"There is no passion to be found playing small - in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living."
Nelson Mandela.
The sixth and final part of Exploring the Intersection of Endurance and Creativity.
Being around passionate people is infectious. It doesn't matter what their passion is for, it's the level of passion that counts. It is also important to let people into what you are doing. It provides not only encouragement but the opportunity for constructive criticism and feedback.
Read MoreSummer came and went and I'm not gonna lie, it was a toughie. There were times over the past two-and-a-half months when I was so catatonically depressed, I could barely get out of bed, never mind post blogs. I stopped running, writing, socialising, and basically being me. I could have posted my journal ramblings but that would have meant blacking out all the swear words and the negativity that seemed to be consuming me. I have endured much in my life and always charged at it with a never-ever-quit kind of evangelism. This time was radically different because all hope seemed to be gone.
Read More“Why wouldn't you want to do your best creatively and produce something amazing?” That was the question my wife asked as we brushed our teeth two nights ago. We had just watched Tomorrowland and I was waxing on how the movie did nothing for me due to it's predictability and general laziness on all fronts. And no, it's not because George Clooney's hair has greyed better than mine. She was asking the question that I have asked countless time, “where is the drive to make something different?” There have been countless Fast and Furious movies, I have lost track of the amount of super-heroes currently on the big screen, and everything from music to literature to art is being diluted down and thrown on the conveyor belt of mediocrity to make room for the next pile of replicated drivel.
Read MoreWhite lies, we all tell 'em. Or do we? Ten years ago, I was living in London and working as a manger in a swanky Notting Hill restaurant. I was up to my eyes in cocaine and alcohol and lying became part of the job—it didn't have to be, but being an addict is a secretive life. Whether it was lying to my dealer, my boss and staff, or my closest friends, I didn't think of it as anything earth-shattering. After a prolonged period it became almost like a game, how much deception can I juggle before I get caught out? Well, I got busted more times than I can remember.
Read MoreHave you ever looked around the world at which we live in and said to yourself, “There's a lot of crap out there.” You have? Good, I thought I was alone! I am drawn to anything creative. Books, movies, music, art, could be how creative you are at folding your clothes, if it is done with purpose and intent to create something that no one has before, then I'm on your side.
Read MoreWhether managing an award-winning successful business in London, publishing a book, competing in various ultra-marathons, or taking on projects with big vision, there are certain characteristics I've needed in order to succeed. I don't profess to know any great secret to getting things done but I have learned along the way that there are a few methods—all learned, I might add—that help me see a project through. Discipline is essential if you want to succeed at anything. Whether you are an artist, musician, writer, photographer, or whatever, it is important to invest in yourself. This may mean removing distractions while you work (phone, Facebook etc.), getting regular sleep, and eating healthy. People with good self control are less conflicted and make better decisions.
Read MoreIn August 2012, I was standing in my church with my eyes closed, praying for physical and emotional healing. I got both, and a whole lot more. It took me a few weeks to figure it all out, but it was my “come to Jesus moment.” And boy it was like nothing I'd ever felt before. The concept of a relationship with Jesus is enough to turn a lot of people away from not just church, but Him, and they lose out on so much in doing so. The beginning of this relationship was like the start of an amazing romance, really!
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