Cloud 9

Perfection of Happiness

2010-12-04T14:39:00.000-08:00

So, here it is...question number 1

If you could spend one year in perfect happiness but afterward would remember nothing of the experience would you do so? If not, why not?

- I think so, yes. I like to live for the moment. Its good to reflect on the past but, "Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. And today? Today is a gift. That's why we call it the present." ~Babatunde Olatunji If you have memories of this such experience I think you will be unhappy for the rest of your life since this is "perfect" happiness. Why would you want to live yearning for what you have done in the past because that means you are not getting anything done today or striving for a future. If you have no recolection of this then you can' t "expect" anything. You then will make many changes in your life before you are happy. It may not be perfect happiness but I think that would be a little boring, yeah?

Second part which is more important: actual experiences, or the memories that remain when the experiences are over?

- This is an awkward questions to me. If you have no memory of an experience...is it still an experience because technically in your psyche you have never done it if there is no memory of it. So, if you do it again its a brand new experience but hey what do I know. At any rate getting to the point..one of my life mottoes is do it once. So, I am obligated to answer experiences are more important than memories. I am all about doing most things once.

All the Best,

MRA

So, ask yourself one question...do ya feel lucky...well do ya, punk?

2010-12-04T10:52:00.000-08:00

One for all and all for one? By the people, for the people? No, I think not. It seems to me over the course of the history of developing the United States culture and society we have gone from a "one big family" to I do this for me and only me, I got here by doing what "I" had to do mentality. "If you want something done right then you have to do it yourself." We have become a society of individuals living as neighbors rather than a society of people living together.

I ask, what in the course of events happened to get us here? What defines who we are and why do we do the things we do? Where are we going and how did we get here?

Well, everyday...or nearly everyday...okay okay let us just go with every post from here on out will be of questions. I implore you to answer these yourself and leave them as feedback for me as a form of comment. If not...just answer them for "you."

These are question of a non-trivial sort. They are about your values, your beliefs, and your life; love, money, sex, integrity, generosity, pride, and death are all here. To respond to these questions, you will need to examine and interpret your past, project yourself into hypothetical situations, face difficult dilemmas, and make painful choices. I intend for these questions to expose issues that warrant deep, solitary reflection.

There will be no correct or incorrect answers of course...but only honest and dishonest ones. Try not and simply answer "yes" or "no" to these questions but rather probe and explain your responses and pursue interesting tangents.

All the Best

MRA

Such is Life.

2010-11-29T20:06:00.000-08:00

It seems to me that I far too often write about life and living and it breaking you down in times of joy and stealing your crown of happiness. Well, let us remember what goes up must come down. WE don't have to stay grounded though. Remember there is a point at which down is no longer down anymore but solid ground on which we all stand on and gets us level again. We can relate to one another getting "caught up in life" happens.

Someone once asked me why is it that doing what is best always feels the worst? Well, I guess it isn't a once upon a time story, it was actually today (see date).

Outside of context I said to her, "Well, you can fix this but there will be something else and then something else and something else. There is always something (and I'll come back to this statement). There comes a juncture where you have to look at history and ask yourself when do I stop finding temporary solutions to permanent problems?" I then think she understood what she must do. As most of you have probably figured out...relationship issues.

Coming back to "there is always something" Its true and it will never change. We will make many changes before settling down happily. Still, that happiness will be challenged...and probably challenged daily. It then comes down to you...do you let it win? Are you a quitter? No, I think not. If you say you are...then stop it!

Life's challenges are not supposed to paralyze you, but help you to discover who you are.

I mean, let's face it anyone in the world can give up. Its the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand that you gave up is true strength.

Don't Stop Believin'

MRA

Rocky

2010-11-29T18:28:00.001-08:00

"Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It is a very mean and nasty place and it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain't how hard you hit; it's about how hard you can get hit, and keep moving forward. How much you can take, and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done.Now, if you know what you're worth, then go out and get what you're worth. But you gotta be willing to take the hit, and not pointing fingers saying you ain't where you are because of him, or her, or anybody. Cowards do that and that ain't you. You're better than that!"

A long Absence brings about Suprise

2010-11-18T17:49:00.000-08:00

Well, here we are again or I guess I shouldn't assume you have visited before. Its been quite sometime since I have taken a serious approach to "my" blog. I am going to attempt it once more. The plan is to follow up with a daily entry. Now, there is a possibility that weekends may get the best of me but let us be honest with each other...I am sure they get the best of all of us in due time.

I have no clue where to start...I need an adult.

To begin things off I will let my fortunes entertain you. As the Chinese tell me, "A new relationship is about to blossom. You will be blessed." I called shenanigans on this one. I would like to know with what or whom I am going to have a relationship. Also, I am going to be showered with good luck before my next birthday and this is while I am making many changes before settling down. Tell me almighty fortune teller...if I am to make many changes before settling down how the hell am I supposed to have a new, blessed relationship? That doesn't sound like a whole lot of good luck to meeeeeee. Jerks. Continuing on with "fate" Most of you who read this know I am a basketball player of a numerous amount of years that I lost count of. I was at my place of work and had a small cap in my hand. There was a beaker on the counter with what I would consider a small opening for the mouth. I was standing across the room. Its a rather large room. I looked at a co-worker and said the first thing that came to my mind..."if I make this I will meet my soul mate by the end of the day...I shot. Yes, to our astonishment it went in. I immediately dropped my jaw and my shoulders went limp. Now, some of you may be wondering...did I meet them? I say no but I did talk to some people I hadn't talked to in a very long time, saw a rather attractive lady at the gym that night, and well sparked new conversation with someone I didn't talk to on a regular basis. Some say fate...I say coincidence. I guess time will tell.

So, now that I have given preface I will tell you what has been on my mind lately and those of you who know me may in fact drop dead. I will just come out and say it, El Oh, Vee, eeeEEE. In otherwords, L-o-v-e. Yes I, Michael R. Athey, has had love on my mind. Now I am gonna stop you right there. You may be thinking Oh Em Gee he is thinking about love. I am just thinking about love in a generality and not being in it or wanting to be in it yada yada yada.

I would like to say that what I am going to blog about is not typical of me but...life with go on.

So here it is. Love.

A many of my friends come to me for advice. I am a good listener and I guess I give pretty decent advice. At the least, I am a wide shouldered individual and have a warm body to rest on. I guess that counts. Anyway, I have this friend who is deathly afraid of giving into love. Of course, they don't know it. It seems to me that they let their head tell their heart no far too often and never let the heart do the talking. I am am man of logic and reason but sometimes, just sometimes you have to let the heart do the guiding. Sure, you put your neck on the line or well for this instance why don't we use the phrase...wearing your heart on your sleeve. We live in these bodies of ours and we will die in them. If you live your life in fear then it would appear to be that you do not have a life worth living for (no, do not go commit suicide). I know that where you invest your love you invest your life as well but you cannot go without taking some risk. Love for sure as hell is not certain. As a matter of fact, I guess anything intangible or without, what mathematicians like to call proof, isn't either. Continuing on, I would like to pose the question; How lucky is someone to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard? How lucky is someone to have somebody to take them the way they are? It seems to me that it is always nice knowing no matter how rough your day is, not matter how much $H!T can be thrown your way, no matter what happens in the course of your day...that when you make it to your humble abode that someone will be waiting with open arms and a warm heart to make it all better. I'm not bitter I don't have love, honestly. There is no expiration date on love either...thats always nice to know.

Okay, I am going to stop this here. This isn't my cup o tea post. I am on a tangent I can't get out of my head. I am all over the place and I will be back on track manana with something worth while to read. I guess this just needed "an out"

In case I don't see you Good Morning, Good Afternoon, and Goodnight.

~M.R.A

:)

2010-09-25T08:38:00.000-07:00

I LOVE YOU!

Someone

2010-04-24T01:55:00.000-07:00

What someone sees as imperfect someone else may see as absolutely perfect. Therefore, everyone was, is and always will be perfect in every single way to someone, somewhere.

Scenery

2010-04-08T10:20:00.000-07:00

The scenery in your life should never stay the same. Live.

The Ugly Truth

2010-03-03T20:48:00.000-08:00

From Women:
- The big strong brave men, that we've all been reading about in novels and watching in movies since we've been nine years old, - -that's a fallacy. They don't exist. Men are not strong. Men are not brave. Men, are afraid. Even if they have a moment in a hotel elevator and it's totally romantic and full of potential, men are incapable of copping to it because, why? Men are weak.

From Men:
- Let me tell you something about women. Women would have us believe that they are the victims; That we break their hearts for sport. That's crap. They say they want romance, they say they want true love, but all they want is a check list. Is he perfect? Is he handsome? Is he a doctor? For you men who fit the criteria, don't kid yourselves. Cuz if they're not sleeping with you, they're sleeping with a carefully calculated set of venal choices. Money over substance, looks over soul, polished over principles. No gesture, no matter how real or romantic will ever compensate for a really impressive list of credentials.

For You; from Me

2010-02-23T16:41:00.000-08:00

It can always be sunny in your heart no matter the weather conditions.

:)

2010-02-21T13:32:00.001-08:00

Vulnerability, Fragility, the part of life where you are afraid of being a lone and hurt. Those things. The things that are apart of your past…the things you don’t want to last but will always stare you in the face in every situation. Things you can’t really figure out how to get around. You worry and stress how to cope with these things. Here is the answer….don’t try to get rid of them. For one it’s impossible. They will always be there to more or less say haunt you. However, that isn’t what they are doing. They are taking your character, your strength, your sanity and making them stronger. I know the toll is tough to take at first and for a while. There is a breaking point, believe me there is! You realize it and then you are in the clear. Keep in mind that it is always dark before it is light. Things will come around. They always do. Life is a series of tests and these are components making up life. No need at the end of the beaten path lay a meadow of flowers where you can rest your head. Its just the will it takes to get there to see this heavenly site. If you are willing to give what you aren’t going to get out then we need a new direction. A direction that can guide you to the light at the end of the tunnel. If what you are doing isn’t just for you then take a different path at the fork in the road. Seize the opportunity. If you look in your life at the certain things you keep going back to…incorporate that in your life…because whether you get it or not…that is what makes you happy and if you can produce happiness…then you are already smelling the scent of wildflowers!

Life.

2009-12-11T17:22:00.001-08:00

Life is like a library owned by the author.
In it are a few books which he wrote himself,
but most of them were written for him.

No Title

2009-11-12T17:50:00.001-08:00

Tonight I cried for the first time in a long time. I have been thick headed not to believe crying doesn't do any good because it does. There is a long, confusing, and sad road ahead but all I can do is drive and hope I make it to the end without crashing.

This is all currently. Thank you for your consideration.

Unknown

2009-10-24T12:07:00.000-07:00

Life may not be the party we hoped for but while we are here we should dance.

Lessons

2009-10-22T21:52:00.001-07:00

1. Often those who aren’t the easiest to love are the ones who need it the most.
2. Seeing children play can make even the bluest day brighter.
3. Money is not the root of all evil, fear is.
4. The secret to happiness is the acceptance of yourself.
5. Happiness is not based on external status, it is an internal state.
6. Money can’t make me happy, but self-sufficiency gives me the freedom to share myself creatively, without worrying about how I’m going to pay the bills.
7. Every man has a right to choose his own destiny.
8. The path is the way.
9. Coming is going, going is coming.
10. The hardest is found in the easiest.
11. Heaven and hell exist here and now, within your own mind.
12. Life is the largest stage.
13. Music is one of the most supreme expressions of life. It is art in it’s most transitory form. It is gone within an instant, and therefore, extremely precious.
14. Follow your gut, you’ll thank yourself later.
15. Remember what your mother taught you, it came from the most sacred place of love that exists.
16. Never let an argument last, never hold a grudge, it will make your heart heavy.
17. Forgive those that have yet to do you wrong, and you won’t have to worry about it should the time come.
18. Be grateful for this moment, it is all there is.
19. The source of most of your frustrations and anxiety are the result of living in the future, or the past.
20. Spend time alone with yourself every day.
21. Always go with yourself, never against yourself.
22. You have to be your own best friend.
23. If you don’t like what someone else says to you, you can walk away. But if you don’t like what you say to yourself, you can’t walk away. Therefore, if you’re going to be with yourself all the time, you might as well be nice to yourself.
24. The truth shall indeed set you free.
25. Lies only exist if we believe in them.
26. Even the most fundamental beliefs about reality are not true in themselves. Our thinking makes them true in our experience.
27. Your thoughts create reality.
28. The biggest lie is the lie of your imperfection.
29. Being kind is more important than being right.
30. Your heart is your best compass.
31. Cherish those that you love, you never know if you’ll see them again.
32. Your beliefs are a filter for your reality.
33. Love is the supreme expression of life, it is the essence and ground of all creation.

"What I've Learned"

2009-10-13T14:46:00.001-07:00

I've Learned-
that you cannot make someone love you. All you can do is be someone who can be loved. The rest is up to them.

I've learned-
that no matter how much I care, some people just don't care back.

I've learned-
that it takes years to build up trust, and only seconds to destroy it.

I've learned-
that no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.

I've learned-
that it's not what you have in your life but who you have in your life that counts.

I've learned-
that you should never ruin an apology with an excuse.

I've learned-
that you can get by on charm for about fifteen minutes. After that, you'd better know something.

I've learned-
that you shouldn't compare yourself to the best others can do.

I've learned-
that you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.

I've learned-
that it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.

I've learned-
that you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.

I've learned-
that you can keep going long after you can't.

I've learned-
that we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.

I've learned-
that either you control your attitude or it controls you.

I've learned-
that regardless of how hot and steamy a relationship is at first, the passion fades and there had better be something else to take its place.

I've learned-
that heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.

I've learned-
that money is a lousy way of keeping score.

I've learned-
that my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time.

I've learned-
that sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down will be the ones to help you get back up.

I've learned-
that sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.

I've learned-
that true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.

I've learned-
that just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have.

I've learned-
that maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.

I've learned-
that you should never tell a child their dreams are unlikely or outlandish. Few things are more humiliating, and what a tragedy it would be if they believed it.

I've learned-
that your family won't always be there for you. It may seem funny, but people you aren't related to can take care of you and love you and teach you to trust people again. Families aren't biological.

I've learned-
that it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes you are to learn to forgive yourself.

I've learned-
that no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.

I've learned-
that our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.

I've learned-
that a rich person is not the one who has the most, but is one who needs the least.

I've learned-
that just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other. And just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do.

I've learned-
that we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.

I've learned-
that you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life forever.

I've learned-
that two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.

I've learned-
that no matter how you try to protect your children, they will eventually get hurt and you will hurt in the process.

I've learned-
that even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you, you will find the strength to help.

I've learned-
that credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.

I've learned-
that the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon.

I've learned-
that it's hard to determine where to draw the line between being nice and not hurting people's feelings, and standing up for what you believe.

I've learned-
that people will forget what you said, and people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.

Ten Rules for being a Human

2009-10-12T15:46:00.000-07:00

1. You will receive a body. You may like it or hate it, but it's yours to keep for the entire period.

2. You will learn lessons. You are enrolled in a full-time informal school called, "life."

3. There are no mistakes, only lessons. Growth is a process of trial, error, and experimentation. The "failed" experiments are as much a part of the process as the experiments that ultimately "work."

4. Lessons are repeated until they are learned. A lesson will be presented to you in various forms until you have learned it. When you have learned it, you can go on to the next lesson.

5. Learning lessons does not end. There's no part of life that doesn't contain its lessons. If you're alive, that means there are still lessons to be learned.

6. "There" is no better a place than "here." When your "there" has become a "here", you will simply obtain another "there" that will again look better than "here."

7. Other people are merely mirrors of you. You cannot love or hate something about another person unless it reflects to you something you love or hate about yourself.

8. What you make of your life is up to you. You have all the tools and resources you need. What you do with them is up to you. The choice is yours.

9. Your answers lie within you. The answers to life's questions lie within you. All you need to do is look, listen, and trust.

10. You will forget all this.

:) :) :)

2009-09-29T13:36:00.000-07:00

Looking back there are times in life where all you feel is the weight of the world crashing down on you and you feel like all you have to say is a cold goodbye but just try to look past the darkness and into the light. You may ask yourself how you got to where you were but remember you were not always here or there so there is a way out. Directions are meant to be be reversed there is a back, forward, side to side, up and down. Most of the time we choose our own path to take but sometimes it is forced upon us. WE still have the ability to change our direction. DO NOT run away. Things may not go as planned but plan big, it could be a gamble but go ahead and roll the dice. Promise not to mind if you go YOUR own way. Promise not to lie.

You'll find that everyone no matter the circumstance wants a charm and a smile in a promise. Give it to them it will make them feel alright and chances are you wouldn't mind the same in return. All the things that you have seen will slowly fade away, but don't look back in anger or regret.

Smile like you mean it. Be friends with everyone who deserves one. Be nice. Be mean, but apologize after. Be safe. Be reckless.

but most of all....remember to LIVE

One Time.

2009-03-05T19:21:00.001-08:00

When you are not so sure anymore whats next or if there isn't anything left for you and you are asking yourself what is left inside this wreck, where you going to go and what you're gonna do...Well let me tell you. Just breath. Relax. Its not the end of the world. Is it going to be rough, hell yes it will be. Are you going to die...you may feel like it but I will assure you that you won't.

Life is like a coin. You can spend it any way you wish, but you only spend it once.

I digress...

2009-03-04T05:36:00.000-08:00

I apologize for not writing a lot lately. I have been quite busy. At any rate life isn't about sorrow and apologies so I digress...

I am working on a thought paper and I plan on posting it sometime on here. It will be a little bit so I will continue on with the normal, rambling mumbo jumbo.

I had been thinking and stressing out a lot in the past week. I have a lot to accomplish and to complete. I am sure you experience the same thing. I have a recommendation if it all seems to overwhelming. Just sit back and take a moment for yourself. Take some time out, go for a drive or a run or whatever it is that takes your mind off of things. Don't worry, you have plenty of time. Its not the end of the world if something doesn't get done. It is not going to be a measurement of your self worth or value. Life is hard and full of tricks. Its about adapting mostly and not defeating it. Just keep that in mind. Most of all don't give up.

Good day,

Michael R. Athey

Blanket upon thy brain

2009-03-02T21:33:00.000-08:00

...In process of creating blog...please return again.

Thank you,

Michael R. Athey

Women

2009-01-07T15:25:00.000-08:00

We don't care if you talk to other guys.
We don't care if you're friends with other guys.
But when you're sitting next to us, and some random guy walks into the room and you jump up and tackle him, without even introducing us, yeah, it pisses us off.

It doesn't help if you sit there and talk to him for ten minutes without even acknowledging the fact that we're still there.
We don't care if a guy calls you, but at 2 in the morning we do get a little concerned. Nothing is that important at 2 a.m. that it can't wait till the morning.

Also, when we tell you you're pretty/ beautiful/ gorgeous/ cute/ stunning, we freaking mean it.
Don't tell us we're wrong.
We'll stop trying to convince you.
The sexiest thing about a girl is confidence.
Yeah, you can quote me.

Push us down on the couch and make a move once in a while. We like that aggressiveness about you and we like the unexpected. When we know you're really happy, it makes us happy too.

Don't be mad when we hold the door open.
Take Advantage of the mood im in.

LET US PAY FOR YOU!... DON'T "FEEL BAD"
We enjoy doing it (Paying for you).
It's expected.
Smile and say "thank you."

Kiss us when no one's watching.
If you kiss us when you know nobody's looking we'll be more impressed.

You don't have to get dressed up for us.
If we're going out with you in the first place, you don't have to feel the need to wear the shortest skirt you have or put on every kind of makeup you own.

We like you for WHO you are and not WHAT you are.
honestly, i think a girl looks more beautiful when she's just in her pj's. or my tshirt and boxers, not all dolled up

Don't take everything we say seriously.
Sarcasm is a beautiful thing. See the beauty in it.
Don't get angry easily.

Stop using magazines/media as your bible.

Don't talk about how hott Morris Chesnutt, Brad Pitt, or Taye Diggs is in front of us.
It's boring, and we don't care.
You have girlfriends for that.

Whatever happened to the word "handsome"/"beautiful"
I'd be utterly stunned by a girl who greeted me with "Hey
handsome!" instead of "Hey baby/ stud/ cutie/ sexy" or whatever else you can think of...
...on the other hand im not saying I wouldn't like it either ; )

Girls, I cannot stress this enough:
IF YOU AREN'T BEING TREATED RIGHT BY A GUY, DON'T WAIT FOR HIM TO CHANGE. DITCH HIS SORRY, DISGRACE-TO-THE-MALE-POPULATION SELF, AND FIND SOMEONE WHO WILL TREAT YOU WITH UTTER RESPECT

Someone who will honor your morals.
Someone who will make you smile when you're at your lowest.
Someone who will care for you even when you make mistakes.

ENJOY A GOOD MAN...THEY ARE HARD TO COME BY IN A DAY AND AGE AS WE LIVE IN WHERE PEOPLE DON'T GIVE A SHIT....LONESTAR

Someone who will love you, no matter how bad you make them feel.
Someone who will stop what they're doing just to look you in the
eyes....and say "i love you" ...
....AND ACTUALLY MEAN IT!

Charissa Ann Sterman I love you!

For the rest of you who read this...I hope I have posted something that means something.

Lonely

2008-12-12T14:47:00.001-08:00

The worst feeling isn't' being lonely. Its being forgotten by someone who you could never forget.

Phrases from women...that I think men should know the meaning to!

2008-12-09T14:50:00.000-08:00

Fine- The word that women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up

5 Minutes- Conditional phrase such as if a woman is getting dressed this means a half an hour or five minutes and only five minutes is the amount of time you have been given to finish watching the game and help around the house.

Nothing- *Normally the calm before the storm* Nothing means something so fellas be on your toes. Remember arguments that begin with nothing usually end in fine.

Go Ahead- This is a dare…not permission! DON’T DO IT!

Loud Sigh- Not actually a word or phrase but a nonverbal statement misunderstood…mostly by men. Loud sigh means the woman thinks you’re an idiot and wonders why she is standing there with you wasting her time arguing with you about “nothing.”

That’s Okay- One of the most dangerous statements a woman can use. This means she is going to think long and hard before deciding how and when you are going to pay for your mistake

“Thanks”- A woman is thanking you, don’t question or faint just say “you’re welcome.”

Whatever- In case you didn’t’ know…this is a woman’s way of saying F*@% you

Don’t worry about it, I got it (aka that’s okay I got it)- Another dangerous statement! This is something a woman has asked a man to do several times but is now doing it herself. This will result in a man asking a woman what’s wrong and for her response see #3.

Lovelies

2008-12-04T11:18:00.001-08:00

Remember tonight, for it is the beginning of always. A promise. A belief in each other and the possibility of love.

The world: Kicks you in the butt!

2008-11-17T20:10:00.000-08:00

The world is going to continually test you. Over and over and over again. Don't get discouraged!

Times are changing....don't get left behind.

2008-11-17T18:46:00.000-08:00

Sick of the daily grind. Crawl out of bed, take shower/put on clothes, drive (some sort of transportation) to work or school or school then work. Whatever your "daily" grind take it and wad it up and shoot the proverbial 3 pointer in the trash can.

WAKE UP!

Its time to stop being a zombie. No one can hold you to that "ritual" you have succumb to. Awake is the new asleep baby!

Whatever it is just go do it. Change that little part in your day and get away from it all. Change things up.

After all change it good.

The key to change is to let go of fear. Don't live your life in fear of what is going to happen if you change. If anything fear what will happen if you DON'T change. It may not be something like a daily thing you want to change. If you like your "procedure" then awesome! However, if there is something about yourself that you want to change. NO EXCUSES...do it! Don't worry about things in your past. No one can go back and change the beginning, but you CAN start today new and change the ending!

For you and all!

2008-06-18T23:27:00.000-07:00

Stop!

Take a look around. The things you are surrounded by at this current moment. Are you where you want to be? If you aren't...

#1. Why are you here?
#2. What is stopping you from being where you want to be?
#3. What can you do to get where it is that you want to be?

Are you content. If you say yes...I laugh at you. Is being content the thing you wanna be? The given definition in the dictionary of content is and I quote, " satisfied with what one is or has; not wanting more or anything else." So I suggest to you if you have some other want or need...is content enough?

Don't be content with waiting and seeing what will happen, but use your determination for what you want to make the "right" things happen.

There is one great trip in this world. That trip is life and you should experience it to the fullest. Don't just lean on the wall and hold it up and watch it stride past you like a beautiful thing that it is...walk beside it..don't get to far ahead of yourself because life may not follow and don't fall too far behind because you may find that it won't lead you...walk beside it hand in hand.

~Michael R. Athey~

Where are you heading?

2008-04-14T22:44:00.000-07:00

Existence.
- Defined by the online dictionary as a "state of being."

Life.
- Defined by the online dictionary as "the condition that distinguishes organisms from inorganic objects and dead organisms, being manifested by growth through metabolism, reproduction,and the power of adaptation to environment through changes originating internally."

You may be finding it difficult for you to understand why I am writing about these two objects. The answer is not simple, nor complex. I mean I actually don't have a concrete, nailed to the floor answer for you. I just want you to pose your own questions to life. I ask YOU are you existing or are you living? After all, "in the end its not the years in your life that count, its the life in your years!" (Abraham Lincoln).

Are you standing back letting the days pass you by? Are you getting the daily dose of life you have always wanted? Are you doing the things you want to do in life before its to late? Are you a statue being subjected to mother nature getting weathered and frail?

"Listen don’t worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubblegum. The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that
never crossed your worried mind. Don’t feel guilty if you don’t know what you want to do with your life. I know some pretty interesting 40 year olds who still don't know what they want to do (my aunt). Money does NOT = L.I.F.E. Enjoy your body, use it every way you can…don’t be afraid of it, or what other people think of it, it’s the greatest instrument you’ll ever own. Get to know your parents, you never know when they’ll be gone for good. Be nice to your siblings; they are the best link to your past and the people most likely to stick with you in the future Understand that friends come and go,but for the precious few you should hold on."

I recommend you Sing aloud....Dance....make a fool of yourself. Live!

The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, the education, the money, than circumstances, than failure, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company…a church…or even a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that d ay. We cannot change our past…we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it. And so it is with you…we are in charge of our attitudes!

Life is like...

2008-02-12T11:28:00.000-08:00

Life is like the ocean tide. If you swim against it then you will tire. Be warned...floating on it most often times carries you out to sea; however if you tread water, you'll be there to see the morning sunrise over the horizon (MRA).

Michael R. Athey

Fear and Doubt...Ain't no thang!

2008-02-12T11:19:00.000-08:00

Doubt: a status between belief and disbelief. It is uncertainty or distrust of a fact, an action, a motive, or a decision. It brings into question some notion of reality, and may involve delaying relevant action out of concern that one might be mistaken or at fault. Fear: emotional response to tangible and realistic dangers. Fear should be distinguished from anxiety, an emotion that often arises out of proportion to the actual threat or danger involved, and can be subjectively experienced without any specific attention to the threatening object.

Don't waste your life in doubts and fears: spend yourself on the work before you, well assured that the right performance of this hour's duties will be the best preparation for the hours or ages that follow it (RWE).

Michael R. Athey

Life Components

2008-02-10T00:49:00.001-08:00

Michael R. Athey