Since Leo and I have shared guest posts this week, I have had the privilege of gaining a chunk of new subscribers. I was thinking about this today, the idea that there is suddenly a fresh batch of perspectives waiting to share their thoughts and connect with this new community.
Well, I want you to know that I appreciate the confidence that each and every one of you have put in me. The idea that you have seen something appealing enough to add me to your long list of feeds is a great motivator for me to put my all into each and every post.
So who the heck am I? I mean, sure, you may have skimmed through my ‘About Me‘ page, but this only scratches the surface. If you are to truly get anything out of “Motivate Thyself” you must know the messenger, not just the message. If you can’t see the source, I mean truly see the source, you will find my words to be lukewarm at best. Transparency is my goal and making honest connections, my desire.
“Mom, what are those dots on his face?”
I got picked on all the time as a kid. “Hey freckle face!” “Carrot Top!” And my favorite; Opie!
I always felt like I had a bulls eye on me or a sign that said, “Pick on this kid, he’s an easy target!” I could be in a crowded room, hiding in the corner and the one and only bully would find and single me out for his (and others’) amusement. Let’s just say, I had a battered self esteem.
Fast forward to my high school years. Oh, there was a winner. I flunked the 10th grade and could have cared less. My escape was drugs and alcohol and my greatest motivator was Eggos with peanut butter when I had the munchies. I was headed for a career in burger flipping (or I guess I should say nuking) and my biggest dream was to live out my days growing weed and watching Cheech and Chong movies.
Why am I telling you all of this? Because it’s part of who I am, or was, at least.
As time went on I found myself experimenting even more. My desire to escape grew as the hole inside me expanded. I pushed the limits and paid the price.
Then one day, recovering from a hang over and helping a friend with some yard work, I felt a huge weight being lifted from my shoulders. I looked up at the clear blue sky and could hear the words of God. Not with my ears, but with my heart. Suddenly, I lost the desire to escape. The hole inside me started to fill. The weight of constantly lying to my parents and hiding from the authorities was gone. The sky was bluer, the air fresher and my future brighter. It was on that day that my 180 journey began.
After this I told my parents that I would never use drugs again and they believed me. I had said this many times before, but this was different. The wall I had put up had been removed and they could once again see my heart when they looked into my eyes.
The months that followed were crazy, to say the least. I lost all my ‘friends’, but gained everyone’s respect. I had stopped living my life to meet the expectations of immature teenagers as I was content with the acceptance of myself. I felt the love of God in my life and that was more than enough.
As time went on I continued on my new path. I became an avid mountain biker, healthy eater and all around health nut. My eyes had finally been opened to the beauty all around me and I was hungry for it all!
When Eric met Liz.
A few years later I found myself as a car salesman (I know, what went wrong?) My soon to be wife, came with her mom to find a new car. I had been friends with her older brother when we were kids so I knew who they were. I showed them around a bit and then they went on their way.
A few weeks later, Liz had purchased a car and was in to pick it up. Things just worked out so we could sit for a minute and talk. Within seconds we were deep in conversation about who knows what. There was just an instant connection that neither of us could explain. Well, long story short, we were married in two and a half weeks.
I just called her up one day and said, “Hey Liz, you want to get married?” And her response was simply, “Sure.” So below the radar of our families, we went to the local sheriff and tied the knot. We spent that afternoon, our official wedding day, at the park, passionately in love and blind to the struggles ahead.
8 months later we had the wedding and eventually told everyone of our true anniversary. Our immaturity was evident, but our love was strong enough to hold us together.
Tragedy struck, and then struck again.
Soon after Liz and I became one, her parents split. The dysfunction of her family had won out and hard times would follow.
A few years later, when things were just starting to ‘lighten up’, my dad became ill and died two and a half months later of skin cancer. He was 55. The dominoes kept falling and the devastation continued.
But before my dad past away, he really impacted me by his thoughts as he stared death in the face. His biggest disappointment was the thought of all the time wasted in front of the TV. He worked SO hard that it was all he could do when he got home. But now he realized the mistake of settling for the picture when he could have the experience instead. So he made it a point to tell me of these feelings and encouraged me to make the most of my time. Time with family and friends. Time outside on a beautiful day. I owe him for the kick in the pants that drives me today as I pursue my goals and my dreams.
Who am I? I’m an introverted, insecure, red haired, freckle faced computer tech who is passionately in love with his God, his wife and the life he has the privilege to live each and every day. I value simplicity and efficiency and the encouragement of others. My biggest thrill is making somebody smile even though I’ll rarely admit it. I still watch a cartoon now and again and make a trip to Toy’s R Us a couple of times a year to relive my childhood. I really DO care what other people think even though I like to think I don’t.
So what the heck do I have to offer you?
Alone, I have nothing to give. If I am speaking to the wall, I will fall short of a complete thought. But with the growing interaction of my wonderful readers I am able to provide a venue of inspiration and reflection. I feel I have a little bit of life experience with a touch of personal insight to share with you and I believe you are as hungry as I am.
It is not that I alone can somehow be a source for your motivation in life. It is not my job to create a drive in your heart that will carry you past the obstacles before you. But it would be my pleasure to help point you in the right direction. To share in your struggles that you may be able to regroup and move on. YOU are the one who has the ‘stuff’ you need to make things happen in life. I just try to help bring these things out into the open.
So this is me, in the flesh. Not much to write home about, but passionately pursuing the life that’s been given to him. This is the guy behind the words.
“Motivate Thyself. Your Freedom Depends On It!”
So now you know a little bit more about the freedom I’m talking about. The freedom to live your life to the fullest and settle for nothing less then the best! This is not only a title and tag line of a blog, but a battle cry for a better life.
Way to go there Eric! You are making an impact on many readers here. Motivating us to be able to go past our current obstacles. Liking this blog here.
Daniel Richard´s last blog post..Wordle I’m Writing In This Blog?
Thanks for being so open, Eric. Who we were dictates who we are. Who you were gives you authority, because you made sound choices, and changed your behavior. Your success is earned, and your generosity genuine. You’re a credit to blogopolis..
Writer Dad´s last blog post..Namasté
Eric,
I am in the same place you are right now!
I know there is more to life than my wife and I are living and I make and keep commitments everyday of my life to get us out of this position.
I truly believe that the best part of our lives is yet to come and want to do everything I can to bring that about as soon as possible.
Did I mention I’m not the most patient person-LOL!
Congrats on your transparency initiative. We could all learn something from that approach. I think most of us are afraid people will find us vain or self-absorbed when we write about ourselves and that’s just not true. We read blogs and follow people we can relate to and that’s impossible to do if they’re not telling us anything about themselves.
Best,
Jeff
Jeff´s last blog post..How Did I End Up Here?
Wow! Thanks for sharing. I know my son struggles a lot (he’s 21), and his behaviours are similar to the ones you described. I just keep providing quiet support, and trust he’ll find his way when he’s ready. I’m glad you found yours!
P.S. my freckles used to embarrass me, and I didn’t have near as many as I now do. Now I love them!
Urban Panther´s last blog post..Creative collaboration
What you said about you dad really makes me think about my own life. I like to ‘escape’ by watching some TV and Movies. Wouldn’t it be so much better to get out and make your own adventures? Thanks for sharing this Eric.
Kevin´s last blog post..Why Do We Need an Emergency Fund?
Great post Eric! It’s always a thrill to get to know the man behind the curtain. You have a great perspective on life and I hope you continue to great things!
Your Friendly Neighborhood Computer Guy´s last blog post..Business Name Blues: Part 3, Make it legal
Very very nice to know you some more. It is always nice to know how much passion goes into a blog and WHY.
Thank you for this post!
Maya´s last blog post..The key to happiness and balance is right with you, just learn to use it – Part 2 of the thinkmaya framework
Eric is a good guy and has earned my Respect. Thats all the new readers need to know.
RESPECT!!!!
Eric, thanks for sharing your story, it is very motivational.
Hi Eric,
I am one of the new readers that you won over from your guest post on Zen Habits. I really admire your honesty. It takes a lot to be able to talk about our faults and mistakes, past or present. We all have our struggles, and it helps to hear from others and to share. Going through and overcoming adversity builds character and strength, and I am glad that you were able to turn your life around and learn to fully enjoy it. I look forward to reading more of your writing
@Daniel: Thanks! I appreciate that.
@Sean: “Who you were gives you authority, because you made sound choices, and changed your behavior.”
Well said. Our struggles can teach us many things if we let them.
@Jeff: “I truly believe that the best part of our lives is yet to come and want to do everything I can to bring that about as soon as possible.”
You sound a lot like me, Jeff. I always love to hear about others who crave the best out of life. It certainly can be a struggle at times and discouragement is always looming nearby. Keep moving forward and never loose hope.
“I think most of us are afraid people will find us vain or self-absorbed when we write about ourselves and that’s just not true. We read blogs and follow people we can relate to and that’s impossible to do if they’re not telling us anything about themselves.”
This thought definitely crosses my mind at times, but as you stated, people want to relate and can’t achieve that connection without a true understanding of what they are connecting with.
@Urban Panther: “I just keep providing quiet support,…”
Usually that’s the best thing you can do. Especially when they are a young adult, they need to make their own decisions. When they truly need you they will find you their waiting to embrace them.
@Kevin: “Wouldn’t it be so much better to get out and make your own adventures?”
Absolutely! I really like the way you put this.
@Matt: I appreciate that. You’ve been one of the many positive connections I’ve made as a blogger and I always enjoy hearing your perspective on things.
@Maya: I’m glad I was able to share with you guys.
@Atiff: Much appreciated, Atiff.
@Neil: I’m glad it had a positive impact.
@Gail: Welcome Gail. I look forward to seeing more of you as well. Thanks for taking the time to read and share your thoughts. Eric.
@Urban Panther: My freckles certainly don’t embarrass me anymore. I like looking a little different. The only thing that has changed that a little is my dad’s death. It was his freckles (his pale skin) that made him susceptible to the skin cancer that took his life. I have the exact same skin type and have already had things removed. So this reason only, do I sometimes wish I didn’t have the dots. Eric.
Wow! What a story! Thanks for sharing about yourself!
Evelyn Lim´s last blog post..Heroes Of Healing: Neale Donald Walsch
wow .. great story .. the situation with your dad is very inspiring .. maybe I could convince my own dad that he should stop working all day and start to live.
Michael Michalowski´s last blog post..Ratgeberserie: Stress – Richtig Abschalten
@Evelyn: I’m certainly glad I was able to share this with you guys.
@Michael: “maybe I could convince my own dad that he should stop working all day and start to live.”
The tough part about working as an adult is the fact that all too much of it is very necessary to ‘pay the bills’. That’s why it’s SO crucial that we simplify where we can. Our current society lulls us into bad habits that keep us hard at work just to stay above water.
I certainly hope he is able to carve away more time for living life.
Hi Eric;
“I looked up at the clear blue sky and could hear the words of God. Not with my ears, but with my heart. Suddenly, I lost the desire to escape. The hole inside me started to fill…”
I really resonated with that. When life gets too busy and I cannot “see / feel” clearly, I go to a quiet place to do just that. For many years I protected that hole thinking that the walls I was putting up was a good thing. Instead I wasn’t allowing it to breath or see the light. Fortunately things are changing for the better.
Thank you for such and honest post!
Early Retirement Middle Way´s last blog post..Already Retired?
Eric,
Thanks for sharing your story. It is encouraging and inspiring. Thank you for being so open about your success and failures.
Success Professor – Danny Gamache´s last blog post..The Principle of Thankfulness
Hi Eric – What a great story. I especially like the part about you and Liz and how you got married on a whim. With a love as strong as yours, you’ll be able to handle anything life throws your way. Sweet!
Barbara Swafford´s last blog post..A.S.K. Darren Rowse of Proglogger – How Do We Increase Our Readership
@Early Retirement Middle Way: I’m glad you connected with the post. I think the more we try to ‘stay in control’ of our lives, the more rigid we become. This rigidity is often the thing that keeps us from growing into stronger, wiser individuals.
@Danny: I was glad to have the opportunity to share.
@Barbara: “With a love as strong as yours, you’ll be able to handle anything life throws your way. Sweet!”
We’ve definitely been through our share of trials. I think when you’re truly in love with some one there’s just never a question of your ‘need’ to be together. This certainly helps when the going gets tough.
BTW, I hope you had a relaxing, rejuvenating get away.
Hi Eric,
Wow! Powerful story! It is our experiences in life that really make us who we are. You have a lot to share my friend and I can already see myself joining the community here. If there is anything I can help with let me know.
Cheers,
Jeremy
Jeremy Day´s last blog post..11 Little Steps to Better Health
@Jeremy: Thanks! I certainly hope to see you around.
“If there is anything I can help with let me know.”
Same to you. Eric.
Wow! That’s a pretty awesome story and I appreciate you sharing it with us. You definitely put yourself out there and I commend you for that because a lot of people are too scared to do that.
I don’t know what I have to offer, but certainly let me know if there is anything I can do to help!
Thanks and have a great day!
-HIB
HIB´s last blog post..Frugalicious?
@HIB: Thanks SO MUCH for the kind words! I really appreciate it. I just checked out your blog and it looks promising. I see you recently turned 30. I’m just few months behind you.
Eric.
Eric,
Its destiny that I bumped into your blog!. I did read your ‘About’ page, and ‘About Me’ page and this post.
I just wanted to tell you that you have a great way with words and should consider writing a story/novel. I think you would be good at it.
I like your blog and your honesty. Perhaps that gives you the mental freedom to speak your mind, and draws others in
Lakshmi Mareddy’s last blog post..From mundane to bloody well written!
Thanks so much for the kind words, Lakshmi. I really appreciate you taking the time to read about me and then share your thoughts.
I’ve never given serious thought to writing a novel, but the more I write for my blogs, especially this one, the more I could see it as a future possibility.
Something to chew on. Eric
Eric,
It’s just inspiring to have a respectable blogger who is strong in his faith and passionately loves his God and wife. Thanks, man. It inspires me to keep on to the blog, as I am on a journey of faith. Keep it going, the world needs more open people like you so that the effect multiplies. God bless you. May more people know God through you.
George’s last blog post..Flop Blogging
Thanks George, for the encouragement. I really appreciate that!
God bless you as well!
Eric
sorry for this question, but what is Opie? english is my second languange, so …
Opie was the name of a TV show character from the 60′s. The show was called ‘The Andy Griffith Show’ and the kid had red hair. So to call someone like myself ‘Opie’, you’d be making fun of my red hair. Basically, silly kids stuff. Eric
I love it. Great site. I’m going to get my son to check it out, too. I love it when I hear that people fill that nagging hole inside of them with the love of God. It’s the only real filler! We all can use some encouragement every day! I’ll be back! Carrie @ primeonadime.com
Hey Carrie, I’m glad you’re enjoying the site!
Yeah, God has had a huge impact on my life, no doubt about it. Eric
Eric,
I have 3 words for you. Authentic – Passionate and Inspiring.
I am glad to know you and will be reading you regularly. Keep writing from your heart. Stumbled. (Can’t imagine this post wasn’t stumbled before)
Thanks so much Sunny! I really appreciate your kinds words. This was one of those posts that just flowed from my mind/heart onto the digital paper of my blog. Because it’s the story of my life and those things that changed my life, it could be nothing BUT authentic.
I’m glad you got to read it.
Eric