Under the Weather

I just ordered The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. 

That in itself is pretty unremarkable and probably doesn't warrant it's own post, but I am posting about it anyway. My brother Chris told me about this book and recommended it a while ago. He says it has been extremely influential and life-changing.

I'm feeling pretty crappy today. Throat is sore and I feel very weak and achey. Whenever I feel like this, which happens a few times a year and usually during a season change, I load up on the vitamin C, meds and relaxation for a day. That's what I'm doing right now.

But should I be writing anyway? The answer to a question is usually in the question, and the answer is that I know that I should be writing. I guess that's what I'm doing now, isn't it?

Anyway, if I'm talking the talk, I also gotta walk the walk. If I'm saying I'm a writer and this is my passion and blahblahblahwhateverblahblahblah, then I must OWN IT! I'm gonna WORK it. I'm going to get out there and strut my stuff like it's my damn job. Hallelujah!

Okay, sorry about that. Got a little carried away. Stick with me . . .

My revelation about walking the walk goes back to me ordering The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. 

I just read a review on Amazon that says the following about the book:

"Habit 1 discusses the importance of being proactive. Covey states that we are responsible for our own lives; therefore, we possess the initiative to make things happen. He also points out that proactive people should (sic) not blame various circumstances for their behaviors but they realize behavior comes from one's conscious. (?) Covey also explains that the other type of person is reactive. Reactive people are affected by their social as well as physical surroundings. This means that if the weather is bad, then it affects their behavior such as their attitude and performance."

I find myself being reactive a lot lately. I know that I'm going through a tough time and have been for the past year, but there is no excuse anymore. I'm tired of being reactive. I used to pride myself in my proactivity and I realize that I've slipped up a bit. I'm going to work on it. I'm going to take control of myself and my future again.

If you know me at all, you know that one of my favorite mantras is the following: You cannot control everything that happens to you, but you CAN control your actions and reactions. 

I am excited to read this book and get some serious motivation. Good self-help books are like brain food. It's always good to add another good, nutritious meal to your repertoire.

On a related note, I just re-watched Bill Cunningham New York on Netflix with Callan. If you want motivation for any passion, see that documentary. Simply amazing.