Michael

I am thankful for laughter, except when milk comes out of my nose. – Woody Allen

At the height of laughter, the universe is flung into a kaleidoscope of new possibilities. – Jean Houston

Even if there is nothing to laugh about, laugh on credit. – Author Unknown

I recently read where children laugh on the average, 300 – 400 times per day. Adults, on the other hand, laugh a paltry 15 – 25 times per day. That is a huge laughter abyss.

As we “grow up” we generate a host of reasons why we shouldn’t have fun, why we don’t laugh, why we don’t enjoy life like children anymore. The most ridiculous reason that we use is that adults don’t act that way; as if children are doing something wrong.  We say things like it’s silly and that being silly or having fun is something that a grown up shouldn’t be doing.

I say it’s ridiculous that we put constraints on having fun, on laughing, on playing or on being silly. We should be more like our children. We can learn a lot by watching how they live their day; how they experience the world around them; how they extract the most out of every moment.

Be more like children. The laughter you generate will reduce your stress, calm your mind, relax your body and enhance your creativity. Not bad for something that is fun.

Michael

I watched with anticipation the Inauguration ceremonies for the 44th president of the United States. It is an historic moment in our history regardless of whether you believe in the policies of new democratic president or not. Tens of millions of Americans watched the ceremony along with uncounted millions around the world. I thought President Obama’s speech was well written, well executed and well received.

The road ahead may look tough but many have more hope now than they ever had. Hope is the difference between staying in the same old program or making the significant changes that are needed. Whatever your race, religion, political persuasion or gender, we are all in this together. We can help or hinder. The choice is ours.

I have pulled out many passages from President Obama’s Inauguration speech and placed them below. These represent the ones that I found moving when hearing them.

I hope you enjoy them also.

Michael

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Excerpts from President Obama’s Inauguration Speech:

Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America: They will be met.

On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.

On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.

…..the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.

Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.

Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions – who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage.

What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them – that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works – whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end.

As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our Founding Fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience’s sake.

Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.

For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus – and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.

For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the firefighter’s courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent’s willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.

So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled. In the year of America’s birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people:

“Let it be told to the future world…that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive…that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet [it].”

America. In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children’s children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God’s grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.

Snow Eating Ducks

Several inches of snow fell yesterday and last night. I was in the mood for taking photographs. In fact, today was the first set of photos for the 2009 year. The landscape was beautiful with the recent snowfall.

I decided to drive out to Roger Williams Park and Zoo near Providence, RI. Wow, it was quite lovely. All the lakes were frozen and a lot of snow had fallen over the frozen surfaces.

I rode around checking everything out and taking numerous photos. You can see some of them here. The most interesting moment came after I had taken some photos in the Japanese Garden.

I walked down the road a bit and saw dozens of ducks, many seagulls and one goose. But, strangely, the ducks were munching on the snow. By munching, I mean frantically eating the snow as fast as they could get it down. I had never seen anything like this before, though, I’m sure this is normal behavior for them. I guess that is how they drink when the lakes and streams are covered with ice.

Regardless, it was fascinating to watch. They allowed me to get quite close as long as I moved very slowly. Any sudden movements sent them flying. The photo link above shows a larger wide angle view of the ducks you see to the left.

I’m so glad I decided to venture outside today. I would have missed this wonderful natural phenomenon.

Have a great day!

Michael

If it sounds/feels good, you must be doing something right. – Unknown

It seems that the better you get, the more you see the importance of fundamentals. – Unknown

No matter how many chords, scales or modes you know. What matters is what you do with those things. – Unknown

Playing music is becoming more and more fun. We got together again today for about 3 1/2 hours. Our duet has now grown to a trio as a drummer has joined us. Very cool! It’s starting to feel like a band. We are currently looking for a bass player and another singer. Hmmm. Maybe it is a band.

After four sessions of playing together, we comfortably play about 16 songs and are working on several more. The goal is to have a good 50 – 60 songs in our repertoire. Our focus has solely been on working out our acoustic sound together. There is something about two acoustic guitars playing together that is quite special. We really are enjoying the blend of sounds. The drummer added an entire dimension that I hadn’t experienced before but now want more.

One of the things I love about playing music with others is how the creative flow works. Many times you get completely in sync with the other player and positive things happen that are unexpected. Today with the addition of a drummer that expanded to three dimensions. Our first session for the three of us was a great success. What’s exciting is that it is only the beginning and that all three of us are playing together because it is so much fun.

It was very fulfilling afternoon! I can’t wait until we get together again next weekend.

Michael

Erica bought a Wii last week. In case you’ve been living under a rock for a year, the Wii (pronounced We) is made by Nintendo. The game uses wireless technology. The cool thing is that to play the game, you use normal motion. In other words, to play tennis you swing like you have a racket in your hand. The Wii sport package includes tennis, baseball, bowling, boxing and golf.

I’m quite amazed with the Wii system as it really feels similar to doing the sport since the physical motion is very close to the real thing. It’s a lot of fun. Plus, I’m finding that I’m better at bowling, tennis, baseball and golf on the Wii than I’ve ever been in real life. I also like the fact that I don’t need the bumpers in bowling.

Erica and I had a tournament tonight, bowling and tennis. I’m sure that my daughter, niece and two nephews would have found it amusing. Hopefully, Erica and I laughed enough at ourselves to cover them. But, all in all, we did fairly well. More practice is in order though.

It was nice to take a break and just play a little. We should do more of that. I’m making plans now.

Be more like children and go play!

Michael

Forgiving is not forgetting; it’s actually remembering – remembering and not using your right to hit back. It’s a second chance for a new beginning. And the remembering part is particularly important. Especially if you don’t want to repeat what happened. – Desmond Tutu

I thought this was fresh look at the nature of forgiveness. Hmmm. I never actually thought of it this way. Though I have always understood that forgiving is a conscious act, I had thought the incident just sort of faded into the past. But, Desmond Tutu has a good point.

If we don’t make the “remembering part” of forgiveness of primary importance, we lose the perspective of our experience. We become hardened and slightly cynical about things.

As hard as it can be sometimes to forgive others, it can be infinitely harder to forgive ourselves. Most of us struggle with this most basic act. Sometimes our past decisions or actions are based on the knowledge we possessed at the time, our state of maturity or it simply was just the best we could have done. Days, months or years later, it really should only be part of our history, not an input to our present lives.

As Desmond states, by adding back in the remembering facet of forgiveness, we put a stop to repeating behavior that we can’t forgive ourselves. The past is over. It’s done with. It’s why they call it history.

By forgiving ourselves we dispel the guilt we carry. We are more able to forgive others. Forgiving ourselves paves the way to loving ourselves. By forgiving ourselves, we immediately change our present life and consequently our future life becomes brighter.

Have a great day!

Michael

I have always been delighted at the prospect of a new day, a fresh try, one more start, with perhaps a bit of magic waiting somewhere behind the morning… – Joseph Priestley

Lately I’ve been taking a few minutes before getting out of bed to ensure that I start my day with a good attitude. It’s a really simple technique but one that could have far reaching effects throughout your entire day.

When you awake in the morning, relish at how comfortable you feel in your bed. Enjoy the relaxation permeating your physical body. Feel the warmth while under the sheet or blanket. Imagine how wonderful your day will be. Think about how much you will get accomplished. These are just ideas. Think of things that you are grateful for or appreciate. You can think of anything you want that makes you feel good and puts a smile on your face. Make sure you spend a few minutes in this state. Once you’re done, then get out of bed and start your day. You’ll be amazed at how much this simple technique will change your entire outlook.

Conversely, you can do a similar technique before you go to sleep at night. Once you get into your bed, consciously enjoy the relaxation you feel. Think of something that happened during your day that made you feel good. Remember the details. Relive the emotions you experienced. See if you can put a smile on your face. Think about how good it felt to be alive today. Again, think any thoughts that make you feel good. Drift off to sleep.

Going to sleep in a happier state will do wonders for getting the most out of your sleep time. As a bonus it greatly affects how you wake up in the morning.

Have a great day!

Michael

We are all faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as impossible situations. – Charles R. Swindoll

When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us. – Helen Keller

Numerous opportunities for “work” have been coming to me over the last two weeks. Compared to last time when I was in between jobs, this one has been much easier. I know it is because of the internal work I’ve done on myself over the last few years.

Last night I got a call about an opportunity that will start next week or the week after. I accepted it of course as it seemed the right thing to do, the right opportunity to work on. It comes at time that is exactly when I needed to start some consulting work. The opportunity is interesting and could lead to more.

I’ve been on vacation/holiday for five months now. It’s been a wonderful time and a great way to adjust to a life that I want, which was my primary goal for taking so many months off. I only did things I wanted to do. That was my main objective. The past five months has been life changing for me. From this point forward, I’m only doing what I want to do, whether it be a “work” situation or something else. I’ll settle for nothing less.

The other point that was important during my time off was that I never doubted I could find a work opportunity. Of course, I had some moments but they were very short and quickly dispelled with an attitude adjustment. The majority of the time, I stayed in full belief and worked on being happier in every moment I could. I believe that was the biggest difference between the last time I didn’t have job and this time. That previous time was one of fear, anxiety and general dismay.

By keeping my attitude high, I stayed clear, focused and opened for what was coming my way. I believe that little “signs” or opportunities were more easily spotted as my head wasn’t hanging down in despair.

It’s been a fantastic learning experience/experiment. The difference is that I won’t be stopping.

Michael

The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago. The second best time is now. – Confucius

We tend be too hard on ourselves especially when it comes to missed opportunities, “bad” decisions, turning left when we should have turned right, staying too long in a relationship, saying something that hurt another and a host of other little things that make up our life.

Yes, we can always look back and say, “Well if I had done such and such or not done that then things would be different now.” But, frankly, that is a defeating attitude and its only purpose is to keep you in a less than happy mood. About 2500 years ago, Confucius recognized this small conundrum and gave us a way out. We can make a decision to do something different right now.

That’s a great thing. We don’t have to continue to go down the same old road. We don’t have to continue to wallow in guilty feelings about some past event or decision that we can’t go back and change. All we can do is something different right now.

So, don’t let the past control you anymore. Make a decision to break the cycle. At every moment you have the power to change. All you need to do is take that step. You can make more of a difference in your life than anyone else could. You have knowledge they don’t.

If you are in doubt, don’t forget that you really have the power to change. You may have forgotten, but it’s never too late to learn.

Have a great day!

Michael

Disregard your complaints and discover your gratitude. Release your trouble and restate your blessings. – Author Unknown

Sometimes all we need is just a little shift in a different direction; i.e. one of less complaining, less of telling our “terrible” story and more of stating of what things we are grateful or appreciative. If you are feeling down, less than hopeful, angry or just plain blah, then try the following technique.

1. Get out your journal if you keep one or just a plain piece of blank paper.
2. At the top of the page, write down the thing, person or situation that you are not feeling good about.
3. For the next 5 minutes, write down as many statements you can about of things that you feel grateful for or appreciative of the topic at the top of the page. Don’t pause. Just write furiously for 5 minutes.
4. When the 5 minutes are up, read over the statements you have written.
5. Did you notice a shift in your attitude or emotional state concerning your topic of choice? If not, try the exercise again with the same topic.
6. If you are still having trouble adjusting your thought patterns, then choose a completely unrelated topic, but this time one that makes you feel great whenever you think about. Complete the 5 minutes exercise with this happier topic. Sometimes we need a distraction. After completing this step, go back and see if you attitude has shifted concerning your original topic.
7. You can do this anytime or anywhere. In fact you can run over the ideas of appreciation/gratitude in your head if you can’t write them down. I prefer the writing as it is just that much more powerful an exercise, plus you can carry the statements around with you to read when you need them.

Have a great day!

Michael