A New Year Draws Near

As a new year approaches, I find myself reflecting on the year that has all but passed and the year that will soon be here. I clear my head, hit reset and begin again. I think of it as a wake up call, an annual alarm. Life is indeed short and we only have so much time.

In my teenage years, I worked at a small pizza shop in Milan, IL. My boss there was a man in his late 50's, early 60's (as close to an accurate age as I can remember) and one day in passing conversation, the 'life is too short' cliche came up. He gave me some perspective that I've kept with me for all these years. For the sake of example, I'll use my age to explain. I'm 31 and the average life expectancy for a male in the Unites States is roughly 75 years. Now, if you subtract the two numbers you come up with 44. If I live to be 75, which is not guaranteed, I will have 44 more summers, winters etc. Each Holiday on the calendar I will celebrate only 44 more times. In another year, I will have 43.

One can look at this and say that there are still quite a lot of summers to have. This is true, but very often it is said that life seems to go faster the older you get. I too have experienced this feeling. One can look at this thinking as grim, overseeing the simple things in life and I say that it depends on your perspective, what you wish to gain from such rumination. Or still yet, one may look at this and realize the time there really is.

I see it in a positive light. It reminds me to not take for granted the time I have, which can easily be forgotten. It reminds me to appreciate life's simple joys and the time I get to spend with family and friends. I look back on the year and find areas or specific things I want to improve on and those I feel I've done well. These are the events and people that have made up my life and contribute to who I am. The unique experience that is me. Hindsight is 20/20 (for another cliche) and by better understanding the year I have lived, I can better understand myself, others and the world.

I believe that if you want to be someone, then be that someone now. Though not always easy or seemingly possible, in the least it will get you thinking in the direction of who you want to be, how you want to live and what you want to do. If you find yourself saying 'Someday...', then figure out when that day will come.

To a new year!

Links of Interest:
How Your Brain Sleeps
Why Great Minds Can't Grasp Consciousness

Thanks for reading.

Change Comes From All, Not One

I thought this topic would be appropriate considering Obama's poll numbers as of late. I don't give polls too much weight, but they can show a trend in how people feel about a certain subject. I guess it would be good to note that I did vote for Obama. I think he is well qualified, inspirational and has good ideas on how to govern our country. Also a good point to make is that I am not an Obama worshiper who believes he can do no wrong or stray from the 'right' path. The 'right' path is of course subjective and means something different to all; a difficult task considering the country has 300 million people and counting.

Like all politicians running a campaign, Obama made promises that I believe he intends on keeping. Like all politicians in office, campaign promises are usually hard to make a reality. The Office Of President is a very powerful position with many responsibilities and often times don't get the credit they deserve or the opposite, are blamed for situations out of their control. Either way, it is still important to be critical of our elected officials; it keeps them honest and working diligently for the people of America, you and me.

Change was the mantra for the Obama '08 campaign that swept so many people up in the hope they have for his presidency, but the word means nothing unless you establish the before and after of what it is you want to change. Not everyone agrees with what Obama means by change but many do. When Obama's poll numbers drop, it's because they don't believe he is fulfilling his promises in part or full. Remember, there is an opposition to his ideas of change that will work around the clock to stop him. That's politics. So, Obama will have to tackle the issues as he can and is able and as new ones arise.

When looking at all the issues our country and the world has at present, it's hard for me to believe that one man has the absolute power to change it for the better, and I hardly believe that anyone wants a dictator. In order for anything to change on a national or global scale, there has to be a large number of willing participants. If you look back in history, you can find important and relevant figures that helped shape the world into what we know today, but they could never have done it without a willing populous. Leaders with a vision for the future can only go so far - the rest have to take up the challenge as well. Change is made daily by you and me, working for a better life, a better world. If one person can make a difference, no matter how small, just imagine what billions of people can do.

What does 'change' mean to you? Are you willing to be a part of the solution?

Links of Interest
Change.org - What do You want to Change?
Recovery.gov - Track the money.
Whitehouse.gov - It's our house.

Thanks for reading.

For Your Consideration

The post this month is going to be short but sweet.
There's a group of organizations (non-profits) that appeal to me among all of those that are out in the world. I believe these organizations are doing good for the world and deserve a little spotlight in a post. Also, with the coming Holidays, you could consider giving to a cause yourself or on someones behalf, if you are able to and so desire. In the least, please learn a little about what they do and consider them Links of Interest.

Minnesota Public Radio

Nature Conservancy

Doctor's Without Borders

Second Harvest Heartland

Spring Brook Nature Center


Lastly, all you have to do is click. Go to the site, click a button and someone else donates to a cause. Choose from a range of them.

Click to Give


Thanks for reading.