Seeking Joy in Difficult Times

August 5, 2020 by Scott "Q" Marcus Leave a Comment

Twenty-twenty was supposed to be “our” year.

My wife is crossing into a significant new decade age-wise (aren’t they all?). I was supposed to “retire” – in whatever definition that was. This month commemorates our twentieth anniversary; we were planning a recommitment shindig and a nice long tropical vacation. Buzzing with anticipation for all that would come this year; that was us last December.

Said John Lennon, “Life is what happens when you’re making other plans.”

The year literally began with a bad case of the flu on January 1. That should have been an omen. On the same day, our eldest cat’s health began a steep too-rapid decline, leading to what would be his passing a few months hence. Want more? We unearthed extremely distressing news about a family member; the kind of tabloid information you’d hear on one of those daytime TV dysfunction fests. Less important, but still adding to the pressure, our washing literally burned up and our sink’s faucet could have been replaced with a fountain. I’m sure you’ve got stories too.

We tried focusing on the positive. Knowing Tiger’s passing was imminent, we promised that after it happened, we’d grieve, lick our wounds for a short while, and then get away for a few days just the two of us; something we haven’t been able to do in too long. Afterward, we’d put together plans for our “Celebrate 2020” vacation. Panama Canal cruise? Trip to Europe? Two weeks in Hawaii? The choices were endless – and invigorating.

Yeah, not so much.

I am so disappointed about how this year has evolved.

I know. It’s not just me; it’s you too. It’s the elderly couple across the street self-isolating. It’s the maid at the Best Western who was let go due to a lack of guests. Grocery clerks insufficiently protected by panels of acrylic are feeling it. Health care providers are suffering PTSD. Mom and pop restauranteurs feel immeasurable guilt about laying off employees; simply hoping to survive. Teachers want to return to classrooms, but not at the risk of dying. Spiritual communities and self-help groups are shuttered.

It’s a cluster.

EVERYONE is disappointed; it’s the global zeitgeist.

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Life Lessons from the Ocean: The Power to Change

June 13, 2013 by Featured Author

The rugged Welsh coastline usually fills me with excitement, but today I’m subdued as I stare out at the tranquil sea willing her to rise to my command. The water has been unusually flat for some time and I feel broken, yet the only waves to break are the ones lapping at my feet. I stand with my itching toes in the water, my redundant board clutched against my side like a knife. I feel a stabbing pain which reminds me that my soul waits for me on a crest of a wave. My heart feels as empty as the surfer-less sea.

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Getting What You Desire: Three Simple Steps to Live the Life You Want

December 27, 2011 by Featured Author Leave a Comment

We all have goals and convictions in our lives that we feel passionate about and wish to bring to fruition.

Whether it’s expanding your creativity, becoming more active in your community, or finding inner-peace through spirituality, we all want to find ways to experience life to its fullest, and no one wants to live in vain; we all want a purpose.

The following are a few steps that I have found helpful in playing out my pure intentions:

Visualize.

Everyone has the power to visualize what they want, and by harnessing this technique you will be able to bring forth that which you truly desire. Thought is energy and affects our actions in daily life and the ways in which we confront obstacles. Visualizing what you want, imaging yourself in your ideal situation, will eventually cause those visions to be accepted by your subconscious, thus changing your habits and your entire mindset while attracting new people and circumstances that will help further your goals. Make a list of things that you will achieve on the short or long term. Item by item, imagine yourself in a circumstance in which you are accomplishing that idea (e.g., seeing yourself playing a concert and the crowd applauding; imagine you’re walking through your dream house, noticing the furniture and wall colors.)

Overcome Fear.

Fear can be a great obstacle in attaining your goals. Whether it’s a fear of public speaking, a fear of flying or a fear of loneliness, being afraid will always hinder that which we truly want. Often people spend there lives avoiding fear as opposed to seeking out pleasure. Most of the time it’s the risk that we are scared of, thinking things such as what if often cause us to stay away from situations in which we are uncomfortable. Personally, the words of the Greek poet Homer bring this into perspective. He wrote, “Even his griefs are a joy long after to one that remembers all that he wrought and endured.” In other words, the insight and experience you gain by being uncomfortable will always justify the means at the end of the day. [Read more…]