Nothing is Free…

Unless you have been living under a rock, or are still a young dependent, you are aware of the dire economics trials that the U.S. (and the world at large) are struggling in. This is certainly a time of “growing pains” within many of us who have had fairly stable jobs this time last year, and, in my case, had to really start cutting back by late August. I have always been a frugal person in how I manage my money and spending habits, but even those boundaries could only slow the decent into that dark places that no one ever wants to see: unemployment and, for business owners, bankruptcy. Thankfully, there are those of us who are unwilling to simply bend and submit to such circumstances.

While talking to my close friend and cherished amateur voice acting partner, I put into perspective my current financial situation with an extended metaphor that she, a fellow Leo, could understand.

When a lion is threatened by the hunter, pinned against the wall with no where to run, does the lion simply curl up and await its demise? No. With no other option, it will wait, pacing around slowly while never diverting its gaze from the threat until the smallest window of opportunity arises, attacking with unrestrained ferocity.

She understood where I was going with this after my initial question, but I wanted to paint a clear picture of the type of person I am. When my back is against the wall with no other alternatives but the one that could very well be the most painful, arduous, or risky, that is when I show the most strength, determination, and intellectual prowess. On the Western Zodiac, I am a Leo, born in the year of the Tiger on the Chinese calendar. Though I’ve never been one to take horoscopes to heart, I cannot deny the alignment between such beasts and the aggressiveness of my pursuit for success despite how dire.

With us, as a resourceful people, we must be wise and strategic in how we tackle our issues. Sacrifices must me made, but we, ourselves, should never become the sacrifice. We should take hold of the abilities and talents that we have invested into and turn it into potential that is going to bring us (and perhaps others as wel) out of the financial, emotional, mental ruts that we never wanted and firmly believe we do not deserve. Not everyone has the resourcefulness to take control of a situation whatever it may be. However, those of us who do should be not only taking the “bull by the horns” in our own lives, but inspiring those who may be lacking in resourcefulness, insight, and confidence to do the same.

In the end, we must take a step of faith and courage to be the lion attacking with a gun pointed at our heart. That was my exact mindset when I created my voice-over page and my web freelancer page that just went live last night. At this very moment, the only alternative is to strike out on my own and make use of the skills and talents I have nurtured for many years. I have a lot to learn still, but what I have already learned may be the key to my survival now. The same goes for you.

Nothing is free…except your knowledge at your disposal to potentially alter your future.

What are you doing (or have already done) to make the most of your skills and talents in this difficult age? Share it in a comment and all the best to you in your endeavors!

IsShouKenMei: Live on. Live well

An MMO Kind of Faith

While thinking about my MMORPG Mabinogi character and what I could do to become a stronger Player, this epiphany entered my mind:

At first I only applied to only the MMO world, but in a few moments, it became something more. This quote took form in a way that anyone involved in this difficult game of life could take something away from. It became a motivational word for people who may either forget the basics of living out one’s purpose or may have fallen into the trap that says they can never have the strength to get themselves out of their individual hole.

Serial Experiments: Everyone is connected?

To celebrate the new version release of TweetDeck v.0.32, I decided to run through my listing of Twitter Followings and remove those whom had either been quiet for more than a month or had shown little to no interest in connecting with me. A week ago, a reciprocated Twitter follower, @timscullin, tweeted a curious statement that read:

My reply was not very thought-provoking, despite the 140 character limit, but it did get me thinking about how such a thing may come about – for the human race to be interwoven on a social “neuralistic” level.

Purpose: Already Yours

Last Sunday, I heard an encouraging, reassuring message that I had heard before but couldn’t help but grin and listen attentively for a refresher course. The topic was “Creating Multiple Revenue Streams” – a valuable topic that no one can’t afford to pay attention to, regardless of social status. The points presented were simple and practical for anyone to understand. However, those points mean nothing if one simply believes that some unnatural occurrence is going to suddenly bring about thousands of dollars in their life. The fact of life is this: We all, at one point or another, struggle with taking control of our in-born purpose.