Imagination

Remember your imagination as a child?  What happened?  You learned that life is hard and times get tough and reality bites?  Try to remember how open the world used to seem.  The endless possibilities and opportunities to create, explore and invent.  It's difficult to look at something you've already seen and have new thoughts or curiosities, but it's crucial to your creative mind.  Open up again, forget what you think you know.  Go forth and explore.

Hugo Inspired

Beginner's Mind

It's important to make changes in your life.  Break away from the routine.  Do something unexpected.  Challenge yourself to try something new.  I decided to trade my 2008 Mazdaspeed3 for a 1965 Ford F-100.  Living out a dream.  Going from dangerously (and fun) fast to slow rolling.  I have to admit, it all feels so right.  Don't be afraid to chase what you love.

Responsibility

No matter how alone you may think you are, someone out there cares for you.  Take responsibility for your actions.  Don't think you live in a bubble.  Every stone you throw into the pond has ripple effects far beyond your radius of thought.  Out of respect for the concerns and well being of those around you, be aware of your actions.  Be conscious.  Awake.  Remember the butterfly effect today as you move about this Earth.

Dreams

I have always loved sleep.  I could sleep 12 hours a day every day and be perfectly happy.  I realize everyone responds to sleep in different ways and for many, 7 or more hours becomes too much.  My favorite part of sleeping is dreaming.  Your mind works on all sorts of issues and problems while you're asleep.  The longer you sleep, the more problem solving you accomplish.  Is that true?  Seems logical from my own personal experiences.  As a child I would be stuck on a computer error or program issue and would fall asleep trying to find a solution.  I would often times wake up with a solution and quickly write it down to try in the morning once fully awake.  More often than not, it worked.  Make sure you allow yourself time for uninterrupted sleep.  The peace of mind that follows is well worth it.

Inspire

If you knew your actions today were to be mimicked and copied by a child looking up to you, would your day remain the same?  If you would change certain actions, why?  If the life you are living isn't one you would wish for a child searching for good in life, why are you living it?  Don't punish yourself with self flagellation for your past wrongs, shortcomings or sins.  You have been given another day to live and enjoy the amazing gift of life.  Don't waste it by creating future regrets.

I hate cancer.  It is seemingly everywhere in my life.  I fear it's only a matter of time before someone in my immediate family or myself ends up with a diagnosis.  Try as I may to raise money to support research, treatment and prevention, cancer seems unstoppable.  Give thanks for every day of health you're given.

Who Are You Living For

At what point do you become content with knowing "who  you are?" This seems to be a difficult task, as we are continually changing.  Who we are today is different from who we were yesterday and who we might be tomorrow.  Perhaps the whole idea of "me" is flawed.  Look in the mirror and realize nothing's there.  We are nothing and everything all at once.