Strive4impact Main Page

How 7 Negative People Could Have Been My Anchor

2008-10-28T07:06:28Z

When you put yourself out into the world, you open yourself up to all kinds of people. Jim Rohn says that there are really only about 7 mean, nasty people in the world. (He goes on to say, tongue in cheek, that it's important to remember that if it seems like there are more than 7 of them, it's because those mean, nasty people move around a lot.) This page is where I will chronicle my encounters with those "7" people, as well as those who I, apparently on the wrong day, offended in some way. I'm making this post, initially, about 7 people who have proven to be just absolutely fascinating to me over the past few years as I've put myself out there more and more. But there will likely be others I will add to this page. I believe, and will continue to believe, that people are generally good. That 99.99% of people in the world are hopeful about the future, that they want a better life for their children, and that they work in life to benefit themselves, but that they realize the best way to benefit themselves is by benefitting others. I have a page on my web site for some of the nice things people have said to and about me. You might call this page is the antithesis of that page. I don't like to dwell on the negative aspects of life. At the same time, I think it's important for people to understand that the journey to what you want in life requires a little bit of toughness, (sometimes a lot of toughness), and that people will try to knock you down, even (and for some people *especially*) when you give it your best. This is cathartic for me... Instead of replying back to these people (which I usually do anyway with something very nice, as you'll see in a couple places below), I get to share their rudeness and fascinating"ness" with you. I have not altered, nor edited, their responses in any way (except for vulgar language where noted). It's not all roses when you put yourself out into the world. But it's worth it. There has been such a significantly greater number of nice and helpful people, and people I've been able to help, along the way, than negative and sad people. Because I've put myself out there, I've met way more amazing people, and had so many more amazing experiences, than run-ins with people like those you're about to meet.]]> 10/28/2008 The most recent example, and the email that made me actually write this post, instead of just thinking about writing it, comes from Cindi. Cindi requested a free digital copy of chapter 1 of my book on How To Heal Your Own Scar Tissue. Never mind that the book has helped hundreds of people lessen the effects of the scar tissue in their bodies. Never mind that she's getting all of chapter 1 for free. On day 2, she unsubscribed. And then she took the time to drop me the following LOVELY email.

What a "F"ing waste of time reading that dribbbbbbbbbbbbbbble was. wish I had that part of my life back. did not learn one needed thing on dealing with scar tissue. You sure like to hear yourself talk!!!!

The funniest thing about this email is that the 2nd day email (which was right below her lovely response to me when she sent it) talks about collagen and elastin, the building blocks of basically everything in our bodies, and teaches anyone how to understand the basics of how they form. It's really the only way to really heal your own scarring. To me, that understanding is crucial, and I've been told by other people that my explanation finally makes it understandable to them. To Cindi, apparently it was "f" ing dribble. (I had never met nor talked with Cindi before. This was my first interaction with her.) I guess Cindi will now go and investigate her other options, which include going under a surgeon's knife (often causing more scarring), or applying $120/tube creams and gels, which she'll need to apply 3x daily to see results. I responded: "Cindi, Thank-you for your lovely comments. It is good feedback, though I would have liked to have received it with a slightly nicer tone attached. I wish I could have been of more service to you, and I'm sorry I wasn't. I wish you the best in whatever future endeavors you engage in. Kind Regards, Jonathan Kraft, CMT"

8/12/2008 I think this one is still my favorite. I wanted to become an affiliate for a Telcom company. Walter, from this company, struck me as odd. But I didn't really mind. Lots of successful people are odd, and I just figured that it wasn't important in the big scheme of things. But then, in order to approve my application, Walter wanted me to send him a form which gave this company blanket authorization to debit from my account if/when I sold calling cards at my retail location. I don't even have a retail location. I told Walter via email, and then over the phone, that I wasn't comfortable filling out the form. I asked him if there was some other way we could work together. The story is long, and involved a couple of odd emails from Walter, but in the end, I sent Walter this email... Hi Walter, I've decided not to partner with [NAMEOFCOMPANY] right now. Something just feels off about the relationship. Although I can't pinpoint it, I just am having hesitation every time I go to send this documentation to you. Thank you for the time you've spent up to this point, and I wish you the best in your endeavors. Warmest, Jonathan The response I received back was (and this is completely unaltered from the original)

Ah Yes, the kid who does not even have a business license or office is afraid to have an account with a public company. We sell our services in a 1,800 store chain under privet label. If you knew how to use the internet for research instead of clicking for $$$$ you would know something about Telecents. Why don't you go to the trade shows that deal with telecom and learn something about the services your trying to list? Or go back to school so you can get a real job...........

My response: Walter, I decided it wasn't a good fit. As I'm sure you're aware, that happens all the time in business. I let you know in a way that let our business connection remain open. As it is, I'm sure you won't mind my sharing your email with a few of my friends in the Telcom business. Regardless of how poorly you've treated me, I still wish you the best in your business.(May I recommend that you read a book called "How To Win Friends And Influence People?" It may help you learn to deal with "kids" like me who are "afraid" to have accounts with public companies and need "real" jobs.) All the best to you, Jonathan

11/05/2006 Mietek subscribed to learn more about our Kilimanjaro climb. When we sent Mietek an email, this response came back from the email address he used to sign up.

Dear Sir or Madam, Your are sending your SPAM Emails to the worng address. Regards, Mietek *** THIS IS GENERATED BY AUTORESPONDER***

10/13/2006 In 2003, I took pictures at a wet bikini contest at an outdoor concert called Country Jam, and posted them online. For a long time, that was the most visited page on Strive4impact.com (by more than double any other page on the site - 10's of thousands of visitors monthly). So, I had the idea that I should be collecting addresses so that I could email these visitors again in the future. I didn't know what I was going to send them (I don't promote porn), but I had heard it was important to gather email addresses of visitors to your web site. I also put a comments field on the form, primarily because I didn't know what I was doing at the time, and the form came with a comments field. Here's the edited version of what was in the comments field of someone who CHOSE to sign up:

comments: f*** you and your fat b***ches ur a dumb a**hole

10/13/2006 I used to have a blog at a site called CommuteFromHome.com. As of this post, I'm still working on putting something together there. It's going to be great. The content and people I've interviewed for it just gave some amazing information. Anyway, this isn't a sales pitch. At the time in 2006, I was just sharing ideas and thoughts on how I had been able to give up my day job and was offering whatever help I could to others to be able to do the same. Michael filled out the form that was on CommuteFromHome. I don't remember what the form said to get him to put his information in, but basically I wasn't doing anything with the list... again, I'd just heard that I should be collecting email addresses, so that's what I was attempting to do. Check out what Michael put in the comments field.

Hi Jon,So how is your business going? Are you a millionaire yet? I am sure you are probably not because if you were why would you share your secrets/wealth with the world? Wouldn't that be counter productive? I mean if you are sharing your wealth with so many people, that would diminish your wealth which would kind of make you a pretty stupid businessman. Take this example, if you know of a stock in which you have inside information that it will rise dramatically due to a huge merger or aquisition would you tell everyone on the net to buy that stock before it goes up? If your answer was yes then you truly are a dumb ass and you don't deserve to be a millionaire. If you said no then you are correct because in the other situation your actions of telling everyone would highly dilute the value of each share in the market. If you really want to be a millionaire drop me a line and I will give you a few tips (for free) on what you really need to do. So cut the bullshit on your site and get a real job!Regards,Michael

People seem to be all about this "real job" thing. I don't know what a "real" job is. But based on what I do understand of that concept and mindset, I would say that in most people's definition of "real" job, I haven't had one since January 2004. I'm not rich, but since then, I've gotten married, bought a house, bought a car, traveled to 3 continents and more than 10 countries... I guess it's worked out alright for me at my "fake" job.

10/10/2006 Calvin filled out the form at CommuteFromHome. I did have one autoresponder message in there that basically said, "Thanks for requesting more information. I'll be in touch with more information soon, but if you'd like to visit the site, please come back and see us at www.CommuteFromHome.com." Calvin responded to this with the following:

jump off a cliff

The Black Door

2008-10-24T06:11:49Z

Several generations ago, during one of the most turbulent of the desert wars in the Middle East, a spy was captured and sentenced to death by a general in the Persian army. The general, a man of intelligence and compassion, had adopted a strange and unusual custom in such cases. He permitted the condemned person to make a choice. The prisoner could either face the firing squad or pass through the Black Door. As the moment the execution drew near, the general ordered the spy be brought before him for a short, final, interview, the primary purpose of which was to receive the answer of the doomed man to the query: "What shall it be - the firing squad or the Black Door?" This was not an easy decision and the prisoner hesitated, but soon made it known that he preferred the firing squad to the unknown horrors that might wait for him behind the ominous and mysterious door. Not long thereafter, a volley of shots in the courtyard announced that the grim sentence had been fulfilled. The general, staring at his boots, turned to his aide and said, "You see how it is with men; they will always prefer the known way to the unknown. It is characteristic of people to be afraid of the undefined. Yet I gave him his choice. "What lies beyond the Black Door?" asked the aide. "Freedom," replied the General, "and I've known only a few men brave enough to take it." The story illustrates the situation many people face each day - a choice between the known and the unknown. Few of them have the courage to come alive, to stop being engulfed in a sea of mediocrity - humbled and dulled by their failure to recognize their own potential. They lack the guts to stop living their lives in a mentally chloroformed condition in that ignoble mass of humanity, the uncommitted. William James said, "The one thing that will guarantee the successful conclusion of a doubtful undertaking is faith in the beginning that you can do it." If you keep doing what you always did, you'll keep getting what you always got. You must learn to THINK differently to get a different result. Commit to the process of change.

Brian, Jamie, The Dogs, and Ike

2008-09-15T06:48:34Z

Brian took a video camera and surveyed the damage caused at their home, in Montgomery, TX, caused by Hurrican Ike. But the video was rather large. So I re-rendered it, added some music, and some quick thoughts. If you are having trouble with the above video, you might try downloading it, by using your right mouse button. Right Click here, and then choose "Save Target As" or "Save File As". Save it on your computer, and then watch it from there.

$29 For Water?

2008-09-03T14:57:41Z

This year (hard as it is for me to believe), I'll be turning 29 on September 27. (For future reference (and so that no one has to ask how old I am) every year after this year I'll ALSO be turning 29.) Some of you don't normally buy me a gift for my birthday, but this year I am doing something special. I'm asking friends and family of ours to consider participating in charity:water's September birthday project to build wells in Ethiopia and give the people there clean water. I'm asking for my age in dollars, (which would be, in this case, $29) or whatever you can give (even if it's just a couple of dollars/pounds/euros/etc). 100% of everything we raise goes directly to build wells, and is MATCHED by another organization (founded by actor/director Matt Damon) This matching means that $20 donated = $40 going towards building wells. You can complete the process in less than 3 minutes. Please take a moment and visit my page by clicking the graphic below: To see why I'm supporting the campaign, watch the 3-minute trailer above (If you haven't already). Thanks everyone! Jonathan

Content Management: This is the first new post!

2008-07-29T20:05:19Z

http://blog.strive4impact.com (or at least I think so.)]]> I've had strive4impact.com since January, 2002, but this is the first time I'll be using a content management system to tie things together and keep it updated. That's really exciting to me. And I'm a geek for thinking it's exciting. But that's okay.

A Dream I Had Last Night

2008-01-15T19:20:47Z

Megan passed on, rapidly and unexpectedly, a few years ago. She shows up in dreams from time to time, but I hadn't talked with her in a dream for a very long time. I think she shows up as a guide, and as a comfort, to let me know that things are okay, and that she's okay, because I miss her pretty frequently, especially at family holidays.]]> So I sat down at the booth, and we had this great conversation. Unfortunately, I don't remember most of it at the moment, but toward the end of the conversation, I said, "I miss you." And she smiled the most comforting smile, and with a tear in the corner of her left eye, she didn't really say anything, but Megan got up from the table and walked around and put her hands on my shoulders behind me. Her smile and tear and the comfort of her resting her hands on my shoulders said so much... It was a message which said, "I'm okay. I'm really very happy where I am, but there are things you don't know about yet that you'll learn, which make it okay that I'm not with you in the physical realm. There are reasons I passed which you will understand later, and know that I'm still here with you... you're not alone... I'm on your journey with you." I know it may be hard to imagine that all of that came from a smile, and but it did, and I was truly comforted by it. Then I felt her leaving, not walking away, but just sort of disappearing up and to my right, and I asked when I would see her again. And she said, "Just ask," as if to say, I'm never far away. It was really a beautiful and awesome dream which I am so happy to have had.

The P50

2007-12-07T00:42:32Z

]]> This is the P50.

God Bless America

2007-11-23T14:21:04Z

I don't know if this is accurate or embellished rhetoric, but in any case, I thought it had a good message, so I'm re-posting it here. When in England at a fairly large conference, Colin Powell was asked by the Archbishop of Canterbury if our plans for Iraq were just an example of 'empire building' by George Bush. He answered by saying, "Over the years, the United States has sent many of its fine young men and women into great peril to fight for freedom beyond our borders. The only amount of land we have ever asked for in return is enough to bury those that did not return." It became very quiet in the room. ************** Then there was a conference in France where a number of international engineers were taking part, including French and American. During a break one of the French engineers came back into the room saying "Have you heard the latest dumb stunt Bush has done? He has sent an aircraft carrier to Indonesia to help the tsunami victims. What does he intended to do, bomb them?" A Boeing engineer stood up and replied quietly: "Our carriers have three hospitals on board that can treat several hundred people; they are nuclear powered and can supply emergency electrical power to shore facilities; they have three cafeterias with the capacity to feed 3,000 people three meals a day, they can produce several thousand gallons of fresh water from sea water each day, and they carry half a dozen helicopters for use in transporting victims and injured to and from their flight deck.. We have eleven such ships; how many does France have?" Once again, dead silence. ***************** A U.S. Navy Admiral was attending a naval conference that included Admirals from the U.S., English, Canadian, Australian and French Navies. At a cocktail reception, he found himself standing with a large group of Officers that included personnel from most of those countries. Everyone was chatting away in English as they sipped their drinks but a French admiral suddenly complained that, 'whereas Europeans learn many languages, Americans learn only English.' He then asked, 'Why is it that we always have to speak English in these conferences rather than speaking French?' Without hesitating, the American Admiral replied 'Maybe it's because the Brits, Canadians, Aussies and Americans arranged it so you wouldn't have to speak German.' You could have heard a pin drop! ************************************** It's time we all quit apologizing to the rest of the world for our greatness, take pride in being an American in the greatest country in the history of civilization. Then let's roll up our sleeves and go to work on the problems we do have: immigration, health care, energy, etc. It won't be easy, but worthwhile things seldom are. God bless America !!

Pigeon Magic on three X's

2007-11-08T19:26:51Z

A pretty cool magic act with pigeons put on by a kid auditioning for a American Idol type show. Really cool act. type="application/x-mplayer2" WIDTH=400, HEIGHT=320 pluginspage = "http://www.microsoft.com/Windows/Mediaplayer/" id="player" name="URL" autostart="true">]]>

A great article on Sleep and taking Steps Towards Dreams

2007-11-06T10:23:28Z

I have always been facinated by sleep, and this article from Parade Magazine provides for some interesting reading and gives a few good tips on the subject. If you are really interested in learning more about recognizing your dreams, you might look up lucid dreaming. Here's an open secret: Dreaming isn't really about sleeping; it's about waking up. Dreams wake us up to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. They can tell us what we need to know and alert us to actions we need to take.]]> How To Use Your Dreams - Record your dreams. Instead of rushing into the business of the day, schedule 15 minutes each morning to think about your dreams and note them in a journal. If you can't recall a dream, jot down your first thoughts and feelings upon waking. This sends a message to your dreaming self: "I'm ready to listen." - Find a dream friend--someone who will provide helpful, non-intrusive feedback. When you listen to a friend's dream, ask how he or she felt upon waking (angry? calm? excited?) and what the dream might be saying about the future. When you offer an interpretation, say: "If it were my dream..." That way, you give an opinion without taking away the dreamer's power. - Take action. If you dream that your office is sinking like the Titanic, it may be time to revamp your résumé. If you dream yourself in an ideal home and are disappointed upon waking, think of practical steps you can take to bring reality closer to your dreams.

Joel Comm's Thoughts on MLM (Multi-Level-Marketing)

2007-09-13T06:15:17Z

Joel Comm made a post on his blog about MLM (Multi-Level Marketing), and I responded to his post with the comments below by talking about my own experiences in MLM with Pre-Paid Legaland offering some advice to people (for whatever it's worth). I hope you find it beneficial!]]> please click here.

OUTTAKES from TheNextInternetMillion.com audition video

2007-05-27T07:07:24Z

The outtakes and things that I didn't use in my audition video for http://www.TheNextInternetMillion.com. Enjoy!]]> http://www.TheNextInternetMillion.com. Thank-you!!!

A Virginia Tech and Columbine Conversation With A French Friend

2007-04-26T16:59:36Z

My friend Claire is from France. We have known each other for nearly 10 years, and we had an interesting chat about Virginia Tech, Columbine, guns, people, philosophies, and information today. I wanted to share it here. Claire says: I was watching bowling for columbine by michael moore this morning Claire says: and i thought of u Claire says: it was really near aurora Claire says: your town Claire says: my students were astonished Jonathan says: Columbine was very close. Jonathan says: I've actually met people since who were at school that day. Claire says: that's so terribl Claire says: what happens with guns there Jonathan says: What happens with guns here? Claire says: yes Claire says: I don't understand why it is still possible to buy one after such terrible events Jonathan says: America... land of the free. Jonathan says: Home of the brave. Jonathan says: Most people are under the false impression that they could actually defend themselves against the government if they had to. Jonathan says: At least that's the argument of people who really support gun programs. Claire says: do u think it'll change one day? Jonathan says: It is important to note though, that changing gun laws won't change anything. Claire says: really? Claire says: why? Jonathan says: If I'm messed up enough psychologically to go into a building and start shooting people, then I'm messed up enough to walk in with bombs I can learn how to make on the Internet using chemicals I can buy at any grocery store. Jonathan says: Guns aren't the problem. Claire says: what's the pb then? Jonathan says: People's warped perspectives on themselves and the world are the problem. Jonathan says: Television shows the average person 160 acts of violenece every day. Claire says: how can u explain that it happens in the USA and not anywhere else? Jonathan says: You put that in a normal person's brain, no problem, because they can separate things out. Jonathan says: How much more TV do we watch in the USA than elsewhere? Jonathan says: And it does happen elsewhere... Jonathan says: Just more here. Claire says: that's true Jonathan says: Happened in England like 3 years ago. Claire says: why can't they change v programs? Jonathan says: It's not just TV. Claire says: just for money reason? Jonathan says: TV's not really the problem. Jonathan says: Normal people have no problem seeing 150 acts of violence per day. Jonathan says: It's not good for them (which is why I really don't watch TV), but they can separate it out. Jonathan says: The problem is that there's no balance for some people. Jonathan says: They see violence on TV Jonathan says: They play with violence in video games Jonathan says: and their parents beat them. Jonathan says: Or don't pay any attention to them. Jonathan says: Or don't really care Jonathan says: Or... Jonathan says: Etc. Jonathan says: Or they were told that it's a good idea to spend 20 years of their life working at a job they hate, barely making enough money to get by. Jonathan says: Or making less than enough money to get by. Jonathan says: And because they were never taught to value life, or because somewhere along the line, they stopped valuing their own life, suddenly (over a period of years), they stop caring. Jonathan says: Or they spent 20 years in a relationship only to find out someone was cheating on them, and no one ever gave them the communication and introspective tools (which most of us get from our parents and environment) to deal with something so difficult. Jonathan says: The problem isn't with guns though. The problem is with what's going on in some people's heads. Jonathan says: How do you fix that? Jonathan says: One person at a time. Jonathan says: One smile at a time. Jonathan says: One hug at a time. Jonathan says: One thoughtful word, one caring action, at a time. Jonathan says: Make sense? Claire says: yes Jonathan says: Agree? Disagree? Thoughts? Claire says: agree Claire says: but what should we do? Claire says: do u think there is a solution? Jonathan says: Be the best person you can be. For yourself and for other people. Claire says: sure Claire says: but I mean for the rest Jonathan says: Someone you just bumped into on the street is the next COlumbine shooter. Claire says: can we do something or is it helpless? Jonathan says: You stopped them from doing it because you took the time to say Bonjour! Jonathan says: And smiled at them. Jonathan says: They thought, "Well, maybe there is some hope in the world." Jonathan says: And that thought pattern changes how they approach the next person they meet. Claire says: do u think so? Jonathan says: And more than anything, the pattern of their thoughts will determine what happens in their life. Claire says: I 'm not so sure Claire says: if they want to Jonathan says: Look at your own life... Jonathan says: You change because you want to. Jonathan says: You make changes in your life because you want to. Jonathan says: What usually makes you want to change? Jonathan says: New information. Jonathan says: New information generally comes from someone you meet. Claire says: sure Jonathan says: or someone you know. Jonathan says: You are the bringer of new information to the people you know. Jonathan says: And the people you don't know. Claire says: but some persons don't have the same way of thinking Jonathan says: How do they think? Claire says: they just don't think sometimes Jonathan says: Humans are incapable of not thinking. Jonathan says: The human MUST think. Jonathan says: It is part of our anatomy/physiology. Jonathan says: Monks study for years to learn how not to think. Jonathan says: (some monks) Jonathan says: How to just let the mind be free. Jonathan says: It's one of the most difficult things you can ever do. Claire says: I think that some people refuse it Jonathan says: So people are always thinking... they're just not thinking the same way you are. Jonathan says: They only see one outcome to their problem, because they haven't received enough information. Claire says: true Jonathan says: Or the information they have received has not been complete... or sometimes even accurate. Jonathan says: For example, I was taught to go to school, go to college, get a good job, work for 40 years, and retire (with my gold watch). Jonathan says: That's not good information... Jonathan says: rather, it's incomplete. It was complete 30 years ago. Claire says: sure Jonathan says: Today, I don't know anyone who has had the same job for longer than 10 years. Jonathan says: So if I'm a little bit on the edge, and no one has given me the tools to look at information accurately, then I look at that seemingly contradictory information and think that someone's trying to take advantage of e. Jonathan says: me. Claire says: but you were lucky enough to have a good education Claire says: which is not the case for all Jonathan says: Instead, because I have been taught how to look at all sides of an issue before having an opinion, I can try to take in the information, and understanding that I can choose how to view that information, I choose to view it in a positive way. Jonathan says: And that I can do something about it. Jonathan says: There's the word "Lucky" again. Jonathan says: Remember that I don't believe in luck, right? Jonathan says: I think I was fortunate that I have parents who love me, teachers who really taught me important things, and some influential mentors in my life. Claire says: yes Jonathan says: But I chose some of that as well. Claire says: true Jonathan says: I know plenty of people who come from incredibly difficult situations who CHOSE something different for themselves. Jonathan says: You've either heard the stories, or you know people like this too. Claire says: yes Jonathan says: People who, as we say in the states, "made their own luck." Jonathan says: What's the difference between the person who chose to make their situation better, and the person who bought a couple of guns and shot up the post office/school/dormitory? Jonathan says: information. Jonathan says: They received different information. Claire says: good info Jonathan says: That information can come in the form of a smile, a handshake, a hug, or a book. Jonathan says: Right. Good information. Jonathan says: There's so much good information in the world, and so little focus is placed on it. Claire says: you're right Jonathan says: People will spend all day reading tabloids and watching the news about how such and such terrible thing happened in the world. Jonathan says: Why is so much emphasis placed on it? Because people CHOOSE it. Jonathan says: People CHOOSE it, because there is so much emphasis placed on the negative. Jonathan says: The negative is further emphasized Jonathan says: And thus begins the downward spiral. Claire says: what a shame, eh? Jonathan says: If people stopped watching the news, the news would have to get better to get them back. Jonathan says: It is a shame, but we change it daily by our own thoughts and actions. Jonathan says: Did you smile at the person you passed on the street? Jonathan says: Did you make the decision to learn something new today? Claire says: I'm always smiling Claire says: don't u remember? Jonathan says: Did you make the decision to do something that made you uncomfortable because of what it could mean for someone else? Jonathan says: I know... you have a great smile! Claire says: yes Claire says: thank u Jonathan says: That smile is an infection that goes out into the world. Not everyone receives your infection. Jonathan says: But you hope that they will. Claire says: yes Jonathan says: Unless you're mentally insane, you can't smile and feel bad at the same time. Jonathan says: So you smile at someone else, they get infected, and smile back. Claire says: normally yes Jonathan says: And they smile at the next person, who thinks, "I wonder what they are smiling about." Jonathan says: ? Claire says: true Claire says: lol Jonathan says: And that question becomes a thought in their mind. Jonathan says: That thought forces new information. Jonathan says: I wonder if they were smiling because it's sunny. Jonathan says: I wonder if they were smiling because they have a great family? Jonathan says: I wonder if they were smiling because they love their job? Jonathan says: I wonder... Jonathan says: And that wonder is a question in their brain. Jonathan says: "The quality of your life is determined by the quality of the questions you ask yourself." Jonathan says: In a bad situation, do you ask, "Why did this have to happen to me?" Jonathan says: Or do you ask "What's good about this situation?" Jonathan says: And sometimes the answer to "What's good about this situation?" is "I don't know." Jonathan says: But it FORCES new information. Jonathan says: Both questions force new inforation. Claire says: i like your way of thinking Jonathan says: It's just that the answers to one question are going to help you, and the answers to the other question are going to harm you. Jonathan says: Make sense? Jonathan says: Thanks! Claire says: sure Jonathan says: So the biggest difference between the person who chooses to make their situation better, and the person who bought a couple of guns and shot up the post office/school/dormitory? Jonathan says: The quality of the questions they are asking themself. Jonathan says: themselves... Jonathan says: And our job, if we truly want to make the world a better place, is to get people to ask themselves better quality questions. Claire says: you're right my friend Jonathan says: The mind can solve any problem... it's just that the problems most people are putting it to work on aren't the ones that need solving. Claire says: that's our mission Jonathan says: And you get people to ask themselves better questions by giving them better information. Jonathan says: A smile Jonathan says: A hug Jonathan says: A warm handshake Jonathan says: A book Jonathan says: (Remember last time we talked, I asked you about "Rich Dad, Poor Dad?" Jonathan says: Better questions. Jonathan says: from better information. Jonathan says: Make sense? Claire says: yes Claire says: a lot Jonathan says: There are some people in the world who say that this is all a bunch of new-agey bull sh*t. Jonathan says: They have been asking themselves bad questions for a long time. Jonathan says: And it's not our job to try and change them. Jonathan says: It's just our job to change the quality of the questions they are asking. Jonathan says: And we do that by freely giving them new information. Jonathan says: Information which forces their mind to ask questions which will benefit them, rather than information which forces their mind to ask questions which will harm them. Claire says: :) Jonathan says: Watch 15 minutes of the news, and you can't help but ask the question: "Why are all these terrible things happeneing in the world." Jonathan says: That's why I haven't watched an entire news program in 5 years. Jonathan says: And I'm better off for it. Jonathan says: I know what's happening in the world. Jonathan says: Probably better than most people who watch the news every night. Jonathan says: Make sense? Claire says: of course Jonathan says: I have a little more balanced view of what's actually going on, because I ask, and seek to know (rather than letting someone else tell me), what's actually going on. Claire says: and you're right to do that Jonathan says: I believe that we are in a state of awakening... that the world is ultimately getting better. Some people believe the opposite, because of the quality of the questions they're asking (which is determined by the information they are receiving). Whatever your true beliefs are, they tend to bring about exactly what you believe.]]>

Specialization is for Insects

2007-04-04T06:47:51Z

OneMan'sBlog today, and thought I would re-post it, as it gave me a lot of confidence and encouragement for all the various things I do... In short, this quote let me know that it's okay that I do so many things. That's comforting in a funny sort of way, and definitely good to have reinforced.]]> "A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, and die gallantly. Specialization is for insects." ---Robert A. Heinlein from The Notebook of Lazarus Long

More thoughts from the secret.

2007-04-02T06:35:33Z

Whatever I'm thinking and feeling today is creating effects in the quantum field which are creating my life by the law of attraction. I feel healthy. I feel prosperous. The universe corresponds to the nature of my inner song and feeling and manifests, because that's the way I feel. What I focus on with thought and feeling is what I attract into my experience, whether or not it's something I want. So I shift my awareness into everything I want and away from everything I don't want. I attract the things that help me feel good, so I come up higher and higher every day.