"Consider how hard it is to change yourself and you'll understand what little chance you have in trying to change others." -- Jacob M. Braude!
I'm sure we've all wished, at some point or another, for someone to change their ways. Perhaps a friend. A work colleague. A relative. Maybe even a stranger. "If only they would do this or that..."
"If only they'd be more like such-a-body..."
"I wish she would change her ways..."
You know the kind of thing...
But however much you wish and hope, you can't change someone. They have got to do that for themselves.
There's a great line in the film "The Matrix" where Morpheus tells Neo something along the lines of... "I can open the door -- But you have to walk through it."
And that's just it. The most we can do for others is open the door... a door-way to better choices and increased opportunities for personal growth.
You can certainly inspire, inform, influence or support someone in a positive way towards change, but that's as far as it goes.
And, ultimately, you can only help someone who wants to change!
Like Jacob's quote, you know how challenging it can be to make changes yourself.
So, stand back a little ... accept that some people do not want to change or are quite happy with their lives ... and direct your energies to either changing yourself or to those who want to change and appreciate your guidance.
Enjoy your day! Labels: films, inspiration, self-development
This blog is usually about inspiration. Today it acts as a warning. To never buy a Tom Tom.Now, a Tom Tom is one of those GPS navigation devices that guides you through the road system to your ultimate destination. As some of you know, I visited Richmond over the weekend to attend a course with Mecthild Ruggier. Unfortunately, my Tom Tom wasn't too keen on the visit. Despite having been recently sent in for repair, to Holland no less, it absolutely failed to figure out where I was for the first two hours of my journey. Then it kept telling me "Turn left in 80 yards" for no apparent reason. Currently it thinks I'm lost in Germany and is providing sensible advice... "Turn around when possible."Useless piece of electronic junk. Next time I'm getting a Navman. Anyway... On a slightly more upbeat note... I appear to have stumbled across a TOP SECRET UK project. It appears some sort of fanatic is building a modern-day Jurassic Park within the shores of Blighty.
I managed to snap this evidence while driving down the M1 last Friday.
Ahhh. It'll all end in tears.
I've seen the film! Labels: films, fun, pictures
One friend of mine, Joe Vitale, is in the habit of saying "Aude aliquid dignum!"
Or... "Dare Something Worthy."
Today's post is just a reminder of that. And I'm going to do it by giving a little perspective.
A few weeks ago, I watched the movie Contact, starring Jodie Foster. It's based on the novel by late Carl Sagan. Although I don't necessarily share all of Carl's views, he was a great man... and no matter what he may think, he's somewhere out there :)
The introduction to the movie however included an amazing three minutes of zooming out. From a picture of earth and its various radio signals... out into deep, deep space.
It's staggering -- and it should make you realize that we aren't that big after all.
Our actions really aren't of any real significance.
This blog post is hardly likely to ever go down in history. And as far as the "BIG EVERYTHING" is concerned, Karl Moore is hardly likely to ever really mean anything.
All we're ever likely to be, or do, or anything... is what we be, or do, RIGHT NOW.
So what could YOU dare that is worthy today?
And why not JUST DO IT...
After all, it's really not that big a deal in the grand scheme of things.
Lloyd Jones said: "If you have tried to do something and failed you are vastly better than if you had tried to do nothing and succeeded."
So go on. Dare something worthy.
Now I'll leave you with my second favourite scene in the movie. The timewarps!
(If you're reading this via e-mail, visit the official site at www.karlblog.com to view the videos.)Labels: films, friends, inspiration, quotes, videos
I don't know about you, but I like random.
When I was 20, I discovered a system of "asking the dice."
For non-critical life decisions, I'd let the dice decide which direction I should take.
Should I hit the town tonight... Or stay inside with my DVD player? Should I say "Yes!" and go on that crazy speed dating event? Should I go on holiday this year to Spain... or India... or New Zealand?
The dice could deliver a straight YES or NO. Or up to six separate answers, depending on which number it landed.
And the dice would take me to places I never dreamed possible.
But... Isn't it just a bit irresponsible using a dice to decide the outcome of your life? Nah. I never use it in critical situations, obviously. But from the seeming random behaviour of the dice came a much deeper meaning. I always felt I was simply allowing "fate" it's chance to change my life. There's a wonderful quote in The Six Degrees of Separation...As the Kittredges attempt to sell a double-sided Kandinsky painting, they demonstrate how one side shows seeming chaos... and the other side shows complete order. "Chaos, control. Chaos, control. You like, you like?" One side of the painting is the seeming disorder of life and all it's random moments. And on the other side is the truth... the reality of the orders of fate that are affecting you right now. Out of chaos comes control.
Out of random dice throws, comes the opportunity for the Universe to play its hand.
So... What FUN decisions could you let the Universe make for YOU today?
Seriously. Do it.
Let the dice decide.
Who knows where it'll lead you.
Enjoy the adventure!
Labels: films, inspiration, pictures, quotes
I've discussed The Secret on this blog before.
It's a wonderfully edited docu-film that explores the whole idea that your mind creates its own reality.
It discusses how you can change your thoughts... and thereby change the world around you. It looks at truths behind the Law of Attraction.
And it features many of the individuals I've interviewed online at Self Dev Radio, such as Joe Vitale and Hale Dwoskin.
You see... If I'm totally honest, I wasn't overly impressed by "What the Bleep!?" as this year's supposed "mind-boggling" movie. It all seemed a bit predictable to me, and not overly inspiring.
The Secret however is different.
It's a movie I'd urge you to watch - especially if you'd like 2007 to be different.
And best of all?
It has JUST been released on Google Video FREE of charge... apparently as part of a promotion by producers Drew Pictures.
If you haven't seen The Secret yet, CLICK HERE and watch it online.
I'm willing to bet it'll change the way you look at things, if only for the next few days.
And when the effects wear out, watch it again.
Enjoy! ;)Labels: films, inspiration, self-development, videos
This is the post you knew would be coming.
Because... the season of the soul is upon us.
As I sit here listening to Maria Carey's "All I Want for Christmas", I feel a wave of festive happiness flowing through my body again.
It's the feeling I have whenever I reach the end of the A Christmas Carol (in Muppet, Bill Murray, Alistair Sim, or vanilla flavour). Or when I see my family again after a long journey. Or I view the cathedral in my home town... or new lovers smiling and holding hands...
What do these images invoke in your mind?
And what if you could hold those feelings all year round?
In my blog post today, I'd really like to wish YOU a happy Christmas.
And that comes from a deep place of intense love, with a burst of pleasure and a sparkle of fun. I mean it... I really do.
"Merry, merry Christmas!"
I also have a special Christmas card online right now to wish you my best this season...
Click on the link to view the card. You'll enjoy it ;)
And this Christmas, I'd like to ask you just ONE favour...
If you've enjoyed reading my random thoughts over the past few months, please, please -- read or watch "A Christmas Carol" this year. You can buy the book version for just a few pennies these days, or read it online for free.
It's my favourite Christmas story, without question.
If your heart is closed, or you feel unloved, or you don't even feel that Christmas is really "here" yet, then this book will open you up. I guarantee it.
It'll expand your mind -- and you'll feel the love.
Let this blog be your inspiration.
Again... Merry Christmas. Pass it on x
* * *
There's magic in the air this evening, magic in the air
The world is at her best, you know, when people love and care
The promise of excitement is on the night will keep
After all, there's only one more sleep till Christmas!
The world has got a smile today, the world has got a glow
There's no such thing as strangers when a stranger says hello
And everyone is family -- we're having so much fun
After all, there's only one more sleep till Christmas!Labels: christmas, films, inspiration, quotes, ramblings
In a recent blog post, I talked all about my favourite movies.I must admit, it's not something I usually do. All that "My favourite colour is yellow, I love Durham Cathedral and my yummiest food is prawn cocktail" stuff sends shivers down my spine. However thanks to the glorious copyright-carefree haven that is YouTube, I can now bring you actual previews of my favourite movies. So you can decide whether you want to watch them. Or not. So if you didn't read my first write-up, click here and figure out why I like 'em. And then, get ready to click play. Firstly, Playing By Hearts... chick-flick material with a very deep message, if only you listen with intent.
Next up, The Six Degrees of Seperation... because life is predictably chaos, control, chaos, control. Just like a Kadinsky.
And finally, my comfort film, Death on the Nile... with it's fantastic, embedded, character-based humour.
Pass it on. Enjoy! :)
(If you're reading this post by e-mail, you'll have to visit Karl Blog.com to view the video.) Labels: films, recommendations, videos
Ever wanted to write your own movie... ?
How about writing it in just a MONTH?
Earlier this month, the WCCL Network released a course to help you do just that.
And Nick Daws just reviewed it.
So if you're interested in becoming a screenplay maestro, check out this link:
Nick's Writing Blog: Review: Write A Movie in a Month
Or to visit the official site direct, click here: Write a Movie in a Month.
Enjoy!Labels: films, recommendations
I just returned from buying a close friend a couple of birthday gifts.
And as I walked past PC World, a wild version of "Ding Dong Merrily on High!" roared out the loud-speakers. My good friend Richard Asquith sent me a text message at precisely the same time, complaining of a xylophone version of "Frosty the Snowman" playing at the Metro Centre.
And so I stood there and asked myself...
"... Can Christmas come too early?"
Well, possibly.
Certainly, shops filling with silver baubles in September is all a little soon for me.
But how about the SPIRIT of Christmas?
Now THERE'S something which could be savoured all year round.
There's one story I really enjoy listening to. And once every few months, I'll read it again just to remind myself of it's meaning.
And that is... A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens.
It's an old story from 1843, about one rather unusual day in the life of the inimitable Ebeneezer Scrooge. It was written in a very short period of time (if I remember correctly, Dickens needed the cash - fast!), but went on to become one of the most adored Christmas stories in the world.
A testimonial to writing a book quickly if ever I read one.
And it's that story, A Christmas Carol -- whether I'm reading the book, watching Alistair Sim, or crying over the Muppets recreation -- which grounds me once again.
It re-affirms the ideas of feeling great, by having an open-hearted and a love for all mankind.
And, surely, it's never too early to experience that.
Now if you haven't read the book yet, click here and begin. The book reads just like the movie adaptations (yes, including the Muppets!) -- but its medium provides that little extra time to truly digest its meaning.
It might just change your day. Enjoy! :)
(PS. I actually had the privilege of interviewing Lucinda Hawksley, the great-great-great granddaughter of Charles Dickens for Writers FM. She's the only one in the Dickens line currently writing -- and has just finished a book about his daughter. To learn more and download the interview, click here.)Labels: books, christmas, films
I don't usually like to talk about "favourites".
Favourite colours (Yellow), favourite foods (Chinese), favourite coffee (Yuck!).
But today, I'm breaking my personal rule, because I'd like to share with you my favourite three films. Because they're each significant enough to really change your lives in a positive way.
And maybe you'll benefit from that, right now :)
So, in no particular order, here are my top three Hollywood hits...
-- Playing by Hearts
I referenced this great film in my "Falling in Love with Yourself" post. It follows eleven curious individuals each battling with love in Los Angeles.
Some find it, some don't.
But they each benefit in some way. Even if only by their problems.
Very witty. Very thought-provoking. Very deep.
My favourite quote: "What, is that a rhetorical question? Why is my life so complicated? Gee, I don't know. Why is your life so f**king simple?"
Okay, moving on...
-- The Six Degrees of Separation
When two rich New York art dealers are suddenly imposed upon by a young man claiming to know their kids from Harvard, they take him into their lives. He enchants them, no doubt.
But all the time, he's lying.
However, it's not a sinister lie. It's a sweet, innocent lie that begs for their approval. It's a lie that can be instantly forgiven - the sort of lie you almost beg people to deceive you with.
This is one witty, atmospheric film that forced me to fall in love with it after just the first sitting.
My favourite quote: "I read somewhere that everybody on this planet is separated by only six other people. Six degrees of separation between us and everyone else on this planet. The President of the United States, a gondolier in Venice, just fill in the names. I find it extremely comforting that we're so close. I also find it like Chinese water torture, that we're so close because you have to find the right six people to make the right connection... I am bound, you are bound, to everyone on this planet by a trail of six people. "
Moving on one final time...
-- Death on the Nile
As with all of my three films here, "Death on the Nile" was not well-received by critics. It was, madame, a flop.
And yet it remains one of my all-time favourite films.
Whilst not quite as deep as the former two, this classic Peter Ustinov film delivers a big dollop of wit in such a subtle manner that it takes perhaps a half-dozen viewings before you truly begin to understand the hidden humour.
You see, everyone is the film is a CHARACTER...
... Angela Lansbury (incidentally, Ustinov's sister-in-law!), Bette Davis, Mia Farrow, David Niven, Maggie Smith, Jack Warden... it's FULL of fantastically well-developed characters that wrap you straight into the story.
The music is gloriously powerful -- and although it's a traditional "Whodunnit", the ending will definitely surprise those that don't know the story.
For me, this is a "comfort film." I watch it over and over whenever I feel ill. And it never fails as the perfect medicine.
Hilarious - AND great.
Favourite quote (in addition to the French title of this post, from Moliere and quoted by Poirot, meaning "The great ambition of women is to inspire love")...
Jim Ferguson: You damn froggy eavesdropper.
Hercule Poirot: Belgian! Belgian eavesdropper!
* * *
And so, if you trust my taste enough, I'd invite you to rent or buy these movies from Amazon.
You might just surprise yourself...
Enjoy! :)Labels: films, love, ramblings
A question today: Are you loving yourself enough?
You know, one of my favourite films is "Playing By Hearts".
It received poor reviews, sure. As do most of my top movies.
But there's one description inside the movie that really struck me the first time I heard it.
When Paul (Sean Connery) is explaining away a former love affair to Hannah (Gena Rowlands), he whispers...
"I remember hearing you once describe to the children exactly what love was. You explained it beautifully...
"You said that falling in love with someone... was really the process of falling in love with yourself.
"You begin to see yourself through their eyes, and you fall in love with yourself again."
Think about it.
When you're truly in love, most people feel exceptionally happy. And they're happy, because for once, they're in complete acceptance and appreciation of themselves.
They're seeing themselves through the loving eyes of someone else.
So, let me ask. Think of the one person that loves you most -- right now.
And ask yourself:
How do they see you?
How perfect are you through their eyes?
How does that make you feel?
.... Have a great day!Labels: films, inspiration, love, self-development
Birthday wishes go out to Angela Lansbury today, who today reaches the ripe age of 81 years.
Now if you've never been exposed to Angela's talents, I strongly suggest you head straight to your nearest movie store and rent "Death on the Nile" (if indeed they still have it!).
This 1978 production, which received mere mediocre reviews, is one of my top three films.
It features Angela's brother-in-law, Peter Ustinov... Bette Davis... Mia Farrow... David Niven... Maggie Smith... Jack Warden... and a whole bundle of other big Hollywood names. And it has a mass of underlying humour that you can really only understand once you've watched the film around ten times.
Thankfully, I'm on my 578th playing, so by now, it's nothing short of hillarious.
But you don't need to hire a DVD to figure Angela's talents.
Most of us have already been exposed to her motherly manner, typically when ill and bed-ridden, forced to watch mid-afternoon "Murder, She Wrote" repeats.
But you know something?
In my eyes, Angela Lansbury is one of the few remaining true Broadway and television stars -- and today, as she celebrates the grand age of 81 years, she's still going strong.
So, raise a glass with me.
Happy birthday Angela!Labels: birthdays, films
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