Journal

This is anniversary week with the Denbows. WonderWife and I are celebrating 14 years of marriage today and 19 years all together on the 5th. I first met Jenny in 1991 at a McDonald’s in Tulsa. It sounds cliché but I knew instantly that I would spend the rest of my life with her. I had no idea how I would make that happen so I just relied on my charm I suppose.

185 is my current weight and the ideal weight would be 160. 15 pounds is not a lot to ask, really. I’m more concerned about regaining lost muscle and better air/blood flow. Today I completed week one and day 3 of the Couch To 5k program. In other words, it is literally a long road ahead.

I recently forgot what it is to be a human: to enjoy life and the pursuit of happiness. I forgot I was supposed to be helping people. I’m so concerned about getting “just the right shot” and forgot that photography is supposed to enjoyable. I was more concerned about the output and I lost my focus. Now I will work at playing.

I am extremely tired of riding the emotional roller coaster. Up & down, thrown for a curve. Up & down, upside down.

I want to get off of this ride, please

I had mentioned in a previous article about my desire to relieve stress from my world. I wanted to share some tools I have discovered that may be useful to others. I started off with my basic issue of sleep deprivation and discovered some great apps for my iPod Touch. These apps are mostly sound-based such as WhiteNoise which plays a variety of background noise such as wind chimes, rainfall, airplane travel and more. Another discovery and one that was a little awkward to get use to is iBrainWave which allows you to “tune your brain”. It is a binaural brain stimulator by playing constant tones at frequencies you choose, you can sleep, meditate, or relax. If you need energy, just simply raise the megahertz frequency. 

I have even downloaded a few yoga and meditation apps to guide my breathing, posture, stretching and body/mind relaxation. I’ve even downloaded a few relaxation/meditation podcasts that incorporate verbal instruction as well as soothing music to help relieve stress. 

Perhaps as a new year resolution to self I will pursue light yoga as a means to stretch and relax my body more. In the past I will admit I had had reservations about these techniques but when I hear of professional athletes using these as a means to stay healthy in addition to their workouts…well, it deserves consideration. I will avoid all references to Eastern spiritualism as I know it is not relevant in my world. Instead I will probably meditate on God’s Word just as the writers of Psalms instruct.

I’ll be honest when I say that this is an endeavor I will struggle with and could use some support and guidance. How do you manage your stress?

I had mentioned in a previous article about my desire to relieve stress from my world. I wanted to share some tools I have discovered that may be useful to others. I started off with my basic issue of sleep deprivation and discovered some great apps for my iPod Touch. These apps are mostly sound-based such as WhiteNoise which plays a variety of background noise such as wind chimes, rainfall, airplane travel and more. Another discovery and one that was a little awkward to get use to is iBrainWave which allows you to “tune your brain”. It is a binaural brain stimulator by playing constant tones at frequencies you choose, you can sleep, meditate, or relax. If you need energy, just simply raise the megahertz frequency. 

I have even downloaded a few yoga and meditation apps to guide my breathing, posture, stretching and body/mind relaxation. I’ve even downloaded a few relaxation/meditation podcasts that incorporate verbal instruction as well as soothing music to help relieve stress. 

Perhaps as a new year resolution to self I will pursue light yoga as a means to stretch and relax my body more. In the past I will admit I had had reservations about these techniques but when I hear of professional athletes using these as a means to stay healthy in addition to their workouts…well, it deserves consideration. I will avoid all references to Eastern spiritualism as I know it is not relevant in my world. Instead I will probably meditate on God’s Word just as the writers of Psalms instruct.

I’ll be honest when I say that this is an endeavor I will struggle with and could use some support and guidance. How do you manage your stress?

I cannot tell you how much time and energy have been wasted on things that do not matter. I can tell you that this will change starting now. I am tired of missing opportunities because I haven’t been prepared. Details to come as soon as I sort them out.

I’ve got a roof over my head. My family is healthy and beautiful. I have so much to be thankful for. What I mean by homeless is that I feel like I’ve lost my way these past few years. Spiritually I am homeless as well as mentally. Do you ever feel like that? 

I want to go home now.

Smart people plan ahead for whatever economic issues are going on. In times of plenty and poverty we should always be thinking of opportunities to generate more income. I am not talking about get rich quick schemes or programs to help you live the life of your dreams. No, what I am talking about will be just enough extra income to have your passion pay for itself. If what you love to do helps you make money and provide value to someone else, why not explore your options?

These are a few opportunities I am looking at as a means to generate income outside of a regular paying gig. By all means, take what you will and make it yours. Heck, feel free to share your ideas here as well. We’re all in this together, right?

• freelance photography, 
• citizen journalism 
• stock photography 
• consulting services 
• personalized merchandise 
• fine art prints 
• ebooks are a big deal these days (if done right) 
• affiliate advertising on your website 
• downloads such as stock images, desktop wallpaper 
• Etsy, Deviant Art 
• online courses 
• tech support 

Its a safe bet that if you use tools that you already own and the savvy to produce it, you can create something of value. Be willing to explore your options and even think outside of your niche for opportunities. I’ve witnessed a few friends earning extra cash just for a minimal investment.

Ask your immediate network of their interest to gauge the needs/wants and expand from there. Market yourself again, using all the tools at your disposal. Try not to be pushy or spammy. The content or service will speak for itself. Do ask for feedback and testimonials as this will go far in establishing yourself as someone who can deliver. 

And remember what my mother always told me:

Be prepared to take advantage of the opportunity…

Again, I’d love to hear more ideas if you are keen on sharing them. I’d even consider a collaborative project too if we can swing it. Best regards and much success to you!