Tuesday, December 28, 2010
What is This Blog About?
.
I would like to welcome you to my all-new blog, entitled Inspire Me Please. My main focus is IDEAS: Inspiration, Design, Energy, Art (incl. Fashion and Luxury) and Sarcasm. For me, I am utilizing this rebirth as an effort to inspire others on a mass level.
We have just a few more days of 2010 left and the best advice I have for you is to begin creating New Years Continuations and not so much Resolutions. If you want something, ask for it and go get it. Use the momentum as a beacon of light to take you into the beautiful year of 2011.
One Life Ladies and Gentlemen, You Decide
I would like to welcome you to my all-new blog, entitled Inspire Me Please. My main focus is IDEAS: Inspiration, Design, Energy, Art (incl. Fashion and Luxury) and Sarcasm. For me, I am utilizing this rebirth as an effort to inspire others on a mass level.
We have just a few more days of 2010 left and the best advice I have for you is to begin creating New Years Continuations and not so much Resolutions. If you want something, ask for it and go get it. Use the momentum as a beacon of light to take you into the beautiful year of 2011.
One Life Ladies and Gentlemen, You Decide
Alex, creator of the One Life Brand, Inspire Me Please & Inspire Me Daily, currently resides in LA as an adventurer with the life mission of inspiring others through various creative conduits.
7/31/12
The picture above represents one of the initial reasons that I decided to form a brand.
More info coming soon.
7/31/12
The picture above represents one of the initial reasons that I decided to form a brand.
More info coming soon.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
The Power of Personal Influence
by William George Jordan, 1905
The only responsibility that a man cannot evade in this life is the one he thinks of least,—his personal influence. Man’s conscious influence, when he is on dress-parade, when he is posing to impress those around him,—is woefully small. But his unconscious influence, the silent, subtle radiation of his personality, the effect of his words and acts, the trifles he never considers, —is tremendous. Every moment of life he is changing to a degree the life of the whole world. Every man has an atmosphere which is affecting every other. So silent and unconsciously is this influence working, that man may forget that it exists.
All the forces of Nature,—heat, light, electricity and gravitation,—are silent and invisible. We never see them.; we only know that they exist by seeing the effects they produce. In all Nature the wonders of the “seen ” are dwarfed into insignificance when compared with the majesty and glory of the “unseen.”
Into the hands of every individual is given a marvellous power for good or for evil,—the silent, unconscious, unseen influence of his life. This is simply the constant radiation of what a man really is, not what he pretends to be. Every man, by his mere living, is radiating sympathy, or sorrow, or morbidness, or cynicism, or happiness, or hope, or any of a hundred other qualities. Life is a state of constant radiation and absorption; to exist is to radiate; to exist is to be the recipient of radiations.
There are men and women whose presence seems to radiate sunshine, cheer and optimism. You feel calmed and rested and restored in a moment to a new and stronger faith in humanity. There are others who focus in an instant all your latent distrust, morbidness and rebellion against life. Without knowing why, you chafe and fret in their presence. You lose your bearings on life and its problems. Your moral compass is disturbed and unsatisfactory. It is made untrue in an instant, as the magnetic needle of a ship is deflected when it passes near great mountains of iron ore.
There are men who float down the stream of life like icebergs,—cold, reserved, unapproachable and self-contained. In their presence you involuntarily draw your wraps closer around you, as you wonder who left the door open. These refrigerated human beings have a most depressing influence on all those who fall under the spell of their radiated chilliness. But there are other natures, warm, helpful, genial, who are like the Gulf Stream, following their own course, flowing undaunted and undismayed in the ocean of colder waters. Their presence brings warmth and life and the glow of sunshine, the joyous, stimulating breath of spring.
There are men who are like malarious swamps,—poisonous, depressing and weakening by their very presence. They make heavy, oppressive and gloomy the atmosphere of their own homes; the sound of the children’s play is stilled, the ripples of laughter are frozen by their presence. They go through life as if each day were a new big funeral, and they were always chief mourners. There are other men who seem like the ocean; they are constantly bracing, stimulating, giving new draughts of tonic life and strength by their very presence.
There are men who are insincere in heart, and that insincerity is radiated by their presence. They have a wondrous interest in your welfare,—when they need you. They put on a “property” smile so suddenly, when it serves their purpose, that it seems the smile must be connected with some electric button concealed in their clothes. Their voice has a simulated cordiality that long training may have made almost natural. But they never play their part absolutely true, the mask will slip down sometimes; their cleverness cannot teach their eyes the look of sterling honesty; they may deceive some people, but they cannot deceive all. There is a subtle power of revelation which makes us say: “Well, I cannot explain how it is, but I know that man is not honest.”
Man cannot escape for one moment from this radiation of his character, this constantly weakening or strengthening of others. He cannot evade the responsibility by saying it is an unconscious influence. He can select the qualities that he will permit to be radiated. He can cultivate sweetness, calmness, trust, generosity, truth, justice, loyalty, nobility,—make them vitally active in his character,—and by these qualities he will constantly affect the world…
Men and women have duties to others,—and duties to themselves. In justice to ourselves we should refuse to live in an atmosphere that keeps us from living our best. If the fault be in us, we should master it. If it be the personal influence of others that, like a noxious vapor, kills our best impulses, we should remove from that influence, —if we can possibly move without forsaking duties. If it be wrong to move, then we should take strong doses of moral quinine to counteract the malaria of influence. It is not what those around us do for us that counts,—it is what they are to us. We carry our houseplants from one window to another to give them the proper heat, light, air and moisture. Should we not be at least as careful of ourselves?
To make our influence felt we must live our faith, we must practice what we believe. A magnet does not attract iron, as iron. It must first convert the iron into another magnet before it can attract it. It is useless for a parent to try to teach gentleness to her children when she herself is cross and irritable. The child who is told to be truthful and who hears a parent lie cleverly to escape some little social unpleasantness is not going to cling very zealously to truth. The parent’s words say “don’t lie,” the influence of the parent’s life says “do lie.”
No man can ever isolate himself to evade this constant power of influence, as no single corpuscle can rebel and escape from the general course of the blood. No individual is so insignificant as to be without influence. The changes in our varying moods are all recorded in the delicate barometers of the lives of- others. We should ever let our influence filter through human love and sympathy. We should not be merely an influence,—we should be an inspiration. By our very presence we should be a tower of strength to the hungering human souls around us.
The only responsibility that a man cannot evade in this life is the one he thinks of least,—his personal influence. Man’s conscious influence, when he is on dress-parade, when he is posing to impress those around him,—is woefully small. But his unconscious influence, the silent, subtle radiation of his personality, the effect of his words and acts, the trifles he never considers, —is tremendous. Every moment of life he is changing to a degree the life of the whole world. Every man has an atmosphere which is affecting every other. So silent and unconsciously is this influence working, that man may forget that it exists.
All the forces of Nature,—heat, light, electricity and gravitation,—are silent and invisible. We never see them.; we only know that they exist by seeing the effects they produce. In all Nature the wonders of the “seen ” are dwarfed into insignificance when compared with the majesty and glory of the “unseen.”
Into the hands of every individual is given a marvellous power for good or for evil,—the silent, unconscious, unseen influence of his life. This is simply the constant radiation of what a man really is, not what he pretends to be. Every man, by his mere living, is radiating sympathy, or sorrow, or morbidness, or cynicism, or happiness, or hope, or any of a hundred other qualities. Life is a state of constant radiation and absorption; to exist is to radiate; to exist is to be the recipient of radiations.
There are men and women whose presence seems to radiate sunshine, cheer and optimism. You feel calmed and rested and restored in a moment to a new and stronger faith in humanity. There are others who focus in an instant all your latent distrust, morbidness and rebellion against life. Without knowing why, you chafe and fret in their presence. You lose your bearings on life and its problems. Your moral compass is disturbed and unsatisfactory. It is made untrue in an instant, as the magnetic needle of a ship is deflected when it passes near great mountains of iron ore.
There are men who float down the stream of life like icebergs,—cold, reserved, unapproachable and self-contained. In their presence you involuntarily draw your wraps closer around you, as you wonder who left the door open. These refrigerated human beings have a most depressing influence on all those who fall under the spell of their radiated chilliness. But there are other natures, warm, helpful, genial, who are like the Gulf Stream, following their own course, flowing undaunted and undismayed in the ocean of colder waters. Their presence brings warmth and life and the glow of sunshine, the joyous, stimulating breath of spring.
There are men who are like malarious swamps,—poisonous, depressing and weakening by their very presence. They make heavy, oppressive and gloomy the atmosphere of their own homes; the sound of the children’s play is stilled, the ripples of laughter are frozen by their presence. They go through life as if each day were a new big funeral, and they were always chief mourners. There are other men who seem like the ocean; they are constantly bracing, stimulating, giving new draughts of tonic life and strength by their very presence.
There are men who are insincere in heart, and that insincerity is radiated by their presence. They have a wondrous interest in your welfare,—when they need you. They put on a “property” smile so suddenly, when it serves their purpose, that it seems the smile must be connected with some electric button concealed in their clothes. Their voice has a simulated cordiality that long training may have made almost natural. But they never play their part absolutely true, the mask will slip down sometimes; their cleverness cannot teach their eyes the look of sterling honesty; they may deceive some people, but they cannot deceive all. There is a subtle power of revelation which makes us say: “Well, I cannot explain how it is, but I know that man is not honest.”
Man cannot escape for one moment from this radiation of his character, this constantly weakening or strengthening of others. He cannot evade the responsibility by saying it is an unconscious influence. He can select the qualities that he will permit to be radiated. He can cultivate sweetness, calmness, trust, generosity, truth, justice, loyalty, nobility,—make them vitally active in his character,—and by these qualities he will constantly affect the world…
Men and women have duties to others,—and duties to themselves. In justice to ourselves we should refuse to live in an atmosphere that keeps us from living our best. If the fault be in us, we should master it. If it be the personal influence of others that, like a noxious vapor, kills our best impulses, we should remove from that influence, —if we can possibly move without forsaking duties. If it be wrong to move, then we should take strong doses of moral quinine to counteract the malaria of influence. It is not what those around us do for us that counts,—it is what they are to us. We carry our houseplants from one window to another to give them the proper heat, light, air and moisture. Should we not be at least as careful of ourselves?
To make our influence felt we must live our faith, we must practice what we believe. A magnet does not attract iron, as iron. It must first convert the iron into another magnet before it can attract it. It is useless for a parent to try to teach gentleness to her children when she herself is cross and irritable. The child who is told to be truthful and who hears a parent lie cleverly to escape some little social unpleasantness is not going to cling very zealously to truth. The parent’s words say “don’t lie,” the influence of the parent’s life says “do lie.”
No man can ever isolate himself to evade this constant power of influence, as no single corpuscle can rebel and escape from the general course of the blood. No individual is so insignificant as to be without influence. The changes in our varying moods are all recorded in the delicate barometers of the lives of- others. We should ever let our influence filter through human love and sympathy. We should not be merely an influence,—we should be an inspiration. By our very presence we should be a tower of strength to the hungering human souls around us.
Tuesday, December 07, 2010
Sunday, December 05, 2010
Absolutely Incredible Marketing
Ingenious and hilarious viral marketing video for Logitech Revue with Kevin Bacon.
Thursday, December 02, 2010
The Lottery of Life
Ponder the title for a minute, Lottery of Life. What does it mean to you? Sometimes it takes an image to show us how incredibly blessed we are. These are very heartfelt pictorial billboards created by a Swedish Advertising Agency. They are working with Save the Children. It is an international program that aims to support children throughout the world who have much less than us.
This is amazing work and very creative.
Advertising Agency: Lowe Brindfors, Sweden
Creative Directors: Villard, Bartholf
Copywriter: Stefan Pagreus
Art Directors: Pelle Lundquist, Emmeli Österdahl
Photographer: Stockfoto
Typographer: Ola Lanteli
For more info, visit here.
Wednesday, December 01, 2010
Saturday, November 27, 2010
What's Your Perspective?
So what's the catch? Are these children that daring and fearless?
You ready to take the leap?
Friday, November 26, 2010
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
The Benefits of Walking = The Benefits of Life
Photo taken from Vagabondish.com
November 23, 2010, DailyOM
Walking with Awareness
Mindful Walking
Many of us take the benefits of walking for granted. Each day we limit the steps we take by driving or sitting for long periods of time. But walking even a few blocks a day has unlimited benefits – not only for our health, but our spirit as well, for as we walk, we connect with the earth.
Even when walking on concrete, the earth is still beneath us, supporting us. Walking lets our body remember simpler times, when life was less complicated. This helps us slow down to the speed of our body and take the time to integrate the natural flow of life into our cellular tissue. Instead of running from place to place or thinking about how much more we can fit into our day, walking allows us to exist in the moment.
Each step we take can lead us to becoming more mindful of ourselves and our feelings. Walking slows us down enough not only to pay attention to where we are in our body, but also to our breath. Taking time to simply notice our breath while we walk, through the length of our inhales and exhales, and becoming attuned to the way in which we breathe is taking a step towards mindfulness. When we become more mindful, we gradually increase our awareness of the environment around us and start to recognize that the normal flow of our thoughts and feelings are not always related to where we are in the present moment. Gradually we realize that the connection we have with the earth and the ground beneath our feet is all that is. By walking and practicing breathing mindfully we gain a sense of calm and tranquility -- the problems and troubles of the day slowly fade away because we are in the ‘now’.
The simplicity and ease of a walking practice allows us to create time, space and awareness of our surroundings and of the wonders that lie within. Taking a few moments to walk each day and become more aware of our breath will in turn open the door for the beauty of the world around us to filter in.
via DailyOM
Youth
Youth
By Samuel Ullman
Youth is not a time of life; it is a state of mind; it is not a matter of rosy cheeks, red lips and supple knees; it is a matter of the will, a quality of the imagination, a vigor of the emotions; it is the freshness of the deep springs of life.
Youth means a temperamental predominance of courage over timidity of the appetite, for adventure over the love of ease. This often exists in a man of sixty more than a boy of twenty. Nobody grows old merely by a number of years. We grow old by deserting our ideals.
Years may wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul. Worry, fear, self-distrust bows the heart and turns the spirit back to dust.
Whether sixty or sixteen, there is in every human being’s heart the lure of wonder, the unfailing child-like appetite of what’s next, and the joy of the game of living. In the center of your heart and my heart there is a wireless station; so long as it receives messages of beauty, hope, cheer, courage and power from men and from the infinite, so long are you young.
When the aerials are down, and your spirit is covered with snows of cynicism and the ice of pessimism, then you are grown old, even at twenty, but as long as your aerials are up, to catch the waves of optimism, there is hope you may die young at eighty.
via: artofmanliness.com
By Samuel Ullman
Youth is not a time of life; it is a state of mind; it is not a matter of rosy cheeks, red lips and supple knees; it is a matter of the will, a quality of the imagination, a vigor of the emotions; it is the freshness of the deep springs of life.
Youth means a temperamental predominance of courage over timidity of the appetite, for adventure over the love of ease. This often exists in a man of sixty more than a boy of twenty. Nobody grows old merely by a number of years. We grow old by deserting our ideals.
Years may wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul. Worry, fear, self-distrust bows the heart and turns the spirit back to dust.
Whether sixty or sixteen, there is in every human being’s heart the lure of wonder, the unfailing child-like appetite of what’s next, and the joy of the game of living. In the center of your heart and my heart there is a wireless station; so long as it receives messages of beauty, hope, cheer, courage and power from men and from the infinite, so long are you young.
When the aerials are down, and your spirit is covered with snows of cynicism and the ice of pessimism, then you are grown old, even at twenty, but as long as your aerials are up, to catch the waves of optimism, there is hope you may die young at eighty.
via: artofmanliness.com
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Sunday, November 14, 2010
The Man Who Thinks He Can
It was not until I came across the headline, "Pacquiao beats his opponent, who was seventeen pounds heavier," that I realized how important such an event is for a fighter and how we all can learn something from it. Leading up to the big fight, many critics did not know who would be victorious, but Manny did - he knew he would be awarded yet another title. Although I was not able to watch the fight on television, I had minute-to-minute updates on my phone and Twitter. At one point during the fight, friends of mine began writing: "Pacquiao made Margarito's face look like two butt cheeks," "speed belongs to Pacquiao," and "the giant is no match for this guy."
The fight was so important because it should be exactly how we view life: no battle nor opponent is ever too big to overcome. Prepare and breathe, work hard and then breathe some more, begin conquering those battles that you were once afraid of because you thought you were not worthy or strong enough.
Manny Pacquiao defeated a boxer who was 4 inches taller and 17 pounds heavier. In layman's terms, he whopped Margarito's butt. Do that during the battles of life, but always remember that there is a possibility of losing.
The man who prepares and does not give up, is the man who succeeds in the end.
Who are you?
Go Forth and Believe.
Monday, November 08, 2010
Bright Lights Ahead of Us
AFG Creative Group®
Test-driving a new logo. Which one is better? this one or the older one? PLEASE let me know your thoughts!
Sunday, November 07, 2010
Muhammad Ali: How To Win The Fight
“He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.” -Muhammad Ali
Every entrepreneur is a fighter. The moment you choose to start your own business, you enter the ring and begin the fight of your life. The path of a business owner is a constant battle of your determination, your resilience, and your ability to stay prepared for whatever comes next. Like any good fighter, you have to be strong– mentally, physically and emotionally in order to survive the battle and come out on top.
While we regularly spotlight success strategies from the greatest business minds of our time, let’s pause for a minute to study the mind of Muhammad Ali, one of the greatest fighters of all time. Through his dynamic words entrepreneurs can understand what it takes to fight for their businesses, to endure tough challenges, and to win battles… as well as the hearts and minds of millions.
Here are 10 things entrepreneurs can learn from the legendary fighter, Muhammad Ali:
1. Build a brand around your aspirations. “I am the greatest, I said that even before I knew I was. I figured that if I said it enough, I would convince the world that I really was the greatest.”
2. Don’t be afraid to fight for what you want. “At home I am a nice guy: but I don’t want the world to know. Humble people, I’ve found, don’t get very far.”
3. Learn how to make friends. “Friendship… is not something you learn in school. But if you haven’t learned the meaning of friendship, you really haven’t learned anything.”
4. Embrace training. “I hated every minute of training, but I said, don’t quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.”
5. Let your focus set you free. “I know where I’m going and I know the truth, and I don’t have to be what you want me to be. I’m free to be what I want.”
6. Don’t let defeats destroy you. “I never thought of losing, but now that it’ s happened, the only thing is to do it right. That’s my obligation to all the people who believe in me. We all have to take defeats in life.”
7. Anyone can be great. “If they can make penicillin out of moldy bread, they can sure make something out of you.”
8. What you think is what you become. “It’s the repetition of affirmations that leads to belief. And once that belief becomes a deep conviction, things begin to happen.”
9. Defeat leads to victory. “Only a man who knows what it is like to be defeated can reach down to the bottom of his soul and come up with the extra ounce of power it takes to win when the match is even.”
10. The battle is won in your mind. “The fight is won or lost far away from witnesses – behind the lines, in the gym, and out there on the road, long before I dance under those lights.”
*Bonus- Aim high. “What keeps me going is goals.”
Reblogged from BrandMakerNews
What Does Impossible Mean Anyway?
One Life Brand™
All Rights Reserved
Mission Statement
One Life Brand focuses on inspiring, reminding, motivating and enabling current and childhood dreams through a variety of seminars, writings and products such as tees, greeting cards, photographs and video productions. We embody the significance of journeying courageously and living life to the fullest. With interest in our company and purchasing our products, you are not only accepting the truth that life is beautiful, but you are now responsible for spreading the importance of dreaming big, stepping outside your comfort zone and living the life you envision - we believe it is the only way.
One Life, You Decide™
Be on the lookout for more One Life Brand news and products emerging in early 2011.
Thursday, November 04, 2010
The Imaginary Foundation
If by Rudyard Kipling
If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or, being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or, being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise;
If you can dream - and not make dreams your master;
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with triumph and disaster
And treat those two imposters just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with wornout tools;
If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breath a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on";
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings - nor lose the common touch;
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run -
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man my son!
I love my A-PHI.
If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or, being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or, being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise;
If you can dream - and not make dreams your master;
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with triumph and disaster
And treat those two imposters just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with wornout tools;
If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breath a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on";
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings - nor lose the common touch;
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run -
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man my son!
I love my A-PHI.
Wednesday, November 03, 2010
30 Seconds with Bryan Dyson
Imagine life as a game in which you are juggling some five balls in the
air. You name them - Work, Family, Health, Friends and Spirit and you're
keeping all of these in the air.
You will soon understand that work is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will
bounce back. But the other four balls - Family, Health, Friends and Spirit - are made of
glass. If you drop one of these, they will be irrevocably scuffed, marked,
nicked, damaged or even shattered. They will never be the same. You must
understand that and strive for it.
Work efficiently during office hours and leave on time. Give the required time to your family and friends and have proper rest.
Dyson is the former CEO of Coca-Cola
air. You name them - Work, Family, Health, Friends and Spirit and you're
keeping all of these in the air.
You will soon understand that work is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will
bounce back. But the other four balls - Family, Health, Friends and Spirit - are made of
glass. If you drop one of these, they will be irrevocably scuffed, marked,
nicked, damaged or even shattered. They will never be the same. You must
understand that and strive for it.
Work efficiently during office hours and leave on time. Give the required time to your family and friends and have proper rest.
Dyson is the former CEO of Coca-Cola
Tuesday, November 02, 2010
Guaranteed Success
No one can guarantee that you will be successful or fulfilled in your life and that's what makes success and fulfillment so desirable. If you wish to experience life's true richness, you must make your own way toward it. Others can lead you and guide you and encourage you, yet no one can do it for you.
You are blessed with the magnificent opportunity to express what it means to be alive in your own unique way. The fulfillment of that opportunity, by very definition, must come from you.
The real meaning of accomplishment is not what you get. Accomplishment has value because of what you put into it. Though no one else can guarantee your success, you can guarantee it by making the commitment to do whatever you must do. You can guarantee it with your intention, your focus, your action and your persistence.
Today, tomorrow, in any place, whatever the situation, you can make a difference, for your own life, and for your world. Grab that opportunity, make the most of it every chance you get, and you'll guarantee your own success.
-Ralph Marston
via GreatDay.com
You are blessed with the magnificent opportunity to express what it means to be alive in your own unique way. The fulfillment of that opportunity, by very definition, must come from you.
The real meaning of accomplishment is not what you get. Accomplishment has value because of what you put into it. Though no one else can guarantee your success, you can guarantee it by making the commitment to do whatever you must do. You can guarantee it with your intention, your focus, your action and your persistence.
Today, tomorrow, in any place, whatever the situation, you can make a difference, for your own life, and for your world. Grab that opportunity, make the most of it every chance you get, and you'll guarantee your own success.
-Ralph Marston
via GreatDay.com
Monday, November 01, 2010
Follow Me - AlessandrosPath
In efforts to be more connected with my readers, I have set up a twitter account. Follow me by clicking the image above!
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Ferrari World Opens Soon
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi will be the world’s largest indoor theme park.
Opens November 4, 2010.
Admission - $60
The Main Attractions:
- Formula Rossa – The world’s fastest roller coaster reaching speeds of up to 150mph.
- Speed of Magic – A fantasy journey that lets you follow the adventures of a young boy as he travels through 4-D fantasy dreamscapes.
- Made in Maranello – A virtual trip behind the walls of the famous Ferrari factory in Maranello.
- V12 – An exciting flume ride to the heart of a 12 cylinders engine.
- G-Force – A thrilling tower ride that will let you experience the actual G-force of a Ferrari, in a seat inspired by the Ferrari Enzo.
- Scuderia Challenge – Experience the ultimate state-of-the-art racing simulations.
- Fiorano GT Challenge – The ultimate drag race.
- Galleria Ferrari – The ultimate display of Ferrari cars straight from Maranello and top collectors from around the world.
- Junior Grand Prix – Racing fun for kids in scaled-down Ferrari F1 racer
Opens November 4, 2010.
Admission - $60
The Main Attractions:
- Formula Rossa – The world’s fastest roller coaster reaching speeds of up to 150mph.
- Speed of Magic – A fantasy journey that lets you follow the adventures of a young boy as he travels through 4-D fantasy dreamscapes.
- Made in Maranello – A virtual trip behind the walls of the famous Ferrari factory in Maranello.
- V12 – An exciting flume ride to the heart of a 12 cylinders engine.
- G-Force – A thrilling tower ride that will let you experience the actual G-force of a Ferrari, in a seat inspired by the Ferrari Enzo.
- Scuderia Challenge – Experience the ultimate state-of-the-art racing simulations.
- Fiorano GT Challenge – The ultimate drag race.
- Galleria Ferrari – The ultimate display of Ferrari cars straight from Maranello and top collectors from around the world.
- Junior Grand Prix – Racing fun for kids in scaled-down Ferrari F1 racer
Thursday, October 28, 2010
The Father and His Sons
A father had a family of sons who were always fighting. He had no luck trying to stop their arguments with words, so he decided to teach them a lesson. He told his sons to bring him a bunch of sticks. He took the sticks and gave them to his eldest son and asked him to break them. The eldest son tried with all his strength but was not able to do it. The other sons tried and were also unsuccessful. The father then separated the sticks and put one into each son's hand. He asked his sons again to try and break the sticks. They broke them easily. The father said, "My sons, if you are of one mind, and unite to assist each other, you will be like these sticks together; but if you are divided among yourselves, you will be broken as easily as a single stick."
an age old fable.
an age old fable.
Monday, October 25, 2010
The Audacity to Change the World
For many years, I have often questioned if I deserve what I am given or why I am blessed with so many wonderful opportunities. In light of the recent passing of a childhood friend, I have been very pensive and introspective about life, its meaning and its purpose. With amazing life experiences, from growing up on the south-side of Chicago to dinners with billionaires to visiting the free-trade zone between Haiti and the Dominican Republic to attending a top-twenty University, I have not only seen extreme wealthy and poverty, but also, extreme sadness and happiness.
With so many eye-opening experiences of both, struggle and 'the good life,' I will no longer ask myself such a useless and worn-out question. I am walking my own path while picking up very useful tools along the way and for that reason, I am blessed. For that reason, I will now ask myself, "What positive things will I do with all these opportunities, how will I continue serving others and thus, helping myself and most importantly, HOW WILL I HELP CHANGE THE WORLD?"
Do you think Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Ghandi, Martin Luther King, Jr., Mother Teresa, Maya Angelou, Hellen Keller, Winston Churchill, Frederick Douglass, Abraham Lincoln and etc., just woke up one day with the power to change the world as teenagers, young adults and adults? Or do you think they began to ask the more important question, 'how can I help others with my passions? Teresa believed in Love, Ghandi believed in Peace and MLK believed in the Dream. Mandela once said, "there is no passion to be found playing small - in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.” Everyone believes in something amazing, whether YOU realize it or not. It is my hope and prayer that you continue to find and embrace your passions and purposes. Stop asking, 'why am I so blessed, why has my neighborhood become so bad and why does life oscillate so much,' and begin asking yourself the right questions, the questions that not only result in helping others, but also helping yourself.
Begin and continue using your passions to everyone's advantage. If you love painting, create pictures depicting the struggles of others. If you love children, begin volunteering at foster homes and after-school programs. If you love building cars, work to build more energy-efficient and nature-friendly vehicles. If you love something, embrace it! If you love something, use it! If you love something, say it! With the recent passing of yet another childhood friend, I have not only come to realize that life is very fragile, but that it is very important to be zest-ful. Tomorrow is not promised to anyone, but today you can begin making a difference.
As for me, I plan on helping through movies, documentaries, food, photography, public speaking, mentoring and many other passions that will one day be discovered.
But enough about me, HOW WILL YOU HELP CHANGE THE WORLD?
Believe me, you have the power. Go forth.
One Life, You Decide™
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
TEDxMidwest Style
TED may be an acronym for Technology, Entertainment and Design, but it stands for much, much more. For many, it serves as a reminder to be idealistic in a seemingly pessimistic society.
About a week ago, I was given the opportunity to volunteer for the TEDxMidwest conference at the Museum of Contemporary Art. Of course, this was not my first encounter with TED - in fact, me and TED go way back. I first came across the website about two years ago and watched several inspirational videos from Steve Jobs' "How to Live Before You Die," to Graham Hill's "I'm a Weekday Vegetarian." Guaranteeing-ly, every video on the TED.com serves a purpose, from tickling a funny bone to turning a smile upside down with more serious videos on topics such as 'sex slavery, corruption, gay-bashing and etc.'
The 'x' next to TED signifies that it is an independently organized TED event. Although this was the first annual TEDxMidwest event, the organizers and supporting staff made sure that it was an extraordinary event. But that is not it. I was given the greatest opportunity to work behind stage and converse with all the great speakers and performers. Over the course of a day and a half, I talked to individuals with interesting careers: National Geographic Photographer, Ocean Defender, Expert of Deception, Behavioral Economist, Painter, World Expert on Negotiation and Peace, National Geographic Explorer, Visual Designer, Dinosaur Hunter, Urban Revitalization Strategist, Sustainable Architecture Builder, Rainforest Conservationist, Chocoloatier, Storyteller,Imaginist, Top Hacker Guru, Ocean Ambassador and Space Program Head.
Without a doubt, there was something for everyone at this conference. It served as the exact thing I needed at the perfect time. With my upcoming move and start to my career, I feel like I am unstoppable. A few weeks ago, a good buddy of mine told me to start looking at life's path as a track with hurdles that I will definitely be able to get over if I prepare myself properly. There are no road blocks in life, only hurdles. Life is all based on how you view it.
I now have another goal to put on my bucketlist, another goal to strive for. One day, I would like to be a speaker at a TED event, and if I prepare myself properly, I will.
One Life, You Decide™
Saturday, October 16, 2010
50 Questions That Will Free Your Mind, Reblogged
1. How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?
2. Which is worse, failing or never trying?
3. If life is so short, why do we do so many things we don’t like and like so many things we don’t do?
4. When it’s all said and done, will you have said more than you’ve done?
5. What is the one thing you’d most like to change about the world?
6. If happiness was the national currency, what kind of work would make you rich?
7. Are you doing what you believe in, or are you settling for what you are doing?
8. If the average human life span was 40 years, how would you live your life differently?
9. To what degree have you actually controlled the course your life has taken?
10. Are you more worried about doing things right, or doing the right things?
11. You’re having lunch with three people you respect and admire. They all start criticizing a close friend of yours, not knowing she is your friend. The criticism is distasteful and unjustified. What do you do?
12. If you could offer a newborn child only one piece of advice, what would it be?
13. Would you break the law to save a loved one?
14. Have you ever seen insanity where you later saw creativity?
15. What’s something you know you do differently than most people?
16. How come the things that make you happy don’t make everyone happy?
17. What one thing have you not done that you really want to do? What’s holding you back?
18. Are you holding onto something you need to let go of?
19. If you had to move to a state or country besides the one you currently live in, where would you move and why?
20. Do you push the elevator button more than once? Do you really believe it makes the elevator faster?
21. Would you rather be a worried genius or a joyful simpleton?
22. Why are you, you?
23. Have you been the kind of friend you want as a friend?
24. Which is worse, when a good friend moves away, or losing touch with a good friend who lives right near you?
25. What are you most grateful for?
26. Would you rather lose all of your old memories, or never be able to make new ones?
27. Is is possible to know the truth without challenging it first?
28. Has your greatest fear ever come true?
29. Do you remember that time 5 years ago when you were extremely upset? Does it really matter now?
30. What is your happiest childhood memory? What makes it so special?
31. At what time in your recent past have you felt most passionate and alive?
32. If not now, then when?
33. If you haven’t achieved it yet, what do you have to lose?
34. Have you ever been with someone, said nothing, and walked away feeling like you just had the best conversation ever?
35. Why do religions that support love cause so many wars?
36. Is it possible to know, without a doubt, what is good and what is evil?
37. If you just won a million dollars, would you quit your job?
38. Would you rather have less work to do, or more work you actually enjoy doing?
39. Do you feel like you’ve lived this day a hundred times before?
40. When was the last time you marched into the dark with only the soft glow of an idea you strongly believed in?
41. If you knew that everyone you know was going to die tomorrow, who would you visit today?
42. Would you be willing to reduce your life expectancy by 10 years to become extremely attractive or famous?
43. What is the difference between being alive and truly living?
44. When is it time to stop calculating risk and rewards, and just go ahead and do what you know is right?
45. If we learn from our mistakes, why are we always so afraid to make a mistake?
46. What would you do differently if you knew nobody would judge you?
47. When was the last time you noticed the sound of your own breathing?
48. What do you love? Have any of your recent actions openly expressed this love?
49. In 5 years from now, will you remember what you did yesterday? What about the day before that? Or the day before that?
50. Decisions are being made right now. The question is: Are you making them for yourself, or are you letting others make them for you?
Reblogged from marcandangel.com
2. Which is worse, failing or never trying?
3. If life is so short, why do we do so many things we don’t like and like so many things we don’t do?
4. When it’s all said and done, will you have said more than you’ve done?
5. What is the one thing you’d most like to change about the world?
6. If happiness was the national currency, what kind of work would make you rich?
7. Are you doing what you believe in, or are you settling for what you are doing?
8. If the average human life span was 40 years, how would you live your life differently?
9. To what degree have you actually controlled the course your life has taken?
10. Are you more worried about doing things right, or doing the right things?
11. You’re having lunch with three people you respect and admire. They all start criticizing a close friend of yours, not knowing she is your friend. The criticism is distasteful and unjustified. What do you do?
12. If you could offer a newborn child only one piece of advice, what would it be?
13. Would you break the law to save a loved one?
14. Have you ever seen insanity where you later saw creativity?
15. What’s something you know you do differently than most people?
16. How come the things that make you happy don’t make everyone happy?
17. What one thing have you not done that you really want to do? What’s holding you back?
18. Are you holding onto something you need to let go of?
19. If you had to move to a state or country besides the one you currently live in, where would you move and why?
20. Do you push the elevator button more than once? Do you really believe it makes the elevator faster?
21. Would you rather be a worried genius or a joyful simpleton?
22. Why are you, you?
23. Have you been the kind of friend you want as a friend?
24. Which is worse, when a good friend moves away, or losing touch with a good friend who lives right near you?
25. What are you most grateful for?
26. Would you rather lose all of your old memories, or never be able to make new ones?
27. Is is possible to know the truth without challenging it first?
28. Has your greatest fear ever come true?
29. Do you remember that time 5 years ago when you were extremely upset? Does it really matter now?
30. What is your happiest childhood memory? What makes it so special?
31. At what time in your recent past have you felt most passionate and alive?
32. If not now, then when?
33. If you haven’t achieved it yet, what do you have to lose?
34. Have you ever been with someone, said nothing, and walked away feeling like you just had the best conversation ever?
35. Why do religions that support love cause so many wars?
36. Is it possible to know, without a doubt, what is good and what is evil?
37. If you just won a million dollars, would you quit your job?
38. Would you rather have less work to do, or more work you actually enjoy doing?
39. Do you feel like you’ve lived this day a hundred times before?
40. When was the last time you marched into the dark with only the soft glow of an idea you strongly believed in?
41. If you knew that everyone you know was going to die tomorrow, who would you visit today?
42. Would you be willing to reduce your life expectancy by 10 years to become extremely attractive or famous?
43. What is the difference between being alive and truly living?
44. When is it time to stop calculating risk and rewards, and just go ahead and do what you know is right?
45. If we learn from our mistakes, why are we always so afraid to make a mistake?
46. What would you do differently if you knew nobody would judge you?
47. When was the last time you noticed the sound of your own breathing?
48. What do you love? Have any of your recent actions openly expressed this love?
49. In 5 years from now, will you remember what you did yesterday? What about the day before that? Or the day before that?
50. Decisions are being made right now. The question is: Are you making them for yourself, or are you letting others make them for you?
Reblogged from marcandangel.com
Influencers
Influencers is an upcoming documentary about the title itself. What does it mean to be an influencer, an innovator or a mentor in today's creative world? Be taught and then become the teacher.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Friday, October 08, 2010
The Year of 23: Now or Never
The Bucketlist
1) Run a 5K or 10K [✔]
2) Brew and drink a homemade wine[✔]
3) Volunteer at least 150 hours for a greater good
4) Hike to the Hollywood Sign in Los Angeles [✔]
5) Journal daily[x]
6) Perform 23 selfless acts for complete strangers[23][✔]
➝At least one act must be to help someone (friend or stranger) achieve a big dream [✔]
7) Become CPR certified
8) Learn to play the piano and be able to play two songs well
9) Attend Day Glow LA 2010 [x - Event Not Scheduled in LA]
10) Solve a Rubik's Cube
11) Take a picture of myself daily[x]
12) Complete personal website & completely redesign Hopeful Dreams Today [✔]
13) Visit San Francisco [✔]
14) Sell a piece of artwork [✔]
15) Draft a chapter once a month (for upcoming book)[x]
16) Be a "Yes Man" for a week (exact dates will not be disclosed)[✔]
17) Attend a Lakers game[x]
18) Go skiing [✔]
19) Learn how to make sushi[✔]
20) Break a Guinness World Record
21) Be an extra in a film/short[✔]
22) Take a yoga or meditation class[✔]
23) Sleep under the stars[✔]
For every task I do not complete, I will add $20 to the One Life Brand Foundation.
First things first, thank you to everyone who emailed, called, texted or messaged me with suggestions for my 'Year of 23' list. Over the last few days, I received over 150 fantastic and daring suggestions. Today, I managed to scale the list down. In celebration of my 23rd birthday and with the help of friends, I have compiled the list above. For every year I have been alive, there is a goal I must complete by my 24th birthday. If you do not see your suggestion on this list, be sure to check out my previous post, Dreams & Goals, which is an extended bucketlist of goals I would like to complete in my lifetime. I would highly appreciate the support and inspiration from my readers to stay on track. 23 | History in the Making.
One Life
Wise Words from Jimmy Carter
"With unmatched economic power and military might. The threat is nearly invisible in ordinary ways. It is a crisis of confidence. It is a crisis that strikes at the very heart and soul and spirit of our national will. We can see this crisis in the growing doubt about the meaning of our own lives and in the loss of a unity of purpose for our nation. The erosion of our confidence in the future is threatening to destroy the social and the political fabric of America.
The confidence that we have always had as a people is not simply some romantic dream or a proverb in a dusty book that we read just on the Fourth of July. It is the idea which founded our nation and has guided our development as a people. Confidence in the future has supported everything else - public institutions and private enterprise, our own families, and the very Constitution of the United States. Confidence has defined our course and has served as a link between generations. We’ve always believed in something called progress. We’ve always had a faith that the days of our children would be better than our own.
Our people are losing that faith, not only in government itself but in the ability as citizens to serve as the ultimate rulers and shapers of our democracy. As a people we know our past and we are proud of it. Our progress has been part of the living history of America, even the world. We always believed that we were part of a great movement of humanity itself called democracy, involved in the search for freedom; and that belief has always strengthened us in our purpose. But just as we are losing our confidence in the future, we are also beginning to close the door on our past.
In a nation that was proud of hard work, strong families, close-knit communities, and our faith in God, too many of us now tend to worship self-indulgence and consumption. Human identity is no longer defined by what one does, but by what one owns. But we’ve discovered that owning things and consuming things does not satisfy our longing for meaning. We’ve learned that piling up material goods cannot fill the emptiness of lives which have no confidence or purpose."
-Jimmy Carter, Crisis of Confidence, 1979
Sunday, October 03, 2010
Saturday, October 02, 2010
Louis Vuitton's The Big Apple
Although LA is my home, I love NYC. Very cool short on the history of 'The Big Apple.'
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Monday, September 27, 2010
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Ask Alex a Question
In 300 words or less, what you are passionate about in your life?
My passion is life. I recently graduated from college and have spent the entire last year traveling, living and studying abroad in New York City, Spain, Dominican Republic and Hong Kong. In traveling the world, I have been blessed with the gift of forging international friendships; I think it is the most important thing in life. In addition, I was able to broaden my passions of writing and video production and hope to one day call them careers.
Working abroad for an internship placement company has allowed me to engage with students from various avenues throughout the world. Although many students and I are very close in age, I love to act as a dream enabler for those who need an extra kick. During my engagements with students, I have executed several things from holding ‘Let’s Talk about Your Dreams’ seminars to sending letters full of inspirational words.
At the end of my life, I not only want to be satisfied with everything I have personally accomplished and attained, but also, how much I helped others.
Living life is my passion, everyday is merely another opportunity to expand it.
My passion is life. I recently graduated from college and have spent the entire last year traveling, living and studying abroad in New York City, Spain, Dominican Republic and Hong Kong. In traveling the world, I have been blessed with the gift of forging international friendships; I think it is the most important thing in life. In addition, I was able to broaden my passions of writing and video production and hope to one day call them careers.
Working abroad for an internship placement company has allowed me to engage with students from various avenues throughout the world. Although many students and I are very close in age, I love to act as a dream enabler for those who need an extra kick. During my engagements with students, I have executed several things from holding ‘Let’s Talk about Your Dreams’ seminars to sending letters full of inspirational words.
At the end of my life, I not only want to be satisfied with everything I have personally accomplished and attained, but also, how much I helped others.
Living life is my passion, everyday is merely another opportunity to expand it.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Peaks and Valleys, VU Magazine
Below is a story that touched me, definitely worth the read.
By Michelle Eckland
A few years ago, ohana—for me—basically meant my mom, my dad and my brother. Since losing my mother to a rare form of cancer, ohana has come to mean much more.
As a child I was constantly afraid that one day I would wake up and my mom would be dead. I remember in seventh grade waking up to my brother telling me that my mom was in the hospital yet again. She had multiple diseases that led to hospital visits, surgeries, and numerous visits to doctors.
During my junior year of high school, my fear of losing my mom was intensified. In April 2006, Mom was diagnosed with stage 4 cholangiocarcinoma—a rare cancer of the bile ducts. The doctors told her that her cancer had a very poor prognosis and that she would probably live for about a year. They told her she could try chemotherapy, but that it probably wouldn’t shrink the size of her tumors. My mom started chemotherapy on Sept. 11, 2006—just two weeks into my senior year of high school.
Throughout the next six months, as my mom received chemotherapy, I watched her independence slowly diminish. First she could no longer drive. After that the cancer took away her balance, her memory, and everything that made my mom who she was. With each new development, my fear would increase.
Click Here to Continue
By Michelle Eckland
A few years ago, ohana—for me—basically meant my mom, my dad and my brother. Since losing my mother to a rare form of cancer, ohana has come to mean much more.
As a child I was constantly afraid that one day I would wake up and my mom would be dead. I remember in seventh grade waking up to my brother telling me that my mom was in the hospital yet again. She had multiple diseases that led to hospital visits, surgeries, and numerous visits to doctors.
During my junior year of high school, my fear of losing my mom was intensified. In April 2006, Mom was diagnosed with stage 4 cholangiocarcinoma—a rare cancer of the bile ducts. The doctors told her that her cancer had a very poor prognosis and that she would probably live for about a year. They told her she could try chemotherapy, but that it probably wouldn’t shrink the size of her tumors. My mom started chemotherapy on Sept. 11, 2006—just two weeks into my senior year of high school.
Throughout the next six months, as my mom received chemotherapy, I watched her independence slowly diminish. First she could no longer drive. After that the cancer took away her balance, her memory, and everything that made my mom who she was. With each new development, my fear would increase.
Click Here to Continue
Friday, September 10, 2010
The Quest
Choosing between NYC and LA is like having to choose between two beautiful women that you like, but the question you have to ask yourself is, "do I go with the one that has played with my emotions this last year or do I go with the one I have always loved?" I now know the answer.
Wednesday, September 08, 2010
Labor Day Lessons Pt. 2
Stop Thinking You're the Busiest Person in the World and Start Maximizing Your Life
How many minutes or hours do you waste in an average day? It is all too often that I hear individuals (and myself) talk about being too tired or too busy to do something. Why is procrastination and the idea of putting things off until tomorrow so prevalent in our lives? Especially within my generation, although it is spreading to others as well, we are burdened with so many daily distractions such as Facebook, Skype and Twitter that do indeed make our days go faster, but ultimately do the same for our lives. How many times have you overheard your best friend talking to new people about how incredibly busy she or he is, knowing that it was not completely accurate? How many times have you questioned your yourself and asked, "Am I really as busy or as tired as I make it seem?"
A few years ago, I started dreaming of the idea of fictional writing and thought it would be amazing to write a book, "A Son's Faith." A few years later and today, I hold nothing but that same dream and exactly one page of brainstorming notes. For the last 650 days or so of my life, I have been telling myself, "it will come when it comes." For months I have been struggling with this idea. I began to question myself, 'what exactly will make 'it' come? A day of great experiences? An extra writing course? A miracle? Perhaps these are all very credible and interesting ideas, but the fact is, 'it' is already here; 'it' is already within me. By telling myself that I am too busy at the moment, I am doing nothing but giving myself an excuse to work with and build upon. Instead, I should be affirming myself and my goals. I should be maximizing my everyday life. Everyday, I spend countless minutes that usually turn into hours online, refreshing pages that have not been updated in hours. With every hour that I utilize casually online, I lose one offline. I am losing hours to build my brands, I am losing hours to read and take my mind to places that I dream of one day going. I am losing hours to strengthen my relationships with friends and family members. I am losing hours of my life, but why?
I guarantee that with the money Zuckerberg is making, Facebook will be there at the end of the day, week and year. I guarantee that if you (and I) stop procrastinating some days that you (and I) will not feel like 'the busiest woman and man in the world' other days. I guarantee that if you take an hour out of your day to study a new language, one year later you will be pretty amazing with a foreign tongue (get Rosetta Stone, it's amazing). I guarantee that if you focus on your relationships with others, that days of loneliness and solitude will start to dwindle. I guarantee that if you start maximizing your day TODAY, you will begin smiling a lot more.
Let's be honest, at the end of your life, do you want to be one of those individuals that says I used everything I was given in life or do you want to be one of the half-assers that looks back on life wishing you had done more - that you had asked that girl out on a date, that you would have picked up that new hobby, that you decided to start living.
What do you want your epitaph to read? Go forth and enjoy life.
live well my friends,
be you, be incredible™
How many minutes or hours do you waste in an average day? It is all too often that I hear individuals (and myself) talk about being too tired or too busy to do something. Why is procrastination and the idea of putting things off until tomorrow so prevalent in our lives? Especially within my generation, although it is spreading to others as well, we are burdened with so many daily distractions such as Facebook, Skype and Twitter that do indeed make our days go faster, but ultimately do the same for our lives. How many times have you overheard your best friend talking to new people about how incredibly busy she or he is, knowing that it was not completely accurate? How many times have you questioned your yourself and asked, "Am I really as busy or as tired as I make it seem?"
A few years ago, I started dreaming of the idea of fictional writing and thought it would be amazing to write a book, "A Son's Faith." A few years later and today, I hold nothing but that same dream and exactly one page of brainstorming notes. For the last 650 days or so of my life, I have been telling myself, "it will come when it comes." For months I have been struggling with this idea. I began to question myself, 'what exactly will make 'it' come? A day of great experiences? An extra writing course? A miracle? Perhaps these are all very credible and interesting ideas, but the fact is, 'it' is already here; 'it' is already within me. By telling myself that I am too busy at the moment, I am doing nothing but giving myself an excuse to work with and build upon. Instead, I should be affirming myself and my goals. I should be maximizing my everyday life. Everyday, I spend countless minutes that usually turn into hours online, refreshing pages that have not been updated in hours. With every hour that I utilize casually online, I lose one offline. I am losing hours to build my brands, I am losing hours to read and take my mind to places that I dream of one day going. I am losing hours to strengthen my relationships with friends and family members. I am losing hours of my life, but why?
I guarantee that with the money Zuckerberg is making, Facebook will be there at the end of the day, week and year. I guarantee that if you (and I) stop procrastinating some days that you (and I) will not feel like 'the busiest woman and man in the world' other days. I guarantee that if you take an hour out of your day to study a new language, one year later you will be pretty amazing with a foreign tongue (get Rosetta Stone, it's amazing). I guarantee that if you focus on your relationships with others, that days of loneliness and solitude will start to dwindle. I guarantee that if you start maximizing your day TODAY, you will begin smiling a lot more.
Let's be honest, at the end of your life, do you want to be one of those individuals that says I used everything I was given in life or do you want to be one of the half-assers that looks back on life wishing you had done more - that you had asked that girl out on a date, that you would have picked up that new hobby, that you decided to start living.
What do you want your epitaph to read? Go forth and enjoy life.
live well my friends,
be you, be incredible™
What's Your Dream Career
All Rights Reserved to Alex Echols(AFG Creative Group) and University Dreams except Music.
Tuesday, September 07, 2010
What I Learned this Weekend & How it May Help You
This past weekend in New York City, I had the pleasure of seeing old friends and forging new relationships. Additionally, I attended a spectacular gala for a company that I have worked with on and off, for the last few years. Besides the long hours of partying my nights away and eating slices of New York Pizza, I was blessed to be so renewed.
The Power of Networking and Friendships
We all are very familiar with the age old saying, "it's not what you know, but who you know." After this weekend, I think it should be updated to: "it's not what you know, but who you know and how well you stay in touch with them." At a very young age, I was not only taught to network, but to strive for very strong and genuine relationships. It was also instilled in me to cut the ties of connections that hinder and affect me in ways that do not produce growth (literally and metaphorically). If we surround ourselves with individuals who see life through dirty, cracked lenses, then over time, we may begin to view life just as pessimistically.
Surround yourself not only with those who are just as dedicated and passionate as you, but also with those who are more dedicated and more passionate. In the end, growth will be the prize, I guarantee it. As you continue to forge new relationships and strengthen older ones, always remember where you come from, who originally helped you and how you felt before you were helped (and from there, begin to help others). We all have times in our lives when peaceful solitude is what we need, but with a great network, we should never see days of dissatisfied solitude. Be a friend and business partner not only in times of need, but also in times of giving. Network to your net does not work anymore, and if that one happens to wear, tear and break, get a new one.
Being un(Realistic) and Following Your Dreams
If you are a dreamer, then make a promise to yourself right now to always remain one. If it was not for individuals who 'see the world and ask, "why not," then half of the things we utilize and see everyday probably would not exist. Over the last few weeks, I have been told by several individuals to start being realistic about my life and future. Two words are coming to mind right now: Fuck That! I am very aware that there is very, very thin line between realism and idealism, but be honest with yourself right now, would you be here today if you never had some sort of dream? Would you have fought so hard to graduate from college if you did not believe in yourself? Would you have raised beautiful children to always follow their hearts and do what they love in life if you personally did not believe what you were saying? Would you have practiced so hard on the baseball diamond or in the piano room if you did not believe growth was possible? All these instances take some sort of dreaming whether it is minuscule or very large. To be honest, I think those who dream the biggest are the most courageous.
Do not take this the wrong way, I do not support dreaming while sitting on your ass. If you want something or dream of something great, then you are going to have to work for it (and work even harder as your dreams become more elaborate). Be passionate about your days and begin to look at your life and your future with a smile. Smile for the simple fact that you alone have the power to make the choice to live life as you imagine it. Nothing that is earned should come easy in life and hardships will make the acquisition of dreams that much sweeter.
Ask yourself one last question: If there was nothing I dreamed, wanted, desired, craved, ached, fancied, longed, preferred, needed, thirsted, wished, yearned, aspired or wished for before I went to sleep yesterday, would I be reading this today?
live well my friends,
One Life, You Decide™
"There is a fine line between dreams and reality, it's up to you to draw it."
-B. Quilliam
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
The Journey: A Year to be Thankful For
.
Exactly one year ago, I had a 10:30 PM ticket in my pocket booked for Barcelona, Spain. I was set to sail away from America to embark on a journey that I will never forget. From the rich paella and fine Spanish wine to the beautiful beaches of the Dominican Republic that we generally see in calendars to the night markets of China, I have to admit that I am tremendously thankful (and blessed) for such opportunities in my life, and as a means of sharing this last year with my audience, I have complied a list of experiences that will always make me smile and forever remain in my heart. Enjoy and feel free to add your own experiences to the list if you were there with me.
Exactly one year ago, I set sail away from the United States of America to embark on a journey that I will never forget.
(That was just the beginning.)
Be You, Be Incredible
One Life, You Decide™
P.S. Euros, Pesos, Hong Kong Dollars, O My!
Exactly one year ago, I had a 10:30 PM ticket in my pocket booked for Barcelona, Spain. I was set to sail away from America to embark on a journey that I will never forget. From the rich paella and fine Spanish wine to the beautiful beaches of the Dominican Republic that we generally see in calendars to the night markets of China, I have to admit that I am tremendously thankful (and blessed) for such opportunities in my life, and as a means of sharing this last year with my audience, I have complied a list of experiences that will always make me smile and forever remain in my heart. Enjoy and feel free to add your own experiences to the list if you were there with me.
Barcelona & the World of Europe
1. Eating paella de marisco with the Tashashes at Port Vell
2. Drinking cava and wine at a world famous Penedès cellar
3. Sharing tapas with my host mother as one of our final dinners together
4. Watching a traditional Flamenco show in Triana, Spain (it's birthplace)
5. Hiking to the top of Montjuïc to see the entire city of Barcelona (and my home)
6. Visiting Antoni Gaudí's Park Güell
7. Traveling solo to Seville for my personal mecca and retreat
8. Swimming with the White Dolphins in Amsterdam
9. Traditional Valencian dinner with my guardian angel's family
10. Being threatened in Madrid for trying to break up a fight
11. The Erasmus weekend trip with unlimited Sangria and Vodka (and the Dali Museum)
12. Family dinner with five great friends in Portugal
13. Razzmatazz
14. Seeing the Alhambra and later being invited out by complete strangers in Granada (and have everything paid for)
15. Celebrating 22 years of life with friends at George Payne (and waking up the next morning feeling like death, but also making it to my 9:00 AM class)
16. Down Jones (when the market crashes, grab some drinks)
17. La Mercè, Fireworks, Framboesa and Wine Tasting Events
17. 1 Skydiving over the coast of Spain
17. 2 Getting a tattoo (and being happy that it will stick with me forever)
The Island of Hispaniola (the Dominican Republic and Haiti)
18. Brugal, Bachata, Beaches and Booty (very nice tanned ones)
19. Jumping off 27 crazy charcos (waterfalls) with my study abroad group
20. Tostones with garlic and ketchup
21. Fried Oreos and ice cream with great friends
22. Dancing to reggaeton, bachata, merengue and salsa every night
23. Surviving the 2010 earthquake that hit Haiti and the Dominican Republic
24. Volunteering for the 'Cruz Roja' (Red Cross) to aid those affected by the earthquake
25. Riding gua-guas and conchos everywhere
26. Sushi-Ya with Erin, Ali and Chelsea
27. El Monumento and Lunes de Jazz
28. Partying it up at Carnaval Vegano (Peppppeeeeee)
29. El Fogon
30. Crossing over into Haiti
31. Cheering at the National Baseball Championship game in San Francisco de Macorís
32. Dancing nights away at Vintage (and getting kicked out once for excessive affection)
33. Dinner and drinks at Puerta del Sol and 'the liquor store'
33.1 Work Retreats
Hong Kong & Made in China
34. Bubble tea
35. Riding the MTR for reconnaissance with three great co-workers
36. Seeing the Big Buddha with dozens of dreamers
37. Hiking 10 kilometers with sweaty belly-buttons
38. Chinese lovers (Mini)
39. Partying it up in Lan Kwai Fong, better known as 'LKF' and cheering on España for the World Cup
40. Puffing the shisha with great friends at "Members Only" lounges
41. Receiving smiles from lots of people with no teeth
42. Night markets and bargaining with one of my BFFs
43. Bonding Time, better known as "BT Time" with a few great dreamers
44. Noodles, fish cutlets and dumplings
45. Having the sea as my menu for dinner (and sometimes, lunch)
46. Bungy-jumping off the tallest jump in the world
47. Learning bits and pieces of Cantonese and Mandarin
48. 10,000 Buddhas and having my fortune read
49. Dancing Salsa and speaking Spanish in China
50. The Hong Kong skyline and Avenue of the Stars
51. Being accosted by street salesmen to buy a cheap ass suit
52. Temples
General
53. Inspiring myself and others each day
1. Eating paella de marisco with the Tashashes at Port Vell
2. Drinking cava and wine at a world famous Penedès cellar
3. Sharing tapas with my host mother as one of our final dinners together
4. Watching a traditional Flamenco show in Triana, Spain (it's birthplace)
5. Hiking to the top of Montjuïc to see the entire city of Barcelona (and my home)
6. Visiting Antoni Gaudí's Park Güell
7. Traveling solo to Seville for my personal mecca and retreat
8. Swimming with the White Dolphins in Amsterdam
9. Traditional Valencian dinner with my guardian angel's family
10. Being threatened in Madrid for trying to break up a fight
11. The Erasmus weekend trip with unlimited Sangria and Vodka (and the Dali Museum)
12. Family dinner with five great friends in Portugal
13. Razzmatazz
14. Seeing the Alhambra and later being invited out by complete strangers in Granada (and have everything paid for)
15. Celebrating 22 years of life with friends at George Payne (and waking up the next morning feeling like death, but also making it to my 9:00 AM class)
16. Down Jones (when the market crashes, grab some drinks)
17. La Mercè, Fireworks, Framboesa and Wine Tasting Events
17. 1 Skydiving over the coast of Spain
17. 2 Getting a tattoo (and being happy that it will stick with me forever)
The Island of Hispaniola (the Dominican Republic and Haiti)
18. Brugal, Bachata, Beaches and Booty (very nice tanned ones)
19. Jumping off 27 crazy charcos (waterfalls) with my study abroad group
20. Tostones with garlic and ketchup
21. Fried Oreos and ice cream with great friends
22. Dancing to reggaeton, bachata, merengue and salsa every night
23. Surviving the 2010 earthquake that hit Haiti and the Dominican Republic
24. Volunteering for the 'Cruz Roja' (Red Cross) to aid those affected by the earthquake
25. Riding gua-guas and conchos everywhere
26. Sushi-Ya with Erin, Ali and Chelsea
27. El Monumento and Lunes de Jazz
28. Partying it up at Carnaval Vegano (Peppppeeeeee)
29. El Fogon
30. Crossing over into Haiti
31. Cheering at the National Baseball Championship game in San Francisco de Macorís
32. Dancing nights away at Vintage (and getting kicked out once for excessive affection)
33. Dinner and drinks at Puerta del Sol and 'the liquor store'
33.1 Work Retreats
Hong Kong & Made in China
34. Bubble tea
35. Riding the MTR for reconnaissance with three great co-workers
36. Seeing the Big Buddha with dozens of dreamers
37. Hiking 10 kilometers with sweaty belly-buttons
38. Chinese lovers (Mini)
39. Partying it up in Lan Kwai Fong, better known as 'LKF' and cheering on España for the World Cup
40. Puffing the shisha with great friends at "Members Only" lounges
41. Receiving smiles from lots of people with no teeth
42. Night markets and bargaining with one of my BFFs
43. Bonding Time, better known as "BT Time" with a few great dreamers
44. Noodles, fish cutlets and dumplings
45. Having the sea as my menu for dinner (and sometimes, lunch)
46. Bungy-jumping off the tallest jump in the world
47. Learning bits and pieces of Cantonese and Mandarin
48. 10,000 Buddhas and having my fortune read
49. Dancing Salsa and speaking Spanish in China
50. The Hong Kong skyline and Avenue of the Stars
51. Being accosted by street salesmen to buy a cheap ass suit
52. Temples
General
53. Inspiring myself and others each day
Exactly one year ago, I set sail away from the United States of America to embark on a journey that I will never forget.
(That was just the beginning.)
Be You, Be Incredible
One Life, You Decide™
P.S. Euros, Pesos, Hong Kong Dollars, O My!
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