In The Blink Of An Eye

I have a serious problem right now.  It seems that the older I get, the faster time moves.  Yesterday I was 12 years old, playing hockey outside without a single care in the world.  Then I blinked… And I’m 27, saying good-bye to another year with a laptop full of accomplishments and failures, ready to take on the new year like a spartan army with their back’s against the wall.  I understand why time is flying by… But what can I do to slow it down?  Can I slow it down?  Some say it’s all about stopping to smell the roses, and taking the time to appreciate the finer things in life:

Like midgets and candle wax.

All in all, I’m in a much better place now than I was when this year started.  2008 began with Veronica, her family and myself grieving the passing of her father – who was the type of person that you only encounter every other lifetime.  His death was an event that set me over the edge, plummeting towards what is most important and completely abandoning everything deemed to be secondary, without the slightest hesitation.

Not only did that moment get my ass into gear, but it also made me re-evaluate (for the 37th time) this college-to-cubicle system of work that’s been accepted by the general population – put in your 35 years of service to society, and retire, having accomplished nothing along the way.  It’s legalized slave labor as far as I’m concerned.  There is zero emphasis on passion and dream catching, and total focus on stability and safety.  Taking risks is, well, risky – and risky will not secure your future.  Show up for work on time, maintain neutrality and indifference, and when it’s time for the final vacation, you’ll be taken care of.

As the Wizard of Oz once said, “Not no way!  Not no how!”

On a high note, this year has ended with me clearing my 3rd consecutive month profiting over $1000 online.  I’ve positioned myself and made my mark.  I’ve met some of the most amazing people who will, without a doubt in my mind, be future business partners and vacation buddies.  I’ve discovered a world of possibilities, beneath the sales hype and secrets, that will provide Veronica and I with safety and stability of a different color.  A world where we determine our hours, our rewards and our shortcomings.  A world where we are in control of the books…

In the blink of an eye I have become a man.  A man who is leaving in an hour to sip scotch and bring in 2009 amongst the company of my successful circle.  People who’s words I appreciate, and consultation I seek in times of desperation.  If all of you were here, I would be celebrating with you as well – because you guys have kept me going.  I’ve created this place where I can speak freely, and you crazy bastards have accepted me from the get-go!  Whether your laughing with me or at me is irrelevant – but the fact that you stop by whenever you get a minute and share stories with me still blows my mind to this very day.

Word is bond…

Please take some time to think about where 2008 started for you, and where it has ended.  Look towards 2009 with a pen and pad handy – and begin to sculpt your future.  I strongly believe that 12 months is all it takes to go from struggling to comfortable, and with the right plan and network of people surrounding you – success will come knocking.  I wish you all the best in the new year, and hope to see each and every one of you at the top!

Oh yeah, if you’re going out tonight, don’t drink and drive.  If you see someone who’s getting ready to drive, take their keys and give them a pillow.  Don’t be stupid, stupid!

Cheers,

Elijah

19 thoughts on “In The Blink Of An Eye”

  1. Great post, especially the part about the loss of a loved bringing about a change.

    I have not had a great 2008, as I have lost both of my parents in a very short space of time. But more than anything it has made me realise that life is short – however much of a cliche that is – and that I need to make the necessary changes now in order to give me far wider choices in the future.

    Happy New Year to you both, and I’m sure you will make ever greater leaps forward online in 2009, Ali

    Alisons last blog post..Affiliate Marketing Success

  2. Great post and lovely sentiments. Always enjoy reading your blog.

    But if you think time is passing quickly now, at my age (45 on yours!) it really does just flash by:-)

    Best wishes to you both for 2009.

  3. That’s one of the many reasons why I blog. I like looking back at my life and remembering where I was and what I’ve done. It helps me remember. I do not like having years just existing in my memory as vague ideas. I want to remember everything!

  6. Yo! HAPPY NEW YEAR to you and V!

    Great post man and congrats on getting o a point of making some consistent $$ online.

    Let me officially say that it was a pleasure meeting you, and I look forward to drinking a scotch with you sometime in 2009. 🙂

    Cheers!
    Jay

    SuiteJs last blog post..Goodnight 2008 And Good Morning 2009

  8. Good stuff, E!

    That was an inspirational post filled with much truth. The College to cubical lifestyle is just ridiculous in my opinion. I refuse to just follow the heard into death because it is considered “normal”.

    Well, I ain’t normal and most people aren’t either. My mother told me I was special AND I BELIEVE HER DAMMIT!!!

    LOL! I am setting a January goal of making $1,000 online and will build from there.

    Thanks for the motivation!

    Freddie Taylors last blog post..Everyday is a Reality Check

  9. @Alison – Yea, what really hit home with me is that he was a few years from early retirement, after spending over 30 years working for the post office – he put in that time for what? A trip to the Caribbean once a year? Forget about it… Loosing both parents must have been hard, and I can’t even imagine how I would go about dealing with a loss of that magnitude.

    @Pip – Hey, thanks for stopping by! I’ve heard it does move faster the older you get.. so I think I’m going to invest in some sort of youth serum..

    @Laura-Jane – You’re right, blogging is a great way to keep track of things.. When I was writing this post, I ended up going back and reading my post “from college to cubicle” and thoroughly enjoyed reading my own post, as if someone else wrote it!

    @TheMoneyac – Time to shine baby! Let’s do this…

    @Jake – Dude, I enjoyment is reciprocated! I’m glad you still stick around, despite my foul mouth and tendency to insult people!

    @Dennis – Well, I’m glad to hear business was good last year, now it’s time to work on your personal gain! I wish you the best man.

    @Freddie – Fam, I we haven’t touched base in a minute! You already know we both share the same vision towards success and happiness.. and 2009 is going to be huge man! You and I still gotta get on the phone man and have a brain storm session… You can hit that goal no problem man – just map it out, and stick to it…

    Elijahs last blog post..In The Blink Of An Eye

  10. You know, I’ve been thinking about how I’ve wasted my entire year running on the hamster wheel- ignoring my husband, my family, my husband’s family…

    After a sudden and dark depression in October, I re-evaluated my life and have stopped spending every free moment on the computer. Instead, I’m spending more time with people that I care about.

    Because of this huge change, I started mourning how I’d spent my entire year on the hamster wheel… seriously considered getting out of MMO entirely. But I just realized, after reading your post, that while I may never recoup that time financially or with my family, it still wasn’t a waste.

    I met some incredible people through this! You, Alan, a group of people who shall not be named but know who they are, and even several people on Twitter (which I wouldn’t have joined if not for MMO).

    I’m not giving up MMO entirely, but I’m refocusing on the people in my life. I’ve noticed an influence that I’m having at my day job, so I’m not so desperately unhappy as I was since it’s no longer about collecting a paycheck, but being an encouragement to my fellow racing rats. And I’m working on my novel again. MMO was supposed to provide the time for me to work on my novel- but MMO took over instead. With my new priorities, I have more time than ever!

    In fact, I’m feeling a little at loose ends. About to pick up work on my sites again to fill the time. 🙂

    I’m so sorry that you and Veronica lost someone so special. My prayers go out to you.

    WordVixens last blog post..Beware: The Squirrels!

  12. Great Post. You truly are inspirational. I have recently started blogging in hopes of one day getting out of the office grind. Your stories inspire me to dream big, even though the world tells me 9-5 is all there is. Thanks for all you do, and have a great 2009.

  13. @Avon Blake – Reasonable for sure, my goal is to blow reasonable out of the water! It’s going to be one hell of a year indeed!

    @Travis – Dreaming big is the only way to dream man, and I’m flattered that you find a sense of inspiration is my accomplishments.. I guess that’s where blogging really becomes effective.

    Elijahs last blog post..In The Blink Of An Eye

  14. I totally agree with you about on getting older, the faster time flies.

    Congratulations on making some good money with your blog and I hope this year brings you more success. Your blog is always a good read.

    Marks last blog post..I’m bald and proud

  15. @SuiteJ – My bad on the comment moderation, I’m gonna have to send the askimet camp a lengthy email as this has been happening too frequently! 2009 has some big things in store man, let’s keep things moving!

    @WordVixen – I sort of had the same realization, which lead to my post frequency, or lack thereof. I think it’s awesome that you’ve allowed yourself to step back and re-evaluate what is truly important – and that is the people you love. I strongly believe that as long as they are taken care of, everything else will work its way out. The Internet can really be a magnet at times, and consume all of our attention – and that is NOT healthy. It’s that type of scenario that causes people to become depressed and burnout. I’m glad you’ve found some peace of mind!

    @Mark – Hey dude, thanks for stopping by. Your blog is pretty cool as well, I really dig your writing style – and your art! I actually don’t make a single penny from this blog, as it was never my intention to do so. But I do make money through various other mediums online.

  16. @Elijah – Ah being quite new around these parts I just assumed it was your blog that was making money but anyways congrats still on making some cash.

    Thanks for the compliments about my little online home. Much appreciated!

    Marks last blog post..I’m bald and proud

  17. Hey, truely great post man – it’s great to see your taking this new year to do better, after all the stuff you went through the last year, and thanks for the encouragement at the end of the post 🙂

    I’m looking forward to this year, and really trying to make it my time to bring in a comfortable amount of money.

    Happy New Year

    Dan

    (P.S. I just dont want to be the only one – did anyone else make the ‘I’ve been wearing the same clothes since last year’ joke as the clock struck 12?…Maybe I’m just TOO cool 😛 lol)

    Dans last blog post..Make $10 (Or More) By The End Of The Day

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