I Miss You Dad; Remembering You This Father’s Day And Every Day!

/ Chase Blosser / Leave a comment

#This post is in honor of my #dad, David L. Blosser who passed away in September 2010. Dad, #you are missed, but never forgotten.

On this Father’s #Day, #I #miss you, its been several years now since you left this world but a day does not go by that I don’t feel your “absence.” Yet, I am thankful for all the time I had with you #and for all you did in raising me to be the man I am. Thank you for your firm yet gentle hands. Thank you for your light insightful guide, and continuing mentorship.

I miss our talks in the backyard at night by the grill or by the lit firepit at the “ranch” after a day of hunting. Yet, I fondly remember those talks whenever I am grilling myself and/or having a beer on my porch. Those are still some of my best “thinking” times, and I know then that you are still there with me in a way. 

I miss our hunting trips, yet my favorite place to hunt on our land is your favorite blind, which is the place where I have shot all my deer I have gotten so far since you passed away. I know you are with me still when I hunt. 

I miss not having you there to give me advice or to help me when I need it, but I remember all the times you were there for me and all that you did teach me and that seems to be enough to satisfy my needs. I know you are there for me still. 

I miss you so much, but because you gave me so much when you were alive and where there for me always I have so much to remember you by and to keep you alive with me in spirit. I miss you, and yet at the same time I don’t miss you, for I know I still have you here with me and I know you are in a better place with our heavenly father and someday I will “see” you again.  

Love you,

Your loving son,

Chase

The Importance Of Ceremony and Memorial Day

/ Chase Blosser / 2 Comments

This is a response to #the one-word prompt “Ceremony” by “The Daily Post.”

Earlier today (well yesterday), I went to a local #memorial #ceremony honoring all military servicemen #and women who gave their lives for this country, the United Staes and freedoms we enjoy in it. As well as the families and loved ones #of those who made said sacrifice. It was a very touching and moving ceremony; though just one of many taking place across the county today. Some with a little more prompt & circumstance than others, some with less, but all with profound meaning behind them.

There are times when ceremonies can get a little long winded and still, but that does not take away the #importance of having a ceremony service for essential things/events.  That is to pass down and remember to future generations. Ceremonies are times of reflection and contemplation. So too with ceremonies on Memorial #Day, and Memorial Day its self.

Memorial Day is not just a day to remember the sacrifice of those who died defending the freedoms we enjoy in this great nation, it is a day to honor them by celebrating their lives, sharing memories of them with others; no different than at funerals. This also helps with those who suffer in silence every day the loss of those great men and women we honor today. To all who served in the military of the United States and made the supreme sacrifice; we salute you!

Autism Is Not A Hindrance​, It Is Just Plain Awkward

/ Chase Blosser / 4 Comments

This #is #a response to the one-word prompt “Awkward” by “The Daily Post.”

For those who have to live with “Autism,” #it can be and often is, no matter how one deals with it #just #plain #awkward and strange. As I have mentioned previously on this blog, I have been diagnosed with “High Functioning Autism.” Although, I suspect that when I was growing up (I am 31) it was #not always that spectrum level.

I perhaps had a slightly lower function spectrum of #Autism, for growing up was definitely always socially awkward for me; I was still aware of my differences compared to others (I was never officially diagnosed, only thought to have some form of Autism as a kid). Now that I know that “my difference” was and is because of my autism, it has made going about my life so much better and more comfortable. My autism (my difference) is not nor has ever been a handicap or #hindrance, but is very much a part of me and a good/useful part.

Because of my autism, I see things and think of things differently than most people. That is a gift, to be able to view the world through different lenses than most would; it opens a whole lot of new opportunities. Yet, autism doesn’t come without its challenges, which bottom line can be summed up in just plain awkwardness.

It is awkward to be in social situations and not know how to respond and act (responding one way and everyone looking at you like you have lost your mind). It is awkward to have a deep conversation on a particular subject while your mind keeps going a mile a minute thinking up all the connecting topics and/or ideas related to such.

From what I have come to understand when it comes to social situations and behavior most people do not have to put too much “active thought” into it. That is not so with me. I have to constantly be in “active thought mode” to govern my thoughts and behavior; rarely if ever being on “auto-pilot” (my subconscious). So yes, while having Autism is not a hindrance, it is very much an awkward experience!

What are your thoughts on this subject? Please do share them; they are very much wanted.

Why We Assume?

/ Chase Blosser / 5 Comments

This is a response to the one-word prompt “Assumption” by “THe Daily

You Will have to look pretty hard to find someone you have not had a negative experience from making an assumption about something or someone. Most of “us” know the saying “if you #assume, you make an ass out of you and me.” Yet, if that is the case #why do #we still tend to assume so many things in our daily lives?

Because we tend to in cases where we do not have all the information, to go with what “makes sense” (common sense) to us with what we do have. We, when we make assumptions,  we do so when we are being lazy and don’t feel like looking deeper and getting confirmation on what we are assuming.

That’s basically all that assuming is, a “shortcut” or cheap way of coming to a “conclusion” usually on short notice. And that is why we still tend to make them despite knowing the consequences of doing so in most cases.

So what are your thoughts and view points on the subject? Please do share.

Politics In The United States Has Become So De visive Because We Have Become “Infected” With Too Much “Passion” For Our Beliefs​!​

/ Chase Blosser / Leave a comment

This is a response to #the one-word prompt “Infect” by “The Daily Post.”

America is very divided these days when it comes to “#politics,” but that is no surprise to anybody now (unless you #have been under a rock). The political divide #has been going on #for years, and only increasing as it continues. There have been and are many explanations for this, but I won’t mention those here, except for “a Lack of dialog” (straight talking & listening). Some are right and some wrong, and some offer part of the explanation, but it is “a lack of dialog” that makes the most sense.

A lot of the more heard and discussed possible explanations, all offer only a part of how #we as a nation have gotten #so divided as we are now, including “a lack of dialog.” But underlining any and all possible explanations is that deep down we have “#too #much” #passion for #our political #beliefs. For yes, one of the main problems causing our political divide is a “real honest lack” of dialog, there is a little more to it than that.

Businesswoman hands holding white card sign with we care text message

Real dialog or conversation consists of two parts, talking and listening where everyone involved #in the conversation is able to contribute and the other/s being “active listeners.” The problem being is that even when there is an honest attempt at dialog, there is an “interference” preventing the active listening part of the conversation.

The listener/s are paying attention to the one doing the talking, but they are not indeed taking it in to “think/contemplate it. Which that is what talking is all about, sharing and presentation ideas and thoughts to others and everyone involved observing them as well as getting to know each other.

The interference is our passion for our beliefs getting in the way. This would mean we tend to have to much passion for our opinions if they are holding us back from having any consideration or just clear thought over anything that may seem counter to said beliefs. Having passion can be and often is an excellent thing to have, especially when it comes to a firmly held belief about something. It helps to motivate us and advocate for that belief and/or to act on it/them.

What Motivates You?

Yet, at the same time if our passions in anything, not just our beliefs start to hold us back from doing something or they cripple ourselves and society, then any good we get from them will be wade out. Passion like a lot of other things in life requires moderation; a little being good and too much not so good.

If we are going to stand a chance of bringing down the political divide amongst ourselves, then we need more dialog, getting to know each other, and understanding each other’s political views. But in order to have that we need to be aware of just how much passion we each are having for our political views and learn how to moderate that passion, just as we do for our other passions in life.

So what are your thoughts and viewpoints on this subject? Please do share them; all are welcomed and wanted. 

Getting Things Done Rapidly Or On Time Is Not Always​ A Good Thing

/ Chase Blosser / Leave a comment

This #is #a response to the one-word prompt “Rapid” by “The Daily Post.”

Let me ask you something, and I want you to really think about it before answering. When you work #on a “project’ #or any kind of “choir/job” how long on average do you spend on completing it? Do you finish it in the #time allotted, a “little less than,” or “a little more than?” When we are working on something that tends to take awhile, we tend to try and do our best to complete it as quickly as possible for many of reasons. But time’#s tricky hands can and often do stop us.

Sometimes it is because we are “lazy” and just want to get it over with. Sometimes it is because we seek to save time by #getting it #done before the “projected” time of completion to move on to other important #things or to impress. And of course sometimes it is none of these, we just spend the minimum amount of time required.

The impressive, shocking #thing that I have found from my own experiences and that of others is that in a lot of cases it can be very beneficial to complete something on time or ahead of schedule; which are the most widely held beliefs on the subject. Yet, it can in some rare cases actually be better #not to “rush” or finish on time, but to take our time even if it means “working overtime.” This is usually the case when the “project” we are working on requires delicacy and permission.

A #good example is writing, which can regularly take more time than first thought. It is in cases like these that in allotting or being allotted time for the project, the amount of work/man hours needed to complete the project can be underestimated. Thus it is left to the person who is actually working on it to make a “judgment call.

So, what are your answers to the questions at the top and does this make you really question if you are usually giving the right amount of time on your project? Are you usually spot on in time spent? Or do you tend to be “lazy” sometimes, be honest it happens to all of us from time to time??

So what are your thoughts and viewpoints on the subject? Please do share them, all are welcomed and wanted.

 

Being Too Quick To Leave An Event

/ Chase Blosser / Leave a comment

This is a response #to the one-word prompt “Abrupt” by “The Daily Post.”

When you attend social/community events, do you tend to be one of the first to #leave towards the end? Are you one who is #quick to drop whatever you are doing at a given time and start on something else? I have been guilty of both.

For me at least, I attribute this to my autism because of which I have more trouble in social situations than most do. Thus, when going to small informal social events, tend to be one of the first to leave when the #event “dies down” because there is only so much time my mind is able to focus on just social interactions.

Despite this, I know there are times when I am perhaps a little #too quick to leave #an event, (even though that event is pretty much close to over, with people just making light conversation). While I know it is time for me to leave, that I have reached my limits I do still have a little regret for seeming to rush out at the “end.” The best thing that I can do in the future is when leaving an event that is “winding down”  I can at least make sure I don’t “rush” out.

I can do this by making one last round to all the people there (or at least those I had talked to if a pretty good size group/event) to say a few more words and get some last minute quick conversation or two in. By doing this I make sure that my leaving is a little more “natural” feeling instead of “rushed.” I can’t really control when my mind wants to stop interacting with others (when it already was working overtime to do so for awhile), but I can control how I leave as a result.

What about you; have you face a similar situation? How do you plan to or did you manage to handle it?

Please, do share your thoughts and viewpoints on this subject. All are welcomed and wanted.

The Importance of Mentors

/ Chase Blosser / Leave a comment

This is a response to #the one-word prompt “Mentor” by “The Daily Post.”

Who were your #mentors in life? Who are your mentors? Have you or are you currently being a mentor to someone? Throughout our lives, we all have had and/or will have mentors to help us along the way. Those special, important few that stand out in our lives  above all others we know and will come to know in our lives as having a very large impact in the direction we take on the “road #of life.”

Mentors offer to us, individuals, to look up to and encourage us in our lives and our pursuits. They are there to give advice, to point out our gifts and faults and to help us correct our faults and improve on and grow our gifts. While mentors can and often are family members and one’s parents, usually when we talk of who our mentors in life have been/are, we are talking of those who we have met in our lives outside of family relations. Teachers, college professors, and coaches being among some of the most common mentors one will have in life.

Having a mentor/s in life can be and is very helpful in growing and advancing in life, but so too is being a mentor to someone. Not only are you helping out someone as you were helped out in your life journey but the relationship between mentor and mentoree is not a one-way street. It is very much two-way with each one giving and receiving. The mentor can learn from his/her mentoree just as much if not more as the mentoree gets from the mentor.

I know who most of my mentors have been so far in my life (a couple previous college professors, and friends from church). I also know of some who while did not really mentor me pre say did give me great advice and/or insight at one time that played a big part in my life.

I am extremely grateful to have had them in my life and to have learned from them. I have not really been a mentor my self as far as I know per say, but have given advice and have been there for others in the past (which is what a mentor does). I look forward to the day when I do become a “fulltime” mentor to someone where I can help out as I have been so far in life.

So who are your mentors in life and have you been a mentor yourself yet? Please do share your thoughts and viewpoints on the subject. All are welcomed and wanted. 

Be A Friend To The “Cranks” In Your Life

/ Chase Blosser / Leave a comment

This is #a response #to #the one-word prompt “Crank” by “The Daily Post.”

Is there someone #in #your #life that you come into regular if brief contact with that are just never in the “mood”  and really have anything nice to say to anybody. I think we all at least once in our lives have come across one of these “#cranks” and we are never quite sure how to deal with the person.

Usually, when we look a little deeper we tend to find that the “cranks” in our lives do not behave as they do “just because” but that there are actual reasons behind the behavior. Any number of reasons that prevent them trying to connect with others. The best thing to do is whenever you see the person is just as a starting point give them a friendly greeting and move on, but keep doing this every time you see the person.

Eventually, hopefully, this will “break the ice” at some point and those greetings will turn into small conversations which may then turn into a friendship of shorts and before you know it, you are no longer dealing with a “crank” but a normal person. Which they have always been, the “crankness” was always just a cry of help; the person needed a #friend. So why not #be that friend whenever you encounter a so-called “crank.” You will begin to make the world a much better off place as a result. It also does not take much if any effort on your part but the impact pays “big dividends.”

So what are your thoughts and viewpoints on this subject? Please do share them, all are welcomed and wanted. 

To Have a Glimmer of Hope

/ Chase Blosser / Leave a comment

This is #a response #to the one-word prompt “Glimmer” by “the Daily Post.”

How important is it to #have “#hope” in tough situations? Is it actually encouraging and helpful or is it really damaging in the long one? These are questions that people have struggled with forever. On the one hand, “hope” does seem to allow us to get through our challenges in life by focusing our attention less on the bad situation/possible outcomes and more on something positive that gives us reason to “push on.”

Yet “hope” can indeed be damaging if those positive outcomes do not materialize. We then will “lose hope” and become even more demoralized. Although I would say that the danger here lies not so much in “hope” but in reality “false hope.” Wheres “hope” can give us something to hang onto that encourages us to “fight on” despite how bad the situation may appear; it never does so by “magically changing” the situation we may be facing, only how we perceive it.

Before getting “hope” we already had the “tools” and ability to “get out” but our “despair” prevented us from seeing that. With “false hope” we are given something positive to hold onto, but when we really don’t have the ability to make things better. So the problem with “hope” is not that there are times when we can get “too much” #of it, but that we can confuse “false hope” for “real hope.”

To have real hope in our lives, at our “deepest lows”  is to the have the “tools” needed to “get out” at our disposal and the “vision, courage, and drive” to make use of those tools. “Hope does not give us anything new that we don’t already have, merely a reason for us to make better our situation.

So what are your thoughts and viewpoints on this subject? Please do share, all are welcomed and wanted.