The Ramblings of the Titanium Don

Why is Doing the Uncomfortable Thing Positive?

Growth comes only from leaving our comfort zones. As I’m writing this, I’ve reached the end of my third foray to Farpointcon. This sci-fi con in Maryland has allowed me to meet and hang out with other like-minded geeks. As a guest author, I also get to sit on some cool panels and get an hour at a table to sign and sell books. Despite being an actor in HS, a DJ in college, and serving as a court herald

Why Does Your Approach to Life Matter?

Your approach is a choice that determines if you merely survive, simply exist, or thrive. The status quo never lasts. Never. That’s because change is the one and only constant in the Universe. Like it or not, work with it or ignore it, you cannot avoid it. Change can, will, and does happen. Recognizing this is huge. Accepting it is even larger. Everything you know is subject to change. If you don’t believe it, apply it to yourself. Are you

Why is it Always Better to Choose Than Not to Choose?

Choice is how you can take control of your life experience. Quite possibly the single greatest superpower that we have is choice. The rest of the animal kingdom on this planet largely have a very set life path. Survive, find food and shelter, propagate the species, protect them, and keep surviving. Simple, really. Humans, however, have choices, like to merely survive or thrive. Some are the product of environment, privilege, birth, etc. However, most are inherent to all and are

It Hasn’t Always Been This Way

Recognizing and acknowledging this truth can change your life. One of the most fascinating elements of conservativism, to me, is how they want to go back to a simpler, better time. Realistically, of course, they want to go back to a simpler, better time that never existed (save in a few minds). The reason this fascinates me so much is because that desire ignores progress made. Not just social progress, though. Technological progress. The world of the ridiculously idolized 1950s

How Does Your Approach to The Unknown Matter?

Your choice of approach always impacts your outcome. In part because I blanked and forgot to take my meds for the first time in ages yesterday; partially because the weather is grey and it’s cold; in part because of a contentious email chain; partially due to anxiety over the surreal insanity of this election year, I am feeling lost, frustrated, and depressed. The reason is simple. The unknown. Everything above represents an unknown. Forgetting my meds is impacting me physically,

Did You Know that You Are Worthwhile and Deserving?

Yes, you. The other day I felt particularly down. I was chewing on thoughts about recognition from others that hadn’t come, how few of my friends and family have bought my books, and how it often feels like nobody cares what I write and share here. My therapist was sick, my wife is going through enough of her own crap that she didn’t need mine on top of it. There is nobody among my friends I’m presently close enough to

Why Do I Keep Pushing Genuine, Non-Toxic Positivity?

Because the world needs more genuine positivity to combat the fear. Whether we like it or not, we live in a fear-based society. All around us are messages aimed to keep us afraid. Why? This might come across as cynical, but I can’t disprove it: Because capitalism demands sales. One of the best ways to get people to buy goods and services is via fear. Fear of lack, scarcity, and not getting what’s rightfully yours. A fear of the “other”,

Finding the Positivity In the Holidays

For all the good, many get overwhelmed by the not-so-good. For some, this is the best time of year. Starting with Halloween, then moving on to Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, and then New Year’s Eve/Day, this is their favorite time of the year. However, that’s not so for everyone. Many people find this time of the year frustrating, a reminder of pain – whether physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, or all the above – and many other negatives. Also, the utter bombardment

Is There Anything You Can Do About That?

The answer can change your life in multiple ways. The world is at your fingertips. Whatever device you’re using to read these words gives you access to news and information, 24/7, worldwide. On the one hand, this is incredible. Only in the last two or three decades have we had the power to learn and know anything at all about any topic whatsoever. You name it, you can learn something about it. On the other hand, this is terrible. There

Why Do I Feel This Way?

Short answer – because life is a crazy, unpredictable ride. For the record, depression sucks. Most of the time I keep the black dog at bay. I do my mindfulness, meditation, breathing exercises, fencing, take my meds, talk to my therapist, and other self-care actions regularly. Yet, I’m only human. Sometimes thinky-thoughts make me feel sad, rainy grey skies feel oppressive, and depression sits on my chest like my cat, but without the calming purr. Depression can be clinical, seasonal,