On Being an Authentic Person

I've been thinking about this post all morning as I struggled to get up and out the door to the gym at 5:15a.m. Oh, the bed felt so sweet, and then the coffee smelled so good, but most of all it was just a matter of doing it. Sometimes it is far easier to just think about it, to just think that that's the person I want to be rather than become/be that person. I was thinking maybe I should call my new blog Resurrection, because as a 40-something y.o. man I've discovered there are things I used to do that I do no longer that I am now coming back to...and I wonder, how did I/they (those things) ever get away from me? It reminds me of all those times someone older said, "just wait, you'll see, it will happen to you," and I always scoffed and said "no way, not me!" Guess what? Uh huh, you guessed it.

So my story today is about doing those things that you want to do, about being the person you want to be, instead of just thinking or talking about it. It is so easy to say you want to do something - I want to learn another language, I want to work out (actually, I want a body like that), I want to go skiing, I want to get a degree, I want...(fill in the blank). What do you want? What ever it is, dont let it pass you by. It's (almost) never too late to do it, but the longer you wait the more opportunity life has of passing you by. Stop thinking about or talking about the person you want to be - get real, be it now. No time like the present. Peace.

The Value of Family

Had a great visit last 2 days with my sister in law and nieces. Our family (my guy's) has had a lot of ups and downs this past year, culminating in the passing of his oldest sister (cancer). The incredible part of it is how close it has drawn us together. When E and I first got together, I was amazed at the closeness his family shared (coming from one that has a bit of a crazy side). I thought it was a little weird. 14 years later, I cant imagine where I would be without these people in my life. They have welcomed me into their fold with open arms, have celebrated my success and shared my pain as their own. Man I love these people.

I hope everyone gets to have someone like them in their lives, no matter where they come from. As long as you keep yourself open to love, I believe they will come. One thing I had to learn was whatever I wanted I also had to give to get. It's said that giving is better than receiving; however, I've learned that they're really the same thing, because as I give, I get, even if it's just from the feeling that comes over me when I see the joy in another's eye from the gift I've given - be it tangible or emotional.

Think about those in your life you love, then make sure you tell them how much they mean to you. They will appreciate the gift.

And So It Begins...

Hola world...M here, from st. petersburg fl usa, our "city by the bay." At times it can be it's own version of paradise, at others - hell. This blog is my chance to connect with the world at large. At times it may ramble, other times it may be incredibly focused. At all times i hope it makes you ponder about, well, life. Its a lot to think about. my guy E says blogs tend to be narcissistic. i think we all just want to connect at a bigger level. What do you think?

As the title of this post says - so it begins, a new journey down the many roads that life takes me, us - looking forward to seeing who i meet along the way and all the places it will take me. Peace.