First and foremost, be accountable to yourself and what you can achieve.
Mark’s Musing #20
From the Heart
Embrace The Journey
Believe in the journey
There will undoubtedly
be ups and downs,
but have faith in who you are
Trust in your decisions
Rely on your skills
Stand tall
from the support of family and friends
And never waver in your commitment
If you follow this path
that was meant solely for you,
you will reach your dreams
and all its wondrous glories.
“My Family and Friends” in Six Words
“They are my pillars of strength!“
Spreading Sunshine
As you go through life
be there for the people around you…
loved ones,
family,
friends,
those in need
Be the foundation for their support,
lend a shoulder to cry on,
give a big, tender hug,
share a warm, caring smile,
bring humor to the table
Displaying your light
with unabashed pride,
that’s how
you make everything better…
by
“spreading sunshine”
Navigating the Unknown
Lost in thought
nowhere to turn,
what have I done
that makes this a concern
I’ve lived a life
of certainty and control,
stayed in my lane
eyes on the goal
But one fateful day
I decided to jump
Heading into the unknown
taking me out of a slump
These unchartered waters,
scary with every wave
What course do I take?
How do I behave?
This path that I’m on
terrifying and new
Has me out of whack
my life a bit askew
With the chips all down
and back against the wall,
staying strong is the key
to endure the long haul
I’ve learned to be patient,
I’ve learned to be kind,
I became more trusting
by using my heart with my mind
This bump in the road
riled with stress and strife,
I’ll get past this somehow
it’s my test in life
I have to be positive
never wavering in thought,
look at all that I’ve done
be grateful for what I’ve got
Life it too short
I’ll do the best that I can,
live for a better tomorrow
“Everlasting Hope” as my game plan.
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My 2nd Anniversary
I can’t believe it, just had to pinch myself. It’s officially been 2 years since I started this venture of blogging…didn’t think I’d last a year let alone two. It somehow feels more like 3 or 4 years but time really has a way of making things seem longer than what they really are. Nonetheless, I am plugging away and putting myself out there for others to stop by and peruse my musings.
I can honestly say that this truly was a journey, one that I was a bit skeptic at undertaking; it kind of felt like homework to me. One where I would be critiqued by not one, not two but countless of others who would find aspects of my work unappealing.
I hesitated for a moment thinking “Am I crazy?! I don’t need to deal with this!” But at my manager’s behest, and her unbridled positive enthusiasm, I decided to “Go for it!”
Even though my blog site is still a work in progress and I haven’t found a niche, I’ve found this venture to be both therapeutic and phenomenal.
I used to be afraid of what people would say about my writing style, my stories, my poems and even my rants and raves. Just putting myself out there without regard of what negative feedback I may get is somewhat liberating.
It’s as if this blog site was my personal diary; a place where I can let my inner voice run wild. A place where my ideas and feelings can paint a picture that was somehow hidden deep within my somnolent consciousness.
Every post written, every word chosen enabled me to create my art with unbridled pride and joy. AND sharing myself…giving some semblance of positivity, inspiration and insight into how I see the world is invigorating. I’m lucky to be able to do this of my own volition. I love what I’ve done so far and eagerly look forward to what I come up with on my next post.
Letter To My Younger Self
I’ve always wondered what I would do if I somehow got a letter from my future self whether it be magically or in a sci-fi type manner. Would I take heed or completely blow it off? Will it affect the outcome of my future self if I go in an opposite direction? Ah the endless possibilities.
I could dwell on the many outcomes but the one thing that fascinates me the most is if I had to craft a letter to my younger self, specifically my teenage self.
What would I write?
What do you say to a teenage boy who “thinks he knows everything”?
Choosing the perfect words to convey what I want my teenage self to know is truly daunting. I’d probably overthink things and my prose would be just mindless ramblings.
It would have to be short, simple and straight to the point, because if you really think about it a teenager doesn’t really have the time to read something that looks like a page from a boring novel.
If I had to write a letter to my younger self, it would just be something that’s spontaneous and from the heart. And this is how it would go:
Dear Teenage Mark,
When I look at you, I see someone with so much potential. Don’t stifle that, don’t limit yourself and settle for what’s the easiest. Sometimes taking the most difficult and challenging path is the one that will be the most gratifying.
There are going to be tough times ahead, so feel free to lean on others for support. You don’t have to go through it alone. The words of wisdom and unconditional love of others is what will give you the strength to endure everything.
Take the time to step back and savor the moments, even the most mundane one. It may look like nothing to you now but as you get older, you’re going to wish you could relive those memories.
Don’t be afraid to try new things! Step out of your comfort zone and experience life. There’s a world out there beyond the five feet in front of you. AND if you start something…DON’T QUIT! See it through till the end.
I strongly suggest that you listen to other people who know more than you because it is sound advice. You DON’T know it all and if you think you do…you’re truly a dumb ass. Cut that out before I travel back in time to slap some sense into you.
You’re going to meet a lot of people, just remember that not every one of them is going to like you. And you’re not going to like every one of them. That’s okay! Just don’t be afraid to express your opinions around them, you’ll be better off for doing so.
Friends will come and go in certain chapters of your life so learn from your experiences with them because they’ll help to shape a part of your personality.
Lastly, pursue your dream of writing with extreme vim and vigor. DON’T obsess over finding representation or getting published, it is not the “be-all and end-all” of your writing…it will come in time. (With a lot of luck and sheer dogged determination!) All those writing classes that you’re contemplating on taking…DO IT…it’ll help you in more ways than you know. So start NOW…write constantly so that you find your voice, develop your unique writing style, build your passion and expand your imagination.
You are in store for one hell of a ride, so embrace everything that comes your way and keep your eyes wide open so that you won’t miss a thing. It’ll all be worth it.
Be yourself and be eternally optimistic.
Stay Strong!
Mark
Midlife, Maniacal & Me 