Q is for Quitting #AtoZChallenge

Sometimes quitting is easy, like when you stop working out. That's easy to do; unfortunately it's really hard to get started again.

But more often, quitting is hard... quitting smoking, quitting a relationship, quitting a job. Sure, we might fantasize about leaving a tough situation, or what life will be like after we make the change, but when it comes down to it more often than not those are the pivotal moments in our lives.

Thankfully I am not faced with a decision of such magnitude in my life right now - although I have been many times in the past.

But if you are, please allow me to offer this...

1. Will it matter in five years? Or even just one? Put yourself in "future-self's" shoes - when you look back at this time, what decision will make you proud, happy or breathe a sigh of relief?
2. Whatever it is... you're going to be OK. Believe that... one way or another you'll move past this and it will be OK.
3. You are not alone. If you feel like you are, join Twitter... seriously. Twitter is like being at a HUGE party where everyone is talking and I'm willing to bet you that no matter what problem you are facing, someone out there is talking about it. Search around, you'll find them. 
4. *hug* really, it'll be OK.

“Quitting is not giving up, it's choosing to focus your attention on something more important. Quitting is not losing confidence, it's realizing that there are more valuable ways you can spend your time. Quitting is not making excuses, it's learning to be more productive, efficient and effective instead. Quitting is letting go of things (or people) that are sucking the life out of you so you can do more things that will bring you strength.” 

― Osayi Osar-Emokpae, Impossible Is Stupid

C is for Cloud Atlas #AtoZChallenge

I recently read (listened to) Cloud Atlas, by David Mitchell. I admit, it started off not only a little slowly for me, but practically right in the middle of an ongoing story. In other words, it didn't start off with any real introduction or back story, but in the middle of a journal as it was being written.

That being said, I thought it was an excellent novel. I haven't seen the movie yet, but plan to. The premise of the novel is that everything is connected - our actions, good or bad, affect those around us and ultimately history. It also toys with the concept of reincarnation, without actually every directly discussing it.

These are concepts I've been musing about lately. I'm currently reading (listening to) Time and Again by Jack Finney and just finished To Say Nothing of the Dog by Connie Willis. Both are excellent, and both deal with time travel, which is a pretty interesting concept.

By the way, Time and Again by Jack Finney was recommended by Stephen King at the end of 11-22-63 (mentioned yesterday). Everything is connected... huh? huh? :)

So, do I think time travel is possible? Yes... I agree with the theory that time is not an absolute, but can be manipulated. Do I believe in reincarnation? Yes, I believe we have lessons to learn, and each life is a new lesson. This fits in with so much of what I have observed and what I believe.

Anyways, back to the books, I found myself sort of irritated with one of these novels in that someone went back in time and caught a bus, observed an event and left. They didn't change history... or did they? By catching that bus - no one got on the bus with them, so the bus stopped for them - the caused a string of small ripples that affected countless others. Perhaps someone had originally missed the bus, but now they made it. I think about things like this when I just can't seem to leave on time in the mornings, then pass a bad accident on the road that I missed by only moments.

Have you read any books lately that have challenged you to think outside of your box? What do you think about time travel?

Oh... and would you believe that today's photo prompt is "Future".

What better symbol of the future is there, than the face of our children?