Recently, this (below) came to mind. Found in one of my 'original' journals from much 'earlier' days circa 1994. It was given to me by one of my first rowing coaches/ chemistry teachers.
If I had to live my life over again, I'd dare to make more mistakes next time.
I'd relax.
I would limber up.
I would be sillier than I have been this trip.
I would take fewer things seriously.
I would take more chances.
I would take more trips. I would climb more mountains, swim more rivers.
I would eat more ice cream and less beans.
I would perhaps have more actual troubles, but I'd have fewer imaginary ones.
If I had it to do again, I would travel lighter than I have.
I would start barefoot earlier in the Spring and stay that way later in the Fall.
I would go to more dances.
I would ride more merry-go-rounds.
I would pick more daisies.
-- Nadine Stair
With similar sentiments, this (below) is on the wall in the 'guest' bathroom. It makes me think of an 'old' rowing friend from university days. She had it on her dresser mirror in her bedroom.
Dance like there's nobody watching...
Sing like there's nobody listening...
Love like you'll never get hurt...
Live like there's heaven on Earth.
-- Mark Twain
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Vive Le Tour!
July is the month of Le Tour de France!! Vive le 'biking'... Vive le Tour! ;-)
Interesting to note that not only is Lance riding again and not only is he 'already' in 2nd place overall, but his entire Astana team has a commanding hold on the entire field!... umm, hmmm- definitely one of those things that makes you go: 'Hmmm...!?!"
Also, interesting to note is that semi-veteran Levi is on the same team this year as Lance... Veteran Aussie Cadel Evans quite far back sooo far, yet heard some disconcerting poor sportsmanship 'rumours' about him the other day...
Good to keep an eye out for good performances from the other Aussie Stuart O'Grady as well as U.S David Zabriskie...
Although, George Hincapie will always be a 'big' favourite to watch for me. A long-standing Tour veteran with model sportsmanship, dedication, grit (aka good work ethic), and integrity.
Welllll, as Red Sox fans are known to say in their season: 'it's still waaaay early!'... anything can happen, SportsFans! ;-)
Interesting to note that not only is Lance riding again and not only is he 'already' in 2nd place overall, but his entire Astana team has a commanding hold on the entire field!... umm, hmmm- definitely one of those things that makes you go: 'Hmmm...!?!"
Also, interesting to note is that semi-veteran Levi is on the same team this year as Lance... Veteran Aussie Cadel Evans quite far back sooo far, yet heard some disconcerting poor sportsmanship 'rumours' about him the other day...
Good to keep an eye out for good performances from the other Aussie Stuart O'Grady as well as U.S David Zabriskie...
Although, George Hincapie will always be a 'big' favourite to watch for me. A long-standing Tour veteran with model sportsmanship, dedication, grit (aka good work ethic), and integrity.
Welllll, as Red Sox fans are known to say in their season: 'it's still waaaay early!'... anything can happen, SportsFans! ;-)
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Other writing favourites...
Below is a small sample of some of my favourite quotes. They have influenced my thinking in some way and I often reflect back on them.
In some ways, I define myself by my interpretation of some of these quotes. Philosophy, quotes, and introspective thought can help to gain a strong grasp on who I am and how I'd like to be.
"Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they've been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It's an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It's a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary.
Impossible is nothing." -Adidas ad campaign
"Those are my principles, and if you don't like them... well, I have others." -Groucho Marx
"I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability of man to elevate his life by conscious endeavour."
-H.D Thoreau
"Man is only truly great when he acts from the passions."
-Benjamin Disraeli
"All truly great thoughts are conceived while walking."
-Nietzsche
"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."
-Dr. Seuss(1904-1991)
"There is no mistake so great as the mistake of not going on."
-William Blake
"You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change things - build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete."
-Buckminster Fuller
"Nothing is ever achieved without enthusiasm."
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
"Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out."
-John Wooden
"I hate quotations. Tell me what you know." -Ralph Waldo Emerson
"There is only one you for all time. Fearlessly be yourself"
-Anthony Rapp
"I am just a common man who is true to his beliefs."
-John Wooden
"The power of your example is far greater than what you say."
"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better.
The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, and comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat." -President Theodore Roosevelt
In some ways, I define myself by my interpretation of some of these quotes. Philosophy, quotes, and introspective thought can help to gain a strong grasp on who I am and how I'd like to be.
"Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they've been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It's an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It's a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary.
Impossible is nothing." -Adidas ad campaign
"Those are my principles, and if you don't like them... well, I have others." -Groucho Marx
"I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability of man to elevate his life by conscious endeavour."
-H.D Thoreau
"Man is only truly great when he acts from the passions."
-Benjamin Disraeli
"All truly great thoughts are conceived while walking."
-Nietzsche
"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."
-Dr. Seuss(1904-1991)
"There is no mistake so great as the mistake of not going on."
-William Blake
"You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change things - build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete."
-Buckminster Fuller
"Nothing is ever achieved without enthusiasm."
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
"Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out."
-John Wooden
"I hate quotations. Tell me what you know." -Ralph Waldo Emerson
"There is only one you for all time. Fearlessly be yourself"
-Anthony Rapp
"I am just a common man who is true to his beliefs."
-John Wooden
"The power of your example is far greater than what you say."
"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better.
The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, and comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat." -President Theodore Roosevelt
An 'old' favourite
Below is one of my favourite pieces of writing. It was authored by Max Ehrmann who wrote it as a personal message to his son. 'Desiderata' is Latin for 'desired things'- plural of 'desideratum'. Some reproductions of this famous work merely state 'founded in Old St. Paul's Church' without attributing credit to the author.
A beautiful message from a father to his son and definitely words to live by for me too.
Desiderata
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive of Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
-Max Ehrmann, 1872-1945
copyright 1927
A beautiful message from a father to his son and definitely words to live by for me too.
Desiderata
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive of Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
-Max Ehrmann, 1872-1945
copyright 1927
Inaugural Blog
Wellll, this is my first 'blog'... ever. I've been inspired to start a 'blog' and am curious to see where it goes, if anywhere.
I definitely don't have any illusions of grandeur about this whole thing and don't 'expect' many 'hits'. There are sooo many people who are into this whole blogging thing.
As with many things that I try and set out to do in my life, am starting this blog chiefly for personal reasons. As with most things, people set out to do things for themselves. Motivation comes from within as passion comes from the heart.
I've written in writing journals since I first started to write poetry when I was about 11 years old after being inspired by a Great-Aunt. I particularly began to write in a journal more consistently when I was 13 years old after my father passed away. I remember that as I was a child then I wanted to tell him simple things like what I got for Christmas and that I loved him.
I guess I view this 'blog'- 'my blog'- as a sort of personal, online journal. It is clearly open for the world to see unlike my other journals that have always been kept very private.
Am a dedicated admirer of Henry David Thoreau and the way he lived his life. I try to uphold similar values and principles.
The 'title' of this 'blog' was inspired from BF Skinner's utopian novel, Walden Two. Skinner's story describes a community of about 1000 people who live by HDT's Walden principles. They live by HDT's principles and values which has been described as a sort of 'Walden Code' as well as living by Skinner's principles of behavioural psychology. As this is a sort of 'personal online' journal for me, I wanted to think of a title that was representative of me. I'd like to think that my writing reflects these principles especially in terms of my values and how I try to live my life.
The Gandhi quote below the blog title embodies a key HDT Walden principle and is also fitting since Gandhi was a known follower of HDT as well.
As I mentioned, I write for me, however, if someone happens to come across this blog please feel free to leave a note to comment and contribute any thoughts, especially if you take an interest or even relate to any thoughts shared. I'd be interested in the comments/notes and open to constructive criticism as well.
The 'blogging' thing is soo new to me and as with anything new am simply looking forward to enjoying the journey...
I definitely don't have any illusions of grandeur about this whole thing and don't 'expect' many 'hits'. There are sooo many people who are into this whole blogging thing.
As with many things that I try and set out to do in my life, am starting this blog chiefly for personal reasons. As with most things, people set out to do things for themselves. Motivation comes from within as passion comes from the heart.
I've written in writing journals since I first started to write poetry when I was about 11 years old after being inspired by a Great-Aunt. I particularly began to write in a journal more consistently when I was 13 years old after my father passed away. I remember that as I was a child then I wanted to tell him simple things like what I got for Christmas and that I loved him.
I guess I view this 'blog'- 'my blog'- as a sort of personal, online journal. It is clearly open for the world to see unlike my other journals that have always been kept very private.
Am a dedicated admirer of Henry David Thoreau and the way he lived his life. I try to uphold similar values and principles.
The 'title' of this 'blog' was inspired from BF Skinner's utopian novel, Walden Two. Skinner's story describes a community of about 1000 people who live by HDT's Walden principles. They live by HDT's principles and values which has been described as a sort of 'Walden Code' as well as living by Skinner's principles of behavioural psychology. As this is a sort of 'personal online' journal for me, I wanted to think of a title that was representative of me. I'd like to think that my writing reflects these principles especially in terms of my values and how I try to live my life.
The Gandhi quote below the blog title embodies a key HDT Walden principle and is also fitting since Gandhi was a known follower of HDT as well.
As I mentioned, I write for me, however, if someone happens to come across this blog please feel free to leave a note to comment and contribute any thoughts, especially if you take an interest or even relate to any thoughts shared. I'd be interested in the comments/notes and open to constructive criticism as well.
The 'blogging' thing is soo new to me and as with anything new am simply looking forward to enjoying the journey...
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