I can’t truly define myself as a Christian. I can’t truly define myself as anything.
Raised Catholic by my dad while being brought up by a gay mother will make your head spin when it comes to deciding what’s right, what’s wrong, and what ultimately to believe in.
After being pulled in two completely opposite directions, when I was 15, I had a falling out with the Catholic church, and ultimately, my Dad, because of our differences in beliefs.
Admittedly, I don’t know a lot. I’m not what you’d call “educated” in my faith. I can’t quote a Bible verse. And when I’ve had “debates” related to religion, I fall back on my subjective beliefs.
I doubt a lot. I question everything. But at my core, in my heart, their are certain unshakable beliefs…
If you haven’t been inspired, ignited, informed, or otherwise entertained by my friend and entrepeneurial colleague Amber, do yourself a favor and hop on the bandwagon. If it’s one thing I connect with more than any other, it’s her assertive and deliberate decision making. She isn’t afraid to leave even what may be an outstanding career (working with Seth Godin) or an exciting city (New York) when she knows there’s something better, more important, or more fulfilling that she can and should be doing. She follows her head AND her heart, and as a result is doing great, great things without pulling any punches.
“Never do anything you don’t want to do. Hell yes or no. If you don’t want to do it, be honest (without being hurtful), and carry on with what you do want to do. Doing things that you don’t want to do because you’re trying to be nice or trying to please will actually hurt you and them in the long-run.”
“Hell yes” or “no”. Not “yes”. Not “maybe”. It’s about going either full speed ahead, or pumping your breaks and saving yourself the energy of pursuing something your heart isn’t in.
Ultimately, I believe this is the way life should be lived. It would save us all a lot of stress if we could say no to the things that don’t matter, don’t want to do, or otherwise don’t excite us. And instead, focus our energy into being fulfilled and passionate in everything we do.
But the realist in me knows this isn’t always the case. It’s not always black and white. In fact, it can often be pretty grey.
Here we are in the midst of another election year and here I am wondering if things will ever change…
I’ve never been one to get super-involved in politics. Sure, I was part of an entire generation that jumped on the political bandwagon 4 years ago when Obama promised “Change we can believe in”, but below the surface, most of us really didn’t take a deep look at the issues (and still don’t).
And now here we are – that same generation, a bit older, entering into another election year.
In one corner, we have Obama. In the other, we have a slew of Republican’s vying to be the one to take Obama down. Promising change. Promising bigger and better things.
Anyone will tell you to look at each candidate’s stance on the issues. What will they do to improve foreign policy? How will they promote alternative forms of energy? What’s their plan to create more jobs? How will they pull us out of the current economy?
All valid, but it’s hard for me to take anyone seriously when they stumble over the question like, “How would you react if your son told you he was gay?”
For the first time in 2012, TGIF! As a blogger and as someone who reads a lot of blogs, what I love more than anything about the first week of the year is the unanimous optimism amongst writers and thinkers everywhere. If you make it through the first week of the year uninspired, check your pulse.
The trick? Keeping that momentum going every day of the year. Taking pictures of the sunset every Monday when you get off work, just to admire it’s beauty. Posting to Facebook how much shit you’re going to make happen during the week ahead, and commenting on how awesome last weekends spontaneous dance party was. It’s things like this, celebrating every little moment, every success – those things we’re all doing right now, that I implore you to continue doing, every Friday, every Monday, and every day throughout the year.
So, the first Quick Hits of 2012. I better make it a good one, eh? Here goes nothing…
Best From Around the Web
How To Survive Your First Year as an Entrepreneur - Outstanding, or at least, interesting advice shared in this article on TechCrunch. I’m all-in on Jame’s advice of bringing in a masseuse to the office every Friday, but the one point that I agree with more than any other? Follow up. I am a perpetual follower-upper, and for the few times it may be annoying to clients, it’s more than paid off time and time again.
What do I think about while I run? Well, the video below pretty much sums it up. Nipple chafing. (Not) pooping your pants. Top 40 hits from the 90s…
If I’m going to survive 26.2, I better tape up, go easy on the Kashi Fiber-Crisp cereal, and brush up on my Matchbox 20 (though I’m already well-versed on Salt n’ Pepa, Ace of Base, and Montell Jordan).
To all you runners out there: What do you think about while you’re hitting the pavement?
Thanks to Cali Harris for sharing this gem with me.
