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Dreams, Get in the Game: It’s Just About… Life.

March 21, 2013 By markbrodinsky 3 Comments

dreams
Someone who follows this blog told me yesterday, of the more than 120 blogs I have written, it was the one about Dreams that stayed with them. I wrote that one nearly five months ago, but figured today, at the beginning of another weekend, I would repost. Pursuing a dream never gets old, and I’ve got a big update coming on mine. In the meantime, this blog is from March, 21, 2013:

More than a month ago I wrote a blog called “Dreams Do Come True”. It was all about Joe Flacco and the Ravens winning the Super Bowl. A big dream realized. A dream realized for them. So, how about you?

The Ravens winning the Super Bowl was their dream come true. What about you? The day after the big game life still happened, the sun came up, the sun went down, the world continued to spin on its axis, and so must the pursuit of YOUR dream. What I’m getting at is making sure the dream you have is yours and you are not just living vicariously through the lives of others who have seemingly reached the top. That is what makes life worthwhile and gives us purpose. The deal you need to make with yourself however, is to get in the game. Your game. Your dream.

Les Brown, in his book, Live Your Dreams, makes this statement: “Find out what it is you want and go after it as if your life depends on it. Why, because is does!” Leadership guru and author John Maxwell in his book, Put Your Dream to the Test, takes it one step further: “G-d has put a dream inside you. It’s yours and no one else’s. It declares your uniqueness. It holds your potential. Only you can birth it. Only you can live it. Not to discover it, take responsibility for it, and act upon it is to negatively affect yourself as well as those who would have benefited from your dream.”

I love that insight. Read the last sentence of that paragraph again. To not pursue your dream is not just cheating yourself out of a life well-lived, but you are cheating others out of your gift to them! Wow. Considering that fact that other people need you to actively work on and work toward your dream, might just give you inspiration to do so.

It is of paramount importance to take the time to think about and realize what your strengths, purpose and G-d given talents are driving you to do. If you don’t believe me, consider this: “If you are working on something exciting, that you really care about, you don’t have to be pushed. The vision pulls you.” The man who made this statement knows what he is talking about. For most of the years of his life he woke up every day trying to create something that could change the world with advances in technology and communication. It was not an overnight success. True success never is. The man’s name? Steve Jobs.

John Maxwell says this about success: “Success isn’t an event, – it’s a lifestyle. Dreams are fulfilled when someone performs with excellence day after day. That comes only if you work within an area of strength.” It is what I am trying to do on the pages of this blog, and in the future, in the pages of a book, many books. Sharing ideas, emotion and perspective is part of my purpose. I’m learning my strength comes from my ability to do so, and in turn, try to help other people to gain perspective and to become more.

I’m leveraging my talent to give back to the world in a way that I believe I can, in a way that can make a difference. With a vision in mind, with heart, with emotion, with a focus on gratitude, abundance and love. And I have to do so with consistency. No stops and starts. A journey with no true end, because the joy of the journey is what drives you. I don’t want to get there, I want to always be going there. If you reach the top of the mountain at some point you have to go down. I don’t want to descend, I want to ascend, and in doing so find a way to bring others with me. You.

So it’s your turn to think on your dream. Maybe you already have. Maybe you already do. Maybe you are already on the way. If not, take a step back and take a look at what you are all about. Deepak Chopra brings it all into perspective by asking you to ask these questions of yourself: “What do I want to do? What comes easy to me, but harder to others? What would I want to work on for a long time – even if I were never paid for it? And on the basis of those answers, what could I do to help the people around me?”

The dream doesn’t have to be big, but it should be bigger than you are. Something that you love to do, something you believe in. The most inspirational part of any dream is the beginning. Begin today.

I’m on the way. I hope you are too. Can’t wait to share our dreams together.

Until next time, thanks for taking the time.

Mark

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Comments

  1. Mark Brodinsky says

    August 17, 2013 at 8:07 am

    Reblogged this on Mark Brodinsky.

    Reply
  2. Marilyn Lefkowitz says

    August 17, 2013 at 10:53 am

    I might have recalled if I had read this particular one before Mark, but it appears that I hadn’t.
    Anyway, this was very, very good. In fact, this one was really excellent! Quite profound;-all your blogs are always so sincere & the same for this one!!

    Reply
    • Mark Brodinsky says

      August 17, 2013 at 11:30 am

      Thanks Marilyn. Have a great weekend!

      Reply

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Blog Reviews

Love seeing new blogs hit the ground running like this one (by a dad no less), but I also urge anyone vaguely interested in blogging to stay tuned, I am. Good luck on your journey – glad that I am along for the ride.

Rachel Blaufeld

Great blog Mark! I always appreciate reading what you have to say. You are very gifted and talented and hopefully someday you’ll not just blog, but write a book.

 Stephen Koncurat

I’m definitely along for the ride. We’ve all seen how much damage the written word can inflict. More positive writers are needed. And I love how you are using your personal experiences – those with your wife and children – and your gift of writing to open eyes and to inspire others.

Victoria Endicott

Absolutely beautifully written! The girls in your life must be very proud of you. Thanks for sharing Mark, I look forward to reading more!

Gina Glick Jolson

Very shortly this site will be famous amid all blogging and site-building users, due to it’s pleasant posts.

Leila Galloway

Absolutely beautiful! Are you at all thinking of penning a book? You’ve got a fan base out there that really thinks you should Mark. You write so eloquently. Glad that I got onto this site.

Marilyn Lefkowitz

Mark, You are truly a gifted writer and obviously, a special father and husband . Always a delight to read your words.

I’m speechless…beautiful words flow from your heart just like a gentle waterfall into a tranquil stream… thank you so much for the friend request I was blessed the day I clicked confirm.

Lynne Turner Dorsey

From your first writing in 4th grade entitled “People” which was published in the school newspaper, you have always been able to write. Never more so than when you started “Caringbridge” and now your blog, everyone who reads says what a wonderful writer you are. Our DREAM for you is to become an author and encourage people every day. You are by the far the best and we hope and pray you reach your dream.

Bonnie Brodinsky

I know you always thank us for reading but I would like to say thanks for writing.

Stuart Abell

Great piece. You are an inspiration!

Rob Commodari

Mark I just wanted to let you know that you are succeeding in your “ultimate goal”. I have gained so much from your blogs. I look forward to reading them for the special lift that they give me. Thank you.

Amy F.

I love waking up and starting my day with my coffee and your blog! It a great way to start my day with positive uplifting thoughts!! It puts me in a positive frame of mind throughout the day and allows me to reflect on my personal life, make changes, and grow !!!

Gayle Blank

You are quite talented Mark. Thanks for sharing!

Cynthia

I always look forward to your Blog Mark. Thanks for sharing and as you always do, make it a great / remarkable Day!

Chuck Connolly

Thanks for your Blog Mark. It is fun, encouraging and a nice break from a day full of ups and downs.

Jackie Hetrick

With my busy schedule, there is (sadly) little time for reading. But I have two must-reads every time I come across them, the sports section and your blogs. Keep inspiring and following your dream!

Ed Nemec

Mark, you are a truly remarkable individual. You do speak from your heart, I can’t wait to read your book. You are an incredible writer.

Debbie Press

Mark, I am glad I clicked on your post this morning, which lead me to your writing, your goal.
Would like to connect. This speaks to me.

Aileen Braverman

I can’t wait to read the book. I have followed all the blogs and feel so good that I know u guys. You make me cry but you make me laugh too. All the very best to you!

Beverlee Rendelman

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WOW!!! It Takes 2 is a must read for anyone who has known someone diagnosed with cancer or other life threatening disease. This is the real story of a family lead by an incredible woman, Debbie Brodinsky, who took radical steps to beat the breast cancer beast. The story is told by her husband, Mark Brodinsky, through journal entries he kept starting with diagnosis through one year cancer free. This author's unique ability to pour his heart out onto the page draws you in from the beginning and holds you until the very end.

Thanks to Mark and Debbie Brodinsky for this gift...I have a new perspective on what it means to be a breast cancer survivor. You are a hero, Debbie Brodinsky!

TeeBThree
September 25, 2013

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This book gives a heartfelt, in depth description of what it is like to go through breast cancer with the one you love. It is beautifully written and I felt as though I was living it with them! I highly recommend this book!

Jgs17
September 24, 2013

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In It Takes 2, Mark Brodinsky windows us into his world where his wife, the cancer patient, is not the only victim. Part journal, part roadmap, It Takes 2 goes to the real humanity of facing the mortality of one's better half. Mark's candid perspective, love, and fierce intention resonate with hope in a story which is about much more than cancer. Mark himself is perhaps the most heroic character for the way he appreciates this life and so many of us in it...as he says, "thanks for caring."

Réné Pallace
September 24, 2013

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It Takes Two: A Spouse's Story by Mark Brodinsky should be read by every person who is experiencing serious illness or injury or by a loved one of someone who is experiencing either of those situations. The book is an eloquent testament to the power of love and the healing energy derived from the belief that things will get better. There is not one word of "poor me" from the author or his wife who suffered breast cancer and the radical surgery she elected to have to beat the cancer. Rather, the book is a celebration of the courage displayed by them both in seeing it through.

The book also encourages readers to speak and write down their true feelings and be validated in them. John Mackovic writing in the Palm Springs, CA Desert Sun on November 2, 2013 quoted author and artist Doe Zantamata who said, " To be happy, you don't have to do anything new. You just have to remember how to believe again...Believe everything good is possible. Believe in your dreams. Believe in people. Believe in love. But most of all...believe in yourself." The author, his wife, their family and extended family and friends never stopped believing in his wife's recovery, and I think, in themselves. Read this book and believe.

Paul A. Riecks
November 4, 2013

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This book is a must read for anyone with a family member with breast cancer. It takes you through the spouse's perspective from diagnosis to recovery. Mark journaled his wife's journey and put all of his emotions out there. It is beautifully written and inspiring to anyone going through breast cancer. Thank you, Mark for sharing Debbie's story.

Jmu1109
October 23, 2013

ittakes2_reviews_2

A friend recommended this book. This was a great perspective of a man standing beside his partner and passing along to the reader fear, hope, useful information and a broader story than his own. I loved Vinnie the tattoo artist. This is a great book. Thanks for sharing, Mark and "thanks for caring"

Blahsan

ittakes2_reviews_2

This book is a must read. What sets this book apart from other books about surviving breast cancer is that it is told by the husband and his point of view, not from the survivor. At times sad, at times poignant but even through the worst of it you can always feel the love he has for his wife, her strength and the strength of their extended family and friends. The posts that are included from their friends and family lets you really into the heart and strength of the family. I would recommend this book to anyone who is currently going through this, whether you are the person or the caregiver. I also recommend this book to anyone who has a friend that has been or is currently going through their fight now. It was an eye opener for me.

L. Bogash
Seven Valleys, PA

ittakes2_reviews_2

There isn't a shortage of books about breast cancer, but most are written from the perspective of the person who has battled cancer or a physician or other expert. What an enlightening experience to read about breast cancer from a husband and caregiver's perspective! Not only does the author give us insight into his wife's experience and emotions, but he openly shares and reveals his love, compassion, support, and, yes, sometimes anger at the disease as he stands by his wife's side during their journey to beat the beast. Your story may not be the same, but I guarantee if you have a loved one battling cancer, you won't go wrong reading It Takes 2.

 PattiM
September 25, 2013

 

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From the moment I opened this book I never stopped reading. Mark invites the reader to come along on this journey that his family went through. I cried, laughed and learned so much. This book will give comfort and knowledge to those going through similar situations. Most importantly, Mark and his family never give up. They get knocked down and get right back up. They fought cancer together and with their strength, determination and will to prevail... They do!

 Jenny Schloss 

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