I just turned 65. Age, my faith and traveling for a living has mellowed me and made me much more appreciative. Getting older changes your perspective on life. None of us are promised our next breath, but when you reach your 60's you realize that most of your life has been lived. I try to make the most of the time I have left. Accepting Jesus Christ is the best thing I ever did--and I highly recommend it. When I feel down or discouraged, I am assured that I have something much, much better waiting for me when my time on earth is up. For the past 35 years, my job has given me the opportunity to travel all over the world. Seeing how people live in other parts of the globe is eye opening and humbling. It's hard to complain about your life when folks in less fortunate countries aren't afforded the basic necessities (clean water, food and shelter) to survive. Nice video. Ride safe.
I need to add one more thing, I think more people need to realize that none of us are lucky, we're all BLESSED, and thanks for doing what you do. Pittsburgh Paul.
Hi Craig, i have learnt over the years to get rid of those people in my life that are a bad influence especially the ones that are not your friend they only want money out of you or try to pull on your heart strings when in fact they do not give a damn about you. I try to see the good in everyone until i am proved wrong. a friend of mine who passed away at 102 always said to me that to live a long life do not worry about the things you have no control over and although that is easier said than done. it does make sense. Riding a motorbike and the community of people you don't even know who will be there for you and go the extra mile to help is a feeling that is so warming. Brilliant vlog as always
My spiritual journey has been ongoing now for over 15 years. I have looked at and absorbed many things. I have tried meditation, yoga, Buddhism and currently I read -voraciously- about ancient wisdom, in particular the stoics and stoicism. I think it is so important to pull away from the accepted “western” cultural norms as I don’t believe there is any benefit in being like others. You have to find your own path and here -at least for me- stillness is the key; you must be at peace with yourself and this is where my solitary motorcycle adventures really help to make sense of so many things, it is total headspace. The journey is one of self development and on the journey we have to become better people, you get out what you put in. Loving kindness, gratitude, personal responsibility, compassion, consideration and awareness are the key markers for me. Superb video Craig, once more.
Life is all about being better today than yesterday. Everyone has a bad wolf inside them nobody is perfect. You definitely have to look in the mirror sometimes and that can be hard! Keep up the wisdom videos you can’t ever have enough ! 👍in my book Craig
Hi Craig. Great video. Followed you for years. Thank you. I am so glad you see that this is a spiritual journey and not just some "mind over matter" self help thing. I read all of Wayne Dyer's books and many others but came to realize that I needed to look not at a person's interpretation of great truths but the source. As the Eagles song said, it's about forgiveness. But how do we find it? For me it was Jesus's statement that in Him there is peace beyond all our human understanding that will guard our hearts and minds. I have found forgiveness and a tiny bit of that peace in my faith journey. You are a most intelligent and thoughtful guy and I would love seeing you post on your search and progress. Happy and peaceful 2024!
Kindness matters. I believe that and try to put it out there as much as I can. I don't worry about things I can not control, learned to let things go. My wolf likes drama. Likes to hear about it anyway. I just try to keep my nose in my own business and offer my opion or assistance when asked. Stay on the sidelines. Great conversation.
I am a new follower to your channel... As my icon and YT banner will show, I love wolves. I recently (yesterday) got my second tattoo of a wolf paw with a silhouette of a howling wolf in the paw pad. The reason why, a year ago I had to have my companion put to eternal sleep that really just hurt me emotionally and physically in so many ways. He would follow me around and always at my side. He was there for the good times, the very dark and sad times. I will forever miss my Apollo. The paw print was for him, the howling wolf represents me. So my story goes, the wolf within is a white to gray wolf and that is how I see her. The wolf is always guarded, always alone, and always looking out. Over the year that my dog has been gone, I had to do some soul searching. Sometimes with the news, and political "stuff", I would let it feed me before his passing. I wish we had news that did not cover political right or left better yet, none. I wish we stop with the left and right, and focus on what the person wants to bring to the table. For me, I was leftist. I looked at every single left party (yes, everyone), and only wanted whatever they wanted and not what might be good for all. I live in the country area where most folks are right politically. So after a long time of soul searching, I stopped looking at the donkey and elephant. I started reading what each person wanted to bring. People not party. I did realize what I wanted was not left nor right but centrally focused on what people could bring for our community. Community is what is important for me now: People. People want to do good deeds, do good things, and help bring smiles 99% of the time. The other 1% well, they want a mixture of stuff. After unfollowing just about every single news site, and political organization, I started to find peace within and balance for my wolf, my soul and my life. In two and half weeks I will be taking my MSF course and getting on the road to learning something new at 58. Will I buy a motorcycle, perhaps. I would love a trike but that is way above what I can afford (I can buy a car for less - lol). I am not rich, but I want to help my community and to give back. As a female and where I live there is an RC but that is not what I want. I want to be a part of an MC that could be like a family that does good things for our county or for local people here in Georgia. However, here, they seem to be for men only which makes me sad to see nor do they do events for charity or toys for tots or make a wish. I guess I need to expand my search to other national organizations. I do not care who they are so long as I can be a part of something greater than I and help people. Anyhow, I found a new passion, my wolf within seems to be getting whole again, and I am on the road to recovery from bad news feeds. Thanks for the storytime. Until next time, stay warm.
Thank you for sharing your story. In general I totally agree with you. I have always be a leftist person and I have learned over the years that politics is not everything and I try not to get upset by all the bad news about what is happening in the world outside me. I enjoy my own life with my sweet wife, good friends and family. I appreciate that my country (the Netherlands) is one of the best places to live. Yes, it is small and crowded and lacks the overwelming nature the USA has, but it's well organized and safe. Until now I kept away from political parties, but I have become a member of the Social Democratic Party (Partij van de Arbeid) because I am worried about the outcome of the last elections of our parliament. For the first time in the history of my country a radical right wing party became (by far) the biggest. That worries me and so I became a member of a moderate left wing party. But I still trust the fact that most people are kind, civilized and generous and I try to stay critical but positive in my view on society.
Good thoughts and inspiration to be better ! I am glad I came back to your channel. I was looking for your old Tenere info, I've been thinking about buying one and got something much better. This world is tough for sure, life will beat you up and make you jaded. I do find myself riding alone more than ever, that is also the stage of life, I think. But I really like traveling alone, the most freedom I can have in life. I am 61, been riding since I was 10. Good luck on your next Alaskan trip, you dog..... I can't believe you are going to put yourself through that again. Hehe. I'm just jealous. I'm getting there one day soon hopefully. Continue doing what you are doing, it is definitely working. I have always thought you were just jolly gentleman all your life, you seem so. It's working. Ride safe
Hi, another good video. Really enjoy when people has the courage to be vulnerable and honest. I don’t watch news, listen to the radio or became addicted to social media as I know how toxic they are. I found that once you, first and foremost, accept and love yourself it becomes easier to accept and be kind with others. Easier said than done, as I battle with my own self every day. Another important thing in life is to define North Stars for each stage in our lives. At this point in my life my mission is to help my kids to become the best version of themselves and just by having these thoughts I feel that I am in peace most of the time and try to mainly do things that get aligned with that. Hope it makes sense.
I too had to stop watching the news and political journalists. I just felt angry most of the time because there's nothing I can do except vote. I had to start focusing on friendships and helping my fellow man. Helping others helps me. It boosts self esteem and self worth. I do that through a biker organization that helps abused children conquer their fear of the world in which they live. We empower these kids by adopting them into our chapter and by helping them through the anxiety ridden process of facing their abuser in court. I am a Member of an International Organization called BACA, Biker's Against Child Abuse...
My wolf is grey less black then before , i guess with age I learned to listen to the good side of the force , I don't drink for 32 year that about half my life , Now I respect nature , animals and yes human in a more respectful way , Still many defects to fix but one day at a time, Its more a live and let live way of life, I cannot change others but myself i can work on that, Now I consider my life like and adventure ( I love your squeeze the lemon) and I appreciate the adventure to were it will bring me. I am one of the lucky one . I have been traveling a bit to shorten the winter but cannot wait to get the Ryker out and ride again. I am planning some small trips to enjoy the road... and watching interesting thing on Utube or music ( instead of all the bad news on tv). Thank for taking the time to make the video and have a good xmas and new year. Alain & Yellow
Dang! Nothing like getting punched square in the face first thing in the morning. Totally unexpected, but just what I needed to hear. Much appreciated!
What came to mind for me is the word enlightened. I believe there is a bit of a gradation of enlightenment, but you clearly are introspective and I think enlightened on these things. It's not an easy thing to do, and one can't just say to someone else "go assess yourself and get enlightened" - people have to discover this for themselves. I just am concerned that many, many people in the world are so far down the road of judgement, resentment, hate and general disgruntlement, and because they can so easily envelope their lives in what they want to hear that perpetuates those feelings, that it becomes nearly impossible to right the ship. All we can do is try. I am certain though, if more people of all walks of life would take the risk, make themselves a little uncomfortable, and look meaningfully within, things would be better. Thanks for doing these - must be a win-win, maybe a little cathartic for you and huge potential to get people to open their eyes and view things differently. Thanks!
You pretty much nailed it. These videos help me to work on the things I struggle with as well as, I hope, getting people to think about things differently.
Never drank, really find it difficult to be around people who do. Struggle with political issues and gender manipulation. But I to am trying to be more tolerant. As I struggle along I seem to find myself being more reclusive, less social. The good news is I spend more time on my motorcycles.
The best thing I ever did was quit watching TV 8 years ago. The news is all negative, with constant commercials, endless propaganda, and more. I have no negativity now from any of that. I'm retired now and happy, positive, and sharing love. I exercise almost daily and love it. Oh, I quit drinking 44 years ago at 23. Best living yet with a clear mind
I avoid TV news. Especially network news that focuses on the negative. I realized a few years ago that I would just get pissed off because of the political commentary and other BS that I have no control over. Also social media like facebook. I unfriend people that constantly bitch about everything. I feel a lot better by doing that.
As a 66 year old who lost my wife to a drunk driver at the age of 33 and losing my recent girl friend to breast cancer a couple years ago one might think I hate the world, not true, I've been sober for almost 31 years, and today I live life by the serenity prayer, and if you are not familiar with it it goes like this, God grant me the serenity to except the things I can not change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. I have never been more at peace with myself than I am today, I'm planning my first cross country ride from Pittsburgh, PA to Moscow ID to visit family and then ride the IDBDR on my way home, so I guess what I'm trying to say is just kick your bad wolf the hell out, you'll be much happier and much more able to tackle the shit that's coming, and trust me shit will come when you least expect it..
Much of my journey these last 20-25 years has been Spiritual in nature also. Now I strive to become/be the change I wish to see in the world and to be at Peace most of the time, so I also had to embrace new ways of thinking. I'm sure you and I could talk of Life and Abundant Living for hours around a campfire. Namaste
Craig I understand where you're coming from but I don't agree that we should turn off from the world, ignore all the bad stuff and bury our heads in the sand like ostriches. Sure monitor what news you watch and how much you watch and how often, but be involved with the world and help out as much as you can. Cause if all the good guys withdraw from the world and don't contribute of themselves, this world will be indeed be a sorry place.
I don't think you have do withdraw from the world. I am certainly there for my family, friends and strangers that need help. I try to treat other people with respect and concentrate on making my life better while allowing others to do the same even if I may personally disagree with their choices. It seems to me that this is how to make the world a better place, not dividing the it into RED and BLUES and flighting over which side holds the moral high-ground.
Craig: I am sorry to hear that your life was so traumatic. It was an adopted faith community that created the angry wolf within me over a twenty year period. I woke up one day at age forty and recognized that I was far happier without someone else's idea of Jesus. As Ghandi purportedly said, "I like your Jesus, but not your Christianity". It's been smooth sailing for two decades now. I question how much of your struggle is due to your location & local culture. I have had occasion in my professional life to travel and work with people from all across the USA. Without question, the people I have worked with from the Northeast are, in general, the most uptight people of any I've met. Many seem perpetually on the edge of anger for no obvious reason or justification. Do you ever find that when you are on your motorcycle far outside the Northeast corridor that you are innately more relaxed and happier? I recall on your return from the last ride you expressed displeasure/boredom/unhappiness as you were crossing South Dakota. The sky was blue, the temperature was fair, the landscape unspoiled, and you were riding your motorcycle. Yet somehow you managed to find a way to be unhappy and express it on camera. That must have been you fighting the wolf. I am curious if there was something specific for you that flipped the switch and helped you realize you needed to change. I am not retired. I use my job to achieve the balance I want in life. I get a fair amount of vacation time for riding around the country during the fair weather months. Early in my career a senior mentor revealed this truth: "The first day that you walk in that door when you don't have to - that's the first day you can enjoy coming to work." He'd be 107 years old if he was still alive. Keep up the good work.
Thanks for the thoughtful comment. Let me clarify, I did not have a traumatic upbringing. My parents were wonderful loving people who did of course make a few mistakes along the way. My struggle with anger is entirely self inflicted. By nature, in my youth I just tended to me a more pessimistic, introspective person and much of my frustration was taken out on myself, and unfortunately sometimes on others. I grew up in California, Florida and Texas, so a northern location had nothing to do with it. Every area of the country has it good points and bad points, but I have found that once you get to know the people everyone is pretty much the same. We all want a good life for ourselves and our kids. The vast majority of people are kind and helpful, although it does take a little longer up this way to get to know and be accepted into the community. After 30 years, I am now New Englander. As far a the emotions during a trip, I have never tried to hide the various feelings I have while traveling. On a long trip, there are always ups and downs. Some vloggers want to make everything seem amazing all of the time, but that is just not real. There are days when you feel the wonder of the world around you and others when you are bored and longing for home. We all fight the bad wolf from time to time, It is the nature of life. What flipped the switch? As I have said on many occasions, turning 50 was big marker for me. I just was tired of feeling like I was chasing the dream rather than living it. I decided to stop chasing and start doing. From that point it has been a slow of me trying to live a better life as far as adventure but also in being a better person and retiring has made a big difference. Like you, I am not one who enjoys established religions. I prefer to find my own path to God (I know that is a loaded word). I prefer to pick and choose from a wide variety of sources. Ride safe!
I call it "white noise". The useless chatter. Does whose " in power" really make my life better or worse? Anything biased makes sense if that's all you listen to. I'm sorry all the political unrest in the world exists ( we Cold War kids )- but people worrying about it doesn't change it. For a time I thought one drink a night was nothing to be worried about- but now in retirement being more centered and less stressed makes that drink less rewarding. But, how do I stop feeling ill will towards impatient drivers that are invading my personal space, Craig? P.S Dr. Riley Moynes You tube about squeezing the lemon of retirement & 4 phases of retirement was a good watch.
As I mentioned in the video, this is something that I will be working on for the rest of my life. I try to remind myself that getting mad does nothing to change the situation and it raises my stress level and shortens my life. I focus on trying to avoid potential bad situations and being able to react when I can't. I know it is not always easy.
No man is capable of doing great good without being capable of doing great violence. John Levell Warrior Poet Society. Be the warrior in the garden. Musashi
Life is a journey, it’s not about the destination. It’s about the journey. We become victims of our environment. All we need to do is to be present in the moment to this miracle of life we have, and know that our destination is certain. There is a proverb, that comes to mind. “We are in Heaven putting ourselves in Hell”. We have a gift of “free will” to choose our journey in life. ❤
![Gunna - HIM ALL ALONG [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/w7Wf0h1Q8a4/mqdefault.jpg)
I just turned 65. Age, my faith and traveling for a living has mellowed me and made me much more appreciative. Getting older changes your perspective on life. None of us are promised our next breath, but when you reach your 60's you realize that most of your life has been lived. I try to make the most of the time I have left. Accepting Jesus Christ is the best thing I ever did--and I highly recommend it. When I feel down or discouraged, I am assured that I have something much, much better waiting for me when my time on earth is up. For the past 35 years, my job has given me the opportunity to travel all over the world. Seeing how people live in other parts of the globe is eye opening and humbling. It's hard to complain about your life when folks in less fortunate countries aren't afforded the basic necessities (clean water, food and shelter) to survive. Nice video. Ride safe.
Amen to that brother. Merry Christmas
@@naughtybikertv likewise!
I need to add one more thing, I think more people need to realize that none of us are lucky, we're all BLESSED, and thanks for doing what you do. Pittsburgh Paul.
Hi Craig, i have learnt over the years to get rid of those people in my life that are a bad influence especially the ones that are not your friend they only want money out of you or try to pull on your heart strings when in fact they do not give a damn about you. I try to see the good in everyone until i am proved wrong. a friend of mine who passed away at 102 always said to me that to live a long life do not worry about the things you have no control over and although that is easier said than done. it does make sense. Riding a motorbike and the community of people you don't even know who will be there for you and go the extra mile to help is a feeling that is so warming. Brilliant vlog as always
My spiritual journey has been ongoing now for over 15 years. I have looked at and absorbed many things. I have tried meditation, yoga, Buddhism and currently I read -voraciously- about ancient wisdom, in particular the stoics and stoicism. I think it is so important to pull away from the accepted “western” cultural norms as I don’t believe there is any benefit in being like others. You have to find your own path and here -at least for me- stillness is the key; you must be at peace with yourself and this is where my solitary motorcycle adventures really help to make sense of so many things, it is total headspace. The journey is one of self development and on the journey we have to become better people, you get out what you put in. Loving kindness, gratitude, personal responsibility, compassion, consideration and awareness are the key markers for me.
Superb video Craig, once more.
Life is all about being better today than yesterday. Everyone has a bad wolf inside them nobody is perfect. You definitely have to look in the mirror sometimes and that can be hard! Keep up the wisdom videos you can’t ever have enough ! 👍in my book Craig
Thank you !! I needed to hear that.
Hi Craig. Great video. Followed you for years. Thank you. I am so glad you see that this is a spiritual journey and not just some "mind over matter" self help thing. I read all of Wayne Dyer's books and many others but came to realize that I needed to look not at a person's interpretation of great truths but the source. As the Eagles song said, it's about forgiveness. But how do we find it? For me it was Jesus's statement that in Him there is peace beyond all our human understanding that will guard our hearts and minds. I have found forgiveness and a tiny bit of that peace in my faith journey. You are a most intelligent and thoughtful guy and I would love seeing you post on your search and progress. Happy and peaceful 2024!
As always Craig wise words, thank you. Love and peace from across the pond x
Thank you for opening your soul to us only positive feelings in this video.cheers from Greece my friend... with or with no alcohol...
Kindness matters. I believe that and try to put it out there as much as I can. I don't worry about things I can not control, learned to let things go. My wolf likes drama. Likes to hear about it anyway. I just try to keep my nose in my own business and offer my opion or assistance when asked. Stay on the sidelines. Great conversation.
I am a new follower to your channel... As my icon and YT banner will show, I love wolves. I recently (yesterday) got my second tattoo of a wolf paw with a silhouette of a howling wolf in the paw pad. The reason why, a year ago I had to have my companion put to eternal sleep that really just hurt me emotionally and physically in so many ways. He would follow me around and always at my side. He was there for the good times, the very dark and sad times. I will forever miss my Apollo. The paw print was for him, the howling wolf represents me.
So my story goes, the wolf within is a white to gray wolf and that is how I see her. The wolf is always guarded, always alone, and always looking out. Over the year that my dog has been gone, I had to do some soul searching. Sometimes with the news, and political "stuff", I would let it feed me before his passing. I wish we had news that did not cover political right or left better yet, none. I wish we stop with the left and right, and focus on what the person wants to bring to the table. For me, I was leftist. I looked at every single left party (yes, everyone), and only wanted whatever they wanted and not what might be good for all. I live in the country area where most folks are right politically. So after a long time of soul searching, I stopped looking at the donkey and elephant. I started reading what each person wanted to bring. People not party. I did realize what I wanted was not left nor right but centrally focused on what people could bring for our community. Community is what is important for me now: People. People want to do good deeds, do good things, and help bring smiles 99% of the time. The other 1% well, they want a mixture of stuff. After unfollowing just about every single news site, and political organization, I started to find peace within and balance for my wolf, my soul and my life.
In two and half weeks I will be taking my MSF course and getting on the road to learning something new at 58. Will I buy a motorcycle, perhaps. I would love a trike but that is way above what I can afford (I can buy a car for less - lol). I am not rich, but I want to help my community and to give back. As a female and where I live there is an RC but that is not what I want. I want to be a part of an MC that could be like a family that does good things for our county or for local people here in Georgia. However, here, they seem to be for men only which makes me sad to see nor do they do events for charity or toys for tots or make a wish. I guess I need to expand my search to other national organizations. I do not care who they are so long as I can be a part of something greater than I and help people.
Anyhow, I found a new passion, my wolf within seems to be getting whole again, and I am on the road to recovery from bad news feeds. Thanks for the storytime.
Until next time, stay warm.
Thank you sharing your story.
Thank you for sharing your story. In general I totally agree with you. I have always be a leftist person and I have learned over the years that politics is not everything and I try not to get upset by all the bad news about what is happening in the world outside me. I enjoy my own life with my sweet wife, good friends and family. I appreciate that my country (the Netherlands) is one of the best places to live. Yes, it is small and crowded and lacks the overwelming nature the USA has, but it's well organized and safe. Until now I kept away from political parties, but I have become a member of the Social Democratic Party (Partij van de Arbeid) because I am worried about the outcome of the last elections of our parliament. For the first time in the history of my country a radical right wing party became (by far) the biggest. That worries me and so I became a member of a moderate left wing party. But I still trust the fact that most people are kind, civilized and generous and I try to stay critical but positive in my view on society.
Fantastic topic again i can’t believe how similar my thoughts are good job 👍
Good thoughts and inspiration to be better ! I am glad I came back to your channel. I was looking for your old Tenere info, I've been thinking about buying one and got something much better. This world is tough for sure, life will beat you up and make you jaded. I do find myself riding alone more than ever, that is also the stage of life, I think. But I really like traveling alone, the most freedom I can have in life. I am 61, been riding since I was 10. Good luck on your next Alaskan trip, you dog..... I can't believe you are going to put yourself through that again. Hehe. I'm just jealous. I'm getting there one day soon hopefully. Continue doing what you are doing, it is definitely working. I have always thought you were just jolly gentleman all your life, you seem so. It's working. Ride safe
Hi, another good video. Really enjoy when people has the courage to be vulnerable and honest. I don’t watch news, listen to the radio or became addicted to social media as I know how toxic they are. I found that once you, first and foremost, accept and love yourself it becomes easier to accept and be kind with others. Easier said than done, as I battle with my own self every day. Another important thing in life is to define North Stars for each stage in our lives. At this point in my life my mission is to help my kids to become the best version of themselves and just by having these thoughts I feel that I am in peace most of the time and try to mainly do things that get aligned with that. Hope it makes sense.
I too had to stop watching the news and political journalists. I just felt angry most of the time because there's nothing I can do except vote. I had to start focusing on friendships and helping my fellow man. Helping others helps me. It boosts self esteem and self worth. I do that through a biker organization that helps abused children conquer their fear of the world in which they live. We empower these kids by adopting them into our chapter and by helping them through the anxiety ridden process of facing their abuser in court. I am a Member of an International Organization called BACA, Biker's Against Child Abuse...
Great video. Thanks for your insight into your spiritual side. You shouldn’t overload your bike and the same should be said for your mind:)
My wolf is grey less black then before , i guess with age I learned to listen to the good side of the force , I don't drink for 32 year that about half my life , Now I respect nature , animals and yes human in a more respectful way , Still many defects to fix but one day at a time, Its more a live and let live way of life, I cannot change others but myself i can work on that, Now I consider my life like and adventure ( I love your squeeze the lemon) and I appreciate the adventure to were it will bring me. I am one of the lucky one . I have been traveling a bit to shorten the winter but cannot wait to get the Ryker out and ride again. I am planning some small trips to enjoy the road... and watching interesting thing on Utube or music ( instead of all the bad news on tv). Thank for taking the time to make the video and have a good xmas and new year. Alain & Yellow
Wise.
Have you thought about providing inspirational talks or seminars about this subject to corporations or organizations?
Not up to this point...
Dang! Nothing like getting punched square in the face first thing in the morning. Totally unexpected, but just what I needed to hear. Much appreciated!
What came to mind for me is the word enlightened. I believe there is a bit of a gradation of enlightenment, but you clearly are introspective and I think enlightened on these things. It's not an easy thing to do, and one can't just say to someone else "go assess yourself and get enlightened" - people have to discover this for themselves. I just am concerned that many, many people in the world are so far down the road of judgement, resentment, hate and general disgruntlement, and because they can so easily envelope their lives in what they want to hear that perpetuates those feelings, that it becomes nearly impossible to right the ship. All we can do is try. I am certain though, if more people of all walks of life would take the risk, make themselves a little uncomfortable, and look meaningfully within, things would be better. Thanks for doing these - must be a win-win, maybe a little cathartic for you and huge potential to get people to open their eyes and view things differently. Thanks!
You pretty much nailed it. These videos help me to work on the things I struggle with as well as, I hope, getting people to think about things differently.
Never drank, really find it difficult to be around people who do. Struggle with political issues and gender manipulation. But I to am trying to be more tolerant. As I struggle along I seem to find myself being more reclusive, less social. The good news is I spend more time on my motorcycles.
The best thing I ever did was quit watching TV 8 years ago. The news is all negative, with constant commercials, endless propaganda, and more. I have no negativity now from any of that. I'm retired now and happy, positive, and sharing love. I exercise almost daily and love it. Oh, I quit drinking 44 years ago at 23. Best living yet with a clear mind
Likewise. It’s all negativity / toxicity
I avoid TV news. Especially network news that focuses on the negative. I realized a few years ago that I would just get pissed off because of the political commentary and other BS that I have no control over. Also social media like facebook. I unfriend people that constantly bitch about everything. I feel a lot better by doing that.
As a 66 year old who lost my wife to a drunk driver at the age of 33 and losing my recent girl friend to breast cancer a couple years ago one might think I hate the world, not true, I've been sober for almost 31 years, and today I live life by the serenity prayer, and if you are not familiar with it it goes like this, God grant me the serenity to except the things I can not change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. I have never been more at peace with myself than I am today, I'm planning my first cross country ride from Pittsburgh, PA to Moscow ID to visit family and then ride the IDBDR on my way home, so I guess what I'm trying to say is just kick your bad wolf the hell out, you'll be much happier and much more able to tackle the shit that's coming, and trust me shit will come when you least expect it..
You have an amazing outlook!
Much of my journey these last 20-25 years has been Spiritual in nature also. Now I strive to become/be the change I wish to see in the world and to be at Peace most of the time, so I also had to embrace new ways of thinking. I'm sure you and I could talk of Life and Abundant Living for hours around a campfire. Namaste
Horse-crap.
Craig I understand where you're coming from but I don't agree that we should turn off from the world, ignore all the bad stuff and bury our heads in the sand like ostriches. Sure monitor what news you watch and how much you watch and how often, but be involved with the world and help out as much as you can. Cause if all the good guys withdraw from the world and don't contribute of themselves, this world will be indeed be a sorry place.
I don't think you have do withdraw from the world. I am certainly there for my family, friends and strangers that need help. I try to treat other people with respect and concentrate on making my life better while allowing others to do the same even if I may personally disagree with their choices. It seems to me that this is how to make the world a better place, not dividing the it into RED and BLUES and flighting over which side holds the moral high-ground.
Craig: I am sorry to hear that your life was so traumatic. It was an adopted faith community that created the angry wolf within me over a twenty year period. I woke up one day at age forty and recognized that I was far happier without someone else's idea of Jesus. As Ghandi purportedly said, "I like your Jesus, but not your Christianity". It's been smooth sailing for two decades now.
I question how much of your struggle is due to your location & local culture. I have had occasion in my professional life to travel and work with people from all across the USA. Without question, the people I have worked with from the Northeast are, in general, the most uptight people of any I've met. Many seem perpetually on the edge of anger for no obvious reason or justification.
Do you ever find that when you are on your motorcycle far outside the Northeast corridor that you are innately more relaxed and happier? I recall on your return from the last ride you expressed displeasure/boredom/unhappiness as you were crossing South Dakota. The sky was blue, the temperature was fair, the landscape unspoiled, and you were riding your motorcycle. Yet somehow you managed to find a way to be unhappy and express it on camera. That must have been you fighting the wolf.
I am curious if there was something specific for you that flipped the switch and helped you realize you needed to change.
I am not retired. I use my job to achieve the balance I want in life. I get a fair amount of vacation time for riding around the country during the fair weather months. Early in my career a senior mentor revealed this truth: "The first day that you walk in that door when you don't have to - that's the first day you can enjoy coming to work." He'd be 107 years old if he was still alive.
Keep up the good work.
Thanks for the thoughtful comment. Let me clarify, I did not have a traumatic upbringing. My parents were wonderful loving people who did of course make a few mistakes along the way. My struggle with anger is entirely self inflicted. By nature, in my youth I just tended to me a more pessimistic, introspective person and much of my frustration was taken out on myself, and unfortunately sometimes on others.
I grew up in California, Florida and Texas, so a northern location had nothing to do with it. Every area of the country has it good points and bad points, but I have found that once you get to know the people everyone is pretty much the same. We all want a good life for ourselves and our kids. The vast majority of people are kind and helpful, although it does take a little longer up this way to get to know and be accepted into the community. After 30 years, I am now New Englander.
As far a the emotions during a trip, I have never tried to hide the various feelings I have while traveling. On a long trip, there are always ups and downs. Some vloggers want to make everything seem amazing all of the time, but that is just not real. There are days when you feel the wonder of the world around you and others when you are bored and longing for home. We all fight the bad wolf from time to time, It is the nature of life.
What flipped the switch? As I have said on many occasions, turning 50 was big marker for me. I just was tired of feeling like I was chasing the dream rather than living it. I decided to stop chasing and start doing. From that point it has been a slow of me trying to live a better life as far as adventure but also in being a better person and retiring has made a big difference.
Like you, I am not one who enjoys established religions. I prefer to find my own path to God (I know that is a loaded word). I prefer to pick and choose from a wide variety of sources.
Ride safe!
Agreed but we also have to keep authorities in check though otherwise we're vulnerable to Tyranny (Big tech, pharha, banks etc)?
I call it "white noise". The useless chatter. Does whose " in power" really make my life better or worse? Anything biased makes sense if that's all you listen to. I'm sorry all the political unrest in the world exists ( we Cold War kids )- but people worrying about it doesn't change it. For a time I thought one drink a night was nothing to be worried about- but now in retirement being more centered and less stressed makes that drink less rewarding. But, how do I stop feeling ill will towards impatient drivers that are invading my personal space, Craig? P.S Dr. Riley Moynes You tube about squeezing the lemon of retirement & 4 phases of retirement was a good watch.
As I mentioned in the video, this is something that I will be working on for the rest of my life. I try to remind myself that getting mad does nothing to change the situation and it raises my stress level and shortens my life. I focus on trying to avoid potential bad situations and being able to react when I can't. I know it is not always easy.
When I point my index finger at you, the other fingers on my hand are pointing right back at me so I’m done pointing fingers. Great video. 😊😊😊
Lame.
No man is capable of doing great good without being capable of doing great violence. John Levell Warrior Poet Society. Be the warrior in the garden. Musashi
*Eye roll* Embarrassing comment.
Life is a journey, it’s not about the destination. It’s about the journey. We become victims of our environment. All we need to do is to be present in the moment to this miracle of life we have, and know that our destination is certain. There is a proverb, that comes to mind. “We are in Heaven putting ourselves in Hell”. We have a gift of “free will” to choose our journey in life. ❤