Week #2- Inspired

As mentioned in my very first post, I have toyed with the idea of blogging for some time now. I consider my “inspirations” to be eclectic, relying very little on one person or thing and rather discovering bits and pieces in random places.  Whether it’s in photographs, street art,  a beautifully crafted ensemble or a motivational speech,  it’s because of this variance, I found it difficult to focus on just one topic and instead created a “lifestyle” blog.

Let’s start with the word lifestyle. It is defined as a way of life or style of living that reflects the attitudes and values of a person or group. Fortunately, the internet has created a space for individuals to express their ideas and engage. In Cluetrain Manifesto, Levine et al (2009) says “To call it a ‘platform’ belies its hospitality. What happens on the Net is more than commerce, more than content, more than push and pull and clicks and traffic and e-anything. The Net is a real place where people can go to learn, to talk to each other, and do business together. It is a bazaar where customers look for wares, vendors spread goods for display, and people gather around topics that interest them. It is a conversation.”

Gold Rushed will be a compilation of my daily inspirations and personal passions, be it self development or fashion. My ardor with fashion started at a very young age. It was more to me than clothing but more as a means of self expression. As I’ve gotten older, it has extended to a passion for style and aesthetic, having an admiration for creative pieces from creative minds.

I anticipate Gold Rushed being an avenue in which those sharing the same passions as me can express their ideas and inspire each other. Choosing the “lifestyle” route verses concentrating on one topic will hopefully encourage a diverse group of followers and will allow for richer discussions. As said in Cluetrain Manifesto, it’s time to “start talking.” It’s fun and exciting to be inspired but what good is it if you don’t share it?  

Must Read

Excellent speech, excellent words to live by... 

Bridging The Gap Speech by Colin Powell

The less you associate with some people, the more your life will improve. Any time you tolerate mediocrity in others, it increases your mediocrity. An important attribute in successful people is their impatience with negative thinking and negative acting people. As you grow, your associates will change. Some of your friends will not want you to go on. They will want you to stay where they are... Friends who don't help you climb will want you to crawl. Your friends will stretch your vision or choke your dream. Those who don't increase you will eventually decrease you. Consider this: Never receive counsel from unproductive people. Never discuss your problems with someone incapable of contributing to the solution, because those who never succeed themselves are always first to tell you how. Not everyone has a right to speak into your life. You are certain to get the worst of the bargain when you exchange ideas with the wrong person. Don't follow anyone who's not going anywhere.

With some people you spend an evening: with others you invest it. Be careful where you stop to inquire for directions along the road of life. Wise is the person who fortifies his life with the right friendships. If you run with wolves, you will learn how to howl. But, if you associate with eagles, you will learn how to soar to great heights. "A mirror reflects a man's face, but what he is really like is shown by the kind of friends he chooses." The simple but true fact of life is that you become like those with whom you closely associate - for the good and the bad. Note: Be not mistaken. This is applicable to family as well as friends.

Yes... do love, appreciate and be thankful for your family, for they will always be your family no matter what. Just know that they are human first and though they are family to you, they may be a friend to someone else and will fit somewhere in the criteria above. "In Prosperity Our Friends Know Us. In Adversity We Know Our friends." "Never make someone a priority when you are only an option for them." "If you are going to achieve excellence in big things, you develop the habit in little matters. Excellence is not an exception, it is a prevailing attitude."