Freedom of Expression

I am aware that some people may not like the things that I write about. 


Even videos/links that I share on Facebook seem to cause controversy. I find myself censoring myself even though this is MY blog. 


What in the hell is that about?


Life is hard. I've had a shitty year. I am re-learning life in a lot of ways. I'm re-evaluating things. I may make you feel uncomfortable, awkward and upset. Please know that those reactions are not my intention. 


You see, I am inherently a pretty sensitive and aware person. Sure, I am strong-willed, but I am respectful. I am always trying to make people feel comfortable and secure. I could write about my childhood and perform a psychoanalysis on the reasonings behind the way I am, but that isn't important here and now. 


It's all about honesty and expression. I don't think people listen to me sometimes. I feel like I cannot express how I feel without being talked over, misinterpreted or without some people bizarrely making it about them. (For those interested, read about active listening. It's pretty amazing.)


By blogging about my feelings, I hope to shed some light, encourage thought and express myself.


When I started this blog, I wanted to write about writing. It has evolved to posts about a lot of different things (jobs, life, grieving) and I am okay with that.  


I cannot promise that I will not write about my anger and frustrations. I cannot promise that I will not offend. I cannot promise that everything will be picture perfect. Hell, I cannot even promise perfect grammar. 


This is what I can promise:

• Truth
• Mistakes
• A showing of my proverbial warts
• Raw emotions
• Introspection
• Retrospection
• Mostly positivity 
• A little negativity
• Humor
• Sadness
• Growth
• Healing
• A business launch! (Whoo hoo!) 

So, please, stick with me! The best is yet to come . . . 

Oh, and for God's sake, start your own blog or YouTube channel if you want to express yourself and get your stuff out there. In today's day and age, it's really the best way to do it!

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.