A few months ago now I had foot surgery. Minor and nothing complicated, but it was enough to gimp me for some time. Exercise is something I need, it helps keep me balanced. So even ordinarily a physical hinderance like this is very difficult for me. But it also came at the worst possible time - right when two of the most unexpected and hardest things were thrust in front of me. Dealing with the tragic disappointments of life and the reality of death is hard, and not having that physical outlet during it all was difficult.
But I am now healed in more ways then one, and am excited about the present and the future. I can do yoga again! And ride my bicycle, and longboard, and go boxing, and walk barefoot at folk fest! Life is good.
Time is precious and is the most valuable thing you can possibly give, and it is with this thought that I carefully choose where I spend my own time. From volunteering at The Bike Dump to energy exchanging at my local yoga studio this fall, I will give back where I can. And in doing so will help further causes that I believe in on top of personal growth.
Thanks to all my true friends, both old and new. You’re the best and I appreciate you so much.
“Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work.
And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.
If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking, and don’t settle.
As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it.”
-Steve Jobs
Convocation was great yesterday, albeit filled with mixed emotions. One thing I found lacking was an inspirational speech. You always here about them having amazing guest speakers coming in at more prestigious schools. I know that I couldn’t really expect that at the University of Manitoba, but I’m still a little disappointed. And so I found some speeches given by the greats to people who reached the same point that I’m at in my life - graduation from university with a focus on Computer Science. The quote above is from one of those speeches, from Steve Jobs speaking to some MIT graduates. University was a huge focus of my life in the past years, and now that it’s over I’m looking to the future - searching for what my great work will be. Steve’s words were so powerful to me because, as a recent graduate in a specialized program, the next logical step that everyone expects you to take is to slip into an existing job in the field…which I personally feel is like all too often compromising on your own dreams and will lead to, quite possibly, a less happy life. Instead I like to view the past 5 years as an amazing training time in which we were able to find ourselves and focus on developing ourselves. We learned a lot in our time in university, both in the classroom and out, and to stop dreaming on graduation would seem such a waste.
So think hard recent graduates, make goals and chase them because now is the time. Take chances now or risk never taking them at all. Always challenge yourself and never stop dreaming. (And if I ever stop please light a firecracker under my ass and let me know about it.)
Follow one of Bob Marley’s mottos: “Live the life you love. Love the life you live.” Whatever that may be.
“It’s a funny thing about comin’ home. Looks the same, smells the same, feels the same. You’ll realize what’s changed is you.” -Benjamin Button
Two weeks ago I returned from Cuba. It was an amazing trip. Cubans never cease to amaze me with their generousity and kindness, despite so much hardship. The people there are so genuine and trusting. My cuban friends even joked about hitchhiking being their national sport!
This was the first time I’ve returned to Cuba in 5 years, and the way I experienced it was…much different then the last time I was there. Last time I was only 17 years old, and stayed on the tourist path nicely laid out before me. This time, I made an effort to get off the beaten path, making real connections with the locals. I went fishing with a local for hours on the rocky shore. I grabbed some beers and wandered through the local market (talk about a stark difference from even the tourist thrift markets). I played baseball with some locals in the town near where I was staying. I experienced Cuba.
I’m back in Winnipeg now and I’m having trouble slipping back into the way of life here…it just feels less “right”. Although I’m back where I was before my trip, I feel like I’m looking through a different set of eyes…or at least with a different perspective. Friendliness in the streets is few and far between here: Saying hello to a passerby is considered odd…hell even making eye contact makes people feel uncomfortable. In the morning I look at blur of cars buzzing past my bus stop: Most all of them occupied by but a single driver. And then there are all the things we take for granted here…
Our problems are so miniscule here compared to big problems in other places in the world, and we place so much emphasis on them. It just seems so dumb, so…pointless. I can’t help but feel we live in a hopelessly segregated, introverted society.
Will I readjust? …or do I even want to?
I just got back from a vacation I took to Jamaica. It was an amazing trip which revitalized both my body and mind, it was much needed! While I was down there, the “year” counter rolled over once more, this time to 2009. I’m very much a goal oriented person and, on reflection of where I am in life and what I’d like to do more in my life, I came up with a list of “resolutions” for the new year.
-Be mindful
-Practice Zazen
-Get up earlier
-Watch less TV
-Write more paper letters
-Learn the art of massaging
-Cook more
-Camping w/ Friends
-Build a small tea website
-Read a book once a week
-Run a triathalon
-Climb more
-Weekly Yoga
-365 Day Photo Project
-Try acupuncture
When I rolled out of bed this morning I wasn’t too optimistic about today. But today was a good day. Not because of any one particular thing, but just a good day in general. Work went well (22 shifts left!), I got a lot accomplished on a personal project I’m working on, and my roommates rule.
Oh, I’m having a piece displayed in the Photo Central gallery! The gala’s opening night is Friday, November 28th at 6:30 and it’ll be set up until the end of January. Check it out!
