Time Is Short So Get On Living!

Last week I received news that a friend from my youth had passed away after a 2 year battle with cancer.  We'd not seen each other since college days, more then 30 years, and yet through the power of letters and Facebook we kept in touch.  We connected with each other more after her diagnosis and I got a small glimps into her vallient fight.

In the past two years I've lost no less then 4 friends due to either heart attack or cancer and each time it jolts me into the reality that I need to get on with living and doing the things that are important instead of things that are "easy".  

In other words, it's time to get on finishing the "bucket list" and stay connected with family and friends on a regular basis.

Rest In Peace Marci and my God give your family, especially your sons, comfort and peace.

Gerald Trees

Musings And Observations Of An Adventurous Life Seeker

Can't!

A testament to those who chose to avoid using or hearing "Can't"

The words "can't" and "cannot" are powerful and deceiving.  Personally, I've been working on eliminating them from my daily use and It's been impressive what a difference that makes.

"Can't" and "cannot" are often code words for "I don't want to", "I don't believe I can", "I'm unable to so how can you possibly do it", or any other combination of barrier settings that the brain hears and immediately begins to construct walls to block out any chance of change.

By eliminating the words "can't" and "cannot", or at least by working on it, I'm discovering that if a truly don't want to do something and coming out and saying "I don't want to", my stress level has gone down.  By replacing "can't" or "cannot" with I can for things I want to do, even though I'm unsure of my ability to do it, I'm finding success.  It's still a work in progress.

Along with the success, I've found that I need to be aware of what I'm saying, especially to myself, and this has helped me reduce other forms of negative "self talk" along the way.

The best advice I can give is to watch carefully what you say to yourself and to others.  "Casual" words are powerful so pay attention.

Gerald Trees
Musings And Observations Of An Adventurous Life Seeker

Lessons From a Toddler

I'm loving being a grandparent and I've found hanging out with my grandson to be relaxing (most of the time) and a learning experience.  So far, this is what I've discovered.

1. Birds are fascinating and can be watched for a long time without being bored.
2. The feeling of a light wind on your face is good.  Stop and enjoy it.
3. If you're not making progress, move on to something else.
4. Water is fascinating, especially when you pour it on yourself.
5. Everyone is a potential friend if you smile and wave at them.
6. Eating dry Cheerios out of a cup while swinging on a porch swing is a good thing to do.
7. Throwing things feels good.
8. Grass feels good on your feet.
9. Hands on learning is fun.
10. Naps are important.

More lessons to come.

Gerald Trees
Musings And Observations Of An Adventurous Life Seeker

Unique

Why is it that some people say humans are unique individuals and yet are hell bent on insisting others be like them?

Times Square, New York City

People from all over the world visit Times Square and you'll observe many unique people, local and visitors, here.  Many are willing to stop and talk, if you have the courage to start a conversation.

Exploring who we are as an individual and wanting to know more about someone else, accepting them as a unique individual, is perhaps the greatest adventure one can take.  This adventure requires us to be open, vulnerable, trusting and being willing to set aside our preconceived ideas of the person we're getting to know.

Perhaps if more people took on this adventure, we'd be able to work together for a better and stronger society that seems to be eluding us today.

Gerald Trees
Musings And Observations Of An Adventurous Life Seeker

Adventure Close To Home

We often think that to have an adventure or do something exciting we must travel to a far away place and spend a lot of money.  Of course planning must take place too.  Time off work, travel arrangements, what should I bring...  The planning list can be an adventure in itself.

I'm here to tell you that adventure can be found close to where you live.

I'm sure some of you are already saying "I live in a boring place" or "I've done all there is to do" and you may be right, however I'll be bold enough to say "probably not".

I've lived in the town below where I took this photo for 26 years and didn't know this spot existed until yesterday.

Here are some ideas that may help.

1. Look up the tourist information on your area.  I've found more places to visit and things to do that I was unaware of by doing this.
2. Visit a local museum.  Even small communities have them and the exhibits are always changing and may even provide insight into where you live that you never knew about.
3. Go for a walk in a different area or neighbourhood.
4. Be a "tourist" in the town closest to yours.
5. Take a drive down a road you've never been down before.  You never know what you'll find until you go.
6. Do something you've never done before.

Another local gem that I didn't know about until a friend mentioned it.

Local adventure is fun and can be had every weekend.

Gerald Trees
Musings And Observations Of An Adventurous Life Seeker

Memories, Make Them Great!

“If you want to keep your memories, you first have to live them.”

— Bob Dylan

Gerald Trees
Musings And Observations Of An Adventurous Life Seeker

Question Everything!

"Why?"  This was a question we asked a lot when we were younger.  The question drove our parents crazy and likely resulted in some less then correct answers to get us to stop asking.  Unfortunately as we grew, we asked "why" less mostly because it was easier to "go with the flow".

Today, many adults take what they hear on the news, from friends and family and what they read at face value.  Sometimes the information is correct, sometimes the information is out of date and a lot of the time the information is inaccurate or outright wrong.

Adventure is all about exploring and this includes exploring beliefs, especially deep rooted beliefs.  This can be scary and it can be enlightening.  You may discover that your beliefs are well founded and solid and you'll likely find some that need to be re-evaluated.

Get back to asking "Why", I guarantee it'll be fun.

Gerald Trees
Musings And Observations Of An Adventurous Life Seeker