Anyways, it’s a good show to remind yourself how you need to push yourself in order to succeed in anything in this world. Hey, watching people gain lots and lots of money ain’t bad either. If they can do it, you can do it too!

Phil takes my hand during the times I had the most difficulty. Unlike Phil’s all-terrain mountain boots, my shoes happen to be my Saucony vintage running shoes, thus, the constant sliding on my part. At least mine have the words “Courageous” embroidered on the side of each shoe. As we progress further down the hill, the incline becomes steeper. We reach a point where the cliff seemed to just drop off. “Oh no,” I thought. “I’m not going down that way.” I turn to my side and tiny rocks tumble down to the bottom of the cliff. However, at the bottom, lay the paved tourist path that meant we’d be back to safety and eventually home.

Proving to be more risky, Phil takes off his backpack and throws it down to the pavement. CRASH, BOOM! There goes his backpack. He signals for me to follow. Though hesitant at first, I inch a little bit closer. Then I slide and stop. Looking down, it seemed too vertical to climb down safely. All of a sudden, a man below shouts at us, saying that we can do it. He mentions that if his kids were able to do it just recently, then we could definitely do it too. Instantly, Phil spots a narrow path, almost a walkway, next to him. Funny, because we didn’t see that before. We go down these stair-like steps with ease down to the normal pavement.

As we rejoice for a moment, we both realize that this trail is not yet over. So we follow the paved way for a while. Somehow we find ourselves down a dirt path. At the end of this dirt path was a main road to the park where cars were driving by. But before we stepped onto the main road, I spot an orange laying at our feet. I pick it up and inspect it to see if it was still intact. Indeed, the orange was ripe and good to go, so I take it with me.

Phil and I traverse the road and see a tunnel ahead. Was it safe to enter the tunnel? Will cars even see us? But we notice others walking through it so we walk through it as well. As we make it to the other side of the tunnel, we locate a giant rock to rest upon. We take a seat and share the orange we just found. Smiling and laughing, we reap the fruit of our labor.

As we near the end of the walkway, we find a shortcut to get to the lower part of the park by cutting through some brush and rocks. So the steep rocks appear again, but we just go through it with ease. Phil helps me once again since my lovely vintage shoes make me slide. He takes my hand, and finally we make it down to the main part of the park. As we reminisce on our the amazing adventure we just ensued, we acknowledge how this whole day represents our journey and that a new beginning awaits. It is as if we were reborn. And then I mention to Philip, “What better day to experience all of this than on Easter.”

We keep cutting across the dry patches of land to find a way back down. In amidst of all this, I notice all the life forms that were slowly popping up. Not too long ago, Griffith Park experienced a devastating fire. But now, new life was sprouting all around as if nothing ever died up here…just hibernating long enough for nature to say, “go ahead.” Finally Phil found a paved trail for us to go back down. But before we began our descent, he motions over to me. I hurry to catch up to him. I immediately see what lay in front of us. The Hollywood sign. Yes, right before my very eyes. We weren’t exactly next to it but it’s the closest I’ve ever been to it, and it was gigantic. Instantly, a sense of appreciation overwhelms me. Being able to see this sign after our laborious journey up the rocks was a gift. Everything led up to this moment. It was a sign for what Phil and I were doing with our lives made manifest.

End of pt. 2

Journey to a New Beginning pt. 3

We start at his house which is next to the Vista (Sunset and Hillhurst in LA) and go north on Hillhurst. Our destination: Griffith Park. We pass all the cool cafes and shops of Los Feliz always keeping our eye on the hills over yonder. We stop for a moment to check out a cute, little organic mart. Phil buys some fruit since we knew we would need to replenish ourselves once we get deep into our hike. As we enter the park, trails appear at the foot of the hills. I express my need to sit because of the long walk we had ensued. So we find a bench nearby and just chat. Naturally, we engage in a philosophical conversation mainly about how everything is connected in this universe. I stress how not only is there a force out there but its also within. Indeed an insightful topic for the both of us. Then Phil looks at me and says it’s time to move on.

Now, let me describe to you the conditions of our walk. Even though it was early spring, the temperature was 90 some degrees. It was hot and dry with the sun beating down on us. So I mention to my walking companion how there lies hidden in the tall grass a landing spot enclosed by walls of rock. I had found this area when I explored the park with Jonathan months ago. There isn’t even a trail that leads up to it; thus it’s like a secret (even though others know about it too). At least my secret. Once we meddle our way through the tall brush and into the secret spot, we see a family relaxing. They set up camp with lounge chairs and tents. Well I sigh since it was what I thought to be the most exciting part of our hike and someone already claimed it.

However, Phil and I gaze directly in front of us at what seems to be a trail. In retrospect, it clearly was not a trail and was just vertical rocks that happened to have a logical way of going up. Thus, the real adventure begins as we climb the obviously less beaten path.

End of pt.1

Journey to a New Beginning pt. 2

It seems to be on everyone’s mind during this time of season. With Valentines Day done and gone, what happens to the showering of chocolates and flowers? Do we save all of our romantic strides for next year? I believe love isn’t something to be reserved for a special occasion. In fact, love is something you can share with anyone at any particular point in time. The ways of displaying your appreciation or affection are endless, needless to say. Friends, family, significant others– one can never love too much. Love really is that thing that once out in the open, can be reciprocated so easily in the most wonderful ways.

In the end, no one said it more eloquently than the Beatles,

“All you need is love.”

I know most of us have personal dreams we wish to achieve. You know a lot of people think that the people who made it in this world just got a “lucky break” or was born with a gift. I don’t think so. I think they knew what they wanted in life and took the necessary steps to attain it. They stopped dreaming and started taking action. That’s what sets the wheels in motion to propel them to their success. Here’s my plan (based on Chellie Campbell’s The Wealthy Spirit) to make 2008 freakin great:

1) Know your dream and write it down (this is key). Now it’s a goal.

2) Create an action plan. Set deadlines to reach your goal.

3) Find people who you find successful and learn and/or imitate their action plan that helped them achieve their goal.

4) Do something that has to do with that goal everyday whether it’s reaching out to someone for advice or actually working on the goal. If you want your goal faster do more than one thing a day.

5) Just stay true to the action plan and be persistent all the way. If you have faith and confidence, you will attain your dream.

hi sorry to bother i saw your post on forum and thought maybe u could give me some quick advice..if not then i guess delete this..ok well im a 29 yr old man in texas i just lost my job…i dont have a good job history for the last 3 yrs i just had a bad habit of losing jobs whether by job performance or other mistakes…i have a bad check on my background…even simple gas station jobs wont hire me..anyway to shorten this up. im realizing the likely possibility that im going to be on street if i cant get another job asap.i have a car payment also..there arent any jobs making more than 7 dollars where i live. so i have money for rent..but i might keep it for a bus ticket somewhere they can help me. so reason im writing u is there anywhere in california u know that helps people? here in texas they dont help u much at all…a food stamp card and send u on your way. a few yrs ago i was in a similar situation and found a place in fontana…but they arent really set up to help u better yourself..they give u place to stay but more like are there for ex cons to keep them from going back to jail..so im probably going to go back there somewhere but before i do was hoping to find some other options

And in response to this, I gladly gave him my 2 cents:

okay here’s what I’m going to tell you. You can take this information any way you like. But this is what I believe can help. First, you have to evaluate why these things are happening to you. Why did you lose your job? Are you attributing your job loss to your “bad habit of losing jobs” or being convicted in the past? I truly believe that your past does NOT determine your future. But the thing is, it seems like it does because you fall into this pattern of getting fired or laid off and it seems like one of the key explanations is your history w/ the cops. You know what? Your history has nothing to do with your ability to keep a job or getting hired. But guess what? As long as you BELIEVE that your history does affect your present then sure it will . It’s called a self-fulfilling prophecy. So now you know that your past does not determine your future (and i can honestly testify to that), all you need to do is change your mindset. change your attitude on life. Do you get down easily? Do you find yourself frustrated about life? Even the little things? Change your perspective! I’m pretty sure things don’t look so peachy with your current situation. But your current situation is the result of your past thoughts and actions. Change your thoughts and actions now and your future situation will change. Guaranteed. See things with “the glass is half full” perspective. Not the other way around. And here’s the most important part. You have to be patient. But once you reprogram negative thinking to positive thinking, you will see a dramatic change. You need help in seeing in an optimistic light? Compare your situation to people in third world countries…Africa. Now, your situation doesnt seem so harsh. No one is chasing after you with a machete every day of your life (have you seen hotel rwanda?!). You may be thinking how this is going to help. The truth is when you start feeling better about your current situation then especially by being grateful for what you have, then you are able to move forward. If you’re not grateful and you’re pissed off then you’ll be stuck in the same predicament. It’s like when someone breaks up with you and you can’t get over the fact and all you do is talk about how that person broke your heart. So when a new person comes along, you don’t care b/c you are still living in the past, thinking about the other person. It’s like that with jobs and just life in general. When you are grateful and happy now vs. down and beating up on yourself, then you are able to SEE the opportunities that do come by. Oh and they are there. They’ve always been there. It’s whether or not you look up and ultimately grab them.

So long story short, think positively. No negativity. NADA. What do you want right now that you think you can achieve. I’ll help you out. You want a wonderful job where they appreciate your services. I think that’s attainable. You’ve had a job before and it’s not like you’re asking to be bill gates or anything. This is quite a simple goal. Now say an affirmation at least every night before you sleep. Here’s a good one: I’m in the process of getting a job that’s right for me. Say it like you mean it. And don’t doubt b/c that will just cancel your request out to the universe. And if this seems silly, then sorry. But this works as long as you believe (faith is necessary) that you deserve good things too. Try it. Do a 30-day trial. And don’t let anything bother you. Just remember that you’re in America and it’s the land of opportunity. People all over the world are still risking their lives to get here. You can do it. Maybe you’re doubting. Maybe you’re starting to see things differently. But hey you have one person that does believe and for things to get momentum in this world, it only takes one.

i recommend this wonderful self-help resource online. it’s free and it’ll be worth it in the long run.

http://www.stevepavlina.com/

peace and wellness.

Then he wrote me back:

ok that was definately a response i wasnt expecting. what i was expecting well i dont really know. well i appreciate the time and effort you put into that message. the past does have a role. employers ask for an application for a reason. it would be nice if i could just start with a clean slate somewhere. however it doesnt work that way. maybe im not seeing the way u intended me. but i can have all the faith in the world. and companies arent going to change their policies on hiring just because of my thought process. i dont have 30 days i dont even have 2 weeks. if i cant get a decent paying job by the 1st then it doesnt really matter. and with the holiday being monday and tuesday and for some places even wedenday that even lowers my chances..sorry if im not accepting how u thought i should..but im being realistic. i dont believe any confidence and no negative is going to matter when they look on my application and see nothing positive to them

I didn’t write him back.  I believe when he really wants to change his situation, the information I gave him will either click in his mind or it will be given to him through another means.  When the student is ready to learn, the master comes.  Anyway, my advice is my belief.  So it works for me because that is how I see the world.  His world rejects my advice so of course my advice has no validity whatsoever.  In reality, both are correct.  It’s when you adopt one viewpoint from another that makes a world of a difference.

Your heart is not merely a muscle. It is also a guide, a mentor, and always a friend. Remember to let the beat of your heart lead you. If you do, it will allow you to create your own song for the universe to sing along to.

Thanksgiving 2007 - Casa del Montrose
My roommate Morgan’s girlfriend, Kerry, and Morgan’s guitarist, Steve gave me wonderful advice on how to approach my future. With Kerry being a USC film alum and Steve being a college drop-out turn pseudo financial manager of some company and yes, guitarist for an instrumental rock band, Beware of Safety, both had varying views on the college system and the best way to go about it. When asked the question, “What college do you want to go to?  What are you interested in? What do you ultimately want to do?”, my replies usually tend to fall within the simple category of “USC. Comm. PR.” But sometimes I consider schools like Evergreen in Washington State (yes, you’re prototypical “hippie” institution.)

Kerry believed that hippie colleges were a god awful waste of time and that everyone attending them usually end up how they started: being burnouts.  However Steve’s rebuttal was unexpectedly ironic and motivational.  I can’t write what he said in here verbatim, but it was along the lines of:

•  what you major in doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll graduate in.
• what you graduate in doesn’t mean you’ll end up doing for the rest of your life
• OPTIONS. young, talented, focused…basically options are limitless
• If you don’t like what you are doing in ten years, you can change it.
• TIME. You have so much time to figure out your future. Don’t get overwhelmed with it all today.
• Some people don’t do the school thing so well. That’s okay. Just make sure you finish it because its better to have it in the long run.
• Don’t let the idea of doing something different or unorthodox scare you
• Pursue what you want to pursue
• It ultimately doesn’t matter where you go: you can go anywhere, be anyone, and do anything. It depends on you.

Its one thing to hear it from my sister or my family… they did their college experiences at their own discretion. Its nice to hear it from those who took it at another angle, who are still just as happy and successful as everyone else. Its all relative, right?

So my life is what I make it. If there is one thing I learned from Steve, its to take everything one step at a time.