DISTRACTIONS TO DEPRESSION

As you can see, this is my first post of the week and its Saturday.  In fact, my posts are quite sporadic.

This is because life doesn't stop giving.  Work, appointments, deadlines, bills and the most important two things in life friends and family.  I am fortunate enough to live with my best friend.

However, my mind is one of my best things too.  And to put what I am thinking on paper and using it as a tool to encourage people to think about the good and bad is spectacular.

I have been writing uplifting posts lately.  I am doing this because I know many people are depressed because the state of our lives.  We live in a country ran by bureaucratic bullies who want to eliminate the middle class for their own personal gain.  The expenses of life which are things we need just continue to increase, and we get the shit taxed out of us on a daily basis.  No matter how high or fast we climb, we find ourselves being pushed off the ladder thanks to these daily situations.

Basically these situations are mere distractions that lead us to depression.  I am guilty as charged.

And my writing is my distraction from the distraction.  I love to write and speak.  I am still working on getting that podcast going.  All I need is a new PC to get there.

My friends, these problems we face are nothing more than reality.  How we choose to deal with them is not what technically defines us from the inside.  Sure you can make a lot of money, go to clubs, have sex with lots of people, but at the end of the day, how do you feel?  Do you feel loved or alone?  You could be poor, struggling working minimum wage, but your family is there to see you every night as you sit at the dinner table and enjoy each others company.

My point is, what life gives you physically is not important.

You could be a superstar despite the fact you are homeless.  The goal is to never quit.  Don't stop believing in yourself and work towards your goal and do not worry about how long it takes you to get there.  Eventually you will make it because you are you.

My writing and speaking helps me remember who I am.  A person who loves his family with all of his heart, cares about people, and wants to see good triumph over evil every day.

What brings you back to who you are?  Don't lose yourself in the distractions.  It's easy, but find your weapon to deal and keep on fighting the good fight.  The fight for happiness is a battle worth fighting for.

Keeping it real,
MRJ

GOALS, VICTORIES, AND THE END GAME

As you know, most of us in the city of Chicago were saved last night.  Despite the fact a bunch of Bull fans cheered a possible injury for the best player in the NBA and make them selves look like total fucksticks, the Blackhawks came through and put some ice on the swelling of that black eye of Chicago.  They set the record for best start in the NHL as they are 14-0-3, meaning they have not lost a game in regulation since the beginning.

Its cool to have a record.  It's quite an accomplishment.  However, this is not the end of the season.  This is not the end of the road.  This record is a footnote if the Blackhawks do not put the exclamation point and bring Lord Stanley's Cup home.  Ask Tom Brady about that undefeated regular season record if you don't believe it.  Coach keeps it in perspective.

"I just think that we shouldn't be happy with where we're at. We just want to keep trying to get better. I like the demeanor and the approach and just looking forward to the next game, trying to make a contribution to your line mates or your defense partner or your fellow goalie. It's been a nice environment for the guys and they keep pushing one another."-Joel Queeneville

 And in life that's what it's about.  The drive to keep getting better.

We as Blackhawk fans have been given the greatest gift in sports.  We went from being the worst franchise in sports in 2006, to fricking champs 4 years later.  I remember at one point there were no beat writers.  Bill Wirtz lost me with the trades, the ban on TV games, etc.  As soon as he died, this franchise was reborn, as well as my Hawk spirit.  Not saying its cool when someone dies, but everything happens for a reason.  The party in 2010 was fun, but we need it again.

After all, if two of my favorite teams can win championships in the same year, that would be sweet.

However, the point of this story is not just to celebrate the Hawks recent success, but to tell you, NEVER STOP!  You may accomplish one goal.  After that, its time to set others.  The wheel of life stops spinning when you stop dreaming.  I have dreams.  Some are attainable, some need more work.  However I will not rest until I get there.  In media, transportation, family, health, life, I will do it!  And won't stop until I do.

I am telling you all the same thing.  You may feel tired, sad, broken, but the human spirit will live on and so will you.  Go get that shit, break those records and get that cup and drink from it.  Never settle.

And you tell them Coach Q, never settle for first place.  Strive to be champions!!!!

Keeping it real,
MRJ

CAN'T WORRY ABOUT THEM

I had an opportunity tonight to find out if people were talking badly about me.  A bonafide opportunity, and I took a pass.

This is how I know I am growing more comfortable in my skin and becoming less insecure.  This is how I know I'm growing and I guess what some may call in the biz, a breakthrough.  I guarantee you a year or so ago, I would swallow that red pill and see how much shit was down there.

But not today.

It's hard for us to function when we think people, especially friends, family, co-workers, etc are "talking shit" about us.  Sometimes one may find themselves ruminating wondering what they say, and what they did to deserve it.  I think there are five guidelines we must keep in mind when dealing with this situation.

1-If someone can't step to you and tell you what they think about you, that is not your problem.  That is theirs.  Obviously they have no spine, class, or could give a shit about you so they choose to handle their issues with you without involving you.  Sure things may sting when you hear about them being said, but know thyself.  Know what you are, and let others think what they will.  This also brings me to number two.

2-Always remember to consider the source.  Not only the source of who is talking nasty, but the one who is telling you.  First off, why is this person telling you?  Are they trying to be a friend, start drama, bored?  Ask yourself that question.  Then remember rule number one.  If they can't say it to your face, they don't deserve a place.  The place I referring to is your brain.  Put it out of your mind.

3-People talk shit all the time.  Always remember unless its inflammatory or serious, everyone nitpicks about people.  We all annoy each other every once in a while.  Don't take it personal.

4-If someone does talk about you behind your back, think about what was the nicest thing that person has done for you.  If it strikes a chord, then you might want to deal with it.

5-The only person you can make happy is you.  As I always say right about this time, everyone else, fuck 'em if they can't take a joke.

No one likes drama.  When you speak about people, the best way to do so is always say anything you are not afraid of coming back to you.  If you stand behind your beliefs, no one can push you around.  I read a crazy Venezuelan guy said that once who managed a World Series winning baseball team.  He knows some things about life.

Life is too short to worry about what others think of you.  Do well, live well, speak well; be kind to others and only kick people in the ass when they really need it.  That's my rule.  Whatever works for you is yours.

Keeping it real,
MRJ

HATING

Well nice win by the Hawks there.  I hate the team they play, but that's sports.  There's always room for hating in sports.  My teams are either hated for being good, hated for being on the south side or hated for being doofus central, but I stick with them anyway.

However, when it comes to life, one must ask themselves, is it necessary?

One thing I learned in July was how to let go of things.  Try not to take things too personally.  I still to this day struggle with it but I find myself improving as well.  My anger is still an Achilles heel towards my growth, but I have learned how to control it better.  However, my anger is a part of me.  It was instilled in me when I was little due to many factors.  I grew up around anger in my household, I was angry at the world, I was angry for getting picked on, I was angry for my mother's passing.  In short, I was one angry mother fucker.

These days I ask myself, what the hell should I be angry about in the long scheme of things?

When  I try to answer, I really can't think of anything.

Sure I have days when business and work bother me.  Who doesn't?  There are struggles in the house, but love conquers them all.  I have lingering issues going on and noise coming in.  Sometimes you just need to get the remote and turn the volume.  I have lived a life where I feel like I need to constantly be on.  For the first time ever, I don't feel that way.  Do I have stress and deadlines?  Of course.  Do I feel overwhelmed?  Absolutely.  However, I will not let this creep into my every minute of the day.  I try to ground myself to stay in the moment, rather than look forward to the future.  I do not have a crystal ball or Miss Cleo's psychic powers, therefore why stress?

We all fear the future.  In the days of good old MJP I always said don't fear the future, fear right now.  I said that because when things are happening right now, they make sense.  Well at the time I didn't but looking back, it makes sense.  I said it as a catchy slogan for my TV show.  It was cool wasn't it?

When you work to eliminate hate from your life, you bring other great feelings in.  We all have a multitude of feelings we deal with on a daily basis.  Things that happen to us are neutral.  We assign them meaning through our emotions.  If it rains, it just rains.  We decide whether we want to be pissed about it or not.  We decide if we are going to become blue due to the drops hitting the window.  When someone speaks to you, their words are just words.  Unless that person assigns the meaning, then one must respond and not react.

This is one of those practice what you preach moments for me, but I am working on it.  I ask we all work on it together.  If we master the skill, we can't lose.  No need to hate, when there is so much to love.  God gives you life every day.  Make it count and mean something through your actions and response, not through your reactions and feelings.  And always remember what Sofia said to David in Vanilla Sky...

Yeah you and me.  I think we'll be just fine.

Keeping it real,
MRJ

BULLET IN THE CHAMBER AIMED AT THE FAN

Tonight is the Elimination Chamber, which in my opinion is one of the best matches the WWE has to offer.  However the match featured in the chamber is to decided the number one contender for the World Heavyweight title at Wrestlemania 29 at Met Life stadium in April.  Good thing there is some suspense for that title, since the "John Cena Problem" has puked all over the other story line.

Along with the chamber match, you will see four titles on the line and a pre match which includes a new tag team that is sure to keep the P in G. And ofcourse, the greatest thing in WWE right now THE SHIELD fighting three bitches.  Let's take a look at these matches and get my thoughts as well...

PRESHOW MATCH
BRODUS CLAY/TENSAI VS. DAMIEN SANDOW/CODY RHODES
What a waste of Sandow's talent here,and I don't know about you but this little move to tag Clay and Albert together does not make me want to watch either one of them any more.  I am pissed off that Sandow is teamed up with Rhodes again to kick off this PPV.  Sandow should be in the damn chamber!  My prediction for this match is Sandow/Rhodes because any normal person would book them to win this match, unless they want Rhodes to turn face.

UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP
ANTONIO CESARO VS. THE MIZ
If you haven't seen this on Raw, let me give it to you...

Now I don't know about you, but I haven't seen anything that cool on WWE television in quite some time.  Since Miz agreed to this, he will most likely win tonight.  

DIVAS CHAMPIONSHIP

KAITLYN VS. TAMINA SNUKA 

Kaitlyn may have an impressive run as the Diva's champion but is she strong enough to hold the division up?  Does the WWE trust the daughter of Jimmy "Suplerfly" Snuka?  Either way, I believe this will be as good as the match we saw Snuka in last year with Beth Phoenix with same result.  Kaitlyn winning, Snuka losing.  I think Kaitlyn has skills and a unique look.  I see her holding this title up until Sumerslam.

WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE MATCH

ALBERTO DEL RIO VS THE BIG SHOW

Alberto Del Rio has won me over as a babyface champ.  I actually like him now.  Not so annoying, and the Big Show may be one of the most animated giants in wrestling history.  He has done a hell of a job in helping Del Rio get over as a babyface, and I don't believe that stops now.  Del Rio for the win and Show will have a new program, BUT I see Ziggler cashing in tonight, and losing.

THE ELIMINATION CHAMBER

RANDY ORTON V JACK SWAGGER V DANIEL BRYAN V KANE V CHRIS JERICHO V MARK HENRY

Wow what a mess of stuff here.  First the obvious elephant in the room would be the disintegration of Team Hell No.  I think we are going to see Kane and Bryan go after each other here to spark the meltdown of all that great anger management training and their Tag Team Title reign.  Swagger will most likely develop some kind of feud here with one of the participants.  The one thing I think is for sure no Orton or Jericho winning as well.  My money is on Mark Henry winning this and going to Wrestlemania.  I can see a huge program with Del Rio on the horizon.  If Ziggler cashes in, Orton without question wins.

THE SHIELD VS JOHN CENA, RYBACK, SHEAMUS

I would love nothing more but for the Shield to go in and kick the living shit out of these three thugs.  They have hijacked wrestling and turned it into a disneyland camp where they sodomize Mickey.  The kids love them, but lets be real, is wrestling really for kids?  How many matches have been screwed up thanks to Cena.  However, they need to make Cena look strong going into Wrestlemania and what better way to do it then kill the heat of one of the most successful things the WWE has done in a while.  The three jackasses will win, no matter how much I BELIEVE IN THE SHIELD.

WWE CHAMPIONSHIP-NO HOLDS BARRED

THE ROCK VS CM PUNK

And yes, this gay rematch.  We know how this goes, Rock wins, goes to Mania loses to Cena, kids everywhere are happy and want to Be a Star.  However, wouldn't it be cool if Rock loses.  And why should he win?  He has some movie out called Snitch.  The movie should be called bitch because he is one.  How dare he just waltz in the WWE and win the title and not have to work?  Yes I know its good for business, but we don't want the John Cena Problem to continue.  

There it is, my picks for Elimination Chamber tonight.  Love to hear your thoughts.  

Keeping it real,

MRJ