Think Positive!

"Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it."
Raymond Chandler 




In life-we are constantly challenged in learning how to to fall, pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and become stronger, bigger and better people. It is this challenge that enables rich to be richer- wise to be wiser and regional thinkers to go global. 


But- in all the commotion of living a better life. I genuinely agree with Mr. Chandler- that Attitude determines how you do it. Being a firm believer in good and bad energy- one cant possibly think negative- day in a day out- and have great things happen to them. Its the "positivity" that will guide the soul in the right direction. Additionally- you can have all the money in the world- but if you have a horrible personality- you are doomed to be simply rich and miserably lonely. 


One can take that theory and apply it to many things- as I do- and really challenge yourself to be a guardian of positivity! We spend so much time gossiping, being angry, and just being negative- that we forget to wish ourselves life, happiness and good fortune. 


I challenge everyone to think differently today, so ill make this entry short. Live your life to its fullest and enjoy the simple parts of everyday- for they, as a whole bring more riches to your life than money ever will. 

An Open Letter to Love

Dear Love, 


Its been quite some time since you and I had a "heart to heart" - so to speak. how are you? Its my hope that this letter finds you in good spirits. 


Since last we spoke- I have been taking some time to work on me- which is why I haven't had much time for you. Its hard to imagine that you and I could be apart for so long. All things considered- you and I were like best friends. There wasn't a day that I couldn't stop talking about you- or the great things that you brought into my life. But, as great things rise- some must fall- and I needed too. Fall that is... away from you, so that I could appreciate you more. 


Over that last five years I have been on a journey of self discovery. Trying to figure out who I was, why I did things and how I could be better for the next time we met. There wasn't a day that hasn't gone by that I didn't think of the butterflies you bring, the cuddles, the memories and the happiness. God we go great together! All my memories serve me no justice as the feeling of being present to you pales in comparison to feeling your happy glow. 


Its my opinion that I needed this space. As hard as it has been- especially now during the holidays. I needed to grow up and become the man that could accept his responsibilities, live up to his potential and be happy with himself again. Life has a funny way of teaching you these things. Come what may- the fall of a great man is the greatest accomplishment he could have. You see what you learn as you are down; in life, career or love- will teach you most about the man you are- and yet to become.


So my dearest love. I hope you are well. I'd like to see you again- have some coffee or just sit and talk - catch up. Im sure you have much to tell of where you have been- and who you are now- and your journey as well. 


Best of all happiness, 
David

P.S. What do you say you and I have a picnic one day? 

Your Kind of Big Deal... Except to Yourself.

Not too long ago my dear friend Jade reminded me of an old saying that went something like...  " If you ever want to know the end- Take a look at the beginning".

Now for the record, being around Jade is always special because of her positivity, but it was this special moment- I really had to stop and absorb. She always knows what to say- at the right moment. This moment was right on.

It was less than 7 months ago that with a heavy heart and tank half full of courage - I moved to LA. With every ounce of strength I had left- I pushed, struggled and kept on smiling- regardless of my own personal built in critics and the judgmental public. I am a fighter- and I fought- never for a moment thinking of conceding (or renouncing any part of me) for a second.

What's important about this journey so far, is that I promised myself that come what may here in Los Angeles- I would keep true to myself, and I have yet to break that promise. You see, Its easy to get sucked into many things here in LA (or anywhere ) and I see it everyday. The talk of the industry, being an actor, a model, something- someone- who do you know, how can I benefit from knowing you. Its all part of this crazy town- but it is what it is. I cant blame it for anything. After all, it takes two to tango! To be fair- I have met many people who are very grounded and amazingly nice- but there is always a small- really small,  percentage of this personality!

What's hard to understand is how people so easily let go of themselves and who they are. Which is why that bit of wisdom Jade gave me resonated. How do people I know so dearly allow themselves to let material things replace good people and honest conversation. How do people allow "image" to be a part of what they are vs. who they are? Its all trivial I know- but at some point someone has to talk about the elephant in the room. Especially if they "are not someone- or somebody".

So here I sit asking...

At what point in your life is one not capable of reflecting on "How far they have come, Where they are going and If they are happy with the direction?"

the answer... is up for discussion.

A Year in Review & A Hug To Go With It!

Happy Holidays I assume is the appropriate thing to say at this point. The weather has been getting more and more crisp, the holiday decor has been creeping its way into every shopping mall, and every now and then, I can hear a holiday tune. Where has all the time gone, I ask myself. In a matter of a week we will celebrate Thanksgiving Day and shortly after that Christmas, and not to over embellish the captain obvious role Im taking- but yes- then we roll in the new year.


In 2009 the world has seen some amazing things like the first black President of the US take office, seen the first Hispanic Woman take seat on the Supreme Court and more importantly a shift in thought- globally. We are people on the verge of great and new things. This year has also brought us some unprecedented hard time and sorrow. We lost many iconic people in the music and entertainment industry like Michael Jackson, DJ AM, Farrah Fawcett- that list goes on and on. On top of that- All the horrible tragedies world wide that seem to consume the news every time I turn it on. Then there's  the meltdown of our economy, the recession and out country's struggle to survive. Oh and- Hello Swine Flu- the last great panic attack of the people and the more than likely the profit of the drug industry- somebody buy me some stock in hand sanitizer!!!


Our country needs the holiday... if anything to regroup- an sincerely be "thankful" - to be reminded of what we need to value most- our family. To love unconditionally because tomorrow is not guaranteed- to value each other, because at the end of the day, thats all we have. To give effort into reviving the common decency- as we support each other as Americans, as Human Beings everyday- no matter who we are, what we do and where we live. The return of the smile and hello as you pass each other on the sidewalk. We need the holiday cheer, we all need to smile and let a little happiness into our life. This year has been rough.


Maybe my pipe dream is getting the best of me but- I just think it will all do us some good. So, remember folks. In some way, shape, or form- we all have had a crazy 2009. So lets take a moment to be human for a moment, be kind, and be filled with love. Only good things can happen if we do. 

Looking Back at Being A 20 Something.

When I was a "20 something" - and all the world was my oyster, I used to think that I was very mature. Id appreciate the company of older friends or co-workers and felt wholeheartedly that I related much more to them- than my peers.

But- as I started to bleed that theory into my dating life, or career, or school- It would only be a matter of time before I got the "Your so young" conversation, which was usually piggy backed by the "When you turn 30, everything changes" conversation. I used to be so annoyed by those talks and hated defending my old soul and maturity.

Thirty Three amazing years later- I look back in retrospect and agree with everything that everyone said. I truly knew nothing.

Now- I oddly finding myself surrounded by many young guys with similar thoughts- struggling to prove they are indefinitely more mature than we "older" guys make them out to be. Begging for an opportunity to prove that they are the exception to the common twenty year olds and must be given a chance. But- as we all know- there is no such thing- or is there?

Can it be possible to meet a younger person (man or woman) who is wise beyond their age. Responsible beyond their means- or "lived" beyond their experience? In my opinion- No. But I'm open to hearing stories of this Lockness Monster.

I believe that life has a funny way of changing you- and most importantly teaching you about things that cannot be learned without trial and error. The most important lessons I have learned in life were learned through mistakes I made,  hurt I felt and tears I have cried. Now- of course there were things I learned as well through the wisdom of parents and friends- but none were nearly as life changing as things I went through all on my own.

I hear myself turning into the crazy preacher I hated explaining with conviction that "Life will teach you more about yourself, your strength, and who you ultimately be as a person." Eyes then roll and I shrug it off with a laugh- but I know Im doing my part.

So as I continue to grow and learn (cause it never ends) the best thing that I can do, is continue the cycle of advice, and urge them to be true to themselves- no matter what people tell them. One day they will be thirty three and remember me- and all I said, or what I tried to say.

Zodiac Cocktail?

When I was a young chap- I really didn't pay too much attention to details about somebody's sign. It was always know to me as that cheesy pick up line that guys asked girls at bars "What's your sign" they guy with the creepy mustache and polyester suit would ask. I never in a million years would have thought that it would be anything of substance- or interest. 


As I got older I began to read my horoscope in Cosmo and Vogue like every other young man in his teenage years does (insert laugh here) - and began to wonder what exactly does being a Virgo (me) , or a Gemini, or Libra mean- or what the hell a Zodiac is exactly ? It wasn't till about 5 years ago that I really started to "read" into it- and it was all pretty interesting.


Now, some of my friends over the years have criticized my beliefs - even going so far as to call me a hippy- but its all good. After all I was born in the 70's and my parents did love The Beatles and were hippies. Well- maybe not real hippies- my dad did smoke weed and and my mom did wear bell bottoms.  So that opinion I will take with a smile.


As I continued my reading into peoples signs and the understanding of the Zodiac - the most interesting thing that I found was the commonality of personal traits that most signs share. As a Virgo - it says that I am an extremely detailed person (yes) - That Leo's need to be the center of attention (oh yes)- and that Libra's are unable to make decisions (double yes) - dated one. Its all pretty interesting- but I suggest dumping the Cosmo Girl and hitting up sites like Astro.com and Soulgarden.tv- better at all the details. Knowing your sexual position preference for the month does not count as a great horoscope read.


Even more compelling is the reason why certain signs are not compatible together. This information can be great for dating and office strategy- it kinda explains why some people you are more excited to be around- and why you just wanna push some in front of a bus! Either way- its a great read.


So when you are not having a great month- or wondering why your roommate makes his bed like a marine or even why some people cant choose a restaurant (ever)- ask them what their sign is, it will explain it all!


Cheers to understanding yourself and the crazy people around you.

Im Ready For My Close Up... Or Am I?

In the last two days I had the privilege and pleasure of working on a reality show (as a cast member) - all the details I cannot go into- mostly cause I'm bound by what looked like a short novel of contracts that spell out- word for word- that I cannot even piss on the sidewalk about the outcome or game day strategy. But, it was a pleasure.

I will say that after all this is said and done- I have a funny feeling that things will change a little bit in my life. Worst case scenario- I end up a sound bite on Talk Soup - which wouldn't be bad- considering that I will do anything to be in the same room with Joel McHale.

What's more exciting about this whole experience is that I got the opportunity to work on "that side" of LALA Land- Not bad for only living in Hollywood for 6 months. That is what everyone is here to do after all.

Now- to be completely honest- I have never had any dreams or expectations about being an actor or living the Hollywood life. BUT- who wouldn't want to be a celebrity- or someone you can Google- and have more than your Facebook show up on that list. So yeah- I had a bit of a Twinkle in my eye.

I have to say that after the whole thing was said and done- I was exhausted. I don't understand how actors- or celebrities do it. Walking away from the day- I had this weird perception of what was actually reality- and what was sort of a "forced concept-based loosely on real life"- it was a weird car crash of perceptions. No wonder Britney doesn't know fat from thin and Jessica doesn't know Tuna from chicken. To be fair its also why Tome Cruise doesn't know gay from straight and Bill Clinton didn't know Monica from Hillary. There is complete disconnect from actual reality that eventually occurs. Well- for Bill it could have been allot more... I'm just saying.

Maybe I'm thinking about this too much. But - none the less- there I was replaying every moment of my "on camera" time and wondering- how - just how this is all going to play out when it inevitably airs next year. Yeah... next January 2010.

Until then, I hope that I can battle the demon "1o pounds" that the camera will eventually put on and hope that I don't (or they don't) create something out of nothing.... that I said or, didn't say... you get where I'm going with this.

The anticipation will kill me. I hope that my friends will still be my friends after all is said and done. Until then, I will secretly live the next 3 months incognito as this the boy next door. However, I will slowly and sure begin to audit all my Facebook friends, public photos and slim back on any one nights stands- you know, for my image.

I kid, I kid.