it's not about the destination, it's about the journey

Hey all!
It's Mark. Ok, so my two few entries have had a main idea, a focus if you will. Nothing wrong with that, right? But, it's summer time, the sun is out and I don't feel like following rules. I am making friends and experiencing life a priority right now (like most of you are doing I am sure or at least I sure hope so!) So, I figured I would write what's on my mind, the things going on and the life lessons I am pondering.

First off, I want to dedicate this entry to the memory of Lydia Wystrach, who was my grandmother and passed away a few weeks ago. She lived an incredible life, escaping worn torn Poland in the 1940's, only to move to Los Angeles and raise three young boys (my Dad being one of them) as a single mother. She overcame great adversity to live a long life (86 years old), full of grandkids and great grandkids. Having never lost someone that was really so close to me it has forced me to ponder what is really important in this life. What I have found thus far is that there are lots of little things in life that seem like they are so important that we get caught up in. It could be the newest phone that you can't afford or that you got grounded because of something stupid you did and your parents won't let you go to a party or a camping trip. It's so easy to get caught up in feeling bad about the situation, feeling the stress and letting it over take you. This has happened to me countless times and still will I am sure, but this last month has taught me a lot.

All we have to do when we feel like our lives are stressful or tough is take perspective. Look at how good we really have things. Slow things up a bit and look around you. Look at how amazing life can be. Go out in the sun (wear sunscreen, SPF 25 and up says my dermatologist - ha!) and feel the sun on your face. Think about how great that feels. Go for a swim, use your body and remember what a blessing it is to be able to use this amazing machine. There's so much to do and so many experiences to be had. Life is full of ups and downs and it isn't always supposed to be fun and games (although I try to make mine as much as a game as possible), because if it was we wouldn't appreciate it right? (That's what my mom always said at least)

The point to all this rambling is that we get one chance at this life, so we shouldn't take it for granted and should try and enjoy the ups and the downs. Favorite quote

And that's what I've been trying to do...take perspective (it can always be worse), count my blessings and live in the moment. That's what I learned from Lydia Wystrach...thanks Grandma.

On my closing note I wanted to say that I met a girl over the Fourth of July that really re-instilled my faith in women (don't get me wrong.... women are the best, I just don't always meet the best ones! Ha!)...She's beautiful, smart and very funny and all of this in the middle of the toughest year in her life. She is definitely one who I have drawn perspective from recently and one who has taught me a couple of things about life (even though she doesn't know it). I just wanted to say "hi" and wish her and her sister the best.

Thanks for reading my blog my Internet amigos! Bye until next time!

-Mark

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