A cyclone is meant to be hitting Perth tomorrow and this reminded me of all the crazy whether in Queensland. All the flooding has been devastating and my thoughts go out to all those people.
I'm also writing about my own experience though. Out of the most awful circumstances I've found that with the right perspective everything works out even better than hoped and your bad experiences make you stronger. There is always something to be thankful for and something positive to be focused on. You just need to look to what REALLY matters. Your family and friends, your health, your happiness.
Many have lost family members though and we should all take a moment to think of these poor people who've lost more than everything. May they find happiness after all this tragedy.
I would also like to add that this poem is still largely autobiographical and should not be taken as how I think any of the flood victims should feel or learn from what's happened. This is just a poem of one "imaginary" person's experience that I hope people get something from.
The Flood
I remember the flood
In just one treacherous day
All I owned was washed away
Face down in the mud
As down on my knees I fell
The city I'd called home was now my hell
I still recall the shock
As if none of it was real
I was completely numb except for this feeling
Like my belly was full of rocks
Then my son and daughter hugged me, oh so sad
And I felt an immense thanks for all that I still had
Everything had changed I knew
I may have lost all my possessions plus my cat
But so many had lost so much more than that
I was one of the lucky few
And despite all that I've lost
For me what I have learned was worth the cost
For now all is clear
I have my perspective and my priorities right
I know what it truly means to fight
All I need is here
My family, my integrity, my health
Happiness lies not in my possessions or my wealth
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Some new ideas...
Most of the time I've spent on my guitar recently I've been practicing for my gig on Monday at Mojo's but tonight I took some time out to record some new ideas on my acoustic. I'll get my new song for the week written in the next day or so.
Let me know if you think any of these new ideas should be top of the list to be finished into complete songs. You can e-mail me at myfighttowrite@gmail.com or leave a comment below.
Let me know if you think any of these new ideas should be top of the list to be finished into complete songs. You can e-mail me at myfighttowrite@gmail.com or leave a comment below.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
My first solo gig...
Those of you reading this from Perth take special note - next Monday night is my first gig as a solo artist. I'm playing at Mojo's Bar in North Fremantle, 31st January at 9pm. I've been very lucky that an old friend of mine, Arunachala Satgunasin
To add to the excitement it's free entry, so I hope some of you Perthies can make it! For more info or to invite friends via Facebook click here - http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=176816029022692
The main reason I mention this is because my creative time today has been spent practicing and re-recording the songs, as some little things have changed and I'd like Arun to have correct recordings. They're still far from perfect but an improvement I think. I'm looking forward to getting to LA and doing good quality recordings, with more instrumentation and vocal harmonies, not to mention better guitar playing and singing!
So these are the songs I'll be playing Monday. To not completely ruin the suspense I'll put them in random order rather the order I'll play them on the night. Just click on the name to be taken to the post that has the recording embedded.
Hey (I Am Here For You Every Day)
Take A Holiday
My First Night On The Town
Lips and Straws
I will just say also that I have been doing my daily writing. I've been writing poetry, but some things I just want to keep between me and the recipient - namely Sam. ;) I've probably shared enough gushing romance with my readers for now. Although, if you really want more feel free to ask me at myfighttowrite@gmail.com or by commenting below.
To add to the excitement it's free entry, so I hope some of you Perthies can make it! For more info or to invite friends via Facebook click here - http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=176816029022692
The main reason I mention this is because my creative time today has been spent practicing and re-recording the songs, as some little things have changed and I'd like Arun to have correct recordings. They're still far from perfect but an improvement I think. I'm looking forward to getting to LA and doing good quality recordings, with more instrumentation and vocal harmonies, not to mention better guitar playing and singing!
So these are the songs I'll be playing Monday. To not completely ruin the suspense I'll put them in random order rather the order I'll play them on the night. Just click on the name to be taken to the post that has the recording embedded.
Hey (I Am Here For You Every Day)
Take A Holiday
My First Night On The Town
Lips and Straws
I will just say also that I have been doing my daily writing. I've been writing poetry, but some things I just want to keep between me and the recipient - namely Sam. ;) I've probably shared enough gushing romance with my readers for now. Although, if you really want more feel free to ask me at myfighttowrite@gmail.com or by commenting below.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Friends
One of the great things about coming back to Perth is seeing old friends. Particularly the really long-standing close friends that never seem all that far away, even when you're galavanting around the world like I have been of late. That's not to say that you keep in touch really frequently, but more that you know that they're only ever a call, text, e-mail, Skype message, Facebook chat away, whenever either of you have the time, or just need a good friend to talk to.
I'm lucky to have some really great friends. They give me so much support and add so many good times and laughter to my life. Thank-you so much to all my friends reading! But also to any that may not be. It's time I paid tribute to you.
Here goes;
Friends
Good times shared over many years
Sometimes laughs and sometimes tears
But the greatest truth which I can say
Is when you need them they're not far away
They never note who contacted last
And no matter how much time has past
It always seems like yesterday
You chatted endless hours away
They know the things that few could know
The secrets shared when times were low
That you were scared to share but knew
Deep down, they would not think less of you
You've watched each other's lives progress
Always there to bring some happiness
And help you find the answers to
The questions now confounding you
They know the many facets you possess
All the good, the bad, the strange and the rest
And accept you exactly as you are
For they know that the real you is best by far
And this is what it all comes down to
That when you're with a friend you're completely you
So just relax and enjoy a drink at the bar
And hope the next time won't be far
I'm lucky to have some really great friends. They give me so much support and add so many good times and laughter to my life. Thank-you so much to all my friends reading! But also to any that may not be. It's time I paid tribute to you.
Here goes;
Friends
Good times shared over many years
Sometimes laughs and sometimes tears
But the greatest truth which I can say
Is when you need them they're not far away
They never note who contacted last
And no matter how much time has past
It always seems like yesterday
You chatted endless hours away
They know the things that few could know
The secrets shared when times were low
That you were scared to share but knew
Deep down, they would not think less of you
You've watched each other's lives progress
Always there to bring some happiness
And help you find the answers to
The questions now confounding you
They know the many facets you possess
All the good, the bad, the strange and the rest
And accept you exactly as you are
For they know that the real you is best by far
And this is what it all comes down to
That when you're with a friend you're completely you
So just relax and enjoy a drink at the bar
And hope the next time won't be far
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Turning Off The Negative...part 2
Yesterday I started writing about turning off negative self talk and negativity generally. If you haven't read yesterday's post it would be best that you do before reading this, but each section could be read on its own I believe.
So as I was saying yesterday, becoming aware of your negative self talk can gradually breed a more positive feeling of happiness with yourself, which is crucial in implementing positives change in your life.
I was going on to say that I do not mean you should never feel down or upset about something you've done or that's happened. You have a right to feel unhappy or down about things from time to time. That's life. It's not a problem. It is in fact a healthy response. The problem is how you react to these feelings.
The problem with these negative feelings is that our instinctive reaction to them tends to create more negativity. A good example is that you have something annoying happen and you think "I hate it when that happens." A little while later another annoying thing happens and you think "I hate it when that happens, too. Why are so many annoying things happening to me?" You inevitably (although often unconsciously) find yourself an answer to this question, and that answer almost always involves more negativity. Particularly as you will now be looking for the next negative thing that will prove your reasoning.
You could direct the initial negative feeling into something more positive and break that cycle of instinctive negativity. For example (and my friends will understand why I use this example), if you are annoyed with yourself that you are running late then it is fair enough that you should be annoyed as it's not good to be late. This negative feeling of annoyance could be followed up with a bunch of negative self talk such as "you're such a space cadet! Why don't you pay more attention to what the time is? Why did you try to fit so much in? Everyone is going to be put out and hassle you about being late again and you'll feel embarrassed and more annoyed..." and of course as a result of all this thought the situation gets more and more negative.
The simple fact is your late and there is very little you can do about it. So don't spend the rest of your trip talking negatively to yourself. Put the energy into considering how you will better handle the situation next time so this negative situation doesn't occur again. Maybe you will need to make a more detailed plan of your day to be sure you're not planning too much? Maybe you need to allow yourself more time to get ready? Maybe you need to set your alarm right at the time you want to rise and not use the snooze button at all? Whatever the possible solution put your energy into positive thoughts about solutions, then put energy into taking action on those solutions.
There are not always solutions though. Sometimes a situation that is largely beyond your control is causing you to be down, or something that is changing but is taking a long time to change and causing subsequent frustration and sadness. So you can't change it. Or you're already doing all you can but it's simply going to take more time. In this case you should direct the negative energy towards something positive. You're feeling flat so rather than just sit down moping, focused on the subject of your concern and unhappiness, go and pick up your guitar, or your paint brushes, or whatever you have in your life that puts a smile on your face, and direct energy into that . There has to be something that puts a smile on your face. Preferably something that involves action. So if you're not into artistic things then go for a run, do some house cleaning, bake a cake, polish your car. Anything that will result in a smile at the end of it.
You will find that at the end of this that even if the problem you've got is still there you'll feel a bit happier just knowing you were productive with your energy and that you got your focus away from what was getting you down.
Turning off negativity, or directing negative feelings and energy into positive things, can be a big catalyst to change in your life and more happiness is always going to come with that. So be aware of the way you think. With awareness will come change.
People became aware that there was a growing problem with our global environment and we needed to be more conscious of our carbon emissions and general pollution. Soon enough someone designed a Prius. That may not be the perfect example but basically, once we become aware that there is something that needs changing we've made the first step to seeing that change happen.
The last step is commitment. But that will have to wait until another day. In fact I think I already wrote about that last week. How much do you want the change to happen? When people are frustrated that change is not occurring as fast as they'd like I usual say they should feel glad they're aware there is a problem that needs addressing. You may not like that you exercise a pile and lose little or no weight, but you should take the perspective of being glad that you're simply aware that you want to lose weight. If you stopped caring or were oblivious you would soon be seriously obese, probably with diabetes, extremely unhappy and most likely on your death bed years before your time.
Due to your awareness you're doing some exercise, watching what you eat, trying to be healthy generally, even if you can only manage just a little weight loss. This is so much better than being ignorant to the problem.
Be thankful for the little steps. They are a move forward, And any move forward is a good move to be making. Don't be hard on yourself for not achieving more. Just move your goals up a little when you believe you can without being unrealistic. Each little achievement will motivate you on, and before you know it big changes - positive changes - will be happening in your life.
So as I was saying yesterday, becoming aware of your negative self talk can gradually breed a more positive feeling of happiness with yourself, which is crucial in implementing positives change in your life.
I was going on to say that I do not mean you should never feel down or upset about something you've done or that's happened. You have a right to feel unhappy or down about things from time to time. That's life. It's not a problem. It is in fact a healthy response. The problem is how you react to these feelings.
The problem with these negative feelings is that our instinctive reaction to them tends to create more negativity. A good example is that you have something annoying happen and you think "I hate it when that happens." A little while later another annoying thing happens and you think "I hate it when that happens, too. Why are so many annoying things happening to me?" You inevitably (although often unconsciously) find yourself an answer to this question, and that answer almost always involves more negativity. Particularly as you will now be looking for the next negative thing that will prove your reasoning.
You could direct the initial negative feeling into something more positive and break that cycle of instinctive negativity. For example (and my friends will understand why I use this example), if you are annoyed with yourself that you are running late then it is fair enough that you should be annoyed as it's not good to be late. This negative feeling of annoyance could be followed up with a bunch of negative self talk such as "you're such a space cadet! Why don't you pay more attention to what the time is? Why did you try to fit so much in? Everyone is going to be put out and hassle you about being late again and you'll feel embarrassed and more annoyed..." and of course as a result of all this thought the situation gets more and more negative.
The simple fact is your late and there is very little you can do about it. So don't spend the rest of your trip talking negatively to yourself. Put the energy into considering how you will better handle the situation next time so this negative situation doesn't occur again. Maybe you will need to make a more detailed plan of your day to be sure you're not planning too much? Maybe you need to allow yourself more time to get ready? Maybe you need to set your alarm right at the time you want to rise and not use the snooze button at all? Whatever the possible solution put your energy into positive thoughts about solutions, then put energy into taking action on those solutions.
There are not always solutions though. Sometimes a situation that is largely beyond your control is causing you to be down, or something that is changing but is taking a long time to change and causing subsequent frustration and sadness. So you can't change it. Or you're already doing all you can but it's simply going to take more time. In this case you should direct the negative energy towards something positive. You're feeling flat so rather than just sit down moping, focused on the subject of your concern and unhappiness, go and pick up your guitar, or your paint brushes, or whatever you have in your life that puts a smile on your face, and direct energy into that . There has to be something that puts a smile on your face. Preferably something that involves action. So if you're not into artistic things then go for a run, do some house cleaning, bake a cake, polish your car. Anything that will result in a smile at the end of it.
You will find that at the end of this that even if the problem you've got is still there you'll feel a bit happier just knowing you were productive with your energy and that you got your focus away from what was getting you down.
Turning off negativity, or directing negative feelings and energy into positive things, can be a big catalyst to change in your life and more happiness is always going to come with that. So be aware of the way you think. With awareness will come change.
People became aware that there was a growing problem with our global environment and we needed to be more conscious of our carbon emissions and general pollution. Soon enough someone designed a Prius. That may not be the perfect example but basically, once we become aware that there is something that needs changing we've made the first step to seeing that change happen.
The last step is commitment. But that will have to wait until another day. In fact I think I already wrote about that last week. How much do you want the change to happen? When people are frustrated that change is not occurring as fast as they'd like I usual say they should feel glad they're aware there is a problem that needs addressing. You may not like that you exercise a pile and lose little or no weight, but you should take the perspective of being glad that you're simply aware that you want to lose weight. If you stopped caring or were oblivious you would soon be seriously obese, probably with diabetes, extremely unhappy and most likely on your death bed years before your time.
Due to your awareness you're doing some exercise, watching what you eat, trying to be healthy generally, even if you can only manage just a little weight loss. This is so much better than being ignorant to the problem.
Be thankful for the little steps. They are a move forward, And any move forward is a good move to be making. Don't be hard on yourself for not achieving more. Just move your goals up a little when you believe you can without being unrealistic. Each little achievement will motivate you on, and before you know it big changes - positive changes - will be happening in your life.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Turning Off The Negative...part 1
I've suddenly felt inspired to write about something that I've found myself thinking and talking about to a number of people recently.
The first part to discuss is negative self talk. I guess you could call this the technical term for seemly innocuous little comments you make to yourself like, "I'm such an idiot", "I'm just being dumb", "Gees, I'm so stupid sometimes", or "I can't do that. I'm just no good at it." You get the picture.
Despite this sort of self talk coming into my awareness about 12 years ago it's still something I have to work on every day. But that said it's now much better. Interestingly, when I get down I tend to let myself get away with saying these things, which then drives me down further. Breaking out of the habit of saying these impulsive comments to yourself can really help turn your thought process more positive. And although it can take a while it's not a complicated process.
When I've taught instruments to students, let's say guitar for illustration purposes, and they ask "how do you get your left hand to move so little and so quickly and exactly?" I explain that step one is becoming aware of what you want to change. Simply being aware that you don't want your little finger to move so far back when it's changing positions will result in the finger moving less, simply because you're aware that it's moving further than you want it to.
Once you're aware then you simply have to say to yourself "don't do that any more - do this" every time you notice the thing you want to change. The last step is going slowly and being patient with yourself. The change won't happen overnight, but if you are persistent yet patient at the same time you will suddenly notice one day that the change has occurred and you don't think about it anymore, or at least very little.
This is what has to be done to manage negative self talk. Firstly, notice when you do it. Secondly, tell yourself that this is a destructive thought and that what you're saying to yourself is not true, it is just negative. Thirdly, don't let yourself get away with it - EVER. Be persistent but be patient. It will take a while and you will still do it from time to time but all you need to know is that you're noticing it, telling yourself not to do it, then continuing on without getting frustrated with yourself over it.
Soon enough these negative thoughts will turn up very infrequently, if at all. At which time you will very likely notice that your life has made some positive changes for the better also. At very least in regard to your self-esteem and feelings of confidence and happiness with yourself.
Feeling happy with yourself is a big part of the happiness of life. If you break down what makes you unhappy in life you will probably be surprised how often it comes back to something like "I made a bad decision", whether it was very recently or years ago, or "I wanted to achieve more than this by my age", or "I can never get that thing to change! Why? I'm so useless!" If you focus on removing the negative self talk then you will find a new-found positive attitude towards yourself which will quite likely see life improve in many areas.
But there is more to this I think. I'm not saying that you should never feel down about anything, even if this means feeling annoyance, anger or sadness (etc...) with yourself or something that's happened in your life. You have a right to feel down sometimes, and you probably have very good reason. The problem is not that you feel down. The problem is how you react to these feelings. These are negative feelings by nature. But the energy they create can, with an adjusted perspective, breed positivity rather than more negativity.
I'm going to leave it there though and write more on that tomorrow as I don't want this to go any longer than it already has. Thanks for reading and I hope you come back tomorrow to read part 2.
The first part to discuss is negative self talk. I guess you could call this the technical term for seemly innocuous little comments you make to yourself like, "I'm such an idiot", "I'm just being dumb", "Gees, I'm so stupid sometimes", or "I can't do that. I'm just no good at it." You get the picture.
Despite this sort of self talk coming into my awareness about 12 years ago it's still something I have to work on every day. But that said it's now much better. Interestingly, when I get down I tend to let myself get away with saying these things, which then drives me down further. Breaking out of the habit of saying these impulsive comments to yourself can really help turn your thought process more positive. And although it can take a while it's not a complicated process.
When I've taught instruments to students, let's say guitar for illustration purposes, and they ask "how do you get your left hand to move so little and so quickly and exactly?" I explain that step one is becoming aware of what you want to change. Simply being aware that you don't want your little finger to move so far back when it's changing positions will result in the finger moving less, simply because you're aware that it's moving further than you want it to.
Once you're aware then you simply have to say to yourself "don't do that any more - do this" every time you notice the thing you want to change. The last step is going slowly and being patient with yourself. The change won't happen overnight, but if you are persistent yet patient at the same time you will suddenly notice one day that the change has occurred and you don't think about it anymore, or at least very little.
This is what has to be done to manage negative self talk. Firstly, notice when you do it. Secondly, tell yourself that this is a destructive thought and that what you're saying to yourself is not true, it is just negative. Thirdly, don't let yourself get away with it - EVER. Be persistent but be patient. It will take a while and you will still do it from time to time but all you need to know is that you're noticing it, telling yourself not to do it, then continuing on without getting frustrated with yourself over it.
Soon enough these negative thoughts will turn up very infrequently, if at all. At which time you will very likely notice that your life has made some positive changes for the better also. At very least in regard to your self-esteem and feelings of confidence and happiness with yourself.
Feeling happy with yourself is a big part of the happiness of life. If you break down what makes you unhappy in life you will probably be surprised how often it comes back to something like "I made a bad decision", whether it was very recently or years ago, or "I wanted to achieve more than this by my age", or "I can never get that thing to change! Why? I'm so useless!" If you focus on removing the negative self talk then you will find a new-found positive attitude towards yourself which will quite likely see life improve in many areas.
But there is more to this I think. I'm not saying that you should never feel down about anything, even if this means feeling annoyance, anger or sadness (etc...) with yourself or something that's happened in your life. You have a right to feel down sometimes, and you probably have very good reason. The problem is not that you feel down. The problem is how you react to these feelings. These are negative feelings by nature. But the energy they create can, with an adjusted perspective, breed positivity rather than more negativity.
I'm going to leave it there though and write more on that tomorrow as I don't want this to go any longer than it already has. Thanks for reading and I hope you come back tomorrow to read part 2.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Hey (I Am Here For You Every Day)
I'm happy to say this week's song is being posted earlier than Saturday or Sunday night. I felt inspired today and decided to blow off work and do writing. My "Boss" (Dad) is probably reading this, but I know he'll understand.
It's just a simple tune about being there for the people you love and the people you love being there for you. Everyone gets down sometimes and when you do it's better to just feel it, let out what you're feeling to a friend or family member, then feel happiness in the fact that the person you are speaking to is there for you - every day.
I think I'll have to add this to my set at Mojo's Bar in North Fremantle on Monday 31st Jan, 9pm.
It's just a simple tune about being there for the people you love and the people you love being there for you. Everyone gets down sometimes and when you do it's better to just feel it, let out what you're feeling to a friend or family member, then feel happiness in the fact that the person you are speaking to is there for you - every day.
I think I'll have to add this to my set at Mojo's Bar in North Fremantle on Monday 31st Jan, 9pm.
Hey (I’m Here For You Every Day)
No-one can be strong every day
You may want to lay down and make the world go away
But when these moments come to make you blue
You have to look around and know I am always here for you
Singing hey
I am here for you every day
Everyone has some troubled times
Life has a way of upsetting your rhymes
But it’s OK, this is just the way it is
Just let it all out, but never forget this
I’m singing hey
I am here for you every day
I want you to know
That you will never walk alone
I want you to know
That when the hard times come
And you’re feeling down
You can always count on some
To be singing hey
We are here for you every day
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