Grow always. Spread goodness. Be remarkable.
When was the last time you went outdoors purely for enjoyment?
If you’re like the majority of Americans, it’s probably been a coon’s age.
“So what?” you might think. “I can watch Planet Earth on Blu-ray. It isn’t your business, anyway.”
No, it certainly isn’t, but please don’t get defensive, friend. My intention here is not to condemn you for eschewing the natural world from your normal routine.
Rather, I’d just like to explain a few research-based conclusions that may surprise you.
A lot of folks in our society try to be hyper-productive.
You know — the people who scurry from task to task, always checking e-mail, organizing something, making a call, running an errand, etc.
The people who do this often subscribe to the idea that “staying busy” means you’re working hard and are going to be more successful.
While this belief may be true to an extent, it often leads to mindless “productivity” — a constant need to do something and a tendency to waste time on menial tasks.
Instead of behaving in this way, I choose to do things differently.
I broke my neck in a skiing accident last week, and it was both an awful and profound experience.
I was in beautiful Crested Butte, CO, spending a few days on the slopes, coasting about without a care in the world. It was delightful while it lasted.
Unbeknownst to me, a near-death experience was waiting to interrupt my picturesque vacation.
Despite predictions of apocalyptic events in 2012, planet Earth shows every sign of arriving in 2013, intact.
It’s hard to believe we’re nearly 13 years into the new millenium. Time just keeps on rolling.
The impending New Year, for many people, means it’s time for a bit of lifestyle re-imagining.
Under the guise of ‘New Year’s Resolutions’, people promise themselves they’re going to do all sorts of things, like lose 30 pounds or quit smoking cigarettes.
Unfortunately, most people give up on these resolutions within a couple weeks. Why is that?
I can hardly believe I’m doing this. Again.
It’s mid-December, and I’m standing in swimming trunks on a boat ramp situated along the snowy shore of Lake Superior. Near-30°F water stabs at my feet, punishing them, numbing them.
I’ve never taken a dip in such threatening water before. It’s like knives. I’m not sure I can do this.
I gaze out at the ocean-like expanse that extends to the horizon, and I accept the course of action. I’m here. I’m nearly naked. Okay, go.
This world contains a colossal amount of scary, evil nastiness.
Helpless children are gunned down with increasing regularity in our schools.
Real, honest people face constant discrimination because of the color of their skin pigment.
Innocent civilians are murdered daily because of wars over whose God knows best.
Dedicated life partners are denied marriage because of a natural predisposition to love the same sex.
These things make me sad. They weigh upon me, distress me.
As humans, we’re hardwired to crave praise and acceptance from those around us.
This is why the majority of us are endlessly bent upon imitating one another.
We have this innate drive to be accepted by our fellow man, so we conform to the image of ourselves we feel will be greeted most receptively by everyone.
There’s a problem with this, though. By conforming to an image, you do eventually find acceptance somewhere or other, but it’s probably on a superficial level. It probably isn’t about who you really are.
Words are the building blocks of the world. Words are powerful beyond measure.
This is why Fascist regimes burn books and why corporations pollute mass media with subliminal promotions of popular ideology.
Words make us who we are, and if you aren’t conscientious of how words are directing your life, you’re likely a slave to someone else’s agenda.
Here are 5 words you’d be wise to tattoo upon your very soul:
Effective communicators run the world.
Become one, or risk sacrificing your potential influence.
Today, we sculpt roast turkey and nestle helpings of mashed potatoes between creamed corn and butternut squash.
We loosen our belts a notch or two to make room for a second sliver of pumpkin pie.
This extraordinary day is Thanksgiving, an iconic holiday which stirs up images of wafting, tantalizing scents and colorful, mouth-watering comfort food.
Amidst the bounty and feasting, though, we must not forget the truly extraordinary purpose of the day.
Lies are all around us.
No, I’m not some paranoid conspiracy theorist. I am, however, addicted to knowing the truth.
And guess what? People are lying to you. All day, every day.
TV shows are lying to you. Politicians are lying to you. Music artists are lying to you. Advertisements are lying to you. You’re lying to yourself.
I’m not talking about “lies” in the sense of a whopper story conjured up by an 8-year-old to get out of trouble. I’m talking about the perpetuation of myths.
Myths are destroying your potential.
I'm Jordan, the writer around here.
I'm an easy-going guy who feels strongly about learning regularly, loving generously, and living conscientiously. Read my story...
Sign up for free updates or follow me on Twitter to stay awhile and learn with the community.
Follow @_Jordan_Bates
