Messages

1

General Discussion / Re: Addictive Personalities

« on: September 03, 2008, 03:43:13 AM »

Thanks Nick, what you've written makes a lot of sense.

The human psyche is so often a complex thing that it intrigues me to find answers so thanks for your comments.. 

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General Discussion / Re: A poem

« on: March 26, 2008, 12:22:56 AM »

I'm no expert on poems but this one struck me. Its beautifully written and touches on so many different levels as we often forget the simplest things in life are the most important..

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General Discussion / Re: Addictive Personalities

« on: March 26, 2008, 12:14:23 AM »

Cheers Matt.. I'll keep checking in for any updates 

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General Discussion / Addictive Personalities

« on: March 25, 2008, 08:11:33 AM »

One other thing I wanted to quickly mention here is addictive personalities and if anybody can help me out on this I'd appreciate it very much..

The reason I believe certain people do have these types of personalities is due to my immediate family. My mother and father have both had and still to this day have various addictions to things and throughout my life I've been very much the same but my brother is the complete opposite and has no problems with addictions whatsoever. So if anyone would like to comment and explain as best as possible as to why they think I have taken on my parents traits but my brother hasn't that would be great. Sorry to go off topic here, I'm just really interested in peoples thoughts re this. Thanks 

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General Discussion / Re: One more reason why tobacco is bad for you, that you might not have known

« on: March 25, 2008, 01:30:17 AM »

I do not and never will accept genetics as an excuse for bad behaviour and choices. People like to jump on genetics as the latest excuse in a long list of excuses for being unable to do something.

Once again I understand what your trying to say here Seeker but behaviour and choices are not as clear cut as many seem to think. I have this argument with my mother constantly, she's always saying "Why cant people just think or act like me" (as she's always on her moral high-ground) and my never-ending response is simply put "We are all not the same, therefore how can we all rise above a difficult and stressful period (no matter the severity) in our lives without it ever developing into something more serious?"

To me some find it easier to rise above their downfalls than others so why is that?.. I'm certainly no expert but yet again I'm going to come from my own experiences and by also being around a lot of others who have shared similar backgrounds to myself over the years.
So personally, I'd have to put the start of addictions down to a multitude of things, the most common being constant abuse, serious mental illness, depression etc. etc. Now if this is combined with somebody who has a predisposition to certain outside factors (substance abuse) or dare I say an addictive personality then you've got a time bomb just waiting and ticking. Its also impossible to say to everybody at any time "go and get help for yourself and you'll be fine after a while" as there's a percentage out there who just don't believe that will happen and therefore give up. Hence, an addiction forms.

If we are to believe what people say and do in general, then we are all adult sized children who can't help but do bad since we have no self control or will power and it's always someone else's fault that we did it anyway. To me that's a pathetic way to live and a total cop out. Sympathy for being a victim is more appealing for a lot of people then overcoming something, it's always much easier to just keep on doing the same rather then try to instigate true personal growth and change. Some good old fashioned personal responsibility wouldn't go astray.

In saying what I've said here I'm not trying to make excuses for people to numb themselves and go down the 'easy' path just for the hell of it. There's no real excuse for a lot of the behaviour out there but there should almost always be an understanding as to why certain problems arise, not sympathy but an understanding of things. It would go a lot further than anything else.

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General Discussion / Re: One more reason why tobacco is bad for you, that you might not have known

« on: March 24, 2008, 08:07:09 AM »

I don't want to ruffle any feathers here Seeker as I understand where you're coming from. I just think some of your comments were a bit harsh as lot of us have different lifestyles that contribute to our weaknesses be it addiction to smoking or some other substance.

Unfortunately, some of us do succumb much easier to addiction than others due to our genetic makeup or some of us simply end up not caring enough about ourselves or our future. Its destructive and sad to see but I don't think all smokers out there are smoking out of ignorance. They've simply given up on themselves and don't care of the consequences of their actions that they've chosen to put upon themselves.

On the other hand, I'm certainly not saying that you or anyone else should be in any way subjected to it at all. I'm more of the mind that everybody deals with things differently be it addiction to calm themselves (not to say thats right) or some other form thats less detrimental to their health.

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General Discussion / Re: My new friend :)

« on: March 22, 2008, 09:46:15 PM »

He's gorgeous!..

Actually, we had friends who owned a dingo. He had such a beautiful temperament and would defend his family no matter what and also knowing what you mean about that special feeling you get by being around a dingo is very familiar, they're special..

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Philosophy / Re: My wierd poem

« on: January 22, 2008, 07:41:19 PM »

I like your poem Seeker, well done! 

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General Discussion / Re: Caveman cuisine

« on: December 21, 2007, 10:56:09 PM »

I yearn for a return to the land...write a book Rev!

I second that wholeheartedly! It would be such an amazing and inspirational read. Have you ever thought about it Taku John?

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General Discussion / Re: The Wretched

« on: December 12, 2007, 11:47:27 PM »

Sorry I'm not writing much more than this but your post is very well said Tony and contains so much common sense! 

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Advice Column / Re: A question about posture...

« on: December 06, 2007, 07:56:09 PM »

Actually, its a good point that you make Matt in re to flat surfaces everywhere. I usually wear thongs everywhere I go and did so recently while I was walking around the water here in WW.

The problem in the end was that I couldn't understand why my feet were aching so bad when I got home (due to being able to wear them all day without a problem whilst in and around the city), and thats was when I realized. Its not my feet or the thongs that were the problem (well I could've had some better footwear on). It was more the fact that I was so used to walking on flat surfaces that even the slightest bit of unevenness was detrimental to my feet even though I'd walked a million miles in the same pair of thongs previously without a problem. It was certainly a huge eye opener as to how attuned we are in our modern everyday activities and lifestyles.

Many a time when a newcomer comes on a bush-walk, they fall over quite a bit because they're not conditioned to walk on uneven surfaces.

Boy oh boy do I know this all too well! 

Ps Merry Christmas to you all and here's hoping 2008 will be the best year for us all! 

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Advice Column / Re: How do you prevent or deal with stress?

« on: November 23, 2007, 11:07:32 PM »

Hi Asaahi, glad you like the site. Its quite amazing and inspiring to say the least.

In regards to dealing with stress its great that your able to play the guitar, it must be so relaxing and one instrument I've always wanted to learn to play. Oh well, at least I can listen to a person playing one through music on my stereo! 

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Fitness & Exercise / Re: Heinlein's philosophy

« on: October 27, 2007, 10:58:48 AM »

"I am free, no matter what rules surround me.  If I find them tolerable, I tolerate them; if I find them too obnoxious, I break them.  I am free because I know that I alone am morally responsible for everything I do."  --Robert A. Heinlein

Very true..

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General Discussion / Re: What are your aspirations?

« on: September 06, 2007, 12:01:47 AM »

Good on you LA!   

It must be so rewarding for you to know you've achieved those steps towards your current goal. I find that not only the goal is rewarding but the journey along the way is just as important..

I also love your responses - especially wanting to participate in Burning Man. What a fantastic event!.. To be fully in touch with others in such a way yet be unconditionally accepted as you are (no matter what) at the same time must be such an exhilarating experience!

Actually, I'm going to add here to my goals that I want to one day take part in it as well! 

Keep up your great work LA and enjoy every bit of it..

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General Discussion / What are your aspirations?

« on: September 05, 2007, 02:05:53 AM »

As we know all to well most of us have got a multitude of things that we would love to achieve..
For many, accomplishing dreams or overcoming fears is something much easier said than done but I believe if we give up on a very impactive word then all is lost; that word being HOPE..

The inspiration for this topic came from the website 43things.com where many people express their innermost wants and needs for what they feel would make them happier within themselves. Personal subjects can range from the most basic to the exceptional, radical and extraordinary. The topics are limitless and are always inspiring. So therefore, I've decided to list a few of my own here. Each one is in no particular order but are some of the things I'd love to achieve..

• Learn how to play an instrument; either the piano or guitar
• Write a book
• Have a place that I can finally call "Home"
• Learn how to ride a bike again
• Gain the qualifications necessary to help women trapped in domestic violence situations
• Start drawing again
• Create a garden that I can call my own
• Forgive my Father
• and finally Stop Procrastinating!!! 

Also, if your anything like me regarding procrastination, I found this post by Eyesontheprize that I'm sure will have a profound affect:

"The book Power of Focus has a whole section on Procrastination. A nice point it makes is that if you take a few letters out and re-arrange the others, you get the word CASTRATE. It suggests thinking of the word CASTRATE (when you find yourself procrastinating) and the mere thought of that and what it means - the cutting off of your FUTURE".

So to finish this off, I'd love to hear of other people's aspirations, interests or even fears. It can be from the smallest of things or you can be like me and just let anything out..

Remember, your feelings and views on any subject no matter how insignificant you feel they may be are all valid..

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you've imagined"
- Henry David Thoreau

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General Discussion / Re: What is you favourite website?

« on: August 30, 2007, 07:34:56 AM »

I'd have to say my one favourite website would be;

http://www.43things.com/

Thousands of people remark on their hopes, dreams, aspirations, fears etc.
Pretty much most things that are commented on are what we can all relate to and in a way it is very similar to PostSecret..

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General Discussion / Euthanasia

« on: August 30, 2007, 02:24:13 AM »

When we hear the word Euthanasia, all in all, it's simple.. We're intensely divided about the issue. Just the word itself can bring about a range of feelings and emotions that can shift from one extreme to the other.

For myself personally, I fully believe a terminally ill person has every right to choose a physician-assisted suicide once they've exhausted every other avenue and found no relief to their immense suffering.. Others would disagree..

The problem with modern society I feel is that we've over-sensitized ourselves to the point that death is now a taboo subject in most homes. Even if we've got somebody close to us who is dying we'd still rather not talk about the inevitable. Obviously its not mentioned due to the fear and pain we feel but in doing so we've forgotten about one of the most important issues; the very one person who is dealing with their fears of death - alone.

In addition, the following links detail two very courageous women..

Firstly, Marcelle Jones, an 82 year old lady who talks of her wish for a peaceful and painless death..
Link:  http://www.theledger.com/article/20070708/NEWS/707080415/0/xml

and lastly, Lovelle Svart who was initially diagnosed as having Lung Cancer in 2002 but was further diagnosed three months ago in June to have an expectant survival rate of six months or less. This extraordinary, wonderful and inspiring woman is currently making a video diary of her final months. It's well worth a look at how brave this woman is..
Link:  http://next.oregonianextra.com/lovelle/

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General Discussion / Re: The National Fear Survey - Take the Test!

« on: August 28, 2007, 07:11:55 AM »

Okay, this is a great one for me! 

Specific fears
Spiders
Ghosts
Sharks


Common fears
Things that sometimes caused you concern were:
Leaving the house
Losing a pet.. Most definitely, that would floor me  :'(
What you look like
Making mistakes in front of people

Things that often caused you concern were:
Speaking in front of strangers
Going to a party
Talking in front of your friends
Looking foolish


World Concerns
You listed the following world concerns in part 4:
None.. Geez, I sound real caring don't I 


Facing Fears
Your best strengths in facing your fears in part 5 were:
Strength of will


Social Anxiety
In terms of social anxiety in part 6, you were Brush up on your social skills. (Very true!)

19

The Voting Booth / Re: Needs of others...

« on: August 21, 2007, 01:29:58 AM »

Hi CG, as soon as I saw your topic it struck a chord within me as there was a time I would also put others before myself pretty much 99% of the time..

I would try to help people as much as I could, always putting their needs before my own. Most of the time I would give of myself (even to people I didn't know!) in so many different ways that eventually I was the one they'd come to every time because they knew they could either get that lift, borrow this or that amount of money or basically just click their fingers for something as they knew the response would be 'Yeah sure, no worries'..

So essentially I was being taken advantage of and what's worse is that I was the one that let it all happen for certain reasons..

For one, I felt sorry for certain people that genuinely needed my help and I'm glad I was able to assist and help in certain situations in that regard, doing that made me feel good inside but unfortunately there were other reasons I felt I couldn't say no to people. I had very low self-esteem and confidence and felt I would somehow be more respected and liked if I did what they asked of me. I wanted to be accepted so much that in the end I would come to fear the word NO..

I became quite pathetic until I got the courage I needed. I finally learned how to say no and to also not associate NO with overwhelming guilt..

Some people became quite shocked that I wouldn't succumb to their demands and in the beginning it was still hard for me to say 'I'm sorry, I cant' but I had to do it for myself, for my own self respect. It became quite liberating to release my thoughts that restricted me for so long and to be able to feel a sense of freedom..

Anyway, I don't know if you can relate to any of this as your situation may be completely different. I can only come from a place I once knew to be very unhealthy and damaging to my self-esteem and self respect..

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The Voting Booth / Re: Astrology - a question of faith, not science.

« on: August 16, 2007, 08:19:28 AM »

Whoa!.. You've made quite a statement here Matt (that I'm sure is going to tick quite a few people off too!)
Personally, I do believe if one reads their horoscope daily/weekly through either newspapers or magazines that their not going to get any sort of true insight into their day or coming week but I do believe it has its merits.. I've never fully delved into Astrology myself but certain things I've read have shown to be quite true re the traits of one's personality..
So what is it that bugs you the most? Is it that people pay to have in-depth readings that you believe is a farce or money making scam or is it that if one reads their horoscope that entails some form of hope that this person is going to crumble at the end of the day if what they read earlier on didn't end up happening?

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Advice Column / Re: Welcome to the Advice Column

« on: August 16, 2007, 06:27:50 AM »

Sorry about my late reply LA but thanks for the advice re the yoga.. I thought a class situation would be the best place to start. Also, the surfing sounds great, I'd love to try it but I'm afraid of getting too friendly with the teeth that lurk underneath! 

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General Discussion / Re: Six Things That Inspire You

« on: August 12, 2007, 02:49:31 AM »

Thanks Foxy 

Your motto 'My Family, My Friends, My Self' is a great one to live by. It show's you have a very caring persona.. I'm very close to my Mother and more recently my brother but I've been estranged from my extended family for quite a while now. I wont go into detail here, lets just say some families can have a narrow minded view of life (and that's putting it mildly!)

I also like the saying 'Pain is temporary, pride is forever'.. Its amazing at how much words can have such an impact on someone be it positive or otherwise. For myself my favorite would have to be 'Fear, Courage, Freedom'.. Thats one I can really identify with.

Well, I'm glad you found it an interesting topic. Furthermore, the Motto website is a great one to visit and explore.. Thanks for also welcoming me and you can call me Maddy anytime! 

P.s. Go the Dogs!  (but my soft spot is for Souths)..

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General Discussion / Six Things That Inspire You

« on: August 10, 2007, 06:28:43 AM »

I stumbled across this write-up by Anita Sharpe below whilst browsing through some sites and found it to be quite interesting..

Six Things that Inspire You
Anita Sharpe on Passionate Work

I love magazines and one of my favorites is HOW, a publication for and about designers and other creators. A while back, they did an interview with Kevin Carroll, whose job is to nurture creativity at Nike. I loved his reponse when asked to quickly name six things that inspire him:

'My cello. The drama of the sport -- the moment. Breakfast at the Park Hyatt Hotel in Melbourne, Australia. My early morning workout. The Alchemist. Music. And watching recess -- anywhere on the planet.'

It's a fun exercise, and if you do it quickly, you might surprise yourself, or, like me, you might produce something that sounds like a personal ad on Match.com: 'Magazines. The Beatles. Great dinner conversations. Spontaneous adventures. Billy Crystal movies, or any humorous book or movie that also has a point. Views of water (I bought my house because a creek runs through the property; my office window has a view of a swimming pool and I count that, too.)'

If you'd like to check out the above article and Motto website go to: http://www.whatsyourmotto.com/Blogs/2004/06/21/six_things_that_inspire_you/

≂≂≂≂≂≂≂≂≂≂≂≂≂≂≂≂≂≂≂≂≂≂≂≂≂≂≂≂≂≂≂≂≂≂≂≂≂
So here's my six (in no particular order)..

The movie 'Tuesday's With Morrie' (which I'd recommend anyone to watch)
Thunderstorms, cant beat a good thunderstorm! Its what gets me going..
Music
Art
Scenery
and finally History..

Try it out.. It really gets you in touch with who you are!

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Advice Column / Re: Welcome to the Advice Column

« on: August 08, 2007, 09:25:12 PM »

Sounds like its done wonders for you LA!
Did you first practice it in a group situation or on your own? I've been told by various people thats its best to start practicing yoga in a group by an experience teacher..

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General Discussion / Re: Caveman Power Featured on Central Coast Live website

« on: August 08, 2007, 06:41:26 AM »

Make sure to keep us posted if you're featured in one of the local newspapers so each of us can grab one!..Okay, I'm falling asleep at my computer here so I'm off for some shuteye. Will email late tomorrow or friday..