Tag: self-awareness

creativity · Quotes

“I am writing My Life to laugh at myself, and I am succeeding.”

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Lately, I’ve been shifting my writing time and energy to a novel. It’s fictional but based on some real experiences.

I have four chapters drafted, and, let’s see… about 64 chapters to go. 😆

Accordingly, I have note had as much time to put into this blog.

But I’ll do my best to keep writing here from time to time.

In the mean time, this quote from Casanova (yes, the actual Casanova) is a good reminder to keep it light.

I am writing My Life to laugh at myself, and I am succeeding. – Giacomo Casanova

This dude was quite the adventurer and had a lot of interesting things to say.

I need out check out his story about his life, although that may require a time investment beyond my reach any time soon. He seemed to have a lot to say: three volumes, about 40 hours each, if you’re doing audiobooks.

He sounds like kind of a gabber. I hope he’s not an Uncle Colm.

Casanova: proof that a pasty dude with a hair bow can get lot of chicks. 😉
(via Wikipedia)

Quotes

“Let life surprise you a little.” 🪄

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As people are graduating all around the land right now – most notably for me, my daughter – they’re looking for their next steps. Maybe they’ve picked a college. Maybe they’re trying to earn some money and support themselves. Maybe they’re doing both and more.

Sure, it’s good to plan things out, but it’s also wise to leave some room for the unknown. I like how author Julia Alvarez put it.

Don’t plan it all. Let life surprise you a little.

Often, what you actually find is more important than what you’re looking for.

All the best to the classes of 2024. 🎓🙌

You

Be a (good) shark 🦈

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This Medium post lists some great ways to make your life easier: Focus on next steps. Be present. Say no a lot. Focus on one thing.

One really surprised me, though: speed up.

I was going to add a point about slowing down but then decided to mix things up a bit and go the other way.

Alex Mathers

I second that idea. 👍

“Speeding up” is what I like to think of as relaxed focus. Just keep moving forward; the motion keeps your momentum up and keeps your thoughts and actions fresh and relevant. No more paralysis of analysis.

Get moving. Prioritise a kind of fluid, calm urgency in your life.

Now, Ted Lasso said “Be a goldfish“, but I’m going to say “Be a shark.”

A quick drawing of a shark moving quickly.

Okay, a shark is a deadly predator. Don’t do that; set that aside for a minute.

The best quality about sharks is that they understand relaxed focus. A shark is always moving purposefully, but it’s never in a hurry.  A shark don’t stop or wallow or get bored or frustrated.  A shark is always going somewhere and always has a plan. A shark’s movement seems to feed its energy rather than expend it.

So in life, be a shark. Keep moving purposefully and own your little neck of the ocean.

See also

“Creativity is not a talent. It is a way of operating.”

“How can a guy think and hit at the same time?”

Quotes

“Think lightly of yourself and deeply of the world.”

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I like this quote from a Mr. Miyamoto Musashi, “a 17th-century Japanese samurai, artist, and writer known for his undefeated fighting record and philosophical work.” Wow, talk about #goals. 🤯

Think lightly of yourself and deeply of the world.

Miyamoto Musashi

He must have been onto something. Yes, the world matters; everything matters. But don’t weigh yourself down personally with it. You are definitely not going to win a lot of sword fights if you do.

This description goes on to say that “After retiring from dueling, the swordsman turned to his community, mentoring students and sharing wisdom through his writing.”

Okay, I have a new hero ✔️ and a new retirement plan ✔️.

Miyamoto Musashi via Wikipedia
Quotes

“Never be so focused on what you’re looking for that you overlook the thing you actually find.”

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I love this quote from author Ann Patchett, a reminder that as we move forward in life, we should pursue useful opportunities that actually present themselves rather than always stay doggedly on the same pre-established track.

Never be so focused on what you’re looking for that you overlook the thing you actually find.

Ann Patchett

This idea compliments the idea that fortune favors people who know what they want. Sure, sail after what you want 🛶, but if you see a beautiful island on your voyage, explore that too. 🏝️

This situation has happened to me most recently with singing, and I am grateful for it. 🙏