I, like many of you out there, am in the job market. There are many questions that arrise when headed down this road: “Do I have the necessary experience?”… “Will this salary support my lifestyle?”… “Could I get away with ‘dancing’ for a little while longer? You know- have some fun… pay off the school loans…” (<–What? No one else?)

But how many of you have seriously asked yourselves: “Would I be willing to relocate?”

I’ve recently asked myself this question and come to realize: No, given the choice, I would not relocate (for work or otherwise).
The state of Colorado is one of the greatest places in our country.
Sure, if given the opportunity to work our dream job in Fiji, most of us would probably jump ship. But let’s be realistic- 40k a year for a middle-management position in Mianus, CT… no thanks. I’ll keep my anus in Denver.

Some of us, however, get in ruts. We begin to think “the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.” A common theme in my posts to you has been finding contentment, and in continuation of that theme, I’d like to share with you 10 Reasons Colorado  is GREAT:

1. Colorado ranks as the nation’s fifth-best state for business and careers in the latest annual report by Forbes, posted November of 2011. So stick it out, job hunters!
   
2. Colorado consistently ranks in the top 10 healthiest and slimmest states in the country. There’s so much to do! Plus, walking anywhere west of Denver means going up hill.
3. Denver was named the 13th best city for singles by Forbes.com in 2009. We have the thinnest, most attractive young professionals. Look in the mirror… you’re probably getting laid tonight.
4. Boulder is the most educated city in America. Colorado is one of the most educated states. It’s everywhere online… Google it.
5. Colorado gets over 300 days of sunshine every year– the most clear-sky days of any state.
6. Denver is the top city for bicyclists according to Bicycle Magazine and the Huffington Post. One more reason we’re not fat.
   Moreover, I’d like to share: I have ridden a bicycle on both coasts and in many different states. In California you get flipped off and run off the roads. On the east coast you can’t breath from the smog or people assume you’re poor. Colorado is the only state where drivers will slow down for you and wave. Shit- in Boulder they’ll stop at a convenience store and circle back around with gatorade.
7. We’ve got Colfax. In addition to all the different aswesome “scores” you can make within a single-block radius, Colfax is the longest continuous street in America.
8. The Colorado Rockies. Sure, we’ve had some good baseball years, but I’m talking about our mountains. People from all over the world save for years and spend thousands of dollars to ski and snowboard where we do any day we fancy.
9. Colorado loves good beer and has has more breweries per capita than any other state in the U.S.
10. Denver is the sixth happiest city in the country according to market research performed by the fast-food giant McDonalds.

BONUS: COLORADO HAS YOU! The communities within this fine state are filled with healthy, intelligent, open-minded, friendly people.

 What more could you want from your home?

- Ches Sheridan Arms

If you get bored with life ever, then do NOT read this post….it is not for you…

time is but a perception of reality

A few months back I posted a short vision on “How to Slow Down Time“, and today I would like to add a Part 2…. although keep in mind that none of what I am writing about is scientifically proven, or backed up by any “Real Authority”, “Professional Establishment”, or anything else that you might find in-between exclamation marks. It is purely my thoughts and experimentation with life. To be clear, my main focus with this exploration is to learn how to have more time, thus creating true freedom

On the last post I asked if it was possible to actually slow down time, and what this might mean. Time is maybe the most valuable thing we have to offer and gain, and yet why do we continually waste it? I was reminded of this again when watching the movie In Time…. I recommend it.

Why can we not be present and live for the moment upon us? All these wonderful digital devices, social media, messaging tools, etc can disconnect us even more. Have you ever seen a group of friends out at a bar all sitting around a table fixated on their phones? Caught up in what has happened, what other people are doing, or what we might do in the future. So silly when you think about it…. but I have done this myself. Why?

Why can’t we live for right now? What is getting in our way? I ask these questions because there is something deep inside our lack of ability to be present that I believe to be the key to slowing down time.
If you have the courage, I challenge you to the following exercise. Start with one hour a day and build from there:

• Do not worry about any future responsibilities, difficulties in your life, things that make you anxious, fears you may have, anger, frustrations, sadness, or negativity of any sort.
• Do not look at your watch or phone or any electronic device.
• Completely engage yourself in what you are doing or who you are with.
• Think about your own breath, and how blessed you are to have everything that you have.

What do you think? How did time pass for you?

- Rustin Coburn

“The digital revolution of the last decade has unleashed creativity and talent in an unprecedented way, with unlimited opportunities. But does democratized culture mean better art or is true talent instead drowned out? This is the question addressed by PressPausePlay, a documentary film containing interviews with some of the world’s most influential creators of the digital era.”

Today, thousands of sites around the internet will cease operation (“go dark”) in protest of SOPA– the Stop Online Piracy Act. With the internet so integrated into our lives, anything that will drastically change it, will drastically alter our way of life as well. Because of this, I think it’s important to have some level of understanding of what the SOPA and PIPA acts are poised to do.

Now, I know you’ve all been inundated with status updates, emails, and articles talking about this potential internet game-changer. If you’re anything like me, once a certain topic starts to blow up your news feeds, you start reading around it– unconsciously dismissing it as “SPAM.” SO- I tracked down a short little video produced by the hilarious Matthew Inman over at The Oatmeal (if you aren’t familiar- The Oatmeal is a little website filled with comics and other hilarity discussing current issues).

For those of you who hate sitting down to read an article, or simply don’t have time, this is a laughable 1 1/2 minute crash course on this controversial issue:

I’ll be the first one to admit that this is an extremely partisan overview. But, isn’t that the point of something this controversial– to take a side? A strong position?

If you disagree with this video and feel SOPA/PIPA could create positive change, I implore you: Share your thoughts and point of view!!!

After all- that is what the anti-SOPA stance is all about: freedom of expression!

Below is another video that goes into much more depth. I wanted to include it for those auditory/visual learners who do have some time to get their knowledge on but don’t feel like reading another article. I also encourage further reading at http://americancensorship.org/. And be sure to check out their nifty infographic HERE.

- Ches Sheridan Arms

___________________________________

PROTECT IP / SOPA Breaks The Internet from Fight for the Future on Vimeo.

Last week I stumbled upon an amazing video from a TED talk, that my friend David showed me.
A little glimpse into our very near future of how we can and will interact with the world around us. Prana Mistry’s invention is very intriguing and raises some thoughtful questions:

• Could this really be a free open source technology for all of us to use?
• Will this better our lives by freeing us from the confines of our computer and desk?
• At what point is human integration with technology taken too far?
• What happens if this technology is purchased by the government or used for evil?

What do you Think?

This photo has nothing to do with my post, really just thought it was a neat shot.

Micheal E. Porter, I am buying you loads of delicious beers or scotch or both. Or a shot and a beer. Or if you prefer fine wines, I enjoy those as well. I hope you drink is all I am saying.

Recently, Michael wrote an article in the Harvard Business Review Blog named Creating Shared Value. Here Mr. Porter, explains that many of the wrongs of capitalism is due to companies outdated approach to creating value for their participants (customers). He argues that businesses over the past few decades have ignored their participants most basic needs. Michael explains this has created a huge gap between business and society, and because of this gap, there is a great opportunity for businesses to bring true value back to participants (consumers) and society as a whole.

In my opinion, this is one of the most inspiring reads in business today. Not because it is based on a nice idea, or because it is an amazing concept, or even because it is a possibility. I think it is so damn inspiring because again, in my opinion, he is absolutely right. Additionally, not only is he right, major brands and businesses are moving in this direction in their operations, business strategy and marketing. Pepsi and GE, a couple of brands you may have heard of, are currently implementing strategy, supply chains and operational programs based around the thought that they MUST create more value for the community, for their participants and for the environment. These businesses believe if they create more shared value, they are increasing their future profits, their future market share and their future brand equity.

Read this selection: “Shared value is not social responsibility, philanthropy, or even sustainability, but a new way to achieve economic success.”  Baller.

I am sooooo tired of hearing from idealistic contemporary hippie (I do realize this is a hugely general statement, and for that I apologize) folks that business is the problem; capitalism is evil. In my somewhat educated opinion, Creating Shared Value is a visceral, even tangible solution. Fuck, it’s beyond a solution, it is an opportunity. Excited.

-Tyler Browning

Age 0-20 is spent growing- molding yourself into the person whom you want to live the rest of your life as. Age 60-80 is spent in useless dying. Age 20-60 is spent with useful potential. 1/3 of that is wasted sleeping. 1/3 of that is wasted at a job. This leaves 1/3 of 40 years free, which is about 15 years (rounding optimistically up). 1/3 of that is wasted on chores and obligations.
That leaves 10 years in which to live. Not 80 like you thought. That is why life seems so short. It is short.

A few weeks ago I wrote a post titled Living In the Moment. It discussed the notion that we are all so busy in life we rarely take the time to “stop and smell the roses.” After considerable contemplation of this conception I’ve come to some conclusions:

• Most people I know consider me “time challenged.” Why?
• It’s not that I don’t respect other people’s time, it’s that I sincerely respect my own.
• I value the quality of my time at any one moment much more than I value having it allocated as “efficiently” as possible to accommodate those around me.

I know I’m not alone. Do you associate with these conclusions as well?
Perhaps you disagree entirely and perceive my conclusions to be selfish.

This week, I’d like to continue my musings on the topic of [thoroughly enjoying your] time while introducing you to the concept of Monocronic Vs Polychronic senses of time. The link I listed here talks more about individual senses of time and it’s an excellent little explanation of the concept. However, In 1959 a famous anthropologist, Edward T. Hall, originally introduced the theory in regards to cultures around the world.

• Monochronic cultures are cultures in which individuals structure and schedule their activities in a linear fashion, based on clarity of purpose, and economic progress. “Time is money.”
• Polychronic cultures tend to be more fluid and less structured. Having several projects running at the same time (multi-tasking) is both natural and stimulating, and people are put before punctuality.

Monochronic culture runs the Western World. That’s not to say that everyone is a monochron — far from it. But life, work, and society are organized according to monochronic principles. Conversely, in Mexico, Latin-America, and many parts of Africa & Europe the culture as a whole is considered polychronic.

Personally, I am a Polychron (with a few monochronic tendencies). It’s likely that you associate with one column of the chart above more than the other. I wanted to share this with you because I believe it can teach you a lot about yourself, including how you fit into the world and how you get along with others.

Moreover, I’m sharing because (as illustrated above) life is short. By understanding how we perceive time perhaps we can learn how to get the most fulfillment from it. Anyone can “stop and smell the roses”– but some people only truly enjoy their aroma when it doesn’t interfere with any of their other carefully laid plans. Others find greater satisfaction when they randomly stumble upon the roses and put all lesser obligations on hold.

How do you best enjoy the smell of life’s roses?

- Ches Sheridan Arms

Ponder for a moment:

How many people do you know that have suffered some kind of injustice at the hands of an inconsiderate friend or lover? Betrayal, theft, dishonesty, in any of it’s forms.

Or perhaps you have experienced the feeling of being totally wronged, first hand. Did it make you angry? Did you eventually decide to forgive that person? Or do you still feel a slight twinge of disgust at just the thought of them?

Let’s change the scenario a bit… let’s say your inconsiderate friend had actually killed a member of your family. Intentionally. And maybe instead of this person being your friend, they were a complete stranger. Would you have any intention of forgiving this person?!

That’s exactly what the As We Forgive Rwanda Initiative is encouraging in Rwanda. Is it possible?

IT IS POSSIBLE: “Innocent (left) murdered five people including the brother of Gespard (right).” They stand on the site of the executions with the message written on their arms: “Love is the weapon that destroys all evil.”

Photo Credits: Jeremy Cowart for CNN

More photos of the CNN photo essay by Jeremy Cowart here!

“[Laura Waters] Hinson whose film led to the creation of a Rwandan reconciliation organization, says that “some Rwandans liken unforgiveness to the experience of having acid eat you from the inside out. Others describe it like being trapped in a prison of hatred.”

“For the victims,” she says, “forgiving their offenders is a way of setting themselves free from the chains of anger and bitterness.”’ – CNN.com

Freedom. THIS… is freedom.

The human race has procrastinated long enough. It’s unsustainable to treat each other and ourselves terribly. This is a piece of the necessary change that we are seeing slowly shift in the world right now. An authenticity that breeds real and lasting growth, change, and maturity. The opportunity to learn about ourselves as humans and live better. Live free.

The shift is happening. Do you see?

XO

Abella

Today was the first day of 2012…although you will be reading this on Jan 2nd, the first Monday of a brand new year. I spent today contemplating this last year of life and how so much has changed and shifted.
There were a lot of wise words and truth to Tyler’s last post…. and I will say that for me 2011 was the beggest year of change I have ever experienced.

The year cumulated in a wild 10,000 person party in the heart of Denver last night. The night started on a wild adventure with my friend Ryan Lorenz.
The tattered streets of a windblown Denver, sneaking into the  Decadence party with VIP arm bands, the visual lights of a party made for the moon, and the throbbing mobs of anticipation.

Backstage with Abella, looking over the pulsating crowds, I began to realize that my entire night… and maybe entire life… was rushing from one place to another to get things done. Schedules, rules, deadlines, expectations, accomplishments, failures, meetings, dates, adventures. While I have deeply enjoyed and learned from all of it, the simple truth is that this moment is what we live for. We keep trying to get some where…where is that? When maybe all we really need to do, is be present and in tune with the vibrations of the world….and the vibrations of ourselves.

The night ended with a four hour conversation with Abella and Ryan in the small warmth of my car, parked in an alley lot. The after parties raged on, but all we needed was a little warmth, three bottles of water and good conversation. The moments when you get to be in tune with yourself and the people around you are rare. Ask those difficult questions.
Listen.
Really listen to what is said….instead of waiting for your turn to talk.
This entire planet is made up of magnetic vibrations all the way down to the composition of an atom. If we want to find a better way to live….
Happy.
Sustainable.

Let go of the anger and the fear. What is it there for? Stop for a moment and feel what is around you. No one is judging you but yourself. So stop and just be.
It sounds crazy I know, but just try listening to the vibrations around you and make some positive change out of it.

There was something different in the air today in Denver. A genuine happiness. A present moment.
Welcome 2012… lets see what you got!

- Rustin Coburn

Wowzer, 2011 was a good one.

Yikes, 2011 was tough.

Damn, 2011 was amazing.

Fuck, 2011 was a bitch.

At certain points in 2011 I was convinced that one of the above statements would prove to be my overall review of this year. Professionally and personally, 2011 was one of flux. I look back on this year with great love, a good dose of hate and some invaluable lessons. Here is what I found out in 2011.

In the year of the rabbit I found out that learning things can mean taking steps backward. More than a couple.

I found out that sometimes the best way to make your short-term goals a reality is to focus more on your long-term aspirations.

There are times when some things are just not meant to be; and for a very good reason. That said, it should be noted that it may take major heartache mixed with tequila to see this.

You have to let down your guard, go for what your gut tells you and let things happen. Try to over think shit. Just try it. Fail.

In life, it is fun to just sprint coast-to-coast like Ty Lawson through the paint.

That dude Thomas Edison hit the nail on the head. I always felt this way, but for 2011 it rang especially true. Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.

…..and the harder you work the luckier you get.

That dude Jay-Z hit the nail on the head. Real recognize real, and you lookin’ familiar.

At the rip age of 32 you should still hop in the occasional, weekend vortex.

Whether it is shredding the mountain or hooping on the hard wood, physical activity has become much more of a meditation like escape whilst aging.

Life is fun. When it is not though, keep your good peoples around you, they will get you through that stuff.

There is an ebb and flow to business that, after years in the game, I am still trying to perfect.

Colorado weather is precisely like a 2 and a half year old’s disposition, wait 5 minutes and it will change.

At the end of the day, I really believe the most important thing I found out many moons ago is that you have got to keep a swagger in life. A very positive, confident (tip-toeing on the line of over-confident), transparent, fun (but not fun lush) swagger that allows you to learn from those around you and hand back some learnings of your own.