The Catalyst

Bon Jour,

One of the strangest occurences in human endeavor is our tendency to miss the point. You know the drill. You're telling a story and there's always that one person who focuses on minute details and can't see the overall picture. Or, you're involved in a spirited debate and your opponent brings up irrelevant data to mask the fact they don't know what they're talking about. It's frustrating because once someone has missed the point, chances are, they will never get it. Throughout time we have learned a lot about our existence. For the most part, we know how our earthly bodies function. We know that, with science, certain phenomena can be explained. We now know that tornadoes, earthquakes, and avalanches are not punishment sent down from Heaven but the effects of climate changes. Although searching through the known has its benefits, I have always been interested in the unknown. I have the heart of an explorer. I like to find out new things and spread the knowledge. To discover, my friend, is the key to a more fulfilled life. And to live a fulfilled life is the point, right?
Now, when I say discover I don't mean you have to go on an Indiana Jones-type of expedition. A simple way to explore is to read. With a book you can travel around the Universe without leaving your room. There is so much I have a learned about life and myself by picking up a book. There is no sensation equivalent to learning something new. Like they say, "there's nothing like your first time". I like science and history. My home is chockablock* with books ranging from quantum physics to ancient cooking. I know my interests are boring subjects for most but don't miss the point! The point is to read what YOU are interested in. When you develop your interests you can continue on to explore the next level.
The next level is self exploration. Since self exploration sounds naughty, I'll use the term mind exploration. Some would argue that mind exploration should come first. I disagree. I believe we are born with a blank slate. Over time, we learn to become who we. Your personality is a direct reflection of what you've experienced with your 5 senses. You are the sum total of your experiences. You want to know why you're always sad? It's because you've gotten so used to feeling bad that it is "normal" for you. You don't expect much so you don't get much. That is why it is key to know and accept ourselves. When we "find" ourselves, we can finally be honest. We can finally admit that we procrastinate. We spend more money than we save. Sometimes, regretfully, we follow our emotions and not logic. Congratulations, you aren't perfect! That doesn't give you the right to not appreciate yourself. We are raised to be humble. We are raised to not bring attention to ourselves. Don't rock the boat. Be honest, most of us were raised to "fit in". It isn't until we are older (and crazier) we realize that we don't want to fit in. We want to be accepted for who we are. Little did we know, we could have been ourselves and no one would have known the difference. Take the time to explore your mind. Decide who you want to be. (Remember that there are NO wrong answers) How do you want to dress? Funky, colorful, and/or modern. How do you want to look? Sexy, vibrant, and/or demure. What kind of friends do you want? Supportive ones or the associates you already have who always have some foul (fill in your own blank) to say. Explore yourself to find out which one of these scenarios works for you. It may take time but it's fun. Discovering YOU is an exhileration that can't be matched. If you only knew how awesome "you" are...
Don't spend your life "fitting in". Be the "YOU" you were meant to be. There are so many people who are missing the point of life everday. Everybody can't drive an Escalade. So quit working so hard just to say you own one. You think you were meant to work so hard that you can't enjoy the fruits of your labor? You think you are supposed to be so tired that you can't play with your kids? You mean to tell me that you are destined to be scared, stressed, and unhappy on a daily basis? My friend, that is not living. Don't miss the point of life by focusing on situations that you can't control (and won't even remember in a few years).


"A man who becomes conscious of the responsibility he bears toward a human being who affectionately waits for him, or to an unfinished work, will never be able to throw away his life. He knows the 'why' for his existence, and will be able to bear almost any 'how'." --Victor Frankl

Dream Big. Live Bigger.



The All-American
www.rallostyles.com
www.blestbabyproductions.com

*Word you've never heard...

chockablock /CHAH-kuh-blahk/ adj. - very full