Have any of you seen anyone asleep? Of course you have! And if you haven’t, I would urge you to do so. (It’s a learning experience.) That peaceful, vulnerable state that everyone encounters during sleep. Everyone is that state at sometime. A time of deep slumber when the world around you disappears. Or how about when when someone cries? The complete vulnerability and sheer explosion of human emotion that causes crying. Obviously, both of these have the factor of vulnerability, but they also have one other thing in common.

What is the difference between the way two people look when they sleep? Facial features, location, position, they all vary. But the one thing common in all humans is the emotional state of when one is sleeping. Every single person, when in their deepest slumber, is the same on the outside. The same emotional state, just as vulnerable and as peaceful as any other person. Even the strongest of characters are only human in their sleep. This idea is also present with crying. When a mother cries because of the loss of her son, they are the same tears shed from the happiness that another woman’s son might have the chance to live. Crying is essentially an overwhelming amount of emotion, so

"Sweet Dreams"

much that one human can’t handle it, and lets it out through crying. Yet again, all humans are equal when crying.

Sure, we may be individually great, but when it comes down to the basics, we are all emotionally the same. We all feel the same emotions, even if it may not seem like that. On the outside we are different, from many different places, people, cultures, and so on. But on the inside, a human is a human. Flawed, and beautiful. So when it may seem like people are far different from you, or can’t understand you, just remember….

…we all sleep, and we all cry.

Always,

Adam Collins

Yes. It has been a while. I cannot apologize enough for not posting in such a long time. Although, I doubt there are many people reading this… But anyway, the one excuse I give for not posting…. is either work, or social networking sites. But I was taking the time to watch a favorite show of mine (to which I will not say the name) when I came across an interesting thing that a character said. She said, “Having true class is not about acting as if you are above others, or as if you deserve better. True class is about acting graceful and mannerly, even when others pushing you down.” Hmph. Isn’t that an astounding quote?

Sometimes in life there are times when one may ‘hit’ you, physically (ouch) or mentally (ouch x 2). After you’ve been hit, what comes to mind? Butterflies and rainbows? No. What comes to mind is a sick and terrible part of humans. It is commonly known as revenge. Most of us experience it some time or other, and truth be told, there are only a handful that don’t act on it. This is why I am posting this. When this happens, you can either drive on the road, or you can take the highway. And for those of you who don’t want to get stuck in rush-hour, have no fear, because there is never a rush-hour on this expressway. Now while this may be a ‘cheesy’ metaphor, the message reins true. If you take the higher road, chances are you’ll get to your destination much faster.

As Robert Frost once said, “Two roads diverged at a yellow wood, and I, I took the one less traveled by. And that has made all the difference.”

Always,

Adam Collins

The world is filled with darkness. Lots and lots of it, reaching into the deepest depths of everyone’s hearts. It is like space, full of darkenss and yet, you can still see. Why is this? Simply because of the stars, the thousands, upon thousands of stars. Some brighter than others, some of them fueling entire worlds, like ours. The stars are the only thing that give light, the only thing that keep the universe inhabitable. And above all, stars are the only somewhat beautiful thing about the universe.

Earth is like a big vad of darkness, and we are all wading around in it. Consumed by it. But there are some of us. Some humans, every so often, that will come along and shine away all that darkenss. These humans, are, for lack of a better word, stars. Stars that shine away the darkenss in all our hearts. Stars that would sooner save another person rather than themselves. These people are the only thing that keep our world going. They inspire us, and give smounts of kindness that seem impossible. But we all know what becomes of stars who burn out, stars that are ultimetely crushed by the darkenss. These once great stars turn into black holes, sucking away the energy of the universe. Now it may seem like you are possibly somewhere in the middle, like a planet. But why stay there? Why be a floating planet? Why not be a star? A star that lives forever.

You can shine, just like the star you are.

Always,

Adam Collins

Bye bye Lex Luthor

Good evening Readers. Just to begin, I’d like to apologize for frankly disappearing of the face of the earth for a month. But I’ve been doing a lot of traveling and my studies have kept me from you. (No, that doesn’t mean you are second priority.)

We all know (or I hope you know) the story of Superman and Lex Luthor. The good and bad of the ‘super’ world. Superman, the strong willed and practically invincible good side, and Lex, the genius scientist with Superman’s one weakness. Kryptonite. So when trying to stop Lex, Superman was brought down by the kryptonite. Though what ends up happening is Superman ends up overcoming the Kryptonite and saving the earth. The relevance you ask? Just look to the next section.

There have always been good and bad in life. Some are good, some are bad. Now naturally, sorry human race, we are very ‘bad’ people. (Bad being a relative term.) But what I’ve found in so many cases throughout my life as well as the lives of others is that good and bad end up where they start. Good people, people who are good from head to toe end up in a good place with other good people. Bad people, as seen, end up in bad places with bad people. But you’ve got to watch out because sometimes these bad people can bring you down with them. Though don’t worry, because if you are truly and fully good, you will end up with good people in good places. Be careful though, because it is easy to move to the bad side. But if you become that Superman, you can end up saving your own world. Lex brought Superman down with the Kryptonite, his one weakness, but eventually through being super, he rose above it and saved the world.

Some of us are Supermans, while some are Lex Luthors, but only the Supermans are the truly ‘super’ people.

Always,

Adam Collins

Recently, there has been a feeling lurking around me. The feeling is known as-well-I’m not entirely sure, but it is affecting in some form. I’d like to call this feeling Darkness. Have you ever seen those movies? The ones where darkness closes in around one person and engulfs them completely? Well, if you haven’t then you’ve been missing out. Ha, just kidding. But darkness overall is bad. Bad, bad, bad. Because within darkness lies everything that people dread and hate. Though to further explore this, I had to break it down.

It took me a while to realize this, but you see, without Darkness there can be no Light, and vice versa. So if there is both light an darkness, then why do people choose to live in the dark? This is a simple reason, because through darkness you achieve power, distill fear, and it is simply easier to do so. To live on whims and do whatever you wish. But what most people don’t see is that light is the more rewarding path. Maybe, when the entire world chooses to take light over dark, then we can finally move past this silliness. But my most important message that I can give you, is that for the world to change, we first need to change.

Light and Darkness exist as one, the question is, which side do you choose to live on?

Always,

Adam Collins

You can do it, I have faith in you.

Always,

Adam Collins

The point in me typing this is to remember. Revere in your greatest past memories. After all, without the past there would be no present, and without the present, there would be no future. So revere in the greatest of all of your pasts.

Remember the good times and let ‘em roll…

Always,

Adam Collins

Hello dear Readers. How have you been? If life bites, then bite it back. Sulking gets you nowhere. But anyway, on to the inspiration for this post. So today I was sitting at Starbucks, drinking a drink to which I do not know the name of, I suppose if I cared enough to learn what a double shot vanilla mocha frappachinno was then maybe life would make sense (<-sarcasm there). When suddenly I looked over to my right and saw an elderly woman unable to open the door into Starbucks. I stood immediately to help her when a little kid, maybe 6 years old, opened the door for her. The kid smiled and the elderly woman thanked her. I would go into more detail about how the kid only had 1 front tooth and a cute princess lunch box but I’ll save you the time.

It still amazes me when such an occurrence happens. I bet that thanks to that little girl, the woman’s day was just a tad better. And though it may not seem like much, the little girl was an Angel of sorts. A guardian Angel waiting for just the right time to swoop in. I smiled when I saw that woman smile in joy that her day was just made a little bit brighter. I think, no, wait, scratch that, I KNOW that we can all be an Angel for someone. So swoop down ladies and gentlemen, swoop down and help those people who need an Angel. Be their light in the darkness. Everyone can be an Angel with a little bit of love, caring, and a good heart. And Readers, I know that you have these three things.

‘Tis the season to swoop down and be someone’s Angel.

Always,

Adam Collins

P.S. – Happy Holidays to all!

Always,

Adam Collins

P.S. – It finally snowed in Chicago! If it’s gonna be cold it might as well snow huh?

Everyone, including you and I, strive to be accepted. By who? It doesn’t matter, so long as you are accepted into some form of a group. I pondered this for a moment. Why do we all want to be accepted? And as for the answer, I came up short. All I figured is that it is in our human nature to want to be accepted. The cavemen traveled in groups, animals travel in packs, and those that don’t, end up depressed. Strange eh? (Hmph, what am I Canadian?) Now though there isn’t necessarily anything wrong with this, there is a lesson to take away. (As always, when do I ever post about anything less than a lesson?) Here goes, when you see someone, anyone, looking to be accepted, then go for it.  You’ve been there once too remember? If not then try to sympathize. Everyone looks to be accepted and though you should fight human nature, this will lead him/her to feel happier. And the world could use some more happiness hmm?

“Squeak, squeak, squeak…” Translation: Welcome to our group, we’re glad to have you.

Always,

Adam Collins

Goodbye for now my fellow Readers. Come back on Thursday and I might have a post for you.

Always,

Adam Collins

No more

Good day readers. And for those of you whose day hasn’t been going great, I hope this helps. Ha. Incase any of you wanted to know, I am in Kentucky, on my way to South Carolina. Sigh. I never get tired of road trips. But anyway, I suppose I should explain my post to you all. Okay, so the other day I read the book Speak, for the third time, (The first two were forced upon me by superiors) and it got me to think about your voice.

Everyone has been in that situation. The one where you wish to speak out and your precious words seemed to be gone from your throat. Stolen away from you by some other ‘superior’ individual. But the truth is, that this superior individual may be important and can literally decide your future, but if you don’t like something they’re doing that TELL them. I found recently that staying quiet is slowly becoming a huge part of society nowadays, mostly with adolescence. When I talked to my friends nephew, she said that she would speak out against her high school teachers if they didn’t decide your fate. Hmph. I guess all that junk they talk about where you can ‘find your voice’ and ‘speak out’ is just a bunch of junk. But have no fear. Because YOU can do it. Just don’t use my advice as an extreme to do crazy things like hurtle a chair at some bully, but take it into consideration that no one has the right to tell you to stay quiet.

Quench your throat with the sweet taste of words.

Always,

Adam Collins

Please spread the word about this blog, changing people takes time, but maybe we can start the process a little bit quicker.

Always,

Adam Collins

Those poor Starbuck's employees.

Post # 32. The big 32. This post is important. As well as 12, 21, 24, and this one.  Just a short update. Life, though it is hectic for me right now is still good. I do have complaints, but they’re insignificant little things, not important at all. I am posting this just before midnight on Halloween. How exciting. Maybe it will end up being the last October post.

Anyway. On to the post. I am not a usually cranky person. But on the occasional day I become cranky until I sleep it off and get back to normal. The reason I have a Starbucks picture is because most Starbucks employees have to put up with the crankiness of America. Yuck. Now it took me a while to realize this, but once I did I was able to understand the true greatness of being cranky. (Don’t get me wrong,  being cranky is, well, terrible. Try to avoid it.) This is surprisingly a good thing. Because being cranky gives you a small time to be more aware of your surroundings. For instance, with many things in life you are desensitized to them, but when you are cranky, your patience moves from high to frightfully low. (Don’t deny it, you know it’s true.) Therefore you are able to see the junk that you put up with everyday. The truth is, that being cranky helps you to see what life is truly like. An unfair, depressing, and above all, a wonderful thing.

Cranky? I think the better word is ‘reality.’

Always,

Adam Collins

Keep reading. Maybe I’ll change some lives, what do you think?

Anyway. The other day I was part of a discussion on what a true hero is, and the word Arete came up. (I skipped the accent because it takes a long time to put it in there.) Arete by definition of the discussion group, is an idea used by the ancient Greeks that meant an exceptional amount of courage and bravery. I didn’t think of this post until I read over the notes later that day. So here we go.

Arete. Courage and bravery. The only two ‘real’ qualities of a hero. That’s right, things like strength, power, and other traits like that don’t make you a hero. “Courage isn’t the absence of fear, but rather, the realization that something is more important.” -The Princess Diaries. It seems that courage seems to lack more and more every day. When was the last time you stood up for someone? I can’t remember the last time I did. Bravery seems to be even scarcer. It’s usually that people just don’t care, or they are to worried to venture forward. These two traits are essential to life. The only way to stop mourning is to be brave and face life, and the only way to accomplish something is to be courageous and head into it, even though it may mean hurting you. A little sprinkle of Arete in your life can make the biggest difference. You don’t have to be held back, just have some Arete.

Socrates, I believe that people can change, Arete is just the beginning.

Always,

Adam Collins

The picture explains itself

Number 30! I can’t believe it. This blog is moving forward fast. It makes me very happy. So, the inspiration for this post came from my friend Jessica, so Jessica, this one is for you.

“Regrets, I’ve had a few. But then again, to few to mention.” -My Way, by Frank Sinatra. I do like that song, but that specific line is important. When you die, what do you leave behind on Earth? Your body, and a big pile of regrets. As you go through life, the pile of regrets seems to grow larger and larger. Even myself, I wish I’d done that, or I should’ve done this, but no, I didn’t. We need to stop thinking about what we’re going to do and just do it. Time waits for no man (or woman) and eventually it’ll be to late. So go. Enjoy life. If you want to write, then write. If you want to sing, then sing. Life is too short for regrets.

Frank Sinatra, I believe that no regrets is better than a few.

Always,

Adam Collins

P.S. – Jessica, I hope you enjoyed.

The inspiration for this post comes from a seminar I attended. I hate not paying attention to something I really wanted to see, but this post just had to be thought of. The lecturer brought up something on ‘thou shall not covet thy neighbors wife’ and my brian disappeared into the clouds. So here goes.

The big green monster. To all my readers, I never really understood why jealousy was depicted as a big green monster. Sure, it’s a BIG thing, and it’s sort of a monster, but green? Where did green come from? Oh wait, maybe it came from money. Because people are always jealous about other people’s wealthiness. But seriously, Jealousy (I capitalized for emphasis) is a terrible thing. It is one of the main causes for most wars, fights, and generally ‘bad things.’ I, myself, am a very jealous person, it is just part of my nature. I try to defy it, but it is very challenging. In fact, people are jealous for one singular reason, because they want what is impossibly unattainable. And you may think that you’re not jealous, but you are so wrong. It is a curse set upon human beings that they would  want what others have. And some people will do whatever it takes to get it.

Have no fear, you’re bigger than The Big Green Monster.

Always,

Adam Collins

“Ladies and gentlemen, to your right you will see our rarest species, we call it Compassion. You can find this lovely animal just about anywhere, but you have to watch carefully, because otherwise you’ll miss it.” That, my Readers, is what a safari tour of human traits/emotions would be like. (And yes, I said I was going to talk nicely about humans. But don’t you worry, I’m getting to it.) All over the park they would have ambition and power-hungry and other things of that nature. But one small animal, only one, would be Compassion. Let’s look at that word. By dictionary definition it is to have a deep understanding and feel sorrow for whomever is the subject. Hmm. Why do I feel like that definition is missing a few things? Because it is! Compassion is so much more than a Liberty Mutual commercial. It is looking at something bad and being able to understand and help the person because you’ve been through it all. It is one of the only human traits that are one hundred percent good. And also one of the only traits that you only get a glimpse of every so often. If you see that someone needs help and no one is helping them, you go to be their savior. And why? Because once in your life you were that person who needed help and not a single person would give it. That is why we have Compassion. And that is why Liberty Mutual commercials are so darn good.

You don’t have to be an actor to have Compassion.

Always,

Adam Collins

It has come to my attention, (not recently of course) that humans are something I’d like to call self-absorbed. Yes, I realized this along time ago, but it was finally time to dedicate a post to it. But of course, we are in denial. EVERY SINGLE HUMAN BEING thinks that they’re the one exception. Well they’re wrong. All humans are self-absorbed, in fact, it is close to impossible to defy. But there are exceptions, undoubtedly, such as Mother Theresea (I hope I spelled that right) and most priests/pastors, and even the rare human. We are like Sponges. Yes, I said ‘we.’ We just like to sit and soak up our own water. It’s really a terrible thing…

Squeeze out the sponge, share the water.

Always,

Adam Collins

Poor Sponge

Water this blog and help spread its roots.

Always,

Adam Collins

It took me the entire lecture to realize why this girl didn’t even want to look at me. The reason was so simple, and yet, it could weave back as far as her childhood. A one word answer. The Bubble. (‘The’ doesn’t count.) It seems that as humanity grows older, the bubbles around us grow bigger and bigger and bigger until pop. But what is this bubble? Let me tell you. This bubble is not some small thing that is blown from a mixture of soap and water. It is trust. It is how we let people into our lives. It is in reality, a big chunk of our being. Some people have a large bubble surrounding them , and though they can’t see it, it is there. Some people have thin bubbles, which is just as bad a large one. Because with a thin bubble, people trust to easily and end up getting hurt. It’s a sad thing to watch. But others have a huge bubble surrounding them. Which is equally bad. Because these people can’t trust the people who they need to trust. Their friends want to help and they won’t let them.

Blow your own bubble, not to big, not to small.

Always,

Adam Collins

Why is it that we can be placed in front of a monument or work of pure art and yet we always want to look at our small white cell phone screens? It truly amazes me. So look up people, look up and soak up your surroundings. Get to know your friends and most of all, get to know yourself. Make yourself a hill and just stand on it while you gaze upon your life. Chances are you’ve missed out on something important.

“Driver, I’d like to take the scenic route.”

Always,

Adam Collins

P.S. – This is a tad off topic… But have I mentioned how much I hate complaining? Because I really do.

Texting Away Your Life

Those are some beautiful tears...

Hello my Readers. Once again, I am so very sorry for not posting. I have tons of ideas but I just don’t seem to have time to post them. It is easier on the weekend. But here goes.

Today I was listening to stories upon stories. The one thing they had in common, the were all sob stories. Now I’m all for a sob story when it’s something very heart wrenching or depressing. But the old, ‘I had a bad day story’, or the ever so great, ‘this thing just ruined my whole week,’ are just pointless. Seriously (no offense) get over it.

In times we feel like our whole world is going to come crashing down on us because of one thing that happened to us. But we should always look on the bright side of things, because there is always a bright side. Gosh. We get so worked up over little things but in reality, there are starving people in the world who are just plain happy to be alive. So while we sit here crying over a measly break-up or a bay day, there are people around the world who are happy to be ALIVE. So whenever you are faced with something bad, remember to look at the bright side and think about the other people who’s lives are harder.

Always,

Adam Collins

Today I was reading an article about a man who took a picture on the same corner for ten years. The things he saw on that corner were A-mazing. The lives he saw and the progress he saw made. This is where you get to read. (I’m smiling behind the computer screen)

It’s quite amazing that we can look at one spot for along time and not notice the greatest part about something. How we can look at the ocean for over thousands of years and not realize that it is a vast piece of Natural artwork. Instead we look at it like an investment. It’s quite sad actually. But we can look at someone we love and take them for granted. But once they’re gone, you realize that they were a huge part of your life. Why is it that is takes so long for people to realize how special things are. Or look at something and realize that without it, your life would be a sad place.

Look at life through a window, not a door.

Always,

Adam Collins

Goodbye for now. Time to sleep. Ugh.

Always,

Adam Collins

In our American society we have many folkways. Such as holding the door for someone. Or giving up your seat on the subway to someone who needs it. But I was on the subway yesterday and a very old woman came on. There were no seats left. So I waited for a minute or so for all the people in buisness suits and talking on their blackberries to offer her the seat. No one. So I got up and gave her mine. I feel like our folkways are disappearing as time goes on. Slowly, people are stopping these common (or what used to be common) ways. We need to be the generation to bring back these simple things. Because with these nice ways, life will be an easier place to live.

Say hello to the folkways and goodbye to new ways.

Always,

Adam Collins

Have you ever gotten a surprise party? Because if you haven’t, then you’re missing out. Throughout life we go through many surprises. Like, surprise you were speeding and now you get a ticket. Or, the occasional good surprise, like surprise you’ve won the million dollar lottery. But there are deeper surprises. Like surprise, your brother has a lethal disease. Or surprise, you can’t attend college due to lack of funds. But you have to remember that there are good and bad surprises thrown your way through life. Surprises happen, so just take them in strides, and eventually they will pass. No matter if you like it or not, just enjoy the ride.

You can enjoy life, it’s your choice. Surprise!

Always,

Adam Collins

Surprise!

Some people will give some of what they have to others who need it. Others will take these gifts and take no notice. I hate that. It stuns me when teenagers argue with their parents. Because why would you argue with the people who raised you. The people who let you live under their roof and supply food and a family and comfort. And when you live a great life, why would you take things for granted? You’ve got to be grateful. Remember the people who helped you through life and imagine how hard it was.

Be grateful, because if you’re not, then you will find life to be a very lonely place.

Always,

Adam Collins

Okay class. Shall we begin the day with a simple exercise? Let us compare and contrast the Roman civilization to now. What are the similarities and differences. What has changed? What has stayed the same? Now here you might say, we have indoor plumbing, or maybe that today we have the iPod. Yes, that is true, our society has made many technological advances. But did you take the time to break it down? Back then, everyone had a social class, it’s the same today. Because even today we have typical social classes, like the rich, middle class, and below middle class. Or even in schools, there are the jocks, and the goths, and the norms, and the preppies. But what really has changed over history?

Humans, first of all. Back in ancient times, every person was working together to build their civilization higher. They were a team and cared about everyone but themselves. Today is the exact opposite.  People in modern times are independent. They don’t care so much if they step over people who have helped them, as long as they get what they want. Plus, everyone is self centered. It is one of the worst human flaws. I am self centered, and you are, and your friends are. Though you hate to admit it, it’s true. In ancient times, they phrase self centered didn’t exist. (Now I’m sure that’s not accurate. But I was speaking figuratively) Humans nature never changes. That is why Caesar ultimately failed, and that is why King George failed, and that is why every other world leader bent on world domination failed. It is because we care about ourselves, we never care about the people that we lead.

Moving on. Society. Society has changed drastically. For instance, nothing is free. Now that point can be argued, but let us look at it from a bigger perspective. We can eliminate the items that cost money. So that leaves emotional things. But with emotions, you always risk sacrificing time to those you love. Which makes it unfree. (Is unfree a word?) Anyway. Today we can buy air, back then we could breathe it freely. Also, society today is really into hiding. We hide behind the fact that we are unable to lose something to make people happy. And so we create bi-laws and rumors so that we can hide like a four year old in a game of hide and seek. You want to play? Okay. I will hide and you count to one million. Good luck finding me.

Be the modern day Roman.

No Comment

Always,

Adam Collins

My post for tomorrow is called Change. You’re going to love it. I’ve started typing it and it’s definitely a good one. My favorite post so far is World Domination incase you wanted to know.

Come back tomorrow.

Always,

Adam Collins

There are lots of things that are contagious in this world. The flu, yawning, (I just yawned typing the word) emotions, love,  and so on. But have you ever considered the other things that are contagious? Evil is contagious. Anarchy is contagious. Hate is contagious. We have to remember to stop following all of these things and fight them. If we let people hate, then soon everyone will hate. And if we let evil run rampant then soon enough everyone will be overtaken by it. You’ve got to fight against the bad things, because if you do nothing, then they will grow.

Stop sneezing and take some medicine.

Always,

Adam Collins

Contagious

Have you ever said the words ‘ What If?’ Don’t lie, of course you have. Everyone has. It is one of the most common phrases of all time. It’s timeless. The reason for this, is because even through the test of time, people are still afraid of the future. If you’re young or old, there is a What If for everyone. No matter what humans try, it is inevitable that we will continue to be frightened of the future. We can’t let the fear of the future hold us back from living our lives. But the bad What If isn’t the only If. Such as, What If we have fun? Or, What If we love the outcome? Or even, What If we get closer to the ones we love?

Don’t let your fear of the future, stop you from living your life.

Always,

Adam Collins

Risking freedom

I was watching and listening to a great seminar today. My friends and I really enjoyed it. It was about life, and taking risks. I only listened to the first hour or so before my mind started thinking of this post.

You only live once. (Well, some people think that we have other lives, but for this post, just humor me) Why not make your life the best it can be? Whether you like it or not, everyday you take risks. Some of them are more consequential than you think. For instance, just by going to work, you risk the chance of getting in a car crash. You have to take risks in life. It is impossible not to. Because when you live, you risk dying. And when you hope, you risk despair. But these are important and we have to remember to take certain risks (the smart ones, that is.)

Risk, it’s a board game, and a huge part of life.

Always,

Adam Collins

Have you ever made a mistake? Small or large, every human being has made one. Whether you like it or not, you will make a mistake. But as a wise person once said, “You learn from mistakes.” Typos are how you learn. Though it may take more than twice to spell the word ‘constructive,’ after a few times, you’d finally get how to spell it. Mistakes are a part of life. Sometimes big, other times, small. We just have to remember to learn.

Fix the typos in your life.

Always,

Adam Collins

I have many post ideas coming. So continue to read. I have a total of 14 posts, so far so good. Hopefully more readers will come. My book is coming along nicely, (incase you were wondering) but staying up late with reading, writing, and posting leaves you immensely tired.

Keep on reading, hopefully I’ll change some people in the process.

Always,

Adam Collins

Brands Galore!

Today I was on the road with an old friend of mine. We were looking for something to do, so he offered to play the color game. The color game, in case you wanted to know, is a game in which you continuously give the names of items that are the color you choose for that round. But we chose to play with a category instead of a color. And that category was brands. This is when the post occurred to me.

Have you ever realized that America has so many brands? In fact, you could spend a lifetime trying to name them all. What is your favorite brand? Is it clothes, or cars, or even laundry detergent? I don’t have a favorite brand, in fact, I really hate the idea of branding in the first place. People have brands that they like and brands that don’t. But why would someone prefer Macys over Kohls? For price, or style? The real reason is because that is what they’re used to. If you have been shopping at Macys for ten years, it feels odd to walk into Kohls and buy a shirt. Companies advertise and put their name on so many items so that everywhere you look you see that brand. Like a polar bear for Coca-Cola, or a smiling M for Mcdonalds, and even the gecko for Geico. But we have to remember that we don’t have to follow all of the brands and do whatever they say. Follow yourself and not the trends.

Make your own brand.

Always,

Adam Collins

Have you ever stopped to think how small you are compared to the rest of the world. For some people, they can say the words and immediately people will follow them to the ends of the Earth. But for others, they are small. Have you ever wondered what kind of problems are going on for someone who has to walk a mile everyday just to get water? What about considering the person who stands next to you on the subway or in front of you on the restaurant. You are so small compared to the big problems that go on around the world. People have such a small view on the world. They always think that the world revolves around them and that they are the only people that matter. What about the people who live half way across the world? While you go to the movies on Saturday, they are busy trying to avoid a fatal disease.

Order yourself a plate of Perspective.

Always,

Adam Collins

Before this experience I always found it hard

The Earth is in Our Hands

to believe why someone would want to take over countries or have world domination. Because why wouldn’t you just stay where you are if you’re happy? Well, I figured it out, and I owe this knowledge to Civic Revolution Lite. The answer you ask? It is because it is contagious and eventually sitting in your own grounds, you get bored. So you leave a few people to defend and you take the rest to crush your enemies and take their cities. But why do we do this? The answer is simple and to the point, Human Nature.

Shall we expand on this topic? Sure. Human Nature. Just the phrase is hard to comprehend. What does it mean? Can you defy it? No. It is the inevitable truth that you will never be satisfied. Satisfaction. I doubt it has ever been reached. There is always some way you can do better. But eventually we overdo it and end up destroying ourselves in the process. That, my readers, is the reason human civilization is in a loop. Because we start something, build it up until it’s great, continue to add to it, then we fail, and just like that we start all over.

Be the rock in the endless river of civilization.

Always,

Adam Collins

The Olympics. There were tons of songs being played throughout the entire event. Artists from around the world were chosen and presented with the honor of singing for billions of people. But why is this important you ask? Because it made me realize that Music is the only language that everyone speaks. There are tons of language barriers that separate the world into different parts. But everyone knows music. When you hear a good singer, you know that they’re good whether they sing in Chinese or Spanish or even Italian. Throughout time the art of music has become something so common as a language. By playing softly, you can describe how sad you are. Or playing with expression you can show happiness or such.

Music makes the barriers fall.

Always,

Adam Collins

Have you ever noticed the many noises that pollute the air in cities? Of course you have! How could you not? But as my brain works, it started creating a piece of music with the noise. It was filled with chimes and tuba and even the softest piccolo. How amazing. The music flowed like Niagara Falls. See, you can look at something as irritating as the noise pollution of Chicago, or you can take it and make it into something that is amazing. There are tons of things that make you mad or frustrates you, but there is always a way to make it into something great.

Conduct your own symphony.

Always,

Adam Collins

Always,

Adam Collins

P.S. Have you ever wondered how they get pretzel nuggets in the shape of a nugget?

P.P.S. Freeport, IL is the pretzel self-acclaimed pretzel capital of the world. How do you become the self-acclaimed pretzel capital of the world?

Have you ever been so happy that it made you feel over joyed? Like a boiling pot of water ready to bubble over. It makes you feel bubbly. Don’t you love the feeling, the one where you are so happy that you feel like your energy supply is endless? Like you’re free and happy. I know I have. It is a feeling like no other, a feeling that makes you feel as light as air itself. Bubbly. Everyone has their happy moments, and those are the moments we should look back on when times get hard. Just remember the freedom and excitement of being over loaded with happiness. That is enough to push people past the hardships.

Remember the good times and let ‘em roll.

Always,

Adam Collins

There are some things in life that we cannot control. For instance, we cannot control how the planets move, or how the Earth shifts. But one thing that no person can control, is human emotion. Like how someone will react to a tragedy. Sure, we can guess, but we really can’t control how that person feels. Or what about what someone will do when their life is going terribly. They could cope. Or they could let the pain eat them away. But the worst thing is that you can’t tell if a person feels bad (or good in some cases) if they keep it bottled up. It’s like looking through a dense fog, you know it’s there but you can’t see the other side of the bridge. In fact, you’re not even sure if the bridge is broken.

Blow away the fog.

Always,

Adam Collins

Let’s consider that phrase. Life goes on. Now let’s think about it. If you have a slow day, and nothing seems to be going well and such, it really won’t matter in three weeks. In fact, I doubt you’ll even remember what happened. So my ever so lovely brain thought of counters to this phrase and came up shorter than I had imagined. Because no matter what happens, life will continue. It won’t wait for you to sulk or sit while wallow in self-pity. You will find that it moves faster than expected.

L.G.O. Life Goes On… Someone should embroider that on a pillow.

Always,

Adam Collins

These days when a person wears scary clothes or looks bad, we are quick to judge and think that the person is bad or mean. Hence the title, do we have a verdict? We always judge people who are different, but not just people, but places too. We asume that just because a place looks bad doesn’t mean it’s not full of memories or happiness. So we must remeber to look at things with open eyes and keep a fresh look on life.

Don’t judge a book by it’s cover.

Always,
Adam Collins

Have you ever seen those movies, the one’s with the nice girl who says she’s all nice but really wants to destroy the sweet girl? I have. And those movies can actually relate to real life. (But only partially) Because sometimes people have a hidden ingredient. The people who say they’re sweet, or maybe they look sweet, but under neath all that frosting is a spicy jalepeno pepper popper waiting to snap you up. Sometimes we need to realize that if we would’ve leaned in closer and smelled that hypothetical cake, then we would’ve noticed the surprise waiting underneath. Other times, people look to be stable, like a fine architectual monument. But really underneath that sheen coat is someone just waiting to crumble like a cookie that’s been dunked in mike one too many times.

Examine your surroundings more carefully. Chances are a hidden ingredient is waiting.

Always,

Adam Collins

Even today I asked myself… Is is Thursday? Maybe Wednesday? And the only way to answer this is to check the giant calender hanging on my wall. It was Wednesday today. So many times in life we ask ourselves what day it is and the reason we do this is because the days move so fast that we are unable to remember what has happened and when it happened. Only on rare occasions does good ol’ Father Time grant us the remembrance of such events. To remember something so clearly that it feels like it was only yesterday. But chances are, you don’t even remember what you had for dinner only days ago. The only way to remember the days as they go by is to remember. Memories are important for the future.

Don’t forget to remember,

Always,

Adam Collins

People say that writer’s block is very minimal. They say it passes within days. But really, the feeling that all of your creative knowledge is stopped by some hypothetical wall is  not a good thing. Then suddenly, out of nowhere, you’re cured! And everything starts to flow like Niagara Falls. And the knowledge that has been bottled up suddenly breaks loose in a happy fiasco.

It’ll pass.

Always,

Adam Collins

Anyway. I’ve realized that life is full of different shades of grey. Especially the winter. Haha, just kidding. But seriously, this week past me by so quickly. At first I forgot what day it was and only today did I realize that it was already Thursday. And now it’s Thursday night. I think that in life we forget how fast the days are moving and how suddenly the years are gone. But there is a reason I named this post Shades of Grey. So, throughout life we looks through our eyes and see color. But what we don’t know is that we are really seeing all in grey. Different shades of grey. But occasionally we get blurbs of color. Scads of red and blue and even the unusual orange. Most people see in grey, but some people always see in color, engulfing their lives in the wonderful light of the rainbow. (Like a skittles commercial… haha) And some people live their entire lives without seeing any color at all, what a shame. So remember to live life to its fullest and take it in long colorful strides.

Live, laugh, and love,

Always,

Adam Collins