Everyday Words Archives - Ryan Lum
Following Your Dreams
On 06, Dec 2011 | 4 Comments | In Bucket Listing, Everyday Words | By Ryan Lum
The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. - Eleanor Roosevelt
I love this quote because I consider myself a dreamer. I remember when I was a child, I’d daydream during class about all the amazing things happening around me and pictured myself taking part of all the excitement.
The future is now. That is the one fault in this quote. The biggest challenge I’ve learned while starting up the San Diego Bucket List Group, Forward Motion, is that you have to make it easy for people to take part of it otherwise people will wait till the last minute. A lot of individuals need that extra motivation to make that jump. I have and still struggle with this mentality. The time is now. Don’t wait. Read more…
If today was your last day to live
On 10, Oct 2011 | 6 Comments | In Everyday Words | By Ryan Lum
“If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?” And whenever the answer has been “No” for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something.
Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything — all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure – these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.
-Steve Jobs 1974-2011
Chin Up
On 16, Sep 2011 | No Comments | In Everyday Words | By Ryan Lum
“Ordinary riches can be stolen, real riches cannot. In your soul are infinitely precious things that cannot be taken from you.”
Sometimes it seems life conspires against you. Sometimes it feels like everything is not going as planned. This is my mental reminder to keep my chin up! There is no point in sulking over spilt milk. Right?
A Life of Unsustainable Curiosity or A Life of Ignorant Satisfaction
On 27, Aug 2011 | 4 Comments | In Everyday Words | By Ryan Lum
So I wanted to write about this topic because it is something I often struggle with. Perhaps you might have the same issue. Perhaps you have a strong opinion on the topic. I’ll attribute my split feelings on this subject on my gemini nature. I personally enjoy finding likeness in my astrology sign just for fun.
I often wonder if it would be better to live a life where you are always curious of what is out there. The traveler if you will. The person that never truly has a chance to settle down because he/she is always on the move and trying to learn as much as possible and trying to effect as much as possible. This person might not ever really settle down (or at least not anytime soon), but will have many stories and memories to share. The issue with this is once you catch the bug, it’s hard to shake it off. You’ll always want to try new things, see new places and experience all that life has to offer.
The other side of things is the stability and the comfort of always knowing. This person will settle down but still have mini adventures. Nothing too crazy. Nothing that will spark the inner soul to want to discover more. Ignorance is bliss they say. You will most likely be satisfied with what you have, and you’ll be happy.
So what do you think? Would you rather live a life where you are always wanting more or would you rather find what works and stick to your guns?
Why I’m A Gemini
On 05, Jul 2011 | 2 Comments | In Everyday Words | By Ryan Lum
Since Geminis are a mix of the yin and the yang, they are represented perfectly by the Twins. The Gemini-born can easily see both sides of an issue, a wonderfully practical quality.
I don’t believe in the whole compatibility signs (to an extent) as I don’t like to think everything is so determined and set in stone; however, I do believe there are many aspects of my sign that are very true:
What We Can Learn From A Technophobe
On 27, Jun 2011 | One Comment | In Everyday Words, Social Media | By Ryan Lum
While of my flight back home a couple weeks ago, I overheard something that was very curious. This woman next to me on the flight refused to use Facebook, refused to use her free mobile phone upgrades and didn’t even think about getting a kindle or ipad for reading books. The gull!
Growing up in a society that is inextricably bound to technology, we often find ourselves constantly trying to keep up with latest trends and newest technology. Every once in awhile we come across the technophobe. “Technophobia is the fear or dislike of advanced technology or complex devices, especially computers. The term is generally used in the sense of an irrational fear, but others contend fears are justified.” – Wikipedia
These ‘technophobes’ refuse to use Facebook. Why?
Why Imogen Heap Inspires Me
On 25, May 2011 | No Comments | In Everyday Words | By Ryan Lum
I’ve been listening to a lot of Imogen Heap recently after re-watching a couple youtube videos of her making her music live. I then stumbled on this youtube video where she talks about some of her inspiration for her music. After watching the first bit of the video, you will instantly realize her passion for music. What really intrigues me about her music is that it is a little off. It’s a mix of house and her voice, but it’s not quite house music. It’s beautiful.
I think it’s also that I have a tendency to find beauty and interest in things that are slightly off. Of course I like when things sound and look beautiful; however, when it comes to art…I like it to be off beat and interesting. No vanilla please!
I love the fact that she notices certain sounds such as the sound of her fingers on the ballaster and the sound of kitchen sink. It’s really sweet and I appreciate when others notice the smaller things that often goes unnoticed.
So the lesson here is, be interesting and take time to notice the little things in life that often go unnoticed.
Appreciating the little things.
On 10, May 2011 | No Comments | In Everyday Words | By Ryan Lum
I was so happy that I had the opportunity to attend my first TED conference. It is my dream that someday I will create something that tells such a powerful story as some of the speakers shared today. One of these days I hope to speak at a TED conference and help inspire others to take action.
I want to share another posting on a couple more little things I appreciate in life. The constant reminders that there are those little nuggets in life that is worth taking a look at really helps put life in perspective.
Continue to Move Forward
On 08, May 2011 | No Comments | In Bucket Listing, Everyday Words, Family & Friends | By Ryan Lum
It is still one of my goals to create a movement based off of bucket lists and goal setting. The real power I found is that feeling one gets from doing something they’ve always wanted to do in life. It’s the feeling, the power, the inspiration you get right after you get back from a long vacation or skydiving. You feel invincible, you feel inspired, and you feel motivated.
I think this could really change the world. If people continue to set goals and make an active effort to achieve, it will lead to greatness (or at least at minimum a fulfilling life). There is more to life than drug-use, alcohol and partying. Anyways, it’s a short thought and I’d rather a video explain what is going on. Enjoy!
