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Practically Best
Optimism is often underapreciated. I’ve heard a number of people talk about the “practicality” of being a pessimist. They say: “I get to be pleasantly surprised.” I don’t overhype things.” “It makes life easier.” What if I told you that I get to find more joy in life by thinking optimistically. What if I told you that even though I get excited and things don’t pan out the way I expect, I make the most of my situations, using optimism and creativity, and end up better off anyway in some cases. What if I even said, I don’t want “easy” I want what God wants even if its hard. I…
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23
Birthday/”goals for the year” post. In no particular order: Move out of my parent’s house Start an apprenticeship Finish an apprenticeship Go to New York Get my own apartment Pay off over half of my student loans Daily time with God Try a new hobby/sport/adventure and stick with it for a month Eat veggies at every lunch and dinner Save for a condo Visit 5 (or more) new states Visit a new country Learn how to cook a new dish at least once a month Read daily Skip TV/videos/movies at least once a week Take a photo every day Go to the gym at least once a week…
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Let’s Play HOCKEY!
I never liked hockey as a kid – for a number of reasons, which I will explain. Now though It’s something I love, have fun with and am getting better at in general. Now, later in life hockey has come to be special to me, not beecause I was forced to like it, but because I tried it a few friends also love it, and when I got on the ice, I realized I wanted, and did have fun with it. Growing up I was on the ice nearly every year, and I could skate by early elementary, on used figure skates, that I wasn’t using correctly because I let my…
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Living Habits
I’ve lived in the suburbs of the Twin Cities for most of my life. While I thoroughly enjoy being outdoors, whether it’s camping with friends, or, hiking with family, or playing outdoor sports, or sitting around at a local beach, I really enjoy indoor things as well. From movie nights at home, to shopping days with gal pals, to eating out downtown at a sit-down restaurant with my family. I think there’s a balance to be found here. I don’t like being put into one category of being a city person or being an outdoorsy person. There’s value to be found in loving the suburbs, city-life, and time outdoors in…
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My Favorite Holiday
Now I enjoy most holidays, and I have some close seconds, but Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. Now I’ll start off with my bias, my birthday is always right around Thanksgiving and sometimes on the holiday. Growing up I got the day off of school, every year until college, but at that point, it was fun because I got to see friends and go to chapel, in fact, my freshman year, the school brought in a comedy troupe that day. Second, its part of the fall season, and fall is my favorite season. I love the changing colors, the scents, the activities. Its such a beautiful time of the year…
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The Grace That Brings Good Work
I taught Sr High Sunday School again this past weekend, and it’s been a good experience both times now. We also had a progressive thanksgiving dinner last night as a group. My time with sr high lately reminded me of something I’ve been meaning to write about, Christian faith and how it’s balanced with good work. First, please let me make something clear. We (the human race) are saved through grace alone and this is not from ourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast. (paraphrased Ephesians 2:8-9) I feel that this is important for me to bring up, especially since I haven’t…
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A Brand’s Experience
I’ve seen ad’s for goods and services all my life, but something I find fascinating is how a brand can create and advertise an experience, even if that’s not what they’re selling. Prime examples include: Coca-Cola, Abercrombie & Fitch. These brands sell their product somewhat based on what consumers see people in ads doing when engaging with it. It’s arguably genius and good marketing, but I enjoy looking at brands, and their branding from unique angles. Now don’t get me wrong, experiences are what the majority of brands are about. But what’s interesting to see is how they often inflate their image. Yes, Coca-Cola tastes great to some people, but buying a…
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Truth Matters
Tact usually does too. Facts don’t care about feelings. These are important things to remember when we’re searching answers or information in general. There’s also an interesting balance here when it comes to actually communicating things. I wish I could actually just be armed with facts, but then I’m reminded that how I come across matters to how the truth is received in most cases. The phrase facts don’t care about feelings comes from a political commentator I enjoy listening to. It’s meant to communicate that we shouldn’t based our opinions off of feeling but instead off of facts, because without the acknowledgement of truths there is no basis for ideas to stand on. …
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Prove It
I have a advisor that I learn a lot from, and often in unexpected ways. So I thought I’d just throw out a couple of their ideas here, paraphrased to make sense out of context. Talk, speak and get the part. Swift marketing thinking needs to translate to every part of your life, show your personality in every field you walk into. ‘You’re out there’ doesn’t mean you’re showing off, it shows that you’re doing work. Learn about each other’s strengths, and learn from those profiles. Go [through a fair and helpful] vetting process with who approaches you, for any reason. Remember your “haters” are your motivators. But not all your…
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New Ideas Aren’t Always Glamorous
I was just thinking yesterday afternoon about the ideas I’ve had, or what I’ve thought about, and it made me realize that any of us are probably far more creative than we think it’s just in ways we don’t expect. Ya see, I just had the idea to add a post it to my desk at work, it wasn’t earth shattering but the reminder helps me perform better at work. I solved a simple problem in my room by getting creative about where I stored extra pens, again not earth shattering but more of my stuff has a better place now. So whenever you think you’re not creative look at…
