Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Distractions

Certain situations come up in life and distract you from doing what you want to do.

If you have children, they are a major distraction. You can no longer put yourself first as often as you'd like. Traveling, going out to parties, etc., all have to be put aside or held off for the sake of raising your little ones. Even simple things like wanting to watch a movie alone in a quiet setting could be difficult.

If you are in a relationship, sometimes you have to sacrifice your own time for your boyfriend or girlfriend, husband or wife. Quality time is key in a relationship, and you cannot be selfish.

Your job is probably one of the hugest distractions in your life. If you aren't self-employed or in business for yourself, the 40-hour or more work week is your restraint. You have the choice of waking up late or not showing up for work, but the price for that is getting a cut in pay or losing your job. So, you have to compromise. You can't stay up late to watch the game when you have work early in the morning. You can't go on vacation unless you have vacation days added up. You can't. You can't. You can't. Unless you don't care about making that dough.

Without these distractions, what would you do with your life? What little things that make you smile have you had to put on the back burner for others? At times, we tend to put others before ourselves, and it is understandable. However, we cannot forget that we can't make others happy without being happy ourselves. We cannot lose ourselves just because we have obligations. Remember, it is absolutely okay to treat yourself once in a while. If others love and care about you, they will understand why you need to do certain things for yourself. People become too busy to go after their dreams, to do fun activities like dance classes or join sports leagues, or to enjoy a hobby. Next thing they know, they claim they're "too old" to do what they want. Time is not unlimited.

Life has to be lived with a balance. Often we don't realize we are living kind of on a tilt. We worry too much about meeting deadlines or about making sure our family is safe and healthy. We are supposed to care for others and handle our responsibilities, but that's not all we're about. You are not a slave to your life; you are your life. Enjoy yourself. Make sense?

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

mindXposed Quote of the Week

This is something new I am doing on my blog because I like quotes. They make you think, and sometimes people say things in better ways than you can. Besides this week, you can expect a new quote every Friday.

"It isn't ever going to be today again." - Tom Hopkins in How to Master the Art of Selling

The last thing I expected while reading a book on how to sell was a general life lesson. I expected this book to be very technical, and was pleasantly surprised by this quote. The quote speaks for itself, but it is worth a thousand words. I read the sentence in the book and immediately stopped reading. I was so intrigued by this quote that I posted it next to my bedroom door as a reminder every time I leave my room. "It isn't ever going to be today again." You only get one chance to live today, one chance to make an impact, one chance to make a difference. If you knew today was going to be your last day, what would you do? Would you forgive someone who did you dirty? Or would you seek forgiveness from someone you did wrong? What places would you visit? What kind of lessons or advice would you share with your children? In what ways would you give back to your community before it is too late?


"It isn't ever going to be today again." So, what are you going to do?

Monday, March 23, 2009

Because I Am Who I Am ...

...I don't quite understand why people discourage others from pursuing their "pipe dreams." I say, go after what you want because you never know what could happen! If people listened to others who said they could not accomplish their extraordinary dreams, we would not have such technological advances, such amazing works of art, music, and film, a Black president, etc.

...I don't quite understand why people can't just leave each other alone. I am extremely open-minded. I have nothing against homosexuality, any religion, etc. I think if everyone was as open-minded as me, we'd have a much more peaceful world. Just because I don't do what you do or believe in what you believe, doesn't mean you have to make me change. Because I won't. I don't expect you to change your way life for me either. On the other hand, if we were all open to change and trying new things, we'd learn so much from each other, and overall we'd be well-rounded individuals with amazing life experiences.

...I can't imagine living anywhere but a busy suburb or city. I am not a country girl by any means. I need to be surrounded by people, and stores must be a short drive away. Even though the countryside is scenic and gorgeous, I cannot live in the middle of nowhere. Mad props to those who do because I'd get bored fast!

...I can't go a night without praying, but sometimes I forget, so I pray in the morning. I am not an avid church goer, but I do count my blessings and thank the Lord for everything and ask for my sins to be forgiven. I used to fall asleep in the middle of prayer, so now I pray on my knees so my full attention is on Him.

...I am overly sarcastic. Call it a defense mechanism, but it's my sense of humor. People say certain things and the sarcastic comments that come to mind fit like a glove in the conversation, so I don't keep them to myself because they're too genius not to share! It cuts like a knife at times, so I try my best to limit it around people I don't know, and around people who get offendended easily. Sometimes people take things too seriously, but that's because they are who they are, and I can respect that.

...I don't like drama. I am so laid back and chill that when people start complaining about things, I just tell them to brush it off and don't take it to heart. I know situations affect people in different ways and not everyone can just let things roll of their back, but because I am who I am...I got no stress, no stress, no stress! I don't let things upset me because it isn't worth the energy. At times I do get mad and I yell, but I cool off in like five minutes. No grudges = no wrinkles!

...I have a very strong competitive personality. Even if I'm not good at something, I will try so hard to be the best. I can be a sore loser at times, but it's no biggie; I just get caught up in the moment. Competing in things like sports gives me a major adrenaline rush. I like friendly competition, and you can only get better by competing with people who are on a higher level than you. So, bring it on!

...It takes a lot for me to get bored. I am like a little kid, and everything amuses me. I can do anything and have a good time, just like I can hang out with anyone and have fun.

...I like my "me" time and my privacy. Sometimes I prefer to be alone watching a movie or reading. I like shopping by myself, and I'd rather work out alone than with a partner. Both activities require a certain amount of time for me that just doesn't quite fit well with other people. I think privacy is healthy; it helps me stay sane, to be honest. "Me" time is extremely important to me for the same reason. Being by yourself really forces you to think about stuff, and it helps me resolve any problems or issues I might have at the moment.

...Writing is my escape. I've been writing stories ever since I learned how to write. Everyone has their escape from reality, whether it is movies, video games, or books. I realized, though, that novels are not my forte, and my goal is to be a published author of short stories and maybe poetry, but I'm not big on poetry. That's my so-called pipe dream!


I know not many people follow my blog or leave comments. However, I think it'd be interesting for those of you reading this to share in the comment section your own "Because I Am Who I Am..." It wouldn't surprise (or offend!) me if there are no comments. I don't expect this blog to be very interactive, anyway. It just made me think and put certain stuff in perspective for me. Maybe it'll do the same for you!

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Your Past...

...is only an indication of your future. It only repeats itself if you don't correct yourself. To progress ourselves, we must check and re-edit ourselves.

...is a series of lessons, and I don't know about you, but I tend to pick and choose which lessons to learn from. I am beginning to realize that I must swallow my pride, admit to my wrongs, and only then can I really mature and grow. To be changed, you must make a change. As simple and logical as that is, it falls under the list of things that are "easier said than done."

...consists of people who make an impact on who you are, consciously or not. I truly believe that every single person I have laid my eyes on, or had some correspondence with, has had an effect on me and who I am. We all judge books by their covers, hence first impressions. Even if we speak to someone, that is most likely still their cover because it takes time to truly know a person, and people don't let you in on who they are until they completely trust you, at least that is how I am at times (sorry, I went off on a tangent). Whenever I see someone, I immediately have an opinion about that person, or I compare myself to that person. I do this all the time without even noticing. For instance, if I saw a girl walking down the street with a really toned body and a nice outfit on, I think about my own body and how I really have to get myself into better shape in order to pull of whatever she is wearing. Human interaction is so important because it helps us learn more about ourselves, not just each other. I believe every single person who I crossed paths with in my life, no matter how briefly, has helped me define who I am.

...is filled with triumphs, failures, happiness, and pain. Depending on who you are, you either thrive from your triumphs and happiness or dwell on your failures and pain. If you thrive from your triumphs and happiness, you will succeed and make the most out of life. However, if you suppress your failures and pain in order to be happy, that could hurt you in the long run. Life is a crazy balance of these opposites, and honey, the sun don't shine forever. It is important to realize life is not all smiles and cupcakes because there are down moments, and if you always expect happiness, when that pain comes at you... it could knock you down because you didn't see it coming. On the other end, if you dwell on your failures and pain, you will only feel like a failure and be filled with pain. Do not overshadow your triumphs and happiness with your pessimism. Life is a crazy balance of these opposites, and honey, darkness falls but the night always ends. It is important to realize that when seemingly too good to be true circumstances come your way, you shouldn't be wondering what's going to come next that could ruin the moment.

Friday, March 13, 2009

Full of Myself? Not at All!

Someone once asked me why I have really high expectations for myself.

My response:

Why not?

Monday, March 9, 2009

Procrastination :(

I am the Master of Procrastination. I want to relinquish the title!

In high school, I was able to write whole entire research papers the night before their due dates (minus the researching part, of course. That actually took a few days), and still manage to get good grades. I'm not trying to brag about my stellar academic performance back in the day, don't get me wrong, especially since all of that really doesn't matter now. I just want to illustrate exactly why I'm considered the Master.

Real life is a whole different story. Without deadlines and anyone watching me or being affected by what I do, I have no pressure outside of the pressure I put on myself. I am the only person holding myself accountable. I need to be more disciplined! When it comes to accomplishing my 101 Goals in 1,001 Days (http://journeyto101.blogspot.com), which I have started and am now restarting today, and when it comes to other stuff like cleaning my car (I still have a box in the trunk from when I moved back home in JANUARY), I really need to stop slacking and start working!

Procrastination separates the players from the bench warmers. So, if you are anything like me, just get up and go...because really, what are you doing that is serious enough to keep you from what you are supposed to be doing? Get real and get going!

And I will do my best to take my own advice.

Friday, March 6, 2009

"We the People"

Targeted at the ones who work for ultimately selfish reasons; an ode to the ones who don't just think about themselves! :)
------------

Our country's baffled by this recession,
Considered by some as a second Depression.
I see it as a much appreciated blessin',
A hard earned, well-learned life lesson.

People were working their dream jobs.
Now they feel flat broke and recklessly robbed,
Once taking money for granted and being materialistic.
This is God's way of telling us to be more realistic.

Competing for big mansions, the new high-tech trends,
A pair of brand new kicks and a brand new Benz.
What are we trying to get filthy rich and famous for?
To buy fancy things and leave people piss poor and ignored?

We spend our paychecks on new dresses to show off in.
Others struggle to buy t-shirts and jeans every so often.
Manicures and pedicures to stand out are considered a necessity,
While thousands of people sweat and labor forever in anonymity.

The value of the dollar is decreasing,
Not because our economy is depleting,
But because we have forgotten the whole entire reason
For working for a dime so our children could keep on eatin'.

The rich are getting poor and the poor are stuck where they’re at.
What are we doing to stop this downward spiral in its tracks?

Watching and waiting for the ones on top to end this is lethal.
Even though we got leaders, this is a democracy, and we the people.

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

American Cancer Society's Relay for Life

I have decided to participate in William Paterson University's Relay for Life, a fundraising event on behalf of the American Cancer Society. In some way, cancer affects us all, and I want to take part in the fight. I know at this time in our economy, donating to charity could be difficult. However, any amount helps, and prayers, thoughts, and words of encouragement also go a long way.

To make a donation online, or to print out an offline donation form, please visit my personal page:
http://main.acsevents.org/goto/jamiemariano.

To learn more about the event at William Paterson, please visit
http://www.relayforlife.org/wpunj.

Monday, March 2, 2009

One More Thing For Today...or For Now (and it doesn't rhyme!)

Why do people think that the world is against them? Man, the world is not coming after you. Stop twisting everything and people's words to make it seem so negative, like people are out to get you, or they have no respect for you. You could get yourself into some trouble for no reason because you don't think anybody likes you. The world probably is against you only if you are a bad person. And most likely you're not a bad person. So check yourself before you wreck yourself.

I Don't Sing in the Shower, I Freestyle

I only do this in the bathroom lol, but this is Round 2 today. I just got out of the shower, still dripping wet, but had to type this up before I forgot it since my notebook is in the car. Wherever you see (...) is where I paused for a second in the shower cause I don't flow perfectly...obviously, because I am not trying to be a rapper haha.
-----

I'm hiding a lot behind this rhyme,
Those who know me, read between the lines.
Got an angel looking down upon me,
Do not want her to look down on me.
Gotta take care of the life I lead.
I'm gonna get bruised up, I'm gonna bleed.
But it's not about how many times I fall,
But when I succeed.
Want to live a life that makes her proud,
Gotta live on purpose, can't sit around.
Can't wait, can't count down...
One, two, three, four, five
Til I'm no longer alive.
That ain't no way to pass the time.
I'm gonna live twice... as hard just for you.
For a short time you grew,
But God called you to be an angel, so off you flew.


i feel like randomly rhyming

i get impulsive
gotta be explosive
stayin on top is my motiv-
ation to succeed
such a crazy need
to crush my competition and leave
them all behind
watch in due time
i gotsta get mine
dunno where the hell i'm goin with this rhyme
but i do know where i'm goin in life
and that's to ease the pain and strife
of those who could use me to there benefit
gotta stay healthy, positive, and be fit
cause people rely on me to fix their shit-
ty situations and life's complications
so i can't be negative or have hesitations
nah really, i can't stop flowin,
still dunno where this is goin
but like i said i got my life figured out
better than this rhyme, no doubt
addicted to typin this out
i'm just goin with it, cause who knows where this'll take me
like in reality
just gotta take a chance, who knows where i'll advance
and it's all about the adventure and the romance
but f* romance cause it's just a show
don't need no flowers or chocolates, oh hell no
i ain't down for that, don't put up an act
just show me who you are, i don't need all that
but this ain't a dating service, just flowin with these...verses?
haha, don't know what i'm doin
but it's a snow day so i'm chillin
don't like to play in the snow like children
but God's gift of beauty is laid out on my lawn
we gotta count our blessings, from dusk til dawn, big and small
i walk around wit confidence so high i feel ten feet tall
but i don't got a big head, i don't talk a big game
just eager to bite into my slice of life and establish my name
for some reason

this always goes back to my need for succeedin
but thats cause i'm constantly dreamin and movin toward achievin
this is gonna finally be over, done with this
cause backspace got abused like rihanna wit chris