Keeping Past Memories

/ Chase Blosser / Leave a comment

What do you remember fondly from your #past? What family #memories do you recall the most, both good and bad? Do you forget your past memories a lot? Have you started recording them in a journal or in some other form? We all have and create life experiences and the memories to go with them, yet as we grow and get older and the more that are added to the list to remember said memories, they get foggier and foggier, and we soon start to forget the oldest ones.

The fact that we would over time not remember any of our past, let alone the most memorable of our experiences is tragic, for it is our life experiences and our memories of them that make us who we really are as well as reminding us what really matters in life. Our memories give us perspective on not only our lives but life in general. It is thus essential and recommended that we record and write down our experiences.

Most people know the importance of such when it comes to family memories (family home videos, and baby journals). Yet, not all of our experiences and memorable events warrant making a video of or they happen at times that don’t allow for such. Thus writing them down like in a daily journal is highly useful and needed.

Writing down our memories does not have to be only in journals they can be turned into stories to share with others. Those who write professionally such as bloggers/columnists do this all the time. They will write an article that tells about a past experience of theirs and makes it relevant for us the reader to want to know about it and learn from it.

Writing about one’s own past life experience is in some ways what a writer does best. Although all of our life experiences are different and happen in different ways when you look at them all deep down, there are usually plenty of similarities. Thus when writers share theirs, others can then compare and learn from both.

So when you find yourself looking back on your life and remembering some very memorable experiences, write them down and share them with others. In this way you not only will ensure that they are never forgotten but that others can learn from them as you perhaps have. Also if you have not already done so, start #keeping a journal. It does not have to be a daily one, although they do help, instead it just needs to be one were you from time to time on a regular bases record what has happened in your life and what you have experienced.

 

What are your thoughts and viewpoints on this subject? Please do share, all are welcomed and wanted here!

Why Hiding From A Problem Does Not Work?

/ Chase Blosser / Leave a comment

For those who have to live with “Autism,” it can be and often is no matter how one deals with it #a difficult road to travel. Even for those who have seemed to have made something of themselves and “have a life” still have to deal with their autism every day of their lives. They did #not get over it or somehow “cure” themselves.

No, instead we have embraced our Autism as a part of who we are!

As I have shared in previous posts, I am currently diagnosed with “high functioning autism” which means, for the most part, I am able to function in the world regularly, but do face some difficulties when it comes socialization. These difficulties for me at least include picking up on social cues and focusing on others in social situations among a few other things.

I am currently at the point where in most situations, my autism #does not limit me as it once did because I recognize #why I have the difficulties that I do and can adjust myself and my life accordingly. Because I know of and acknowledge my autism, I know that it is not a curse, burden, etc.. but a gift.

Yes, because of my autism I have a lot more trouble communication and getting to know others than most people do; yet at the same time, I am more able to spot things in my environment that others may not or at least quicker than most do. I see connections easily. I am able to remember a whole lot of what for most people would be insignificant details #from past conversations and such. And though I have more trouble in recognizing social cues than most do, as a trade-off I believe, I am a little more empathic to other’s emotions than most other men are.

The thing is if I had not embraced my autism and acknowledged it I would most likely not have realized the benefits that I get because of my autism, but would only see the negatives associated with it. Because I would have just “seen” the negatives of my autism, and continued to have viewed it as a burden to do away with instead of working with it.

My autism is starting to really no longer be a “#problem” in my life because I no longer recognize it as such. I still have to deal with it, make no mistake, but it is no burden for me. This I believe is the key for not just an autistic person, but for anyone with a so-called “problem” no matter what it is. We need to stop seeing the “problems” life throws at us as burdens to be rid of, and more as challenges to #work with and around of.

I have embraced my “problem” as a part of who I am and as a blessing, not a curse; have you?

 

What are your thoughts and views on this topic? Please do share them all are welcomed and wanted. 

 

 

America Has Lost One Of Its Great Political Thinkers

/ Chase Blosser / Leave a comment

Last Thursday, June 21, conservative writer, and #political columnist Charles Krauthammer passed away. The United States #has thus #lost #one #of #its most significant in political commentary and thought. Throughout his writing career Charles, although he most assuredly had conservative leanings, he was never shy about questioning when he saw the need, the conservative thinking at the time on any number of issues. He was the same way when at the beginning of his long career was more liberal leaning. Even in his most critical of opinions to either side of the political divide he was always fair and presented his case most thoughtfully and transparently possible.

I always loved listening to his thoughts and viewpoints on the networks and reading his columns, for me he was an inspiration for how to responsibly express and share one’s ideas and views on politics and what is going on in the world. I unfortunately never knew him but will always count it among my most remembered, enjoyable experiences in my life to have met him in person at a dinner a few years back before the I believe it was the 2013 CPAC (Conservative Political Action Conference).

Besides his excellent and well thought out views about events and such; what really has amazed and inspired me (and continues to do so) is his relaxed and joyful view on life. This despite or perhaps because of his being paralyzed early in his life and career. Whichever the case, he thus had developed and displayed throughout his whole life afterward a kind of joyful, easygoing attitude for dealing with everything life threw at him.

Charles wrote extensively on a variety of topics, most especially foreign affairs and in all of his views he never let his emotions rule him. His opinions were always not just well thought out, but meticulous and precise in detail. They were never it seemed to be rushed into being formed. He will most definitely be missed by those who follow the political process in the United States and pay attention to local, national, and world affairs/news. A huge gape in the intellectual opinions of political columnists has suddenly developed as a result of his passing. You will be missed, Charles Krauthammer!

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.