How Your Vote Got Trumped

Wednesday Wander
November 9, 2016

Suck It Up, Your Vote Got "Trumped":
How the system beat you

Ha! I feel about as smug about that pun as Secretary Clinton did at that one presidential debate when she said "Trumped-up Trickle-down economics." But in all seriousness, the Donald Trump is the Presiden-Elect and we need to deal with it. Everyone is posting on Facebook at how ecstatic they are or how pissed off they are at the results, it's all very childish. To my all my friends I will tell you the end of the American-era is not upon us, the Presidency is not a dictatorship, and four years will go by faster than you think.

Righ now, I'm attending a conference in an area that has historically voted "blue" and today they're probably feeling really blue about the 2016 Presidential Race. A lot of voters who backed the Republican candidates may be joyous today or even have a sour taste in their mouth as if they ate a bad apple. Our 45th President is not a favorite for a lot of people and from my stance a strong moderate (I'm working on trademarking it) I can understand why. I can also understand why people would want to vote for the Republican Party's Nominee, how can I do such a thing asks the Left-Wing? It's called being objective and weighing the facts.

As far as how the Electoral College chose one leader and the Popular Vote chose another, let me break it down for you... In states that the Democratic Nominee won, she won BIG, such as Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, and the whole West Coast. By big I mean, for every vote to Trump Clinton received 1.5 to 2 votes for her. In California, she received almost 3 votes for every 1 vote for Trump, and that state alone could have switched the gap. For Trump, the Swing States  that he won he squeaked by, squeaked by meaning the difference between the two was less than 2% which is the normal percentage for most Presidential Elections in those states.

Is the Electoral College out of date? Should it be repealed? Again, I can see both sides. The popular vote allows the general population of the vote to determine the head of the Executive Branch. The Electoral College allows for each state to represented appropriately based on population, very similar to the House of Representative and the number of delegates.

Let's look at it this way: If we take out California's votes, which has 53 seats in the House of Representatives (out of  435 voting representatives, 12% of the House!), only 16 of those are actually Republican Reps. Rounding up to 70%, 37 of their Representatives are Democrat which actually is 20% of the Democratic seats. If we pull their 5.5 million votes for Mrs. Clinton, that puts Mr. Trump in the lead with the Popular Vote by nearly 5.3 million votes. Just because all the gap between the Winner and Second Place finisher of the 2016 Presidential race was -202,340 votes but +51 Electoral Votes, does not mean the system is broken.

How can the Democrats solve this issue? How do the Republicans handle this issue? Simply point to the fact that your candidate won or lost by way of the current system, and do what you can to make sure your voice is heard by your elected official at all levels, in both federal and state (including local too). What you should not do is post on social media complaining or brag about the election, it does just as much good as stating the issues at the neighborhood bar, it is only jaw work. Your best solution is to do something to support your political views for the next election, gain as much backing as you can in your area (reminder the majority wins your state and your state alone).

If you don't like the results of the election and you are delaring you will leave this country because you fear for what may happen with our new President-Elect, go ahead and leave because that's not the American way to do things. We don't run, retreat, or cry. Yeah, you may not agree. As an American citizen, if you voted and you regret doing so in this election, that is the same thing as regretting having freedoms and I ask you to reevaulate your life choices. My views were not accurately represented by either candidate very well, but I do not regret my vote. Stand for what you believe in, accept the circumstances, and move forward.

Donald Trump is the next President of the United States and that's the results of the election. We have to deal with it, we can keep throwing tantrums in the form of riots or we can go out and make sure our voice as an American is heard justly and fairly through representation in government. Sure some of you may not like what happened, hell the Popular Vote has indicated a different candidate won that the Electoral College four other times in American History (most recently in 2000), but it must be accepted as the truth. Going forward, we must love each other, treat one another with respect, and always do what is morally right no matter what someone else is doing. Speak your mind in a civil and respecting manner, but also listen to what everyone has to say. I plead to you all Americans, let's be support one another in the betterment of our society and strive for equality to be true for everyone.


Disclaimer: I shall not tell you who I voted for because I believe casting a ballot is like blowing out birthday candles, if I tell you who/what I wished for it might not be true. Also, I don't like people pressing their opinions on me based on their opinion of my own. 

Unavoidable Circumstances

Tuesday Take
November 8, 2016

Taking What You Have & Making the Best of It

The philosopher Aeschylus once said, "When the gods send evil, one cannot escape it." Now that may sound to you like the one sentence plot summary of Final Destination, that's not what he was saying. There's a truth to fate & destiny, we can't control it, there's a higher power than us. We control such a small portion of the world around us and even of our own lives, but don't sacrifice your effort and diligence because you don't have total control.

Imagine it like this... There's this life you're going to live and there are a number of factors that calculate to where you're going to go and what you will be tasked with. Some of that you may get to choose and decide how you react to those events, the other portion of your life is chance or what I would deem as fate or destiny. When life gives you a task or a challenge, you should do your best to conquer it and own whatever the outcome is, meaning just accept the win or the loss and continue to roll on.

We are conscious beings who actively make decisions throughout every waking moment of our lives. You must also understand that not amount of prosperity, no amount of difficulty, is certain forever. Those losses may become victories over time and a triumph may morph into another challenge for your own life, it's all about how you own up to it and accepting what's occurred. It is encouraged to be your own champion, every day and throughout the day. There is a possibility that if you will something with enough force and passion, you can make it happen even though the tides of the world are against you. Your soul knows your true destination in life, use your physical and intellectual self to fulfill what your heart longs for and fulfill your destiny.

Amor Fati

Monday Mountain
November 7, 2016

Fate & How to Love it

Recently, I purchased a book that features daily readings of stoic philosophers, and in that book I came across a brief piece of wisdom that hit deep. It was this piece about acceptance and accepting fate, one of those things that once you read it you read it once more but more slowly in order to let those words marinate on your mind. Amore fati translates to the love of fate, but "it's not just accepting, it's loving everything that happens." (Daily Stoic, Ryan Holiday)

As the dice roll and events occur, it's easy to say things are out of our control and to go on thinking with acceptance and indifference on any results that do not favor ourselves. I plead that you should love what happens, no matter what. For example, a relationship that you had high hopes for comes to an end, well that's something we all may feel bitter about at first. Following that event, you should focus on seeing the bright side to everything and loving what happened.

Once you can love the unfavorable circumstance and the events that unfolded, that provides you a recipe for happiness and joy. Perhaps it's best to think of  those dark events as dark clouds, sure they may rain or hail on you, but there's a silver lining and I guarantee it will help the flowers bloom in due time. Embrace the outcome you may not have wanted, because fate is not in your control, but in the end, you can be happier than you were before. That power lies within you!

CT Fletcher - One Bad Dude, One Great Quote

Tuesday Take
November 1, 2016

 “Some go big, I went enormous. Some set goals, I set milestones! Some climb hills, I climbed mountains! Some want growth, I command growth. Some said it was over, I Said f**k you!"

- CT Fletcher - 

After watching a documentary on Netflix about CT Fletcher, a former World Record-holder, you can immediately notice several things. I would expect nothing less from any average person drawing first impressions on someone as they tell an abridged story of their life. The first thing you might notice is that he is brash, his mouth is not very clean and he says what's on his mind. That's alright and good because he lives his life to back it up, and you would probably notice that second. 

He has a number of kids and few are true long-term supporters of him, but it appears that all of his kids are still present, supportive, loving, and putting in to help him achieve his dreams. I want that, to both support my parents in their goals and for my offspring to support me in mine. I know for damn sure, I will support them in whatever endeavors they wish to take on. 

Beyond who he is as a person, the words he is quoted for here speak to me. As I've come to realize, not everyone feels the same way as I do about being doubted, the underdog, or challenging one's self continually. I love these words and how they're assembled... Take a minute to appreciate the word choice and comparison of each. CT compares what the average or the Ordinary Joe wants to what he has done and continue to do. Pointing out success in the past and the desire and need for success in the future. 

Set big goals and achieve things through all facets of life. I set a goal last year to rep over 400 pounds on bench at least twice, what did I do? 405 pounds for three reps, and I made it look easy. I encountered a challenge when things did not go my way in my professional career, now I'm approaching a milestone that is rare for someone of my age and experience. 

What is your big goal? Where do your priorities lie? How will you achieve what you desire?

Why Motivation Does or Doesn't Work

Monday Mountain
October 31, 2016

Breaking the Ruts:

Is Motivation a Real Remedy?

I always try to motivate myself through inspirational words, powerful thoughts, self-belief, and many other applications... But this feeling of empowered momentum always fades. Why does it always dissipate? This conundrum has been on my mind recently as I've been a fan of  everyone self-medicating their own motivation. A thought came to my head today as I drove nearly six hours to visit a handful of locations, it's a temporary solution much like taking an aspirin or other medication. Much like ibuprofen, it's meant to alleviate you of your pain until your body can naturally cure itself or repair whatever the cause of the discomfort was. 

When we seek to be inspired, we often crave a sort of fire to be lit inside of us. Allow me to dive into this analogy to explain how motivation can work. There's an ignition source, that initial motivation, it gets the fire started and may light the room briefly, but to really make a brilliant progress it's up to you the user to provide the fuel and to maintain this burning feeling. 

I suck at staying motivated, it's often like how they explain physics. An object at rest takes a lot more energy to get it moving rather to simply keep it moving. Also, the challenge is to fight the friction of vices and other obstacles around us to keep you from your goals. For example, if you wanted to get good at running a 5K race, you'll have to overcome the discomfort of being bad at running, the sore muscles after every run, and to continue development you may have to follow a training plan from an external source. Of course, most of the resistance is internal, that's what makes us human, the path of least resistance. It's the conquest of the resistance that makes it admirable. 

Really, truly, nobody should ever pursue a challenge to be admired by another. The whole idea of the conquest is to prove it to yourself, to make yourself better, learn something new about yourself, or whatever it is. Yes, I suck at motivating myself to do something for me and it's way easier to continue doing something you're already decent at. It's not about any of that really, it's about embracing the new challenge. If you don't want to then that's just alright, complacency embraces the familiar face. For me, I'll accept the challenge I bring to myself to push my limits, my comforts, and to develop my skills and abilities beyond what I ever thought.

Devilish Decadence & Digital Addiction

Friday Freestyle
October 28, 2016

Devilish Decadence & Digital Addiction:

Fantasies versus Experiences

Scroll through Facebook. I see people sharing short videos that resemble an ADD-friendly cooking show, where they introduce and show you how to make a recipe in less than a minute. I believe the same is true between these clips and those cooking shows I saw in the 90s growing up, it is rare that somebody actually makes them to completion. Now I'm not ragging on the videos, just the folks who share them.

I believe we have an addiction to fantastical ideas, recipes, and experiences, however, our weakness is that we never actually go out to live and bring them to reality. Perhaps there is this fear that our experience won't be as grand as the content on our social media feeds depicts it. Perhaps we won't be able to give an account appropriate of the true experience. Perhaps as a younger and less experienced generation, we want to seem to our peers that we are actually worldly. Perhaps to some of you the fantasy is just as good as the real thing, that share button grants you a brief pleasure and a lasting enjoyment for up to 48 hours after the share. 

Facebook Fantasies are a devilish decadence. They're not good for you, it's a self-indulgence into how good you are as a person or how admirable you are because your aspirations are sky high. Aspirations and to-do lists don't count, it's about as good as counting a "close to the rim shot" in basketball. Real things count. To actually live your life is the real challenge. So many times we go somewhere to do something or live out an adventure and we forget to relish the moment. If you forget to take pictures and forget to share on social media, then you are really in the moment and living it up with what's physically around you. 

Reposting anything that someone else creates is almost like making yourself out of paper mache, it's taking bits and pieces of everyone else adding some goop and creating a hollow person. Take those words beyond the surface value, figure out what they mean besides adding some magical meaning to your life for a few minutes. Stop sharing videos of recipe making with ADD or videos of some far away place that you can't necessarily afford to go to. Live in your own life, after all you are your own you. 

Of course this is all hypocritical, I'm writing on a digital platform about life how to live it and then I'm going to post this article on Facebook, Twitter, and maybe LinkedIn. Perhaps I want self-gratification, perhaps I want to share my idea, perhaps I want to offend people. Does it really matter what I want to do? It matters that you're reading this. What matters next is what you will do after you finish reading this. 

Following this I'm going to go work my 9-to-5 job, I'll listen to Podcasts in the car, I'll add things to my boards in Pinterest, I'll retweet motivational shit, and I'll like anything on Facebook that makes me happy for myself or someone else. It's a part of my ordinary routine. I'm also going to continue to write blog posts on QuintessentialVoyage, I'm going to set dates and make plans to live deliberately in the wilderness, I'll go into the gym and fight gravity by lifting heavy weights, I'm going to challenge the status quo and make myself my own foe. It's all a balance of your original content, your magnificent life, influences of digital world, experiences of the real world, and making it all into something worth sharing with other people in the world. 

What will you create? What can you share worthwhile?

Distance & Inner Circle

Thursday Thought
October 27, 2016

Distance & Inner Circle:
Why I Maintain Both

In the past seven years, I've been given plenty of reasons to trust and plenty of reasons not to trust people. It's never something personal against someone, okay sometimes it is. But for the majority of times when I keep someone away from my heart, it's to protect my very soft, very vulnerable interior. When you've been stabbed a couple times in the heart, you learn to shield that away from others until they prove they can be trusted completely. For those people I do trust, they're in the inner circle for sure.

My inner circle is composed of my family, the best friends, and that's about it. Being in the inner circle doesn't exclusively include my trust, it includes the support and love that I provide to my friends over time and whenever they need it it's available. That IC (Inner Circle) are the companions I've known for years and our bonds have remained strong even through distance and drama. Sometimes I still distance myself from those in the IC, I believe this happens because just like the plants in winter we need to withdraw to protect and we can regrow into something better for the spring.

Having a hard shell does not mean that you are constantly shielded from loving or receiving love or any other emotion, it just means you are more careful with your emotional spending and investing into external sources. Possessing a soft spirit is really the key to being human, by allowing others to see and experience your emotions and vulnerability allows them to drop their guard too. From time to time, although you may be the more damaged of the two, you might have to drop your guard first for them to allow you in.

It's all about balance, don't feel hate towards those who hurt you but rather feel love to those who sincerely care about that bleeding heart of yours. Those various emotions keep us real and authentic, the true value of humanity. Allow those into your walls who bring honest to goodness intentions and protect yourself against the evil doers and heartbreakers. This may prevent you from asking "Et tu bae?"

For the Love of Winter

Wednesday Wander
October 26, 2016

For the Love of Winter:
Why wintry weather centers my soul

Quiet, cold mornings. Snow falls as it dampens the sounds of the usual life brought in with the rising sun. It's a peace that seems to only fall in this season after autumn. In the life cycle of on year, I need this time to reset my mind and wrap myself in blankets and my thoughts.

Sure, as the air pushes in from the arctic, we face a time where things die and recede for self-preservation. Why should the emotion-fueled human do any different? Let our instincts for solitude and emotional contemplation ride out these few cold months. Love yourself and shower yourself in warmth from inside your own soul.

I love winter. It includes family-centric holidays, extended periods of time off work, cold air that sends us to the blankets and the hoodies, a re-evaluation of your life and how the past and future will impact you, and so on and so forth.

Winter is for lovers and dreamers. Winter calls for long slumbers and short dreams, hot fires and cold toes, evenings of cuddling and days of frolicking. There are many things we can do in winter, in those things we need to understand that those activities and those feelings are indeed fleeting and last only during that brief period of time, only to give its final bow for the return of warmth and rejuvenation of life.

Taking on Raps

Tuesday Take
October 25, 2016

Taking on Raps

If i were to introduce who I am,
It starts with a handshake and a smile,
Wearing plaids and sometimes argyle.
Don't allow that to deceive you,
I dont even know myself
There's more to me than what you perceive as true.
Pursuing more than trophies for my shelf,
Owning this hunger everyday in my soul,
working to fill an ever-empty hole.

I craft words every day in some form,
and it's never to inflict harm.
My physical and mental power is strong,
I don't ever lead anyone along,
i work to earn things even the shot is long,
to be a brute and an intellectual,
it's a conundrum,
They never see what I say as something truly actual,
Their doubt flows on and on.

I say to you who look down upon me,
Go ahead and plant those seeds,
You will reap what you sow,
I will continue to grow,
eventually,
You won't be able to look down on me,
No matter how tall I'll become
or how high I will rise.
I'll look at you as an equal one,
Don't you think that's wise?

Yeah, my ego is inflated, But I have my reasons,
Believe in your own pride, throughout all seasons.
Own who you are, you'll go far,
Invest in yourself and not the trophy on the shelf.
This is a draft purely rough,
writing in syllables and rhythyms is tough.

What's Affordable?

Monday Mountain
October 24, 2016

Affordability, How to calculate it.

For something to be defined as "affordable," by its definition would mean that it is inexpensive or reasonably priced. This is a relative perception of cost... It does not exclusively refer to money. What other forms of payment are you capable of? Well, there's the always rare currency of time, energy is another raw source, and intellect/emotion or as I call it brain power.

How can you tell if you can afford something? To begin with, there are two factors that will help you define if something is affordable. One is how much you have available to allocate and the other is out of available amount how much you're willing to actually spend or invest.

For example, fitness freaks... They workout for a set amount of time everyday regardless of what happens, why do they do this? They may not have a lot of energy or a lot of time available, but they do this because it means a lot to them and it's very important for the other parts of their lives.

The idea of being wealthy with time or energy is not about whether or not we can spend it all or save the most, it's about investing yourself into those areas than give you a return on that investment. Just like working out, sure at first you're worn out and sore, but the continued effort and growth in time will give you back more energy and more brain power to fuel your own progress in other areas.

What can you afford with your free time? What do you put your energy into that gives back? Question where you allocate those resources because you may be wasting your energy, time, or your emotions on something that won't give you the desired output.

Taking on Prompts, Part 1

Tuesday Take
October 11, 2016

UPDATE
From now on, Tuesday Take will be an interpretation of a quotation or poetry or a brief bit of writing based on a prompt found from the depths of the internet. If it is a writing prompt it will remain a mystery for the sake of the reader.

Prompt #1
Strolling down the street, I crack my neck, releasing some tension. Twilight faded as the sun tucked itself into the horizon. Continuing towards home, I don't want to go home just yet. Perhaps one more stop? Yes, let's. There are a couple more houses coming up on the street. About fifty yards away one on the left, and the other across the street and farther down.

As I get to the first house, I quickly knock on the door. A middle-aged, wiry woman opens the door, she's looking for whoever rapped on the door. She steps out and wanders down to the base of her porch steps... Quickly, she shuffles back inside. I listen for any chatter to follow, but there is none. She's alone. On to the next.

I knock harder on this door. A sour teenager answers, loudly looking for who disturbed his evening. He is fast to turn around and go back inside. Conversation is held inside, they try to solve the mystery of the knock-knock-ditch between the two of them. He's in the house with a teenage girl, they're about the same age. Oh, it's on.

The wind picks up. I need to hurry. I quickly approach the windows of the living room, there's a clean line of sight to the love birds. Now, what should I do? Aha! I mentally prepare my scheme... Then I hear two slight steps behind me. "What are you doing Ore?"

"Damn you, Lucy! Always interrupting my fun..."

Importance from Impacts

Monday Mountain
October 10, 2016

Real Connections, Realized.

Take a step back from your day, and look upon the events that unfolded today. Now look at the people around you. These other beings are hurtling through time and space and society, their direction is effected by you and me and all those other things around us all. I'm not trying to blow your mind, just simply show you that everything you do is the effect of someone else, and is a cause to someone's effect.

When we decide to react to someone else's decisions we can either be too extreme, not enough, just right, or event the wrong decision altogether. Simply, do you overreact or do you let it slip? Whichever you choose affects their interpretation of you and what they will do next.

Where am I going with this? Evaluate your actions before you do them. It's a simple thing to do, it only takes a split-second that can change their whole day. Small actions with genuinely positive energy, now that's a potent force for a better day!

I'm guilty of overreacting or taking something personally, it's taken me years to realize how important it is to take it all with some salt. That pregnant pause is tragic when poorly used, but a wise man will use it to make a wise decision.

When you look back on today, yesterday, or any past days, consider how your decisions may or may not have affected the outcome of that day. Your presence in this life is more powerful than you may think. Act wisely, you can pleasantly surprised.

Super Hero's Oath

Tuesday Take
October 4, 2016

Doc Savage's Oath

Let me strive every moment of my life to make myself better and better, to the best of my ability, that all may profit by it. 

Let me think of the right and lend all my assistance to those who need it, with no regard for anything but justice. 

Let me take what comes with a smile, without loss of courage. 

Let me be considerate of my country, of my fellow citizens and my associates in everything I say and do. 

Let me do right to all, and wrong no man.

Scrolling through Pinterest, that's how I found this oath of a fictional character. It's one of the most admirable things that I've ever read. Yes it's a little singular in aspect, however, it is also powerful. If we all strove to follow even one portion of it, our society could be a much better place as a whole. There is a low possibility of such a large percentage of us even taking a single line of this to heart, however, if a small part of us all tried to abide to most of it... That could be a hell of a step forward.

What do you like or dislike about this?

What is admirable about this oath? What could be left out?

No Excuse for Such Behavior

Monday Mountain
October 3, 2016

Toxic Logic:

Making Excuses in Order to Reason for Your Mistakes and Behavior

This post took me a while to assemble the courage in order to type and put fingers to keyboard, why? Because I'm about to point out something we all do, and it needs to stop. I was afraid of hurting some people's feelings, that's when I realized it was not for the sake fo their egos, I was refraining in order to prevent any problems with anyone else for my own sake. 

We reward ourselves with calories for one workout. We tell ourselves that we will do it later. We justify our actions based on those of others. Each of those is an example of how we make excuses for doing things that actually hold back the progress of ourselves towards a better version of ourselves that we desire. As humans, the relationship we have with laziness has become a parasitic one, and it only hurts us more we go to it. I'm just as guilty of this as anyone else is.

Laziness is our argument for balance, we argue it for once we complete our hard work and complete that one task, that reward does not arrive after a singular day. The time earned to be lazy is not a one-for-one exchange once you apply yourself. "Downtime" is earned more at a rate like interest is returned to investments, a small incremental return on investment over time. 

Yes, everyone deserves a vacation or a lazy Sunday, but not every single day. If every day were a vacation, then you'd never truly appreciate what you have and you'd never understand what hard work really earns. 

Similar to the argument that laziness is deserved after the minimal effort is applied... There is the reasoning of "Adulting", which really is a plague that feasts on a combination of Peter Pan syndrome and Millenial self-glorification, however, that is a discussion for another time.

Go into tomorrow and work hard, every day should be a show of good work and genuine effort. Proof that we are working towards our own goals and helping to enhance the world that those around us live in. What are good, hard work are you doing today? Why are you putting it off? Let's get cracking. 

Proof Worth Publishing?

Friday Freestyle
September 23, 2016

Scientific Discovery versus Human Feeling

They sat down across from each other, at this small table. A putrid smell of old coffee and Lysol filled the air. Awkward eye contact became avoided. The topic of conversation was about to rise up and they had to face it head on. Jim started first, "Dr. Schwartz, these findings... We have to share them with the public!"

Frank replied, "Dr. Weiss, you know that this would shake them to the core. The public isn't ready for this just yet. It's like the truth about a cure for cancer, no one will believe it until it's too late."

"This isn't some conspiracy or controversial topic, our findings from all the DNA testing prove something. We, as humans, are evolving! We have found the proof of it."

"It's not what we found that they don't want to know, it's what the human race is going to become that will terrify them." Frank Schwartz adjusted the mug in his hands as the sugar-dense coffee swirled inside. All this time he had spent researching and the young man points out the breakthrough. Was he jealous? He probably was, but that hasn't stopped him from sharing the truth before.

Jim Weiss sat there waiting for a stronger emotional argument to formulate in his mind. He just watched the mug rotate in Frank's hands. "You know it's the right thing to tell them Frank, we just need to talk to Megs about how to do so."

"Listen man, this is going to hit close to home for a lot of people. Especially Megs. How do you think they're going to feel? That they know their kids and all those who follow will have to deal with this?"

"Deal with it?" Jim was astonished at how Frank positioned their finding, "It's goddamn progress for us as sentient beings."

Frank scoffed, "That's just it man, we will be come less sentient! More... more... more..."

"More primitive?" Now Jim was becoming offended.

"No, that's not what I'm saying. I do agree in terms of intellect it's progress, but to lose ground on other psychological fronts, it's not exactly a win-win."

"Frank, how should we position it?"

"Jim, there's no proof of the physiological progression of humans. Yeah, we're taller on average and getting better with diseases, but that's how society's progressed. As a general populace, we are no longer developing our anatomy."

"Because we no longer have to! Technology has enabled us to become stronger through efficiency and information."

Frank slammed his left hand down, "Why should we tell them now? That we won't become any better at using our bodies or our emotions, in fact they'll both grow weaker... Just so we can sacrifice them to benefit our capacity for thought and processing." In an effort to calm himself down, a deep breath was drawn inward, held, then released outward. "As an American society, we have come to embrace the expression of the self and celebrated the arts. We've begun to teach the average child to love creativity and to only use math and logic for work."

"By telling the world, we can change the trajectory of the world now by being proactive, instead of reactivity. We should share this news!"

"Do you really think that the world is ready to be told our next step in the evolution?"

"Yes."

"Are you sure we should tell them that humans will all develop into a brood of introverted beings with trouble communicating, developing relationships, and emotional detachment?"

"I.... I'm...."

Obsessiveness & Creativity

Thursday Thought
September 22, 2016

Creating Ideal Series of Events

Internal Determination for the Perfect Plot

I enjoy writing. This blog is an example of how much I enjoy it because you don't usually just do create any fine art for free. There's something more that I appreciate better than the writing of what I hope my audience receives as inspirational and thoughtful posts, I drive such enjoyment from writing fiction. There's something about creating a story or even less than that... Thrusting a newly created character into an alternate universe sometimes eerily similar to ours. From that point you paint their backstory, giving them depth into their past and drives into their future. 

There are plenty of movies and books that have inspired me to write a whole story based off of minuscule parts... An exchange of words or glances traded or feelings felt. Where I find most inspiration for writing is within my own mind and the experiences it interprets from the world around me. Pretty vague I know, but imagine with me... I invest a piece of myself, my morals, or my experiences into certain characters, perhaps a little bit into all of them, that's how I figure out their mechanics of existence. 

When creating plots and writing fiction, I can envision a single scene with great clarity and detail. So within that single setting of time and space and within that capsule of exchange between characters, it all comes together... Where I struggle is the trajectory goes from that point forward. So bear with me as I continue to write singular scenes that may hopefully provoke numerous questions that have will little follow-up in future posts. As the writer, I ask that you please bear with me as the creation and development will not stop. Ever.

Currently, I am perfecting about three to four different stories each with what I hope to be a unique plot. Sure themes or storylines may be shared, but I hope that what they provoke from you, the reader, is much stronger and more authentic than what others may create. Enjoy with me each piece of me that I create, for those who care about me can understand the man underneath better with each excerpt and interpretation. 

I will continue to write. I am in search of those heavy-hitting scenes and powerful writing that not only provokes great feelings from the reader but also from myself when I read it again. Those chills when something strikes you deep in the heart, but it enters in the form of words fed through your eyes and processed by your brain. That heartbreak you'll feel or a great smile you'll wear or even the faces you'll make to mimic a character's expressions or feelings, that's what I pursue as a writer. I'll be damned if I don't conquer that pursuit. 

Here's to Heroes

Wednesday Wander
September 21, 2016

Who are Heroes? What's Heroic?

Merriam-Webster: a person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities. 

There are heroes of literature, they rule in fiction and possess powers of greater magnitudes than any normal human in real life. This character-type is often idolized because we see then in portions, all of which are controlled to carry a certain savory tone that we learn to crave. Each unimaginable feat or epic deed they accomplish with us as their audience, our astonishment grows and magnifies our admiration of them while diminishing the wonderful acts of everyday humans in all kinds of situations. If we only reviewed the highlight reels of a human's life, we could portray them as this epic being who was responsible for defeating the odds and rising against much more powerful forces.

This can be you, the hero. Actually, you should be the hero in your own story.

None of us mortal human beings are perfect. It's actually what makes us so wonderfully exciting and horrifying at the same time. We might screw up or we might have tragic flaws that could end our ambitious journey, and if those blemishes on our character don't make our plot turn for the worst then it's an enchanting story to follow along with. 

Would your story be worth the read? Are you that character that a reader (such as yourself) could fall in love with? Questions worth a second of reflection and penny's thoughts. 

As you live out your own adventure, you must remember that not everything will make the cut into your memoir nor can it fit into comic panels. Those around you will always remember the big moments and the little feelings that you provided while you were on your flight path. At the recollections, those who care will turn in memories of you performing awesome or awful things, most of which won't be spoken because that would just be impolite. Wise folks advise that we should make our stories worth writing about... Our lives should be worth smiling about in reflection and warm the hearts of loved ones in any moment. 

Acting on Ambition

Tuesday Take
September 20, 2016

“To feel ambition and to act upon it is to embrace the unique calling of our souls. Not to act upon that ambition is to turn our backs on ourselves and on the reason for our existence.”

- Steven Pressfield -

A quote from Pressfield's book Turning Pro, there are many things that he writes that I agree with, many of which are actually about writing and fighting the resistance that boils inside us. 

Now in regards to those howls from the far reaches of your soul, those cavernous halls of your core... That's the hunger, ambition, desire to do more and to strive to realize our best selves. Some have louder callings than others, unfortunately, there are others who lack any calling at all. Why do we have these secular and human feelings when in reaction to a calling so spiritually emotional? That's a tough question, perhaps it's based on the connections between the physical and the spiritual or it's just the power that the soul has. 

Nonetheless, ambition is a powerful potion and a wonderful precursor to work. If neglect of your ambition is persistent throughout life, then you shall be investing in your own decay and your life is to produce little of real meaning. Billions of people in the audience, they're all waiting with baited breath to see your great performance, whether you are ready it or not, it's going to be a spectacular display, neither you or I should miss it for the world. 

Defeat is a Decision

Monday Mountain
September 19, 2016

Defeat Does Not Just Happen to You

Those are harsh words. Suck it up, buttercup. I do not mean defeat like losing the last breath of life out of you, I mean defeat as in that sinking feeling when you give up. It happens to all of us at some point, mostly as a child. It's not until you gain a level of maturity when you acknowledge that the fault lies on your own shoulders. Think about it this way: as a kid, you would fall down and perhaps scrape your knee, well at that point when you start to cry for yourself because of the pain, that's when you become defeated.

It's just worse to become defeated when you get older because you gain so much more power, intelligence, wisdom, and spirit. As the number of days you've lived grows, you should grow in all of those facets so the likelihood of you being in a situation with unfavorable odds decreases. Admitting you're overwhelmed is your first step backward, at which point you may as well just give up. Sure, there are lots of things that may daunt your courage, that doesn't mean they should stop you. 

Over a series of events in my adulthood, a lot of unfortunate things have happened. I've been pushed to my limits. I've had the metaphorical wind taken out of my sails. I've resided in low valleys. I've swum in waters deeper than I am tall. I've been burned on passions. I've experienced a lot of feelings and situations where the decision about defeat was put on my shoulders. Not every situation was left in victory, there were times when I accepted the defeat because I could not carry on.

At this point now in my life, I will say no to defeat. I've tasted that sour solution to my sorrows and I must say, my heart prefers the burn of the prolonged struggle. I cannot tell you whether you should resist defeat, that decision lies purely within your heart. For myself, I will fight and persevere in order to rise to the top of every mountain I climb. For my loved ones, I will offer my hand to them so that they may too realise that they can rise above the agony of defeat. Nonetheless, every defeated person has willingly accepted, it is never handed to them. Be strong my friends, it's always better once you decide it will be. 

Dialog After Dawn

Friday Freestyle
September 16, 2016

Morning After

"Good morning Adam!" Stan blurts out to me, I stumble into the kitchen to grab the first mug in the cupboard. 

"Ease up on him, he had a rough night." The coffee glides out of the pot into the mug. Wait for it to cool a brief second, now I must blow on it to cool it faster. I wait for the push to become a shove. 

"Hey man, what he did last night... That was epic. Even I would've thought twice about doing it."

"Easy now Stan, you're not that kind of guy anymore. We need to talk about what happened."

"I'd rather not. My body hurts, my head is pounding, and my heart feels... "

"It feels like it's carrying iron weights?" Jessie interrupts. 

"Yeah. I can't really believe what happened and what I did."

Jessie comforts me, " It's going to be okay, we just need to figure out your next steps and to convince them you did the right thing."

"Did you guys stay here last night?" The coffee slowly makes its way through my body to awaken my senses. 

"We did. Well sort of, we stayed nearby. We know a place."

"Hmm alright. I'm glad you guys are here, I could use some peace of mind"

"Bro, peace was not inside of you last night"

"Stan! Goodness man, ease up on him. He lost control."

"You know, I don't really remember much of last night. It was like I was drugged, i mean yeah I had those whiskeys."

"Heh, yeah something came over you for sure."

"Listen, we need to tell you something, Adam."

"Oh, what is it now..." I kept thinking back to her and the look on her face afterward.

Stan speaks up before Jessie steps in, "Well man, we came over to help you out, but there's something else going on with us, outside of you." 

My eyes slide laterally to Jessie as he sits there across from Stan at my dining table. "It's complicated," Jessie starts explaining, "We're in town to handle a family issue, but we couldn't have left you there in that situation so we stepped in." 

Trying to recollect my memories, there are more blanks than illustrations playing in my mind. "All I remember was fighting that guy, but that's because of what he did... You know, to her."

"Ha, well now you're going to help us out," Stan smirks and looks to Jessie. "After seeing you handle that situation, Jessie and I started to talk after we put you in your room."

"What he's trying to say is, we could use your help. Your abilities peaked a lot earlier than I expected, given he helped accelerate the process."

"What?" I'm confused even more than I'm sore at this point. 

"We aren't exactly normal dudes, and you aren't either."

"What are you then?"

Stand chuckles, "Bro, you're going to want to take a seat for this."

Jessie stands up, "Are you religious? Don't answer that, I already know. Which means this will be harder to explain and difficult for you to grasp."

Things Worth Living For, Doubt & Belief

Thursday Thought
September 15, 2016

Things Worth Living For, Part 2

Outside Doubt / Internal Belief

Things worth living for? They're not exactly physical things, they're things experienced or things that are felt. Imagine with me, the moments in your life when you initiate the inner dialogue to essentially say, "Wow, how great it is to be alive?" 

As an American, I love to be successful and to receive praise for it. It's a part of our egotistical culture, and it's alright to be proud of what we do or what we say. On the flipside of that magnificent Silver Dollar, there's the exact opposite that would be received from the external audience. Those people who don't really believe in your abilities or your powers, there's plenty of them and I guarantee there are fewer folks who believe in you than you may hope. It's okay, that's the tough part of life facing that tall wall of disbelief, which creates this feeling self-doubt and perhaps it may reduce the morale. 

Here's where the goosebumps rise in waves across your skin... when you say (usually in your head): "Screw you, I will do this. Just watch me." It carries much more weight in your journey to believe in yourself over the encouragement of another. Not to discount the applause we may give a friend or a colleague, but the belief in yourself is powerful. I love when people doubt me, or even when they have a neutral attitude towards myself and my potential. When they see me as a worker or performer with little expectation of production or potential, I relish that, I turn it into fuel for my Inspiration Furnace. 

If you boss doubts you, prove him wrong. If your friend doesn't like a trip you've planned, show them the adventure. When your parents try to steer you in another direction, stay your course. No matter what the voices around you say, you have to listen to the murmuring from your heart and whispers from your soul. Often the noise of the world around us can pollute our thoughts and the understanding of what our spirit desires to do, hence why it is important to seek out that space of isolation for Self-Talk. 

To believe in yourself is to invest in yourself. Saying those words of encouragement, listening to your spirit, making your own decisions, and adding common sense to the equation will enable you to do unimaginable things. Buy into your own start-up before seeking investors, because why don't but into what you do, they will buy into why you do it. Silencing the doubters and non-believers, stoking that fire within in order to fuel success, that's worth living for. 

Balanced Life of a Brute

Wednesday Wander
September 14, 2016

Redefining Brutish Behavior

Merriam-Webster:
 a savage violent person or animal, unreasoning and animalike.

Being described as a Brute does not hold this definition to me in my mind. I don't envision a Brute as a Monster of Frankenstein or some destructive force of human flesh. It stands for more about a balance between the primal and intellectual powers of man. 

As a man, you must keep in mind that you are this animal who is gifted with intelligent thinking as well as ethos, pathos, and logos. You're more than useful for smashing in the brain of something, you could in theory use your brain to coerce that same subject to do the same objective. Using your intellect is the most powerful weapon in your arsenal while coupling it with the capability of brute force can make you unstoppable. 

Brute-manship and having intelligence should not be mutually exclusive, however, the issue lies that as a man society dictates that you must be one or the other. General public will not accept the idea that you can possess both forms of power but only one. You may see it as Steve Rogers or Clark Kent or Bruce Wayne, those heroic figures who have super powers and strong intellects. I argue, the man who has brain and muscle power should not live on fictional pages, but rather here in the real world. 

Go to the gym and out into the world, train your body in feats of strength, endurance, and aerobic capabilities. Next, move onto the library and study philosophy, history, and the writings among those delicate books in order to train your brain. If you've managed to construct a wonder out of one inside your heart, it's just that much easier to build another wonder to demonstrate your other capabilities. They feat the man with multiple wonders, he has more power over the weaker brains and the smaller brawn. 

Jim Wendler's Gym Advice

Tuesday Take
September 13, 2016

"Make time for it. Just get it done. Nobody ever got strong or got in shape by thinking about it. They did it." 

- Jim Wendler -

Jim put it about as straight forward as anyone else could have. The man of strength put it best, just go out there and do it. Known for his strength workout 5/3/1, Jim Wendler is one of the great athletes in the fitness world. This lesson applies to more than fighting gravity with iron barbells, it's more than simply getting to a large space where you will move your body in order to make yourself sweat, or whatever vague gym reference I can make.

This applies to life as well. If you fantasize about success, you surely will not live through prosperity. What you must do is apply yourself more than the average. Just go forth and work. Hustle and spend energy for a better product of yourself. Kill everything you do without mercy. Repeat as necessary. 

Allowance of Average

Monday Mountain
September 12, 2016

Allowance of Average: What's the mean?

With Big Data and standardized testing, there's almost nothing that those with the numbers can't infer about the individual or the public. Of course, an inference is just a conclusion, it's not the whole story. In other words, that conclusion made out of the information provided with a dash of reasoning will not necessarily be the best answer or the correct answer, it is just one answer. 

Now with all these numbers and observations of the public, there is a clear definition of what average means and what it takes to achieve the standard. There's a problem in that solution, what does it take to achieve above average results? What is required of you to go higher than your peers?

There is no road map. No definition. No given standards. And so on. 

In order to achieve more than what the average does, you will have to go out and find it for yourself. No one will tell you, because if they tell you then they will always be above you. Take it upon yourself to apply and multiply your own efforts in order to reach success greater than what may be given to you for basic participation. 

Taking a Stand, Fifteen Years Later

September 11, 2016

Power of Patriotism & Freedoms

Today marks fifteen years after the worst tragedy known to the United States of America. When this occurred I was still in elementary school, sitting in gym class as we unknowingly listened to the events unfold over the radio. Every day since I comprehended the full weight of those events, I have become enraged with passion whenever I see those images or hear a discussion regarding that day. What is this passion? This passion is the reminder of why I made a set of decisions through my life and also stands a huge landmark for where my beliefs are based.

Over the past month, there's been a debate about whether a man who is paid to play a sport can take a knee during the National Anthem. He has his reasons to do so, although I may not agree with them, he does have a right to protest and to free speech. Thank goodness for fundamental rights. As an adult, I was told that all Americans - citizens, immigrants, and all those alike - are to stand at attention when the National Anthem is played, out of respect for our flag and the values this nation is built upon and what it continues to stand for. 

If Colin Kaepernick does not want to stand up during the National Anthem, I say we should let him, his protest over the political troubles that this country is currently facing are his own issues to state. I, however, will continue to stand. Not only while the National Anthem is being played, but also as an American Soldier who has taken an oath of service to this great country. I will proudly stand with my brothers and sisters in arms, with those who protect and serve, and all those who put their lives on the line for the innocent. 

Looking back on 9/11, there's a reason we all came together as Americans following those events, there is no respectable reason why we should not be able to stand together every single day. We all live in the United States. We should be united as one, while also separate with our own beliefs and interpretations on life and citizenship, that's how politics works. We can always work together as long as we can respect each other's differences and similarities from our own. It takes patience, honor, humility, and courage, combined with numerous other elements of true patriotism to be an American and stand for what you believe in, but all of those things are most powerful when we can learn to stand together. 

As we proceed into another work week, please look into ways of helping your fellow American, citizen or immigrant, man or woman or child, black or white or yellow or brown. Who you are versus who they are should not matter, because we all stand under one that Star Spangled Banner and aspire for a better, brighter future every single day. 

Another Letter to CU Football

Dear Buffaloes,

You laid a bloody massacre in Denver on your in-state rival last week. After the game, all reporters and spectators left there without a doubt in their mind who was the better team. Hats off to you to a hell of a start, let's keep it in mind... That's exactly what it was the start.

This weekend, you prepare for this team from Idaho State to come into your home and play you at a game you've already played with great heart. On September 10th, the defense of your homeland begins. Do not doubt your enemy, for they have nothing to lose.

You have spent countless hours practicing, planning, and training in the shadows of the Flatirons, a natural beauty of Boulder. In all honesty, those are your mountains. Those mountains stand high into the sky, while also beneath your feet. You have conquered this land in Colorado. In your heart, they may be a swelling of pride and anger as the game approaches. Good, that's how it should be.

Be proud of what you've done. Keep in mind that the laurels of yesterday will not allow you a place to rest your head tonight. Be protective of what you have earned. Be offended that this team can come into your house and have any belief they can hang with you and your team.

For us Buffs, those who have attended and graduated, those currently attending, and those who will, you are one of the brightest jewels in this coronated college. Be proud of where you are and who surrounds you.
When you storm out of that tunnel with fury and heart, the opponent stands no chance in stopping such a force of football. We stand with you, as the herd, shoulder to shoulder. We will run with you, in spirit and through thundering cheers, as the stampede. Roll up that mighty score!

Go Buffs,

Cole

First letter to CU Football

Another Letter to CU Football

Dear Buffaloes,

You laid a bloody massacre in Denver on your in-state rival last week. After the game, all reporters and spectators left there without a doubt in their mind who was the better team. Hats off to you to a hell of a start, let's keep it in mind... That's exactly what it was the start.

This weekend, you prepare for this team from Idaho State to come into your home and play you at a game you've already played with great heart. On September 10th, the defense of your homeland begins. Do not doubt your enemy, for they have nothing to lose.

You have spent countless hours practicing, planning, and training in the shadows of the Flatirons, a natural beauty of Boulder. In all honesty, those are your mountains. Those mountains stand high into the sky, while also beneath your feet. You have conquered this land in Colorado. In your heart, they may be a swelling of pride and anger as the game approaches. Good, that's how it should be.

Be proud of what you've done. Keep in mind that the laurels of yesterday will not allow you a place to rest your head tonight. Be protective of what you have earned. Be offended that this team can come into your house and have any belief they can hang with you and your team.

For us Buffs, those who have attended and graduated, those currently attending, and those who will, you are one of the brightest jewels in this coronated college. Be proud of where you are and who surrounds you.
When you storm out of that tunnel with fury and heart, the opponent stands no chance in stopping such a force of football. We stand with you, as the herd, shoulder to shoulder. We will run with you, in spirit and through thundering cheers, as the stampede. Roll up that mighty score!

Go Buffs,

Cole

First letter to CU Football

When You Stop Looking Up to Your Father

Thursday Thought
September 8, 2016

How the relationship between my Dad & I changed, without either of us knowing.

Sounds like something shouldn't have surprised you, right? It did when I realized the course we had took and where we were going. If you may remember, I recently wrote about how my Dad is my best friend. That hasn't changed, and I believe this shift into friendship between us was a key factor in the development of our new relationship.

I'll tell you what happened. I stopped looking up to my Dad. I don't admire him any less, or love him any less. I simply stopped looking up to him as a role model. This shift was gradual and probably took about four or five years to complete its transition. We are two very different men. That's what strengthens our friendships, but we are both similar and different in personality traits. 

When I was about 21, when I was in the mountains of Colorado hiking alone where I would occasionally pause to enjoy a nice view, I had an epiphany. I decided I wanted to become my own man, not a product that continually reproduces itself with each generation. We are different in that I'm outgoing, he's not so much, and that's just one of many off the list. Him and I do share a number of great qualities, but not all of them are the same. 

It took some time before my epiphany really took hold and made itself present in my conscious thoughts. He is a great friend and a wonderful mentor, but I have decided to become my own man. I want to have a different career, live out a different social life, and make decisions based on my own opinions and facts. At this point, I no longer look up to him, but rather I would say we sit eye-to-eye and share in each other's own unique opinions and views. This is where our friendship has its roots based, in our ability to revel in each man's abilities and traits and we appreciate how similar we are while also celebrating our differences. Here's to being a proud son of his, and a my own self. 

Investing Advice for a Lifetime

Wednesday Wander
September 7, 2016

Where should you invest?

Here I will tell you about a bit of investment advice that I learned after 20 years of observation and living. It may or may not surprise you if so, it may be so easily realized but poorly executed.

Invest in yourself first before anyone else. 

"What about my friend? My subordinates? My lover? My dog?" 

None of it deserves any time or energy from you before you invest those in yourself. It's all about giving yourself the best chance to succeed before anyone else. You can call it selfishness, but I call it personal heroism. Well... That may be a stretch. Perhaps you'll understand it like it's a rule of evolution, helping someone else get necessities only leaves less for you to succeed at keeping your lineage strong. 

Once you have given yourself ample time, energy, love, and dedication (here is where I recommend the cherry of honesty on top), then you are welcome to take those resources and allocate them to build up another person. In fact, it should a rule of investment that you apply time and energy and love to at least one person in your life. This is a great way to receive dividends and returns on your investments, second only to one in yourself. 

Why do I keep using the word investment? I believe investing in people is a lot like stocks, it bobs and weaves, climbs and dives, zigs and zags. Some days it will end on a record-high and others it may plummet. Even if you take a loss on any given day, it's okay. Selling out at that point will surely result in a major loss for yourself and for others. Just know that when you rise in the morning, you can begin the process again from a new baseline. 

Applying the resources you have, such as love, time, energy, and focus, you can build a wonder this world has never seen. What's the downside? It takes continuous application and spending of these resources to achieve such a status, and there is no "end goal", it may cost more to just maintain than to continually gain. Chase after your dreams, soar into the skies, and become what you want to be most. 

Old Man, New Goals

Tuesday Take
September 6, 2016

"You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream."
- C.S. Lewis -

What's that old phrase?

You can't teach an old dog new tricks. 

That may be correct if only applied to dogs and not to the spirit of the working man. As a working professional, as an ambitious citizen, or as a human with hobbies, you may or may not be striving to achieve new goals or visions. Just as the quote bluntly says, you're never too old. 

Some people cease to study after they each a Bachelor's Degree from college. Some people stop to apply themselves once they get that dream job. Some people settle for the white picket fence.

Here's the recommendation from a professional, go forth and refresh your goals periodically. Continuously challenge yourself and adjust your vision into the future. 

Biggest Lie Told to Millennials

Monday Mountain
9/5/2016

The biggest lie told to millennials?

After some thinking it occurred to me, the young adults in America are lied to throughout their lives. It's something that we are made to believe but very few actually see it come to fruition. What is this lie?

The lie in its basic state: You are special.

You're just like everyone else. Pause for the angry grumbling to quiet down. Okay, I'll admit it you can be special. Simply existing in this society does not grant you a trophy, a paycheck, or any form of pats on the back. It's an atrocity to the world to instill this idea that you deserve anything without having earned it.

Fucking earn it. If you truly believe you're special, then invest in your uniqueness and earn what you believe you deserve. One person may be able to hold you back, but the whole world can't stop you.

Your childhood, my childhood, the American childhood... It's polluted with the ideas we are all special and unique and that we all should receive the ribbon for merely taking part. The process continues with standardized tests, parent-teacher conferences, so on and so-forth. This corruption of you social expectation is like an infection, you can fight it off if you so wish. Once you go off to college, your grades become your own, your actions become your own, and your future truly becomes your own. Own it.

That's how you can combat this lie, by believing in it and making it evolve into a true statement about yourself. By expecting more out of yourself than anyone else, you can then become that something special. The highest of standards should be the ones that you hold yourself to, not the ones the world places on you. Don't accept being told you're special, prove to the world that you're a marvel.

So Live Your Life, by Tecumseh

Tuesday Take
August 30, 2016

For this week's Tuesday Take, I am going to simply post this poem by Tecumseh. There is a good portion of it that can be interpreted. If you know me on a personal level, I want you to try and read this as if it were through my eyes, my perspective. Perhaps you'll get a glimpse into what I am a little more.

So live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart,

Trouble no one about their religion, respect other in their view and demand that they respect yours. 

Love your life, perfect your life, beautify all things in your life. 

Seek to make your life long and its purpose in the service of your people.

Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over the great divide. 

Always give a word or a sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend, even a stranger, when in a lonely place.

Show respect to all people and grovel to none. 

When you arise in the morning give thanks for the food and for the joy of living.

If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies only in yourself. 

Abuse no one and no thing for abuse turns the wise ones to fools and robs the spirit of its vision,

When it comes your time to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled with the fear of death so that when their time comes they weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again in a different way. 

Sing your death song and die like a hero going home. 

Hitting Reset

Monday Mountain
August 30, 2016

I have been gone for a few weeks, I apologize for the absence of new content. While away at Fort Hood, it was a very good reset for my mental and physical being. Three weeks in the field, providing my services as the Executive Officer for a Weapons Company. This environment adds a different sort of fuel for my fire of passion. It reignites the passion for my physical development as an athlete versus a brute.

While living in the military world and mindset for the course of three weeks, it helps me to reset my feelings, goals, and actions. After discovering this process three years ago, my approach to the short time away is very much accepted and appreciated. It's a time where I can set myself away from the stress of my civilian job and focus on a different type of productivity, couple that with the physical demands that are required, it provides a refreshing set of requirements.

I recommend you to take a quick reset trip somewhere. Go on a trip where you will work with your hands, change the positioning of your mind, and also push yourself to achieve things you would not typically desire. By hitting this RESET, you will go back to your regular life with a new perspective and refreshed feeling towards it all.

Since I've accepted I'll Never Be Satisfied

Monday Mountain

August 8, 2016

Funny things happen on late nights and early mornings. Interesting thoughts occur while plunged into one's own mind. Epiphanies come to those who are able to find company with themselves, with whom they realize the world and their desires. 

I have accepted I'll never be content again. I committed to that lifestyle in my youth and it left me feeling inadequate and hungry. It's not about being happy for me, it pertains to being happy with what I did, what I'm doing, and who I am.  

As a kid, I was okay doing what was asked of me and that was it. Now as a young man, who is still maturing and learning about life, I've evolved into wanting more for myself and what accomplishments I achieve. 

I'm not going to say I'm driven. I'm just not content with what I've been dealt to this point. I shall take the game into my hands and bend the rules in order to achieve the results I want. There's just something that clicked as I got older where i finally said it was time to kick my game up a notch because I believe I can do anything. 

For my own success and happiness, no one else can help me attain this, it's imy burden to bear. For you the reader, you may not care about this but to me the realization of never being content is a n eternal flame on my engine. 

From Father to Friend

Thursday Thought
7/28/2016
Post #200

Dads are great. Anyone can be a Father they say, but not anyone can be a Dad. This is true. In my life, I have been blessed to have my dad involved throughout it all. Recently, I would say in the past half-decade, there has definitely been a shift in our relationship. He's become more than my Dad to me, it's something you see in movies and is idolized in narratives but I never thought it would happen to me.

He's been around my whole life, meaning he has had an influence on my hobbies and interests to an extent, that's probably helped shape him into someone I enjoy spending time with. We both enjoy fishing, weight lifting, building things, and a good beer (although our taste preferences on beer differ). It's been a pleasure seeing him in the mornings at the gym where we are able to talk briefly about what's going on in our lives, it's usually a brief conversation.

As my career progresses and I continue to navigate through the world of business as a marketer, my father's career as an engineer and a consultant for over thirty years allows him to provide me with insight and advice on how to handle business relationships and situations where I may not know how to resolve just yet. It's about having someone I can talk about business with, while also being able to talk about other issues or daily items without worry.

At this point in my life, he's no longer just my dad but also my friend. One of my closest friends. The value I hold in our friendship is tremendous. It's about having a connection beyond blood relation and the mentorship through father-son dynamics, it's about being best friends and enjoying each others company. Truly, I enjoy when I hang out with Dad. I only hope that my children will be able to say the same thing about me when they reach adulthood.

Power of the Puzzlebox

Wednesday Wander
7/27/2016
Post #199

When your parents asked you to complete a chore, whether it be regular or additional duty, at some point you asked why you had to do it. We've all been there, perhaps you've been asked for the purpose behind a task. Often we communicate the necessity of doing certain actions and tasks without a solid rhyme or reason. Understanding comes with explanations of purpose, and with understanding comes greater effort.

This is more about a leadership principle than a personal lesson, however it can help you sort out your tasks and why you do them. Now that I'm thinking about this, you should ask yourself "why" as much as a seven year-old would ask you the same question. Why? By asking yourself why, you then provide yourself a reason which adds logic to your decision, if the logic isn't there then the foundation of your decision is faulty.

Let's dive into an analogy, shall we?

So imagine, you're at a game night with four or five other people and for some odd reason they decide to put together some 10,000-piece puzzle. Why did we decide this? Well there's no cover to the puzzle box and we like meaningless challenges, perhaps masochists or is that too strong a word? Someone hands you this corner piece and asks you to start putting your corner together. At first you may be glad to do so, but you don't even know what this puzzle is or what it's going to be, and even more frustrating you don't know what you're working on. Finally, another assembler of the puzzle finds the cover with the picture, it's a delightful picture of Labrador puppies on a well-manicured lawn with a beautiful blue sky.

What does this puzzle cover represent? It's the BIG PICTURE. I'll wait right here while you let that sink in, go on, they're waiting at the door. Okay, are you good?

By seeing the big picture you can see where you plug into the scheme of the operation and the overall plan. By knowing how you fit as part of the team's project, then you may or may not be comfortable with your task or position but at least you know what is required of you for the team to succeed. Your part goes into your purpose, and the overall purpose of the project.

If you hold the box, show your team the big vision or the puzzle box, they'll understand what you envision and where it's going, plus it gives them a solid "why" for their wondering minds. If you're on the team, slaving away assembling that green grass and yellow lab paw, don't be afraid to ask what in the hell you're putting together. Look at the big picture, but keep your focus on the details and the task at hand.

Strong Words, Strong Message

Tuesday Take
7/26/2016

"It takes someone strong to make someone strong."
- P&G Commercial -

Yes, I this week's Tuesday Take is from a commercial. This commercial gives me chills every time it comes on for the Olympics. It may stir up some emotions within, but that's between my heart and me.

It's meant to be about mothers and the strength they display to their offspring while also instilling it in their young ones. They go through these situations where Olympians were once faced with tremendous obstacles, fears, dangers. Their mothers were there to assure, enable, and grow their child to give them the power to do these great things, to be put on the world's biggest stage.

You should invest in others, it helps make the world a better place. Nothing should be so exciting as seeing someone who you've helped become a success, even better if their success is tremendous. It's a cornerstone of being a great leader, enabling and empowering other people whether if they work for you, work with you, or you work for them. You can always build someone's strength in so many ways more than you think by just believing in them.

Let's build each other up to become wonders. Let's become so strong that we cannot be deterred, destroyed, or demoralized. Let's be great, let them be great.

Difficulty of Committing

Monday Mountain
7/25/2016

There is a struggle in every day. It's a struggle of commitment. For everyone it's two peaks between three points, first is the decision and that's a tough climb, in the saddle it's the action, and finally in the climb down that's the final product. Those two peaks are the commitment points. Where you put decision into action and when you go from doing to completing. You've heard the phrase "Easier said than done." That's how commitment works.

For myself, my toughest commitments are to good nutrition, cardiovascular training, and my professional occupation. I love to eat, it's so easy to eat shit or to eat a lot of good food so that it becomes bad for you. Committing to positive nutritional choices for my health and fitness goals is the hardest decision I make everyday, it's got to do with the instant gratification and the here-and-now flaw of my being. Second worst commitment for me to make is the commitment to doing cardio training, because it's hard, it sucks. It's better in a group or as a competition, because in my mind I either can't let someone else down because of my lack of valiant effort or I don't want someone else to win because I'm not good enough. When it comes to doing cardio and running alone, I'm left with my thoughts and my mind and my own obstacles, I often don't want to face those.

Bringing it back to commitment, it's the point between decision and action and it's also the point between action and completion. What is your biggest commitment failure? What are your top three worst? Think about why, just as I did. Now that you know what and why you fail to commit, pursue that downward climb to completion. Face those reasons why you don't commit to those objectives, commit to those goals and complete them. Don't let yourself stand in your own way.

Dear Buffaloes: Open Letter to CU Football

Friday Freestyle
7/22/2016

Dear Buffaloes,

As a graduate of University of Colorado, Class of 2013, our football team's record was 1-11 and that one victory came during an away game. It left us, the students and the fans, with something to desire. Now there's been three other football seasons since the fall of 2012, and I've seen ten victories on the football field over that time.

As a proud alum, a Forever Buff, I'm very passionate about University of Colorado from its academics to its athletics to its aesthetics. I am waiting for this season with bated breath. I ask you to do one thing for me, forget those past years. Anything can happen, and I believe you will emerge as outstanding players, coaches, and Buffaloes.

Go outside, look up at the flatirons. Playing football in Boulder is a true blessing, you get to stand among the mountains everyday. There are only three places you can be when you stand among the mountains, you can stand in the valleys hiding in the shadows of its past, you can continue to climb that mountain, or you can stand atop its peak. Where would you prefer to be? Standing atop the mountain should be your answer, you've been climbing since last season ended.

This season fast approaches, the emotions will run high as you prepare to face Colorado State in Denver. Just remember, there are thousands of proud alumni standing with you and cheering for you. Our greatest power is the Stampede. Our herd is strong, loyal, and dominant. Take the field every weekend with violence, force, and passion; show them the mighty power of the Buffaloes. Make them hesitate, stagger their step, knock the wind out of their sails.

I believe in you, as a team you can win every game this year. Live with a great heart, play with immense spirit, and applaud each other through every victory, both on and off the field. We all bleed black and gold, it's a bond shared between current, former, and future CU students. I am with you, as are so many others, shoulder to shoulder. Although we are not on the field with you, we are fighting with you, we are supporting you, and we stand with you. We are the Stampede.

Go Buffs,

Cole C.

Things Worth Living For: Applause

Thursday Thought
7/21/2016

Things Worth Living For, Part 1

Applause

Thing worth living for? They're not exactly physical things, they're things experienced or things that are felt. Imagine with me, the moments in your life when you initiate the inner dialogue to essentially say, "Wow, how great it is to be alive?" 

Today, it's about the applause. This is not about the sound of the audience clapping for your success or their enjoyment of a show you just put on. It's about the acknowledgement from select individuals. Those who are lucky enough to receive support or encouragement from their parents, the statement "I'm proud of you" is a strong round of applause from one person.

The applause that some people may not give or receive quite enough is when the performer is a friend or the audience is a friend of yours. Not just any friend, but a true beloved, dear friend. If they're on the stage and perform a magnificent feat, like landing a great new job, finding the love of their life, or accomplishing something at all, you should applaud them. In these instances, my favorite alternative to an exciting clapping of my pair of hands is to say "Hell yeah man!" or something like "Dude, that's awesome!" Small statements like that carry much more meaning on channels between friends than when it comes from lesser valued acquaintance.

Most importantly, there's an applause from one person that means the absolute most and it often goes unheard or fails to be initiated. It's the applause you give yourself. Self-Talk is an important part of keeping things in perspective. I understand you won't necessarily be proud of what you've accomplished, but you should do it anyways. Whenever something is achieved or done well, take a minute when you're by yourself and have a quick internal dialogue "Hey, that's really cool that I did that." Whether or not you impressed yourself, you should understand the importance of acknowledging yourself for a job well done.

Since you're not Urkel, the words "Did I do that" should not come out of your mouth in a tone of astonishment. Clap with your words, pass along the encouragement to your friends, loved ones, colleagues, and yourself. The applause is not always desired, but it's always appreciated. Hell, that feel-good feeling... It's worth living for!