the best and go to do the certain task, even though I may no longer be even responsible for it. Situations like that have given me at times the nickname of "Mom".


Now it's not a bad thing for me to be helpful, but it is bad that I put it upon myself to do all these tasks. Not seeking help and then ending up frustrated with myself when everything isn't done. Yea I know what you're thinking, stupid me. Just delegate right? Yea I guess, however when you delegate you want the task to be done and done right. There's trust involved there and that means me giving the delegated people a chance to prove themselves. I may be impatient so taking awhile just doesn't help your cause. 


So as you can see it's still something I struggle with. However this school year has opened up my eyes to just not stress over everything. To have faith that things will be taken care of even when I'm not there. It does happen and at times negative reinforcement will eventually bring willing helpers to step up and forward. 


Then in correlation to my own life, surrender is key. Worrying about what I'm gonna do just doesn't help me in any way. Letting God have the reigns is the only way to do things. Through Him, you can achieve anything. 


All of us are just too afraid to let go.


However untie yourself from the reigns and let go.
You'll be surprised to see what happens. :-)

30 Day Thingy - Day (Penny + Quarter)

Day 26 - What kind of person attracts you.

What kind of person attracts me eh? Looks like a little more of delving into my own self is about to occur again.

To me a girl is attractive if she has the following:

~Smiles with not only her lips but her eyes.

~Eyes (usually gets me, I know its a bit cliche but for me it's true)

~Speaks her mind (aka is blunt or in nicer terms honest). 

~Has a passion for something(s). (this trait I admire highly)

~Isn't a girly girl (I know this sounds a bit bad, but unfortunately I'm not a fan of high maintenance etc etc, not my cup of tea)

~Possesses a kind and caring heart

~Decisiveness or a willingness to act (hard thing for girls due to their indecisiveness but it can be done)

~Lastly, a trait that has more recently become even more attractive me as I've gained more wisdom/understanding: a love for the Lord.


Welp thats that. I'm sure some of you reading are just chuckling at these attributes but whatever they are what they are. :-)

30 Day Thingy - Day (cost of a quarter)

Day 25 - Someone who fascinates you and why.

Somebody who fascinates me hmmm.... Guess I'm gonna go with someone who intrigues me instead.

That person would have to be my younger brother Michael. 

Now I already did a post about him here. But guess now I'll go into more detail on why he intrigues me. 

Mike to me has perplexed me for some time. He has always lived in my shadow (what younger brother doesn't live in his older brothers shadow?), but being the middle child he is quite different. He lives to be as different as me as possible. I have nothing against that and actually I like how he strives to not be me because he needs to be his own person, not a copy of somebody.  By doing so, he's become the guy who excels at the finer arts. Ok his grades aren't exemplary but when it comes to music he's awesome. He uses all his time in that and at times I just wish he'd use the same in his other areas of life. 


Now however good he's gotten, he knows this all but at the same time he definitely plays himself down. Mean thats good but some times I just wish he'd brag ya know? Its a good trait to have but his confidence is lacking at times and its things that he's good at, that he should "show" off. 

So overall the point that intrigues me the most is just how Mike is. His genuine attitude towards people makes me wonder what kind of person he has become. His change throughout the years has been quite entertaining to watch and intriguing as well since I never knew what was coming next. 


Guess that's really it for him.

30 Day Thingy - Day 2*2*2*3

Day 24 - Your favorite movie and what it’s about.


Hm cop out answer of I really don't have one favorite movie. Instead I'll just give a brief taste of movies I like.


I fully enjoy and love animated movies. Yes I do embrace my inner child at times and so things from Pixar are probably quite high up there on the list for me. 


Next movies that have some kind of inspiration are a favorite of mine. Think Remember the Titans and Coach Carter.


Funny movies with good humor are always a must. Nothing with too much crude humor since that in excess just makes a movie stupid and really lackluster.


Lastly any good action movie would round out my taste. Now it can't be corny and cheesy macho guy movie. Explosions and such don't make a movie either (my little brother loves those kinds). However good movies like Gladiator and Ip Man 2 are what pop up in my head. 


My apologies if I took the easy way out but so many to choose from and the lack of motivation to choose lies deeply within for me.