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Category: Archives

The full collection of explorations.

No Words.

Published on May 14, 2022

Today, there was a mass shooting at a grocery store that’s 5 minutes from my house.

10 were killed. 3 were injured. And for what reason? Skin color?!

These were people who were getting their groceries on a Saturday morning. A task I’ve engaged in innocently countless times. And to think there’s an evil out there who could attack such an innocent act completely ruins me.

There are no words.

I’m heartbroken. I’m infuriated. I’m scared.

I’m sharing this with you today to remind you to hug your loved ones a little tighter tonight. To live your life in a way that minimizes regret. And to spread more love in every way you can.

We damn well need it.

Sending all of my love to those affected by this tragedy. Tonight, I have my city in my heart. ❤️

Hiding [Poem]

Published on May 13, 2022 
Isn’t it funny
How we hide our faults
And then wonder why
It feels like
Nobody
Really sees us

Guest Appearance On ‘Budo: The Martial Way’

Published on May 12, 2022

Lewis E. Briggs is a clear-minded and thoughtful individual who has been hosting Budo: The Martial Way since January of 2020.

Throughout that time he has shared 45+ episodes where he explores topics like: Zen, Conflict, Meditation, Self-Discipline, Martial Arts and more. His podcast comes highly recommended.

In this particular episode, I had the privilege of being his first guest on the show. I think you’ll enjoy the flow of the conversation as we discussed what it takes to become an experienced martial artist, an eminent coach, and host of a successful twitter account.

You can listen to the episode using the embedded player below or (if you don’t see it) you can find it on Spotify here. Thanks and enjoy!

Stuck? Or Opportunity?

Published on May 11, 2022

What might feel like “stuck” might actually be cocooning.

Take this time of stillness as a disguised opportunity to accelerate your evolution.

  • Read.
  • Write.
  • Meditate.
  • Build.
  • Sleep.

Eventually, “stuck” will no longer be able to hold you in place.

Become “unstuck” by outgrowing your current situation.

Being Yourself Comes First

Published on May 10, 2022

If you’re having a hard time being yourself, rather than question yourself (what’s wrong with me?!), question everything else.

Being yourself shouldn’t require effort. It should never beget self-consciousness.

Being yourself should be effortless. It’s what comes from an absence of self-consciousness.

Being yourself is you in your raw, pure, and untainted state.

If what’s coming from you isn’t that—then it’s because of a factor that’s foreign to you.

That foreign element is making you (or has made you feel) reserved, fearful, and doubtful.

Question who or what that source might be (or has been):

  • Are you interacting with people who are hyper critical and demeaning?
  • Is the work you’re doing demanding that you act a certain kind of way?
  • Are you being influenced too heavily (brainwashed) by media and TV?

Once you’ve identified what foreign elements are causing you internal conflict—remove as many of those influences from your life as you can.

Anything that moves you away from yourself should be removed (or at least mitigated) from your life without hesitation.

And anything that makes you feel more yourself should be more included in your life without hesitation.

Nothing in life goes well when you’re not able to be yourself.

Being yourself comes first.

Before You Commit

Published on May 9, 2022

Before you commit to a serious relationship, check how this person:

  1. Treats others who can’t do anything for them.
  2. Acts/reacts when they’re angry/upset.
  3. Responds to boundaries.

Of course everything is great when everything is great.

To really get to know the person you’re talking to, see how everything is when things get challenged.

Because life is challenging more often than it’s not and the last thing you want is to be stuck solving problems with somebody who acts the opposite of how they do when everything is great.

Where Building Better Boundaries Starts:

Published on May 7, 2022 
Less busy.
More nothing.

Less obligation.
More curiosity.

Less FOMO.
More J(oy)OMO.

Less holding on.
More letting go.

Less running around.
More sitting still.

Less reluctant “Yeses.”
More respectful “Nos.”

Less mindless reacting.
More mindful muting.

Less settling for less.
More patience for better.

Less free access to you.
More value-driven exchanges with you.

Less "I'll fix it for you."
More "This is yours to fix."

Less notifications.
More Do Not Disturb mode.

Less: "I always answer right away."
More: "I'll reply when I'm ready."

Less information consuming.
More information digesting.

Less “hard stops” with family.
More “hard stops” with work.

Less being tolerant of toxicity.
More being adamant about access.

Less getting pushed around.
More of what pulls you around.

Less: "I don't want anyone to get angry."
More: "It's okay if others get angry."

Less of what others added to your to-do list.
More of what you added to your to-do list.

Less rescuing people from their drama.
More allowing people to experience natural consequences.

Less: "It's my job to micromanage and helicopter."
More: "It's not my job to think, feel, or live for others."

Less following people to compare yourself against.
More befriending people whom you can improve with.

Reminder: the only people who will get upset with you adding these types of boundaries to your life are the ones who benefited from you not having them before.

They are precisely the people whom you need to protect yourself against.