13 Tuesday Oct 2020
Posted in Ted Talk
Tags
Beauty, It's a Wonderful World, Louis Armstrong, Love, Music, Song, Ted Talk, Tuesday
Here’s something a little different for you on this fine Tuesday. Enjoy this rendition of Louis Armstrong’s What a Wonderful World.
All the best to you today.
Until next time…
Dave
28 Monday Sep 2020
Posted in Workout Routine
Tags
Consistency, dig in, Discipline, Drive, Exercise, Keep going, Music, Push, videos, workout
One of the tricks I use to get pumped up for the gym is to watch a great motivational video or listen to some inspiring music. Attack the week, folks!
My routine this week:
Monday – Saturday:
20 minutes cardio
Upper Body (weights) Lower Body (weights) alternating every day.
Have a great week! Get at it, folks! You got this!
See you at the finish line!
Dave
27 Thursday Aug 2020
Posted in Thankful Thursdays
Tags
Gratitude, heavy metal, Meditation, memories, Movies, Music, Reading, Soundscapes, Thanks, Writing
I have always enjoyed music. It seems that we are all wired to music, in light of how popular it has been throughout history. Music entertains. Music reminds. Music inspires.
I like to listen to music when I read. I can’t listen to music with words, because it is too hard to concentrate, but instrumental music is a common partner when I read. I also enjoy listening to music when I write.
Again, I have to refrain from listening to music with words while I write because it is too hard to concentrate on what I’m doing when I listen to the words. Interestingly, I have found that listening to certain types of music invoke emotions that are helpful when I am writing an action scene or an emotional scene. I can’t listen while I write, but I do listen before I write.
Another type of music I like listening to is trance while I do cardio or heavy metal while I lift weights. Trance helps me deal with the monotony of cardio, while heavy metal helps me achieve the aggression I need when I’m trying to push myself to my limits.
I like listening to Asian music, sound scapes, and other cerebral music when I meditate. It helps my mind calm down, while I concentrate on the breath.
I even enjoy listening to movie soundtracks. When I listen to the music of Pirates of the Caribbean, Gladiator, Star Wars, or even the Godfather, I can see the various scenes play out in my mind. It is amazing how much the music impacts a scene in a movie.
Think about the dark music in the original Halloween movie or The Exorcist. When you hear these songs, you automatically think about these movies. It is fascinating.
So today, I am grateful for music that helps me write, workout, relax, and visualize my favorite movies.
Happy Thursday!
Until next time…
Dave
11 Saturday Jan 2020
Posted in Spiritual Saturday
Could you imagine watching one of your favorite movies without the music? It would change the experience dramatically. The music adds layers to the story by the pictures and the feelings the music brings to us.
I use music for all kinds of activities. When I am reading, instrumental music works the best, as long as it is not too heavy. I enjoy calming music while I read. Sometimes classical, most of the time sound scapes.
When I’m in a bad mood, I like to listen to upbeat music. When I’m feeling nostalgic, I like to listen to music that reminds me of something. Try listening to the music you liked when you were in high school and then tell me you didn’t see pictures of your proms, trips, and football games playing through your mind.
Then there is the music that is special to you, like a song you and your first boy or girlfriend chose to be yours. I guarantee you’ll see that person in your mind when the song kicks off, along with the things you did together.
Music is also a huge motivator for me. When I’m in the gym, music drives me from one exercise to the next. If I’m lifting weights, there’s nothing like a good heavy metal tune. If I’m doing cardio, my music genre of choice is trance.
I try to listen to music every day. I enjoy the feelings associated with the music I listen to. I don’t have a favorite music, but definitely am not a Country Music fan. I can attribute this to all the country music my grandmother tortured me with when my brother and I stayed over. To this day, I cannot stand Conway Twitty, Gene Autry, or Johnny Cash.
If you have not tried it, try listening to music when you read, write, study, or exercise. It will give you a huge boost. It does for me, at least. I’ll stop here.
I hope all of you are having a great 2020 and getting some rest and relaxation today, after returning to work.
Until next time…
Dave
15 Sunday Dec 2019
Posted in Spread Your Wings
Tags
Challenges, Change It Up, Do Something Different, Gifts, Music, Out of the Ordinary, Spread Your Wings
Here we are again!
This week’s challenges are more holiday related.
Challenge #1: Get a gift for someone you normally don’t buy one for (postman, dry cleaner, or a waiter/waitress that always serves you well.
Challenge #2: Listen to a new artist this week you’ve never listened to before. If you want to spread your wings further, listen to a genre of music you never listen to.
As always, leave a comment below if you complete one or both.
Until next time…
Dave
06 Friday Sep 2019
Posted in Spiritual Saturday
Tags
Influences, Inputs, Movies, Music, Negativity, Reading, Surroundings, The News
Sri Harold Klemp discusses how negativity in music and other inputs can pollute the body. It is wise council.
If you are not feeling well or seem to be in a bad mood, look around at your surroundings. Is there someone in your life that is exceedingly negative? Is the music you listen to filled with negativity? Are you watching a lot of violent shows or movies?
I love heavy metal when I work out. I love to watch a great action movie with lots of violence. I like politics and the news. One of the areas I began to notice that had a dramatic effect on my well-being was the news. Every time I would watch CNN, MSNBC, FOX news, or even catch Rush Limbaugh on the radio I would become very angry and stressed out. I decided to cut back on this stuff. Don’t get me wrong, I still scan the news. What I changed was getting too involved in the stories. When I did that, my life smoothed out a bit. I was less anxious and angry. I was more relaxed.
These are just examples. For some of you, none of these may have any effect on your overall outlook. This is individual. If you do get into a funk, start monitoring what you’re watching and listening to. Watch what you are reading. Many of the things you may be exposing yourself to may be harming you, without your knowledge. Experiment. Cut down on the sad or negative music you’re listening to. Watch movies that are uplifting instead of violent. If any of these changes, lighten your mood, you have solved the mystery.
I’m posting this early today, because I have some things to do tomorrow and wanted to get this posting out of the way in advance. If anything in this article helps you, leave a comment. I’d like to hear about what you learned.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Until next time…
Dave
02 Thursday May 2019
Posted in Workout Routine
Tags
Cardio, DeadMaus, healthy living, Hulu, Hypnotic, Motivating, Music, Spotify, Trance, workout
AM:
Nice workout this morning. I love my DeadMaus Playlist because it is so hypnotic. I’ve never been a huge fan of cardio, but DeadMaus makes the time fly right by.
I use the Spotify App for all of my music needs. Right now, they are offering a deal where you can get a free subscription to Hulu. You get two great apps for the price of one.
I hope all of you are crushing your goals this week. Have a great Thursday, folks!
See you at the finish line!
Dave
31 Thursday Jan 2019
Posted in Thankful Thursdays
Tags
Attitude, Contentment, Grateful, Gratitude Journaling, Gratitutde, Joy, Music, Thanks
“Gratitude is riches. Complaint is poverty.” – Doris Day
Read more at: Brainy Quotes
Thanks for all the new followers this week! I really appreciate it. I hope all of you new comers enjoy my daily quips of this and that. I strive to motivate, teach, inspire, and engage my audience daily. Am I always successful? No, but I do try my best.
When I first began my blog a few years ago, I had no idea how important this practice is. A blog to me is nothing more than a way to communicate my unique experience of this life. Some use their blogs to offer recipes, document their travels, discuss the news of the day, or even discuss the painful ailments they are suffering from. All these blogs become part of the tapestry that we all enjoy for one reason or another.
It is cold here in Michigan. It is not as cold in other states, like North Dakota or Minnesota but it is cold. We were asked yesterday to reduce our thermostats down to 65 degrees to conserve energy. I am grateful for my warm home and the warm cup of coffee I am enjoying right now. I hope those folks who are homeless have found a warm place to stay.
I purposely use a gratitude journal every morning. In it I express my thanks for all I have, my family, my friends, and whatever else comes to mind. When I began my gratitude journal a few years ago I did not realize how life-changing these few minutes in the morning have become. I think the primary benefit is the practice of focusing on what we are thankful for. It is the focus that counts. The more we are focused on what is right in our lives, the better our lives become. If you catch yourself complaining about things in your life, try to change this around by purposely focusing on what you are grateful for. It could be as simple as being grateful for your warm bed, a family member, or even the benefits you accrue from a job you have. There are so many things to be grateful for. Give gratitude journaling a try. It doesn’t take that long. Start out with writing down 2 or 3 things you are grateful for every morning. Over time you will begin to realize how important this practice is.
I normally accompany my journaling with calming music. I pay for a streaming service called Spotify. I really enjoy this service because it gives me access to so many musicians. Music is a great thing to have in your life. I use different types of music throughout the day. When I journal, I tend to stick with nature sounds and other pleasant instrumentals. When I am programming, I tend to gravitate toward trance or techno. When I read or study, I enjoy classical. When I exercise, heavy metal is my genre of choice. Each type of music feeds the activities I pursue. I tend to shy away from any vocal’s music, especially when I am reading or writing. This type of music tends to disrupt my thinking more than other types. If you have not tried to augment your daily routines with music, I highly recommend it. This is one life hack that has proven beneficial.
I am blessed. I had the ability to retire early and pursue the things I wanted to pursue. I have also been given the privilege of spending time with my folks in their senior years. My Dad has Dementia and at times, it is a sad time, particularly when you truly grasp that the Dad you knew is no longer the Dad you have now. Regardless, my circumstances have granted me the opportunity to enjoy my folks as they wind down their lives on this Earth. It is a great opportunity that I am grateful for every day.
I am also grateful for my Brother and Sister. They are both very different. My brother loves to travel and is my best friend. He and I have a lot of fun together and enjoy pretty much the same things. My sister is also my best friend. She has different interests from mine but brings a lot of things into my life that I would never have experienced had I not returned home. I am also grateful for my wife and stepdaughters. My wife is in Arizona teaching and my stepdaughters are pursuing their lives on their own (finally). My wife knew I had to come home to help my folks and she has been a great team player. Is it tough being away from your loved ones? Sure, but our relationship is strong, and we love each other very much.
Well, this is it for today. I appreciate you taking the time to read this and hope you can find all of those things in your life that you are grateful for. Looking at the world through grateful eyes is so much better than seeking out all the things that aren’t going so well. I send good thoughts to all my readers today and hope your life is the adventure mine is.
Until next time…
Dave
20 Monday Aug 2018
Posted in Motivation Monday
Tags
Canada, Diet, Exercise, Intermittent Fasting, Music, Niagara Falls, Reading, Writing
Happy Monday!
Our trip to Canada was awesome!! I finally got to see Niagra Falls. Wow, what a spectacle. We just drove by them because we were on a schedule to get back home, but it was really nice to say I was there and got to see them.
This week, it’s back to the gym with the 12-week Labrada Trainer. I’m helping my wife with some of her school work. She’s in the final leg of her Master of Education in Special Education and I’m so excited for her.
I’m working on a few of my books, started a Western Civilization course at Hillsdale college and midway through a course called Mindshift on Coursera. I’m also plugging away at my technical recruiting book.
I’m going to begin a practice of intermittent fasting. I will be playing around with the eating schedule and such initially, just to get myself adjusted to this new lifestyle. From what I’ve read, it is terrific on your digestive system, helps with weight loss and loosens up your schedule when you’re not having to eat scheduled meals, like most weight loss and bodybuilding regimens. A lot of folks in the bodybuilding and cross-training space have adopted this type of eating lifestyle and have found success so I figured it would be worth a try. For religious reasons I fast Thursday to Friday for 24-hours and I always feel terrific. If you’re curious about this type of eating plan, a quick search on Google will deliver a lot of results. As always, make sure you check with your doctor to make sure this will be ok and try it out for a day or so before committing.
I may sound a little stupid and geeky here, but while in Canada I was in a position where I needed my computer and the place we were at did not have a Wi-Fi setup. I learned how to use my phone as a hotspot for the first time. It was really cool to be able to access the internet on my computer using my phone. I have a really good data plan and wasn’t worried about exhausting my data stores.
To all those folks that are writers in my audience: Do you like to listen to music while you write? If so, what kind of music assists your writing practice? I enjoy listening to study-time instrumentals and other focus-type music.
Well, that’s it for today folks. Have a great week!!
Until next time…
Dave
12 Saturday May 2018
Posted in Writing
Tags
Writing and Music
I have been noticing that when I have certain types of music playing on my phone or computer, my writing is affected. I’m listening to some calming music now on my computer and it brings up so much gratitude for this life. The music has an effect.
I often wonder about the various tools and things I can use to create. I think I’ve hit on something here. Soft music spurs gratitude, heavy metal spurs aggression (I use this in the gym), techno spurs hypnotic feelings to make the cardio go easier, and other types of music like ‘80s rock make me feel the hero in me.
I wanted to explore this here, because I think other writers may have found the same thing. These outside sounds contribute to our mood and allow us to tap that part of us that the music seems to highlight. If I want to write something sad—something that pulls at my reader’s heart—I can listen to love songs that are about loss. If I want to write about something that is aggressive—perhaps an action scene, I’ll fire up the rock. If I want to write about melancholy or get my readers to feel the depression the character is feeling I can find music that pulls that feeling from my deepest core.
Now, that I’ve discovered this one facet of my writing I want to experience with imagery. I have not used this technique before but will experiment with it and give you my thoughts. I often write here when I am prompted to. There is no rhyme or reason to it. I enjoy the freedom my blog gives me and enjoy the feedback from my readers.
If any of you are writers, what techniques or tools do you use to reach that place you need to reach to really reach your readers? Feel free to drop me a note if you know of any books, articles, or even your own processes to contact that inner muse when you write. I’d be very interested to learn from you.
Happy Mother’s Day
Tomorrow is Mother’s Day. My Mom and my wife are both terrific mothers. I see the love in their eyes when they talk about us to others or when they interact with us. My Mom is the most giving person I know.
My wife has been a single Mom most of her life. When I came along, one of her daughters was in college, while the other two were still in high school. The tales she told about the sacrifices and suffering she went through to make sure her daughters were safe, had something to eat when she didn’t, and all the rest is a testament to what being a Mom is all about. Moms do not leave. Moms do not quit. Moms are always there. When everything falls apart, Mom is there to pick up the pieces and find something to make you feel better.
I love my Mom. I love my wife. They are two women that have more strength, endurance, and compassion than anyone else I know.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the Mother’s out there. You truly make the world a better place.
Until next time…
Dave
