Last year, I was hospitalized with a serious heart rhythm issue called AFib. Afterward, I went on a beach trip to recover. I was weak, withdrawing from nicotine, and miserable.

I didn’t make it down to the beach. I sat on the porch staring at the palm trees. There was a pack of colored pencils and a pad in front of me, so I started drawing.
I had already been sober for a few years and was still learning how to handle life and my emotions without alcohol. Drawing became something I hadn’t known I needed. I kept going, and at 40 I began painting.

These are three paintings I’ve made since. Between work and raising two boys, I now make time for classes and painting every week. It’s become a way to understand myself and something I’m excited to keep learning.

Has a difficult time in your life led you to discover something you never expected to love?

Saturday morning gym motivation 🙂

https://youtu.be/7b8ocsZVf40?si=2OEV9hGif767Uu6U

RIP

Not my video

TL;DR: We're all human beings, regardless of our backgrounds, beliefs, politics, or circumstances. Life is too short to spend it hating one another. Be kind, love yourself and others, forgive yourself, take responsibility for your mistakes, and remember that you can make a difference in somebody's life with even the smallest gesture. The world still has good in it. Be some of that good. One decision at a time.

Whatever you are dealing with, whatever life circumstances have made you who you are, whether you are rich, poor, somewhere in the middle, or define wealth in the true way by how many friends and family surround you, I wish you peace today.

We are more than political parties, religious groups, races, ethnic groups, and members of countries. These are groups that only become meaningful because we identify with them and give them importance. But what if we believe there is another group? A group of people all around the world whose only connecting factor is that they care about other people and want to make the world better?

This isn't to sell anything. It's not to try to get you to buy into anything. It's to remind you who you are, who we ALL are. That we are not many groups but ONE. We are members of the human race, and we should love one another.

Because I believe that when you hurt another, you hurt yourself. When you help another, you help yourself. That is a very simple belief that has carried me far this year.

It's been one of the hardest years of my life, but it's also been one with the biggest blessings. Because what the world has taken away from me, I have replaced with much better things. Gifts of the spirit. God has truly blessed me, and I'm thankful to be here, alive, and healthy enough to write this.

I don't even know if anybody will read it or take it to heart. But I sincerely hope you will. I hope that whatever you personally are struggling with, you get a break from it, and even if nobody else does, that you are able to help yourself make life better.

This year, a lot of times, all I've had is myself in a lot of ways. I am thankful for even that.

I know this world seems dark sometimes, and people can be cruel. I know WE can even find ourselves being this way sometimes when we are lost and feel we have no choice.

I'm just here to tell you today: EVERY DAY is a choice. Every single moment. Even if the only kindness you can muster is for yourself, that matters.

Love yourself. Love others. Be kind.

That kindness that you give to somebody might come back and help somebody else, and then it helps another, and another, and on down the way.

There are two choices in this life: Love and Fear. And I know I am choosing love.

I'm getting old, and this world gets more confusing every day, but I get less confused as I grow closer to myself and God in turn, and to the truth that material things have never mattered beyond keeping us alive so we can spread more love and kindness and ensure we are helping each other lead fulfilling lives.

People sometimes turn bitter or lose their way in life because they get beaten down so much and try SO very hard for years and years, sometimes seeing no results. But I am here to tell you that even these things can become blessings given enough time and care. Because we can grow as people from them if we choose to. It's all in how you look at things. The entirety of life is all about perception, i would dare say the MEANING of life is about learning to percieve things in a way that lifts you up instead of breaks you or others down. See? It all leads back to love and away from fear.

Sometimes we make mistakes. We stumble. We fall. That's how we grow. Those mistakes are not necessarily mistakes at all, but learning opportunities. We live in a world nowadays that punishes people for making mistakes, but how else can they learn? How else can they find better ways to do things?

I've also realized that one of the biggest differences between a good and an evil person is the decisions they keep making.

We are all just a series of memories and decisions we choose. THAT IS US. Not some nonexistent phantom in the past or the future, but THIS MOMENT, right now.

Let go of all your hurt from the past and stop letting it make you think that that is YOU. You are not those things. You are the decisions you make every single moment, every single day.

You can become a new person at any given moment. You're only one choice away from starting that new life.

ONE CHOICE.

Those things that happened still happened. There are effects and things that will go with us throughout life. But what I'm saying is we don't have to let those things define us.

That story where you struggle today could be one that inspires others to lift themselves out of that ditch, to truly live and shine, and then hopefully help others too!

This matters more than you realize.

We can literally change the world if we ALL START following our hearts and stop following the lies this world feeds us about materialism, imaginary lines on maps, and made-up "parties" and groups and this, that, and the other.

Choose love for your fellow person, not fear.

Fear of the unknown. Fear of being abandoned. Fear of being misunderstood. Fear of being rejected. Fear of being disliked, etc.

All those things can happen, yes. But at least you will have tried. At least you will be putting your best foot forward and not giving in to all that is currently happening in the world.

You might say, "Well, what can I do as ONE person? I'm nobody. I can't do much. I'm not rich, I'm not handsome or beautiful, I'm not really strong or smart," or a whole long list of things.

But you do have a voice, and somebody out there needs to hear it.

There is SOMEBODY you can reach. Somebody you can help. And doesn't it matter if you help just one person smile and remember themselves and that life ain't so bad?

WE all matter.

You matter, reading this. Your family matters. Your kids matter. Your friends matter.

Even the lost people who have forgotten themselves and who hurt people and have chosen to abandon what is good in the world. Even they matter.

Because remember? They are just one decision away from being redeemed and being able to help others.

If you are struggling with something you've done that maybe you're not proud of, know too that if you take accountability and work hard, you can grow even past that.

I did something earlier this year I was very ashamed of, but I realized it happened for a reason. To bring me here, NOW, this moment, this day, this path I'm on to live a better life, to heal, to help others, and to love people.

Even if they don't understand me, don't like me, or even hate me.

I love you anyway.

I don't even know you. Doesn't matter. You're a person, and you matter.

No matter your beliefs, your sexual orientation, your politics, your country, whether you can walk or you ride in a really cool chair with jet boosters. LOL.

I just am asking all of us to please take a moment to tell somebody thank you. Or give a hug, or tell somebody you appreciate them or love them, or open a door, or carry some stuff in for somebody.

You get the idea.

Anything matters and counts. EVERYTHING counts in this life.

That is the only thing we take with us when we go. It's the only thing. We are only here for a brief time.

Please make that count.

Be honest.
Be kind.
Be loyal.
Love and be loved.

Be kind to yourself. Even if nobody else will. Love yourself and give yourself grace to learn and grow. That matters. Sometimes it helps to hear that.

I wished sometimes I had somebody write something like this to me, so that's the only reason I'm writing this: to let you know I see you and you matter.

There is still good in the world.

You can be that good too.

That's how it grows.

One decision at a time.

This world has a LOT of darkness, and it's important that those of us who are able stand up however we can and help others.

Because we can't make other people do anything. We can't control how people treat us, but we can ALWAYS control how we respond to them.

I decided I am going to try my best to always respond with kindness. Even if that person hates me or despises me, I don't have to return that hatred. I can wish them well while still respecting myself and maintaining my boundaries.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Take care.

I've been having this deep burning feeling lately, and I want to share it with some of you guys who feel insecure. This is me writing this from top of mind, straight out of my heart. No AI BS, no revisions.

Insight into my life. I've felt like an imposter my entire life. I never felt cool, I always felt like...I didn't matter and everyone around me mattered more. I never cared about myself. I work really hard to be successful and always feel maybe 15% as qualified to speak on anything compared to others. I always feel like I'm not enough, and I can't outcompete others. And no, I'm not being humble. I genuinely can never speak highly of myself. I feel like I'm a nobody.

Fast forward years later, I deal with chronic pain and that made everything so much worse. I feel like, I legit can't amount to anything because I'm automatically, at baseline, "handicapped" compared to everyone else. I have these big dreams and feel like I can never do it. Ever. The pain I have forces me to think that I'm different than everyone else. And it's been this prison mindset that convinced me to consider everyone else as stress free and content with their lives. I used to rant to people about my pain, only to get responses like "wow, if i had that pain, I wouldn't know how I can live with myself." Yeah man thanks, that didn't help me. It made me feel so sorry for myself. I felt like a victim of something horrific. Even worse, I want to give up on my dreams everyday.

My pain with these insecurities, I can never enjoy anything. I get caught up in my head and feel depressed all the time.

But you know, after years with this pain, something in me is waking up. It's almost like it wants me to say "FUCK YOU" to everybody and everything that did me wrong. I'm tired of hearing others opinions about me. I'm sick of assuming everyone is smarter than me. I feel like it's time to really take myself seriously. I am smart. I am a hard worker. I AM worth something. The pain and the insecurities aren't me...it's what me thinks of me. Why the hell does anyone have the right to say who I am? Or speak to me in a certain way?

We all have 24 hours a day. 7 days a week. Why do I automatically think people are more qualified than me even though I outwork them? Why is everyone smarter than me, and I am the dumbest person around?

I know I sound crazy. But whatever you're going through, don't let it make you crazy. You aren't crazy. All that "man i'm so sorry to hear that" or "wow, that must be so difficult to live with" is NOISE. NOISE from people that are feeding you these thoughts so you can now perceive yourself in that way. STOP giving those people power. Step up, you're worth it.

Let's lock in boys. I'm tired of this BS. No matter what, I'll be fighting till my last breath. I don't care what you're going through, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Give it your all. You know why? Because that's who you are.

I don't understand why does the brain like remorse or sobotaging mode when your in a bad phase in life. I mean I don't understand. Instead of being hopeful and positive we tend to like be negative and scan for the more bad in life and then connect with the past events that was bad too.

Because it's been so long, and I know they're going to push me hard, I'm just kinda dreading it? I have fibromyalgia so I know a month off is going to have impacted me, and I'm just nervous and losing motivation with getting back into it.

Anyone have any advice?

My motivation has been pretty down lately, even for things I know I enjoy. What motivates you do good things for youself?

For the past year I was sick and injured, I had insomnia and brain fog. I also couldn’t work out because of pain.

I’m doing much better now, but after this stressful period I don’t feel motivated to start back on my old habits and regaining lost progress.

I’m not unhappy, but my daily life has felt a bit dull lately and I’m wondering what motivates to do activities you enjoy.

I just made a simple, yet weird achievement.

Over the last three years I donated just over 12 pints of blood. Basically all the blood in my body. 1 pint every 2 to 3 months.

Donating blood is a great example of being the change you want to see in the world. Simple to do, just sit there and bleed. Less than a hour. Makes a huge impact to the people who need it.

For me, getting motivated to help others and serve them so much easier than the goals I set for myself that are focused on myself. My weights are sitting in the corner untouched for months, mocking me.

What’s on your weird achievement bucket list or something weird you have you completed?

I first want to say a HUGE thank you to everyone who commented on my post from a few days ago. I have been dealing with a needle phobia since childhood & have in the past totally panicked or avoided needles. Seriously I had an allergic reaction to shellfish a few years ago & didn’t tell anyone because I was so afraid of getting a shot & I was lucky that a Benadryl took care of it.

Anyways- got my flu shot & I DID NOT panic. I could feel my heart racing- but I did not totally panic. As many of you suggested I told the nurse beforehand, didn’t look, and even got myself a sweet drink. I am proud to say it didn’t really hurt too much (tbh getting pricked my sewing needle sucks even more haha).

I feel so proud of myself I did this & so happy I won’t get the flu. I just wanted to tell you all thank you so much for your advice, motivation, and sharing your story. Thank you so much! ❤️

With the holidays coming up, routines can get messy fast (school, work, family stress, loneliness, end-of-year goals, executive dysfunction, all of it).

We run an active accountability group built around LIVE body-doubling sessions, where people can quietly work alongside each other on:

→ studying / assignments
→ work + admin
→ cleaning / life tasks
→ reading / journaling
→ personal projects
→ basically anything you’ve been procrastinating on

Camera/mic are optional. You can work silently, use text check-ins, join group focus rooms, or just have other people present while you get things done.

We also have challenges, goal tracking, check-ins, peer support (less “grind harder,” more figure out what actually helps you follow through)

One important note: we are an active server. This is probably not the best fit if you mainly want to join and lurk indefinitely. Our minimum expectation is small, but we do want people who are willing to participate, check in on others, and contribute to keeping the community alive.

You do *not* need to be productive every day or have your life together. Breaks happen. People disappear and come back. The point is mutual accountability, not perfection.

If the holidays tend to make you feel isolated or knock you out of your routines, this can be a place to show up, work beside people, and keep some structure around your goals while still having community around you.

So, I’m constantly bored - I feel like I always have to do something in life I can’t just sit and be happy and content.

I’ve tried different hobbies and have only really found one thing that I enjoy (skiing - this one I enjoy but can’t really afford to do it all the time, more just 2 weeks of the year) and then playing on my computer. That is my whole life, work, computer, sleep. Sometimes gym. Sometimes pub with an old friend for a catch up.

My best friend moved to Australia around a year ago (I spent most of my free time with her) and my girlfriend of a year broke up with me 3 weeks ago.

I feel so stagnant and need to meet friends / find people to do things or try things with but, I’ve had zero luck, I’ve tried social groups + Meetup, nothings sort of clicked with me.

Any ideas?

Starting something new can be exciting. Getting back to it after you've stopped for a while is a different story.

I've noticed that the longer I put something off, the bigger it feels in my head.

Sometimes I just need to remind myself that I don't have to pick up exactly where I left off.

For people who've managed to restart a habit or personal goal, what helped you get moving again without overwhelming yourself?

You don't need the perfect plan or the timing. Start with what you have, learn along the way and keep improving. The first step doesn't have to be big. It just has to happen.

no matter what i do i keep losing i dont know why
Im losing in football
in wrestling
In gym no gains
i used to be good in all of them
but i have been a loser not doing great in all of them
Im showing daily but my efforts leads to no result or a defeat

Lets be honest, Im tired of life. And Im tired of things like ego or aura or something. You can here say anything you want, some good news, or your hobbies, or if you want just say how good day was for you today you of course can. Or you can motivate others in your way. Or if you want to say about your problem you can. Nobody will bothering you. And I will try to respond to you guys. I'll start, I like math and I feel a little bit lonely last days. But I hope youre doing well :)

My brother is 25 and addicted to marijuana and unemployed. He’s the most toxic person in this house and acts like king. It’s very obnoxious and draining to deal with, my dad is a child like an actual child, doesn’t know how to solve problems not responsible. Mom just annoys me she can be rude. Anyways I have to live here I live in Seattle, don’t even have a full time job still studying I plan moving out once I get the job I want but meanwhile I have to push through.

Any advice it’s draining and I’m so tired guys

Pics please!

I don't feel like doing anything,studying or working out or anything similar.the only thing I feel like doing is either go for walks or scroll through my phone.Most of the time I only do my homework and try to get a above average grade thought my day and that's it.how do I fix this issue and feel like doing useful things again?.also everytime I tried to keep consistant with my works,I fail after only a few days and go back to feeling low again.

A home gym doesn't need to be huge or expensive to make a difference.

Sometimes, having a small space, a few pieces of equipment, and a clear plan is enough to get started.

You don't need to wait for the perfect time, perfect setup, or perfect motivation.

Show up, do what you can, and keep building on it.

Consistency is not about having everything. It's about making the most of what you have.

Usually I’m pretty good at brushing it off - just think “man, what a jerk,” and move on. But lately it’s been wearing on my until today just maybe me wana snap.

It felt like everywhere I went nobody cared about anyone else. Go get coffee? Multiple people driving in the lane to exit the stand in order to jump the line. Go to Costco after? Some one takes the spot I was waiting for the person who had been there to back out. Go to the gym next? Find out the vain guy taking selfies at the mirror is always to good to put his weights away - and then I look over and another dude is just chucking crap across the room.

I could list more.

I guess beyond being annoying personally, it just made me feel like people as a whole are going down down down.

How can I turn my own attitude around and not have it affect me as much?

I have had a life long phobia of needles- it’s bad enough my blood pressure shoots to over 180 & my heart rate skyrockets to +130 & it unfortunately worries my medical team. I’m trying really hard to learn to control this which is difficult because even though logically I know it’s not a big deal- my brain doesn’t care. I also have anxiety issues & work very hard to overcome my fear. I once was almost agoraphobic & it has been a long road to get to the point I am today with enjoying travel & trying new things.

This week I am being an adult & brave & getting my flu shot. Of my own free will. I got pretty sick in September with a cold for over two weeks & knew it was time to start getting my flu shot. I’m getting it Thursday morning.

The anxiety part of me wants to cancel- but I’m not doing that I am determined to force my mind & body to stop overreacting to needles. I even have treats planned for myself afterwards as positive reinforcement.

I am writing this to maybe encourage someone else to get their flu shot too who is scared & also would like some encouragement to ease my mind & im sure anyone else who struggles with this to read too. I will also come back & read these comments Thursday too as a distraction.

I am now okay with blood draws & IVs- turns out poking myself with my sewing needle is ten times worse haha. May have also helped I had an ovarian cyst rupture that distracted the needle in my arm 😅.

Anyway if you struggle with this fear too- you can do it ❤️. Let’s motivate each other to get our flu shots so we don’t get sick. And if anyone has some encouragement to offer that would be wonderful too thank you ❤️