Never doubt your purpose
when you’re doing something
that takes you
one step closer to
your dream
Never Doubt Yourself
No Fear
Seize The Day
We all have moments
we regret in life
and
we can’t turn back the clock
So we must
always have the fortitude
to forge ahead
and
seize every opportunity
no matter how big or small
Be Fearless
When you decide
to become a writer,
“Be Fearless!”
And then…
and only then
when you put
pen to paper
will your words
be truly
bountiful!
Mark's Musings #29
Don’t compare what you’re going to do next with what you’ve
already done.
What I’ve Learned
There were many things that I’ve seen
but none could be more important than
what was in front of me
My DAD worked hard
to provide us with everything,
so I’ve learned to be…
RESPONSIBLE
My MOM tended to
my illnesses and injuries,
so I’ve learned to be…
CARING
My SISTER had a severe handicap
and dealt with ridicule
so I’ve learned to be…
TOLERANT
My WIFE gave hugs with a smile
through all the good and the bad,
so I’ve learned to be…
LOVING
My DAUGHTER was friendly
to everyone she met
so I’ve learned to be…
KIND
My SON sought out things
that were unfamiliar and unknown
so I’ve learned to be…
FEARLESS
My DOGS kept me company
when family was not around
so I’ve learned to be…
LOYAL
My FRIENDS were there
to hear every problem and gripe
so I’ve learned to be…
a good LISTENER
My FAMILY and FRIENDS
have been with me
through every step of my life
so I’ve learned to be…
SUPPORTIVE
These people that I’ve encountered,
made me who I am today
and I’m grateful
for the lessons I’ve learned
through their
unselfish actions.
Finding Your True Purpose
“Life offers us
many opportunities
some dare us
to be great,
some help us
to reach our dreams,
while others
enable us
to live to our heart’s content
Regardless of what path
opens up…
take a chance,
seek the unknown,
bring clarity
to your true purpose
find out who you truly are
and be the best
version of yourself
Share it with everyone
and
make a mark in this world.”
Mid-Life Reflections #7
We live in a hustle and bustle world where every minute of our lives is bombarded by things left and right. There are times when chaos ensues and others that leave us completely dumbfounded. Usually at the end of the day, we are completely exhausted both physically and mentally and end up sleeping it off only to continue with the hubbub the next day.
I’ve learned that too much exposure to all this commotion can sometimes cause us to freak out and wonder “What the hell?!”
“Is this how it’ll be for the rest of my life?”
“Will it ever end?”
“What is my purpose in the scheme of it all?”
“Things have to get better right?”
All these questions must’ve popped into our minds at one point in time. We’re either just starting to experience this, in the process of it or finally getting over it. Whichever one we’re in, just know that in spite of everything, we need to stop and catch our breath.
Look around and take delight in your children, your pets, your siblings, your parents, your grandparents, your friends; just watch them and know that you are what you are because of them.
Watch the sunrise or the sunset; by doing this know that you are lucky enough to live another day.
If your life is not to your liking, change it. It’s as simple as that. Have a job that sucks, quit. In a relationship that’s horrendous, end it. Want to try something new, be fealess and go for it. That cliche “Life is too short” is really true.
You got to where you are because you endured a lot and overcame obstacles that seemed insurmountable. You can go much further and better yourself and situation if you just have faith in yourself. Life is precious…so dare to be bold and custom life to your liking!
To Chase The Dream
We all have various dreams,
some big and some small
Achieving them within our lifetime
is a most daunting task of all
The failures, the pain,
the constant agony of defeat
Tests our will, our strength and resolve,
it knocks us off our feet
Constantly trying and failing
is one of the best lesson we’ll get
It develops our drive, determination and passion
improves our successful living skill set
Learning never stops
we have to grow everyday
Acquiring new and interesting knowledge
helps our dream get underway
The grind towards the dream continues on,
it’s a path difficult and unclear
We must grit our teeth, head straight-forward
and show that we have no fear
Our dream will never end
and in our hearts we must be true
To reach our goal, our life-long love
we must persevere and see it through
So when you’re chasing your dream,
dig deep and give it your all
In the end you’ll fulfill your goal,
you can be proud and stand tall.
Let Your “Inner Voice Shine Through
In my opinion, one of the best things about being a writer is showcasing our inner voice through our pieces of prose to the world. Our writing style, our choice of words and our descriptive passages all reflect our artistic expression hidden deep within. 
Everyone’s writing style is unique; it can be eloquent, serious, humorous, wordy, concise or simple. The fact that we get our point across to any and all readers, in whatever fashion our voice dictates, is truly amazing. AND the painstaking years that it took just to get us comfortable in writing is a feat in itself. AND the tremendous courage it takes to put forth our laborious effort for strangers to read. 
That’s why I enjoy reading other people’s work; I love the fact that they took the time to share something that was on their mind. I’m able to get a semblance of their personality through their choice of topics and words. It’s like meeting a stranger and getting to know them through their writing. The more I read, the more I become familiar with them. 
We as writers share a piece of our soul in the hopes of bringing to view something that we feel has value and get a sense of self-satisfaction from doing so. Our reasons for exhibiting our work can be therapeutic, informative or for entertainment.
I’ve known a couple of writers, however, that were quite hesitant to impart their work for public viewing for fear of crucifying comments or lack of praise. They toiled over their piece but found it difficult to take it to the next step; in the end, they abandoned their desire for writing. It was a sad loss because I felt that they had something of quality that was worth sharing.
We need to lose all inhibitions and accept the fact that there will be some people that’ll like what we write and others that’ll hate it. It all comes with the territory of our craft and shouldn’t be a factor in deterring our passion for writing.
The joy we get from putting pen to paper, the dedication to honing our craft, the anticipation of producing something substantial from a mere thought and the gratification from seeing the final product are qualities that strengthen our passion. In the end, our devotion to writing should outweigh all reactions, whether it be good or bad. So let loose, face your fears, WRITE and let your “Inner Voice”shine through.
Finding Inspiration In The “New Year”
I’m not too sure if I’m alone in thinking this way but every single year, just days after we ring in the New Year, I feel re-energized and inspired. Everything and anything unfortunate that occurred the year before is completely erased. I’ve been given a clean slate where anything is possible.
There’s HOPE! I can see it, I can smell it, I can taste it…it’s finally within my grasp.
A sudden rush of invincibility and unbridled optimism fuels my drive to pursue my dreams; this euphoric feeling of boundless positivity and capability is intoxicating. I’m in open space moving at Mach 6 towards my quest in achieving EVERY dream, whether it be big or small.
There’s nothing that I can’t accomplish…there is no fear…no hesitation in thought or action. My focus is razor sharp and crystal clear. The only thought that echoes in my mind like a broken record is “YES! This is THE year! This is gonna be MY year!”
I know that thought is so cliché, but what can I say, I’m an eternal optimist at heart. Feeling this way makes me want to share my words of affirmation and enthusiasm with anyone and everyone around me. That’s a good thing, right?
This wave of emotions will eventually subside as the year progresses, but I’m going to ride it for as long as I can and know wholeheartedly that I gave it my all and then some.
Midlife, Maniacal & Me 