What's Your Motivation?

A very close friend of mine works for a certain retailer. For the sake of discussion, let's call the his employer Orange Dictatorship. The founder and former president of the conglomerate passed away not too long ago. In commemoration of his legacy, the company provided employees with red wristbands (not unlike those made popular by the LIVEstrong campaign); one of which I saw my friend wearing the other day. Imprinted on the band was the mantra of the former executive, "Do what you love." My friend stated the irony in that truly doing what he loved did not consist of a long term career within the organization. He said, although he respected the simplicity of the statement, he felt it was lacking within its own context. He stated that its much more effective to love what you're doing. He proceeded to break down his thoughts on how contentment is more likely to be derived from loving what one does versus doing what one loves. I find it amazing that my friend would utilize so much time to consider something as minute as a wristband. Regardless of his trivial observations, his statement has resounded with me.

The more I've contemplated, the more I've come to agree with my friend. So, I pose the question, is it more effective to love what you do, or do what you love?

Where Do I Begin?

Time and time again, I come across numerous blog posts or notes regarding relationships. I understand why this is such a hot topic, especially among my peers; but it seems that the most important person is often left out of these discussions...me. No, I'm not talking about JD Pennywise!! I'm referring to us (myself included), and how we often jump into relationships when we're all kind of screwed up with expectations that another person is going to solve our problems. It's funny to me how we sometimes take on the responsibilities of a relationship long before we're ready. What's up with the rush? Would you jump out of a plane without a parachute, or go bungee jumping without a cord? Then why set yourself up for failure when it comes to something as important as your relationship?

See, men and women are different, and I think our differences are a beautiful thing; but if a man or a woman can't act right, can you really blame that on the entire gender?

Don't get me wrong, I think the discussions on relationships are great, and they provide some valuable insight; but sometimes the solution was right here all along.

No Homo?

As men, I don't believe we use the phrase "I love you" enough. When was the last time you told your father you love him? Or your brother? I think we often assume that its just understood. He knows...right?

It seems that within our culture there is a mold which we all must fill to be considered masculine. Real men don't cry. Real men don't get emotional. Real men are tough...and the list could go on. But we're human. And there are times when we do these things that society considers feminine. Telling another man "I love you" falls into this category. We don't talk to each other about these types of feelings!

If a man in your life were to die today, would you be at peace assuming that he knew you loved him, although you never said it? Would you hold your tears because thats not something men do? Or would you wish for the opportunity to have told him while he could have heard your voice?

Don't hesitate to take the time to tell the people you care about that you love them. Life is too short.

...And I Still Don't Get It?

“I thought I was the best thing since sliced bread…that was…until she told me I wasn’t. The only person I have to look out for is numero uno…right?!! Very wrong. How did she manage to get all twisted up into my thoughts, my plans, MY LIFE!!! I used to be good, but she makes me wanna be great; and once I hit greatness, I wanna be greater. To call her superwoman would be an understatement. She's just __________ (feel free to fill in the blank with anything you might associate with incredibleness).” -Anonymous

I’m a fairly reasonable person and I think A LOT, but try as I might; I can’t wrap my head around this thing called love. Its mind-bottling (when your thoughts get all bottled up inside your mind)…REALLY! How is it that even the most logical individual can toss their previously mentioned thoughts to the wind, because Mary or Tom makes them feel a certain way. I was talking about a situation with a friend a few days ago. My argument was that if a person knows there is a possibility they could get played, its his or her fault for being there when the inevitable happens. I’m an avid student of history, and I believe it holds valuable insights into the future. Of course, history can’t predict EVERYTHING, but I think you get my point? So, basically, she tells me that when you get emotions involved, reason has very little room to work. And further went on to say that loneliness can drive people to act completely on emotions without concern for the repercussions of their actions. The conversation ended shortly after. But I thought about it. I REALLY thought about it. I digested her words…and she was right. Where would love be if we really thought about all the risks associated with it? If we calculated each action along the way? Would there be less heartbreak? Probably…but at what cost?