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Sweet Dreams? Maybe Not: It’s Just About… Life

July 23, 2015 By markbrodinsky Leave a Comment

Sleeping-Person

It’s all part of the journey: from that first sip of java in the morning, to the final word before I close the book at night, to the minute it takes to close my eyes and appreciate that for which I am grateful, to the family I love, the job and clients I enjoy, the passion to write, speak and inspire – the dedication and the discipline to grow.

Who wants to sleep?

Yet so many people do, at least in terms of ever going inside themselves to change the outside reality of the world around them. John Mayer wrote a song some years ago, Waiting on the World to Change, to me that’s the definition of being asleep, of allowing life to happen to you, instead of you making things happen. Change is inevitable, growth is optional. And growth is not easy, especially if you are not wide awake.

Are you awake and aware? Do you ever stop to think about what you really want? Do you write it down? Do you know your true talents and abilities…your gift? Do you use that gift to help other people? Do you want to do more, or have more, or be more than you are right at this moment?

Or are you comfortable closing your eyes and simply falling asleep to dream about a bigger, better life?

Time to wake up.

As you stimulate tremendous growth in yourself, you will see that many people you know and love are, by comparison, sleeping. They’re sleeping in school systems, in government, in business, and industry. Some of your family and friends are sleeping. People stop their progress when they feel victimized. How do you respond to them? Do you drag them along? Perhaps if they are family or close friends. But you can’t let others stop you. Try to love and enlist them to change the community or the environment that they’re in. Such tough love is mature and effective leadership. You want the people around you to live the life that they deserve to love and are capable of living. Knowing how to help yourself grow, you know how to help other people grow.”

The excerpt above is from the book, Smart Talk For Achieving Your Potential, by Lou Tice.

He paints a pretty stark picture of what life is like for many – the concept of simply being asleep. Whether you think you are, or you think you’re not, or you don’t want to think about it at all, or you think it’s all just hocus-pocus and hot air – that’s up to you. But the point is you should be UP.  You should be wide awake not only to the reality of where you are, but where it is you want to go, because from here to there is not a straight line. The line is winding and filled with joy and with adversity.

Be grateful for the joy and embrace the adversity. Faced with challenges? Feeling down? Things not going right for you? The world around you off-center? Your life going sideways? Then it’s time to hug it out. Wrap your arms around the challenges and problems and find a way to bust through.

Maybe you say you can’t, there’s no way, it’s just too hard. I can only tell you this. You’ve got to wake-up, you’ve got to get up and you’ve got to grow up. And I don’t mean maturity, (at least not in most cases), what I mean is it’s time to grow. The secret, if there is one, is personal growth. Changing who you are inside to change what happens outside. Changing how you perceive yourself and realizing you are so far from your potential it is simply ridiculous. We all have no idea of the magnitude of what is inside of us. We all use so little of our brains and our hidden talents that if you knew what you were truly capable of accomplishing it would scare the life out of you and get you to truly LIVE. The journey is to overcome fear and doubt, to realize you are amazing and to go out every single day and work toward what it is that you want.

I’m not preaching and I’m not lecturing – I’m just reading, learning, writing, serving, working and finding a way to affect and change other people’s lives which in turn transforms my own.

I’m just like you. We all share in this human experience together. I’m nowhere close to who it is I want to be, or who it is I am becoming. But I’m determined to work my ass off to get there and enjoy and embrace every step along the way, both joy and pain.

I’m going to say it again. The secret, if there is one, is personal growth. Change is not easy, it’s hard and it can be lonely and it can be scary, especially to other people, because when you start to change your reality, you also change the reality of those around you and many people don’t like change. They like comfort, safety and sticking with the way things always are, or used to be. They don’t want to change their story.

They just want to stay asleep.

sleeping-woman_1342047c

YOU can’t. YOU won’t. YOU aren’t. It’s easy to say and takes no effort to do. If your eyes are closed and your mind is in slumber then your dreams are simply that, just dreams, with no hopes of them ever becoming your reality.

Bulls**t.

YOU can. YOU will. YOU are. Growth is not for the faint of heart. It’s discipline and action. Daily discipline, daily affirmations, daily visualizations, daily tasks, the daily grind to move forward ever so slightly in the direction of what you really want. It’s called the compound effect. Nothing in life which is of value, especially the opportunity to achieve your potential, ever comes easy.

But there is no way, no how, no shot you will get even close if you are simply sleeping through life. Want a head start? Search any word on this blog. There are more than 400 posts. Go ahead give it a shot, search dreams, goals, discipline, change, growth… you name it. Then read the blog related to that idea. Or read even a single Sunday Series and realize people are making it happen every day. They are facing their challenges, or the challenges of those they love and they are moving forward, becoming more.

Time to wake up. Got sweet dreams? Then go out and turn those dreams into your reality. Wake up, get up, GROW up.

Until next time, thanks for taking the time.

Mark
(markbrodinsky@gmail.com)

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Mark Brodinsky: Author, Blogger, Speaker, Speech Writer, Emmy Winner, USHEALTH Advisors

Author: The #1 Amazon Best Seller: It Takes 2. Surviving Breast Cancer: A Spouse’s Story
(http://www.amazon.com/Mark-Brodinsky/e/B00FI6R3U6)

Huffington Post: (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mark-brodinsky/)

The Profile: (http://www.talkinggood.com/profiles/MarkBrodinsky)

The Podcast: (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/sunday-series-courage-inspiration/id1028611459)

USHEALTH Advisors: (http://www.prweb.com/releases/markbrodinsky/072015/prweb12862708.htm)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Mark Brodinsky
Emmy Award Winner, 1996

Ever thought about writing a book? check this out!

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

ittakes2_reviews_2

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

ittakes2_reviews_2

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

ittakes2_reviews_2

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

ittakes2_reviews_2

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

 

ittakes2_reviews_2

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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Emily said she was sorry her birthday was almost over. So figured it was worth a repost. Happy Birthday baby girl.

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