An Attempt at Poetry

I am admittedly a horrible poet. I can’t even say that I am good enough to call myself a poet of any kind. I hardly understand the rules of poetry. Poetry definitely takes me step away from my usual logical and rational approach to life a little bit. Perhaps this is good – not all things are rational. So here is my attempt. I think one day I would like to study poetry and improve. I have no idea of what to call it…but here it is. (I appologize for the spacing… I can’t get it to work!)
Releasing what I never had,

Losing what was never mine,

Were things really all that bad?

I’ll only know with passing time.

I lie awake,

Can’t help but question,

Is this our mistake?

Or the only solution?

Regardless I will stand up tall,

I will keep marching forward,

I will care for those who fall,

My vision always focused onward.

But in my dreams I visit the past,

Where all things needn’t make sense,

Where smiles and laughter always last,

And where the simple things are things of essence.

-Josh

Keeping Things in Perspective/Proportion

What do I mean by this?

I mean trying to recognize the significance, and more often than not – insignificance, of an event.

This topic popped into my mind today as I strolled out of class realizing that unless I had made some great educated guesses, I probably bombed my first University multiple choice test.  I came out realizing that there are a number of ways I could deal with this event.  I then recognized that in so many parts our lives that are meaningful lies the opportunity to keep things in perspective/proportion, or to let it get out of perspective/proportion and become a major burden.

I could blame my professor for not teaching in a way that is suitable to my learning style.  I could claim that the questions were pure trickery (it felt this way at times).  I could come to the conclusion that I am just not smart enough, or that multiple choice testing just doesn’t fit in with the way that I retain knowledge.  I could blame the fact that I got 7 hours of sleep last night instead of 8.  Or I could conclude that my mind was elsewhere dealing with other things.

If any of the above are my reason for bombing this exam… does it leave me with much room to learn and improve?  If the reason was something outside of my circle of control – that means there is absolutely nothing I can do differently to change the outcome of the next exam!  Wow… that could lead to some feelings of stress and anxiety don’t you think?!

Then I can start to take the impact of me failing this exam to extremes, or out of perspective.  If I bombed this exam for reasons out of my control, I’ll probably bomb the next!  I want to major in this subject, yet I can’t even pass a first year exam!  I’m not cut out for university… off to the factory I go.  I’m an idiot.

Isn’t me bombing this exam just one of many examples in life where this opportunity arises?  It’s so much easier to put blame on outside influences in relationships, careers, and really anything in day to day life.  Eventually that idea of lacking control starts to eat away at us and we start to blow things out of proportion.  And then we get stressed out and we feel bad about ourselves and who we are.  Also, whatever made us feel this way, we’re much less likely to jump back in and do it all over again… that would be crazy!
What was my approach?

I tried to find every reason why me failing to succeed on this exam was my fault.  Without surprise, I came to the conclusion that it was all my fault.  I studied hard and long, but did I study smart?  I have had a hard time taking notes from this prof’s lectures – but I never actively sought out a solution.  I found the multiple choice format puzzling compared to say an essay question.  I never really looked to get solid help; I just kind of assumed that I’m a pretty smart guy, plus with studying hard and long, I’d get it.  The list goes on.

So now I feel kind of down because I thought I prepared well, and now I realize that I screwed up in so many ways.  For a moment I feel down compared to the person who was able to dump their failure on an outside factor.  But then something great happens…opportunity to learn and improve arises.  I have hope!  I’m not hopeless like the other guy who blames others!
I studied long and hard, but when looking back I realize that I did not study as smart as I could have.  Instead of just highlighting the important points when doing my readings in my text book, I’m going to transfer the highlighted portions into point form notes, and then break those point form notes down further by highlighting key words and concepts.  Instead of waiting until I am actively studying for the sake of an exam to do this, I am going to do it as I complete each chapter in my text book.  By doing this, come exam time, I will not be scambling to write good notes… I’ll be able to just review the broken down material from the get-go.

Multiple choice puzzles me and makes me second guess.  Well I found out that student counselling offers a free workshop which teaches students how to write multiple choice.  It starts in about a month.  Sign me up!

I’m going to get 8 hours of sleep next time by aiming for 9… meaning I’m going to wind down sooner.

As for taking notes during the lectures… I have a few ideas that I am going to implement.

Me failing this is going to hurt my grade in this class.  It was worth 30% of my final grade.  But does failing this one multiple choice exam have any real affect on my future?  Think about it, there are so many more tests, so many more ups and downs to come in life.  February 7th is one day, one bump.  Looking back I’ve had a lot of bumps and I’m still doing okay.  I put it in perspective.  What’s done is done and can’t be undone, only learned from and improved.
So you see, keeping things in perspective/proportion is so important.  It’s the difference between learning, improving, and being excited about going back for more – and being paralyzed by fear and supposed outside influences.  It’s the difference between hope and hopeless.

This article isn’t about how to cope with failing an exam.  The exam can be replaced with any event that presents these opportunities.

I hope my failing an exam benefits someone out there!

– Josh

Focus or Fun? Which is the One?

This is a major question for many people. It is especially apparent at my age and being in University. We have those who party and those who find their focus. Both appear to have their ups and downs, otherwise both ways of going about living would not exist right? My goal isn’t to discover which is best… my goal is to better understand the effects of both living fun, and living with focus.

Does fun necessarily bring happiness? Do they go hand-in-hand? Can we not have fun while being unhappy? Could fun not act as a distractor from just how unhappy we are? Meaning… to be happy and have fun, we need to be happy first?

Is being happy having the desire to smile and laugh? Or is ‘happy’ an outcome of purposeful direction, success, love etc? Is it not possible to genuinely smile and laugh, but really be hurt, stressed, and unhappy?

And so does a series of fun moments really lead to a fun life, which is in essence a happy life? Or, could it be that a life of fun is often a life of neglect for what is truly important? Perhaps seeking fun to compensate for our live’s current short-comings is counterproductive. To me it is not possible to find happiness in compensation; one can only find happiness in focus. Am I wrong?

Those who live a life of focus, are those who have, at least, an idea of some goals they would like to realize in life, and they know the reason for wanting to realize these goals. Are they not happy? On any given day they may or may not smile and laugh as much as those who live to have fun. But the focused person, the person who finds purpose in almost every part of each day probably experiences real happiness – if we agree that happiness is an offshoot of things such as purpose, goals, success etc, as apposed to smiling and laughing. I think we must agree that happiness isn’t to smile and laugh because we have all done this when we really felt bad about ourselves and/or our current position in life.

It is beginning to seem that fun is fun when a life of focus is being celebrated. And fun is neglect when our lives are not intact and focused.

I’ve done what I said I was not intending. I have come to a conclusion. To live a life of focus makes fun possible. To experience fun as we all wish to experience it… we must be celebrating our life of focus. Otherwise, fun is neglect, empty smiles and hollow laughter.

It is only fair now that I have come to this conclusion, that I try to at least briefly break down what a focused life entails.

I think living a life of focus can be compared to surrounding yourself with heavy rocks… rocks too heavy to be moved. It is easier to focus on objects that remain still, who’s image remains constant, and can be touched. The people you care for deeply should be rocks. They should be constant and with focus. You should know exactly where to find them, and what to expect from them everytime.  They are your rocks because their interest in knowing you is not a result of something you do or are.  They are interested in knowing you, the constant you, which is everything that you are. Meaningful relationships are crucial to the human experience. It is hard to focus love and kindness on unpredictable people who move with the slightest breeze. A rock is a passion, a goal, and purpose. If focused, these are rocks no one can move or take away from you. And if you hold rocks of people close, no one with any influence on your life would dare try to take this away or move you from it. So to be focused is to have meaning and purpose in all that you do, everything you aim to be, and everyone you care for. It is surrounding yourself with people, passions, goals etc. that remain constant and are predictable – leading to the ability to constantly build your life up, rather than constantly rebuilding or neglecting to build it at all.

I think I’m pretty satisfied with the conclusion I have come to. I live each day out with purpose towards something greater than the here and now. No one can take this away from me. I pursue my passions dilligently. The people I invest the most of myself in are rocks, whether they realize this or not. There is meaning behind each of my pursuits, and each of my relationships. And I can say that I am genuinely happy… whether I’m laughing, smiling, frowning, crying, sleeping. It does not matter, I am happy.

The Good Life

Following is my first university essay.  It is for my philosophy course.  The topic was, “What philosophy is to me”.  I said that it is the pursuit and teaching of what it means to live a good life (many ancient philosophers shared this view).  It is a very watered down account of what I think the good life is.  We were given a minimum and maximum word count.

Philosophy is a means of acquiring the knowledge necessary to live a life of meaning, significance, and completeness.  Each individual over time, and through trial and error usually constructs some sort of vague outline as to how one should live his or her life.  However, philosophy takes it one step further.  Philosophy questions thoughts, theories and fantasies in a rigorous fashion.  Contrary to popular belief, philosophy is not interested in vague, outlandish ideas.  Philosophy is the search for knowledge or “know how”.  It is the search for truth that can be used in a practical way.

There are four pillars of life that must be strong in order to live a good life.  These include: physical challenge, mental challenge/stimulation, spiritual growth, and a set of principles that serves one’s self, one’s direct circle of friends and family, as well as those one wishes to influence.

The human body is an amazing physical specimen.  It is capable of so many spectacular feats if regularly challenged.  To challenge the physical self is to push beyond its limits.  Contrary to what many would assume is the purpose of physical challenge; it is not the pursuit of the ‘perfect’ looking body.  The purpose of physical challenge is to increase the chances of longevity.  By pushing beyond limits, the body will naturally be healthier and work more efficiently.  As a result, life will not only be longer; more of the living years can be productive and enjoyable.  By challenging limitations and surpassing expectations, one can look at the human body in awe.  Along with the mentioned personal benefits of regular physical challenge comes the fulfilling of a duty to society.  A healthy human will be less of a burden on the health care system.  Some methods of challenging and improving the physical self include: learning a method(s) of self-defense, gaining flexibility, building muscular endurance and strength and keeping the cardiovascular system working efficiently with regular aerobic and anaerobic exercise.  Futher, one can apply their striving body to an ultimate goal such as climbing a mountain, completing a difficult hike etc.  Included in this pillar is eating properly.  Eat for nutrition and only indulge on occasion.  Never neglect grains, vegetables (especially dark green vegetables) or lean meats.

More spectacular and certainly more limitless than the human body is the human mind.  The mind defines humanity.  It is the human mind that separates the human from the common animal.  And so to be a good human is to stimulate and expand that which makes us human – the mind.  Gain insight and understanding of various subjects in any number of fields.  Challenge popular opinion often.  To be content is to be lazy, always be searching and never restrict the mind from wandering.  It is important to find an area of study, an occupation or even a single idea that fills the mind with inspiration and passion.  Once this is found, one must latch onto it and not make it part of life, but a primary reason for living.  Too many people identify this inspiration and passion and fail to pursue it.  To fail to pursue this is to fail to live beyond the physical sense of the meaning.  Open-mindedness is essential to being exposed to new and perhaps more effective ideas and thought processes.  The key is to keep the mind working and expanding.

To grow spiritually does not necessarily mean to be religious.  In fact it is wise to not subscribe to one mode of thought.  Examine all kinds of religious and spiritual teachings.  Do not try to choose one – instead seek to understand and embrace aspects of many.  Spirituality is a deep and at times seemingly illogical search for self, purpose and fulfillment.  It is a time to let the mind wander where it may and to enjoy the thoughts and imagery that arise, even if they are abstract.  To find inner peace is also an essential component of spiritual growth.  Find time to meditate, practice the ancient art of Yoga, or even time when reflecting in peace and quiet is possible.  The spiritual journey is like that of the mind and body in that it should be continuous.

Finally, it is essential to have a set of principles that make on a valuable family member, friend and citizen.  There are countless ways to be all of the above.  It is essential be generous in both material and non-material ways.  One who has no more than $100 but gives $20 is far more generous than a millionaire who spares but $10 000.  Generosity is relative.  Because of this, even the poorest of the poor can be extremely generous.  To be generous to family or friends in a material manner is to try and relieve them of some financial burden whenever possible.  Do not be intrusive or insulting.  Small acts of generosity such as paying for dinner, or giving a gift for no obvious reason will suffice.  If a loved one is in financial need, offer any assistance possible.  Non-materialistic generosity is the offering of time, empathy and undivided attention.  If capable, counsel loved ones when they are in need of advice or support.  Listen with empathy.  Try to feel their pain and troubles so that truly understanding and relating is possible.  While counseling, offer uninterrupted attention.  Treat others with great respect and humility.  There is something to be learned and gained from every encounter with another human being.  Do not belittle another’s ideas and opinions; instead seek to understand them and then perhaps debate intelligently.  Be honest in all interactions.  In relationships especially, the outcome is usually out of any one person’s control.  What is controllable is undying honesty from beginning to end.  This honesty will ensure that both people can at least respect each other regardless of any outcome.  If both parties maintain honesty from beginning to end, the outcome will be the only possible outcome, and therefore accepted with no room for blame.  To be a valuable citizen is to be a citizen with a voice.  Protect what is good in society and be presistent in improving what is lacking.  In the modern world, it is important to have an international view – meaning a realization that what affects home, often affects others in other countries as well.  Perhaps of utmost importance is the devotion to live one’s philosophy, and to share it with others.  Share this philosophy with the hopes that it will not only benefit others, but that it will be refined and improved with time.

In conclusion, the above is a brief outline of one of many philosophies regarding what it means to live ‘the good life’.  There should never be one way that is completely accepted by all, as this would go against this philosophy.  The body must always be challenged, the mind stimulated and wandering, and the spirit always searching for the sake of the journey not the conclusion.  Life should be consumed by the search for what it means to live a good life, and by living out one’s personal philosophy of what the good life entails.

Writing for Sanity

Sometimes I wonder if I love to write, or if I need to write. If I am not writing, it is a sign that I am not living much. Truth is, I don’t know how to deal with difficult matters in life without putting it on paper. In fact it goes even further. If someone is talking to me about something important, something I really need to try to understand, I usually have to look away at times and mentally put it on paper, or project what they are saying up onto the wall. Crazy eh?

Last night I found myself feeling a little stressed and had problems sleeping. When I woke up, I basically sprinted to my computer to write. I feel silly because I spoke about these complex perceptions of honesty, and how to deal with stress/anxiety, but I missed my main form of dealing; writing.

So let me write about what writing does for me. I also want to show why it should be valued evenly with face to face communication – and why it should be combined with face to face communication in difficult matters such as a relationship. I’m predicting a long one here…

A blank piece of paper, or a blank screen does not judge you or what you have to say. It forces you, the writer, to read your thoughts over and over as you try to get it just right – you end up judging yourself. It will never interrupt your thoughts – only provoke them. Your thoughts and ideas aren’t influenced by the person or people infront of you. They are purely your own at this point. Simply put, a blank page begs you to think and release everything that is bothering or inspiring you – and it is such a great listener.
When writing to someone, you can express yourself exactly how you wish to. You can get every word perfect. You can take the time to organize your random, unorganized thoughts and put it into an organized package for the reader. When you write to someone, you can feel confident that you said everything you wanted to say, exactly how you wanted to say it. There are none of those awkward moments of silence which tend to rush people’s thoughts in order to escape the silence. As the writer you have as much time as you need to put those important feelings on paper. If the reader doesn’t fully understand or digest everything you said the first time through, they can read it over and over. Are you telling me you could give the same talk over and over? I don’t think so. If they still don’t comprehend something, they can come to you with that specific issue, exactly how you worded it. You can easily fill in the blanks.

So this is why I write. Life makes more sense on paper. It is easier to deal with life on paper then it is to be laying in bed, problems running about in your head, feelings of love, hate, pain, pleasure, happiness and sadness all toying with your logic. I might feel these emotions while I am writing… but after reading my work over and over again I begin to get a little numb to the emotions momentarily and the logic jumps out at me.

So where does writing fit into a one on one relationship? When I say relationship, I mean any relationship between two people where complex issues are abundant. For the sake of this article, I’m going to focus on the relationship between two lovers, or likers, or whatever you’d like to call them. I think writing benefits this relationship most.

Ahh yes… the relationship of relationships. One moment you’re walking on clouds, the next on hot coals. We’ll remain on those hot coals for a shot at getting back up into those clouds. An abundance of sleepless nights await us. Sometimes those sleepless nights are because life is so great, and sleep feels like a waste of time. Other times it’s because we are sick with worry and pain – sick at the thought of losing what is so dear to us. Nonetheless, it is without a doubt the best part of living. It can also be the most rewarding. Depending on your preference, a great man or woman can make you a stronger and more capable person.

So why let something so precious fall victim to a slip of the tongue, or a momentary mental lapse? I think it makes more sense to put any thoughts, concerns and issues on paper first where they can be understood, and then let the face to face conversation elaborate what was said. Let both people get the logic of the situation, so that when emotions come rushing into the situation when talking face to face, the emotions can be dealt with logically. Crazy how that all fits together isn’t it?

I know it all sounds too organized, too rehearsed, and unnatural. Call it what you will, but I bet you that it is effective. You gain understanding and logic when emotions run rampant by writing, take that logic to the face to face conversation where both people can elaborate and actively discuss – get immediate feedback on any thoughts and ideas.
A certain Caitlin I know mentioned that perhaps I have to write because I am insane… it’s not keeping me sane at all. That could be the case. Regardless… it works.

– Josh

Stress/Anxiety in Life

Stress and anxiety – the two elements of everyday life that are inescapable, but managable.

I think a lot of stress and anxiety is often the result of living a life that is going in no particular direction; or a direction other than the one intended. When so many of our waking hours are spent completing tasks or participating in activities that aren’t necessarily a means to an intended end, we feel like we are wasting our time, talent and essentially our lives. Even enjoyable/leisure activities in excess can lead to feeling unimportant or without purpose. Humans have a natural drive, whether surpressed or active, to compete, achieve and find purpose.

So how does one manage stress and anxiety caused by the feeling of lacking purpose and direction? Silly question don’t you think? We start living for purpose and direction!

What are your talents – exploit them. What are you passionate about – pursue this with dedication. On a bookshelf loaded with books of every imaginable kind, which ones would catch your eye – read these. What are your fears – conquer them. Who are the people you care for most – care and serve these people to the best of your ability. What are the major things you might like to accomplish in your life – align the above in a way that will put you in a position to accomplish these things! And if you don’t know what these things are… think about it. Observe your surroundings. Take note of times when you are successful and helpful. Remember every event in your life in which you felt as if you have accomplished something. Finding a purpose is indescribably important. Please note that there is no rush to finding your ultimate purpose. Actively searching and pursuing it is what is most important.
Some great things come from focusing on the above. For one, daily tribulations will be put into perspective more easily. The reason for this is your focus is no longer fixated on this one day, this one aspect of life. Each day you are getting closer to your ultimate goals. You’re doing things you love, and loving the people who are important to you. Any one day or event is almost irrelevant when in this mindset. You have found purpose and self worth. Once you do this, nobody can take it or give it to you, it is in your hands!

Of course I am going to include exercise and healthy eating into the equation. Exercise when accompanied with proper nutrition elevates a person’s mood. Not only because we are getting closer to our desired body shape – but because exercise and healthy eating affects us on a biological level. It is a proven reliever of stress. It can also boost the immune system. I think we’re all a little happier when we’re healthy right? I also think exercise and nutrition is important because humans want to live. I’ve said this before, but I’ll say it again – regardless of your religious/spiritual standing, the only thing that is for sure is this life that we live now. Naturally, someone who is working on the above and pursuing passion and purpose will want more time! So be healthy, increase your chances of living a longer life with more of those years being productive ones.

Now the catch… pursue the above without becoming a selfish hermit. We don’t try to be all we can be so that we can look in the mirror and be proud. We do it so that we can be valuable to the people around us, and most importantly the people we care about most. We pursue what we are passionate about not just because we enjoy it, but because we love whatever it is we are pursuing and want to improve its current state. We don’t exercise for the sake of achieving our current idea of the ideal body – we do it because a healthy person with energy is better able to pursue what they love optimistically, actively help those we care for most, and we set an example for all that were where you once were – lost and living without purpose.

This seemingly selfish pursuit is indeed selfless. But this is okay because life, and the people around you will reward you far more than you could ever reward yourself.

I hope this helps,

Josh

The Affects of Honesty

Lately I have been wondering why I seem to experience so much less stress compared to my friends and family.  It could have something to do with the fact that each week I pound on a heavy bag in the boxing gym, spar with other boxers at the gym and also spar in Jiu-Jitsu.  I’m not doubting that this plays a role.  However, I think my belief and practice in honesty is the key factor.

I believe that if someone is honest, the eventual outcome in any situation is the correct one.  My practicing uncompromised honesty each and every day, coupled with this belief allows me to let life take its course.  I seek to control only the things that I can indeed control.  Really, one can only control themselves, and situations that only involve the self.  In realizing this, it becomes obvious that it is not only necessary to let life take its course – it is also necessary to embrace this fact.

So now I sound passive.  I am the furthest thing from passive.  When it comes to aspects of life that I can control such as my physical fitness, my dedication to my studies and goals, living according to my principles – I am matched by few.  But when it comes to aspects of my life that are outside of my circle of control, I approach with honesty and the realization that I do not have total control.  My goal is not to make an attempt at control.  I seek to control what I can (me), let life take its course, analyze the events that are taking place and then make the best of it or let it go.

Let me explain by giving an example you can put your arms around…

Lets say a man (John) and a woman (Jane) meet and innitially like eachother.  Both are incredibly optimistic and excited.  Both have been single for a while and are looking to enter a serious, committed relationship again.  The outcome that is desired here would be for them to get together, finding themselves in a loving relationship and living happily ever after.  However, if both John and Jane are completely honest throughout their conversations and the result is one or both deciding that this just won’t work – that outcome is the correct one.  Perhaps not innitially desirable, but correct.  This truthful outcome should be valued.  They should realize that they controlled what they could (themselves and their ability to be honest with one another), and so the outcome is correct and should be embraced as such.

Try it!  Be critical about outcomes only if they involve you and only you.  Focus on the outcome in situations that you control.  When this is not the case (which is usually the case), conduct yourself in an honest and respectful manner, learn to adapt to the situation as it changes, analyze the end result, embrace it and move on.  It is okay and encouraged to make an attempt to influence a situation you are involved in.  Just realize that you can only influence, and that the outcome is never yours to decide.

I think you’ll find yourself living a little lighter.  If this doesn’t work, then I recommend signing up at your local boxing gym.

Good luck!

A Random Thought

I have been bouncing around the idea of majoring in psychology and going to graduate school after I complete my undergraduate studies. I know that I could do well having my own practice and helping normal to moderately mentally ill patients. Then I got to thinking… why do so many people look down on those who seek professional help in regards to their state mentally?

We see a doctor for a headache, persisting cough, fever, vomitting etc. We also see a doctor just to get a check up – to make sure that everything is working as it should, when it should. But it is apparently almost shameful to seek a check up or treatment for the brain which is the most complex and easiest part of our bodies to manipulate. In today’s insanely fast paced world, would it not make perfect sense to make sure that our brains are keeping up with our bodies? That we aren’t neglecting our minds? That everything is in check?

Psychologists need to unite and work on changing the image that surrounds psychology. I believe the masses see psychology as medicine for the insane, the criminals and the severely disturbed.

I also see it for the insane, the criminals and the severely disturbed. However, I also see it as beneficial to the everyday housewife who might feel over worked, stressed out and unappreciated. The working woman who is dealing with stresses in the workplace. The working man who feels stress and a lack of confidence because he doesn’t feel like he is providing as well as he could be. The child who is having problems relating and socializing the school atmosphere. The entire family that has become distant and fails to communicate. I see it benefiting anyone and everyone. We all have stresses and problems, and I think it is essential that we catch them while they are small and fairly simple!

And that’s the random thought of the day…

So It Begins

Hello everyone!

Allow me to introduce myself, and my intentions for this blog.

My name is Josh Garofalo and I currently live in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada. I am a 20 year old first year student at the University of Waterloo in the Independent Studies program. My interest lies in discovering what it takes for us humans to live a life that can be described as fulfilling, satisfying, purposeful and exciting. I think this is a long journey that requires physical and mental health… so I will also be in search of ways to live longer, and to make more of those years healthy ones. Don’t think that I am naive enough to think that I can figure this out in my four years of undergrad studies. I can only hope to build a strong foundation that will be the base of my life long studies.

Outside of my studies I have already begun to explore the physical aspect of living well. I train hard 5-6 days a week. I have been boxing for about 2 years under the instruction of former world boxing champion, Fitz “The Whip” Vanderpool. I also do Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. This is new to me but I seem to have a natural ability in this form of self defence and will continue to pursue it with dedication. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu focuses on fighting on the ground. It uses joint locks and breaks, tendon stressing and chokes. Boxing and Jiu Jitsu combine to create what is perhaps the most practical tool of self defense. Self defense is very important in life in my opinion.

I have also made a point of being a better person in society and amongst family and friends. Generosity has been my goal this year and it has proven to be a good one. I made a point of surprising people with small acts of generosity out of no where and I can honestly say it brings happiness. Also, for the community I participated in a few skipathons to help relieve tsunami victims.

I will work to make small gains such as these throughout my life. Perhaps in time I will inspire you all to do the same. I would LOVE to hear about it all as I think every human has something unique to share with the world.

So this is the beginning of the long and twisted road, interrupted with many forks and plenty of opportunities to get stuck in a ditch. I hope some of you are brave enough to stick it out, evolve your person and learn to enjoy and excell on this ride.

Best of luck,

Josh Garofalo