I’m getting old. As they hear me say that, folks over fifty, sixty, and seventy reply, That’s nothing, you whipper-snapper. You have plenty of time left before you’re old like me. But I wore a fanny pack out in public yesterday. And I hadn’t worn one since the late 1980s or early ’90s, when I was […]
A friend and I were speaking recently about his company reopening to the public, as well as my recent career journey. My friend empathized with the concerns I have about whether or when my pre-pandemic industry will reopen. He also understood my feelings about if I really wanted to continue doing what I have done […]
After living in the same home for seven and a half years I finally visited my backyard neighbors. . . Last week our shared fence blew over in the wind for the second time. The boards on it are cracked, and the old rusty screws that hold the boards together have worked themselves out of […]
Visualize, for a moment, all the clothing you own but never wear. . . You know exactly what I’m talking about. Some of it is deep within your closet. More still is buried inside your dresser drawers or in some plastic bins in the garage or attic. After you’re through reading this I challenge you […]
This is going to be the most difficult piece I’ve ever penned and it should be. . . By now the whole world should have heard of George Floyd. George Floyd was the forty-six year old African American whose life ended tragically on May 25th when Minneapolis police officers executed him in broad daylight in […]
I can still remember back when people were social beings. People used to greet strangers with a handshake or a pound. Maybe there was a hug if they got close or felt a connection. People didn’t feel weird around their families, or about going to visit friends. There used to be backyard barbecues and swimming pools […]
I’ve understood the inherent force that is positivity for a long time now. Relentless optimism, generosity, smiling; they all carry such tremendous weight. Unfortunately I’ve been spending too much time lately giving in to the dark side and negativity. It’s because of this I decided to write this week’s Moving On Minute. I wanted to share […]
Grit Inspired by the Charles Portis novel TRUE GRIT What is grit? Physically it’s loose particles of sand and stone. Think coarse sandpaper or the sand inside a bathing suit after a visit to the beach. Used to describe a person, grit’s not as obvious or straightforward. Simply put, it’s strength of character. Courage. Resolve. […]
Many people are confused about the new world we are entering into. Many more are afraid and are being misled. Pictures show armed protesters at capital buildings across the country. Footage can be seen of healthcare workers embattled with them as well as government employees donning bullet-proof vests. Locally, many are scoffing social distancing and […]
I’ve been reflecting on parenting in this extended period at home with my child. Although there are certainly moments worth celebrating, I spend a lot time considering the many mistakes I make as well as the ways I can do and be a better father going forward. Affirmations are powerful, or at least a powerful […]
I know what you’re thinking. . . Scientists are saying we should continue stay-at-home efforts until the fall at least. . .possibly into next year. Or. . . We should just open everything up to save the economy. Sure some people will die, but people die everyday. Your perspective is securely rooted. No amount of […]
You are the storm, So cold and so beautiful. You are the frigid icy blizzard, The breeze that pushes the pine’s branches leaving clouds of white dust behind. You darken the sky; The haze that blocks out light . You never come when you’re wanted, like on Christmas. Instead you show up in spring when […]
I keep writing about pandemic living, and how could I not? It’s in my face everyday. From the first notification on my cell phone in the morning, to every news report and email I come across throughout my day. It’s on the faces of all my friends and all the family I video chat with. […]
Just a few months ago no one had time for anything! People used to say things like, “I never spend enough time at home!” or “I’m just too busy!” That was only a handful of weeks ago. Currently strict stay-at-home and shelter-in-place orders (as well as the self-quarantine and social distancing efforts of those of […]
What am I afraid of? Am I afraid of a virus that I don’t understand, or truly know anything about? A virus, that should I contract, inhale, or ingest, may suck to have, but likely won’t kill me? A virus I’ll pass on to my wife and child, but they’ll probably survive it too? Am […]
Pandemic Pandemonium Written by John Andreula Edited by Kodid Laraque-Two Elk You hear coughing up the aisle you’re walking down. It’s coming from the blonde woman a little ways up. You head down one of the adjacent aisles feeling like you dodged a contagion bullet. Immediately those videos you’ve seen of the wide and distant […]
Written by John Andreula Edited by Kodid Laraque-Two Elk I remember being young and thinking the world was one messed up place. Discrimination, pollution, poverty and war were just some of what formed my pessimistic worldview. I contemplated that humans deserved whatever they got for being such neglectful and damaging stewards of such an amazing […]
What is wealth? Merriam-Webster defines wealth as: Abundance of valuable material possessions or resources. Investopedia states wealth is determined by taking the total market value of all physical and intangible assets owned, then subtracting all debts. By either standard, many people are already relatively wealthy, but does living up to these definitions make someone truly wealthy? The archaic and obsolete definitions […]
It’s frustrating having someone you are attempting to help refuse your assistance. Whether delivering kind words, advice based on life experience, or physical aid, some people just don’t want your help. Sometimes they just want to do things for themselves, by themselves. That pride can be a positive thing. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to […]
A year and a half ago today I was fired from my job. It was the best thing I’ve ever done for myself. At the time, I worked as a service advisor for a car dealership. I was really good at what I did and was generously compensated for my abilities. I worked long hours, […]
I don’t have time for that! That’s a good thing. It’s so much better than I’m too busy! Being too busy is negative mind-state. It implies you’re a victim of circumstances beyond control. However it doesn’t require much effort to find people getting the things done that the busy person cannot. Not having time may sound similar, but it’s […]
Put the phone down! There I said it. How much time do you spend on your cell-phone each day? An hour? That’s unlikely isn’t it? Is two hours or four more realistic? It’s time to remember the separation between the real world and the virtual one on our phone screens. When on a […]
Reduction and minimalism have been recurring themes here at Moving On Upwards. (Getting Rid Of It All, Don’t Want Want, Greed. . ., Downsizing) Although the concepts have been laid out through these and other emotional-fueled works, I have yet to express the extent of my passion for a simpler life. I want to want […]
When I was younger I always found myself quick to react. My eyesight blurred. Focus and clarity gave way to a range of different emotions. Whenever I became frustrated, envious, and even overly-excited, each became a blinding wave that crashed over me. I became unable to accept and process additional information or inputs from the […]
How much distance is found between the fool and the genius? or. . . How much change is real, and how much is just in our head? Those of us that recognize our own inherent imperfections and strive for improvement are burdened with so much folly. Meditation, reflection, reading, and writing with the aim of […]
I’m sorry I can’t play with you. My priorities have changed. Family, productivity, and longevity have replaced all the game playing of my former self. Much of my favorite past-times consisted of playing games. Although I do see some value in the skills games cultivated in me as a young person, there’s just so little […]
Let me start off with the compulsory Happy New Year! to everyone. Happy New Year! It’s my sincerest wish that 2020 and the next decade hold everything you aspire to and hope for. I hope more is coming your way than you could even wish for. Now that that’s out of the way it’s time for some […]
I am Jewish. It’s not a statement of my religious affiliation, and it doesn’t fully describe my beliefs, spirituality, and life practices. To me, being Jewish is a piece of me, like being short or incredibly intelligent. It’s similar to my having a lazy left eye or my awesome abundance of charisma. Being a Jew […]
I used to be fat. In my opinion I weighed somewhere between thick and heavy. My max weight of 210 lbs on a five foot five inch frame indicated my body mass index was 34.9. The BMI stated I was obese. I was five points above overweight. But this isn’t a story about my losing […]
Is it okay to take a break for one day, or one week, from this need to produce? Consistency pulls. It tells me that if I don’t do this thing which I have arbitrarily told myself for so long makes me: 1. productive, 2. on the path to success, and 3. me, that I am […]
I remember recognizing the significance of distractions early in my journey toward bettering myself. Today, about a year later, I am starting to receive tangible external blessings for my toils. Yet once again, distractions seem to surround my tasks and work space. They are calling out to me. They are poised to test my resolve […]
Closed-minded people write karma off as some new age-y foofoo. They see those of us who believe in it as dumb snowflakes. Yet, even when they’re intelligent, closed-minded people are indeed the dumb ones. Karma is real, and it is everywhere! The poor as well as the good choices we make each play out in […]
Recently I had the privilege of writing a few pieces for a weight loss company out of Boulder. I was especially blessed because they allowed me to write about whatever I thought would fit. One of them was my first person account of climbing two of Colorado’s 14,000 foot peaks. Here’s the link: Grays and […]
The human brain is an odd thing indeed. A quick internet search on the phrase how many thoughts per day reveals a number of “experts” stating that human beings have between 18,000 and 70,000 thoughts each time the Earth spins. Even at the lowest of those estimates that’s a whole lot of thinking. Nobody is perfect. Not […]
A positive mindset is the difference between a successful person and a victim. If you’re reading this, then you’re probably open-minded and it isn’t new news. Still, it’s good to be reminded. And if you are a victim you’re probably ready to argue the point, blaming anyone and anything but yourself, for how much life […]
I don’t own my possessions. They own me. I think I’ll sell it all. Grand collections of albums I never listen to Just collect dust on shelves. Books and comics stacked away; Movies and games the same. It’s strange. How can having so much Cause me such pain? I never read or watch any of […]
At times I become lost. I ask myself What’s the point of it all? During those times I want to just take a nap, or play some mindless video game. I wish I could then just fade away and disappear. But that’s just my bipolar demon returning once again to remind me that he will inevitably […]
Recently I’ve been catching myself being a jackass. I’m doing something I’ve always done, but only now am I realizing how arrogant it makes me look. Whenever someone informs, shares, or directs me and I believe I already know what they are telling me I say, “I know.” I may know what the other person […]
What happens when people are forced to wait? There are those inevitable times when one finds themself sitting at the DMV, in the waiting room at the dentist office, or in line waiting for a stall to clear out at the car wash. Many people think Oh jeez! or What the heck?!?…And maybe they don’t […]
Greed and want are themes previously addressed here at Moving On Upwards. (¹, ², ³) For a moment, consider the benefits of minimalism and decreasing expenditures, as well as the value of relationships and experiences over material items. The universe has an interesting way of balancing the scales. Often those who want less, and those who are […]
In contemplating the decision of whether or not to create something, or to take action, one must weigh the options. The first option is always inaction. It’s much easier to blow off inspiration than it is to act on it. It’s far simpler to ignore a commitment one previously made to themself than to do […]
Everyone has experienced bitter partings. Sometimes disagreements and disappointment can lead to resentment or other negative feelings. These emotions are so strong that we want to throw up our hands and walk away, or hang up on the other person. Don’t do it. Don’t ever leave a conversation angry. It’s natural to become frustrated. Once […]
A good morning routine is a ritual that sets a precedent for a spectacular day. It’s a must. I feel that I’ve dialed in a “good morning routine” that really works. I wanted to share it so people could cherry pick elements that will help get themselves off to the best possible start each morning. […]
I’m filthy rich! or I’m so poor! I’m sick! or I’m uber-healthy! I hate him. He’s mean. and She’s so nice. They’re all just words, or more precisely, just labels… But then again, perception is reality. One day that ‘nice’ girl had just received some news from her home inspector that she had mold in the walls in her home. […]
Some people say, “You have to take the good with the bad.“ The way our impulses and urges work confirms this statement. Sometime I feel an urge to eat a handful of cookies or chocolates. Other times I feel a similar impulse to go get in an intense workout. Oftentimes the two are not interdependent. I […]
Let’s do things a bit differently today. Under normal circumstances I provide helpful tidbits, tricks, and life hacks. Never do I intend to tell anyone that they must do anything I suggest. They don’t. I cannot force them. It’s entirely each reader’s own choice whether or not to take my words to heart, or to […]
Don’t do it. You’re staring at your phone’s caller ID as yet another unknown number, or worse yet, a restricted phone number is staring back at you. You may not know exactly who it is, but really, you know exactly who it is. It’s no one you know. It’s a robo-call or some scam. It’s […]
People seek out ways to improve themselves. They create changes in their habits and routines with hopes of becoming better versions of themselves When doing so, it’s equally important to evaluate those changes to ensure that they are producing the best possible results. That process is called calibration. Precision machines require calibration. Scales, lasers, and […]
Last week I released a piece about the Two Birds One Stone method of hacking a busy schedule or to do list. Finding hacks like that is necessary for the productivity output of the modern entrepreneur or family man or woman. Inversely, when we slow down, and even stop, sometimes we gain valuable perspective and […]
You’re doing it! Alright, that’s only half of the truth. You have worked incredibly hard on getting your commitments and daily schedule whittled down to productive and constructive tasks. There’s a solid foundation set. Be sure to take a moment to celebrate the win. With the exception of the increasingly rare time to relax and […]