It would figure that I would completely miss the fact that it's Martin Luther King Jr. Day... I headed out to Starbucks under the assumption that kids would be in school. NOW, this tiny shop is PACKED with dozens of small children and their respective families... So much for a quiet place to think and work.
Since I'm trapped in the corner until the crowd dies down, I did have time to figure out why there is an influx of persons here this morning and it did get me thinking on the cause for this holiday.
The quote "I have a dream..." continues to reverberate inside my head. Possibly the most inspirational speech ever given in America includes the dream of a better world. This dream of a world where people respect and treat each other not just as equals, but as better than what we are, is still not the reality that we all experience. In fact, I would dare say that we've fallen seriously short of achieving this dream.
In our own minds, the dream of equality can only be reached if WE get what's OURS. If WE can nab the respect due to US. We've become increasingly ego-centric in our aims at equality. We demand justice, we shout for our rights. We tread on the liberties of others to right the offense that has damaged our pride. It is this very course of action that disrupts the dream...
I have found this simple concept true time and time again - In order to GET respect, you have to GIVE respect. Sadly, this concept hardly makes it through the tender pride and calloused hearts of today's society. It is rarely implemented; it is not appreciated and applauded when exemplified. It is ridiculed, denounced, avoided, and hushed. Why? Because it is difficult for anyone to GIVE what is not deserved.
But giving to others what they don't deserve is precisely the action of character that makes us deserving.
There is still a struggle today. Everyone is demanding what they feel they "deserve." We protest, we complain, we riot. We do this because it's been successful in the past. If we don't get it, we take it. It's ours, we "deserve" it. Whatever legitimacy we have to our entitlement is lost when we choose to behave in an undeserving way. We have become children throwing tantrums just to get another cup of milk.
Sadly, the dream is still just that; a dream nestled in the heart of freedom. An ideal that still eludes reality because too many have traded patience for convenience, virtue for entitlement, morality for money...
My dream won't be real until people wake up and morally contend with the issues plaguing our nation:
- Abortion
- Same sex marriages
- Rampant unemployment (Due to bloated profits and higher taxes)
- Moral erosion
- Family disintegration
- Out of control Politicians
- General apathy for others
Folks, at the core of these issues is a common cause. This cause cannot be counteracted by any legislature, it cannot be stopped by any petition, it cannot be undone by any committee. No, the cause of these problems has to do with a rotten heart and seared soul. The problem is a heart problem. We have lost our way, America. We have forfeited the dream for the nightmare of self-entitlement. We do not give and soon there will be nothing to take.
Bravo. You've spat on the grave of every single person who sacrificed their time and lives to give you the freedom to throw your liberty away...
Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Monday, January 21, 2013
Friday, January 18, 2013
Things I Make
It's FRIDAY! While that may mean payday to some and the advent of the weekend and rest to others, to me it means that my busy days are approaching. However you shall be rewarded for slacking off from your Friday duties! Here's some stuff I made and a quick description of how I made it.
Essentially everyone who's EVER played a video game has dreamed of bringing something from the game into reality. I am not immune to this fantasy, so I decided that I would bring Link's Shield from Legend of Zelda into the real world. I know others have already done this, so I knew it was perfectly doable.
I start with finding a PEPAKURA file online. Basically, it's a program where people can take 3D objects, and digitally "unfold" them into 2D pieces. I can print this out, cut the pieces, and then fold and glue them together to make it 3D again. Think of it like a 3D puzzle.
It looks like this when I'm done.
Because I print this out of cardstock, the next step HAS to be strengthening this shield so it's not flimsy or bendable. Because a shield that bends or rips is pretty much useless...
I pick up some Bondo fiberglass resin from Walmart. It's the stuff they use on car body-work. It's pretty effective and hardens into a tough shell. (If you decide to tackle this type of project on your own, be sure to read the directions for fiberglass resin CAREFULLY!)
Once the shield has had several coats of resin, I can move onto PAINTING! Priming the shield is key. What style of shield you decide to make helps determine what color to prime. New-looking shields should use a white or metallic to prime. I decided to make my shield look aged, so I primed with black. (I call this style RELIC)
Looks nice, right? Well, now we have to add color. For shields past, I used spray paint. I wanted a smooth, new look, and spraypaint can help that happen. When you do, you get a result like this.
I used spraypaint for the silver and blue, and handpainted the red and gold. If you're not that proficient at free hand painting, you're in good company. I "cheat" by printing off the detail portion from the internet and making my own stencil.
Again, spraypaint works well for a newer look to your project, but I wanted one to look ancient. Instead of paint, I used Rub n Buff which I could just smear on with my fingers. This is what I ended up with.
I then used my hand painted cheat for the red detail. Hint: if you put down some torn pieces of masking tape over where you plan to paint, you can get that scratched look. Just pull up the tape after you paint.
My final piece turned out looking GREAT! Take a look.
Not too shabby if I do say. Only took my free time for a few days to make this happen.
Essentially everyone who's EVER played a video game has dreamed of bringing something from the game into reality. I am not immune to this fantasy, so I decided that I would bring Link's Shield from Legend of Zelda into the real world. I know others have already done this, so I knew it was perfectly doable.
I start with finding a PEPAKURA file online. Basically, it's a program where people can take 3D objects, and digitally "unfold" them into 2D pieces. I can print this out, cut the pieces, and then fold and glue them together to make it 3D again. Think of it like a 3D puzzle.
It looks like this when I'm done.
Because I print this out of cardstock, the next step HAS to be strengthening this shield so it's not flimsy or bendable. Because a shield that bends or rips is pretty much useless...
I pick up some Bondo fiberglass resin from Walmart. It's the stuff they use on car body-work. It's pretty effective and hardens into a tough shell. (If you decide to tackle this type of project on your own, be sure to read the directions for fiberglass resin CAREFULLY!)
Once the shield has had several coats of resin, I can move onto PAINTING! Priming the shield is key. What style of shield you decide to make helps determine what color to prime. New-looking shields should use a white or metallic to prime. I decided to make my shield look aged, so I primed with black. (I call this style RELIC)
Looks nice, right? Well, now we have to add color. For shields past, I used spray paint. I wanted a smooth, new look, and spraypaint can help that happen. When you do, you get a result like this.
I used spraypaint for the silver and blue, and handpainted the red and gold. If you're not that proficient at free hand painting, you're in good company. I "cheat" by printing off the detail portion from the internet and making my own stencil.
Again, spraypaint works well for a newer look to your project, but I wanted one to look ancient. Instead of paint, I used Rub n Buff which I could just smear on with my fingers. This is what I ended up with.
I then used my hand painted cheat for the red detail. Hint: if you put down some torn pieces of masking tape over where you plan to paint, you can get that scratched look. Just pull up the tape after you paint.
My final piece turned out looking GREAT! Take a look.
Not too shabby if I do say. Only took my free time for a few days to make this happen.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Vacationite
I've never truly understood how some people have an aversion to work. Honestly, work is one of the most rewarding things in all of creation. The pure satisfaction of looking back on the hours of labor poured into a project and seeing a finished product resulting from near nothingness... it's exhilarating! I know, not all work yields such rewarding or tangible products, but accomplishing something is still worthwhile.
But there are some (many) who avoid work like the plague. There are a few who I've met that I seriously doubt if they've ever sweat a bead in their entire life. And then they complain that they don't feel any sort of fulfillment in life. How strange...
If you've never worked hard, not only will you never get something rewarding from your efforts, you'll also NEVER be able to fully appreciate one of the sweetest creations in life - VACATION!
Vacation is the most amazing concept. But it's only fully realized when you've put in everything you have into your work. After all, what is rest if you've never known real work?
Well, I just had a mini-vacation this past week. I shot up to South Carolina to visit my lovely sister. She's has two amazing blogs that you all should check out if you haven't. One is personal - Click here for that! And the other she showcases her astounding talent at baking cookies and other confections - Grab napkin and drool.
This vacation was filled with sleep, playing Pokemon on my phone, and drinking LOTS of coffee while spending time with my sister. Not the worst vacation I've ever had. In fact, we were even productive in beginning to restore my old laptop. It'll soon be re purposed as a dedicated emulator hub for video games.
I know vacations aren't supposed to be productive, but I can't help myself.
But here's my real thought - Work: aren't we supposed to be excellent at what we do? This may just be me, but I've never felt as if "Good enough" is a viable option. I know that "good enough" often has to do in a pinch since we only have so much time and energy and options. But my desire is to do something truly EXCELLENT! I have the burning need to master something. Anything!
This causes me to be frustrated at either my lack of time, talent or patience because all of these factors limit my ability to create the perfection I see in my brain. Too often, my impatience has hurried my efforts and derailed my work's quality, no matter what I'm doing. Even when I write, my hastiness demands that I do everything with a single draft. I don't revise, I don't go back over. I just attempt perfection on the first try and let the chips fall where they may... Not the best strategy, I know.
Sometimes I imagine how amazing my words could be if I had the patience to hold onto a thought until it became a gem polished by intense thought and revision... I may not know this concept until later in life, again, due to my impatience.
BUT, what frustrates me the most is to realize that I may never truly master ANYTHING in this life. The painful truth is that there will always be someone better at everything than me... Someone faster, stronger, better, more detailed, more articulate, smarter, better looking, richer, more charismatic, etc...
This thought bereaves me with anguish. It makes me feel as if all my efforts amount to nothing. How can I gain recognition if I'm not the best? It's not that I feel I'm without skill. In fact, I have some excellent skills in many different areas. I've become a Jack of all Trades in a sense. Good at many things, master of none. I'll do in a pinch, filling in when the master is unavailable, but I'm not the first draft pick.
This is why I love vacation. On vacation, I don't expect myself to be anything. I don't have to be the best. I don't even have to be "good enough," I can just enjoy what I'm good (or not so good) at and leave it at that. For me, that's the best part of rest. It's not the work that bothers me, it's the comparative concepts associated that brings about the stress of the job.
Striving for perfection is in and of itself a flawed pursuit. I need to learn to strive for improvement instead and just try to do better each day. Learn, adapt, grow. Forget the pressure to be the best, the pressure that I heap on my own self.
How will you improve today? May I suggest, be a better blog reader - leave a comment. Even just to say "HI! I read what you wrote."
But there are some (many) who avoid work like the plague. There are a few who I've met that I seriously doubt if they've ever sweat a bead in their entire life. And then they complain that they don't feel any sort of fulfillment in life. How strange...
If you've never worked hard, not only will you never get something rewarding from your efforts, you'll also NEVER be able to fully appreciate one of the sweetest creations in life - VACATION!
Vacation is the most amazing concept. But it's only fully realized when you've put in everything you have into your work. After all, what is rest if you've never known real work?
Well, I just had a mini-vacation this past week. I shot up to South Carolina to visit my lovely sister. She's has two amazing blogs that you all should check out if you haven't. One is personal - Click here for that! And the other she showcases her astounding talent at baking cookies and other confections - Grab napkin and drool.
This vacation was filled with sleep, playing Pokemon on my phone, and drinking LOTS of coffee while spending time with my sister. Not the worst vacation I've ever had. In fact, we were even productive in beginning to restore my old laptop. It'll soon be re purposed as a dedicated emulator hub for video games.
I know vacations aren't supposed to be productive, but I can't help myself.
But here's my real thought - Work: aren't we supposed to be excellent at what we do? This may just be me, but I've never felt as if "Good enough" is a viable option. I know that "good enough" often has to do in a pinch since we only have so much time and energy and options. But my desire is to do something truly EXCELLENT! I have the burning need to master something. Anything!
This causes me to be frustrated at either my lack of time, talent or patience because all of these factors limit my ability to create the perfection I see in my brain. Too often, my impatience has hurried my efforts and derailed my work's quality, no matter what I'm doing. Even when I write, my hastiness demands that I do everything with a single draft. I don't revise, I don't go back over. I just attempt perfection on the first try and let the chips fall where they may... Not the best strategy, I know.
Sometimes I imagine how amazing my words could be if I had the patience to hold onto a thought until it became a gem polished by intense thought and revision... I may not know this concept until later in life, again, due to my impatience.
BUT, what frustrates me the most is to realize that I may never truly master ANYTHING in this life. The painful truth is that there will always be someone better at everything than me... Someone faster, stronger, better, more detailed, more articulate, smarter, better looking, richer, more charismatic, etc...
This thought bereaves me with anguish. It makes me feel as if all my efforts amount to nothing. How can I gain recognition if I'm not the best? It's not that I feel I'm without skill. In fact, I have some excellent skills in many different areas. I've become a Jack of all Trades in a sense. Good at many things, master of none. I'll do in a pinch, filling in when the master is unavailable, but I'm not the first draft pick.
This is why I love vacation. On vacation, I don't expect myself to be anything. I don't have to be the best. I don't even have to be "good enough," I can just enjoy what I'm good (or not so good) at and leave it at that. For me, that's the best part of rest. It's not the work that bothers me, it's the comparative concepts associated that brings about the stress of the job.
Striving for perfection is in and of itself a flawed pursuit. I need to learn to strive for improvement instead and just try to do better each day. Learn, adapt, grow. Forget the pressure to be the best, the pressure that I heap on my own self.
How will you improve today? May I suggest, be a better blog reader - leave a comment. Even just to say "HI! I read what you wrote."
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Gun "Control"
It's not even January 2nd and already I'm putting up another blog post... Oh my. Hope someone put down their resolution to read obscure blogs more often!
I'm up and I can't sleep. My brain keeps tinkering with thoughts and concerns keep me up. I know this happens to a lot of people, but my concerns probably don't qualify as "NORMAL." For example, most people would probably be concerned knowing there are people with guns. My concern is that someone might just take their guns away...
Hot-button issue across the country - Gun Control! You probably guessed my standpoint just from that last paragraph, but before you shoot down my position (hehehehe... gun humor!), take a moment to hear out my thoughts on this crucial issue.
Lock and Load!
The way I chose to look at this issue is by taking a glance at the history of our nation. Why do we even have the second amendment to begin with? What were the issues facing our fledgling country that compelled our founding fathers to allow these rights to exist?
I learned that there were many legitimate reasons for allowing Americans to possess their own firearms. Here's what they seemed to boil down to:
- Defeat invaders (British)
- Made it possible to form a militia (If needed to fight the British)
- Dissuade tyrannical governments from taking power (British AND American)
- Personal protection (From other people with guns!)
- Supress insurrection (Crazy people loyal to Britain)
One of the greatest reasoning behind granting the right to bear arms was so that the Colonies could muster a defensive force against the inevitable war against the British. Nowadays, our "Well regulated militia" is the Army, Navy, Marines, and National Guard. They do protect our borders. As so police men and masked vigilantes (not so often those last ones...).
So, the question MUST be asked: Do any of these reasons still apply to our society today?
Well... we don't have to worry TOO much about the British attacking. We already have a strong military (some say TOO strong...). We have other means readily available to suppress insurrectionists and traitors.
I would say that there are only two reasons still applicable today that would warrant upholding the second amendment: Dissuading tyranny and personal protection. Let's explore the notion!
Tyranny is always persistent. It doesn't matter how many checks and balances we put in place, people in power will always find a way to obtain more power. It's only a matter of time before someone decides to take the presidency a little too far. The price of freedom is perpetual vigilance from threats both foreign and domestic! Sometimes the greatest threat to our freedom comes from within.
If the majority of people agreed to give up the right to bear arms, then we could be opening a door down the road to massive tyranny imposing itself through the American Government. I know! It's a long shot right? The government telling us what to do, how to work, how much money we can make, what we can and can't eat, where to go for health care... Maybe not so much of a stretch after all...
If (and that's a BIG if) the government ever did get out of hand, our founding fathers wanted to give us the opportunity to fight back. At least it would make it a bit more difficult for the government to take over its people. I mean, we can't exactly get on another Mayflower and try this whole thing over again. Right? Probably a good enough reason alone is to keep the government in check. Like a last defense type of thing.
Then there's the self defense issue. Do we still have unsafe neighborhoods and people committing violent acts? Yes. Yes, we do. But are guns really necessary in order to protect ourselves? I mean, we have a WHOLE lot of non-lethal options: Tasers, pepper spray, socks with rolls of quarters in them, bricks in purses, phasers, plastic light sabers, attack pigeons... The list really goes on and on for effective close range weapons that aren't likely to kill an attacker.
And my personal position on self defense is that I wouldn't want a gun in my home. But you need to understand where I'm coming from with that. See, I have had the experience of being robbed at gun point. I have trained heavily in the martial arts. I know EXACTLY what to do if someone breaks into my home and is armed. I don't own a gun, because that would be largely ineffective for that situation. Someone breaks into my house at night, they're going to round a corner to come face to face with a razor sharp KATANA! Silent, elegant, but very messy...
My point is that non-lethal weapons are a GREAT advantage for the person who wants a great personal defense from up-close attackers. If you're grabbed or snuck up on, these weapons, and others, are great for SHORT RANGE situations.
But, if I were in a large room, outdoors, in a restaurant, anyplace where an attacker were from 20-50 feet away... well, even my 3 foot blade of slicing steel would be ineffective at that distance. Guns are ideal for stopping crazy people with guns in real life situations where the death toll can climb quickly. I dare say that the only time you'd need a gun for personal protection is when you're outside your own home.
There you have it. Those two reasons alone convince (my mind at least) that the second amendment should continue unimpeded. This is the futile thought - That making a LAW would possibly STOP a lawBREAKER. Laws don't protect us from people with guns, it just makes it simpler to punish them IF we catch them alive...
If you happen to have a favorite meme on this Gun Control issue, please share it in the comment section!
PEW PEW PEW!
I'm up and I can't sleep. My brain keeps tinkering with thoughts and concerns keep me up. I know this happens to a lot of people, but my concerns probably don't qualify as "NORMAL." For example, most people would probably be concerned knowing there are people with guns. My concern is that someone might just take their guns away...
Hot-button issue across the country - Gun Control! You probably guessed my standpoint just from that last paragraph, but before you shoot down my position (hehehehe... gun humor!), take a moment to hear out my thoughts on this crucial issue.
Lock and Load!
The way I chose to look at this issue is by taking a glance at the history of our nation. Why do we even have the second amendment to begin with? What were the issues facing our fledgling country that compelled our founding fathers to allow these rights to exist?
I learned that there were many legitimate reasons for allowing Americans to possess their own firearms. Here's what they seemed to boil down to:
- Defeat invaders (British)
- Made it possible to form a militia (If needed to fight the British)
- Dissuade tyrannical governments from taking power (British AND American)
- Personal protection (From other people with guns!)
- Supress insurrection (Crazy people loyal to Britain)
One of the greatest reasoning behind granting the right to bear arms was so that the Colonies could muster a defensive force against the inevitable war against the British. Nowadays, our "Well regulated militia" is the Army, Navy, Marines, and National Guard. They do protect our borders. As so police men and masked vigilantes (not so often those last ones...).
So, the question MUST be asked: Do any of these reasons still apply to our society today?
Well... we don't have to worry TOO much about the British attacking. We already have a strong military (some say TOO strong...). We have other means readily available to suppress insurrectionists and traitors.
I would say that there are only two reasons still applicable today that would warrant upholding the second amendment: Dissuading tyranny and personal protection. Let's explore the notion!
Tyranny is always persistent. It doesn't matter how many checks and balances we put in place, people in power will always find a way to obtain more power. It's only a matter of time before someone decides to take the presidency a little too far. The price of freedom is perpetual vigilance from threats both foreign and domestic! Sometimes the greatest threat to our freedom comes from within.
If the majority of people agreed to give up the right to bear arms, then we could be opening a door down the road to massive tyranny imposing itself through the American Government. I know! It's a long shot right? The government telling us what to do, how to work, how much money we can make, what we can and can't eat, where to go for health care... Maybe not so much of a stretch after all...
If (and that's a BIG if) the government ever did get out of hand, our founding fathers wanted to give us the opportunity to fight back. At least it would make it a bit more difficult for the government to take over its people. I mean, we can't exactly get on another Mayflower and try this whole thing over again. Right? Probably a good enough reason alone is to keep the government in check. Like a last defense type of thing.
Then there's the self defense issue. Do we still have unsafe neighborhoods and people committing violent acts? Yes. Yes, we do. But are guns really necessary in order to protect ourselves? I mean, we have a WHOLE lot of non-lethal options: Tasers, pepper spray, socks with rolls of quarters in them, bricks in purses, phasers, plastic light sabers, attack pigeons... The list really goes on and on for effective close range weapons that aren't likely to kill an attacker.
And my personal position on self defense is that I wouldn't want a gun in my home. But you need to understand where I'm coming from with that. See, I have had the experience of being robbed at gun point. I have trained heavily in the martial arts. I know EXACTLY what to do if someone breaks into my home and is armed. I don't own a gun, because that would be largely ineffective for that situation. Someone breaks into my house at night, they're going to round a corner to come face to face with a razor sharp KATANA! Silent, elegant, but very messy...
My point is that non-lethal weapons are a GREAT advantage for the person who wants a great personal defense from up-close attackers. If you're grabbed or snuck up on, these weapons, and others, are great for SHORT RANGE situations.
But, if I were in a large room, outdoors, in a restaurant, anyplace where an attacker were from 20-50 feet away... well, even my 3 foot blade of slicing steel would be ineffective at that distance. Guns are ideal for stopping crazy people with guns in real life situations where the death toll can climb quickly. I dare say that the only time you'd need a gun for personal protection is when you're outside your own home.
There you have it. Those two reasons alone convince (my mind at least) that the second amendment should continue unimpeded. This is the futile thought - That making a LAW would possibly STOP a lawBREAKER. Laws don't protect us from people with guns, it just makes it simpler to punish them IF we catch them alive...
If you happen to have a favorite meme on this Gun Control issue, please share it in the comment section!
PEW PEW PEW!
New Year Resolutions
It's that time again! A whole bunch of calendars get thrown away, people make outrageous commitments to get in shape, half the civilized world gets trashed and then decides to play with fireworks (a brilliant combination). Of course, it's New Years! That time of resurgent hope and optimism that enables people to live rich, fulfilling lives complete with healthy changes... until February 2nd hits and then all bets are off.
Who knows why this happens? Maybe our resolve is scared away by the ground hog's shadow or something ridiculous like that. Or, it could be that it takes more than a moment's decision to impact our lives with any lasting benefit.
Don't get me wrong, resolutions are a great thing. Everyone should practice the introspection of their lives and see clearly where they could (and should) improve. People have the common resolve to be healthy, get into shape, stop smoking, be more adventurous, etc... But what most people lack is the staying power to see these changes through to the end of the next year and beyond.
Well, my resolutions aren't going to fail this year. I have a systematic plan. It's all about baby steps!
By the end of the year, I will be able to do 365 of any of these exercises:
-Push-ups
-Sit-ups
-Squats
-Pull-ups
-Jumping jacks
How am I going to get there? Easily! I will start by adding ONE extra rep each day. Today, one push-up. Tomorrow, two. And so on and so forth until I am Hulk-like by the end of the year.
Insane life goals are so much easier when you take it one step at a time. Sure, I'd love to just do the power 90 and do something hyper intense and see results quickly, but I think it's better to grow into something. Something intense may make an impact on my life, but I want transformation. I want to BECOME fit and not just experience it for a while. I want there to be a consistency in what I do. (Imagine being able to do 365 of each of these exercises EVERY day!)
I know, being fit is cliche... but that's one thing I want. I DO have another resolution, but this one needs your help:
I want my internet postings to actually make me some spending cash!
Something that I had discovered the other day; did you know that blogs and YouTube will PAY you if you have enough views or people clicking on ads? I thought that was just a whole bunch of nothing. Empty promises. But I checked on how much my blog has made in the past 2 years of its existence and I was shocked to find that I had accrued a stellar $1.90! Yes... that's not even enough for a coffee at Starbucks. Yes, that's a few pennies every month... BUT it gave me hope that maybe, just MAYBE I could turn this blog into something that enriches lives AND my wallet.
Same with YouTube. I decided that I must make use of the media available to me and attempt to make an impact. With views comes advertisements. And with advertisements come cash in my hand. Cash I can use to do more cool things with! (And maybe it would mean I could stop selling my blood on the side!)
So, you see; we can help each other. The more you share, the more you view, the more you comment, the more I'll be encouraged and motivated to bring better and better things to the internet table. You can be entertained, and I can have a means of having pocket money that doesn't involve pouring out my body's liquids.
I know this is probably a deal with the devil concept here that no one will take me up on, but if your resolution is to be more adventurous or just a better person, then I'm sure you can help!
What is your resolution? Share in the comments BELOW!
Who knows why this happens? Maybe our resolve is scared away by the ground hog's shadow or something ridiculous like that. Or, it could be that it takes more than a moment's decision to impact our lives with any lasting benefit.
Don't get me wrong, resolutions are a great thing. Everyone should practice the introspection of their lives and see clearly where they could (and should) improve. People have the common resolve to be healthy, get into shape, stop smoking, be more adventurous, etc... But what most people lack is the staying power to see these changes through to the end of the next year and beyond.
Well, my resolutions aren't going to fail this year. I have a systematic plan. It's all about baby steps!
By the end of the year, I will be able to do 365 of any of these exercises:
-Push-ups
-Sit-ups
-Squats
-Pull-ups
-Jumping jacks
How am I going to get there? Easily! I will start by adding ONE extra rep each day. Today, one push-up. Tomorrow, two. And so on and so forth until I am Hulk-like by the end of the year.
Insane life goals are so much easier when you take it one step at a time. Sure, I'd love to just do the power 90 and do something hyper intense and see results quickly, but I think it's better to grow into something. Something intense may make an impact on my life, but I want transformation. I want to BECOME fit and not just experience it for a while. I want there to be a consistency in what I do. (Imagine being able to do 365 of each of these exercises EVERY day!)
I know, being fit is cliche... but that's one thing I want. I DO have another resolution, but this one needs your help:
I want my internet postings to actually make me some spending cash!
Something that I had discovered the other day; did you know that blogs and YouTube will PAY you if you have enough views or people clicking on ads? I thought that was just a whole bunch of nothing. Empty promises. But I checked on how much my blog has made in the past 2 years of its existence and I was shocked to find that I had accrued a stellar $1.90! Yes... that's not even enough for a coffee at Starbucks. Yes, that's a few pennies every month... BUT it gave me hope that maybe, just MAYBE I could turn this blog into something that enriches lives AND my wallet.
Same with YouTube. I decided that I must make use of the media available to me and attempt to make an impact. With views comes advertisements. And with advertisements come cash in my hand. Cash I can use to do more cool things with! (And maybe it would mean I could stop selling my blood on the side!)
So, you see; we can help each other. The more you share, the more you view, the more you comment, the more I'll be encouraged and motivated to bring better and better things to the internet table. You can be entertained, and I can have a means of having pocket money that doesn't involve pouring out my body's liquids.
I know this is probably a deal with the devil concept here that no one will take me up on, but if your resolution is to be more adventurous or just a better person, then I'm sure you can help!
What is your resolution? Share in the comments BELOW!
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