Monthly Archives: February 2019

“You have to be odd to be number one” – Dr. Seuss

For a great deal of my life, I was always looking to fit into one group or another, and well, that never really worked out for me in the long run. My personality naturally calls for this, but my heart screams against it.
Now that I am older, I can see things much clearer and without an emotional attachment. So out of this, there is a pillar of thought in my heart and mind that rings very true:

Conformity is the enemy.

Conformity cripples the path to an authentic life.

The authentic life is the most significant path for anyone. It is the most challenging and happiest pursuit there is. There is simply nothing as beautiful as a person pursuing authenticity in everything that they do. It does not even matter what they are doing. There is unique craftsmanship involved only they can bring into this world. It radiates and shines and does not concern itself with who “likes and subscribes.” It marches on in its beautiful way.

Authenticity is always creating.
Conformity is always trying to fit in.

Authenticity = celebrates creation and uniqueness.
Conformity = fixed, established, and someone else’s vision.

Now don’t get me wrong, I fit in all over the place. I blend in across a myriad of groups. Also, I am not a “non-conformist.” My focus is just different. I am more concerned nowadays with fully expressing my uniqueness to the world (and you should too). If that fits, it fits, and if it doesn’t, it doesn’t. I don’t worry about it.
You see, authenticity is about attraction. Authenticity is the lighthouse that shines on whether or not anyone notices. While it shines, it is not concerned with anything other than shining the best that it can. As it shines, the right people will take notice and move into their life.
Conformity is the opposite. It is about trying to find their place in this world. This place is already established.
Create your place. Be authentic.
It took me 30+ years to figure this out. 30+!!! Hopefully, you get there faster than I. My main goal with this website to help Dad’s (anyone) pursue their authentic self. You have the greatness that no one else in the world has ever had (and never will!).
Pursuing the authentic self takes courage and perseverance. I work hard every day to tow this line. It’s challenging yet significant all at the same time.
Be authentic! It is far more important to push your uniqueness into the world than to worry about whether or not someone agrees or likes you.

Be Well

MJ

The greatest delusion that we can maintain for ourselves is that personal freedom resides anywhere other than within. Personal freedom always rests in our hearts and mind. Sure, some external events and forces come in and shake up our life, but we have the choice of how you respond to those events. How are we going to show up? Who is the hero to the story we are telling yourself? (Or do we always find a villain?)
We might not have control over all that happens in life, but we do have control over how we respond to it. The key to personal freedom comes down to one-word responsibility. Are we taking responsibility, or do you deny it?
To answer that question, watch how you respond to the next unexpected event in your life. Is there resistance or acceptance? Freedom appears once we accept things right as they are.
Yes, we create the figurative shackles that bind you. We build all of our life (the good and the bad). Always creating, creating, and creating. We might not be aware that we are.
I am not suggesting that we can eliminate everything that you do not like. Nope, I am merely stating that we can use it, create around it, and transform it into the life we would like to live.
Own your life, accept it, and take on full responsibility. The shackles will drop. We may not control the traffic on life’s highway, but there is no reason we should not be in the driver’s seat.
As a dad (parent), it is best to model this behavior for your kids early and consistently. Not only will you be practicing a winning strategy for yourself, but you will be teaching an important lesson on how to approach the unpredictability of life’s journey.
Remember: Life does not happen to you. It happens through you. You create it and help it unfold. Be an active participant and help others do the same.

Love, Peace, and Harmony

MJ

Photo by Axel Antas-Bergkvist via Unsplash