The Big Picture
Life is about as hard as you make it. If you always see storms on the horizon, you’re probably going to be perpetually stuck in a deluge, but if you always see rainbows on the horizon…you’re probably in California. The idea that you have to always be grinding to get ahead is only going to grind you down. Very few people actually “make it” that way. There are far more people that say “I can outgrind anyone” than people who really do the work. Be honest with yourself, and then be honest with the people around you. Life’s a lot easier when you stop playing games. Most of us would rather be friends with a genuine nice person than a full time hustler.
When you look back on your past, do you see a path leading you to where you are now? Does that path continue to where you want to be going? It should. Sure there are detours, crises, rollercoasters, and shit along the way…but that’s life. Learn to enjoy it. I’ve quoted Ferris Bueller a lot in my lifetime and I don’t think I’m going to stop now, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in awhile, you could miss it.” We’ve all had curveballs thrown at us, but you’re still here, so what’s the harm in having a laugh about the dumb shit we’ve done, or the wild ride we’ve been on?
Someone’s Always Offended, Just Be Yourself
You can be a real straight shooter like Doug from the Hangover, living by the rules, staying in your lane, and always minding your P’s and Q’s…but somebody is always going to be offended, or angry, or jealous. That’s just life. Human nature. Fucking science. You cannot please everyone, and it’s absolutely exhausting just trying. So why bother? Be yourself. Don’t fight it, embrace it. Maybe you’re a sarcastic asshole like BRV, but you know why it works for him? Because he owns it. He doesn’t pretend to be something else.
If you don’t ask questions then you’re either a fool or a blind follower, and if the powers that be have a problem with it, then maybe they’re the problem. When did we as a society decide that anyone who questions something is automatically a radical, a bigot, or an extremist? Asking questions is how all of us learn, it’s how our entire civilization has progressed from building things with rocks to having complex tools. So what if you have to admit that you don’t know something by asking “what’s that?” If you’re in a room of 20 people, there’s a very high likelihood someone else in that room is wondering the same damn thing.
Make Time for the Things You Love
This is something I wish I had learned earlier in life. Sure there’s a time and place for putting in the midnight hours, getting the job done, putting your nose to the grindstone and all that, but if you don’t take the time to enjoy something, what’s the fucking point? You can spend your entire life working and lose it all in the blink of an eye because of somebody else’s mistake or greed. Take some time…no, MAKE some time, for the things that you love. If you don’t have a hobby you love…make time to try different things until you find one. Life’s too short to just be punching a clock.
At the end of the day, it’s all about perspective. Life isn’t always easy, but when you look at it from the right angle, it can be beautiful. Take the time to appreciate the journey, and don’t forget to let loose and have a little fun. All of us have the same amount of time on this planet, so don’t waste it being a grump. As John Wooden said, “Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.”
The Weight
For the record, I hate saying shit like this. The consequences for not speaking my…
The Circle of Landman Life – How Landmen Are Made
This is a story about how landmen are made. Back when I was in college/just…
Finding the Words
We’re (almost) a week into August, and I’ve posted something every day this month. This…
Before the Sun
https://open.spotify.com/track/5g54tKWuCOrHmLppzxzQrt?si=mOFpNBl1TmehiAuLR9y6TQ&context=spotify%3Aplaylist%3A37i9dQZF1E8M3RtWKJIROs The rays of sunlight begin peaking over the eastern horizon, casting shadows across the…
Slowing Down to Explore Life
This is one of my favorite dive bars in Crested Butte, “The Talk” Small Towns…
Landman Log – April 21, 2023 – Life is What You Make it, Appreciate the Journey
The Big Picture Life is about as hard as you make it. If you always…