Organic Happiness

Fitness

2011-04-11T02:12:00.015-06:00

Three goals consistently appear at the top of my New Year's resolutions. Every year:

     (1) Put a ring on someone
     (2) Graduate college
     (3) Get crazy hot

After having less-than-awesome luck with the first two, I decided to skip to number 3. As it turns out, reverse order would've been much, much smarter. But... that's... neither here nor there. This post is about fitness: what I learned, what I did and what I believe everyone should do.

First things first. I'm not a personal trainer. I'm not a nutritionist. I'm just a fat guy. Who wanted to look more like Taylor Lautner. So women would see him and mutter, "Hellllo... I'd smash my head on a boulder for THAT!!" ... Nevertheless, I have strong opinions.

I don't know how it is in other societies, but here, in a so-called "first-world country," we're killing ourselves. According to the CDC, "During the past 20 years there has been a dramatic increase in obesity in the United States. In 2009, only Colorado and the District of Columbia had a prevalence of obesity less than 20%." Get a grip, America!! I'm lookin' at you, Southeast...

Truth is hard to find in the health industry. There's too much speculation and monetary interest to avoid corruption. Creative marketing makes worthless and horrible products appear healthy (or, at the very least, appealing enough that we stop caring). We cannot assume that - because the grocery store or the restaurant sells it - it won't damage our body.

The key to health and fitness is the same as it's always been: diet and exercise. We all know that, so I think the disconnect comes in knowing how to translate the principle into action. Action requires specific, measurable goals. I followed a 12-week plan, set forth in Body By Design by Kris Gethin. The book's full of great advice! It has the tools you need to track progress. Particularly useful is the instruction on weight training (a crucial topic I knew little about).

Initially, it was difficult making radical changes to my diet and schedule. But, week after week, it became easier. Now, it's essentially a lifestyle. A lifestyle I strongly believe in. Not for looks, but for health and happiness. Here are the important takeaways:

Make time for fitness. It's just as important as sleep.
Eat less for pleasure and more for fuel. Learn to view food this way.
Balance meals and eat smaller portions more often (5-6 meals, every 2-3 hours).
Switch to fresh foods. Avoid anything ready-made and processed.
Desserts and fatty foods have - and always will be - the devil. Shun.
Do some form of cardio every day, morning and night (30 minutes).
Weight train three times a week. Use proper form and allow time to heal.
Track your progress. If you're not doing better, you're doing worse.
If you're unwilling to eat right, no amount of exercise can compensate.
Let everyone know about your goals. Hold yourself accountable to them.

I need to extend HUGE thanks to my friends and family!! I posted weekly photos on Facebook and it was so great to receive their encouragement and support. Kind of awkward, though. Posting half-naked photos. Every Sunday. *shifty eyes* Don't ask me why I chose that day. I'm... an idiot. Haha. Also, the biggest thanks goes out to my rad mommy!! This makes me sound like a total manchild, but she often prepared food for me (when time constraints made it difficult otherwise). So, yeah. My plea? Quit making damn excuses and get fit!!

Patience

2010-08-22T18:48:00.000-06:00

I like me. I'm thankful for the life I have. It's easy for me to get up each morning and smile. I decided a long time ago who I wanted to be. For the most part, I live up to my own expectations and that makes me happy. It's smooth sailing when you're me. The only problem is, from time to time, there are horrific shipwrecks. Like ominous icebergs, weaknesses surface suddenly. It's not that they weren't there before. It's just that it takes an event large enough - painful enough - to tear down my pride. Today, I realized I can no longer ignore my impatience.

Impatience? Impetuousness. If I decide I want something, I'm hugging it to my chest long before stopping to consider implications. Fortunately, I still manage to make pretty good decisions (as long as ice cream is not involved). But, when it comes to things that are out of my control, I get frustrated. I can't accept that I don't have the solution. My lack of patience undercuts my faith. Lately, I haven't stepped outside my shoes or trusted in God's timing. I've been selfish.

"Patience is not passive resignation, nor is it failing to act because of our fears. Patience means active waiting and enduring. It means staying with something and doing all that we can—working, hoping, and exercising faith; bearing hardship with fortitude, even when the desires of our hearts are delayed. Patience is not simply enduring; it is enduring well." — Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"Active waiting." What does that mean? I think it means God won't drive while we take a nap in the back. I don't think He will ever assume the driver's seat. He will only be our copilot. We may chose to ignore Him. We may rely instead on a GPS (friends, family... Google?) that leads us in circles. We may stop the car and cry. It's not until we start driving into the unknown, relying on the loving promptings of our Heavenly Father, that we'll progress. After we've taken every turn we thought possible, He will show us an avenue hidden to our natural eyes.

Princess

2010-07-28T11:41:00.009-06:00

Red nights lost in clear blue eyes
Love lit stars within our skies
Born devotion which never dies

Red morn found in deep blue soul
Pain now claims its wrenching toll
Died the princess mine heart hath stole?

Nay, remains, but yet is fled
Faith applied, but marred by dread
Lives on the will to do what said

Father

2010-06-20T23:58:00.001-06:00

Sometimes weeks feel so much longer than seven days. Not because they're boring, but because so many pivotal events occur. It's been one of those for me lately. Last week, my friend's father passed away suddenly - just six days short of Father's Day. Saturday morning, at the funeral, I was deeply touched. I listened as my dear friend and his family painted a beautiful picture of their father. It was clear that they not only loved him, but absolutely adored him.

I thought a lot about what makes a good man. There were certain traits that my friend's dad had: the ability to lose himself in the lives of others, fidelity to his wife and family, the desire to create and beautify, a sense of humor that lifted, the patience to employ empathy.

I'm thankful to see these traits in my own father. I realize they are rare. They are attributes that make life sweet. That's why I have to say, thanks Dad. Thanks for encouraging me to do what's right, not what's easiest. Thanks for always dropping whatever you're doing to help me. Thanks for building a home where love abounds. You're an old man, but a stud, and I love you.

Eternal

2010-05-05T02:18:00.014-06:00

Wow. Look at me and my non-bloggin' self! If anyone actually reads this thing, I owe you an apology. I used to have a blog stalker in the Salt Lake area (IP 174.52.192.21), whom I can only assume was an incredibly hot woman who wanted my body. But, I fear that even she has lost interest these days... *sigh* Anyway, this post is not about stalking. Although, it might come up, because it's about how to get married.

I've been wanting to write on the subject for a long time. I realize that sharing one's opinion on the matter is an open invitation for a swift kick to the groin. Nevertheless, I grit my teeth and press on. Yesterday, I came home from work to find a magazine conspicuously laid across my desk. It was open to an article about "making the marriage decision." My mother, bless her grandbaby-lusting heart, had placed it there, anxious for me to learn a thing or two.

Actually, there were six articles on marriage, so I read them all (queer, since I normally lose patience with anything over 160 characters). After taking in so much advice and hearing so many stories, I can say with great zeal: "I learned nothing new!" As I see it, there are three underlying points always made. Stated most clearly in ebonics, they are as follows:

Ya ain't gonna find no one if ya just sittin' on yo' ahz
A fat man ain't never gonna attract no phat woman
Don'choo plain bout problems - we alllll got problems

Point One: How many times have we been backhanded and then told to quit hanging out? It's easy to spend a lot of time with a tight-knit group of friends. I see nothing wrong with that. In fact, it's pretty much essential to your emotional health. However, it becomes a problem when those friends are used as a path of least resistance. When we make no attempt to meet new people and conclude (consciously or not) that it's easier to stick with those we already know.

Point Two: What makes someone "out of our league?" Often, it's simply a lack of self confidence on our part. Perhaps, in an effort to be humble, we sell ourselves short. When it comes to dating, it's vital that we step back and give ourselves a fair assessment. If we don't, it follows that we will date the wrong people and actually perpetuate our own dissatisfaction. On the flip side, we should be willing to admit when someone is truly beyond us. This enables us to make a clear choice: stop pursing the person or do what is necessary to lift ourselves to their standard.

Point Three: Is it possible to find the perfect match? Yes. But, that doesn't mean THEY are perfect. We are never free from weaknesses in our individual lives. Why would they disappear in marriage? In fact, if marriage is as wonderful (and as intrinsically valuable) as they say it is, it ought to be the hardest thing we ever do. It's rewarding by virtue of hard work. We should enter marriage (and dating, for that matter) expecting to work - expecting our trials to compound. Otherwise, it will be all too tempting to abandon ship.

At times, I'm a little antagonistic toward the prospect of marriage. For some, it seems like such an easy task. For me, it continues to be daunting. Many of my best friends are married and have children. Not to be left behind, I've gone as far as to dream up my own, invisible child. His name is Richard. He's black. Gets along wonderfully with the other children. Most importantly, he allows me to participate in baby talk with the other parents. *nod*

Having an invisible baby does present its challenges, though. Frankly, I'm not even sure Richard is aging. Sometimes I find myself wanting to put him up for adoption. I've even contemplated buying him a one-way ticket to Russia. I feel horrible about it. But, the truth is, I look forward to having a real family. I always have. I look forward to marrying my best friend and seeking after her constant comfort and joy. I'm excited to be a kick-butt dad! :)

No one should loathe the idea of marriage. It's hard to get there. It's hard to stay there. But, with Christ, it's possible. The principles of the gospel provide the best foundation for a home. I'm thankful for temples and the opportunity to make marriage eternal. I'm thankful for the example of my friends. I'm thankful for my parents. For the enduring love they have for one another. For the love they've always shown to me. There is no greater blessing than family.

Pinocchio

2010-02-22T23:22:00.027-07:00

I don't normally have off days. But, these last few... might qualify. For over a month my health has been wack. Nothing too serious, just low energy and dull aches. Come Saturday night, I finally crashed. New symptoms kept me in bed for the next 24 hours. Holy boring. And lonely. I felt like Pinocchio, half slumped off my bed, face smooshed into the floor, groaning to be a real boy.

While I was busy doing that, a friend's IM window popped up on my lappy. "Hey, you want to run a marathon with me?" he asked. To make that kind of a rebound would be stellar, so I readily accepted! Haha. In the past, my knee has given out around 11 miles. However, my friend assures me that I only need the proper training. So, I'm looking forward to coming out of running retirement (and fat retirement). Looks like we'll be doing St. George in October. Nice.

Meanwhile, back in the present, I went to the doctor today. The third one. I'd previously been tested for H1N1, mono, scurvy, rabies - whatever. They all turned up negative. It was decided to jab a tube up my nose and down my throat. Mostly for fun. We were bored. But while we were down there, we found signs of acid reflux. Apparently, at my age, that's usually caused by stress and anxiety. "Have you been stressed or anxious lately?" the doctor asked.

I haven't. But it got me thinking. What about subconsciously? What if I've learned to ignore stress, but it's still taking its toll physically? What pressures could really be causing this? Regardless, how do I control something beyond the conscious?? I do believe in the mind's ability to control the body... It may be that nothing is keeping me sick, but myself. Epic fail?

One take away from this experience: It's incredibly nice to know that people care about you when you feel like death. When life stops, it may be surprising to see which friends come out of the woodwork. We ought to make every effort to visit those who are quietly suffering in our lives. A young girl in my ward was recently diagnosed with over a dozen blood clots. She's been cooped up in the hospital for days now. It's been touching to watch a friend of hers stick by her side. No doubt, she'll forever appreciate that selfless love. Get well, Jess.

Spektor

2010-02-11T23:43:00.001-07:00

"Leaves become most beautiful when they're about to die"

TSX

2010-02-01T13:59:00.007-07:00

When Probie died, the whirlwind quest to find a new car began. I've heard people say, "As long as it's got wheels and gets you from point A to point B, it's all good." Those people overlooked the invention of hifi, A2DP, in-dash navigation, heated seats, moon roofs... and, g-force.

For as long as I can remember, my dream car has been the Nissan Z. If you're looking at that picture and not drooling, good for you! You'll probably make it to Heaven. I've already put on the Maui Jims, peeled off the beach and started screaming down the bridge. Unfortunately, halfway across, I'll remember that I have tuition payments and the Z will go up in smoke.

I spent a long time (idk, 3 or 4 days) searching for a good compromise. I came across the Acura TSX and immediately fell in lust. First of all, it's just HAWT. Second of all, it's voice command. Yeah. Voice command. The only conspicuously missing feature is STA missiles. Sooo, after crunching numbers and embellishing justifications, I figured I could afford her.

Hours before signing the contract, my father called. He knew what I was up to and didn't feel comfortable with it. As a further compromise, he offered me his Lexus ES300. Ironically, I was pretty upset over it. By this time, I was dead set on the TSX. However, in the end, I accepted his offer. Basically, he allowed me to avoid thousands of dollars of debt. Score.

20/20 hindsight on this one. It made me think a lot about the American way. How we spend our money and what's best for us. For casual reading, I picked up Suze Orman's, The Laws Of Money. I've never heard her speak (word on the street is that she's kind of annoying... *shrug*), but I really enjoyed the book. I definitely recommend you take it in.

Of course, for years, the prophets have been telling us to stay out of debt. But, have we allowed ourselves to pay nod service to that commandment? I have. It's easy to do. That's why it's nice to have someone like Suze Orman, who shares personal stories, thought-provoking insights and tangible milestones. Also, a wise father who knows when you're about to hose yourself.

By the way, I see TSXs everywhere now. It suuucks. :)

Sky

2010-01-31T16:53:00.003-07:00

I love it when the sky explodes with light on an otherwise dreary day. It's cool to think about how the same thing can occur within us. We might wake up, feeling like there's not much out there for us. Eventually, as we lighten our heart, the sun begins to tear through - creating one of most glorious days we've ever had. Congratulations winter, at least you're good for symbolism...

Probie

2010-01-30T02:06:00.029-07:00

Fordonna "Probie" Geté, 1996-2009
   "For out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art,
      and unto dust shalt thou return,
         after a millenium in a junk yard somewheres."

My car died. Last month. Thanks for asking. It's been hard. It happened right before Christmas, which is the hardest time to lose a loved one. She was my first car. The godess that liberated me from public transportation. The wheels that allowed me to have a LDR in Ephraim...

When I bought her (10 years after her conception), she had just 20,000 miles. For most of her life, she was owned by a litte old couple who only took her out when they wanted to roll in style. I, on the other hand, drove her into the ground. As fast and as hard as possible.

I didn't pimp her out. Much. In the early days, my cousin told me I looked like an old man, driving Probie around without tinting. She was tinted immediately. A few weeks later, my friend Davey and I spent an entire day putting in a new deck and subwoofer. During that process, I also rewired the fog lights so they'd work without the headlights being up. Boy, did that get me da ladies. Man, they were ALLLL UP ONS...!! *shifty eyes*

But even MORE ons when I put in custom-made, furry seat covers. Probie was thenceforth known (affectionately) to have "the polar bear seats." *sigh* I'll miss her. Seperation anxiety is a b-- Oh!! I almost forgot!! I never told you how she died. Transmission failure. Time of death: 10:37 pm. Funeral services graciously provided by JunkMyCar.com. (plug)

To be continued...
See: TSX

Time

2009-12-28T01:20:00.005-07:00

They say time flies. It seems to get worse as you age. I'm only 25 and this year has blown by. I wonder what it's like to be over the hill?! I assume you just start rocketing toward death, frantically trying to accomplish anything along the way. Man. That's depressing...

Anyway, I'm glad to be back. A lot has happened since I last wrote. People always say that, but I'm sweerious!! Here's a brief synopsis of the last three months:

Got in a relationship. Loved her. Had to decide if I wanted to propose. Listened to Michael Wilcox's talk, "How Will I Know?", a gillion times. Considered the future. Saw many of my weaknesses. Decided that, although marriage is something I want dearly, I wasn't ready. Have more growing to do. Hopefully doesn't take too long. Mother wants grandbabies.

Bought Android phone to combat iPhone trend. Enjoying it. Spent hours tweaking. Recommended rom/apps: CyanogenMod 4.2.7.1, Better Keyboard (with iPhone skin), AndroZip, Handcent SMS, Bloo, Pandora, Reveal Reader, USA Today, Wapedia

Called as Elders Quorum President. Trying to figure out what God is thinking. Feeling overwhelmed. Blessed with studly counselors. Looking forward with faith.

Dumped grand into repairing car. Bought snow tires. Transmission died. Frowned.

This is one of my favorite paintings. "Sacred Grove" by Greg Olsen. I gave it to my parents for Christmas. Yeah. I use the same technique to get movies I want. But hey, they really seemed thrilled. If you look closely, you can see Joseph witnessing the first vision:

With the new year, we wrap up our "Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith" curriculum. If you're not familiar with his story, I urge you to read it. What greater cause for a merry Christmas?! We know this season isn't merely a "happy holiday." Christ was born. He lived. He died. He rose. He lives on. Not as a figment of imagination, but appearing in person - to persons - today.

As we embark on another year, it'll be important to set the 'ol resolutions. To put the things we don't like about ourselves behind us. That's a hecka lot easier said than done. I'm always hesitant to set goals that big. In the back of my mind, I anticipate failure. Part of me doesn't want to put forth the work it will take to change. 2010 will likely bring us our own sacred groves. Times when we have to make a choice. Doubt and darkness will flood in.

We'll be tempted to let go our vision and take an easier path. But we cannot. Joseph did not. He developed a talent for choosing the right. Each time he did, God gave him strength. No doubt, with each deliverance (and personal triumph), his resolve grew exponentially. So it can be with us. Let's make 2010 profound. After all, it's a nice round number.

Serenity

2009-10-15T20:57:00.005-06:00

This afternoon I put on a jacket and went out to mow the lawn. About seven steps into it, I realized it was warm enough to shed the jacket. Three steps after that, I realized it was nice enough to go biking. Twenty thousand, six hundred fifty-one cranks later, I returned from the most serene ride I've ever been on...

I've ~~hated~~ strongly disliked the cold weather lately. Being able to go again made me so happy. Taking my bike off the hook felt like reuniting with an old friend. (We had a fairly lengthy, one-sided conversation.) Everything was awesome. Fall colors. Gentle breezes. Sun flickering through the trees. Music in my ears. Warmth on my skin. Pumpkin spice in the air.

All my cares melted away. Every once and awhile we need those moments. It's weird they can even happen when suicide bombers are darting around and pseudo children are floating off in weather balloons. But hey, I'll take it! Chalk me up another blessing.

Gabe Bondoc's music is a recent discovery. He's pretty groovy.
Is groovy a word the kids still use these days...?? Meh.

Trust

2009-10-14T00:18:00.011-06:00

Sometimes I wish I could puke, mentally. Even in the still of the night, my thoughts are racing. It's like a disjointed movie on fast forward. Either I took in a lot today, or I have ADD. Or both. In retrospect, today was pretty hectic: Programming group project, traffic jam, temple session, home teaching, shopping, wedding reception, fireside, deep conversations...

Be smart. Be patient. Be right. Those are the words still echoing through my head from the fireside. The talk was about sacrificing anything and everything; being willing to trust in the Lord in every decision. Even though it's a topic I've heard a million times, it shook me.

I like to think I'm pretty close to the Lord. We talk often. He's as much a part of my life as my earthly father. I realize things aren't always in my control. It gives me great comfort to know that I can turn to Him for guidance. But, tonight I realized that I'm still holding back.

Placing complete trust in the Lord is kind of like jumping from an airplane with no shoot, having been promised that - at some point - another diver will waft over and hand you one... give you a hearty salute and then cut back into the sunset... I don't know. I just know I'm not there yet.

Man

2009-10-10T12:07:00.005-06:00

I saw some poor reviews for One Good Man. They didn't sway my desire to see it. I'm always interested in watching my faith unfold on the big screen. You never know what point of view the director will take. For once, it was nice to see a film that didn't get lost in the humor of the religion. One Good Man isn't about green Jello, it's about real life.

I'll spare you my take on the technical aspects. What matters is the story being told. It's about doing the right thing. Relying on God in the good times, as well as the bad. Applying the gospel in everyday life. Realizing that a beautiful marriage is possible and not some has-been daydream.

I was touched. Not just from warm, fuzzy, "Aww, that's precious" moments, but from identifying with the movie on so many levels. Go see it: onegoodman.com. We were two of like eight people in the theatre. Laaame. Also, listen to "Finally Home" by MercyMe. I like it.

Leaf

2009-09-29T23:36:00.004-06:00

Things are supposed to turn ugly tomorrow. Snow is in the forecast, as well as chronic depression. Fortunately, I was able to go on one last hike. It was excellent! Beautiful company, beautiful surroundings. Among other things, I was reminded of Owen Mortensen's art.

I met Owen's relatives while living in Indiana. They had a stunning, red leaf frammed on their wall. When I inquired about it, they told me it was Owen's. He has his own business called Leaf, Botanical Art. The picture above is one of my favorites. See: pressedleaf.com

Compassion

2009-09-27T23:01:00.001-06:00

I've been trying to write this post for awhile. It's been hard to find the words. I think it's because I'm trying to teach a lesson I haven't fully grasped. But here goes:

I love people watching. Give me a bag of popcorn and a park bench and I'm good for hours. Watching people brings me to tears. Not from sorrow, but from laughter. It's hilarious to witness people's antics and mannerisms. It's fair to say I feed on faux pas. The problem is, I often find myself laughing at people, not with them.

If there's one principle that's been weaving through my thoughts lately, it's compassion. We need to be careful when we laugh. When we judge. There's always a reason people act the way they do. Often a tragic, heart wrenching reason. So laugh. But do it out of the humor of the moment. Be willing to follow up with the love and kind words they may so desperately need.

Laugh as God laughs at you. As your friend.

Awe

2009-09-15T21:50:00.004-06:00

I love photographing nature. It's unpredictable. The shots come to you, not vice versa. As such, you should ALWAYS carry your camera!! (Arg. I've missed several opportunities lately and I'm having a hard time forgiving myself.) Likewise, you have to be out in the world. Whenever I'm stuck inside, I often think about what I'm missing. Potential case in point: tonight.

The rainy weather lended itself to one of the most awe-inspiring sunsets we've had in awhile. The kind that makes dozens of people pull off the road, just to behold. When something causes people's lives to slow down, it's humbling. Usually, it takes fear as motivation. Tonight was quite the opposite. I felt honored to be a part of the collective reverence.

People

2009-09-15T17:20:00.023-06:00

This photo is affectionately dubbed "Whitey." I shot it while jaunting about the streets of San Fran in '07. These little pigeon dudes remind me so much of people. Namely, people in awkward social situations. I don't know what kind of bird Whitey is, but one thing's fo sho: he don't fit in.

I just woke up from a nap. I actually dreamt that I was in some Arab nation and managed to enrage the entire country... somehow. It sucked. But now that I'm awake, I feel GREAT!! Blame it on the rapid eye movement. After naps, there's usually a half hour window (give or take) where I'm in a ridiculously good mood. Someone could mosey up and shank me and I'd thank them profusely. You know what I'm talking about. (When Ska becomes appealing again...)

I saw so many awesome things today! Here's the list so far:

A 2.5 MPH rear ending (and the enhanced, ever-frustrating pull over)

The "I LOVE YOU DAVE!!!!!!!!!!" message above 89. After all, nothing says "I love you" like 300 Solo cups jammed into the fence of a highway overpass. I'm not exaggerating the number of exclamation points either. That must have taken forever. You'd better appreciate her, Dave. Whoever you are...

The 350 pound lady walking her 10 pound yorkie. Cute! Also, grotesque.

The lanky lad walking home from school with long, white and purple hair. Dang. I just... Dang. Thank you for making bohemian wizard fashion cool (again?).

The "OPEN BAY" guy at Jiffy Lube. Normally, I have no respect for the "sign people." It's the easiest job in the universe (and, secretly, the one we all wish we had). But this guy had aviation goggles and dance moves that even James Brown would applaud. Sir, today you have won my heart. Little Caesars guy ain't got nothin' on you.

Biking

2009-09-13T00:00:00.032-06:00

I used to run. A lot. I love the feeling of moving fast, under my own power. Not only that, but with my long, blonde hair wafting about in the breeze, I look dead sexy. Well... as sexy as any morbidly obese young man can. Think I'm lying about the heft? Take a gander at this childhood photo, aptly set amid Thanksgiving dinner:

Momma's little porker!... That's not something I just pulled off the net either. That's a legit, painful memory. Needless to say, that gem won't be making it into the wedding video. Anyway, near the end of my mission, I dropped a cool 18 kilograms by running every morning. I promised myself I'd never quit and I never have. Recently, however, my weakened, fat kid knees have started to cry mercy. Enter: biking obsession. Similar benefits, without the wear and tear.

Here I am, needlessly risking my life out on some jutting cliff somewhere. Sure glad I've got that helmet on, otherwise I could get hurt something fierce... *shifty eyes* Ok, so that's not me. I'm still hardcore though (in my head). I do the same gorgeous, hill laden, 25 mile ride every time. Partly for the predictability, but mostly so I can set and measure goals.

A plethora of parables seem to spring forth from athletics. For instance, you constantly push yourself to go a little faster - a little further - than the time before. Suddenly, you hate yourself for having set the bar so high. You toil on, and just when you've convinced yourself to give up, you silence your mind. Everything becomes still, and slowly but surely, you again exceed your expectations. As you allow the spirit to rule the body, you see your true potential.

If only this principle would transcend into my academic life... then we'd be talkin!

Welcome

2009-09-12T13:12:00.054-06:00

Welcome to Organic Happiness... now would be a good time to get excited.

This blog is largely about nothing (in sacred similitude of my conversational style). But, when all is said and done, I hope a theme of carefree optimism emerges. There is so much to live for, so much to be thankful for, so much to... *sniff*... Oh man, gimme a sec... *waving you away*

No, but sweeriously, there is faaar too much unhappiness floatin' around. I keep hearing how depressed people are - story after story, status update after status update, it's all the same: "I'm sad because x." ... "It's the fault of y." ... "Everyone can kiss my z."

Getting down from time to time is natural, even healthy. It helps us learn valuable lessons and appreciate the good times. What isn't healthy is being down more than up. If that happens, you might find it's often for the same reasons. We develop a set of accepted weaknesses, or "crutches" to lean on. Downfalls that not only justify, but perpetuate our sadness. In this state, we're constantly fishing for compliments and support, never willing to accept the response.

Physicians are eager to help. It's easy to scribble off a prescription for behavior modifying drugs. There's no condition easier to diagnose (or bill for). Granted, some individuals have bonafide, severe depression. For them, medication becomes an honest godsend. But - for the most part - I'd rather play the role of arrogant bastard and tell you that you don't need them.

Several years ago, I found myself enveloped by apathy and fear. It came on fast, yet subtly like a storm. I spent months, void of the will to live. It's a baffling experience if you've not been there. It shocked me because, prior to that time, I'd always had a cheery disposition. I didn't understand why it was happening, much less how to escape it.

Ridiculously long story short, I did escape. And, many years later, I'm starting to understand the why. It was at a time when a lot was being asked of me. Much more than ever before. Various insecurities had developed in my character over the years. They were hardly noticeable until the pressure become too great. Then, all at once, my entire emotional framework came crashing to the ground. I had to rebuild everything. Principle, upon principle.

Things are good now. So good. I'm deeply grateful for friends, family and faith. To me, the most important thing in life is humor. Humor and the ability to let things slide. We've all heard the expression, "Don't sweat the small stuff!"... which... is actually a pretty lame expression. Don't sweat anything! But, if anything, scrutinize the small stuff. The negative thoughts, the assumptions, the habits, the idleness... Those are what get us.

Anyway, now that you know where I'm coming from, you're welcome to live, laugh and lament right along with me! Only, know this: I make no attempt to be politically correct... or even correct at all. There. Now I can say whatever I want with absolutely no repercussions! Muah ha. The fact is, I'm writing about life as I see it. Feel free to put me in my place. But first, give some thought to how and why our perspectives differ. It'll be fun! See ya!! :)