you can lead a horse to water,…

you can lead a horse to water, but you cannot make him drink; however, you can make him thirsty. #learning #quotes #motivation

Posted in thoughts | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

twitter.com/learningadam is a …

twitter.com/learningadam is a list of what I learn about life & people…and document it to inspire myself and others. #learning

Posted in thoughts | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

I am transforming @learningada…

I am transforming @learningadam to be something different, new, to be used for good.

Posted in thoughts | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

happy independence day to my family and friends

Independence has been a significant theme for me this year in many ways.  So, I wanted to share a wish for all of you on Independence day…July 4, 2010.


More than anything, I wish you “mindful independence.” I wish you choose to pursue life, liberty, and happiness with vigor and resilience and patience…that this pursuit is your way of being.   Cliche? Yes, of course.   But think again…there is a reason people say, “think outside the box.”  It isn’t a physical box…where is this box?  It is the box in your head.



US Flag of 9/11
Creative Commons License photo credit: qthomasbower

We are all oppressed in some way, shape, or form.  If you’ve ever spoken with someone who has lived in a state of oppression where their “human rights” were materially or physically constricted, they value freedom unlike others.  They value being able to wake up in the morning…every morning…in a free country…with the ability to do whatever they want to create their future…to work to serve their fellow man and make a profit from that service…they value the ability to pursue their goals and desires without limit…they value being able to love whomever they want and practice their beliefs without walls.  The sense of this freedom is sacred…knowing this sense is sacred.


What I’ve learned this year is that independence starts inside your head.  I’ve spoken to several people in 2010 who have chosen to put themselves in a cage inside their mind…because of their “situation” or what others are doing to them.  When they put themselves in this state of thought, they oppress themselves by building these walls, chains, locks, and cages inside their head…they become their own pharoah…their own vader…their own “the man.”


For example, we all have the freedom to learn to ride a bicycle, but, as children, we get scared.  We protect ourselves and say, “it’s not for me” or “I can’t do it” or “what if I hurt myself?”  This self-imposed limit is a protection mechamism…and protection is a good thing…but sometimes we protect ourselves too much…we limit ourselves and our self growth.  As adults, we do this…we oppress ourselves in our work and personal lives…and tell ourselves things that impose limits…tell ourselves that a relationship, or a job, or an abilitiy to learn is NOT there…and then tell ourselves “you cannot overcome it.”  These are only lies we make our own truths.


So, on July 4, 2010, I wish you mindful independence.  Know that you are free and that anything is a possibility…that your oppressors are largely inside your mind.  These thoughts are not who you are…they are just thoughts.  Thoughts could be focused on promoting the well-being of our fellow humans…as an essential element to the “pursuit of our own happiness.”   Remember, your own well-being comes first…think independently…avoid oppressing yourself.


Be well.  Free your mind. Enjoy the journey.  To independence!!!
ab


Posted in adam bloom, cool, creative, culture, entreprenuerial, shout outs, thankfulness, thoughts | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

quote: you can lead

I am gonna take credit for the third part of this quote…I keep using it…it sticks…so…

You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him/her drink…however, you can make the horse thirsty.

Think about it ;-) .

p.s. I don’t claim this “add-on quote” without hesitation, but I’ve used it with about 20 people who had never heard it before…so, why not? ;-)

Horse ... nice day for a swim
Creative Commons License photo credit: tibchris

Posted in adam bloom, business, creative, funny, thoughts | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

chop wood, carry water

When life throws challenges at you…just keep going.  Keep opening doors and walking through them.  Keep your balance of positive in the face of difficulty and negative.

That is how businesses launch and ideas come to be introduced to the marketplace.

Betalkaboutable is a brand I came up with some time ago…and now the “business” (really just me right now ;-) ) has actually launched.  It’s a milestone in my life…and I am very thankful.  Special and sincere thanks to all the mentors listed here and many more!!!

As Bob says, “chop wood, carry water.”  Good point…thanks Bob…hope you are well…though I kinda like “chop water, carry wood” better…go figure!

Atlas, it's time for your bath
Creative Commons License photo credit: woodleywonderworks

Wood Chopping
Creative Commons License photo credit: geoftheref

Posted in adam bloom, business, cool, creative, culture, entreprenuerial, thankfulness, thoughts | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Making my Twitter profile look…

Making my Twitter profile look good with Themeleon by @COLOURlovers http://colourlovers.com/themeleon Love it?

Posted in thoughts | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

a story i am proud to share

If you haven’t been exposed to it, this was an inspiring event in my life.  I have been fortunate to share it with a few folks who appreciated it.  Just search “zen surfing benjamin bloom” and it will show up. (Actually, it doesn’t any more, so here is a link http://www.benjaminbloom.net/zenandtheartofsurfingandworking.htm)

Afternoon thundershowers
Creative Commons License photo credit: joiseyshowaa

Moment
Creative Commons License photo credit: Bryce Bradford

77/365, you're never fully dressed without a smile!
Creative Commons License photo credit: ?serendipity

running with the seagulls
Creative Commons License photo credit: eschipul

Dark Coast
Creative Commons License photo credit: nosha

les rameurs
Creative Commons License photo credit: kimdokhac

Posted in business, cool, creative, culture, entreprenuerial, funny, pictures, playtime, shout outs, thankfulness, thoughts | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

listenin to @Amanda_Healy heal…

listenin to @Amanda_Healy healy talk about social media @CAWorld2010 – part of @tonyamckinney ’s team program, thanks for listening #CAWorld

Posted in thoughts | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

my top 10 favorite southern sayings

Fried Chicken Cook-off: Thomas Keller vs. My Mom

1. Whoa…that would make a train take a dirt road.
2. He’s busier than a one-legged man in a butt-kickin’ contest.
3. She’s about as sharp as a mashed potato.
4. He’s confused as a cow on astroturf.
5. Well butter my butt and call me a biscuit.
6. That just dills my pickle.
7. That went over like a fart in church.
8 . Well, I ain’t got a dog in that fight.
9. That’s as useful as buttons on a dishrag.
10. They’re scared as marshmallows at a campfire.

Posted in creative, funny, playtime, thoughts | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment