DAILY POST

Give your life meaning by doing things that push your mind to expand, hurt, and love - and sometimes take a break.

- SOMEONE ONCE SAID

You Can Be Happy

How on earth can we be authentic if we are constantly trying to please everyone around us? It's impossible. If people cannot handle who we are and what we are then are they worth being in your life? When it comes to friends and family, I want those around me to do two simple things:

Be relaxed
Be honest without fear of ridicule

This is an easy concept yet people can't seem to do it, including myself (although I'm working on it). We shouldn't have reservations of saying the wrong thing in fear of hurting someone's feelings. Honesty should be the staple of a great relationship, because if you cannot be honest with those around you without ridicule then.....
I want people in my life that are going to shoot me straight. I want people that might say "Jon, looks like you've gained a few pounds," in stead of "Hey Jon, you look great!" This is horrifying to think about, but that's not where it should end. "Jon, looks like you've gained a few pounds - could I help you in any way to lose it?" How about being honest with a solution or at least a helping hand, or have the understanding that people that are being honest don't have a delete button, autocorrect, or proper formatting when speaking live, and usually are coming from a good place.

Thought that Hurt

We are our thoughts is something I hear myself chanting from time to time throughout the day. It's to the point now where I catch myself when I am in a feeling of depression or sadness. We are our thoughts is one of the truest concepts I've ever come across. If I want to be sad I can, and if I want to change that simple yet complex emotion I can! So next time you are feeling an emotion and you are begging for that state to change say to yourself "We are our thoughts," and see if you can grapple with the universe that is your mind.

Go to Bed

November 16, 2017

How many of you need a reset? Just a night to not worry about anything other than to get this reset. If you have kids, second jobs, or worry then it might be a little difficult. I just talked to a teacher today about how he has no time for quality sleep with two young ones at the house occupying his much-needed reset time. When he does get a minute it's spent decompressing and enjoying the silence. What if you could get rid of those distractions for the night and use it to decompress and have sleep reset? Would you use it for that?

Too Many Choices

November 15, 2017

Are you like me? Always looking to change something about yourself instead of being happy with where you are at? I'm constantly trying to figure out how to be better at eating less, working out more, and being productive. If I need to lose weight I am trying to restrict myself and this works for about a day or maybe even a week, but I go back to the same EASY thing - eat whatever. Usually, on Sunday, I start coming up with a plan to bettering myself and usually by Monday evening I am back to what I'm used to. I know I am going to figure it out someday and that the struggle is going to help in the progress, but why is it so hard? I know if I read a book about why I am struggling so much the answer will be there, but just having the answer is not enough. The answer in the picture is simple, but I want things to happen today! And there lies the problem. I need it to happen now. I don't have the patience or positive vision to see it through to a year or two down the road. The simple answer is this: "Nike, Just do it."

What am I Doing?

November 14, 2017
Have you ever had a day where you thought to yourself....Why am I teaching? WHAT AM I DOING? Well, I had one of those days today, and it was rough. It's amazing how one student can bring that out of you. One student can ruin your day, regardless of how zen you may feel or calm you may act. One student can put a damper on the day. I loved the book "As a Man Thinketh" by James Allen and I believe every word spoken. The basic message of that short read is - We are our thoughts, so choose your thoughts wisely. BUT one student altered my thinking today, and I remembered that book, and I thought to myself "Well, shit it's not that easy." It eventually dissipated because a couple other students helped me come back to the light (Bless them). Usually, if you're lucky only about five percent of your roster give you issues. That five percent makes you work for your money, and of those ninety-five percent of kids one could be begging for that five percent of attention, but sadly it's lost. The moral of the story is "This too shall pass," and if it doesn't then maybe it is time to make a move - UNLESS you are a first-year teacher then it's just normal.

Life of Virtue

November 13, 2017

Can you imagine a world where everyone had this standard of living? What would this world look like? I believe most people strive for good but lose it in the matrix of life. Living a life of virtue isn't easy with all of the life's distractions. The older we get the more we see and the less we see. What if every day we saw virtue and goodness - of joy and calm - of self-love and worthiness with everything around us? All living things working together with virtue as the end goal.

How about doing this today - As the day passes by seeing the things around you as good and honorable - the trees, the leaves, the people, the water, the animals. See if it makes you feel something new.

Fly Away

November 10, 2017

How fun would this be to do with a loved one or just friends? There are many ideas you could do with this activity. You can make it last as long as you want. I found a super sweet paper airplane book in my classroom and it's a creative book to make all different kinds of paper planes. Thought it would be a change from the norm.

It would be cool if you send pictures to my email and I can post them.

Special Clothes While Jogging

November 9, 2017

Have you ever come across a runner in normal clothes like pants and a polo? I have, and my mind brought me to a couple things:
1. He just robbed someone
2. He needs to use the bathroom badly
3. The cops must be on his trail - he should probably not be in plain sight.
My top three thoughts are nowhere near jogging for pleasure and exercise.
On another note: anytime I see someone running for exercise I always say to that person "Good job buddy." Not sure when I started that, and yes the windows are usually up and they never hear me.

Better Past

November 8, 2017

The past can hurt the strongest people. One comment, one action, one incident, one accident can leave a lasting fog in your life if you let it. The movie "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" comes to mind when discussing the past plus all other back to the future type movies. You can't change the past without repercussions no matter the noblest of intentions. Sometimes we just want to forget in order to move on, but in the "Eternal Sunshine" with Jim Carrey deleting your past love only brings sadness. How about being counterintuitive and loving the past heartache and suffering? What would happen if we look at the past and say nobody else in the world experienced that thing. That is mine and I'm going to own it and learn from it and maybe help others in similar situations.

"Let the past make you better, not bitter." Unknown

You Are Enough

November 7, 2017

I am guilty of the act of negative self-talk and know I'm not alone. It has gotten better over the years especially after becoming aware of it. Consistently telling ourselves that we are enough, and we are doing the best we can with our particular tool belt can't hurt...right? The great thing about life is we CAN get new tools for our "tool-belt" that make us better. With negative talk, we lose many of the important tools we need in order to strive. Next time you feel yourself being a bully to YOU take a second and see if you can put in a couple positive things.

Stop and Notice

November 6, 2017

Haven't posted in a while due to just enjoying life, but also have been down and out with knee problems and all the Nyquil symptoms - you know coughing, aching, stuffy head, fever, etc...When I do have some chill time, I tend to watch some TV (a lot of TV). I always feel bad about it because I feel like I could be doing something to better myself. I begin to think about how TV does better me. Although, an excess of anything can be harmful. I'm not sure how much television I have watched in my lifetime, but I bet I can beat you. I love it! Mostly fictional - TV can take you into the lives of all different types of people. It can help develop empathy for others because you get another perspective you wouldn't normally observe - just like in books and life. Instead of feeling unproductive, maybe it's okay to watch with the idea of it helping you instead of hurting you, then again maybe I'm just trying to justify my addiction? Obsession? Hobby?

Just Breathe

November 1, 2017

"You are" is a strong affirmation. Try telling yourself "you are" better, okay, strong, confident. See how it feels. The instinct when saying affirmations is "I am," but "You are" can be just as powerful. Not sure where I heard this, but I started doing it and it just feels different. I like it. We are capable of handling the toughest situations even though they may hurt. The trick is to tell yourself you are capable. It's amazing the feeling of relief we get when we take a deep breath in a few times. It gives us that sense of calm - like for that moment - everything is okay.

Searching for Happiness

October 31, 2017

Happiness is a term that is thrown around all the time. "The search for happiness" is what we have heard most of our lives. Happiness is all around us depending on perspective. If we are grateful for all the wonderful things going on around us then happiness exists. If we are finding the negative things surrounding us then happiness will always be in the distance. Practice the muscle of being in the present moment.

Bad Days

October 30, 2017

I tend to have bad days if my mornings don't start off the right way. This quote is absolutely correct, but so difficult. It's easy to continue to have a bad day, because as crazy as it sounds, it's easy. It's easy to keep the flow of a bad day going. It's difficult to flip the script. It's difficult to take a second and reflect on how the day can change. So next time you are struggling - how about taking a second to reflect and write down how you can make this day better.

October 27, 2017

October 28, 2017

Oh the Places You'll Go...

October 26, 2017

I went to eat at a sub-sandwich shop today about one hundred miles from my home. As I left I realized I might not see this place again. It wasn't a special sub-sandwich shop, but the fact that I was 99.99 percent sure I would never go back, it made the experience better. It made a simple lunch into something more. Try it next time you visit a new place.

Shoot for a Piece

October 25, 2017

Micromanaging change is such an easy concept. It reminds me of Dr. B.J. Fogg's Tiny Habits philosophy.
Example: You are wanting to start the habit of flossing your teeth...
instead of diving right into it, start the habit of flossing one tooth daily, and each week add a tooth. This small shift can pay off BIG with patience. Simple as it may seem this tiny habit structure is difficult. I/We want instant gratification and this simply takes too long! But in order to have lasting change we must have patience and we must simplify the habit down to the 'one tooth.' What habit would you want to start this with?

Whatcha Thinking About?

October 24, 2017

Our thoughts make up who we are. If you meet the complainer, optimist, pessimist, or the gloomy guy/girl, rest assured they are who they are because of the inner dialogue going on in their head. Being aware of our thoughts is key to understanding ourselves and who we've become. I consider myself about fifty plus pounds overweight, and it has nothing to do with the food I am putting into my body. It's my thoughts about the food I'm shoveling down my gullet. The pepperoni pizza reminds me of my childhood after a game, a birthday party, or the movie Home Alone with Kevin and his cheese pizza. My thoughts on this super unhealthy food are of comfort and happiness.

Breath IN

October 23, 2017

We breath everyday, but are we breathing the way we should? I know when I stop and focus on breathing, my mind and body tells me "Thank you." I mean there are studies out there particularly by Wim Hof that breathing a certain way can help your body and mind. With this in mind why is it so hard to stop and breath? Maybe a reminder will help? How about right now? Stop reading, and start taking deep breaths in and out and see how you feel.

"The mind under control is your best friend, the mind wandering about is your worst enemy."
Wim Hof

Coloring

October 22, 2017

Adult coloring books were a big trend a few years ago and for good reason. The coloring is very therapeutic. When I actually sit down from distraction and just color - time doesn't exist. It brings me back to when I was younger, and although I didn't color a ton I did draw and color in. I remember when I was about twelve, I was a huge Bo Jackson fan. I had roughly 5o Bo Jackson baseball cards and still do. I drew a picture of Bo when he played for the Whitesox, and it wasn't complete until I started coloring it in. In a world trending on meditation and focusing on breathing. Coloring falls on this same spectrum. So, if you have time open up a coloring book or search a fun item on google and begin the coloring meditation.
Example: Google Bo Jackson Coloring Book Black and White

I Need A Dollar

October 21, 2017

This was the theme song for one of my favorite shows on HBO - "How To Make It In America." Cancelled after two seasons. So sad. We are all walking on solid ground, but how many of you feel like things aren't so solid? Sometimes we just need help, we need someone to say "this is the way to go - follow me." The hard part, I know for me is finding these life guides.

Juggle Things

October 20, 2017

I remember where I was when I learned how to juggle. I was in Alabama for my brother's baseball tournament and we were stuck in a dingy hotel room. I was maybe thirteen or fourteen. I was bored and decided right there I was going to learn how to juggle. This was before youtube tutorials and the internet. It was 1993 or 1994. I started with two baseballs in one hand. I hit a couple dressers and maybe my mom, but for some reason my parents let me keep practicing in the hotel room. I then moved to three, and from what I remember, which my memory is pretty fuzzy, it took me all day and when I finally did it for more than ten seconds that memory stuck. Why? Because I think that was the moment I realized if I stick to something long enough eventually I'm going to get it. Happy juggling.

See the Night Sky

October 19, 2017

Wouldn't the idea of everyone in the country working together to do something simple. At 9:00pm PST everyone turns out all the lights where they are and goes outside for twenty minutes. How fun? We really should push for this day every year to bring community together. Everyone working together to do the same thing at the same time would be amazing and memorable.

Do you Know it?

October 18, 2017

How many of you are constantly trying to find your path? I know I am. Not sure what that path is, still searching. But we do know certain paths. I know that if I follow a disciplined diet other things will fall into place. I know if I exercise my mind and body other pathways will start lighting up. I know if I am kind to those around me other trails will begin to clear. I know if I give more life will give to me. I know so many paths to take, yet I am not consistent with those paths. The trick is to become disciplined in one, and it becomes a habit, then another and the momentum starts to take over and walking the path begins.

Consume Less

October 17, 2017

I don't know if I agree with this statement. Yes, I get that you have to run on a treadmill for an hour in order to burn off a couple donuts, but I feel like food is so addicting that to resist that drug is a thousand times harder. I hear this a lot from my physicians "You need to lose weight." No doy. Thanks, Doc. I look at food like a drug, it's just as addictive as nicotine or heroin. That feeling you get after devouring a large pizza might be the same great/regrettable feeling you may get after a few beers or a cigarette after a meal. These things feel great at the moment, but afterward, that angel on your shoulder tells you "What the f%$k are you doing?" Where are the rehabs or patches for that?

What's Safer

October 16, 2017

Our brains so desperately want to suffer as little as possible, but it's the suffering that leads us into our best selves. Steven Pressfield coins the term "the resistance" when referring to this struggle. I know as a teacher our authenticity can get compromised at times in order to please a student, parent, coworker, or boss. But what we need to be is more transparent. Any suggestions on how to be more transparent and authentic throw them at me, especially as a teacher. Sometimes I feel like we need to be these perfect role models for our students and having those unreachable expectations can lead to depression and lacking a sense of self.

Movie Time

October 15, 2017

There isn't much explanation to this. It's simple. Go to a movie theater and watch a movie by yourself. It's awkward at first, but once you get over that, it's a lot of fun. Try it out and see.

Never Look Down

October 14, 2017

The chorus of this great song is catchy and a tremendous message. Never look down. Keep your head up, be mindful of your surroundings and grateful for what's in front of you. We are all searching for something, whether it be the next meal, adventure, uncomfortable situation, or the overused word: happiness. All of these things can be found if we become in awe with our life, and see the beauty in our surroundings. Keep searching.

Doodle Day

October 13, 2017

Hugh Macleod, author of "Ignore Everybody" just started doodling on the back of business cards and added it to his blog. He has turned that into a legitimate business. When is the last time you colored or drew a picture? Did you notice the feeling it gave? We recently had a project in my class where some of the students had to color-in their creation. Well I decided to jump on board and help with coloring. It's so meditative and calming. You go to a different place. I've never doodled on a cup before, but this gives me an excuse to stop by Starbucks and start the doodle adventure.

Last Time

October 12, 2017

Wouldn't it be crazy if everyone had a video of this moment? How many of us would tear up or smile? How many of these moments do we have in life? The last time you wore floaties in the pool, or last time you walked to school. We have so many moments that might be the last time. Be mindful of the little moments in your life so when the time comes to look back on them you will not need a video to remember.

Listen Carefully

October 11, 2017

"Silence is a greatly underestimated source of power. In silence, we can hear not only what is being said, but also what is not being said. In silence, it can be easier to reach the truth."
Peter Bregman

Why is listening so hard? Why do we feel the need to prepare what we are going to say next? Well, it feels good to talk about ourselves, because no one else is an expert on you. We want to show people how much we know. The trick is fighting the urge to overindulge. We all know how to be silent, but the question is how long can you hold back the pressure of speaking.

Let Go

October 10, 2017

'Letting go' are two words we hear a lot especially since the Disney movie "Frozen" hit the big screen. This easy and simple concept is well, easy and simple. We have a difficult time letting go of the past, present, and future. When we believe we are not in control; that our bodies are pre-programmed to do what our brains tell us before we even act then we can realize our so-called control is nothing more than smoke and mirrors. Be mindful of the present and things will move and become chill and enjoyable.

"You must learn to let go. Release the stress. You were never in control anyway." Steve Maraboli

"Existence is meant to be fun. It doesn't go anywhere it just is." Alan Watts

Enjoy, Exist, Have Fun

October 9, 2017

We all exist on this huge spaceship in the sky. I get frustrated sometimes because things aren't a certain way or I'm not where I thought I might be at this age, but really? Who cares? No one. We exist on this planet and we need to embrace it and have fun! Be grateful for a new day every day.

Grill it Up

October 8, 2017

I really would love to do this, but my Sunday laziness might seep in. My grill needs a deep cleaning (1 hour). Also, if I was going to grill today I would go for shrimp kabobs (Prep & Cook Time - 3 hours) . What about you? What would you grill up today?

Gun Song

October 7, 2017

I’ve seen the Lumineers in concert twice and they told the story behind this song. The lead singer: Wesley Schultz’s dad passed away and when going through a drawer in his bedroom he found a gun. He never knew his dad owned a gun, and by finding that it opened up his mind behind what else he didn’t know about his dad.
I think about my Grandpas that passed, and of course my dad. Some things about my grandpa surfaced after his passing that would have been so cool to talk with him about, then again I was young and immature and probably wouldn't have appreciated it as much. What are the things about these important people in your life that you don't know about? I don't like the thought of never knowing aspects of my dad until after his passing, but what if they are not willing to share when you ask? That's why documenting is so crucial not only for your own well-being and getting to know yourself, but also for those that love you and might not be ready to hear your story yet, but someday will yearn for it.

Jump Jump

October 6, 2017

When was the last time you jumped on a trampoline? I remember my parents buying a trampoline and it was one of the best purchases I think they made for us (two younger brothers). That first time you hit your knees and fell back up, the first flip, the first backflip (this one took a while), and even the first double flip (my knees hit my forehead) but I got back up. We fell off sometimes and it was scary, but it taught us some things.

It's going to hurt sometimes, but it's fun so who cares
We get better with practice. The more we tried the front flip, back flip, or double flip the better we got at it.
It was fun and in adulthood we stop doing those creative fun things because we get comfortable!

My goal is to find a trampoline park in the area and start jumping. If you can't find a trampoline, then do a cartwheel, or in my case attempt a cartwheel.

Speak to Me

October 5, 2017

In my classes, before we get started with the big chunks of time, we circle up! I learned this from Todd Finley. We circle up, I read the daily quote, and we go around in a circle and talk about what we are grateful for. Most say food, family, or video games, but some get more specific and although this can be hard I try and do this as well. The little things that we take for granted every day can be celebrated every day! Someone actually at some point created language. Can you imagine if we were still grunting and drawing pictures? Hmmm....that actually sounds nice. So what are you grateful for today that you normally don't acknowledge most days?

Work through

October 4, 2017

I want nothing but positive in my life. That is healthy and leads to less stress, right? But sometimes stress and negative feelings creep up even though you want the bad thoughts to go away. Instead of pushing them deep down into your feet, how about being grateful for those feelings? How about writing those feelings down? How about instead of fighting those negative thoughts and feelings you let go and listen to them? I'm not saying that all our negative thoughts should be analyzed, sometimes our minds are just assholes. Instead of saying 'no' to those feelings, how about saying 'all right you have my attention, but not for long - What?'

Talk about Uncomfortable

October 3, 2017

There is a great quote from "The Office" (American Version) by Andy. The Weight Loss Episode Season 5.
Darryl: Well you lost zero pounds. [everyone grumbles] No change. On the bright side you gained zero pounds.
Michael: Hey, you know what? I can't do this by myself people! Kelly and I are the only ones who have either passed out or almost passed out. [flails his arms]
Andy: Damnit, I need these five days for my honeymoon! Who is slacking?
Holly: Ok, let's just all try and work harder, ok?
Andy: NO! I want names!
"Andy: This is the hardest thing I've ever had to do in my entire life. I haven't had a very hard life."
I know my life hasn't been too hard. Yeah, I've had heart-break, had a horrible first year as a teacher/coach, pissed off my family, and eaten way too much processed food in my life. But my life hasn't been that hard. I don't watch the news for fear of the negative, and I shy away from controversy and confrontation when I can. This helps with my calm, but is it helpful for humanity to just ignore the issues? My mind goes, what can I do? How can I contribute?

What's Good?

October 2, 2017

This is such an easy thing to do, yet our distractions sometimes overtake what's good. How great of a day is it when you ask yourself "What is good in my life right now?" Even in depression, sadness, and anger (although hard) we can find something that is good. I like getting specific. The first sip of my coffee, the moment when my dog starts to prance away when I get home, when I get to give my wife a big hug before I leave, so many things I can add. So what is good in your life? It's a good day to have a good day!

Little More Sleep

October 1, 2017

You don't really understand how important sleep is until you have a night where you don't sleep well at all. With all the life distractions, it is more difficult now than ever to get a good night's rest. There are many things you can do in order to set you up for a great night sleep, and Shawn Stevenson's book "Sleep Smarter" is a great start, also he has a three-part series on better sleep with his podcast "The Model Health Show." (Part One, Part Two, Part Three) I am the ultimate light sleeper and sleeping through the night is always a significant moment.
Here are a few things I've begun implementing that I think have helped:

Blue Blocker glasses a few hours before bed
Watching or Reading fiction before bed
Blackout curtains
When all lights are out - I think of three amazing things that happened that day, or three things I'm grateful for and usually I'm out before I get to number two.

Crawl Home

September 30, 2017

Isn't music a great thing? What would life be without music? Hozier is a band I have seen twice in concert, and they never disappoint. Anytime you feel like you need some feel good emotions, put on their album and let loose. 'Work Song' is the song that will make you want to clap, dance (or in my case, sway) and just chill. The tempo and vibe is mellow and the chorus makes you want to close your eyes and sing along with a swagger of James Dean cool.

Play Chess

September 29, 2017

I never learned how to play chess, and I think the only reason why is because I was a little intimidated by it. Weird I know. I've always had this idea that chess is for the elite and super intelligent. My mindset stopped me from playing this awesome game until about a month ago I had one of my students take me through the rules. Then I played a few of my students and got beat. Got killed. But it was so much fun! Eventually, I beat one of my sixth graders and did not feel bad about it at all. I felt really proud of myself. Anyways, if you haven't played this game, I suggest you try. I suggest you play a sixth grader, and work your way up! Have fun.

Capture One Moment

September 28, 2017

How cool is it that we have the ability to capture a single moment any time we want? We are documenting history everyday and each capture has a story. We have 86,400 opportunities daily to create a story with one image. That's 31,536,000 moments a year. And that one story can be seen anytime throughout your life.

Giving Up

September 27, 2017

Many times we feel it in our gut and instead of trusting those instincts we ignore them to continue with what is comfortable. Tony Robbins says in order to change we must do two things.
One: Raise your standards, and
Two: turn your 'shoulds' into 'musts.'
Sounds easy right? Well, it depends on if the pain outweighs the pleasure. If it does then change can happen instantaneously. Some of us have been there. We are in a relationship that just doesn't feel right anymore, but it's comfortable. Then you have that one fight, one conversation, one moment when you realize something needs to change, because the pain of staying in it far outweighs the pleasure of comfort.

Find your Happy

September 26, 2017

I know I'm guilty of working daily to find my happiness. Instead, how about seeing your
happiness daily. Look around and see the
things that truly make you feel all warm and fuzzy. A home, a wife, a family, a car, a job, a blog, a podcast, health, workouts, good
movies, bad movies, great books, so-so books, and-on-and-on-and-on. You can literally find something every minute of the day if
you just open your eyes and look around. Be grateful for you have and thankful for what
you don't.

The Easy Crowd

September 25, 2017

Joining the easy crowd is, well, easy.
Just like stopping by McDonald's for
breakfast or skipping the workout you
should probably go to. When we are
constantly reaching for that remote,
unhealthy snack, or doing what's easy
and convenient then we set ourselves
up for days of haze and confusion. Go
where things are unknown and possibly difficult.