What Keeps Me Going

When life’s obstacles
put my back against the wall,
what keeps me going…
my family
When challenges arise
and I have nowhere to turn,
what keeps me going…
my friends,
When darkness overcomes me
and there’s no hope in sight,
what keeps me going…
my faith
When the road is long and hard
and I feel like quitting,
what keeps me going…
my confidence
Living every day
is another opportunity
for me
to go for everything
I want and dream of
So never give up
When life brings you down
ask yourself,
“What keeps you going?”

Mid-Life Reflections #10

STOP

We live in a world where the hustle and bustle of life constantly keeps us on the move.  It’s like we shift our focus from one thing to the next without a chance to rest.  If we’re not doing something that keeps us preoccupied then we feel nervous, anxious even; a feeling of being unproductive comes into play.  No matter what station in life we’re at, we should always take the time to stop, breath and soak in our surroundings.  Pause our life for a moment to appreciate anything and everything we take for granted.  It’s so easy to overlook the little things that’s a part of our lives…nature, air, water, family, friends, pets, the place we live, technology that helps us to communicate with others, vehicles that transports us to faraway places, electricity.  It’s just some of the stuff that makes our lives comfortable.  Taking a time out helps us to reflect on our lives and gives introspection on what we value most dearly.  It’s a way of pressing the reset button and re-energizing ourselves to fight the good fight that all of us are doing just to get by and survive in this chaotic world that we live in.  So stop and smell the roses, take in a deep breath and soak in that sunshine; relish being alive and be thankful for all the things that get us through the day.

How We Should Live

You are the sum of your memories

so make every hour,

every minute,

every second

of your life

count

Love like there’s no tomorrow,

laugh till you’re blue in the face,

sing like you’re a famous rockstar,

smile brighter than the sun,

play till your body aches

Savor every moment

Be free

and live to your heart’s content

and know that

you’ve truly experienced

what life is all about.

Mid-Life Reflections #6

Live

Recently I’ve been contemplating life and reminiscing about my younger self.  When I was in my early teens on up into my 20’s, I used to wonder how I measured up to others in the world.  I would readily compare myself to family, friends, colleagues or working professionals; did I make a certain amount of income, hold a respected position in a company, have a high status in society or did something that was of importance or value to the public? 

I did my utmost to emulate them but to no avail.  I sold myself on a bill of goods that I knew was unattainable.  Why was it impossible?  It’s because they were living their life and pursuing their goals and dreams.  I had forgotten all about what I wanted to do with myself.  I was so busy worrying about catching up to them that I flat out ignored my passion, my dreams. 

When I finally woke up, I realized that I had a new lease on life.  My trajectory in this world was on a different course from everyone all together and it was my goal to make it happen.  I cared less about the status, fame and wealth of others and started to explore new things, take chances, make tons of mistakes, sought answers and learned to never give up.

It’s through this self-realization that I am where I’m supposed to be right at this moment.  It’s a never ending, constantly changing state that I’m okay with.  Why? Because it’s my life.

So don’t be so influenced by other people’s place in life that you neglect your own.  You have a destiny that needs to be fulfilled by none other than you.  So go out into the world and epically fail so that you can tremendously succeed at what you were meant to be!

How Do I Define Myself

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How do I define myself?

It’s not through

exquisite jewelry,

expensive cars,

a spacious mansion,

a lavish lifestyle

or money

How do I define myself?

By leading a simple life of

love,

laughter,

hugs,

smiles,

hope,

and joy

How do I define myself?

Through years and years

of knowledge and experience,

filled with trials and tribulations,

both good and bad

shared with family,

friends,

acquaintances,

myself

How do I define my life?

By sharing a smile,

offering a helping hand,

lending an ear,

being with loved ones,

enjoying everything around me,

taking nothing for granted,

simply living for now.

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