Chasing the Bear

Photo by Pete Nuij on Unsplash

During my late teens and early twenties, I found myself working odd jobs for my older brother. I wasn’t much help—more of a half-useless knucklehead than anything else—but I think my brother enjoyed having me around. It was our way of spending time together.

My brother has always been an early riser. Before the birds. Before the worms. Most times before the sun. No matter what the day held, he’d wake me up before 5 a.m., always with the same words:

“Time to get the bear, Mikey.”

Though it’s been years since I last worked with my brother, those five words have stayed with me. They’ve become a mantra, especially when I need to push through a tough project, face a challenging day, or simply get out of a rut.

I keep those words written on a small blue sticky note on my office wall. On days when I struggle to gain traction, I glance at that note and hear my brother’s voice:

“Time to get the bear.”

It wasn’t until later that I realized my brother’s command was his take on the old saying, “Some days you get the bear. Some days the bear gets you.” But for him, there was never a choice. You rise before the bear. You outwork the bear. You get the bear. In his world, the bear doesn’t stand a chance.

I’ll admit, there are days when I don’t get the bear. But I never let the bear get me. When I fall short, I come back the next day more determined. That’s a lesson I owe to my brother’s example.

So, let’s go out today and get that bear.

Monday Motivation

No cookie. But here’s my fortune or wish for us all this seem. New day. New week. Let’s go.

Half Moon. Full Heart.

Moon half-full, glass half-full, heart overflowing as I begin the week. Wishing you a week filled with what matters most. (Mike Barzacchini Photo) #goals #mondaymotivation #mondaythoughts #letsgo

There's Still Time to Start Your September Challenge

Photo by Clint Bustrillos on Unsplash

It’s just the second day of the month. Plenty of time to start your monthly challenge. Are you still searching for ideas? How about:

• Walk one mile a day? Could also be a run, jog, swim, or hike daily challenge.

• Watch one Criterion Channel movie a day?

• Walk the dog once a day (we have four dogs in our pack currently, so I could take this challenge x4)?

• Make a mixtape (or CD or digital playlist) a day?

• Eat a pancake a day? Now you’re talking, though if I took this challenge, I may be advised to combine it with the walk-a-mile (or two or three) challenge a day.

Sometimes, getting up and moving forward each day is enough of a challenge to accomplish, especially lately.

Wishing you a successful and fulfilling week.

Mike Barzacchini photo, April 29, 2104, San Francisco, California.

Underrated? They Don't Know What They're Missing

Underrated? Overlooked? They don’t know what they’re missing. You’re a gem and your talent will out. Believe in your talent. Believe in your effort. Believe in yourself.

Why I Can't Wait for the Perfect Wave

Photo by frank mckenna on Unsplash

Often, I’ve waited too long for the perfect wave. Here's the thing, the more I wait for this unseen, optimal wave, the more I'm wasting my most precious resource, time.

What's keeping me out of the water? Fear? Uncertainty? Lack of confidence? All of the above? I can struggle and spend even more time trying to find the answer to that question. Or, I can just dive in.

Because the best wave is the next one coming in. No more waiting! Surf's up!

Find the Time to Get Lost in What You Love

At the start of a new week, I know I'll be faced with challenges, opportunities, tasks, and deadlines. With all those "have-to-dos" I want to make sure I'm finding time to also get lost in what I love.

I hope you are able to pursue your passions this week. After all, we only go down this trail once. Have a great week!