There was something said the other day that struck me as impeccable genius in its simplicity: the earth is spinning and changes the flow of air. The important part to me here is the continuous spinning of the world. I sometimes believe it is centered on me because I am literally the center of my universe. I must remind myself that I am not the center of the Universe.

We woke up a little early today full of energy. It's interesting when waking up early with a plan for the day. The plan was set the day before, and I must remind myself to stay focused on the tasks ahead. The world is spinning with or without me. It is my duty to be involved in this world.

Let's switch gears because of a recent book I am reading (listening to). The world is temporary. We recently discussed how we move forward while knowing it's all temporary. This book provided a somewhat answer that flips the question on its head. We enjoy life more because we are aware of the temporary nature of it all. We realize that people will pass away from this world, and we take the time more serious because we know it is finite and precious.

This is akin to renting a spicy red convertible on vacation. We do not miss the convertible when it's gone. We enjoyed every moment with that convertible as we drove the scenic highways. We put the top down and take care to enjoy this because our sedan doesn't have the same feeling. This works with our relationships as well. Everything in this world is borrowed. This is not permanent. The people we met on vacation are the same: temporary. They are single-serving friends.

When we get back from that vacation, we may be inspired to go get a spicy convertible of our own because we enjoyed it so much. Would we cry over the loss of this car? No, of course we wouldn't. Why do we cry over the loss of relationships? Relationships provide a deeper and longer-lasting sense of happiness than things ever could. These relationships, however temporary, are worth the time. They were not time wasted. The difference may come in when trying to replace the relationship after we return from this vacation. We know there is an end, and we know the date, and we understand it can all be different in an instant. We do have the choice to stay permanently in this vacation spot and buy that car, and we can enjoy those roads for as much time as we can. Getting the most out of time may be better than getting the most time. Quality v. quantity dispute arises here. We may be told that quality matters over the quantity, and we can believe this. Hell, it might be true. How do we handle life when we believe the people will leave?

This is a question I pondered, and continue to ponder, over the past few months. I am growing as a person, as a person of substance and internal fortitude. I am becoming a person of power. This power is power over self, it is control. We can all see how life takes us for a ride instead of us steering the ship. When we are distracted by the little, day-to-day trifles, we are taken away from captaining the ship. We have the ability to steer the ship, and, somehow, we forget this in the moment. We neglect the future to handle the little things. The little things do matter. This is not the argument being made. The argument is that we cannot allow those unimportant activities to take our time while we are wanting something different out of life.

The goals in life can get pushed aside by the search for simple, quick pleasures. A bump of drugs (choose your favorite) is gratifying, no doubt. It gives us the high we want. It can be that glass of wine, it can be that puff of the herb, or it could be the simple pleasure of insufflation. These do not last, and I cannot find the benefit in doing such things. I have grown from a child who sought these pleasures to a man who understands the wasted nature of such things. This is time wasted. How does one account for this? Moderation is said to be key in this instance. Like everything in this world, a good servant but a terrible master. Be the master of yourself, and do not allow the outside world to be your master, do not allow your thoughts to be the master either.

Thoughts are a topic receiving much discussion throughout these writings. They occur with and without effort. Intentional thinking is beneficial. It allows us to think through situations and come to conclusions. Thought allows, that's science. Thoughts of the unintentional brand are typically criticisms of ourselves and the outside world. Is it just this? This forever? Do the thoughts have control, or is it our choice to act in accordance with principles and beliefs while leaving thoughts do themselves?

We will grow in ways we cannot predict and in patterns we cannot understand. The growth of self and learning is of utmost importance to keep the ship right. Right the ship, we may say. This can be our mantra moving forward. What happens when we slip one day, and we slip again the next, and we ruin the habit? This takes that intentional type of thinking. This is where the work comes in. A meditation practice can prepare our mind to handle those unintentional thoughts. We can let them pass and get back to what was in front of us. Take control; this ain't easy. None of this shit is easy. Remember?

This is Learning Made Hard.