Monthly Archives: November 2017

First If all, it is not my nature to be a “mindful optimist,” or indeed an optimist of any kind. And yet, that is exactly what I strive to become. But first, what does this term mean?

Essentially it means that we envision a future with positive outcomes. But on reflection this statement is more nuanced than it might first appear – there are multiple perspectives from which to measure this. For example, are we talking about positive outcomes on a macro level, like the survival of humanity? Or are we talking about positive outcomes from a micro perspective, such as living in a way that enhances the lives of those around you?

I confess I still struggle with the former. After all, war, genocide, xenophobia, mindless hatred, the celebration of stupidity, racism, the nihilistic desire for self destruction and the public’s embrace of leaders who embody these ideals are brutal examples that we certainly don’t seem to be making any headway in eradicating this dark side of human nature. These forces are actively manifest in a large segment of humanity, and it’s very obvious to anyone who’s paying attention that they’re not going away.

On the other hand, I do feel as though the simple act of living ones life with the intent to enhance the immediate environment and everyone in it is a very powerful self-directive that yields real, tangible results. So I think that trying to live by these principles is a kind of mindful optimism.

It’s the best I can do at this point in time, and I am okay with that.

For most of human history, the only thing left behind after death that would live on with any degree of permanence were physical artifacts. Knowledge would become part of the greater culture through books. Art was created (for the most part) in physical objects, music through written works.

But the point in history when information became digital changed all that. Today our culture is largely online, and contrary to what you might think, it is not impermanent. A good argument could be made that whatever is online will always exist – it can’t be truly erased, even if we wanted to.

But what does this mean? Permanent for who? Who, or what, is ever going to read this stuff? What possible purpose might this blog, or anything else anyone has ever posted online, serve?

Here’s a thought – it may not be a human that reads and processes this stuff at all. It could, perhaps, be a recursively self-improving AI. One that is learning what it means to be human. And it might be able to read and process this information in a matter of hours or days, at which time it will be ready for it’s next step.

Think about that the next time you post something online.

When you’re young, the future is a vast open landscape, and the world is full of possibilities. Every experience is vivid, and your mind is firing on all cylinders, at all times. Your body is strong and can stand up to whatever abuse might be heaped upon it, always ready to bounce back after the briefest periods of recovery. Life is exciting and full of promise…

As you get older, things very slowly start to change. Sometimes this change can seem almost imperceptible for long stretches of time. Every now and then you might notice some small change in your appearance or how you feel, but for the most part, barring serious illness, the concept of aging is still very remote.

Then something starts to happen that’s a bit disconcerting, but not overly so. You realize “Holy shit, I’m getting old.” This realization might be brought on by illness or the death of a friend, or something as simple as seeing a photograph of yourself, or watching your partner and friends age. But getting old is not the same thing as being old. It’s instead a grim harbinger of what’s to come…

I feel like I’m at a bit of a turning point in my life – I don’t feel old, but I’m 60, and boy am I aware of it. I can see the clock running out and it isn’t a good feeling. I’m a realist who has already survived cancer, so I’m acutely aware that not only is this life a time-limited affair, but the odds are constantly increasing that at any moment a catastrophic health related event will bring the whole thing crashing down.

On a good day I’m completely comfortable with this natural state of affairs. On a bad day, however, these realities can be very difficult to process. They can create a state of fear, which is not a natural state for me. It’s a fine line to walk between reality and denial. What’s gone ain’t coming back, and what lies ahead is beyond our control.

So I guess it behooves us to make the most of the present. It’s all we’ve really got.

I am thankful for the fact that I’m alive, and for feeling pretty goddamn good.

I am grateful for every minute of life I have.

I am very fucking thankful for my wife – somehow the stars aligned 33 years ago & I met the most important person in my life.

And I am thankful for what I now know about being alive.

This ride can end in an instant. Enjoy every minute…

This is something I consistently struggle with in my life. I’ve never been good at balancing multiple projects, primarily because whatever I am working on at any given moment is the most important thing I am doing – I commit to it 100%. The good news about this approach is that I always do the best work I am capable of, the bad news is that it’s hard to split your attention if everything you’re working on is treated as a DEFCON 1.

Here’s the thing – sometimes we all get involved in time limited projects that can take over our life. School is a good example of this; once you make a commitment to it there’s no turning back. But you also know that no matter how all encompassing it becomes, there will come a point where it’s over. The problem for me is that I sometimes get involved in too many projects, and neglect other things that are important to me.

What’s the lesson here? Be careful what you say “yes” to. Time is precious and you’re not getting any of it back…

We are sorry for any inconvenience and would like to remind you that since the show was free, there will of course be no refunds.

Please enjoy the rest of your evening and close the door on your way out.

This concept is essential to maintaining a balance in your life and preventing burnout. The more intense the work and it’s related stress, the more relaxed and disconnected the recharging period. That is the rule, the ying and the yang of life.

Heed it or ignore it at your own peril.

Be prepared for the worst but don’t perseverate on it, and always keep this in the forefront of your mind: worrying is a complete waste of time and energy.

Better to draw on all of your reserves, be as relentlessly upbeat as possible, and focus on your goal. No matter how much stress you get bombarded with, keep your head and stay cool.

Accomplishing the goal is all that matters. 

They are part of what makes us human. Sometimes the mistake is so massive it may appear to be unforgivable, but the reality is, people have been forgiven by those they harmed for perpetrating unimaginable horrors.

Forgiveness is something that can only be given at the disgression of the aggrieved. They are the only ones who possess the right to give or withhold absolution.

Everyone else can have an opinion, but they are in no position to judge. Take a deep breath, reflect, and learn. Maybe it will help us prevent making the same mistake.

We’re all dirty and flawed…