Quick Thoughts...

One of the greatest things we can do in life is to reflect on how we view the things we encounter. I'll do this often, I'll explore many things and do my best to understand how I perceive them.

The older I get ......

The more I properly identify friendships. I categorize my relationships for one reason only; to manage expectations. For myself and from others. These can evolve over time. We do this subconsciously, so why not put some thought to it.

The less I understand obsessive fandom. It is just added stress, and win or lose, does it really do anything for our life. I waited most of my life for the Cubs to win the World Series. They finally did. It was great, but my life didn't change. Go Cubs Go!

The more I value hobbies. The longer you live, the more you've done. It's important to try new things, but I think it is just as important to identify the things you already enjoy, and commit to do them often. I think this is important individually, within friendships, famlies, and marriages.

The more I celebrate things / moments / people. Life can be hard. Finding encouragement for yourself can be extremely rare. Celebrate others, and celebrate moments worth celebrating, even for yourself. It helps put a lot of life in proper perspective. My wife is excellent at this.

The more I realize people are more than one thing. We all are way more than the few characteristics, interests, titles, that most know us as. Humans are deeply complex. It's wrong to assume all you see is all that is there.

The more I realize hard things are ... hard. Apparently President Obama had this on his desk. It is interesting how we can identify things that will be difficult to achieve, yet, are surprised when they pan out to actually be difficult. Prepare for difficult. Life can be difficult. Prepare for it and manage expectations accordingly.

The more I enjoy golf. Not a lot of things in life allow you to be outside for four to five hours, do something athletic and competitive, and spend time with friends. It is the perfect mix of intentional time spent with people you choose, competition and fun. For me, escapism mixed with strategy, friendship, and being outside is extremely enjoyable. I just wish I were better. Oh well.

The more I just smile, even when I am not in a "smiling" mood. Being so easily readable does not always serve you well. Find ways to mask your feelings until you are fully in control of your reactions. Emotions are to help serve you, not expose you.

The more I want to create for myself. I am still feeling this out, and writing is one aspect of this. I believe that within each of us we have the desire and ability to create something unique, whether for others or just for ourselves.

The more things do not matter. It is a refinement process. It's about identifying what matters to me, and those closest to me and devaluing the rest. We have limited capacity, and eliminating things that do not deserve your time or energy give you more time and energy for the things that do.