Be Brave
I think sometimes, our current society has crippled us somewhat, in regards to achieving success. It's so easy to fall into a rut of complacency, and the fear of what people might think of our failures, of our being different than the rest of society, stops us from achieving our utmost potential because we won't try to step outside the bounds of what's "normal."
When I was in The Marine Corps in the 70's, there were men who hated being in the military, but they were afraid to get out into the civilian world because they didn't think they could make it on the outside, much like some who have been in prison so long they don't want to leave. Everything is provided for their basic needs so they settle for just existing, and never think about spreading their wings and soaring in a free life of their own making. The human spirit naturally longs for freedom, for happiness and for excitement, but over time the longing fades away into complacency and laziness.
The industrial revolution has been a blessing and a curse all in one package. We've gone from working outside in the fresh air, doing farm/ranch work from sunup to sundown, to coming home from working 9-5 and flopping down in a recliner with a microwave dinner and watching TV, then slogging off to bed and repeating the process the next day until we've put in 30 years of a job we hate and wonder what happened to all those years? It's no wonder so many people don't live very many years past retirement.
Here's our chance to break out of that rut, folks. Tear yourself away from the TV, and go for a quiet walk and contemplate what brings you joy, fun, and excitement in your life. What would you love to write about? What would you love to share with others? Chose your niche. Put pictures up on the walls of your home of places you'd like to travel to, so that you will be reminded of your plan to escape your rut. Visualize the freedom that your success will provide for you. Think of the time you will be able to spend with your loved ones, and the legacy you can leave for them. Be an example and show them the way. All we have to do, is reach out and take it!
Dennis
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Hi Dennis, thanks for sharing this great truth. We have been put on this earth for a good reason and purpose, It's up to us to find that purpose, to discover our talents and then to put it to good use. The best way to do that is to add value to other people's lives ........or to find out how to best serve mankind ( In there we find our niche and purpose).Take care, Johan.
Thanks, Johan! I agree completely. It's amazing the way we are all born with certain abilities...gifts...and it's also amazing the way that most of us ignore them. I know that I have. I've always had good communication skills, and I took naturally to writing well....and I can sing. I don't think I'm going to make any money, at this ripe old age, with singing, but I can expand my abilities with communication and writing to the point where I can make some money at it.
Dennis
This story seems to get played out generation after generation. But, some break free. Seems we are all trying to here.
Thanks for taking the time to share your wisdom. It's a nice reminder for why we work so hard.
Thanks, Susan! Yes....I think that we have a duty and responsibility to help our kids and grandkids to see the light...to follow their dreams, and I hope that I can help them now when I start having some success here. We can also extend a hand to the new members who sign on here and help them when we can.
Dennis
Just to share a quick thought...the members who are here with children have an awesome chance to influence their kids to understand they don't have to accept the status quo. I'm really excited to think of what good role models they can be for their children.
So much potential there. =)
Yes....that's the step we need to all take in the right direction. My sons are all grown and I have one grandson, but it's not too late to help them become independent.
Thanks, Susan!
Hi Dennis, You have hit the nail on the head get out of your comfort and challenge your self
Cheers Peter
Absolutely, Peter! It's kinda funny...we get out of the comfort zone of working jobs (that we hate but are comfortable doing) to work at something that we enjoy but aren't comfortable with because it's kinda scary. LOL.
Hi Dennis it has what has brought is all to WA and great that we have found each other!!!
Dennis, very well stated.I noticed people get at ease and not want to do much after work, for those that are working a 9-5. I have in place to place in at least 2 hours every evening and a few hours over the weekend. Im sure things will come up that you just can't place in the hours, but at least try your best. My goal is to leave my regular job but this will all take time. I have become very patient.
Thanks for the comment....and yes....that's my goal also. I want to just work from home, or from a beach somewhere. LOL! I'll be 62 in September so I'm hoping to at least have a little $$ coming in from my website so I can live on Social Security and my IRA's and retirement while I continue to focus on increasing the residual income.
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Great blog, Dennis. Second para, 3rd sentence -- much "LIKE"? ..in prison. Have you noticed that when people are in the military for so long and they retire, they have no clue how to dress? They just need to reinvent themselves -- It isn't always easy. However, like you said, be brave and often that means standing out from the rest and not blending. ~Debbi
Good catch, Debbi! Thanks! I hate typo's and didn't catch that one.
Yes...many of the good men that I knew in the military who were afraid of getting out, were black and came from the slums so the military life was far better than what they left behind. Others were given the option of prison or the Marine Corps....this being the Viet Nam era, and warm bodies were needed. It was not a very good time in our history.
Thanks again!
Dennis
You're welcome. Yes, I prefer to forget that time as well....my ex received his draft notice hrs before our wedding rehearsal dinner.