Fortune Cookie #11 - A Thrilling Time is in Store for You

A Thrilling Time is in Store for You

Well I would certainly hope so. I've been waiting long enough. Thanks!

But how will I know if and when this Thrilling Time has arrived? Maybe it's already happened?

I have learned during my earthly sojourn that happiness, aka "A Thrilling Time" is really a matter of individual personal perception. What I mean by that is, what one considers to be a terrible time, to another this terrible time is the time of their life...a Thrilling Time.

Take skydiving.

Sure someone's 1st time skydiving most certainly would qualify as Thrilling. Or a Thrilling Time. Possibly terrifying too of course. Whereas a skydive instructor, with thousands of drops under their belt, may no longer find the same enthusiasm in the next jump like they did their first. Thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies are often in a state of looking to up the intensity of their adventures to create a new thrill. But the thrill of the jump continues to exist or they would cease to jump.

Most would argue that going to church services, sitting through school classes, or getting a root canal at the dentist doesn't exactly possess the potential characteristics of a Thrilling Time. But I feel strongly that thrilling times can be or are created out of mundane, routine, even everyday pedestrian events. Again, perception plays a role here. My 2nd oldest embodies this ideal. He often exhibits that rare, and somewhat peculiar personality, that can turn Any Time into a Thrilling Time. In the process he tends to attract those same like personalities who also make any event a party. Equally so, he also attracts a following; those who want to be around him. These are a rare breed.

What then are the components that create a Thrilling Time?

Just one really...

By definition, Thrilling means causing excitement and pleasure; exhilarating. How often has an event taken your breath away? When was the last time an awesome sunset had that affect? Or describe the sensation you felt standing at the base of a majestic mountain? For many, these events would certainly qualify as a Thrilling Time. For others, they still may need that element of speed or risk of death. And yet, regardless the actual events, one component of a Thrilling Time remains a constant: the Individual.

Taking this concept to another level, do we let a Thrilling Time come to us or do we, again much like my 2nd oldest, make each day, each encounter, each adventure...Thrilling? Do we add spice to a boring stew? If we're constantly living with the hope that times will be Thrilling, odds are we will live and die feeling unfulfilled, perpetually wondering what we missed out on. Do we log into social media sites only to bemoan the joys, adventures, and successes of others? Are we letting Thrilling Times pass us by? Are we placing ourselves in a position to recognize Thrilling Times? Do we make life Thrilling?

Imagine if we literally relied on the hope of a fortune cookie fortune to bring us...well anything.

One of my favorite movie quotes comes from Leonardo DiCaprio's fictionally based character Jack Dawson in the epic romance and disaster movie Titanic. Jack, despite his 3rd class passenger status, has been invited to eat dinner with some of the high-minded, noble elite of the day traveling on the majestic Titanic's maiden voyage. Some at the table are intrigued by his exploits and proceed to question his most recent adventure aboard the doomed ship. In response to their inquiry, he replies:

“...I got everything I need right here with me. I got air in my lungs, a few blank sheets of paper. I mean, I love waking up in the morning not knowing what's gonna happen or, who I'm gonna meet, where I'm gonna wind up. Just the other night I was sleeping under a bridge and now here I am on the grandest ship in the world having champagne with you fine people. I figure life's a gift and I don't intend on wasting it. You don't know what hand you're gonna get dealt next. You learn to take life as it comes at you... to make each day count.” 

I suppose therein lies one of the great lessons in life..."to make each day count." In so doing we aren't living from one Thrilling Time to another. Rather, LIFE itself becomes that Thrilling Time. And shouldn't that really be the case?!

Fortune Cookie #10 - You are Wise to Keep Your Eyes Open at all Times

You are Wise to Keep Your Eyes Open at all Times

This fortune's message almost comes off as a threat. It is similar to, but not exactly like, "You'd better watch out, or else," or "You'd better watch your back!" or "I'd sleep with one eye open." But I'm fairly sure that isn't what the fortune cookie is really trying to say. Or is it?

Phrased as the fortune most likely is intended it to read, it actually comes across like some generic, benign, and obvious advice, which most of us most likely already follow (outside of sleep time that is). If you are like me (hopefully you aren't) you don't tend to do a lot of sustained, continuous staring without blinking.

And yet, oddly, how many are constantly staring at their cell phones and not really paying attention to what is right in front of their faces? How much life has been missed as we live with our cell phones? Has our relationships with our devices surpassed the relationships with our families and friends?

This is not a diatribe against cell phones or cell phone users, but according to a 2014 statistic:

There are almost as many cell-phone subscriptions (6.8 billion) as there are people on this earth (seven billion)—and it took a little more than 20 years for that to happen. In 2013, there were some 96 cell-phone service subscriptions for every 100 people in the world.

Walk into any doctor's office waiting room and what do you see? People on their cell phones. Spend any time on a college campus. Class out, phones out. Standing in line? Count how long until you find yourself reaching for your phone. Heck, even public bathrooms are no longer safe. Oh I get it. I'm guilty too. It is a convenient way to pass the time. But too often this convenient time spender is spilling into our home lives and work lives.

And what happens when our phones struggle to work?

There is so much to be seen, and amazingly these sights and events can be and should be seen in person. They should be best remembered in pictures, taken with a cell phone of course.

Fortune Cookie #9 - You and Your Spouse Will be Happy in Life Together

You and Your Spouse Will be Happy in Life Together

I was quite pleased to read this fortune, although it was actually my wife's fortune and not mine. But I imagine it still applies to me or her or both of us for that matter. This fortune though was pleasing for more than the obvious descriptive title. A little backstory will be helpful here. So forgive me while I take a biographical detour:

December 2013, I'm a 40 year-old, never married, single man. Now for the many perpetually eternal bachelors or scorned, forlorn divorcees, such a life would seem to be a good life. But for me, it wasn't. That's not to say I wasn't happy; I actually was quite happy. But I wasn't...complete, one could say; I was left unfulfilled.

Then in August of 2014 I met an amazing woman, and after a long 2 weeks of courting we decided to get married (yes, I said two weeks). Two months later we were married (and, yes, I said two months). I know, that is fast. Lighting quick. As quick as a dog can lick a dish. Go big or go home or something like that.

I guess when right is right, you don't question it, you don't argue - you go with it. Even if it comes so fast and so unexpectedly and in my case, with an instant family of four boys to boot. But at 40 I wasn't a kid anymore. I had "been there, done that". Well maybe not entirely all 'that', but hopefully I had learned a thing or two about life up to that point. Now some have argued and others will argue that we should have waited longer. Got to know each other better. That we should have really studied it out more. But the positive affirmations and sustaining confirmations were loud and frequent. Besides after years and years of bachelorhood, I was ready for this moment. And for that matter, she was too. So we married. Four boys, two cats, a new home and a new city. Bring it on! (I still want a dog though).

Back to the fortune.

Now then, after two months of marriage, what have I learned?

OK, sure, two months isn't very long. Heck most fine cheeses age longer than two months. I don't care. I love my decision. I love the woman I am with and I love loving and learning with her.

But I've learned that simply getting married or being married isn't enough of a guarantee of leading to happiness. If it were, everyone would do it and everyone would be happy. No, as with so many other important events in life, happiness in life, especially when it involves another person, requires an investment of self and time and emotion and spirit and so on and so on. And in this case, investing in each other is required.

I've learned that happiness in marriage means not asking whose turn it is or keeping track as to who got more.

I've learned it means not keeping score.

I've learned how to much one can love another person and in ways I've never loved before, wanted to love before, or even knew was possible.

I've learned that sometimes she needs to be loved even when she is her most unlovable and that somedays I'm not easy to live with or as lovable as I think.

I've learned that we don't have to agree on everything; we celebrate our differences.

I've learned that it's ok to be wrong and being teachable and humble is a blessing.

I've learned that caring for her is a lot more fun than caring only about myself.

I've learned that my way is a good way, but it isn't the only good way.

I've learned that the honeymoon is great, but life after the honeymoon is greater.

I've learned that you can love the things about your spouse that in reality you really don't like.

I've learned that together we are stronger and united we are safe.

I've learned that a  strong balance provides harmony and peace.

I've learned that patience is vital; patience with her and with myself.

I've learned that time is more important than things.

I've learned that open communication brings us together.

I've learned there can't be walls but there must be honesty.

I've learned that putting her first doesn't mean I come last.

I've learned that I have a lot more to learn...

And all this is making me happy in life with my spouse. . . even if it's only been two months. I've got this marriage thing all figured out.

Fortune Cookie No. 8 - Happiness is Around the Next Corner, Wealth Down the Street

Happiness is Around the Next Corner, Wealth Down the Street

Booyah! Here comes the money! Wealth, riches, maybe a little fortune and fame. Read it and weep losers! The money train has arrived!

Whoa, wait a second! I just realized something, something that required a re-read of my fortune. It mentions Happiness and Wealth, but it never actually defines either noun as meaning a monetary increase. Ah crap. Now what?

Sounds like I better keep my day job...

I do find it interesting that Happiness is listed first in this fortune. . .before wealth. From an eternal perspective, maybe it rightfully should be so too.

Ultimately this is not to be a study whether money can buy happiness. There are sound, well thought out arguments for and against this the idea. I'd rather propose the notion that investing personal time and talents in people and experiences yields the greatest Happiness and Wealth.

Consider...

Which is easier to obtain, Happiness or Wealth? And which should be the most rewarding? I suppose Wealth is subjective and Happiness a matter of perspective, desire, and choice (more on that later). But to continue with the money = happiness parallel, suppose I offered you a crisp $100 bill. No strings attached. No stipulations. You can spend it, save it, give it away. You can do whatever you want with it. I would ask, would the free $100 bill (Wealth increase) make you Happy (a potential emotional increase)? Or would you choose to be Happy because you now possess the $100 bill (Wealth increase)?

Another way to view this dichotomy: is one Happy because they have Wealth? And were they lacking happiness prior to their wealth? And once they've attained some level of Wealth, are they now happy? How does one know when they've attained a Wealth that equals Happiness? If one has to work for their Wealth, are they more likely to appreciate AND enjoy their Wealth?

But what if in order to obtain Wealth, one has to sacrifice the Happiness originating from carefully established and developed social relationship that aren't dependent upon monetary wealth? What if one neglects what truly matters for what they think matters?

Earlier I mentioned that Happiness is a matter of perspective, desire, and choice. Combined, I'm a firm believer that one chooses Happiness as their desire and perspective match. And while it may not be that simple and certain circumstances complicate this ideal, it nevertheless can be developed over time. And the residual effects of this development compliments an active life and ultimately benefits those associated with the individual. Again, is it simple? No. But is it possible to choose Happiness and be Happy? Absolutely.

In the end, I'm pretty sure when the fortune mentions Happiness and Wealth neither are referencing money or financial Wealth, but instead it allows the receiver of the fortune to determine what Happiness and Wealth really are in their life. So whether or not one can or can't buy Happiness, maybe for some, an investment of Time in people and on experiences yields the greatest Happiness and Wealth.

Fortune Cookie No. 7 - You Enjoy Playing to a Crowd

You Enjoy Playing to a Crowd

No, I really don't enjoy playing to a crowd. In fact I've never really wanted to either and I doubt I ever will. Of course I don't enjoy sitting on the sidelines watching others succeed and live life either. But what an unusual fortune. Is this more of an issued challenge or a blatant lie? This is not to say that we should avoid the limelight, the attention, and the crowds. Or that those who love such settings are doing things just for show. It almost reads as if the team that wrote this fortune cookie fortune was desperate for a new fortune:

"Alright team, I've got nothing. I am plum out of good ideas and I think our consumers are catching on. People don't really believe these things, do they?"

"I don't know. We've packaged and repackaged the same fortunes over and over. I guess we can do it again."

"But won't people catch on that these aren't really "fortunes".

"I doubt anyone really reads that much into them anyhow."

Now then I do strive for greatness. I would hope everyone does too. And some actions do need to be seen and shown. Hard to be an actor without a stage or camera. But can't one be great without being in the spotlight or doing things for others to see? Does every good deed need to be known? Certainly there are some not so good deeds best left unknown.

For this fortune reading I've chosen a different direction. My mantra for this posting is to live for something great! Challenge yourself to be great, but challenge yourself to be something greater than yourself. Be a part of something great. Contribute to something great. Expect great things. But do it without the attention, glory, and honors.

I love this quote by John Wooden, the revered former men's basketball coach at UCLA: "The true test of a man’s character is what he does when no one is watching." In regards to this post, I read it as saying, "Whatever you do privately, in many ways, you should be willing to do them publicly." (And yes, I'm aware that as a coach of a major university, much of what he did was on a major stage - humor me).

While you don't have to play to a crowd, avoid the shadows and safety of the sidelines. It may require a certain amount of vulnerability and risk, but great deeds done in private will ultimately yield great reward.

Fortune Cookie No. 6 - You Will Touch the Hearts of Many

You Will Touch the Hearts of Many . . . maybe if I'm a cardiologist or a coroner. I'm fairly confident however, the latter profession is definitely not what the fortune is referring too. Then again, I highly doubt the former profession is either.

How then does one Touch the Hearts of Many? 

Now you can tug at one's heartstrings. Anatomically speaking, this can refer to the Chordae Tendineae which, 

"are tendons linking the papillary muscles to the tricuspid valve in the right ventricle and the mitral valve in the left ventricle. As the papillary muscles contract and relax, the chordae tendineae transmit the resulting increase and decrease in tension to the respective valves, causing them to open and close. The structurally string-like appearance of the chordae tendineae has led to their being called "heart strings."

But of course, damage to these tendons should be limited to those with years of training and expertise.

News reporting and movies often invest great effort, time, and money to present a story that will tug on one's heartstrings. Through literary imagery and emotion inducing orchestrations, Hollywood produces movies that induce emotional expressions of happiness and joy and tears and sorrow. Manipulative or not, the results are often genuine and real to the viewer.

All that said, touching anyone's heart starts with caring for someone or many someones, beyond the obvious "how are you?" It involves investing a portion of yourself in others, especially when it's not convenient to do so. It requires having embracing a passion for lifting the downtrodden and bringing joy into a world where negativity and depravity often scream loudest. In essence I think it really means loving someone even when they make it hard to be loved - loving the unlovable. Touching the hearts of many, or even one, should be a positive and permanent experience.

I guess then a cardiac surgeon can both emotionally touch your heart and literally pull your heart strings. 

Fortune Cookie No. 5 - You Will Take a Pleasant Journey to a Place Far Away

You Will Take a Pleasant Journey to a Place Far Away

OK, this fortune is much better than the last one. And I realize now that my complaints directed at my previous fortune were a bit harsh. Apologies extended. That said, I'm looking forward to this one coming to fruition.

Now then let's break down this fortune:

First, what makes a pleasant journey pleasant? Some journeys don't begin as planned, intended vacations. In fact, where all vacations can be journeys, not all journeys are vacations. Some journeys and some vacations just happen spontaneously and can be the most memorable. While other trips are scheduled and organized, intended by all accounts to be pleasant trips, but take on a life of their own as nothing goes according to plan. While still "enjoyable", these journeys can be memorable for all the wrong reasons.

Do we need to have a destination in mind before we undertake our journey? Or should spontaneity be our guide? Some of the greatest journeys were those where the intended became an afterthought.

Is this journey a pre-planned, anticipated/expected journey or is it a prize winning, all expenses paid trip? I mean if I receive the fortune after I've planned my journey, does the fortune still apply? In other words is the fortune referring to this upcoming journey or is an additional, unexpected journey still in my future? In my opinion, a fortune isn't much of a fortune if it predicts something already in the works. Now it might lend validity to my decision in taking a journey (which at present, I haven't). And to really blow your mind, what if, while on my journey, I receive the fortune?

Does it matter much if the journey is work related or for pleasure? Knowing the answer to this question doesn't concern me as much as the other inquiries. And to honest, they don't worry me much either. But are there enjoyable business journeys?

Also, what qualifies as far away? Far away might mean something different if you travel globally for business. Of course far away might be a trip to a neighboring city if you are a parent to a two year old. And the duration of the trip and the difficulty in getting to your destination can also factor in as to what one considers far away.

Finally and possibly most important, do I get to select those who will accompany me on my journey or is this excursion a solo adventure? Often the only reason the journey is pleasant is because of the company you take. Of course a backseat of stinky, crying, tired kids can alter the journey's enjoyment. The upside to a solo journey is your time is your time. You can go where you want and stay as long as you desire. You are only limited by your finances and adventurous spirit.

As is typical with my fortune writings (ramblings), I'm sure I'm over thinking this hopefully imminent journey.

So with that, spontaneity take over. Where we going today?

PS-This entry is a bit rough. I have a cold and I'm tired of writing it. I need a vacation.

Fortune Cookie No. 4 - Soon, you will receive pleasant news

Soon, you will receive pleasant news.

Time out! Fortune cookie fortune writers of the world, are you really becoming this indifferent in your fortune writing?! Where's the heart? Where's the passion? Where's the dedication and devotion to your craft? Pardon me if I complain for a minute, but this just might be the most benign, lazy, and generic fortune I have ever received. Don't get me wrong, I'll take it to be sure as it definitely beats,

"Soon, you will receive horrifying, devastating, and depressing news." 

But in all honesty, this fortune of receiving pleasant news can refer to any positive event happening everyday and in anyone's life . . . and hopefully does apply. As I've stated before, I'm not asking for any and all fortunes to be so specific as to declare the actual predicted event in vivid, descriptive detail, including the exact moment in time it will occur. But a little originality and excitement in the fortune would be appreciated, and with some amount of specificity. And yes, I am making a bigger deal out of this than is necessary, but oh well.

What then is pleasant new?
Well, doesn't this fortune really come down to what one considers pleasant news anyhow? And does this pleasant news need to affect me directly to qualify as "pleasant"? As the saying goes "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder" or "Don't judge a book by its cover". For example if I read or heard of a news event where a mother and child were reunited after years of separation, well that is pleasant news to be certain. But it doesn't necessarily have much of an direct impact no my life. Or I'm sure hearing about someone finally achieving regularity after days of irregularity is pleasant news to the sufferer of said affliction or malady, but maybe not so much to the rest of us. Yet, on the whole, to argue this announcement isn't good news, not sure we can.

Another way to view this good new/bad news dichotomy is to see news receiving in terms of not receiving pleasant news, but rather in not receiving unpleasant news. Maybe no news often times really is good news, or in this case pleasant news.

Of course I don't sit around expecting and awaiting bad news. But honestly, at times anyhow, I also don't expect to receive good news either; at least not unexpectedly. Sounds a bit like the glass half full/half empty, in a way (and yes a glass with half water has the other half filled by air so the glass technically is full). The pessimist is the one who not only awaits the unpleasant news, but seeks it out. The optimist on the other hand, not only expects to receive pleasant news, but they search for it and share it. And when possible, they create pleasant news for others.

Why focus on bad news anyhow? What does it accomplish and who does it benefit? I'd rather be the good, see the good, and share the good in the world.

Question: So staying with the looking for and receiving positive news theme then, which is better, to receive expected pleasant news or to receive pleasant news unexpectedly? Maybe since good news is just that, good news, it doesn't really matter how/when it is received. Both are desired and appreciated by the pure in heart. The key of course is to be grateful in receiving pleasant news, no matter how and when it is received and to then acknowledge this gratitude and do something with this pleasant news. Share it!

It's also been said that sometimes it's more about what they don't say. I mean, maybe when receiving some unpleasant news, we can still find some "pleasant" news. Maybe not. That's the optimist in me.

So maybe the true fortune here has been a mindset reversal on how I perceive and receive news. From now on I will continue to accept the fact that bad things happen, but I'm going to be more positive in my expecting good news and in finding the positive in the news I receive.

What pleasant news have I received recently? I've certainly had some pleasant news, but let me get back to you . . .

Fortune Cookie No.3 - An Unexpected Acquaintance Will Resurface

An Unexpected Acquaintance Will Resurface

Hmm . . . from the title alone, this fortune reads like a fairly safe and somewhat exciting fortune. I mean who wouldn't want to see that special someone from their past? To reconnect and recall the good times, the formed memories? To reconnect and renew bonds and ties. But upon further over-thinking on my part, which I do better than most, I'm really not sure whether this is such a good fortune. While I certainly hope it is, I've grouped my thoughts into two acquaintance categories: 1) those people I would love to see again; 2) and those, um, well, let's just say those I'd rather avoid if it's all the same.

Dissecting the fortune a bit further, I also find resurface to be an odd choice of words. Typically resurfacing, at least to me, conjures up images of something floating back to the surface. But as I haven't any ties to the mob, I highly doubt this fortune is making reference to that type of resurfacing. Still why resurfacing? Why not reappear? Or reenter? Or better yet "will pay a visit"?

Another thought, unexpected? I find that this reference has a dual meaning: 1) Unexpected as in an acquaintance we don't expect to see again, whether we hope to again or not, and 2) unexpected as in unannounced, uninvited, not prepared for. That might be a stretch, but it's my fortune.

Now then, throughout our lives some people will come and some will go. While many acquaintances make simple cameos, others stay a lifetime. The impact on our lives from both types of individuals might be deep and lasting or simple and as passive as "have a good one." Regardless the duration, we all leave a mark, we can leave an impression, and we can make an impact in the lives of those we encounter.

Naturally the acquaintances we'd all love to see resurface, would be those people who shared the most of themselves with us. They took little but gave plenty. They help us recognize not only the best in others, but the best in ourselves. They motivated us to live a complete and happy life. But there are others I can think of:

-I once wrote on my other blog of the Button Queen, a quiet, young woman I went to high school with. I never knew her name or even spoke with her, but her button-adorned yellow vest remains an ever very vivid image in my mind. But sadly what stands out even more, what affects me most today, is how we mistreated her; a memory I'd like to change. So yes, I think I'd like to see her again and actually take a moment to meet her too.

-There is also that young woman who paid me some the finest, nicest compliments. She went out of her way to make me feel special, appreciated, and wanted. And how did I repay her kindness and affection? Shoot, not very good.

-What about the school teacher who recognized potential and promise in me, but only received mocking ridicule from the class she worked so hard to educate and inspire? She worked long hours and arrived early to ensure we gained talents and skills to be successful, but we failed to return that dedication with  the respect and support she deserved.

I don't want to make this a confessional of course. But going forward with my life, I want to live with no regrets. I want no one to ever doubt the genuineness of my love and respect. I want to tell them how I feel, when I feel it. But more importantly I want to show them my love when I should. I want to leave them better then they were before I met them. I want to share more of me and expect less from them. 

The ultimate question we have to ask ourselves is, "Would others be happy to see me if I resurfaced in their lives?"

So whether a cameo or a lifetime visit, I wonder which list I would be on.

Fortune Cookie No. 2 - You have A keen Sense of Humor and Bring out The best In others

This week's Fortune Cookie Fortune:

"You have A keen Sense of Humor
and Bring out The best In others."

Well thank you. Yes I do have a keen sense of humor. Well, maybe a perceptive sense of humor, but it's all good. Sometimes it's a bit sarcastic too. But tell me fortune cookie fortune, how did you know?

So let's break down this fortune into two parts: the "keen sense of humor" part and then the the bringing "out the best in others"half.

You have a keen sense of humor . . .

Hmm. Imagine if a dull, deeply introverted person cracked their fortune cookie and that little gem was staring them in the face. It would blow their mind!

But as this is my fortune cookie fortune, I ask myself is it true of me? I would like to think so. Of course humor, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. And having a sense of humor and being funny are two different things. But here we'll consider them one and the same, just spelled differently.

You know though, it is quite possible that some of my most humorous moments have been, shall we say,  somewhat unintentional. A personal philosophy I subscribe to (of course I subscribe to it, it's my personal philosophy) is that if I do something embarrassing, something that reddens my face, it most likely is temporary and maybe, just maybe, my moment of discomfort has in some way brightened the day of another. In that case, it's all good. And you know, my day at that moment is usually a bit brighter too . . . brighter red that is (rimshot). And as it stands, I have yet to sustain any debilitating injury as a result of any of my embarrassing moments.

Regardless humor is a certainly a gift and one which should be shared . . . with a certain amount of self restraint of course . . . and not at my expense.

Now truth be told, I don't go looking for the above described moments. In fact I'm attempting to follow Brian Regan's lead in that “I'm trying to get through life without looking too stupid." Most days I do better than others. At least that is my assessment. Others might not be so agreeable. And some stupid is ok I guess. But I have limits.

You bring out the best in others.
Now to the second half of this fortune: You . . . Bring out the best in others. As much as I agree with and value the first half of my fortune, it is this second half that I value most. In fact it brings me to another personal philosophy I've just recently begun trying to live. As an aspect of bringing out the best in others, I don't want to be a burden, a distraction, or an hindrance to anyone in their attempts at living a righteous, worthy, and productive life. Living day to day is hard enough on our own accord. Obstacles and pitfalls certainly ensnare the best of us. Why surround yourself with others who only demean you, or attempt to halt your happiness, and who impinge on your quest for joy? These people drain and sap your vital energy. I'm not suggesting you eliminate these people entirely from your lives. But I agree with former BYU and Philadelphia Eagle All-Pro tight end Chad Lewis in his book "Surrounding Yourself with Greatness." I'd much rather involve myself with those souls who brighten a room when they enter or can be the life of the party without seeking such attention, or even those whose testimony of life can be felt just being with them.

Seriously, look at all the amazing people in your life. Count them as you would and should count your blessings. I honestly cannot claim any accomplishment in my life (large or small) as purely my own. First and foremost, all I have and all I am is a literal reflection of God's love for me and includes the liberating power of the atonement. Secondly, I have been pushed, motivated, promoted, encouraged, carried, lifted, raised, and in some cases, kicked in the butt by those who care most for me, by those who love me, and by those who see the potential within me. I have hopefully learned from them and used this knowledge, strength, and power to be and live better.

Now then, if so many have been a boost in my life and if I can have any positive influence in the life of another . . . well how cool is that? It is not a reflection of me however. Note that. It is continued evidence of God's love for us all. We are but tools in His divine mission of love. Mere vehicles to bless the lives of those around us. That is not to say you aren't great. You are! But a humble you is always a greater you.

There is a common sentiment shared by many outdoor enthusiasts to leave your campground better than when you found it. As we come and go, as we enter and reenter the lives of many, could this notion also not apply? Should we not leave all we encounter better than when we found them . . . regardless who they are or how they've impacted our lives? Perhaps your meeting will be brief or maybe it will last a lifetime, but your influence during that period of time can leave a lasting impression, one that may be the source of hope they were looking for. As you go throughout your days, look for opportunities to serve. Seek moments where others can be edified by you. You may never know the affect you may leave on someone. Why risk leaving a negative one?

Through you God may help a lost and troubled soul see what they can't, do what they won't, and become whom they should.




Fortune Cookie Fortune #1: http://chinesefortunecookies1.blogspot.com/2013/04/you-must-learn-to-broaden-your-horizons.html

Fortune Cookie No. 1 - You Must Learn to Broaden Your Horizons, Day by Day

"You Must Learn to Broaden Your Horizons, Day by Day"

Like most fortune cookie fortunes, this one was open to personal interpretation and introspection, but it also had me slightly on the defensive. On the surface I felt the fortune cookie was being a bit accusatory, insinuating that I am somehow closed-minded and lacking adventure. Of course I then realized that that's nuts. After all we're merely talking about a printed slip of paper, stuffed inside a non-Chinese invented, vanilla-flavored cookie, from Rosemead, California-based Panda Express. Instead I chose to see it as just good general advice to any and everyone . . . after all the cookie and fortune don't know me. Or do they? So what then am I to gleam from this most recent cookie encounter?

Well, I learned that, day by day, as we consider our horizons, we must learn to broaden them. Well said sir! You should write fortune cookie sayings. A bit wordy though, but not bad.

OK, so more specifically, while I feel quite confident in myself and the goals I set out to accomplish, many aren't as fortunate. For whatever reason, they lack the courage and faith to see more, do more, and be more. They strive only for the obvious. They attempt only that which already has safely been completed. These souls find themselves in an unending wander, stuck in the safe, but falsely (un)rewarding comfort zones of life. Quite a few are too prideful in their views to recognize that others can teach them a thing or two. They fail to recognize that while their way might be sufficient and convenient, there may be a better, more efficient approach.

We must of course keep our eye on the target and live in the now. But in order to be ever moving forward, always growing, we must be willing to expand our horizons (kind of like what the cookie says). We need to visualize what it is we need and want. And we must then have or develop the courage to take worthwhile chances.

So what keeps us from expanding our horizons? What prevents us from becoming great? What limits our willingness to even try? Fear! Fear of the unknown. Fear of being vulnerable. Fear of failure. Even fear of succeeding.

          But expanding our horizons doesn't automatically result in any vulnerability we can't overcome. Fear is conquerable; always has been. And failure is only a chance to prove to ourselves that we CAN . . . even if have have to try again! Those enslaved to fear may avoid the risk of getting hurt, but more so, they eliminate the opportunity or risk that leads to success, deep personal growth, and increased strength. Sure, as with most things worth achieving, receiving, and becoming, there is a risk. But in all cases of personal advancement, the rewards far outweigh the risks. These same souls say "no" when saying "yes" is best for them.

To view the background to this blog, please view this link: https://chinesefortunecookies1.blogspot.com/2013/04/i-like-chinese-food.html

I like Chinese food. Of course I also like Italian food, Mexican, Polynesian, French, Swiss, Argentine, Thai curry, foo foo from Ghana, and if Antarctica has a dish, I'm sure there would be something appealing about it too. OK, so I like food in general. But I also enjoy the ubiquitous fortune cookies accompanying said Chinese food. These insightful, tasty little treats are basic in their design, but carry a simple, satisfying flavor. And they come with a prize...of sorts. 

Although this perfect marriage of simple snack and printed prophesying paper is quite appealing, I've yet to be recipient of their promised cache of worldly riches, experienced any predestined romantic adventure, or received that big raise at work after eating the cookies and reading the promise. Boiled down these fortunes merely introduce some form of vague personal instruction or guided suggestion. And at best, any good sound advice offered by the fortune is often just that - good, sound advice. In many cases, the reality of the fortune is dependent upon the consumer taking action. 

Despite these verities, I've decided to write a blog entry each time I enjoy one of these treats, using the fortune as the post's theme.

I'm going to save giving the history of the fortune cookie for later. But as many already know, fortune cookies are not a Chinese creation, nor do they eat them with their Chinese food (also known as just food to the Chinese).

As this is the first in a series I have a few important questions:

1. Must the fortune cookie be consumed to fully realize any and all promises? 
2. Does eating a second, third, or fourth cookie, or in rare cases, one eats the entire table's haul of cookies during one meal negate any fortune associated with the first and only cookie assigned to a consumer? 
3. What if one eats a rogue fortune cookie from an earlier meal of Chinese food? In other words, must the fortune be opened at the time of the meal's original eating? 
4. Is a fortune voided if one eats the cookie and reads the fortune but the partaker was not present during the meal in which the cookie belonged? Again said another way, Purchase or no purchase necessary? 
5. Is there a statute of limitations on the fortune's efficacy? 
6. Are the family members of fortune cookie factory workers prohibited from participating?
7. What if the cookie is broken upon receipt?
8. Are fortunes transferable? 
9. Is there a cash value to a fortune; aside from any potential monetary fortune promise?
10. Is a fortune void if two or more in a party enjoying Chinese food receive the same fortune? Or are they cosmically tied to one another pending the fortune's outcome?
11. If the fortune speaks of love, fortune, or fame, are two unrelated parties bound by the promise? So is there a matching recipient somewhere in the world and somehow the two must somehow meet in order for the fortune to come true?
12. Despite the cookie's American or Japanese origin, does the greater the authenticity of the Chinese food increase the likelihood of the fortune occurring? Said differently, does a fortune from a grocery store take-out Chinese restaurant in Cheyenne, Wyoming have as much sway as a nice, formal, sit down Chinese restaurant in New York?
13. Does the value or worth of the fortune increase if we leave the cookie and fortune in their original packing, never knowing what the fortune says, like a limited edition collectible? 
14. And couldn't they make, oh I don't know, maybe an Oreo-flavored fortune cookie? Or a Fig Newton enhanced cookie? They might even want to take inspiration from the Girl Scout's Thin Mints. I'm just saying. I suppose that was more a suggestion as it was a question, but there is so much untapped opportunity in the fortune cookie arena. 
15. And yes, if you fail to tack on the ever popular, ". . . in bed" at the end of a fortune cookie reading, do you receive the combined sum total of bad luck occurring due to breaking a mirror, spilling salt, walking under a ladder, witnessing a black cat cross your path, and saying Beetlejuice three times?

Is it me or is that a lot of fortune cookie questions? Well my inquiring mind wants to know the answers to these important inquiries. Ultimately of course, the reality of the fortune coming to fruition is entirely dependent upon our willingness to act, to try, to have a positive attitude, and sure a little luck never hurts.

PS-And because these are Chinese Fortune Cookies, here is the same fortune translated in Chinese: "你必须学会​​扩大你的视野"
PSS-The total calorie content in one fortune cookie is 30.