Author: View from the ground

 

“[A] quotation is a handy thing to have about, saving one the trouble of thinking for oneself, always a laborious business.” (The Record Lie) ― A.A. Milne, If I May

“Quotation, n: The act of repeating erroneously the words of another.” ― Ambrose Bierce, The Unabridged Devil’s Dictionary

My cunning ploy has been revealed. Start the blog with a quote, using someone else’s words and I don’t even have to think.

Or, is there another reason? Is it that I just like quotes? Who know and, to be frank, you probably aren’t that bothered really.

So here we are, for those of us who recognise it, Christmas is almost here. Clearly, with the days of commercialism the true meaning of Christmas gets shrouded in presents, parties, Father Christmas, and all of the wonderful fun that it brings. But, in these troubled days, it is so important – for those whose religious beliefs recognise it – that we remember the true meaning and also that through those beliefs, we seek to spread peace, happiness, love and unity with all.

Okay, that the serious stuff – from the heart. But, I’m sure you’re more interested in the fun and celebrations. I’m certainly looking forward to some serious celebrating and family time as the extended #TeamDuke aka #TeamDurky gather together to celebrate that we are able to gather together as one. Who would have thought it 12 months ago? We are truly so lucky to be one.

They say 12 months is a long time but the last 12 months has shot by. This time last year #TeamDuke, aka me, Ben and Liv as the core, were getting ready for our first Christmas as a 3 and we were focussed on making it truly special. Despite a little sideshow that was playing out through out Christmas and New Year we had a magnificent time. Thank you to the many that contributed. We will always, always be grateful. You’ll never know how important you were.

It’s been a year to rejoice: –

* Very shortly Audrey and I will have been together for a year. Audrey’s effect on me can never be truly expressed in words. She came along at a time when I wasn’t sure where I was going on a personal level. Lacking in confidence and struggling with trust. But Audrey has brought real magic and love to me – but also to Ben and Liv.
* Gaby has come into Ben’s life and, again, brought magic to him. A real diamond! I’ll leave it there to avoid any embarrassment.
* Ben has also secured a great job where he is showing Just what great potential he has. As you would guess, I’m rather proud.
* Liv – back at university and has settled in magnificently and has done done incredibly well with her first exams. She’s also got a job and is enjoying being part of event security. Liv has grown so well and I’m very proud of her.
* And we have our first dog – Ringo aka Dufus. We are so lucky to have such a lovable creature in our family. I think Zeekee quite likes him.

That’s just the immediate #TeamDuke/Durky stuff. Sorry if it’s a bit self indulgent but I’m so proud of where our journey has brought us all – so far.

One of the purposes in sharing our story is to encourage others to reflect of their own stories and, hopefully, celebrate what has been achieved. It is so easy to pick out the bad bits of the year. Hell, those who have regularly read my blogs will know I can veer a little too much towards to looking at the bad stuff. Poor me? Not at all. But, if you want to pour me a cup of tea I’d be happy to talk about why, sometimes, I just need to say it as it is.

But, as I said, we should celebrate what we have. Breathe in the good and roar out the bad. Perhaps find an empty beach – and then run up and down for 10 minutes. Okay, a minute. On the outward run, towards the sea, wave your arms celebratory. You’ve just won the lottery. And, then on the inward run, towards a bench, roar out that bad stuff. You’ve just realised you forgot to go to the shop to do the lottery. See how many times you can do this. Even if it doesn’t quite do the trick immediately, it will make you laugh. And even if it doesn’t make you laugh, it will make me laugh at the idea you’ve just done it.

Easier said than done? I guess it’s a choice we all have and it’s a daily choice as to how we face each day. I for one have to think about that as we fall into 2018. As I have said, 2017 has had lots to celebrate. Yet, I still spend too much time walking around with a face like a slapped backside.

Crazy – I have a wonderful and loving partner, a wonderful son and daughter. As the Killers would say, it’s all ‘wonderful, wonderful’. Add to that the amazing family, including Eilidh, Liam, and Gaby, and friends. Not forgetting Ringo, Zeekee, and Susie (Audrey’s dog). We have a lovely house, I have a job I enjoy etc etc. And yet, a face like a bulldog chomping on a wasp.

How many of us do that though? We forgot the wonderful things in our lives and concentrate on one thing that annoys us – it might be a bill that has just arrived; it might be the weather; it might be the traffic. Whatever, but it’s something that for some reason we allow it to become more important than feeling grateful and happy. Maybe we need to find that beach to breathe in the joy and roar out that bad stuff.

As I said, it’s going to take work on a daily basis. As I write this I know I could quite easily slide into a not so good mood. Crazy – it’s a few days before Christmas; I’m on holiday from work; I’m seeing Audrey for lunch. What the hell is wrong with me? But, that’s just it. Nothing, apart from I’d like to have slept a bit longer, so I am at risk of that taking over my thinking rather that preparing, not only for a great day but for a great few days and a magnificent life.

So, as #TeamDuke/Durky prepare for our turkey, or vegetarian option, I for one need to keep coming back to basics – back to love, back to reality (sounds like a blog from last year). What an awesome year it has been. Yes, there have been some downs. But the ups outweigh everything and I am so grateful.

Right, time to breathe in the good and roar out the bad because today is going to be a great day.

I wish you all happiness, health, and fun. If you celebrate Christmas, I hope you enjoy a wonderful time.

Love to all.

 

Jon 

 

A simple seasonal greeting at a time of year when we hope that peace, happiness, fun, laughter, love and joy can by felt be all.

 

Jon

“Hope that a thousand dreams not lost
Reach out when the birds sing
And lead you home” – taken from A Place To Stay (Victories At Sea)

Cheese strings ham pie? Now there’s a book title to think about. It will have Jamie Oliver turning in his griddle. Or Gordon Ramsey having an f**king kitchen nightmare.

“Dragonfly out in the sun, you know what I mean, don’t you know. Butterflies all havin’ fun, you know what I mean. Sleep in peace when day is done: that’s what I mean. And this old world is a new world and a bold world” – as sung by many and what wonderful words from the pens of Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse.

Welcome to another, yes another grounded view from the, well, ground. Here we are, nearly mid December and nearly the passing of another year. And, I hope that year has been a beautiful one for you. I know the View From The Ground blogs have been my opportunity to share the year of #TeamDuke / Durky and I am grateful to everyone for sharing the year with us.

And grateful, or gratitude, is the bus stop I have chosen to step off the bus at for my ramblings contained within this latest blog. Yep, it’s featured in earlier blogs but it is something that has really hit me in the face like smashes by a tuna whilst gliding around the blue seas.

The thing is, sometimes situations get you down and then it is easy to grab a mat and start sliding down the helter-skelter of despondency. It perhaps feels easier to focus on the have not, can not, and will not, rather than the have, can, and will. True? Well, that’s certainly been a situation I’ve been in.

In truth, I had a choice and, for some bizarre reason, I chose to feel sorry for myself. Mad!

So, apologies if the last couple of blogs have been a bit down in the mouth and, perhaps, a little negative.

But, this blog is a new dawn, a new day – following a right, royal kick up the bum…………….. by me.

What is the point of focusing on the ‘nots’? The nots tie you up in the knots!! And then the knots restrain you and all you can think about is the nots. Well, time to tell the nots to get (un)knotted.

Easier said than done? I can understand why it’s easy to think that but let me talk you through a simple exercise I am working on. It’s something, if I am to be totally honest, that I did a couple of years ago to great effect but, as with a lot of things, I lost sight of the importance of this exercise when I started to look too much AT the ground rather than taking my view FROM the ground. In other words, was looking down instead of up. Too much looking back rather than in the here and now, and at what’s in front of me.

The exercise? To be grateful. And by that I mean TRULY grateful. Not in an evangelical sort of way – unless that’s how you chose to see things – but more of a personal way to me.

It’s not rocket science when the opening gratitudes are waking up and being able to see, walk, talk and think.

But after that, it’s chocks away. Just think, being grateful for something as simple as a mug of tea. However, having a roof over my head, clean water, a kettle, electricity, a mug, and ……………….. a tea bag all come into the gratitude. Then, there is the vision to see what I’m doing, the physical ability to make the tea and to be able to taste the nectar that is tea – not polluted by milk!

And, that’s just a mug of tea! But, in reality and from a personal perspective, I really had taken my eye off the truth of mine and # TeamDuke / Durky’s life – we are so lucky and we need to be grateful for it.

I was in Glasgow last weekend with Audrey and the number of homeless people on the streets was distressing. Their life possessions scattered around them. And then, I have had the audacity to complain about some trivial nonsense in my life. But, we do it don’t we? Don’t we??

The traffic is bad on the way to work. Bad? I should celebrate I have the means to get to work and I have a job to do when I get there and I am indoors, in a warm office, with good people.

I’ve got boring chicken soup for lunch. Boring? I have soup / food. I have the means to heat it – at work, where I have a job.

I could carry on about everything throughout the day where gratitude should be expressed but I’ll leave that as a thought for you.

And then during an evening walk with Ben we started talking about 13 Leeds Festivals we’ve been to and all of the incredible bands – famous bands; bands on the rise; bands who have reached a level but in our minds are brilliant. Yes, we are so grateful for the chance to see these bands – from Green Day to Gaslight Anthem to Eminem to Architects to Madness to Foo Fighters and so on. So lucky.

In a conversation with Audrey we were reflecting on all of the things we have done this year where, ideally, good weather would have been rather welcome. And, every-time, we had excellent weather. And we are grateful.

It’s amazing how, once you start thinking lucky; feeling grateful; not taking anything for granted – it all makes sense. If you haven’t tried it, I would recommend Just sitting down for a few minutes and thinking about how lucky you are – I truly hope. It has certainly helped me remove my poor me head out of my bottom. Poor me? Maybe not quite that bad, but I do look back on a couple of recent blogs with a bit of disappointment. The rest – I love them 😇.

As a closing thought, and very much linked to gratitude, I find it important to remember about the fragility of life and how it is easy to take good health for granted. The more I see and the more I feel, the more I know it is important to respect and celebrate good health and sound mental capacity every day. You just don’t know what could happen tomorrow. Imagine, waking up and not being able to remember yesterday or a yesteryear. Imagine, waking up and looking at your family and not knowing who they are. Imagine, waking up and not being able to do the simplest of things for yourself that you could do yesterday. Imagine, not waking up.

I say all of the above because, more than ever, I am so very grateful for everything I do have in my life. Thank you!

 

Jon

 

“Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.” – Oprah Winfrey

“At the end of the day, if I can say I had fun, it was a good day.” – Simone Biles

Words are weird, aren’t they. But it’s great to have fun with them. They can also be therapeutic, or cathartic, which is certainly something I have found through the blogs. Almost a release. Mainly a positive release. But, I accept, occasionally a release of, perhaps, negative energy.

So, hello again to another weird working of words for the latest View From The Ground. I hope you are well and working towards the completion of a successful year. Obviously, success comes in different shapes and forms but the key is to have that feeling of it being – hopefully – the best one yet.

I’m already reflecting on the year with real positivity. Yes, there’s been some lows – to be fair, all with a dementor related common theme. Dementor? I’ll leave that hanging like a …………………. well, dementor.

Treading over old ground? I wish. Unfortunately, old ground has a habit of trying to trip you up.

However #TeamDuke / Durky have risen like a phoenix from the flames. Like a roller trying to straighten the path ahead.

It’s funny, as I’ve mentioned before, I have been criticised for some of the references made in these blogs to Ben and Liv’s mother and her partner. Those who see fit to criticise, feel free. Your opinion is just that; your opinion.

I was taught to be honest and I am being honest in my blogs. That’s all I will say. It’s tiring always observing the poor me tactics that are served to Ben and Liv. I’m sure you’ll be tired of reference to it. Sorry. I guess that I hope by being honest about things others will learn. Hopefully.

Anyway, let’s move on.

Christmas is coming and the level of excitement in #TeamDuke / Durky is rising. Ben, Liv, Aud, and Gaby are bursting for Christmas. Me? I’m riding on the wave of their enthusiasm.

It’s going to be a special Christmas for us all, for varied reasons. But it will be special. Those Yule Tide vibes are coursing.

But, the importance of everybody having somebody at Christmas cannot be over stated. It breaks my heart at any time of year to see genuine people living on the streets. People who have been dealt a monumentally horrendous card in their life. People who are on the street through no fault of their own. But at Christmas, it just feels worse. The government is full of false statements of sorting the problem but they and many local councils do nothing to support those in need our help.

I’m not talking about people who choose to walk away from reality. I’m talking about people who have lost their job, who have no money and are kicked out on the streets.

I think we all have a responsibility to raise our voices; make some noise and work towards making a change. Let’s make sure the homeless don’t feel alone.

Okay, so far, that’s a dig at the ‘ex’, a rant and a rile at governments. What next? Let’s be positive.

As we step into Christmas and draw another year to a close, I do start to reflect on what I have learned. And the answer is …………………… love to love; love to live; and love to laugh. Now, the latter would make anyone I work with laugh out loud as, I accept, I am a real grump at the moment. Lots on my mind, lot to sort out etc. However, break through the armadillo like shell and, you’ll see, I’m laughing inside.

I’ve been blessed this year. I have found my true partner in Audrey. Found? Yes, I know, we work at the same company. However, little did we know. But, Audrey, aka The Wee One, is magic on two legs. I’ve talked before about her gift of unconditional love. When you are lucky enough to be brought together with such magic, it’s a true blessing. Thank you.

Watching Ben and Liv grow this year has been inspirational. Despite side show distractions they have grown beyond recognition. Thank you.

Gaby has now entered our world and brought such happiness to Ben. A welcome addition to the Team. Thank you.

Ringo and Zeek have provided such love to the family home. Yes, the family home has been restored to its finer self – rather than the sacred launchpad for the ascendancy to the 12th dimension to regress to a past life and heal the world. Now, it’s home to #TeamDuke / Durky. Thank you.

Sounds like a bit of a year ending blog. Well, watch this space for that. At some point I need to get the Bl00dy book sorted. That’s a great sales pitch – here’s my Bl00dy book. Please buy it! I’ll have a think about a better sales campaign.

And, there it is. You’ll (be) tired of my rants, I certainly am. However, that’s it. Done. No more. I’ve cleaned out the closet. Said what was there. Probably too many times. I’ve had the blog checked to ensure its content is okay. It’s from the heart and, from here on in, that heart will grow from the love that TeamDuke / Durky feed it.

So, until the next time, love to all.

 

Jon

“Opinion is the medium between knowledge and ignorance.” – Plato

“My psychiatrist told me I was crazy and I said I want a second opinion. He said okay, you’re ugly too.” – Rodney Dangerfield

Interesting quotes to unleash another barrage of wordy (note, not worldly) observations on life as we know it from Base Camp #TeamDuke aka #TeamDurky.

Following the last blog – TIME FOR THE TRUTH – this is another step away from our journey – although pardon me for occasional references. It’s more a case of another look over the wall at stuff that I hope is of interest. Maybe controversial to some. Never meant to offend. But just the View From The Ground on which I walk.

As regular readers will know, I find life interesting. These days, it’s full of love, laughter, and joy. Everyone deserves this at a very minimum. I wish I could find a way to spread it. Like a domino effect. Imagine. That’s part of the plan with the blogs and the eventual book (yes, yes, I know I keep going on about the book. It will come. I’m sure 😄).

But I hope the blogs provide a smile, and give hope – for everyone. I have reflected on some of the darker things in the past, but without that darkness I wouldn’t be able to see the bright light that shines now – family and friends alike provide that beacon. Of course, Ben, Liv, Aud, Eilidh, Liam, and Gaby are the core of #TeamDurky but we are lucky to have some many more people with us.

As those of you who have read the blogs over the last couple of years – via These Wings Can fly or my own site, View From The Ground – I have spiritual leanings. It could be said at one stage those leanings were so severe I nearly fell over.

Severe? Let’s explore. I suppose it’s all down to interpretation. I started on a path of believing that good starts from within and by sharing that good we could work towards building a strong world. In the theory, pretty good. I still feel like that.

But, for a time it all became way too serious. A strange belief in things I didn’t actually understand. Strange connections with people I didn’t and still don’t understand. Beautiful connections with others who remain friends. You know who you are.

I love the beliefs of some who I remain connected with from those strange days. I am maybe not entirely of the same thinking anymore but I have a deep respect for their views – so my following words are my tongue in cheek view and are not to offend – honestly 😄.

11:11. The same number – twice, but with the ability to send people into a complete tailspin. I’m sure you’ve seen it. “What time is it?”. “11 : 11”. “11 : 11 11 : 11????? Wayyyyyyyyyyyyheyyyyyyyyyyy. Do you know what that means?” “Yep – 1 hour and 49 minutes until lunch”.

But, I know to many there is a deeper meaning. Here’s 1 explanation: –

“Some numerologists believe that events linked to the time 11:11 appear more often than can be explained by chance or coincidence. This belief is related to the concept of synchronicity. Some authors claim that seeing 11:11 on a clock is an auspicious sign.”

Interesting, but I see the numbers a lot. However, as I type this I see 20 : 45 – wayyyyyyyheyyyyyy. That means ………… it’s quarter to nine.

I’m not being disrespectful. Perhaps I should go with it and believe I’m seeing an auspicious sign, until it becomes 11 : 12.

What about 144,000. Now, here there are biblical connections, which I truly do respect. But too many people seem to have hijacked this number for their own reasons – I believe. Or, at least the 144 bit, or even 1444. Yes, a bit of extra 4play.

What time is it?”. “14 : 44”. “14 : 44. 14 : 44????? Wayyyyyyyyyyyyheyyyyyyyyyyy. Do you know what that means?” “Yep – 5 hours and 16 minutes to my evening meal”.

I’m not been critical but, to m 14 : 44 = 16 minutes to 3.

But, then, I have a small obsession with the number 23. It started with a film (starring the rather unique Jim Carrey). The Google biog states “A man’s (Jim Carrey) discovery of an obscure book about the number 23 leads him on a descent into darkness. As he becomes more obsessed with its contents, he becomes more convinced that it is, in fact, based on his life. To his horror, he discovers grave consequences in store for the book’s main character.”

Bizarre isn’t it? 23 for a while was a focus. I smile now but what happens when you start to believe a number is more significant than it is?

Looking at the clock and seeing 13: 40 makes me smile. Why? Let’s just say on a working day it signifies we are well into the day 😀.

But I do understand the fascination with numerology. A good friend provided me with a numerology report and it is really interesting – using numbers as a whole. But not to run round in circles like an excited dog because it’s sixteen minutes to three or eleven minutes past eleven. 11 11 is significant as a date – for that there is no doubt in world history. It may also have some significance as two numbers together but as a time? I’ll let you know. I might get a phone call today at eleven minutes past eleven to tell me I’ve got a deal to write the book.

Right, I think that all adds up to 2,953.

It’s funny, when you reflect on numbers in general. Number 1 – regarded as being the top of something. But, you could see the number as the start of something. Which is it? In the employment world where companies use appraisal system, so have number one as being a top performer whereas others have number as under performing. Confused? Yep!

Make that 2,954.

Thanks to everyone who read TIME FOR THE TRUTH. It means a lot that so many read and liked it. I really want to see a shift in how mental health is viewed and managed. With that in mind
I want to finish with some lyrics. This is very much connected to mental health. The focus is on the importance of believing in yourself. If you believe in yourself you are completely on the right path.

I stumbled across this awesome song by American band, Boxer Rebellion – “Love Yourself”. The words speak for themselves. I hope that they connect with you.

“You told yourself
“I’d write a letter today”
Tell the world that you would hurt yourself
Can’t look in mirror much less anyone else

You try to move on from here
But you look like a ghost alive
You can’t think always running in place
A lost soul that won’t show his face

But I know you’re just someone who’s feeling all alone
You’re just someone who doesn’t seem to know which way to turn
If you just ask for help, if you just ask for help
First thing I’ll say is you gotta love yourself

Find it hard to take
Hard to take even the best of praise
A pair of hands that became too tough
A growing armour for whatever they might touch

But I know you’re just someone who’s feeling all alone
You’re just someone who doesn’t seem to know which way to turn
If you just ask for help, if you just ask for help
First thing I’ll say is you gotta love yourself

But I know you’re just someone who’s feeling all alone
You’re just someone who doesn’t seem to know which way to turn
If you just ask for help, if you just ask for help
First thing I’ll say is you gotta love yourself
You gotta love yourself, you gotta love yourself” – Boxer Rebellion

So, there you go. And I’d better go. It’s seven minutes to eight. Wait – 7:53? Think about it – if you add 5 and 3 then take away 7, you get 1. Wow!

 

Jon 🤡

 

“I was quiet, but I was not blind” – Jane Austen

“A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes.” – Charles Spurgeon

Welcome to the latest (spellcheck actually changed that to ‘last’ – well spotted Audrey. Although maybe ………), slightly different view from the ground. Different? Well, sort of. This time, just this time, it’s less #TeamDuke; more observational – but still with my happy, sunny disposition sprinkled over it like fairy dust. Glittering in a late summer sun. Warm glow spreading like a warm glow.

Observational? Bu99er! Does that mean I’m going to have a rant? Nooooooooo.

However, as a bit(ter) of an experiment I thought I’d start with a bold title. Maybe to draw the nay sayers? Who knows – or should that be who noses? It can be an interesting experiment- to use a title which catches the eye, but has no real relevance to the subject matter.

Anyway, all welcome onboard, including those who don’t quite get it.

I guess I want this blog to act as a look at another subject that I have a deep passion about. Rugby league? Not today. Indian food? There’s a thought, but no. The ‘S’ word? I’m not sure that it’s appropriate in this media to discuss that. I’m aware that some readers aren’t interested in my obsession about Spain.

I read an article stating that up to 300,000 people a year in the UK leave their jobs due to mental health issues. That’s the population of a medium town.

I also read James Arthur state that he believes his success on the X Factor in the UK was the catalyst for his mental health difficulties. This is a man who has the world at his feet and he has the bravery, yes bravery, to discuss his mental health in public.

Now, believe it or not, there are conspiracy theorists who would state that the mass attention on mental health is the creation of others with an ulterior motive, maybe to strike fear into the hearts of the vulnerable population. Well, and I’ll try and be polite here ……………………… BOLLOCKS! TIME FOR THE TRUTH! Wake up world, mental health / emotional well being is a growing challenge.

The conspiracy theorists speak other ridiculous nonsense but let’s not go there. As I always say, everyone is entitled to an opinion.

It’s not new, but it’s growing.

But, the encouraging thing is people are now talking about their own mental health challenges openly – famous people and ordinary folk alike.

Mental illness / depression lives in a lot of people. Many find a way to combat it on a personal or spiritual level. But many refuse to recognise that those dark moments in life; those days and weeks when the battle to get out of bed is overwhelming; when all you want to do is close the door and be left alone; when thoughts stray into wondering whether your life is worth anything.

My truth is one of realising something was not quite right in 2004. I won’t go into the circumstances but I remember there being a slow built which manifested in mood swings – increasingly swinging from dark to black. I remember days of sitting in a chair in the house and growling at anyone who dared to speak to me.

The key for me though was realising enough was enough before I descended into the real depths. I initially spoke to a helpline but eventually, one day, got up from my desk at work and announced I was going to the doctor.

As they say, the rest is history. A short spell off work (2 weeks), eventual intake of medication (only for 6 months), and lots of talking about how I’d got to where I was.

The key was the talking. Family and friends were very supportive, as was my employer. Another key was to recognise this as an illness not a weakness. For weeks and months I constantly asked myself ‘what is wrong with me?’. I then worried about losing my job, and that could mean much worse. This all built up in my head to the point of being at the fork in the road – deal with it or slide into a place where I didn’t want to go.

And, through all of the above, things slowly moved back to ‘normal’.

But, actually, normal is realising that mental well being is always there and needs daily attention. The threat of depression wandering along and tapping you on the shoulder is always there.

It shouldn’t be feared, though, it should be recognised that it IS an illness. It IS real but it is something that – together we can combat and overcome.

It is so Important to know there is always someone to talk to. Someone who will not judge you. Someone who will not make you feel like you are weak. This was oh so important to me when I realised my depression had swept in again last year. Again, I won’t go into the why – although I think regular readers of the blogs will have a good stab at it. Am I bitter, no! At the time was I? Hell, yes!!

But, the depression did strike and, again, the realisation of the need to talk was critical. Friends, family, and my employer were all incredibly supportive.

I guess this time the cause was more obvious so the way forward was clearer. But, that need to talk was so important. That feeling of not being judged was critical in the self recovery.

And – through not being judged, that understanding it is all illness not a weakness was a relief.

Too many people are too ready to judge. Am I judging? Maybe I am. I am aware that there may be those who observe my observations with a critical eye. Obviously, I love the idea of as many people reading my blogs as possible. The aim is to help and, hopefully, entertain. If they cause any offence or if you read too deeply into my intentions – sorry. Maybe time to pick up a different blog site. I am so very grateful for the wonderful support the blogs receive and I hope for that to continue. If it gets to the point they are not achieving their objective, the View From The Ground will close it’s eyes and slip into a deep meditation for some time.

So, there you have it. The truth. Well, it’s my truth and I know we should all stand it our truth.

Take care. It’s a crazy old world. But, it’s in our hands to turn the tide.

 

Jon

“When you got a view so clear. Ain’t no fear of falling. The sky’s the limit. So dive on in it. Go, fly you’re colours. So high above us. You’re just beginning. So don’t look down, cause the sky’s the limit!” – Nik Kershaw

“Once we accept our limits, we go beyond them.” – Albert Einstein

The view from the ground of the sky. Now there’s a thought. I don’t know about you but I love looking at the sky. It’s patterns, and how those patterns form fascinates me.

What, a blog about the sky? There’s a thought, but no.

Have you ever used that expression ‘that’s as good as it gets’ or ‘it can’t get better than that’? I have, regularly – as a positive expression about an event. But, for some reason, my mind has wandered about these expressions – like a dog ambling through leaves, looking for its ball only to return with a stick.

Yes – here’s another blast of my unconscious consciousness, or as I like to say, a dive into my ever explored mind. Although, sometimes, it’s like trying to mine in a puddle.

It’s an interesting world, wouldn’t you say? Ignorant leaders and politicians; money makers grabbing money from those without money; national and international media reporting nonsense whilst out beautiful planet implodes and poor souls escape with their worldly possessions from one wealth-less country into another wealth-less country.

There is more money (what is money?) in the world for poverty to be wiped out. But the rich get richer – saving for their rainy day – whilst the poor get drowned in their monsoon day.

Sorry for the rant. I guess even my happy, smiling, positive disposition gets repositioned occasionally. I feel for the masses who are scraping a living whilst the few dance through opulence and frivolity that we could only dream about.

But, fear not, happy Jon is back. A quick look around the place that #TeamDuke have established as home – a rare time when in the living room I have Audrey, Ben, Liv, Ringo and Zeekee. A greater wealth a man could not wish for. And, that the starting point. What is wealth? Money? Properties? Jewellery? Flashy and numerous cars?

I guess what I’ve listed is all about materialism and, to some, that is important. Fair play, if that’s your thing, who am I to judge?

But, my wealth is right in front in me – or, as I write this, nestled right into my shoulder. It’s easy to forget, when things are hectic or one of your ‘life glasses’ (I’ll explain that one in a minute) is emptying, what you have in life. It becomes too easy to focus on what you don’t have. If I’m honest, for me, personally, it’s been one of those weeks. So, this blog is almost me telling me.

So, life glasses – what am I on about? Well, I’ve had this thinking for a long time now that in life we have a collection of glasses. Each glass represents a part of our life – family, friends, finance, employment, health, emotional wellbeing and so on. The aim is, of course, to have each glass as full as possible. If we ever get to the point where a glass overflows we look to use that surplus to improve someone else’s life. In other words, where we have surplus finance, perhaps we use it to help others.

But, then there are those times when one or more of the life glasses is rather low. And, it can then be easy to focus on that life glass being empty rather than recognising how full all of your other life glasses are.

Am I making sense? I hope so. I guess that’s been me this week. One of those glasses was definitely running low and, rather than celebrating how lucky I am with every other glass, I got caught up with being miserable and angry about the deficit in one glass.

You see, even I get it wrong. But the key is to learn, understand, refill and move on.

Anyway, the sky’s the limit, and ‘that’s as good as it gets’, what is that all about? I guess it’s my take on how we maybe programme our minds into a state of limitation.

Bear with me, but it’s just my mind exploring the English language and how we use it. Think of another interaction we have – ‘Hi, how are you?’. ‘Not bad’. Effectively we are using a double negative to say we are good. So, why not say ‘good’ or ‘great’ or even better ‘awesome’. Just a thought, but, for me, it’s been a big shift since I stopped saying ‘not bad’. Go on, try it.

So, taking not bad / good as a good shift, what about ‘that’s as good as it gets’. I have to confess to saying- ‘that’s the best’ – but I usually add ‘so far’. Here’s an example – Ben and I went to see the mighty, mighty Leeds Rhinos win the Super League Grand Final and we both said ‘ that’s the best one so far’. There’s no doubt it was, but we said the same when we won 2 years ago. It’s a magnificent feeling. The tension in the week before the game is tough to take – and that’s just as a supporter. But, the feeling of euphoria and relief when we won is indescribable. Magic!

Back to ‘that’s as good as it gets’. Is it, or is it just a case of it’s as good as it gets in your experience up to that point in your life. So, with a small shift in your words to ‘that’s as good as I’ve enjoyed so far’, or even ‘that’s so good I want more of it’ (no rude comments please, I’m not being smutty. However …………….).

What we should be doing is aiming as high as possible. One of my favourite lines from a film remains ‘to infinity and beyond’ from Toy Story. So simple, but what a life statement. So, maybe the blog should be called ‘To infinity and beyond’. But as a starting point if the sky is where we aim, to the highest point of our vision, just imagine what we can achieve. Doesn’t that sound better than ‘it’s as good as it gets’? Let’s reach for the highest point and not limit ourselves to just getting to as good as it gets. Yes, let’s get to ‘good’ but then let’s go for ‘excellent’ and then beyond.

Limitations are a mindset. A mindset is what we implant. We implant what we choose. Let’s choose the sky’s the limit. So, as Nik says, let’s dive on in it.

Live your life to the full. Love your chances to the maximum. Laugh at everything you can find.

 

Jon