December 24, 2024 by Zeal4living - 0 comments

The Only Influence That Truly Matters: My Wife (and the Occasional Grumpy Cat Meme)

Who are the biggest influences in your life?

So, they ask, “Who are the biggest influences in your life?”
Now, I’m a man of reason. I’ve dabbled in the philosophies of Rosicrucianism, wrestled with the ideas of Gurdjieff, and even dipped my toes into the esoteric world of Runemasters (don’t judge). I’ve faced down politicians, scoffed at marketers, and generally maintained a healthy skepticism of anyone trying to sway my deeply held beliefs.

But then, there’s my wife.

The look that can influence me with ease

Let’s be honest, “Happy wife, happy life” isn’t just a saying; it’s a universal truth. My wife? She can make me feel like I’m walking on sunshine with a single smile, or send me spiraling into a pit of despair with a furrowed brow. It’s terrifying, really.
Think of it this way: I can withstand the onslaught of political rhetoric, the siren song of consumerism, and even the existential dread that comes with contemplating the universe. But a single look from my wife, a quiet sigh, a muttered “Hmm…” can throw my carefully constructed worldview into chaos.

Now, before you accuse me of being whipped, let me clarify: she doesn’t influence my core beliefs. I still firmly believe in the power of critical thinking and the importance of questioning authority. But when it comes to the day-to-day, to the joy and spontaneity of life, my wife is the undisputed champion.
She’s the one who drags me out of my comfort zone, who encourages me to try new things, who reminds me to have fun. And let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want to make their partner happy? It’s a win-win situation, if you ask me.

So, there you have it. The biggest influence in my life? Not some ancient philosopher or charismatic leader, but the woman who shares my life and makes it infinitely richer. And occasionally, a really good Grumpy Cat meme.

Disclaimer: This blog post is written with a healthy dose of humor, a touch of exaggeration and with my wife’s permission. My wife is, of course, a wonderful and independent human being who deserves all the credit in the world for being, well, herself.

I hope you enjoyed this slightly tongue-in-cheek take on a serious question!

December 17, 2024 by Zeal4living - 2 Comments

Speaking Her Language: A Day of Music and Connection”

Today’s highlight was a beautiful moment of creativity and connection. I discovered something entirely new—a way to create music with artificial intelligence. Until recently, such tools weren’t available, and it felt empowering to harness this technology to craft something meaningful. The result? A romantic love song I made specifically for my wife, and to my delight, she loved it.

Music is her language; it’s how she expresses herself and connects with the world. She’s always said that to truly speak to her heart, you have to speak through music. In the past, I’ve searched for songs that conveyed what I wanted to say and shared those with her. But this time was different. With this app, I could choose the genre, tailor the music, and add my own words, creating something uniquely hers. Seeing her joy, hearing her reaction—it was deeply fulfilling.

This isn’t the first time I’ve seen her light up in the past couple of days. Just yesterday, I gave her an early Christmas gift—a WDLR portable speaker, which I knew would resonate with her. Watching her face light up in sheer ecstasy as she listened was incredible. It reminded me how special it feels to share something that moves her so deeply.

These moments make me feel like I’m beginning to understand her on a deeper level. Music has always been her world, and through these small acts, I hope I’m finding ways to connect with her there. I’d love for this to be the start of a deeper bond, one built on shared wonder and understanding.

Today, I learned not just how to create music, but how to create joy for someone I love. And that, more than anything, feels like the true highlight of my day.

December 26, 2023 by Zeal4living - 0 comments

~ The challenges of letting go ~

Letting go is a profound challenge, often arising from circumstances beyond our control or our own decisions to make radical life changes. As a child in a stable home, I faced the reality of limited resources, like when I yearned for a toy car at the barber shop. Though my father couldn’t fulfill that wish due to financial constraints, I found solace in cherishing the toys I did have, believing in my childhood imagination that they were the best and fastest in the world.

The most significant letting-go moment occurred in my professional life when I had to part with my Renault Megane due to unaffordable repayments amid rising interest rates. It was a personal setback, but I found peace in knowing I made the right decision at the right time, handling it without making a fuss.

However, the most emotionally challenging letting go was ending my first marriage. Despite societal expectations and my internal resistance to divorce, I knew it was the right choice as the love had faded. Letting go of my children’s respect and navigating a fair divorce settlement were difficult, but aligning with my inner compass, I made peace with the consequences, opting for what was ethically right over personal gain.