Making Magic, Moving Mountains!

Making Magic, Moving Mountains!

By Allen Merritt (2016)

I recently watched a video clip of a set change for a popular weekly live television production. The crew had two minutes to completely change from the opening set to a brand new set while the opening announcements and pre-recorded footage played. A separate set of cameras captured this moment which is not usually intended for the public to see (except for the live studio audience).

What was fascinating is that I found myself getting excited and thinking, ‘Are they going to make it in time? Are they going to be ready when it’s time to “go live” again?”

Of course, they did make it in time; right down to the last second; and, the “at home” viewing audience never witnessed it or knew the difference. They did not see what was really going on.  It was truly an inside look on how to make the magic happen. The same thing occurs on all the recent “live” musical events that networks have been airing. No one sees what really goes on behind the scenes with creating the actual event that most people witness. That’s the wonder of working in my industry. Everything comes together in the end.

This should remind us how often situations and circumstances are not how they first appear to be. In fact, it is a direct correlation we must consider every time we feel negativity encroaching in on us. Maybe we can’t find a way out or it doesn’t seem we can navigate through it. But in fact, if we look closer and get a good look behind the scenes, the reality of a situation may prove itself as different or provide a new option to see us not only through, but beyond our situation. Look behind the veil, so to speak.

Thinking on this gives new meaning to the idea that faith can move mountains.  It’s just a matter of figuring out how that can happen. Magicians do the same. They work hard to maneuver through an illusion to make it look like an illusion when in fact it most likely is a strategic plan that appears one way, but is actually something else entirely.

In further exploring how to make life more enjoyable and positive, I felt this was a testament toward objective thinking and real pragmatic problem solving. If we are to make the magic happen and move mountains in our own lives we must look beyond what is thrown at us. We must lift up our heads more often, smile regularly, be thankful habitually and set out to find our truths or “the truth” in every moment and every aspect of the day.

It is just too easy to fall into the traps thanks to sensationalism and authoritative manipulations.

Therefore, the challenge is to make the magic happen despite all odds. Move those mountains out of the way so we feel better and promote positive and healthy well being. I am not saying to be the world’s greatest faker, but to think through a process and strategically open up those doors and windows of opportunity toward sustaining a positive environment.

“Make the magic” happen is a phrase I have heard many times. I think it refers to allowing yourself or giving yourself permission to find flexibility in your life. Without flexibility you might remain in a rut and feel stagnated or trapped in a situation. Don't become too rigid. Knowing there are more options and solutions available demonstrates how magic can happen, if we allow it.

The idea of moving mountains encourages us to think on and consider more possibilities and the “how” to move those mountains in our lives. One thought is avoiding the idea of making a mountain out of a mole hill. Don’t let the hill build up into a mountain and become an obstacle. Just because the mountain is huge and ominous doesn’t mean we cannot cross over it, around it, through it, break it down and carry it out one piece at a time or watch it erode into something else.

These are just a couple of thoughts to ponder this week in working toward living life On a Positive Note. Just remember - Everything comes together in the end.

Now watch me a pull a rabbit out of my hat! Abracadabra...Ta Da!

Have a happy and positive go lucky week!

Cheers!

Spare Some Change?

Spare Some Change!

By Allen Merritt (2016)

Every time I walk out the door it seems I have someone walking up to me and asking for some spare change. It happens a lot these days. 

Unfortunately, I don’t have a lot of change to spare. So when I saw a man making his way toward me today, I immediately waved him off. I didn’t want to discuss it. I felt at odds, because on the one hand I am a caring person and on the other I am human and find myself feeling bombarded and put in a precarious position to always have to respond, which can happen several times a day.

I’m sure many reading this will understand the feeling having experienced it themselves. It seems more people are destitute and/or living day by day, hand-to-mouth. I understand, because I have been in low spots myself including living on the streets with no place to call home. But the one thing I would never do is ask people for change or have to ask people for money very often.  Reason being, I didn’t want to make people feel bad, least of all myself. But that is just me. 

Today I was having a moment and didn’t want to be bothered. Interestingly, the man seemed to understand and thanked me anyway and asked me to drive safely. I thanked him for that. I have to remember that there by the grace of God go I. I get it. But truth be told, each of us can only do so much. I appreciated his positive response and the fact he offered me some form of change...in attitude.

This leads me to contemplate the idea of sparing some change in context with creating positive environments.

What we CAN do is to offer change in a different way. Help in the best way we are able to. Usually, I simply say, “Not today. Thank you.” I don’t want people to feel bad or get upset as a result of their situation. I also don’t want to feel bad in saying, “No.”  Instead, I want to reflect a state of well being that might rub off on them and improve their day not make it worse. So when I suggest sparing some change or making change happen, I don’t mean always offering money.  Offering to buy them a cup of coffee, a sandwich or meal is helpful. A smile or a word of encouragement might be a type of change they aren’t used to experiencing. That kind of change might turn around someone’s day or even “make their day” better.  That kind of change is worth something to everyone.

There are a variety of ways for us to stimulate change toward helping others. It will be a matter of discovery on best ways to offer change in a healthy and positive way that also works within your means; whether that be time, talent or simply sharing a good attitude or even offering helpful suggestions.

As we celebrate New Year’s Eve, let us consider what kind of spare change we can offer to ourselves and the world around us. My Uncle once shared a plan for sparing some change that has helped me more than once in my life. He told me to keep my loose change and thrown it in a jar and leave it there. A penny here and a penny there may do some good somewhere down the road. And, of course that is true. In fact, I remember a time when I lived in Dallas, Texas and I had no money on me and no food in the house. I began searching every nook and cranny to see if I could find any spare change. I found a little over a dollar hiding in the couch and in corners. I managed to walk to the grocery store and buy a bag of beans, a bag of rice and a banana. I felt blessed when I left that store and I still had some change in my hand. I managed to buy enough food to last a few days on less than a dollar. Every little bit counts.

That’s the message I want to share this week. Promote positive change. If you have loose change or can spare a little positive change toward helping yourself and/or someone else in having a better day, then that is one step forward in living life on a positive note.

Will you spare some change in the New Year?

It’s something to consider!

All the best for a great week.

Cheers!

The Bright Side!

The Bright Side!

© Allen Merritt (2016)

Well, here we are closing in on the end of another year and a bunch of challenges. I feel compelled to consider the many events over the year and how each one impacted life in one way or another. There's a lot to think about if one is to look back and reconsider, evaluate and assess all that went on during the last 365 days leading up to where we are now. 

All in all, it has not been boring. Life is always interesting despite it all. One thought that keeps coming back to my mind over the past few weeks is seeing each moment from the bright side. For all the moments each of us encounter, there is always a bright or brighter side; something to enlighten us, make us better and to build us up in some capacity. 

Since it can be relatively easy to fall prey or victim to negativity and sensationalized situations, I can understand how human beings can find themselves off-track and lost, wondering how they got to where they are from where they started, especially when they weren't trying to get here, but were trying to get there, if you know what I mean. 

The best laid plans often hit road blocks, closed doors and other brick walls. Requirements, expectations, responsibilities and authority figures stand in the way or push us in a different direction without us realizing it sometimes. Then we have to stop and find our way back to ourselves or the "plan." It is like tunnel vision (in a way), but if you can see the light at the end of the tunnel, then you know there is always a bright side. Therein lies hope.

That is where looking on the bright side has its benefits. The idea is not a sugar coated one. The benefits to our well being are real and practical. Often, we keep ourselves in our own little world and forget to step outside the box, and then we eventually realize (sooner or later) that there is a bigger world out there. For me, I begin to see how life becomes subjective only to me. Objectively, if I take a moment and look around, I can see that regardless of any ridiculousness I encounter or the distortions I witness, I can discover there is more to it then what I first may see. I recognize that there are always more than two sides to a story and if I really take a cold hard look, I will find there are many, many...many beautiful things still left in the world. And, there are some really awesome, wonderful, kind and good people out there. Surrounding ourselves with that enriches our existence.

Just as the North Star shines brightly in the sky and the full moon blankets us with a comforting illumination, so does this "seeing things from the bright side" change our perspective toward the better. If the idea of mind over matter exists and is to work effectively, it means to use such tools to promote only the best in our lives. Not just for ourselves, but the whole of mankind. Every little bit of positivity helps. 

Looking on the bright side provides new insight and is comforting. Maybe we relax, breathe easier and smile more often as a result of such clarity. I like to think so. That's why I discuss it so much.

I see this as positivity in motion. It's a verb and it is active. Being positive in demeanor is contagious. 

Go ahead, pass it on! See what happens.

When I think more on it, I understand how important this ideology is, because life really is moving along at a fast clip. It is super short. I think I would rather not waste any more of my time on anything less than wonderful. 

Let's work together on finding a brighter side to our lives; each day, every moment and throughout every circumstance we run up against. There may be a lot of craziness up the road moving forward, so why not make the most of it?

Let's make a toast. 

Here's to looking on the bright side!

May everyone have the opportunity to live more peaceably.

Cheers!

Happy holidays!

Another Road Block!

Another Road Block!

©Allen Merritt (2016)

Okay, here we go!

Get ready, because this week I am sharing with you a humdinger or a whirlwind story. Every bit of it is true and happened to yours truly.

If you need to hear a story to help you put things into perspective or see things from another angle, then this one should do it.

Recently, I get up at 2:45 am and begin gathering myself for the day. I have to start the day early because I am off to work a job, which requires at least 4 hours of a commute. Yes, it’s another commute to work day. But I’m good. I’m prepared. I allowed plenty of time, so no rush. I also prepare myself in such a way as to make sure I allow myself the chance to get ahead of any rush hour traffic. So, in knowing this I take 5 minutes to grab a cup of coffee to go. Then I hit the road, as they say.

I am rolling along and I see a road sign that said something about a road closure from 9 pm to 5 am. That’s it. Nothing else. Had no idea what that meant in terms of whether there would be any detour or what was going on. But I had a job to get to so I continued to roll along; that is, until I couldn’t!

I drove about 15 miles outside the city and began to slow down to a halt behind several others. It was now 3:30 am. I’m like, “Really!” They were not kidding. The entire interstate was closed/shut down. I would now have to wait at least 1.5 hours before I could continue.

I was surprisingly calm despite the fact I knew I had to be at my destination by 9:30 am. I began calculating my options. If the freeway opens on time I may have just enough time to get there. But wait! I would now hit inter-city rush hour traffic in Los Angeles. Oy! I may be late, but I may still make it. Do I turn around and go home, give up and forget about it. If I did, I would lose the job and future jobs as a result. Was I prepared for that?

Of course, this story is about dealing with issues calmly and positively, so naturally I decide to wait and see how it will unfold even though nothing is in my control except my response to the situation.

One good thought I had was I was not the only one in this jam (pun intended). Many truckers and cars planning on an early start were at a stand still. The clock was ticking. I could hear it like you do on that game show Jeopardy.

Anyway, I just sat there. It was one of those moments where I knew I could do nothing. I also wondered if I would hear those words, “You’ll never work in this town again.”

Finally, the freeway opens at 5:15 am. Every vehicle parked all over the roadway, shoulders and nearby dirt lots sped out of there as quickly as they could. I was one of them. Speedy Gonzalez had nothing on me that day. Interestingly, every vehicle was moving faster than normal to make up time. I felt I was risking everything to save face, but I kept up with flow of traffic. I felt like I was running out of time and was in short time to get there.

Long story short, I did make up some time, but I also hit that early morning rush hour and I knew I would be late. I made my courtesy phone call to inform the appropriate parties I would be late, but would definitely be there. I even took the car pool lane a time or two even though I would not normally take this route. 

Interestingly, several other people were late to work that day. I was not the only one. I made it. Then I had to repeat the commute in evening rush hour to get back home by a certain time. Talk about a crazy day.

Just goes to show you that no matter how much you prepare and plan you cannot always predict what situations, walls, obstacles, hurdles or how other people are going to pop up and say, “Hold on a minute! You’re just going to have to wait a bit!” Hurry up and wait!

In a nutshell, I was calm. I made every effort to do my best. I remained positive despite all odds. For me, this is an example of living life on a positive note. 

Life is interesting and unpredictable, but the main thing is we must remain open to the possibilities.

Go out there and enjoy your week!

Stay positive, my friends!

Cheers!

What Do You Need More of?

What Do You Need More of?

© Allen Merritt (2016)

I’ve been wondering lately about a dichotomy. The one that asks every one of us what do we need more of. What could we use MORE of? It seems a simple question albeit a complicated one considering the world we live in today with challenging news on the airwaves and sensationalized and/or overrated media events. It’s an ongoing discussion. Of course, the opposing idea is what we could use less of.

Many thoughts pass through my mind.

Do we need more garbage thrown in our face? Do we need more responsibilities piled upon us? Do we need more inflation? Do we need less income opportunities? Do we need less overpriced health insurance? Do we want more or less crime? Do we want more or less transparency in anything? Do we want to see more social media wars?  Do we need more political drama supporting only self indulgent agendas in a corrupt manner no matter which party is in charge? Let’s face it, there’s a lot of dust dancing around us. It’s amazing that we can find a positive spin anywhere.

When I think of my life in terms of more or less and what I could use or not use I begin to find new ways of approaching the everyday cache of events.

• I could use less of the bad attitudes from myself or anyone else.
• I could use more peaceful resolution.
• I could use kindness and consideration.

As I consider these ideals, I am noticing all sorts of nice little signs, which seem to share more of what I think we could use more of.

Created by You! – I have a choice and can change anything thing such as my mind, my circumstances and my direction in life. Instead of constantly feeling bombarded by circumstances I can make a decision to work on changing it; make stronger efforts to create something new for the betterment of myself and the whole. I can remember where there is a will, there is a way and begin creating again.

Be Good to One Another! – It makes sense to me to take extra care in trying to be good to others as I would hope they would be good to me. I’ve nothing to lose by being nice and showing a sense of care and we can use a lot more of this these days. (As I write this, I received an email from a friend who signed off on their letter with “Be kind to one another.”  Isn’t that a fun coincidence?)

Not Of This World! – I have seen this graphic on the back of several vehicles over the years and never made the connection until the other day when I noticed a car had it spelled out. (I always thought it meant “Not Now!”)  But as I consider the acronym and the phrase in context with what I am discussing today, I understand there is truth to the idea that we are in this world, but not always a part of it. Maybe that is a healthy way to look at living in today’s world.

All three of these phrases could use further discussion beyond today’s topic of what we can use more or less of, but all play a healthy role in building positive perspective in light of our topsy, turvy and wacky circumstances.

I want to help promote a positive disposition this week by challenging everyone to engage in thinking about what we can use more or less of and then doing something to help actualize those ideals for the betterment of the whole. Thinking about it is not enough. Participating in an action oriented way helps eliminate all those things we could use less of and enhancing everything we need more of.  This is important, because every where I’m looking I see wrong action and corrupt activities being accepted as a part of our daily norm and it is trickling down. If we are not careful it will continue to impact our lives more negatively.  Without some healthy mindsets coming into play through positive thinking and positive action improvement will only exist for those who are taking it and hording it from everyone else in the name of freedom. With this in mind, ask yourself this question, “What could we use more or less of as we move forward into a new year?”

Have a fantastic and enjoyable week!

Cheers!

The World According to ME!

The World According to ME!

© Allen Merritt (2016)

I don’t know why I wrote that title. It just came to me, so it seems like as good a starting point as anything today in thinking about this past week and preparing for a new one.  I guess if I had to put a finger on it, the world according to me suggests how I (and everyone else who proclaims it) views life from their point of view. We see things the way we see it and sometimes we concur and life goes on. At other times, it may seem like we butt heads with one another. 

I have an old acquaintance that often used to tell me, “Likewise!” when we agreed on things. At other times, it was a “let’s agree to disagree” scenario. In either case, perspective plays a hefty role in how we see things from moment to moment and day to day. No doubt about it.

In continuing the conversation, I discussed a bit of this with a colleague at work this week. Many times a person will see things a certain way when in fact it isn’t that way at all. It appears there are many reasons for this including masking one situation for another, bottling up things inside or taking things out on others over something that has nothing to do with them. Then there is the not knowing the context of a situation or circumstance. Since we are not able to always know what is going on, it is my opinion that it pays to be more responsive than reactive. For me, I view reaction with a negative connotation, because I have never seen it used for good. It usually impacts everyone in its path negatively. Maybe I am a bit old school in some ways, but I think there is a good reason why we should take stock in a situation by proceeding with caution; mainly because it benefits everyone to be responsive and not lash out needlessly.

The other side of this coin seems to point to the idea that we have the power within ourselves to see things in a better light when it is dark outside (or inside). My colleague and I discussed the importance of building ourselves (and others) up as opposed to using the tearing down effect. This requires a conscious effort to nurture and grow. If someone is visibly stressed or distressed, we can usually identify that and respond accordingly. What do you do? Do you pass on a smile or a nice comment? Tell a joke? Or, do you immediately fly off the handle and start yelling, judging and attacking the person or situation? Do we really enjoy taking things out on one another?

We all need a little care. I am the first to say I have my ornery days. I refer to those times when I get perturbed, aggravated or frustrated and don’t feel like tolerating anything as my ornery days. I acknowledge this fallibility in myself and move on. Usually, I don’t outright try to hurt a situation and I do not want to lash out or make rash or irrational decisions while in this state of mind. But I do have to feel it and then move on to change my mind set back to the positive. IF your setting is a bit off, change the setting. Think of life similar to that of the radio dial. Don’t like the channel, change it. We can do the same in our interactions with each other.

Ultimately, we should remember that our world (like it or not) is dependent on living one with the other and it is also distinguished by individual differences. It is not always about me or all about you. It’s about us. We impact each other’s lives tremendously whether we realize it or not or even if we choose to acknowledge it or not.

So in a nutshell, I am thinking that the idea of “the world according to me” should be viewed from every side of the fence. It’s tough, especially with so many sides to a story and various points of view. 

I guess one key is remembering we are all in the same boat even if we come from different backgrounds and experiences. We shouldn’t undermine each others thought processes, potentialities or possibilities even if we are not certain we agree with the process toward an outcome. Why? Because living on earth means always learning and growing. And, that is a gift.

With this in mind, consider where you are in life this week and where you stand in relation to everyone you run into, especially in those moments of uncertainty. What does the world according to you have to say and what lessons can be learned that would help promote living on a positive note?

Have a fantastic and enjoyable week!

Cheers!

Thanks and Giving!

Thanks and Giving!
© Allen Merritt (2016)

Let's talk turkey!

In America, Thanksgiving officially comes once a year and it is in late November. Canadians celebrate it a month earlier around October 10^th. Thanksgiving is an opportunity to take time off and get together with family and friends to celebrate "the harvest" and have a dining feast. I guess we can thank the Pilgrims for that.

East, drink and be merry, right?

But what is Thanksgiving? Why should we continue to celebrate it and are we actually celebrating it or using it as an excuse to party down and/or get stuffed and wasted?

In all seriousness, I have heard many people talk about celebrating Thanksgiving every day and also with Christmas. It seems relatively self-explanatory. Give Thanks and share gratitude with others. 

We give thanks for and/or to our families, jobs, communities, churches, cities and country for the ability to have and to do anything. We take stock in what we have and are able to do without taking anything for granted. We offer thanks for everything in recognizing we could be less fortunate and have nothing. We take stock in our lives! In truth, I am not saying anything new here. I don't think there is anything I can say that most people wouldn't already know about this holiday or even with the thought of being grateful and thankful. I believe we all know what the holiday should be about.

At the same time, I see Thanksgiving as a part of a larger picture we call the holiday season where we make some attempt to give back to others, offer gifts to others that are close to us or whom we come in close contact with on a regular basis for one reason or another. Overall, I do not see Thanksgiving as a time to run to the grocery store and start buying bags of groceries to cook and then gobble them up to the point of gluttony. It's not about food and eating. Is it?

I noticed a sign the other day that displayed the idea of Thanksgiving in two words. That is, “Thanks” and “Giving.” Separating those two words out of the one simply gives me pause for thought. I want to thank. I want to be thankful. I want to be grateful. I want to give and give back. I want to give thanks. These are the things I want to be reminded of this Thanksgiving. It's so easy to forget once we get back to our regularly scheduled program. 

I appreciate seeing the message of Thanks and Giving as individual thoughts and actions we convey. It helped remind me of how gratitude plays a deliberate part of our life at least one day of the year. Moreover, it reminds me to be considerate of maintaining the attitude of gratitude throughout each day and every moment of my life.

In writing this, I also noticed that St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital uses Thanks and Giving as a holiday message and as a part of their campaign to raise awareness for childhood diseases. Check them out at the following link:

https://www.stjude.org/media-resources/news-releases/2015-fundraising-news/st-jude-thanks-and-giving-launches-twelfth-year.html

In conclusion, I’m sure many people are grateful and thankful beyond the holiday season, but every day impressions demonstrate the opposite more often than not. We become forgetful as opposed to mindful.

Thank about it. Which would you prefer; to be thankless and ungrateful or thankful and grateful? Which attitude serves us better?

Since it is Thanksgiving time, I want to provide this food for thought to help us remember our blessings and what we have to be thankful for.

Happy Thanks and Giving!

Cheers!