The Internet WILL accept YOU!

The Internet WILL accept YOU!

Last night I watched another episode of the Mtv show titled "Catfish". Its a look at online romances and trying to connect people that have gotten wrapped up in an online love affair. So far, it never works. I'm sure they will have a few episodes that will have happy endings but most are disappointments, which in my opinion...sucks.

For one, being someone you're not online is never going to amount to anything. Posing as someone is just laughable at best, in some cases it's downright mean. If you think that cyber bullying is bad now, wait until you're discovered to be a fraud. Let's look at real life, no one likes a liar. I understand that people are unhappy with their "real life" so they can escape to the net and not be judged, plus experience a totally different life. Is that what you really want?

I will use the easiest example...me. I know me, chances are, depending if you listen to my podcasts, read my blogs, YOU know an outline of what I'm about. Is everything in my life good? Nope....just like you, I have self doubt, I look for acceptance, I have money problems, social anxiety's and the list just continues. Yesterday I talked about passion in person, I believe that if you are genuine in life, you will find people that you belong with. Not everyone is going to have a great day, not everyone will get that big promotion...sometimes, you watched a funny tv show, you had a great hamburger or you might have missed your bus...who knows...it's YOU.

I never understood the philosophy of shitting on everything online. When someone tweets "And No fucks were given"....what does that even mean? I have said it before, opinions are just that...opinions. It's a big turn off when you read open negativity. Hell, my life had some very rough patches, at times, I even wanted to give up....honestly, stepping away from the online negativity and nonsense helps. Chances are, you have been judged in life and there is even a better chance that you didn't like it. So why be "that guy" that constantly thinks the negativity is going to get you somewhere? Here is a newsflash - NO ONE that was negative, ever got anywhere...EVER.

This brings me back to the Catfish show, it's honestly a guilty pleasure of mine. My biggest pet peeves are: The perfect person never exists. Everyone has flaws. True love and real friendship will help you see past those flaws and allow you to accept who that person really is. Also, creating a fake profile of someone who is attractive will NEVER have a positive outcome. As humans, we need to be social. Do you think if the person on the other end is attracted to you, will be happy with never meeting you? Plus, what kind of life is that? Human touch, spending time and creating memories is what life is all about. 

The saying of "It's what's on the inside that counts" has never been more true, plus no one ever says "Its what's online that counts". Some of the hottest people can have some of the ugliest attitudes. Sure, she might be hot, but what a bitch! I'm not talking about just "hating" on her...I mean like rolling my eyes at how mean and cruel she could be. (I just use she as an example, not anyone in particular) If we all know that life is a challenge, why add negativity too it. I totally understand that expressing yourself online is a release for some, but get a grip on things.

For today, post something positive. If you want more interaction in social media, then interact. Sometimes it's up to you to make a comment or engage the conversation. Take a minute and see if you come off negative, if you do...change that. The holiday season is upon us (I am not a Holiday guy..but for my Wife, I'm gonna be) and maybe it's time to spread some cheer, say hello and add a new friend. Drop the grudge, stop the lying and be positive....you might be surprised with the results.

Accomplishments comes in many forms.

Accomplishment comes in many forms.

I ended that title with a period because I believe it's a statement, not necessarily a title. Each day in each of our lives, we each make our own accomplishments. Regardless of how small or even, how big, we can see a positive in ourselves.  

What a difference a year makes. The other day I had a moment of clarity, I sent my pal, Steve Corino, a text message "Hey, just wanted to thank you for helping me through the shittiest time of my life." It was random, out of the blue and his response "You're welcome". I have exposed my personal life online and on our Podcast "XOC Podcast" with the hopes that maybe it would help someone else who was struggling. My struggle came from within. I hit 40 and was a depressed mess. My family was almost lost, my life was almost lost...I had no direction.

A change needed to be made; I sat down on my laptop and wrote No Clowning Around. It was a short horror/drama film that is full of personal metaphors. Its an inner battle, a battle that I decided to stand up against. I am, in no way, any spokesperson for depression, I just realized if I wanted my life better, I needed to make it happen...no one else would do it.

The saying "What a difference a year makes" has never rang so true for me. Yesterday, I went to pick up the final edit of No Clowning Around; a movie that everyone involved, believed in, worked hard on and gave their heart too. It was a lonely hour and a half ride home as the Dvd sat on my passenger seat. It stared at me; it made me doubt myself, it made me anxious, nervous and made me feel exposed. 

I pulled up to my house and sat out front, just thinking. Thinking of the journey, I can only assume it would be like seeing the finish line of a marathon, but since I'm a lazy turd, I can only assume. I unlocked my door, walked in and of course, I had too pee, since I suffer from Old Man Bladder, but quickly gave it a shake and headed to my Dvd player. As the menu appeared, I could only feel excitement build.

I sat and watched for the next 30 minutes, enjoying something I had helped create. For many, the metaphors will go unseen, but I created this for me. It was me taking my life back. It was me taking a stand against the demons that try to poison our mind, it was that moment in my life that I will never forget.  Even as I type this, I'm teary eyed. The feeling was similar to seeing my children for the first time, it was a overwhelming mix of emotions.

As the movie progressed, I began to have tears stream down my cheeks, but for once, it wasn't because of disappointment or self doubt, it was because I was proud. It was an accomplishment. I reached a goal and no one will ever take that away from me. Sure, the movie will go unseen by many, some will think its shitty, but there will be a few that will enjoy it. I look back at this as a monumental moment in my life. People make movies everyday, people accomplish goals everyday but, it's up to YOU to recognize that moment. You have to work for it.

I am no motivational speaker, I'm only someone who stood on the edge and didn't jump. As the weekend approaches, let me encourage you - take a minute for yourself and make yourself better. Let the negativity go...work hard, if for nothing else, for just YOU. You control your outlook on life, everyone gets in a rut, take your life back. Be the best you can be...accomplish YOUR goal today. Don't worry about the haters...they hate because they are scared to risk being successful. Success is in your heart.

Thank you to those who believed in me, you made this possible.