2 Oct, 2008 in
Uncategorized by
Daniel Allen
The Efficiency Proposal
A 13-year old blogger leads the way to a more productive lifeLatest
What were you just thinking? Did you just forget because you were clicking on this post title? Was it something you were supposed to put it on your grocery list? Or possibly s[...]
READ FULL ARTICLE »
As I slammed the forehand winner on the green table tennis surface, I had left a mark on the flat area. It seemed as if the tables had turned and I was going to win the match, against my very worthy opponent my father, when I was up 17-13 with the serve. I was sure I was going to secure the victory, but my dad went 
four for five on my serve to tie the game up. He had momentum and went on to win the next three points. An upsetting loss to say the least. The problem happened to be that I didn’t take every point as an obstacle. I didn’t realize that the moment would probably never be replicated. If I had, I would have played the points differently. Maybe I could have ended up winning the game.
Trudging through my thirteen years has been a difficult task to accomplish. I have taken a lot of things for granted and have made many mistakes but that won’t stop me from taking in every moment though.
Before you embrace, you have to recollect. It’s this time do you reminisce, daydream, and think about all those memories you have acquired over your years. Scratch your head for a second until the light bulb pops up over you. You are sure to have a toothless grin when that happens.
Does it upset me that I haven’t yet appreciated my life while taking in moments? No, not at all. Living life at it’s fullest is living with no regrets. I’ll remember moments that will change my life only because I followed some of these steps:
1. Relive old times with a friend
Plan a get together with someone from your high school, a lunch with someone from college or a date with someone from graduate school. You’ll find that the moments eventually come back to you. Those late nights, those early mornings will be poured back into your brain realizing how important it was to meet with that old acquaintance of yours. It’s a great feeling, one of the best in the world, to know that you will have that funny, happy, make-you-smile memory in your pocket, for the rest of your life.
2. Think about embracing the moment
When you make the effort to do something, getting it done seems so much easier. While you are in the overtime game, find one second to be thankful for where you are at that time. Not everyone gets to play when the spotlight is on them so take advantage of the opportunity and
3. Talk about it with family
Family might have different experiences than friends. The times when you were learning how to walk or singing a song to your little brother right after he was born. The more personal moments that even your best friend might not know.
4. Write down the moments you want to hold on to
My mom wrote a diary when she was pregnant on her progress as a mother. Later I found this journal and I cherish it today. It’s one of those tangible items you want to hold and kiss and hug and be so proud of your mother for being disciplined in her nine months. Just like my mom, you will appreciate later what you did. I still have some of my short stories from when I was nine years old and they are of such a horrible quality of writing that it often makes me laugh.
5. Read
Is it that simple? Yes. Reading brings out inner experiences and previous happenings. It is impossible to read without previous knowledgeable. We judge a books content on it’s connection to previous experiences, fantasies, and/or content. Past endeavors come back to us when we read and it sparks our knowledge in our brain. There are few negative outcomes of reading.
Even though I am new to this concept of “embracing the moment,” I find that with time remembering to embrace the moment will become easier. But who knows, only time will tell.
What moments do you embrace with pride? Are there any that you are thankful for? Any blog experiences that you will cherish for the rest of your life? How do you feel about the current blog design as opposed to the previous one?
Matthew Dryden | October 2nd, 2008 at 5:41 am #
Your site code seems to be a bit broken…I noticed that I can join the N/A subscribers at the top…and your related posts plugin isn’t present.
Nice layout though.
You’re an interesting read.
Miguel de Luis | October 2nd, 2008 at 7:36 am #
I remember having done that for my niece, singing for her right after she was born. But I believed it was only his crazy uncle who did something like that.
Tammy Warren | October 2nd, 2008 at 10:41 am #
What a teen. I love this! I am going to have a journey with another teen and his thoughts. You came over to my site last night and left me a comment. Thank you. Now you can see my view as the parent…that is great.
You sound like you have a great head on your shoulders. Really. Embrace life as it is given to you. You remind me of some things that my grandmother passed on to me. I love to read, write, and talk with others. There is so much to learn out there in this big world. Respect for others is such a crucial part of your teen life right now. Not only respect of yourself, but others.
You asked what moments do I embrace with pride? Everyday with my children would be that answer.
Moments-Well, I have a great deal. Right now it is when my children take the time to look me in the eyes. They don’t have to speak to me. I can usually feel what they are saying.
Blogging experiences-Right now it is the meeting of others from all over the world. It is making me brush off my dictionaries of the past (foreign languages) and dive in to use them. I am sure I will cherish these fun blogging times for a long time to come.
As far as your blog…I think it looks great. I never saw the previous version! Mine does need some work. Not enough hours in the day.
You have a great 13 year old day! I wish I could have one day at your age again. I think I would just sit and watch the world go by.
Daniel Allen | October 3rd, 2008 at 12:23 am #
@ Matthew Dryden: I am having a bit of difficulty with that aspect, the fact that I’m controlling this website and it’s ownership. It’s tough to get everything figured out. I’m glad you enjoyed the read (assuming “interesting” is being used in a positive context.)
@ Miguel: When my brother was just born, I sung him “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.” It is one of the first real memories of my life and I hope I never lose it.
@ Tammy: The fact that you would call me your “third son” made my day (on your blog). You seem like such a heart warming person and you provided some very great responses to my questions. Be careful what you wish for Tammy, it actually can be a bit stressful and strenuous. Still though, I am thankful that I don’t have much responsibility in terms of owning property, having a job, etc. A blog is enough for me!
Tammy Warren | October 7th, 2008 at 1:05 pm #
Nope…raising children is great and having another teen doesn’t scare me. You are such a wise teen for your age. I am sure right now that a blog is enough. I waited until I was a little older to have children. I am thankful for that. I lived a great bit for me before I decided to have children. I may see things a little different from most. I just want to capture each moment because this is “it baby.” My one shot with my two children. They keep me young and alive.
ecegukenato | August 22nd, 2009 at 5:13 pm #
ecegukenato…
Free Winks Msn Messenger …
LEO | July 15th, 2010 at 5:48 pm #
Buy:Prednisolone.Synthroid.Accutane.Zyban.100% Pure Okinawan Coral Calcium.Zovirax.Lumigan.Petcam (Metacam) Oral Suspension.Actos.Prevacid.Valtrex.Nexium.Retin-A.Mega Hoodia.Arimidex.Human Growth Hormone….
ROLAND | July 22nd, 2010 at 3:16 am #
Buy:Prednisolone.Arimidex.Mega Hoodia.Human Growth Hormone.Lumigan.Accutane.Nexium.100% Pure Okinawan Coral Calcium.Zovirax.Retin-A.Petcam (Metacam) Oral Suspension.Synthroid.Zyban.Valtrex.Prevacid.Actos….
Chevy | August 29th, 2010 at 10:42 pm #
parts http://wchevyxut.AWESOMEBABYCLOTHES.INFO/tag/Chevy+Truck+chevy+parts/ : chevy…
Chevy…