Bridge Over Troubled Waters

Hi again. I’m sorry for the delay.

We were talking about depression, its many causes and hopefully – its cure.

For some, the way out can be long and hard but the main thing is to keep moving. If you are in the middle of the Pacific with no land in sight you have to tread water. Hence the saying, “sink or swim”.

So, what’s the plan? Where do I start? What can I do right now, this very minute, if I’m feeling depressed?

Well as I mentioned before, I’m no professional but I can speak from experience. If we listen to this expert and that, they all place various reasons and theories on the table but unless you seek guidance from a professional, it’s hard to know which way to turn or who’s advice to follow.

In that case, follow yourself. You know yourself better than anyone else on this planet. You probably know what the problem is or why you are feeling down. Perhaps it’s lack of money, issues with your spouse or friends, the loss of a job or myriad other possible causes.

But right now, this minute, realise that you can and will get past it. It may take a little time but this is the turning point. You may feel like crap and can’t see a good reason to get up in the morning and you may just want to shout, “Stop the world, I wanna get off!”

Here is one thing I want you to remember. You are more valuable to yourself, to the community and to this planet than you could possibly think, right now!

You are hurting and disillusioned and don’t deserve to feel that way. That’s a fact. You may feel that half the life has been drained from you and just can’t seem to find that old spark.

Don’t give in. As the saying goes, “life is too short”.

Here’s the second thing I want you to remember ... gratitude.

I know what you’re thinking, well maybe, as you read this. “How can I be grateful for this crappy life”, or whatever the situation happens to be?

The thing is ... you can. If what all the great teachers, philosophers and mystic gurus are telling us is true, you can. Because they all teach us that we create our own destiny and that somehow by our thoughts and feelings, we draw to us the situations we find ourselves in.

In other words, our thoughts determine our destiny. If this is all true, then we also have the power to re-create our lives in accordance with our true natures and desires.

I believe we can have everything we truly desire so long as it doesn’t harm anyone else in the process.

So, where were we? Gratitude!

The way to climb out of the pit may not be easy but first you have to grab the rope. I’m throwing you one right now. Grab it – it’s free!

So, how do you do it? You take the rope in one hand and then grab it up higher with the other. Then you look for a foot hold to help boost yourself up. Does that sound like a plan?

Ok, let’s go through it again.

Take the rope in one hand.

Know that you are a worthwhile human being who may be suffering right now but have as much right to be here as anyone.

Now take the rope higher up with the other.

Think of one thing, right now that you can be at least a tiny bit grateful for. Even, if it’s your ability to breathe and read this message.

Look for a foothold with which to boost yourself.

What are your dreams? Think of at least one thing you’d love to do or achieve in your life.

Now, brace yourself and pull on the rope whilst pushing up with your legs.

Know that you are going to beat this, not the other way around. From this moment on your life is going to change for the better because it can be better than it is for you right now – I know it!

Now repeat the process and so on.

I am not kidding you; your life can get better. It can be all that you’ve always dreamt it could be. Perhaps something has changed through death or some other form of personal loss but as tragic as that is, life still goes on. The sun will rise tomorrow, albeit a little cloudy.

If you have lost someone dear to you – make them proud. Go on and live a grand life, not just for them but for you too.

Believe in yourself and in your right to be here.

Find at least one thing (but preferably many things) to be thankful for each day. When you are in a state of gratitude, you open yourself up to a higher vibration. You feel instantly better about yourself and circumstances and this in return, places you in a position to receive more of the good things the Universe has in store for you.

So, if you ever feel really down, please follow this advice and/or speak to a professional or someone you can trust. You’re not abnormal, you’re just human and sometimes we need to step up to the plate for each other.

I sincerely hope these words are of some comfort to you. They come from the heart. In the meantime, breathe deeply, give thanks, aim high and watch this space!

“Though no one can go back and make a new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending."
-Carl Bard

I wish I’d said that J

A Bridge Too Far

Hello again...

I did say my topics would be random but would somehow come together to form some sort of solid foundation of life.

Well, I'd like to touch on depression for a moment.

It's become a serious issue (growing more common) and something which affects so many, often in debilitating ways.

Of course anything mentioned here shouldn't be taken as a cure all nor replaces professional help as there are various forms, some of which are chronic and others biological.

I think many of us have experienced some feelings of depression but have you ever felt so utterly alone, so down and out, that life hardly seems worth living.

Don't give up. You are not alone and there is hope.

One of the first things to think about is "how do I actually feel?"

Ask yourself a few questions like - Do I know what is causing this?

Is it a particular thing or event?

Perhaps a series of things, e.g. Lack of money, my partner left me, my parent/sister etc is sick or dying. The list is endless and as I mentioned can be a combination of things.

The point I am trying to make (well several points, actually) is that there is hope. So let's break it down in to bite size pieces.

• One way or another, know that there is a way out for you - to be happy!
• Think about (but don't get bogged down) the feelings you have and try to put your finger on the cause.
• Write down a short list of the issues if you can identify them.
• Remember, in almost all cases, there is a way to solve virtually any problem.
• If you can make a list of worries, separate each one and look at them in turn. Each item may be able to be broken down further in to manageable bites. You may be able to spot steps you could take to remove or at least lighten the burden on yourself.

Many of us get tangled up in a web of despair created by our attitudes and responses when life seems to trip us over and stab us in the back. It's easy to feel as though we've been born under an unlucky star.

Some would say, "Oh build a bridge and get over it!"

Now, a sharp jolt like that can often be just what the doctor ordered but more often than not, it comes from self-absorbed insensitive people, focussed primarily on themselves. They want you to feel good so they don't have to deal with it. Let's face it; a depressed person is no fun to be around.

And it's definitely no fun to be depressed yourself!

One of the best cures for depression is to be grateful. Yes, and it's one of the hardest things to motivate yourself to do. Most people just don't get that when you are feeling truly depressed, there seems no end in sight and no way out. Until you feel it, you just don't understand it.

So, what to do? Firstly, if you think its way too overwhelming to try and help yourself, or that you may harm yourself or others - seek help immediately! Make an appointment with your GP or MD, a counsellor or other professional advisor ... and go to it!

However, for many other cases, perhaps you could try the following exercise.

Our lives are made up of many facets and experiences, some of them good, some perhaps - not so good. When we are depressed, it is harder to appreciate or even see, many of the good things, experiences and aspects that surround us.

It all seems dark and dismal as we spiral into that world of, "Everything's wrong, nothing goes right for me" - world.

The truth is, however, that there are always some good things in your life, if only you would notice them.

I will continue on with this important subject when I return.

So please, watch this space!

Jack Be Nimble

I was invited to attend a lunch time barbeque but hesitated to accept the invite on account of my workload. I already knew I was suffering from web script fever. For those who don't know ... well how could you, (I just made that up), it's a little like cabin fever except it's caused by an inner saturation of web code? I'm sure some web masters know what I mean. Combine this with several pressing deadlines and a build up of domestic and social responsibilities ... whew!  Just thinking about it can make you feel tired. I went to that barbeque and had a great time. It could have been on Mars. Great company combined with a picturesque setting and excellent food and for a few hours my tether was loosened.  Moral of the story is this: Burning a candle at both ends is one thing but burning four candles at each end and you are sure to end up with a Brazilian.  How many times do we say? "I just can't take a break right now." I know that feeling well. Pressures, duties, deadlines, lack of time and more - it can all come together in one giant to do list anvil. Breathe!  I tell others to do this but so often forget about it myself.  It is so important, however, because your entire system will function more efficiently with an adequate supply of oxygen.  In addition to this, the act of “pausing” can be a boon to stress levels. These micro-breaks give you a chance to catch up with your thoughts. Living in the here and now is so important. We’ll come back to this later but for now, remember to take those breaths. Taking five minutes to stretch your legs, going outside for a breath of fresh air or just to have a short break in the sun is also a good idea. You will think and feel better and simple techniques such as this will pay off in the long run, in both increased productivity and better health. Even the great Napoleon Hill, author of master pieces such as Law of Success and Think and Grow Rich, discussed the importance of refreshing the mind and body. Sometimes, stepping back from a problem or getting out from behind your desk (situation, schedule, expectations, rut, etc) can shine a whole new light on things. Candles are great for a romantic evening but don't burn them at both ends. Instead grab a rechargeable torch! So, how was my barbeque? Wonderful! And so I returned to my workload - the one wild horses couldn’t drag me away from – revitalised and enthusiastic ... for another barbeque J It's amazing how the world looks different from a distance! I will return to this subject later, especially on the part about living in the now. But for the moment - as George Burns used to say when asked the secret of his longevity - “keep breathing!” In the meantime ... watch this space!

Slow Down ... You move too fast

Is it me ... or is time speeding up?

I've been thinking about it for some time now.

In fact, I've made some useful observations from "time" to "time".

Our lives are like computer processors and our workloads and pressure - the things we have to get done are like the software - always being upgraded so we need faster processors to handle the tasks.

And memory ... now let's not joke about that one. As we get older, we need all the RAM we can handle. Ah, I remember when I was a young ram.

Sorry, I was lost in some distant portal for a moment.

I have a fascination with time and physics.
I wish I had been as gifted as Einstein or Isaac Newton or Tesla or ... I'll stop here.
It's a very long list.

There are lots of theories. Many have come and gone ... but some?

Hmmm ... what if space moves and time stands still?
What if everything happens simultaneously everywhere at once?
What if every possibility that ever existed did happen and is happening right now?

Time can be your best friend and ally or your worst nightmare - if not managed.
I speak from experience. I spend half my day running about like a chook with it's head cut off and the other half trying to figure out what job I was at when I lost it.

I've been trying to write a novel since 1992 and finally, oh yeah ... it's coming out of mothballs. Why? Because it's time.

One of my big things in life is to not die with my music still in me!

They say everything happens for a reason. They also say things about chaos and randomness too but we won't get into that just now because that might take the impact off what I am about to tell you.

Which is? Here's that RAM thing again.

Perhaps this blog is for a reason. Perhaps it will help me to focus on all I have to do.
To focus on my dreams and goals, success, money, sex, power, love, sex, spirituality ... did I leave out sex?

In other words, my dreams, my personal growth - my essence as an individual.

Perhaps, I was meant to write this ... for you!

Maybe as we move through time and space together, we will both evolve in to something much better than we are right now - in this second.

Tip for the day:
Take a big, long, slow deep breath every time you think - "I just don't have time!"

Over the next few blogs, we'll really begin our journey of discovery, so please come back.

In the meantime - Watch this space!

First a bit about me

First a little about me?

Damn, I hate talking about myself. Well ... OK, only if you insist.

I'm ... well, me I guess. No better than you. I have an underlying belief that we are somehow all part of something greater.

From the age of six or so (don't panic, I'm not going to tell you my life story) I believed I was destined to be a great writer and film maker.

Am I? Um ... not yet. How and why that hasn't happened yet is what I'm here to work out.

I believe in dreams - our inner belief that we can be something better - achieve something greater and at the same time, give back to humanity in some way.

I have many dreams and desires (no I'm not talking about Carmen Electra here) just waiting to be fulfilled.

Do you have dreams? I am not going to die with my music still in me ... neither should you.

Well, I've said some stuff about myself and I really hate starting sentences with "I" ... (unless it's iPhone or iPad or something) ... but I've left out most of the juicy bits, so you'll just have to come back, won't you.

So, watch this space!

In the beginning was the word

In the beginning ... was the word ... hmmm

Well, I have to start somewhere. I know that line has already been used ... very successfully, I might add.

How about Star Date 2011.9.19?

Yeah I know, don’t say it. That’s been used too.

Hey, did I ever tell you William Shatner has always been one of my greatest heroes? No, I guess not – otherwise I wouldn’t be looking for a great opening line now would I?

Ok, how about? No, that’s been said too.

Alright, let’s start like this!

Hi, my name is Rick McLaren and I’d like to welcome you to my new blog.

I will always speak the truth and will try to make it as interesting as possible. It may get a little deep from time to time and sometimes funny or even sentimental.

I am interested in a variety of subjects but never profess to know everything about any of them. Even though I celebrated my “Hawaii 5-0” birthday last year, I still have a raging hormonal twenty-seven year old locked up inside.

Over the coming months (perhaps years, if we’re not all killed off by an asteroid in 2012) I will discuss, life and its meaning, love and passion ... (sorry, I got sidetracked thinking about the passion bit), physics and the true nature of reality, films, a touch of philosophy, wealth and success and a whole lot more ... and I’m working on one universal “theory of everything” that ties it altogether. Yep, even M&M’S.

I promise not to bore you and I’d love to hear your feedback ... especially the nice stuff.

I know it will be a trifle random at first but if you stick with me, it should all come together to form one big ... er, something. The true meaning of life will be made clear to you ... then perhaps you can explain it to me J

Just hang in there and I hope you enjoy it.

See you soon.

Rick

Watch this space!