A long time ago I read a post by Tom Anderson (of MySpace fame) upon Google+ which caught my attention (and that I’ve been pondering upon for the past few weeks).

Have you ever felt alone in a room of people? I think all of us have. Or even felt lonely when you’re one on one with someone you don’t like (Imagine a bad date..) You feel so different, so apart from that other person, that you start to wonder if there’s anyone else for you in this world. (There is, don’t worry!)

Conversely, have you ever been alone and not felt lonely? It may mean you’re enjoying solitude. Solitude is something you choose when you want to enjoy your own company. That sounds a little funny, but if you don’t enjoy your own thoughts and feelings, will anyone else?
In solitude, you can reflect, learn, grow, create. Almost all the things that make me deeply satisfied require solitude.

Loneliness chooses you. Solitude is a choice. By choosing solitude, you’ll rarely feel lonely.

I think Tom’s solitude post probably explains why I enjoy hanging out in the woods in remote areas or even running late at night in the park (which most of my friends think is crazy).

With friends, family and frenemies demanding attention via Twitter, Tumblr, SMS, Instagram and Google+ (sorry I don’t Facebook) I’m finding that these moments of solitude are refreshing to my mind and spirit, allowing me to focus on what’s really important in life.

Although I believe being alone all the time is unhealthy, people do need time by themselves to reflect upon the direction of their life.

Note: I guess this probably explains why Superman and Batman have their Fortress Solitude and Bat cave, respectively.

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After receiving a gift card to the Mast General Store from my brother (it was a belated birthday gift), I decided to pick up a pair of 5 finger shoes (by Vibram for those wondering).

After testing them out in the store for 15 minutes, then running/walking/trotting upon running trails, streets and enormous water pipes in the park (note: kids don’t do the latter in as you could fall and crack your head open) over the next hour, I am now officially ashamed that I have worn traditional sneakers for so long instead of 5 finger shoes.

The only thing I don’t like about 5 finger shoes is that it takes a lot longer to put on than traditional sneakers (as you can see from the video below), but aside from that I’m probably only going to purchasing 5 finger shoes in the future due to how natural they feel upon my feet.

I’m planning on purchasing another pair (5 finger boots for those wondering). However if I could find a pair of 5 finger dress shoes, my feet would be complete!

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So I forced myself to traverse a bridge I had no desire to cross.

Despite the “sea of emotions” that swirled within, I remained mostly calm (at least as far as I could tell).

So what’s next? Sleep of course! Joking aside I’ll be trying to spend whatever free time I have left hanging out with 2 dear friends before they enter the next transition in their lives.

After that I’ll be spending more of my free time (re)organizing my life which means I’ll be spending less time downtown hanging out with friends (with the exception of Fridays & Saturdays of course).

Despite crossing that bridge for the first (and hopefully last) time, it’s what’s around the bend that has me excited.

–Posted from my iPhone

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Solomon’s words of wisdom ring true today as they did thousands of years ago.

Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.

~Proverbs 4:23

I think my biggest problem is that I’m too open hearted, which results in me exposing myself to the wrong people who in hindsight do not have my best interests in mind (and end up causing me unnecessary grief).

I need to be more selective when it comes to personal friendships lest I end up receiving another heartache.

In essence I need to begin focusing on myself and less on distractions. Starting tonight….or maybe tomorrow (as it’s late right now).

–Posted from my iPhone

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In order to get a fresh start.

After today’s (or rather yesterday’s) ordeal I’ve decided to turn what use to be fond memories into positive experiences again, so I’m donating some trendy clothes and shoes to charity (you can ask me why later on when I’m ready to talk about it).

While I think someone will find the pants and shirts useful, I’m not sure about the shoes (as they’re a size 13 and have been worn frequently).

I’ll drop them off in the morning, before heading downtown in order to “chillax” (as Zach always says).

Either way I’m looking forward towards the next 6 months. Hopefully my work will bear fruit (especially during this horrendous recession).

–Posted from my iPhone

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So I’ve been on the hunt for a decent pair of sneakers that will not only last longer than 6 months but also complement my feet from the very first step (as in I don’t need to “soften” them with a baseball bat).

With my affection for NewBalance waning, I’m considering switching allegiances towards Vibram FiveFingers brand due to their…well, look at them!

I’m currently looking at the black pair (as shown below) and fortunately I think I found a store nearby that has them on sale.

I’ll admit that I’m drawn towards the shoes due to the “geek appeal,” although honestly I’m looking for a pair of sneakers that will compliment both of my feet without having to wear inserts (which I now use due to an operation on my right foot to insert an arch to correct a knee issue).

Unfortunately I’m not sure if the company has my size (12.5 inches) so I’ve contacted them to see if they have something available for my Goliath feet.

And yes, it probably means I’m going to have to purchase toe socks as well!

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