Can you define happiness? I am sure we can all come up with an ideal of what it is. If you could find total happiness what would it be worth to you? I'd like to think it would be worth a lot to any of us. The simplest definition I can come up with for happiness is: Living a care free life. As a thought that actually sounds pretty easy doesn't it? Think of it. A life where you get up each day and never get upset or bothered about anything.
We all know it isn't easy. Think of all the successful people in this world. People that seem to have it all and still can not find peace in their lives. I could name names. I am sure you can envision people (many celebrities come to mind) that you would think should be happy, but obviously are not.
The realization is that we trick ourselves. We say if we only had this or that we wouldn't have any problems. This is short sighted. New problems, and opportunities, come and go everyday. Money and fame does not make us immune from problems. I don't know how many times I have thought, 'Man if I didn't have this commitment' or 'If only I had more money' I would be happy.
The evidence shows a different story though. You see rich people, poor people, healthy people, sick people that all seem to have varying levels of happiness.
So what is the key? I wish I knew for certain. That question is right up there with the meaning of life. I am sure the answer to both questions are probably related. Actually, I think I have a good ideal of how to be happy. I believe we all do. It is just so easy to get caught up in meaningless distractions that have no relationship to true happiness or well being. There are many events and circumstances that if we let them, will drag us down.
There are really only a small set of rules that need to be followed for true joy to be reached in our lives.This list is not the end all, but I do think that if most of us honestly followed these rules we would be quite blissful.
1. Be grateful for what you have.
2. Remember that life is a gift.
3. Refrain from dwelling on the past.
4. Do not worry about the future.
5. Actively follow your dreams.
6. Be happy with who YOU are.
7, Do not get distracted or upset by negative forces.
Of course, all of these rules can really be broken down into one big rule.
LIVE IN THE MOMENT
The past is gone. The future is uncertain. All you really can do is make the most out of what you have right before you, right now, this place, and this time.
All of this is easier said than done. As mentioned I know we all can think of those we thought had it all whom led terrible, unhappy lives. There's the bills, unfriendly people, bad drivers, bad news, pressure from work, feeling inadequate, wishing things were different, envy, feeling sorry for yourself, and a zillion other distraction to get you off track.
My advice is when things seem bad or when you get upset you stop...breath, think, and remember to LIVE IN THE MOMENT.
I don't know if you have heard that we all have star dust as part of our DNA? The theory is that the universe was formed from exploding stars. Everything in our universe was formed from the material of these exploding bodies. Everything including you and me. we are made of the chemicals that shine bright up in the sky and give us immense beauty. We are formed from the same elements that make up some of the most adorned objects in the universe, including the sun. You are part of that greatness!
A star is not most beautiful when I gazed upon it yesterday. I am not certain I or it will be there tomorrow. A star is most beautiful as I watch it's glow 'RIGHT NOW IN THIS MOMENT'.
Shine On!
My name is Ty Wilson.
I am a left leg below the knee amputee.
I post blogs about life as an amputee and amputee quality of life issues.
Friday, August 17, 2012
Monday, July 9, 2012
Soar Like An Eagle
It's been a while since I wrote a post. I just moved into a new place and have been unpacking and doing work around the house. I really like the place I have settled into here in Sarasota, FL. I am hoping to stick around here for a while.
I wanted to talk a little bit about character, integrity and being true to yourself. From what I observe in the world being true to yourself and your values is paramount to anything else.
There seems to be a lot of people that have money and so called success, but are miserable. I just don't think the 'win at all cost' mentality is always healthy in a normal setting. What I do think is important is "keep your integrity at all cost".
This is not to say that monetary success is a bad thing. There are many who have done wonderful things for our society and have been wildly financially successful. I just want to emphasize that that money or fame alone do not make you a success. Looking in the mirror, knowing you have been true, honest, done your best and done the right thing is what I would define as a successful life.
There is something amazing and admirable about believing in your dreams even in the face of naysayers and doubters. I say if you feel it and you want it...You should go for it!
History is loaded with people that were mocked or doubted by people. Some such as Edgar Allen Poe never did see real success during their own lifetimes. None the less certain individuals continue to chase after their dreams, because they must. It is in their DNA to do so. It is my belief they live far richer lives than most.
I wanted to post an example of a person that chose to follow a dream, that became successful in an unconventional way.
1988 Olympic Ski Jumper Eddie 'The Eagle' Edwards.
Eddie was sarcastically nicknamed 'The Eagle' due to his poor ski jumping abilities. Edwards was working as a construction worker when he got the call he qualified for the 1988 Winter Games in Calgary. Edwards was built more like a construction worker, weighing in 20bls heavier than the next heaviest competitor in the event. Edwards was known for wearing 5 pairs of socks under his too large boots. Eddie was also known for donning extremely thick glasses that would fog up during his jumps.
Despite coming in dead last Eddie became an instant celebrity. Edward's fish out of water performance, lack of skill, breath taking 'Will he make it?' jumps, and goofy looks turned him into one of the most popular athletes of the 88' Winter Games. Edwards appeared on several popular talk shows, gained numerous sponsorship deals, wrote a book and returned to school to gain his law degree.
So, even though he was mocked and thought by many to have no business competing Eddie Edwards chased his dreams. Even though Eddie did not win in his event he became a huge success. More importantly, he has lived a very rich and content life following his dreams and aspirations.
You just never know where life may take you. Do you have the courage to Soar like an eagle?
I wanted to talk a little bit about character, integrity and being true to yourself. From what I observe in the world being true to yourself and your values is paramount to anything else.
There seems to be a lot of people that have money and so called success, but are miserable. I just don't think the 'win at all cost' mentality is always healthy in a normal setting. What I do think is important is "keep your integrity at all cost".
This is not to say that monetary success is a bad thing. There are many who have done wonderful things for our society and have been wildly financially successful. I just want to emphasize that that money or fame alone do not make you a success. Looking in the mirror, knowing you have been true, honest, done your best and done the right thing is what I would define as a successful life.
There is something amazing and admirable about believing in your dreams even in the face of naysayers and doubters. I say if you feel it and you want it...You should go for it!
History is loaded with people that were mocked or doubted by people. Some such as Edgar Allen Poe never did see real success during their own lifetimes. None the less certain individuals continue to chase after their dreams, because they must. It is in their DNA to do so. It is my belief they live far richer lives than most.
I wanted to post an example of a person that chose to follow a dream, that became successful in an unconventional way.
1988 Olympic Ski Jumper Eddie 'The Eagle' Edwards.
Eddie was sarcastically nicknamed 'The Eagle' due to his poor ski jumping abilities. Edwards was working as a construction worker when he got the call he qualified for the 1988 Winter Games in Calgary. Edwards was built more like a construction worker, weighing in 20bls heavier than the next heaviest competitor in the event. Edwards was known for wearing 5 pairs of socks under his too large boots. Eddie was also known for donning extremely thick glasses that would fog up during his jumps.
Despite coming in dead last Eddie became an instant celebrity. Edward's fish out of water performance, lack of skill, breath taking 'Will he make it?' jumps, and goofy looks turned him into one of the most popular athletes of the 88' Winter Games. Edwards appeared on several popular talk shows, gained numerous sponsorship deals, wrote a book and returned to school to gain his law degree.
So, even though he was mocked and thought by many to have no business competing Eddie Edwards chased his dreams. Even though Eddie did not win in his event he became a huge success. More importantly, he has lived a very rich and content life following his dreams and aspirations.
You just never know where life may take you. Do you have the courage to Soar like an eagle?
Thursday, June 7, 2012
The Brilliance Of Obstacles
Sorry for the brief post this time out.
I do have some serious things in the works. Definitely some more instructional videos coming soon.
I wanted to touch base a little bit about facing obstacles. Once in a while hard times can come your way. It is what you do with the challenges you encounter that can make all the difference. You have to face things head on and keep a positive attitude.
In this case I think art can express more than any words I could ever type. So I will let the video below do the talking.
A great music tune, Jóga by Bjork. A beautiful song I had not heard in a while that I was recently re-reminded of. The whining but uplifting strings, the desperate yet hopeful vocals, the fear, and the excitement.
What will you do with your "State Of Emergency"?
I do have some serious things in the works. Definitely some more instructional videos coming soon.
I wanted to touch base a little bit about facing obstacles. Once in a while hard times can come your way. It is what you do with the challenges you encounter that can make all the difference. You have to face things head on and keep a positive attitude.
In this case I think art can express more than any words I could ever type. So I will let the video below do the talking.
A great music tune, Jóga by Bjork. A beautiful song I had not heard in a while that I was recently re-reminded of. The whining but uplifting strings, the desperate yet hopeful vocals, the fear, and the excitement.
What will you do with your "State Of Emergency"?
Friday, May 25, 2012
FlowRider Surfing With Action Sports Foundation
We went out a couple of weeks ago to Surf Style in Clearwater, FL. Surf Style was gracious enough to donate time so our group of disabled athletes could have fun on the FlowRider surfing machine.
Included is a video showing some of the fun.
Very special thanks to Action Sports Foundation and Kiteboarding Tampa Bay for donating their effort, time, funds, and video equipment into putting together such a wonderful event. It was truly a blast. Outings like this add invaluable experiences to the participants. I am highly looking forward to working with and participating in future events with these organizations. I saw a lot of ear to smiles...which is one of best things in the world.
Included is a video showing some of the fun.
Very special thanks to Action Sports Foundation and Kiteboarding Tampa Bay for donating their effort, time, funds, and video equipment into putting together such a wonderful event. It was truly a blast. Outings like this add invaluable experiences to the participants. I am highly looking forward to working with and participating in future events with these organizations. I saw a lot of ear to smiles...which is one of best things in the world.
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Paul Falk
Hey All.
Included is a video by a friend I met at The Sarasota Amputee Support Group.
Paul Falk. He is an incredible guy that has been through a lot. Paul has dealt with diabetes, was once on dialysis, has had heart surgery, a kidney transplant, a pancreas transplant, and lost the vision in his left eye. On top of all that he is also a bi-latera BK amputee.
When Paul told me he hits the gym on a regular basis, I just had to go and check him out. Included are some video clips he was nice enough to let me shoot. Paul showed me some of the typical exercises he goes through during a workout.
Special thank to the Lakewood Ranch YMCA
Included is a video by a friend I met at The Sarasota Amputee Support Group.
Paul Falk. He is an incredible guy that has been through a lot. Paul has dealt with diabetes, was once on dialysis, has had heart surgery, a kidney transplant, a pancreas transplant, and lost the vision in his left eye. On top of all that he is also a bi-latera BK amputee.
When Paul told me he hits the gym on a regular basis, I just had to go and check him out. Included are some video clips he was nice enough to let me shoot. Paul showed me some of the typical exercises he goes through during a workout.
Special thank to the Lakewood Ranch YMCA
Friday, May 4, 2012
Amputee Workout Routines - Ampucise
I finally got around to documenting a workout routine. I have been doing short, burst movement circuit training lately.
I documented part of a routine I did this afternoon at my apartment. As I have always stated you don't need a lot of time or expensive equipment to get in a good workout.
The featured video shows 6 exercises that I feel most prosthetic wearing leg amputees should be able to do. You may have to modify some of the exercises or even add different ones depending on your situation. I definitely think that 'if there is a will...there is a way'. REMEMBER NOT TO PUSH YOURSELF TOO HARD. Make sure your prosthesis fits well. If you feel something weird going on take the time to check things out and readjust if needed. The goal is to have fun and stay injury free.
I recommend you seek advise from your prosthetist and doctor before beginning any type of exercise.
Baby steps! As you can see in the video, my form is not so great on some of these movements...but I am glad to be able to do them.
The exciting thing is I have hit up some of my fellow amputee friends. I have made arrangement to shoot a little video of them doing some of their respective workouts. This project has been a long time coming and I am glad to get the ball rolling on it.
Ampucise Workout Routine I
I documented part of a routine I did this afternoon at my apartment. As I have always stated you don't need a lot of time or expensive equipment to get in a good workout.
The featured video shows 6 exercises that I feel most prosthetic wearing leg amputees should be able to do. You may have to modify some of the exercises or even add different ones depending on your situation. I definitely think that 'if there is a will...there is a way'. REMEMBER NOT TO PUSH YOURSELF TOO HARD. Make sure your prosthesis fits well. If you feel something weird going on take the time to check things out and readjust if needed. The goal is to have fun and stay injury free.
I recommend you seek advise from your prosthetist and doctor before beginning any type of exercise.
Baby steps! As you can see in the video, my form is not so great on some of these movements...but I am glad to be able to do them.
The exciting thing is I have hit up some of my fellow amputee friends. I have made arrangement to shoot a little video of them doing some of their respective workouts. This project has been a long time coming and I am glad to get the ball rolling on it.
Ampucise Workout Routine I
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Something Bigger Than Us
I have had an abysmal month. Without getting into my personal life too much I can say things seem to have all gone wrong at the same time. My current problems feel so huge. I have found myself at a point where I have been seriously examining my life and my role in this world. I have spent the larger part of some days isolated and feeling sorry for myself.
I have managed to complete a few task. I participated in a 62 mile bike ride, helped host an Amputee Support Group and have gotten some important things completed that I have had to address. I do see light at the end of the tunnel. It can just be tough staying focused sometimes when things seem down.
There were some other commitments I imposed upon myself this month that I did not get to. One project I aspired to complete were a set of Amputee Workout videos I wanted to shoot and edit. A friend was going to come visit me here in Florida. I was going to have him help me with the project while we were hanging out. To make a long story short he canceled the visit and I got discouraged. I became very disappointed in my friend and the situation when things fell through. He backed out at the very last moment and I felt he really left me hanging. You cannot control the actions of others. There is no use wasting energy being mad at someone. If it is meant to be I will complete the affair in due time.
We often can be over dramatic about our problems. In the big picture what does me shooting a video have to do with the larger scheme of life? I would like to think it might be a helpful tool for someone. Without a doubt my ego is probably placing way more emphasis on something that is quite trivial. I have had to sit back and realize that you know 'There are a lot more important things going on in this world than my problems'. I have also had to remember that everything isn't always in my control.
I am learning that I have to 'give up' my fate to a higher power and trust things will work out. Without being overtly religious I think part of the solution lies within the wise words in the Serenity Prayer. "Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things that I can and the wisdom to know the difference." I have to remind myself that if I can live my life by those words on a daily basis I will be a much happier person.
One word of caution. I think people often use the 'turning things over to a higher power' mantra as an excuse for inaction. It is true some obstacles are out of our control. It is not productive to woe over things you cannot do anything about. We must work on changing the things in our grasp like our thoughts and our attitude. We all have been given a set of tools and certain gifts. I believe everyone in this world has something positive to offer. It is your duty to get out there every day and do the best you can. I have come to find that giving extra effort on days I feel down is very rewarding. It can also change your whole outlook on the day.
Spread Happiness To Become Happy
It doesn't always seem like it but one of the best way for us to feel good is to attempt to make other happy. I'm not just making this up. There are many studies that show the biggest human joy comes from bringing joy to others:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1820947/
http://web.med.harvard.edu/sites/RELEASES/html/christakis_happiness.html
Even though our problems are small in the grand scheme of things, small gestures can make a huge impact on you and the life of others.
What I want to point out is we continue to put our small problems ahead of what is really important in life. I am reaching out to hopefully remind you that you can address your problems and be happy while using your personal gifts to make a difference in this world.
Small Changes = Big Impact - Ty
I have managed to complete a few task. I participated in a 62 mile bike ride, helped host an Amputee Support Group and have gotten some important things completed that I have had to address. I do see light at the end of the tunnel. It can just be tough staying focused sometimes when things seem down.
There were some other commitments I imposed upon myself this month that I did not get to. One project I aspired to complete were a set of Amputee Workout videos I wanted to shoot and edit. A friend was going to come visit me here in Florida. I was going to have him help me with the project while we were hanging out. To make a long story short he canceled the visit and I got discouraged. I became very disappointed in my friend and the situation when things fell through. He backed out at the very last moment and I felt he really left me hanging. You cannot control the actions of others. There is no use wasting energy being mad at someone. If it is meant to be I will complete the affair in due time.
We often can be over dramatic about our problems. In the big picture what does me shooting a video have to do with the larger scheme of life? I would like to think it might be a helpful tool for someone. Without a doubt my ego is probably placing way more emphasis on something that is quite trivial. I have had to sit back and realize that you know 'There are a lot more important things going on in this world than my problems'. I have also had to remember that everything isn't always in my control.
I am learning that I have to 'give up' my fate to a higher power and trust things will work out. Without being overtly religious I think part of the solution lies within the wise words in the Serenity Prayer. "Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things that I can and the wisdom to know the difference." I have to remind myself that if I can live my life by those words on a daily basis I will be a much happier person.
One word of caution. I think people often use the 'turning things over to a higher power' mantra as an excuse for inaction. It is true some obstacles are out of our control. It is not productive to woe over things you cannot do anything about. We must work on changing the things in our grasp like our thoughts and our attitude. We all have been given a set of tools and certain gifts. I believe everyone in this world has something positive to offer. It is your duty to get out there every day and do the best you can. I have come to find that giving extra effort on days I feel down is very rewarding. It can also change your whole outlook on the day.
It doesn't always seem like it but one of the best way for us to feel good is to attempt to make other happy. I'm not just making this up. There are many studies that show the biggest human joy comes from bringing joy to others:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1820947/
http://web.med.harvard.edu/sites/RELEASES/html/christakis_happiness.html
Even though our problems are small in the grand scheme of things, small gestures can make a huge impact on you and the life of others.
What I want to point out is we continue to put our small problems ahead of what is really important in life. I am reaching out to hopefully remind you that you can address your problems and be happy while using your personal gifts to make a difference in this world.
Small Changes = Big Impact - Ty
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