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Silence is Grand

I like noise. Sometimes I do my best writing with the television on. I often fall asleep with the TV or radio on. For me, noise can be productive, but there are times when silence is grand. I usually listen to sports talk or new talk radio when I am driving, but recently I decided to drive in silence to various places around town.

Just hearing the noise of cars driving by and other sounds of a busy world is enough to fill my brain and provide me with some solace. It is also a great way to think. Sometimes, you need to get away from the competing voices and noises going into your head, such as the radio and the TV.

We all have a lot going on in our lives. It is tempting to turn on more noise to get away from things we don’t want to deal with – work, school, personal relationships, etc. However, driving in silence allows me to think with some clarity about some of the things I have going on in my life.

Besides thinking about my life, driving in silence allows me take in all the surrounding environment – clouds, trees, neighborhoods –  I sometimes don’t pay too much attention to when I have the radio on. Looking at nature and the surrounding environment helps me appreciate life.

So, take some time to drive or sit in silence. Take some time to observe what’s around you and listen to yourself. I think you will find some clarity when you get away from those voices that often distract us.

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Hope

One of my favorite movies is “Shawshank Redemption.” It’s a movie about the struggles of life and the power of hope. My favorite line from the film is a simple but powerful life lesson: Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things.”

When you are feeling low, always remember that line.

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Smile

A lyric from the song “When you are smiling,” says when you smile, the whole world smiles with you. I am not sure about the whole world but smiling usually brings a smile from the people around you. Smiling is a simple thing to do, but it has such a profound effect on others, so smile.

Life can be difficult, but it is good. As the saying goes, “where there’s life, there’s hope,” so smile.

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Here’s to a Happy and Productive New Year

As you ring in 2019, strive to accomplish all the goals you have set out. A new year means new opportunities. Every day attempt to do something new.

Also, do some unexpected things. Take a spontaneous trip. If there’s a job you have always wanted but felt you weren’t qualified, apply for it. If you are single and have always wanted to ask someone out on a date, do it. (Don’t do this if you are married. If so, you deserve to get your butt whipped.) Get out of your comfort zone and do something that is good for you.

To quote one of my favorite lines in Shawshank Redemption, “Get Busy Living!” Life is wonderful but short, so take advantage of everything that is out there. Be kind, helpful, curious, courteous, thankful, and many more positive attributes. Also, be Freaky! Take this last statement any way you want.

Enjoy the new year and enjoy life. You only get one so live it up.

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Don’t Live in the Past

I recently heard a sermon that applies to everyone. The message emphasized that you should not let your past dictate your present or future state. Many people let their previous successes or failures guide them. You need to live in the now.

Don’t let your past successes promote an arrogance that makes you think you can approach everything the same way. Don’t let your failures cultivate feelings that you will never achieve anything in life. Every day is a new day and every day offers a new opportunity. Always strain forward to what lies ahead.

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Break Away from the Norm

Why do people skate in a circle on a skating rink? Go to an ice rink, and you will find that most of the participants are following the crowd around the arena. It’s rare that someone will dare to skate in any other direction or scheme.

Here’s an idea, breakaway from the norm. Skate up the middle of the rink or zig-zag or skate in a diagonal direction. You may get some odd looks, but you are following your own lead. And by the way, this is an analogy for life.

Following the crowd makes sense in many instances, but you should always be your own person and do your own thang!

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Get out and enjoy life

As the country remembers the life of George H.W. Bush, the 41st president of the United States, who died Friday, November 30, we should do something he suggested that had nothing to do with politics and everything to do with living.

He was an avid outdoorsman and once said years after leaving the presidency, “Get out and do something. Get out and enjoy life.”

His words should ring true to all of us. I know I need to follow this advice. Get out and enjoy all this world has to offer. Get busy living – find things you enjoy and do them. Also, take a chance and do something you always wanted to do and just didn’t have the courage or the time to do it. This means doing everything that is legal – don’t get it twisted.

Life is short so enjoy it while you have it.

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Don’t Forget to Say the L Word

Life is short so live life to the fullest but always remember to tell those you love – family, girlfriend, boyfriend, wife, husband, significant other, friends – that you love them. Tomorrow or the next second is not promised to anyone, so let your loved ones know they are loved.