Inspiration, change, and sports coats

When a reporter asked Chris Carter, of the New York Mets how come he was wearing a sports coat although the dress code for the team was "Casual", he commented, "There's nothing casual about a pennant Race". Now we all know Mr. Carter (AKA Animal) as an overly hyper guy with a lot of energy and enthusiasm, but maybe he does have a point. Are the 2010 New York Mets on August 8, 9 games back of the NL East leading Atlanta Braves, in a pennant race? Maybe not. But should the team feel the urgency as if they are? Should they be fighting their hardest and showing us (fans) that they are doing everything they can to get back in it, I think so. Chris Carter's comment, while being a little naive, exemplifies the attitude that we (fans) want our Mets to have. The never say die, fight till the death, give it all you got attitude. The issue is that the 2010 New York Mets lack a lot of that, and they have for sometime. But how does a team, ownership, the coaching staff change attitudes and mentalities? how does anyone do that for that matter. The lengthy introduction notwithstanding, this piece is not about the failures of the New York Mets. This piece is about how we find inspiration to change, and to ultimately succeed at our goals.

Many people think that change is a scary thing. I once read a saying, and I do believe it, that we are not so much scared of change, or the new ways, but the time in between the old and the new. Let's consider a break-up. Breaking up is definitely not easy to do, but we aren't afraid of finding someone new, we are scared of the time in between when we are alone, OR just not over him/her. That's the part that sucks, not the new relationship. The Mets have been holding on to the hope that this group of players can still regain the form that they showed in 2006 and win it all (with a little tweaking each offseason). They aren't so afraid of creating a new team, they are afraid of that time in between (the rebuilding process).

Now just like with the Mets, there are always a lot of outside factors that hinder our push for change. The Mets have a fan base to keep happy, as they need to make money. For the rest of us, maybe it's the bills that have to be paid thats keeping us from making bold moves like a change in career, maybe it's influence of family and friends that keeps us stagnet. Many times we have the goals, but because of the many obstacles of life, we avoid change out of fear of failure. The New York Mets are failing now, something has to give...

Where does the inspiration come from for change. The case of the Mets not making the necessary changes even when failure is already apparent is common. We become comfortable in failure and avoid change out of fear that things could be worse. Things could always be worse, but where does the inspiration come from the make the leap of "faith" to aspire towards dreams and a better way?

Sometimes, its a thought at night, sometimes its changing a routine. Other times it is necessity. It just might take a complete overhaul of attitude, mentality and vision to change the Mets at this point, it is nice to see young fresh faces such as Carter stepping up to ask for change. What will inspire you, or myself to make change a reality? To be continued...

Creation

I love making things.  

I drafted a second and third fantasy baseball team just to create the team (the third team I might never even look at).

I used to spend an hour setting up a scene with my toys as a child.  I spent maybe 15 min actually playing with them.

How many times in our daily lives do we get caught up with what we are doing, what we are supposed to be doing, and forget what we love to do?  Many of us seem to get complacent much of the time because we enjoy the stability of the status quo.  If things are working, why fix it, right?  This essay is about creativity and bringing things to life, or creating new life.  To feel alive, we must find things in life that allow us to feel alive and allow us to be who we really are.  I have recently become more aware of my love for creating things, and I would like to share that passion of mine.

maybe I always knew it, maybe I always had it in me, but I think I can attribute my greater self-awareness of my love for creation to my wonderful fiancee Sandy.  She is also a very creative person who has started her own business, who loves to take photography, and who also loves arts and crafts.  This emphasis on creation in the house has made me more aware of it.  Through this awareness, I have realized that I have been that way all along.

I am most proud of saying that I was integral in creating the Advantage and Advantage Plus Programs at Middle Earth, Programs for juveniles on probation.  That feeling of being there from the origin is a wonderful feeling for me.  I have also translated that passion to my personal life.  I am very proud to say that I created the idea for www.whatmakesushappy.com .  Now, that site is being taken down tomorrow, but for a good year, it was running strong and helping people who a more positive focus.  

I think this is something that definitely runs in the family.  my brother is one of the most creative people I have ever met.  He has created so many things ranging from beautiful music, to wonderful artwork and photography, to great holiday cards for the family.

This blog came from the desire to create something.  On January 4th, shortly before I was to go back to work from my holiday vacation, I felt the need to create something.  I began playing around with themes, until I found one that worked and then began writing my thoughts.  This is the result of that long long night.  Many of my past creative thoughts which have not yet come to fruition will have to be kept secret for now (or else I would have to kill you).  Recently I felt the need to create something for my family that Sandy and I will be creating.  We started a website http://amazinpassions.weebly.com is focused not on US but on our passions.  There are pages for the New York Mets, for photography, for the things that make us happy, for our love for music, as well as a place for both of us to blog (this blog will be fed into that site).  While it is a work in progress, I am proud of its beginning stages, of creation.

At this turning point in my life, this point when I am getting ready to create a family, it is so important to me that I focus on what makes me happy, and not stay complacent.  Why continually do things that allow me to get by, but do not completely fulfill me.  I am changing my mindstate to creation and I will find what many gems lay in front of me.  I want to be at the start of something big, I always knew that I would be there, and now I am laying the groundwork for that to happen.  While a lot of this may seem vague, it is meant to, like I said, I would have to kill you if I told you.  So, please enjoy some of my creations as they appear, there are more to come.  

The Have's vs. The Have Not's

"The Grass is Always Greener On the Other Side".

We have all heard that quote before, and I think most of us embody it whether we like it or not. We as a culture and people are fairly in tune with our needs and what we want. Whether it's materialistic, or emotional, Americans have no problem telling others what they do not have, but want. While I will admit I am a product of my environment, at times I try to take it back and look at the bigger picture. Too many times we are focused on what we don't have, and what is wrong, then what is right, and what we have. Instead of being happy about our lives and focusing on the good, we focus on what we do not have and how we are not fulfilled. How often do we realize that when we "get" the things we sought after we realize that our lives have not so much improved, but we feel disappointed that with the anticipation over, that emptiness remains.

I have chosen to dedicate this piece to what I have. This blog will be about the positive in my life, leaving out what I want. I feel that if we all start to focus on what we have, we will realize the beauty in life.

I have a beautiful, sexy, genuine, sweet fiancee. Never in my dreams did I ever imagine that I would be able to spend my life with someone who is so caring, and full of life. I truely feel that my life has improved since she has entered.

I have an amazingly talented, thoughtful, kind, brother, who means the world to me. I am so proud of the man that he has turned into. He makes me want to always strive to be a better person

I have two wonderful and supportive parents. They both have been there for me from day one and I am more than grateful for all the love that they have given to me.

I have some of the best friends that a man could ever ask for. My friends are funny, supportive, real, and just good people. They are all my family and will be forever.

I have a job, which in these days and times says a lot. I feel truely grateful that I have been given the ability to help people and improve my program. I spend much of my time there and it has introduced me to wonderful friends, new worlds, new insights, as well as new challenges.

I have overall health. I am here and I have the ability to enjoy my life.

I have a deep music collection and it tells my life story if you give it a chance. Music has been such a big part of my life and I could write my story by listening to the music that I purchased each year.

I have a great love for video games with a large collection of games (as well as systems). Whether it be first-person shooters, sports, adventure, action, racing, fighting, I have them all. My games could keep a person entertained for a long long time.

I have a diverse education in many subject areas. This could range from juvenile justice, to video games, to sports, and to music. Religion, politics, social injustices, love all play a part in my mental encyclopedia.

I have passion, empathy, compassion, love all inside me. What I have is just too much to mention, but I feel truely grateful for all of it. Especially, in these days of economic stress, it makes sense for us to really focus on the joys of our lives, rather than what we do not have and what we want. All of our lives are full of goodness if we just look deep enough. Focusing on these positive aspects of our lives could only help us live happier.

Versatility vs. Expertise

"A wise man needs to learn more because he is aware of how little he knows about so many things.  He is aware less of what he knows, than what he does not yet know."

We have all heard that quote before in some way or another.  This quote comes to mind when I think about the difference between people who are very versatile in their knowledge and lifestyle, versus those who seem to be experts in their respective fields.  I am not here to make judgements as to what course of life learning and living is better, rather to discuss the differences.

Let's begin by comparing two students, one (student A) who has majored in a liberal arts field, and one (student B) who has majored in say, nursing.  What is the difference between their courses of study?  Student A is required to study a large diverse field of classes and gain knowledge in many areas.  Student B, while being required to take some general ed. requirements in the beginning, the main focus is on the field of nursing.  Is one student right or wrong?  Is one student better or worse off when entering the work force (seems that today both students are in deep shit)?  This is definitely very subjective.  Student A might be able to understand a wide array of concepts but when entering the work force their will be no definite paths.  Student B will become focused on Nursing and when entering the work force they know that their path will be that of nursing.  

In these hard economic times we must ask ourselves what path is the best to take.  Is it better to know something about a lot of things in case we have to change careers, or is better to become an expert at one thing with the idea of being an authority on that?  

Now lets consider lifestyles.  We could compare someone (person A) who has many varied interests and can have a conversation on many topics with someone (person B) who has lived their life learning and focusing on one thing in particular, lets say a Rabbi.  Person A may be a hit at any get together because they can add to many conversations, while person B will mainly impress those in the religious sectors.  

I did state that I was not going to give my opinions on what is best or worst.  I think as in life, there are more questions than answers.  Can one become truly wise if they live as person/student A?  what about person/student B?  In our search for knowledge of self, do we find it if we are an expert in a field, or if we have had experiences that are varied?  I have chosen to live my life in a versatile way.  I have followed in my father's footsteps in this regards.  I believe that whatever has gotten you to where you are today, and gotten you to be good, is the right way to go.  

Staying Positive

"They were the best of times, they were the worst of times..."

I think every age, era, generation can relate to this famous line.  No matter when or where you lived, you can think back throughout your life at some extraordinary moments, but also some very painful moments.  When thinking about what inspired me lately, it would have to be the idea that while these days so many people are struggling, so many beautiful things are being created.

It has been said that history is not linear.  So what does that mean? and what is history anyway.  We are taught to learn history in our social studies class while in school.  We are given a text book that is gi-nor-mous and we think there is just SO much information in there.  As we get older and gain some much needed wisdom, we understand that history is written by the winners.  Those that won the wars, those that were in the majority.  For those history writers, they were the best of times.  For the losers, the one's whose story was not told, they were the worst of times.

2009 is a perfect example of this idea.  As we know the economy is the worst it has been in atleast 20 years, the Middle East is as splintered as ever, and terrorists are always a concern.  At the same time, babies are being born, and people are getting engaged.  How can this be?  Is this the best of times or the worst of times? Can it truely be both?  If we believe that life is full of opposites then we can understand that it is necessary for there to be pain and joy all at once.  Maybe the important thing is not what is going on in the world, or in your/our life, but how we interpret these things.  

A couple of years ago I was having a hard time.  My world seemed to be crumbling and I was having panic attacks.  One day, while watching the Mets play I came accross a book called 14,000 to be Happy About.  It was simply a list (a very LOOONG list) of all things that make the author happy.  Some of them seemed silly, and some of them seemed pretty, well, happy.  That sparked an idea in my head.  I decided to write five things that make me happy every day.  The hope was that for a couple minutes a day I would stop and reflect on positive things.  Well, I started to get some of my friends to also do this, and within two weeks we had 500 "happys".  We were posting these in our emails, so I decided to create a website.  http://www.whatmakesushappy.com  was born.  What I found was that this idea was great for people who needed it, OR for those that wanted to do something fun for a short period of time.  This was not something that was being sustained by most people.  More recently, my fiancee helped me start this idea in a facebook group.  Well this group has been going fairly strong for a couple months.  

So what is the point here?  As I have taught my "kids" at work, we can never change other people, or our surroundings, but we can change ourselves, and our reactions to those people.  I just found out that I have a small speck on my back which is cancerous.  Now, I could think that this is a horrible thing, and that more bad is likely to come, or I can think that it will be taken care of and then I will do what I can to avoid it happening again.  I am leaning towards the second choice.

Life is full of ups and downs.  We all know that even at the best of times, something will happen which will threaten our joy.  I'm not going to get into the purpose of life here (thats a whole other topic) but simply, we have to be aware of this rollercoaster, and be aware that we have the opportunity to interpret events as we please.  To conclude, it is up to us whether our life is good or bad.  Exterior events do not control our happiness...only we do.

My "LOST" Theory

disclaimer: This is a theory I just came up with. I wanted to post it on here to see what people thought of it. Please comment with your own ideas, opinions for or against my theory. 

ALSO... SPOILER ALERT!!!

If you are not completely caught up on Lost do not read this!!! I would hate to ruin this for anyone that might be interested in one of the greatest shows ever on TV.

During our journey through the show LOST, we have learned that this Island is a magical place. Many instances point towards this. Here are just a couple:
1. Following the crash on the Island, Locke regained the ability to walk
2. Rose (who had cancer) had seemingly been cured since the crash
3. The man known as Richard in the "others" camp seems to have always been there and never ages.
4. (one not so magical instance) women who are pregnant normally lose their babies on the Island.
5. Jack's father continues to appear on the Island.
6. Locke's body is transported back to the island (after being murdered by Ben) where we learn that he is now alive again, and remembers being murdered.

As you know there are tons of other examples that could be used. This show has always also been about the competing viewpoints of Locke and Jack (faith vs. religion). As we are seeing in this season, the show is trying to convince us that faith is prevailing. I am here to say forget all of that. I believe that this notion of time travel answers all of the questions we have had throughout the entire show, and that it is the reason for all of these so called "mystical" aspects of the island.

If we refuse to believe that the island is magical, we could understand that the question was not where the Oceanic flight crashed, but when it crashed. I believe the airplane went back in time and crashed on the island. If that was true, it would answer why:

1. Locke was able to walk on the island because...they went back to a time BEFORE he had his accident.
2. Rose was "magically" cured because...they went back to a time BEFORE she got cancer.
3. Not sure about this one yet lol
4. Women (most of the time) lose their babies because...they go back to a time when they were not pregnant. While they still show being pregnant in the physical form, the baby has not truely been conceived yet.
5. Jack's father is on the island because...his body was transported to the island on the plane. When they went back in time, they went back to a time when he was still alive.
6. The same is true for Locke, who appeared alive on the island although he was dead in LA. They traveled BACK in time to a period before he was murdered.

Now obviously there are some flaws and somethings I have not figured out yet. Let me know what you think. Does this make sense? Do you know of other instances that make this theory work or not work? Let me know.

The Hero (part 2)

While there have been many wonderful changes in my life over the past couple of weeks, there is no time to be complacent.  I have been stalled in writing my next piece as I have been trying to find the perfect topic.  I have searched my mental rolladex and decided to avoid writing this time around about PS3 games, the Mets first days at camp, my love for progress, and last but not least my heart, my fiancee.  

I am in the process of reading Joseph Campbell's The Hero With A Thousand Faces.  The idea of the hero has always fascinated me, and I know I am not the only one.  I think all of us dream of being the one, the person who can transcend much of what is life and become victorious at whatever we put our heart into.  We are all drawn to these stories which have been written and spoken from the beginning of time.  Whether it be Gilgamesh, Odysseus, Luke Skywalker, Batman, or even Jesus, these are figures that transcend time because the concept transcends time.  No matter the packaging, the hero remains in the same form.  

I am not here to give a history lesson on the Hero and the different stages of the rites of passage.  I would like to briefly speak about the importance of the hero.  The idea that life is but a series of opposites can be seen in most religions, maybe most notably in the form of the Chinese Yin and Yang.  Good and bad, comed and tradegy, truth and false, love and hate.  They say there is a thin line between love and hate, and that stands true for all of these opposites.  It is that thin line that all of us humans are always balancing.  There is rarely incidents that can be labeled "black and white" and most seem to turn out in that "grey" area.  

So what is the (over-simplified) version of the difference between the hero and the rest of us?  Joseph Campbell writes that the difference comes at the point when the hero transcends these opposites and acquires true insight.  Most of us cannot see beyond our own egocentrism.  For example, Our sense of nationalism blinds our interpretation of moral right and wrong.  We believe that our country (most of the time) is morally right, while the other side is always wrong.  The hero has been touched by the supreme being (whatever that is for you) and has a true sense of insight.  

Campbell further explains that at this point the hero understands all that there is to know, and realizes that it was always within (him/her).  This is a point that I first understood coming from Mr. Nasir Jones in the Street Dreams Remix song.  Nas raps, "and the only thing I found incredible, Everything I tried to learn see, I already knew". The idea that our souls, being a part of the whole of everything must spend a lifetime attempting to "re-learn" the meaning of everything.  

The hero is what many of us aspire to be. while some of us just float through the days trying to get by and stay blinded, the rest of us desire to know more, and be more. The idea of the hero is a template for how we would like to live our lives, striving to always be better and to leave the most positive mark on people, and this world possible.