DFTBA!

DFTBA!

© By Allen Merritt (2017)

Not long ago I perused one of my social media accounts and read these initials: DFTBA. This acronym was displayed in large bold letters followed by the meaning: “Don't forget to be awesome.” I thought this was a great message and a wonderful way to jump start the day in a positive way.  We have to self-encourage and demonstrate a show of appreciation for whom and what we are; especially if we are endeavoring to be the best we can possibly be with what we are given. If we can do it for ourselves, we can also do it for others. 

I believe everyone needs friendly reminders and micro boosts of encouragement from time to time. Some days it helps to receive them several times. I am strongly convinced this is true (at least for myself), because as I navigate daily I must do so around other people, situations, problems and distractions that seem to pop up out of nowhere. As a result, I am absolutely certain I am not the only one navigating along this terrain.

In fact, as I write this I am reminded of those video games that demonstrate exactly that; such as Pac man. Remember that one?  You run around through a maze trying to clear the path and see your way through to the next level or chapter of life while dodging obstacles and mini-monsters. It's like taking one step forward and two steps backwards. What a metaphor for life!  Think about it. If you kept going directly toward the monsters, it could mean GAME OVER. Therefore, it makes sense to re-calculate and shimmy around this way and that to get to our destination safe and secure from all alarms, so to speak. Somehow we get addicted to making it through, because that means we succeeded to some degree. And, if we're smart and strategic, that's exactly what happens.  But it's that positive attitude reminding us we are capable and can do it that pushes us through. That's the DFTBA I am talking about today. 

There's something great and fun about that word awesome that makes me smile. I guess it's the immediate affect it has to produce a smile or to activate an endorphin. In that moment we find a bit more courage to carry on. After all, it does feel good to feel accomplished and appreciated no matter what level we experience it.

Read the following statements to yourself and then read them again out loud and see if it doesn’t make you feel better in some sort of way.

That’s Awesome!

You’re awesome!

Awesome, man!

For a while I remember the phrase "awesome possum" used quite frequently. I think it added a bit of light hearted-ness to any situation. It hinted all is good, on the right track and happier.

The word "awesome" reeks of positivity. It says "yes."

And if there is anything we need yesterday, today or tomorrow it's a lot more positivity and a little more "yes" instead of "no." Wouldn't you agree? There is no risk and a good chance for a high yield or a better return on your investment (ROI)!

I also think that the idea behind “Don’t Forget to be Awesome” gives all of us permission to put our best foot forward and try or try again, as well as demonstrate a sense of how everything is alright and okay in the world…despite how others might make it seem. Look in the mirror and focus on yourself a little bit. Look yourself in the eye and pat yourself on the back here and there. Don’t forget and BE awesome. Why? Because each of us in our own way is a part of that illustrious word AWESOME and can demonstrate uniquely the art of awesomeness.

So this week I want to encourage everyone to live in a state of awesomeness as we carry on our lives living on that positive note.

We just have to remember not to forget. Don’t get sidetracked, blindsided or overly distracted. Reach out and claim your sense of awesome!

DFTBA.

That’s right!

Don’t Forget to be Awesome this week. Spread the good news. Share and share alike. What have you got to lose anyway, right?

Cheers!

The Sky is the Limitless!

The Sky is the Limitless!

© Allen Merritt (2017)

Remember the movie “Limitless” about a colorless, transparent looking pill that helps a person see clearly, accomplish more and become increasingly productive by making the most out of every second of the day?  I watched it again last night and found myself pondering those moments when I feel like this, which isn’t every day. It reminds me of why people live on caffeine and sugar rushes, because it makes them feel elated and able to make it through the day or continue on with it. I wouldn’t say I think a pill or anything oriented to a substance is the answer to constant achievement, but the idea of feeling productive is what we are exploring here. In fact, the film demonstrates the pitfalls of drug use, as well.

The thing about feeling limitless in your abilities and accomplishments is that one has to take good care of themselves in the process. Take care of the self and listen simultaneously to the mind, body, soul and spirit.

My happiest and most productive days are those where I am highly creative and doubly productive. I really love being doubly productive, which is to say I can accomplish several things at the same time or in the same time frame. Some might think this as a type of multitasking as a point of reference. But to me, it isn’t exactly the same, especially when considering statistics on how humans are not very good at multi-tasking. We just like to think we are OR that it matters to whether or not we get a job done or get the job at all, because some employer thinks this is our specialty. Many job descriptions include this element, because they want to hire one person to do the job of many.

Unfortunately, multi-tasking isn’t perfect and often breaks down. Whereas being doubly productive (in my opinion) means you are naturally accomplishing a variety of tasks within a limited time frame and doing it with ease. Sometimes this can mean a simple organization of how you work towards achieving and/or a better time management in doing so. I think the key word here is “naturally” as opposed to forcing something to happen, which isn’t to say that trying to multitask isn’t good. The two ideas are very similar.

Indeed, there is a certain high realized when goals are accomplished. However, isn’t it also true that once one goal is behind us another one pops up to replace it? While watching this film I decided it would be worth a little exploration within the guidelines of how it promotes positivity.

What if life were limitless? Isn’t it already limitless to some degree? Is not abundance accessible and available? When I look out the window in mid flight I see tons of it – wide open spaces. When I tilt my head up and see the vastness of the sky or the width of the ocean I see it. Life is short and yet there are some days it feels long. So how does one live without limits? What does it mean to be limitless? How can one person accomplish so much in shorter amounts of time without burn out or error? Case in point: We have speed limit sides which are  now largely ignored. People want to get there quicker. As a result, I often hear we have more fatal automobile accidents.Is it possible that accomplishing our goals (whatever they might be) is contingent on knowing our limitations? 

Limitless and unlimited are like the cup running over; the river never drying up and always flowing. It always has more than enough, but what is enough and when is enough enough?

Think about “All you can eat” buffets. If we focus on overabundance and too much of a good thing what does that mean? Does that leave us with a positive outcome? Are we any happier, as a result? How far is too far? More importantly, can we handle and manage it? Err on the side of caution comes to mind as something to think about here, because we cannot be all things to all people. We cannot be everywhere at all times. (This reminds of another movie called “Multiplicity” about having more than one version of yourself running around to get everything done faster and more efficiently). It’s fun to think about those possibilities from time to time, but reality kicks in to remind us we are only one individual with various sides and not the other way around. I remember hearing the phrase, “The Sky is the limit.”  I took that to mean I have the ability to do anything if I set myself to task on it.

For me, I always have a list of things to do that never gets done, because items keep getting added or need repeating. I cannot beat myself over it, because I know I can only do so much at any given time. I can push to achieve, but common sense tells me not to overdo it.

I suppose in mulling over the idea of limitless possibility one may also want to think about working through life in moderation. Going too fast for too long may result in conking out and becoming self-destructive. Going with the flow and allowing yourself the opportunity to take it one step at a time may prove advantageous, which most people probably understand. If not, think about the children's tale about the tortoise and the hare. 

Take your time...

Too much too soon...

Too much of a good thing...

Everything that goes up must come down...

I guess in conclusion, riding the roller coaster of life should be fun, but if it starts to feel like you are always riding a roller coaster with outrageous dips and loopty-loops, maybe it’s time for a break and come down to earth for a moment. It’s okay to feel grounded while pursuing a multitude of tasks. Go ahead, take a breather. Climb the corporate ladder. Hike up that mountain. Enjoy the view on your way up. In doing so, maybe the sky can be limitless...one step at a time!

It’s something else to think about while living life On a Positive Note.

Enjoy the week.

Cheers!

What Ifs and What Not’s!

What Ifs and What Not’s!

© Allen Merritt (2017)

What if we entrained ourselves to focus every day on the possibilities instead of the impossibilities? Certainly this isn’t a new thought, but one worth revisiting as often as it takes until we accept and embrace the gift(s) of our lives.

How do we begin? Personal trainers say it is best to start small and choose reasonable goals based on your lifestyle, as you know it. Conceptually, I think this applies as much to the idea of living your life to the fullest; filled with positivity. 

I feel it’s worth a small discussion so as to stay on track with keeping an open mind toward each day. So let's take a moment to explore the 'what ifs' and the 'what nots.'

What is the ‘What If?’

‘What If’ considers possibilities as previously mentioned, but it’s also much more than that. ‘What If’ allow us to imagine beyond our wildest imaginations. It is not merely a question. It is a question that endeavors us to brainstorm through a series of answers/solutions. ‘What If’ gives us a moment to see things from various angles so that we might process outcomes. ‘What If’ is similar to the light at the end of the tunnel when you are trying to find your way.

‘What If’ is innovative and seeks out new ways, which comes in handy when we feel in a rut spinning our wheels. ‘What If’ directs us to see clearly and understand the fact that life is more than what we see in the right here and right now.

The idea of ‘What If’ is a popular topic. Research the two words on the internet and you will find there are movies, magazines, books, essays, comics, songs, games and apps all by the same name. ‘What If’ is a motivational tool which helps drive one into forward thinking. I think this is significant and imperative as a partner to positive thinking and initiative. ‘What If’ tries to find an alternative to what already is. I suppose in some ways it is like dreaming or daydreaming in that you put yourself in a position to fantasize about this or that. 

‘What If’ allows a question, a brainstorm or that dream to take on a life of its own which may prove beneficial later down the road in transforming itself into a reality. This question is the beginning of change, an activist for navigating potential outcomes through some form of modeling and visualization. In a way, the question takes a peek at the past to see what happened and allows us to consider how certain tweaks might have changed the outcome. By doing so we might be able to change the future of the same situation by not repeating history or the making the same mistake twice, so to speak. As I think on it, it might be another way of reminding of us to learn from the past, but not to live in it.

Now let’s look at the ‘What Nots.’

I see several angles on the idea of ‘what nots.’ Let me explain.

‘What nots’ refer to the impossibilities, but I also think it refers to negative thinking. If living each moment is impacted by the idea of mind over matter, then how we think and envision things becomes extremely impactful in one way or the other. Therefore, it seems apparent that denying ourselves, putting ourselves down and/or belittling and degrading ourselves (or others) whether we mean it or not (in the heat of a moment) leads us down that negative trail leaving us nowhere without hope. Thus, the 'what NOTS' focus on what not to do and on the negative side of something. 

However, ‘what nots’ are also small little things that associate themselves with other things, which may or may not serve any purpose. I see this as a reason to reconsider simplifying our lives to remedy clutter of any kind. Interestingly, ‘what nots’ are seen as something unidentified and/or without name. It is inclusive of these accouterments which take up more space and time than they deserve.

‘What nots’ also depict all sorts of distractions that invade our space and stand in the way of a healthy well being. They also refer to knick knacks and small items that take up space, which prove as an analogy for such distractions and advocate for purging. Maybe this can aide us in remembering the ideology of everything in moderation, because we all love a few chachkies.

To conclude, both the ‘what ifs’ and the ‘what nots’ work together simultaneously to promote opening our minds to possibilities and helping us live life On a Positive Note. It's something to consider.

Take time this week to look closely at both of these ideas in your own way and see how they can benefit you.

Here’s to a successful week!

Cheers!

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!