That simple three-word phrase has been uttered by many people throughout my lifetime. It seems like recently this phrase has been spoken by someone after I have vented to them about my singleness. There are times in my life when I really feel like I will never meet the right person, and then invariably someone will say, "Just be yourself."
Well, I am, at my core, a "nice" guy. The old saying goes that "Nice guys finish last." Well I do believe that to be true, to an extent. But, I'm not going to change who I am, and I just read something that has given me a lot of hope for the future.
I was perusing the Facebook page of a friend of mine, and I decided to take a look at her "25 Random Facts" posting. This posting has been making the rounds lately, and I have really enjoyed learning more about my friends.
I read one fact that intrigued me. In essence she mentioned how she had been engaged twice before, but then she realized that the "bad guy" wasn't going to make her life complete. Then she met her husband, and she realized that a "good guy" would be her soulmate.
Reading that put a huge smile on my face. I know how happy this friend is, and it is nice to know that her husband is a good guy. He's not an asshole or a jerk. Instead he's a great father and a lucky man, because my friend is awesome.
One caveat...I don't want anyone reading this to think that I am just a wimp. There's a difference in being a good, nice guy and being a wimp that gets walked all over. So in typical "guy fashion" I need to puff out my chest and emphasize this point with a story. :)
I went to dinner with a close friend of mine a couple of weeks ago. We weren't at a particularly fancy place, but we did use the valet parking that they had available at the restaurant. After the dinner was over, the valet attendant told us to wait inside, while he went to go get my car.
At this time, a very intoxicated guy came through the front door. He walked behind me, and in the process, stumbled over a part of my wheelchair. It was completely an accident, and I instinctually apologized to him, even though I had not done anything wrong. This guy then shot me a very dirty, pissed off look. He even looked like he was thinking about taking a swing at me.
Now, I have never been in a fight. Sure, I've wrestled with my brother, but who hasn't? But, I have never been in a legitimate fight. However, this guy did not frighten me. I ignored him, because the attendant was approaching with my car, but I was not intimidated.
First of all, I have always believed that if anyone ever messed with me when I was out in public, some random guy would be there to help. It doesn't look good for someone to start a fight with a disabled guy. So, I'm sure that someone would "have my back".
But, I'm also very confident in my upper body strength. I can bench press a large amount of weight, and I am confident that if I ever needed to defend myself, I would be able to. On the drive home, I asked my friend about this, and she told me that she had no doubt that I would have been able to take care of myself.
So...back to my main point. :) I'm going to continue being myself. I'm going to continue to be nice, caring, sweet, funny, intelligent, sarcastic, etc. I've tried the "asshole" thing in the past, and that doesn't work for me.
Thanks to reading my friend's post, I know that I am on the right track. I'm sure that when she wrote her post, she had no idea she was going to affect my life. But she did, and I'm very grateful.
FYI, if you ever see me out, and you trip over my wheelchair, it wasn't my fault. Don't get pissed. :)
March 11, 2009
March 8, 2009
The Last Piece of the Puzzle
About a year ago, I got REALLY serious about my health. I found Seattle Sutton, which is a program that helps with my meals, and I joined Gold's Gym. I have always LOVED lifting weights, and I really enjoyed spending time in the pool at the gym.
I had, what I believe to be, a lot of success. My clothes were fitting better, and people were starting to notice that my face was thinner, etc. Unfortunately I never had an answer whenever anyone would ask me how much weight I had lost. So I would just estimate, but I was never sure.
That's because I really had no way to weigh myself. I can't sit on a conventional scale and still read the numbers, and I can't sit on a scale that a doctor's office would use. So, I knew that I needed to find a scale that was made for people in wheelchairs. That way I could just roll onto the scale, in my chair.
Unfortunately finding a wheelchair scale in the St. Louis area proved to be harder than I thought. I knew some people that worked as physical and/or occupational therapists, and they were not able to tell me where to find one. Then, I even called the Bariatric (weight loss) Surgery Group at DePaul Hospital. They didn't even have a scale. But I found one yesterday!
I went to visit my grandmother yesterday at a "rehab." nursing facility. She had fallen in her apartment, at her independent living center. She had been hospitalized for a bit, but now her doctor wanted her to rehab. at this place, before he'd let her go back home.
This was my first visit to this facility, so my mom and grandma showed me around. As we were walking around, I noticed a wheelchair scale in an empty room that they used for hair washing, etc. during the week. I could hardly contain my excitement, and I told my mom that I was going to try it out. She wanted to give me some privacy, so she and my grandmother went back to her room.
I got on the scale, and a number popped up. Now, I haven't be able to weigh myself accurately in YEARS. I think the last time that I was able to get weighed was when I was in the hospital 3-4 years ago. But, I had an estimate in my head that I was thinking.
Fortunately, the number that was displayed was reasonably close to my estimate. It was higher, but it was ok.
So now I've got a plan. I'm going to go to this place twice a month to weigh myself. I don't want to do it anymore often than this. But by doing this, I will finally have a way to gauge my progress, and this will help me stay motivated. If I KNOW that I have lost 10 pounds, I'll be more apt to keep going than I've I just FEEL like I've lost SOME weight.
To be honest, I haven't been on Seattle Sutton in a couple of months. It's pretty pricey, and they just recently raised their prices by about 20%. But, I have done some prioritizing, and it is back in the budget.
I've also gotten back in the gym--especially now that the weather is getting better, and I won't have to worry about snow and ice.
So I've got a handle on those two important components. But, most importantly, I finally have a way to quantify my progress, and that will help me to stay motivated and positive. I'm very, very excited.
I had, what I believe to be, a lot of success. My clothes were fitting better, and people were starting to notice that my face was thinner, etc. Unfortunately I never had an answer whenever anyone would ask me how much weight I had lost. So I would just estimate, but I was never sure.
That's because I really had no way to weigh myself. I can't sit on a conventional scale and still read the numbers, and I can't sit on a scale that a doctor's office would use. So, I knew that I needed to find a scale that was made for people in wheelchairs. That way I could just roll onto the scale, in my chair.
Unfortunately finding a wheelchair scale in the St. Louis area proved to be harder than I thought. I knew some people that worked as physical and/or occupational therapists, and they were not able to tell me where to find one. Then, I even called the Bariatric (weight loss) Surgery Group at DePaul Hospital. They didn't even have a scale. But I found one yesterday!
I went to visit my grandmother yesterday at a "rehab." nursing facility. She had fallen in her apartment, at her independent living center. She had been hospitalized for a bit, but now her doctor wanted her to rehab. at this place, before he'd let her go back home.
This was my first visit to this facility, so my mom and grandma showed me around. As we were walking around, I noticed a wheelchair scale in an empty room that they used for hair washing, etc. during the week. I could hardly contain my excitement, and I told my mom that I was going to try it out. She wanted to give me some privacy, so she and my grandmother went back to her room.
I got on the scale, and a number popped up. Now, I haven't be able to weigh myself accurately in YEARS. I think the last time that I was able to get weighed was when I was in the hospital 3-4 years ago. But, I had an estimate in my head that I was thinking.
Fortunately, the number that was displayed was reasonably close to my estimate. It was higher, but it was ok.
So now I've got a plan. I'm going to go to this place twice a month to weigh myself. I don't want to do it anymore often than this. But by doing this, I will finally have a way to gauge my progress, and this will help me stay motivated. If I KNOW that I have lost 10 pounds, I'll be more apt to keep going than I've I just FEEL like I've lost SOME weight.
To be honest, I haven't been on Seattle Sutton in a couple of months. It's pretty pricey, and they just recently raised their prices by about 20%. But, I have done some prioritizing, and it is back in the budget.
I've also gotten back in the gym--especially now that the weather is getting better, and I won't have to worry about snow and ice.
So I've got a handle on those two important components. But, most importantly, I finally have a way to quantify my progress, and that will help me to stay motivated and positive. I'm very, very excited.
February 23, 2009
My Myers-Briggs Score
I have always been interested in psychology--specifically personality testing. It's actually strange, because I'm usually not into the theoretical, and I have little interest in areas like philosophy, etc. But I am fascinated by this aspect of psychology.
I took the Myers-Briggs personality test for the first time when I was in high school, back in 1989. It's interesting to note that my results are basically the same as they were back then. I am of the belief that people's basic personality types do not change. However, a person can learn to become more like their opposite characteristic, if the situation calls for it.
The developers of this test stated that there are basically 16 types of people in this world. Some of the personality types are quite rare, while others are quite prevalent. Anyway, they theorized that each personality type would handle situations in life in a different way, and by knowing their type, a person could become more self-aware.
I am an ISFJ or ISFP...it really depends on my mood when I take the test. I am going to go letter-by-letter and explain what those letters mean.
A person can either be an "I" (introvert)or an "E" (extrovert). I am actually a pretty strong introvert. That means that I tend to be shy, quiet, and I don't mind being by myself. But, the strange thing is I have a job as a teacher. When I get in front of my class, I am confident, outgoing, and in control. I am also that way when it comes to public speaking. I would have absolutely no problem giving a speech to room full of 500 people.
But with all that being said, I am still a very shy person, and I SOMETIMES have a problem with small talk. So even though that element of my personality is somewhat adaptable, I still tend be more comfortable with the quiet side of my personality.
The next letter combo is either and S or and N. An "S" person is a Senser. They tend to prefer facts. This is definitely where I lie. This is one of the reasons why I am fairly good at trivia. I tend to remember facts about people, events, etc. I do enjoy reading fiction, but prefer non-fiction...if it is about a subject that interests me.
A person who is an "N" is an iNtuitive. Intuitive people prefer theories and ideas. They like to get into deep philosophical discussions about politics, religion, etc. I'm glad that there are people like that in this world, but that's just not me.
The next pair of letters deals with how a person makes their decisions. A person can either be an "F" (feeler) or "T" for (thinker). I am a pretty strong F.
I tend to make a lot of my decisions based on what my emotions tell me about the situation. Although I am a pretty analytical person, I usually let my heart control my head.
A person who is a thinker will make their decisions based on what their brain is telling them. They tend to be more decisive people because they just leave their feelings out of the decision-making process.
This F/T component is perhaps the most divisive. The people who are strong Thinkers tend to look at the Feelers as being weak and overly compassionate. The Feelers tend to look at the Feelers as being cold and callous.
In all actuality, a person should have both sides of his/her personality come up fairly equally on this test. It isn't good for someone to be a high percentage of any of the personality types. This is why I am happy to say that my last letter is either a "P" or a "J". I tend to use both parts of my personality almost equally.
A "J" is a judger. A judger prefers structure, order, and they like schedules. They are the list-makers and planners of the world. They tend to use their PDAs to keep track of their hectic schedule, and they can be quite obsessive about maintaining order in their busy lives.
A "P" is a perceiver. A perceiver is someone who is spontaneous. They don't believe in doing a lot of planning, and they tend to take things as they come. They look at the judgers as being overly rigid. While the judgers look at them as being unorganized and haphazard.
Thankfully I possess elements of both. I am not really a listmaker, but I always know where I need to be and when. I'm rarely late. In fact, I'm usually early.
But with that being said, I tend to go with the flow a lot. I always know what I want to accomplish in my lessons everyday at school, but my lessons are always changing. So by the time a lesson makes it to the end of the day, it may look very different than when it did during 1st hour.
Sometimes this trait can cause some problems with coworkers. I had a department chairperson many years ago who would criticize my lesson plans. She wanted me to basically script out everything that I was going to say.
For example, if I was doing a lesson on profit, she wanted me to have on my plan that "profit was revenue-expenses." She was a judger. I told her that I already knew the definition for profit, and that I really didn't need to write it into my lesson plans. She had a hard time understanding that I could still know everything I needed to know for my lesson, without writing it down.
There are a lot of places online that will allow you to take this test. Just do a google search for Myers-Briggs or Keirsey Temperament Sorter. I personally believe that this test will help you get a handle on people in your life. You'll be able to understand what makes them tick and why they do the things they do.
I took the Myers-Briggs personality test for the first time when I was in high school, back in 1989. It's interesting to note that my results are basically the same as they were back then. I am of the belief that people's basic personality types do not change. However, a person can learn to become more like their opposite characteristic, if the situation calls for it.
The developers of this test stated that there are basically 16 types of people in this world. Some of the personality types are quite rare, while others are quite prevalent. Anyway, they theorized that each personality type would handle situations in life in a different way, and by knowing their type, a person could become more self-aware.
I am an ISFJ or ISFP...it really depends on my mood when I take the test. I am going to go letter-by-letter and explain what those letters mean.
A person can either be an "I" (introvert)or an "E" (extrovert). I am actually a pretty strong introvert. That means that I tend to be shy, quiet, and I don't mind being by myself. But, the strange thing is I have a job as a teacher. When I get in front of my class, I am confident, outgoing, and in control. I am also that way when it comes to public speaking. I would have absolutely no problem giving a speech to room full of 500 people.
But with all that being said, I am still a very shy person, and I SOMETIMES have a problem with small talk. So even though that element of my personality is somewhat adaptable, I still tend be more comfortable with the quiet side of my personality.
The next letter combo is either and S or and N. An "S" person is a Senser. They tend to prefer facts. This is definitely where I lie. This is one of the reasons why I am fairly good at trivia. I tend to remember facts about people, events, etc. I do enjoy reading fiction, but prefer non-fiction...if it is about a subject that interests me.
A person who is an "N" is an iNtuitive. Intuitive people prefer theories and ideas. They like to get into deep philosophical discussions about politics, religion, etc. I'm glad that there are people like that in this world, but that's just not me.
The next pair of letters deals with how a person makes their decisions. A person can either be an "F" (feeler) or "T" for (thinker). I am a pretty strong F.
I tend to make a lot of my decisions based on what my emotions tell me about the situation. Although I am a pretty analytical person, I usually let my heart control my head.
A person who is a thinker will make their decisions based on what their brain is telling them. They tend to be more decisive people because they just leave their feelings out of the decision-making process.
This F/T component is perhaps the most divisive. The people who are strong Thinkers tend to look at the Feelers as being weak and overly compassionate. The Feelers tend to look at the Feelers as being cold and callous.
In all actuality, a person should have both sides of his/her personality come up fairly equally on this test. It isn't good for someone to be a high percentage of any of the personality types. This is why I am happy to say that my last letter is either a "P" or a "J". I tend to use both parts of my personality almost equally.
A "J" is a judger. A judger prefers structure, order, and they like schedules. They are the list-makers and planners of the world. They tend to use their PDAs to keep track of their hectic schedule, and they can be quite obsessive about maintaining order in their busy lives.
A "P" is a perceiver. A perceiver is someone who is spontaneous. They don't believe in doing a lot of planning, and they tend to take things as they come. They look at the judgers as being overly rigid. While the judgers look at them as being unorganized and haphazard.
Thankfully I possess elements of both. I am not really a listmaker, but I always know where I need to be and when. I'm rarely late. In fact, I'm usually early.
But with that being said, I tend to go with the flow a lot. I always know what I want to accomplish in my lessons everyday at school, but my lessons are always changing. So by the time a lesson makes it to the end of the day, it may look very different than when it did during 1st hour.
Sometimes this trait can cause some problems with coworkers. I had a department chairperson many years ago who would criticize my lesson plans. She wanted me to basically script out everything that I was going to say.
For example, if I was doing a lesson on profit, she wanted me to have on my plan that "profit was revenue-expenses." She was a judger. I told her that I already knew the definition for profit, and that I really didn't need to write it into my lesson plans. She had a hard time understanding that I could still know everything I needed to know for my lesson, without writing it down.
There are a lot of places online that will allow you to take this test. Just do a google search for Myers-Briggs or Keirsey Temperament Sorter. I personally believe that this test will help you get a handle on people in your life. You'll be able to understand what makes them tick and why they do the things they do.
Wiis and disabilities
Over the past several weeks I have heard more and more from people about the Wii. Even though the system has been out for a couple of years, it seems like I am just now hearing about the kind of workout that it can provide for people. Or maybe, I'm just more receptive to it, and that's why I'm noticing all of these comments.
So, I'm going to be buying a Wii in the next couple of weeks. I've seen footage on youtube of people playing games like Wii boxing, and it looks like a pretty good upper-body workout. This is exactly what I need.
I love video games, and I need something to help get my heart rate up. This system will do just that. So, I'm really excited about getting it.
In fact, I've done some research online, and I've discovered that many rehab facilities and nursing homes have been using it for their patients/residents with limited mobility. I also found some great links about how it is a great source of exercise for people in wheelchairs--like me.
So, I'm excited, and I feel like I have discovered a great fitness tool for myself.
So, I'm going to be buying a Wii in the next couple of weeks. I've seen footage on youtube of people playing games like Wii boxing, and it looks like a pretty good upper-body workout. This is exactly what I need.
I love video games, and I need something to help get my heart rate up. This system will do just that. So, I'm really excited about getting it.
In fact, I've done some research online, and I've discovered that many rehab facilities and nursing homes have been using it for their patients/residents with limited mobility. I also found some great links about how it is a great source of exercise for people in wheelchairs--like me.
So, I'm excited, and I feel like I have discovered a great fitness tool for myself.
Happy and Proud
I have used this blog as a forum to vent about the things in my life that I did not like. Even though it can be easy to find multiple things to vent about, I am a pretty positive person. Today, I saw something that made me incredibly happy, and it's a feeling that I'll be able to call upon for quite some time.
I was sick today, so I didn't go into school. However, I remembered a promise that I had made to a friend about something that I was going to do for her today. Unfortunately that promise could only be fulfilled at school, because I needed to scan something for her on my computer.
So I decided to go to school at the end of the day to use my scanner. I was a little apprehensive at first, because I was going to be showing up at the end of the school day, and I would be seeing my 7th hour as they truly were--with a sub. They had no idea I was coming, so I was truly going to catch them in the act--so to speak.
I approached my classroom door, expecting to hear noise. My 7th hour is a very good hour, but I thought that they might take advantage of the fact that I was gone by talking a lot, etc. But, I didn't hear a peep.
I rolled into the classroom, and I saw 100% of the class looking at their computer screens--completely focused on the project that they were working on. In fact, so many of them were focused on what they were doing that they didn't even know that I had entered the room. Once they did though, I had several kids immediately asking me how I was feeling.
I don't like to brag about myself, and I don't always like to be the center of attention, but this was one of the best things that I have experienced professionally in a long time. This class was so quiet, hardworking, and respectful, and it helped me to realize that I was exactly where I should be right now in my teaching career.
After the kiddos left, the sub and I started talking. He asked if I really laid down the law with my classes. I told him that I was more laid-back and not really a yeller or screamer. He told me that my classes were the best that he has ever subbed for. My sub wasn't terribly old, so I'm sure that he didn't have much subbing experience. But this was still a huge compliment to me.
So again, I'm not writing this to say how awesome I am as a teacher. I'm not a braggart. But, I am so proud of my classes, and I love what I do. Life is good.
I was sick today, so I didn't go into school. However, I remembered a promise that I had made to a friend about something that I was going to do for her today. Unfortunately that promise could only be fulfilled at school, because I needed to scan something for her on my computer.
So I decided to go to school at the end of the day to use my scanner. I was a little apprehensive at first, because I was going to be showing up at the end of the school day, and I would be seeing my 7th hour as they truly were--with a sub. They had no idea I was coming, so I was truly going to catch them in the act--so to speak.
I approached my classroom door, expecting to hear noise. My 7th hour is a very good hour, but I thought that they might take advantage of the fact that I was gone by talking a lot, etc. But, I didn't hear a peep.
I rolled into the classroom, and I saw 100% of the class looking at their computer screens--completely focused on the project that they were working on. In fact, so many of them were focused on what they were doing that they didn't even know that I had entered the room. Once they did though, I had several kids immediately asking me how I was feeling.
I don't like to brag about myself, and I don't always like to be the center of attention, but this was one of the best things that I have experienced professionally in a long time. This class was so quiet, hardworking, and respectful, and it helped me to realize that I was exactly where I should be right now in my teaching career.
After the kiddos left, the sub and I started talking. He asked if I really laid down the law with my classes. I told him that I was more laid-back and not really a yeller or screamer. He told me that my classes were the best that he has ever subbed for. My sub wasn't terribly old, so I'm sure that he didn't have much subbing experience. But this was still a huge compliment to me.
So again, I'm not writing this to say how awesome I am as a teacher. I'm not a braggart. But, I am so proud of my classes, and I love what I do. Life is good.
February 8, 2009
The Power of Contentment
I realize that a posting is LONG overdue for me. I have been going through my day-to-day life, and I have just gotten into a routine. Unfortunately that routine has not involved blogging, and I'm going to change that. I have a lot of things that I need to talk about, so this will be a busy week for me.
Tonight I have the concept of "contentment" on my mind. I truly believe that being content is the most powerful thing a person can do. Back when I was doing Eharmony, I would occasionally get the following question from potential dates, "Which would you rather have more of, money or respect?" I would always answer it my own way. I would say, "Contentment, because if I have that I won't need anything else."
Too many people focus on what they don't have. They are constantly obsessing about the small number of things that are wrong in their own lives and totally ignoring all of the good things. And when we truly examine our lives and are cognizant of the good things, we will see that the good will greatly outweigh the bad.
I can't walk, as I've mentioned before. I use a wheelchair, and I will ALWAYS be disabled. That's just a fact that I dealt with that YEARS ago. In fact, I can't remember a time when I ever truly wished that I wasn't disabled. I am 100% content with my disability.
But that doesn't mean that I don't get a little frustrated from time-to-time. I get tired of kidney infections, snow & ice, taking longer to do certain things, etc. But these are fleeting thoughts, and I don't let these thoughts change my day-to-day outlook on life.
Too many people in this world are so negative, and they can't find contentment...even though joy is all around them. These are the kinds of people that hate going to work, but they come home to a loving spouse and family. Unfortunately they can't leave that negative emotion at work, and it seeps into their perfect little family. They need to be happy with the "here and now" and live a happier fuller life.
I know that is easier said than done, and I know that this attitude can make it seem like I am against improving oneself. I am definitely not. I am of the strong belief that if a person is not happy with one aspect of their life, they should work to change it. HOWEVER, they should not dwell on what is lacking in their lives. Our thoughts should always be positive.
People that can't find contentment will NEVER be truly happy. They aren't able to accept compliments, because they don't feel like they deserve it. For example, if you tell a person that is not content that they look great, their response will be that they are still 10 pounds overweight.
If you tell a discontented person that they did a great job at work, they will tell you about some insignificant thing that they did wrong. The favorite word of a discontent is "But". When you tell them anything positive, they will respond with this negative word, because that is all they see. They don't see the great things that are happening in their lives. They only see the negatives.
I am a very positive person. I have been through trials and tribulations that would test many people. Through it all, I've tried to stay content, and I believe that I have been successful.
I'm happy to say that I've never had issues with depression or felt the need to see a therapist. Now that is not discounting anyone that does see a therapist. These doctors serve a valuable purpose--I just haven't needed one.
Sure there are parts of my life that I wish were different. I long for a relationship right now, and I get tired of being alone. I am an extremely loving, kind, funny, and sweet person.
At first I took that sentence out, because I thought that it felt like bragging. But, I do believe these things about myself, and I feel like I DESERVE love in my life.
But, this longing doesn't infect the rest of my life. I believe that God has a plan for my life. He's been instilling more confidence in me, because He knows that my future mate won't show up knocking at my door and say, "Here I am Kevin." He knows that I will have to do the things necessary to bring such a woman into my life.
So when I go to bed tonight, I won't be thinking about those things in my life that are lacking. I won't be thinking about the uncomfortable compression hosiery that my doctor wants me to wear now.
Instead, I'll be thinking about how this uncomfortable compression hosiery will keep me from getting some VERY painful leg infections that I have gotten in the past. Life is about perspective, and my perspective is based on being content.
Tonight I have the concept of "contentment" on my mind. I truly believe that being content is the most powerful thing a person can do. Back when I was doing Eharmony, I would occasionally get the following question from potential dates, "Which would you rather have more of, money or respect?" I would always answer it my own way. I would say, "Contentment, because if I have that I won't need anything else."
Too many people focus on what they don't have. They are constantly obsessing about the small number of things that are wrong in their own lives and totally ignoring all of the good things. And when we truly examine our lives and are cognizant of the good things, we will see that the good will greatly outweigh the bad.
I can't walk, as I've mentioned before. I use a wheelchair, and I will ALWAYS be disabled. That's just a fact that I dealt with that YEARS ago. In fact, I can't remember a time when I ever truly wished that I wasn't disabled. I am 100% content with my disability.
But that doesn't mean that I don't get a little frustrated from time-to-time. I get tired of kidney infections, snow & ice, taking longer to do certain things, etc. But these are fleeting thoughts, and I don't let these thoughts change my day-to-day outlook on life.
Too many people in this world are so negative, and they can't find contentment...even though joy is all around them. These are the kinds of people that hate going to work, but they come home to a loving spouse and family. Unfortunately they can't leave that negative emotion at work, and it seeps into their perfect little family. They need to be happy with the "here and now" and live a happier fuller life.
I know that is easier said than done, and I know that this attitude can make it seem like I am against improving oneself. I am definitely not. I am of the strong belief that if a person is not happy with one aspect of their life, they should work to change it. HOWEVER, they should not dwell on what is lacking in their lives. Our thoughts should always be positive.
People that can't find contentment will NEVER be truly happy. They aren't able to accept compliments, because they don't feel like they deserve it. For example, if you tell a person that is not content that they look great, their response will be that they are still 10 pounds overweight.
If you tell a discontented person that they did a great job at work, they will tell you about some insignificant thing that they did wrong. The favorite word of a discontent is "But". When you tell them anything positive, they will respond with this negative word, because that is all they see. They don't see the great things that are happening in their lives. They only see the negatives.
I am a very positive person. I have been through trials and tribulations that would test many people. Through it all, I've tried to stay content, and I believe that I have been successful.
I'm happy to say that I've never had issues with depression or felt the need to see a therapist. Now that is not discounting anyone that does see a therapist. These doctors serve a valuable purpose--I just haven't needed one.
Sure there are parts of my life that I wish were different. I long for a relationship right now, and I get tired of being alone. I am an extremely loving, kind, funny, and sweet person.
At first I took that sentence out, because I thought that it felt like bragging. But, I do believe these things about myself, and I feel like I DESERVE love in my life.
But, this longing doesn't infect the rest of my life. I believe that God has a plan for my life. He's been instilling more confidence in me, because He knows that my future mate won't show up knocking at my door and say, "Here I am Kevin." He knows that I will have to do the things necessary to bring such a woman into my life.
So when I go to bed tonight, I won't be thinking about those things in my life that are lacking. I won't be thinking about the uncomfortable compression hosiery that my doctor wants me to wear now.
Instead, I'll be thinking about how this uncomfortable compression hosiery will keep me from getting some VERY painful leg infections that I have gotten in the past. Life is about perspective, and my perspective is based on being content.
January 6, 2009
Time to Get Healthy
I know I mentioned that I was going to be announcing something big on Monday the 5th. Unfortunately I was really busy yesterday, and I was unable to write my announcement.
I had planned to write this posting earlier today, but I've been spending a lot of time cleaning up some spyware that had infected my computer. Fortunately everything is fine now. So I'm ready to make announcement official.
I have OFFICIALLY taken control of my health and fitness. I wrote an emotional posting recently about how I was going to do the steps necessary to lose weight. Well, I have done BETTER since then. I have improved my eating, and I have somewhat improved my activity level. But I have not been giving things 100%, and that is the only percentage that is good enough from here on out.
So, I have decided to make 1/5/09, the official start of my diet and workout routine. I have picked this time for three reasons.
1. It is the start of a new year.
2. It is the start of the second semester at school.
3. The latest season of the Biggest Loser began tonight, 1/6.
So, I have decided to make my weight loss and health the focus of this blog. I will still blog about the personal things that are on my mind, but I will try to make most of my entries about my battle with my weight. I know that I will be successful with this endeavor, and I know that my experience can help other people that read this blog.
Here is my plan:
1. I am back on Seattle Sutton. I'm sticking to this plan, and I'm not going to waver. By sticking to this, I will only consume 2,000 calories a day.
I go through too many drive-throughs, and I eat out too often. I need to stick to the food in the program, and consume more fruits and vegetables.
2. I am also getting my butt back in the gym. I enjoy lifting weights, and enjoy the feeling that I get when I exercise. I really miss that feeling, and I miss my time in the pool.
My friend, Elizabeth, and I have made a commitment to meet at the gym at least twice a week. We're going to spend at least one of those two days in the pool, and then we will be lifting weights on the other day.
Now, I'm not just going to go to the gym twice a week. But, it's nice to know that Elizabeth and I will keep one another accountable, and we won't let the other person avoid our workouts because they are too tired or lazy. We won't let the other person fail.
3. I'm also going to do the little things, like drink more water, avoid alcohol, get plenty of sleep, etc.
There have been some recent occurrences that have really made me want to be successful with this. I am determined to make 2009, my best year ever.
I'll be blogging about these recent experiences in future blog entry, and I will also be giving my first status update in a few days. I just need to figure out a way to weight myself. I can't stand up on a scale, so I need a scale that I can roll on. If anyone has any ideas, please leave me an email or a comment. Thanks.
I had planned to write this posting earlier today, but I've been spending a lot of time cleaning up some spyware that had infected my computer. Fortunately everything is fine now. So I'm ready to make announcement official.
I have OFFICIALLY taken control of my health and fitness. I wrote an emotional posting recently about how I was going to do the steps necessary to lose weight. Well, I have done BETTER since then. I have improved my eating, and I have somewhat improved my activity level. But I have not been giving things 100%, and that is the only percentage that is good enough from here on out.
So, I have decided to make 1/5/09, the official start of my diet and workout routine. I have picked this time for three reasons.
1. It is the start of a new year.
2. It is the start of the second semester at school.
3. The latest season of the Biggest Loser began tonight, 1/6.
So, I have decided to make my weight loss and health the focus of this blog. I will still blog about the personal things that are on my mind, but I will try to make most of my entries about my battle with my weight. I know that I will be successful with this endeavor, and I know that my experience can help other people that read this blog.
Here is my plan:
1. I am back on Seattle Sutton. I'm sticking to this plan, and I'm not going to waver. By sticking to this, I will only consume 2,000 calories a day.
I go through too many drive-throughs, and I eat out too often. I need to stick to the food in the program, and consume more fruits and vegetables.
2. I am also getting my butt back in the gym. I enjoy lifting weights, and enjoy the feeling that I get when I exercise. I really miss that feeling, and I miss my time in the pool.
My friend, Elizabeth, and I have made a commitment to meet at the gym at least twice a week. We're going to spend at least one of those two days in the pool, and then we will be lifting weights on the other day.
Now, I'm not just going to go to the gym twice a week. But, it's nice to know that Elizabeth and I will keep one another accountable, and we won't let the other person avoid our workouts because they are too tired or lazy. We won't let the other person fail.
3. I'm also going to do the little things, like drink more water, avoid alcohol, get plenty of sleep, etc.
There have been some recent occurrences that have really made me want to be successful with this. I am determined to make 2009, my best year ever.
I'll be blogging about these recent experiences in future blog entry, and I will also be giving my first status update in a few days. I just need to figure out a way to weight myself. I can't stand up on a scale, so I need a scale that I can roll on. If anyone has any ideas, please leave me an email or a comment. Thanks.
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