Deep Thoughts for a Sunday

I've probably spent the better part of an hour trying to write this post. I'm not sure what it should be about, because there's a ton thoughts brewing that need to be let out. So, I think I'll pick one and stick with it.

Why are we fake with people? Believe me, I am fake often. I want to impress people, I guess. People's opinions have a hold on us, and they shouldn't. I guess I've noticed this a lot lately through a certain situation. Erica and I are on a "break". It's been weird and awkward, so I've probably been weird and awkward to be around. You see, I haven't told many people this, because I'm scared of what they'll think. I've been fake, dishonest even. But, I'm tired of it.

Have you ever been asked a question in a group, and you have an opinion, but you don't say it until you know someone else agrees with you? I have such confidence in other people's opinions, but I have none in my own. Shouldn't I have the most faith in mine?

And that, is why we are fake with people. We want to "fit in", but we lose our own ideas and thoughts by doing so. It reminds me of Donald Miller's Lifeboat theory - how we're all striving to get others to like us, so we're not thrown overboard.

I love this quote, and I think it has the answer:

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others." ~Marianne Williamson

We should be ourselves, and not worry if our creativity, ideas or achievements threaten other people.

Unexpected Refreshment

So, I just got back tonight from the Pine Cove Reunion Tailgate in Lincoln, NE. Grading by activities alone, it wasn't a top 10 trip of my life or anything, but being back in the Pine Cove mindset and seeing all those Pine Cove people was awesome for one reason: memories.

I've gone this whole semester without really stopping to think about how much went on this summer. Honestly, for 7 weeks out of the summer, felt like I was working side-by-side with God. Everything I needed was given to me, every little prayer was answered. I woke up feeling tired and sick sometimes, but that disappeared as soon as I started working with the kids. The Pine Cove experience compares to nothing I've ever done before. And I forgot about all of that this semester. It's been busy, but I think I've used that as an excuse to not really think about this summer and how I can be stepping up and challenging myself.

But back to the trip, it was great to see a few people from the towers. We had some memorable times and some great conversations. Queen P and Flyin' Solow drove 11 hours or so, and I knew 2 others from the Towers there.

I am refreshed.

Easy first post

Yes, it's true. I'm starting a new blog. Right here, right now. Honestly, xanga has been declining, and I just can't write regularly there. Plus, I have a ton of friends there who probably don't exist anymore.

So, it's time for a fresh start here at BryceThink. Yes, the name is from another literary classic, just like dangerouslysane was from Catch-22. BryceThink comes from 1984's GroupThink. Anyways, with the move, i want to be able to be more honest and real here than I could be on xanga.

So, you need to see Sprint's "waitless" videos. They are for the engineer in all of us. Basically, they show you simple ways to save minutes every day, from tying your shoe to peeling potatoes. Check them out here at http://www.waitless.org/. My favorites are quick-peel potato, instant baby soothe, speed-tie shoes, turbo parking, and instant shirt removal.

It's bedtime now, hopefully I'll find time soon to really update everybody reading.

-Bryce