Some people appear to put on an act to win others over, in all forms of relationships. I have to say, that’s a waste of effort and unsustainable. It’s all about being natural and being comfortable in your own body and mind. You would really hope that others would accept us for how we are. If you’re happy with the way you are and you feel that you are a good person, then that’s good enough for me.
Of course, this doesn’t include how we generally want to challenge or better ourselves, I’m talking more about our general make up, our genetic code, our genes, our characteristics and personalities, even our quirky little ways…that I’m sure most people do have. There will be some people out there who will find our quirky little ways endearing. I have to say, I’ve grown up with my foibles and I rather quite like them! It’s these little things that adds to our uniqueness, why hide them!? They will always come out in the end, anyway. So don’t be the person that someone expects you to be, just be you!
Monday, 25 April 2016
Friday, 8 April 2016
I have a new Marvel mug. Look, they almost match! Who said Marvel and DC can’t work together!? :) ©
I have a new Marvel mug. Look, they almost match! Who said Marvel and DC can’t work together!? :) © Mark Ovens, Norwich, Norfolk, England, UK. I love a good picture!
Wednesday, 16 March 2016
Hiding behind technology
Technology has moved on considerably, it has allowed us to communicate in so many different ways, but each method has its specific uses. Some mediums being on a more formal basis and seen to be commonly used in a professional environment and for replacing the old conventional methods of letter writing, such as email. The millennials are growing up with social media and texting, using their own language to interact but it has also become a way to deliver sensitive and bad news that should be delivered in person, with sensitivity and empathy in mind.
For some young people it has become an acceptable way of communicating and delivering various sensitive announcements via text and even social media. Too many people, this can be seen as being disrespectful, a long relationship that has earned respect and integrity over a long period of time can quickly generate resentment and mistrust, the risk of losing credibility is also at stake, it can be seen to be tactless with very little thought given. It seems some people don’t seem to be brave enough to meet people face to face to deliver news of a sensitive nature to their friends, even making a phone call appears to be too much effort these days, talking on the same mobile device that some people choose to text from appears to be too much trouble.
I love technology, but each medium has its place, social skills is also what should be important to people. Society needs to understand that just because technology is there, it doesn’t mean we can hide behind it. Just like in business, it’s always best to meet in person, if that’s not possible due to locality, then the next best thing is to talk on the phone, even video calls have become very popular. The concern is that I hear miscommunication happening more often, along with misinterpretation of messages, even people being in long relationships or friendships that have ended in a very abrupt ‘out of the blue’ manner due to a delivery of a message transported via text or email causing shock and upset. A connection that has lasted for years deserves more. Have we as a society lost our principles and tact, are we losing empathy for other people’s feelings. Are we becoming selfish and only thinking of ourselves to get out of a difficult situation and choosing the easiest option with no care for others!? Aren’t we also making ourselves more thick-skinned and fickle when dealing with these actions, or is that me being cynical?
For those that recognise the trait and living in a digital world, we need to convey some basic principles and communication etiquette. Instil this practice in those that need guidance. ‘Treat others as you expect to be treated’, I live by that quote. Let’s work on it!
For some young people it has become an acceptable way of communicating and delivering various sensitive announcements via text and even social media. Too many people, this can be seen as being disrespectful, a long relationship that has earned respect and integrity over a long period of time can quickly generate resentment and mistrust, the risk of losing credibility is also at stake, it can be seen to be tactless with very little thought given. It seems some people don’t seem to be brave enough to meet people face to face to deliver news of a sensitive nature to their friends, even making a phone call appears to be too much effort these days, talking on the same mobile device that some people choose to text from appears to be too much trouble.
I love technology, but each medium has its place, social skills is also what should be important to people. Society needs to understand that just because technology is there, it doesn’t mean we can hide behind it. Just like in business, it’s always best to meet in person, if that’s not possible due to locality, then the next best thing is to talk on the phone, even video calls have become very popular. The concern is that I hear miscommunication happening more often, along with misinterpretation of messages, even people being in long relationships or friendships that have ended in a very abrupt ‘out of the blue’ manner due to a delivery of a message transported via text or email causing shock and upset. A connection that has lasted for years deserves more. Have we as a society lost our principles and tact, are we losing empathy for other people’s feelings. Are we becoming selfish and only thinking of ourselves to get out of a difficult situation and choosing the easiest option with no care for others!? Aren’t we also making ourselves more thick-skinned and fickle when dealing with these actions, or is that me being cynical?
For those that recognise the trait and living in a digital world, we need to convey some basic principles and communication etiquette. Instil this practice in those that need guidance. ‘Treat others as you expect to be treated’, I live by that quote. Let’s work on it!
Sunday, 13 March 2016
Breaking in my new retro ‘Justice League’ mug! :) © Mark Ovens
Breaking in my new retro ‘Justice League’ mug! :) © Mark Ovens, Norwich, Norfolk, England, UK. I love a good picture!
Saturday, 12 March 2016
The ingredients and formulas within us
It’s a funny old life, it has a way of constantly throwing new things at us, and it’s those things that can get in the way of relationships and activities in our lives, which demands the constant change of priorities. We all experience personal problems, family concerns, issues at home or work, even illness etc, along with the everyday distractions. As humans, we can’t focus on everything at the same time and certainly not focussing on any one thing indefinitely, we weren’t really made that way. It’s this particular challenge that can work against us, it’s a juggling act. Nobody gets it right and nobody gets everything they want, because we are all continuously juggling, each and every one of us. We’re all in the same boat. If everybody can grasp this, then imagine how life could be? Maybe it could be that little bit easier with everybody possibly being a little more understanding, improving the way we view particular situations? Managing our own expectations, shouldn’t we also be considering that too?
We all desire acceptance based on our different complex personalities, lifestyle, gender type and responsibilities. We’re all unique, we can’t be changed, other than how we naturally grow, adapt and better ourselves, we also have different obligations and needs from life. The ingredients in relationships are becoming steadily more complex and finding the correct formula between two people are also increasingly challenging. There are things we can be doing that alleviates pressure from ourselves and others, which can contribute to happiness and contentment within our relationships. We’re all seeking out that magic formula and harmony that can occur between two people. Why do we have to be such complex creatures!?
In the meantime, do the things you want to do, assign yourself life challenges and adventures. For those people who stick around, they’ll be with you because they choose to be there beside you for the ride.
We all desire acceptance based on our different complex personalities, lifestyle, gender type and responsibilities. We’re all unique, we can’t be changed, other than how we naturally grow, adapt and better ourselves, we also have different obligations and needs from life. The ingredients in relationships are becoming steadily more complex and finding the correct formula between two people are also increasingly challenging. There are things we can be doing that alleviates pressure from ourselves and others, which can contribute to happiness and contentment within our relationships. We’re all seeking out that magic formula and harmony that can occur between two people. Why do we have to be such complex creatures!?
In the meantime, do the things you want to do, assign yourself life challenges and adventures. For those people who stick around, they’ll be with you because they choose to be there beside you for the ride.
Wednesday, 23 December 2015
Merry Xmas to everyone. Make the most of 2015! © Mark Ovens
Who said I wasn't festive? I'm wearing my funny Xmas jumper, what more do they want!? Merry Xmas to everyone. Make the most of 2015! © Mark Ovens, Norwich, Norfolk, England, UK. I love a good picture!
Tuesday, 22 December 2015
Am I as graceful as a swan!?
Things are never how they seem, what appears to be ticking along nicely is not always the case. Just like the metaphor about the swan, above the waterline it looks so graceful and still, but below the waterline, the swan’s legs are paddling furiously with its actions being very different, hidden out of view. We as people are doing this all the time, the difference is that our bodies might not be reflecting the words that we convey. To hide how we are feeling or thinking, we may consider giving off false signals to disguise what is really going on inside. It seems that many of us are fully aware of this and will use it as and when the need arises.
As a race we don’t really stick together other than to ensure the survival of our race. Our individuality and uniqueness keeps us from wanting to be the same, we all want to be different, but it means we are still all doing the same thing, so are we really behaving any differently? But at the same time, we can also feel alone, we protect and hide our vulnerabilities.
We can only really rely on ourselves to deal with many different situations and challenges in life, what we say and how we act is a very big part of that. We depend on ourselves entirely, we receive positive words from friends and family but ultimately the actions and decisions come from within. We are brave and robust, we’re also adaptable, which is the reason our lives are like one long roller coaster. Just make the right decisions and ensure there are a lot more ups than downs. It’s the things we do and experiences that influence us, grows us and shapes us. But whilst we ride that roller coaster of life, from the outside, I wonder whether I am as graceful as that swan. I’d like to think so, but I'm probably not.
As a race we don’t really stick together other than to ensure the survival of our race. Our individuality and uniqueness keeps us from wanting to be the same, we all want to be different, but it means we are still all doing the same thing, so are we really behaving any differently? But at the same time, we can also feel alone, we protect and hide our vulnerabilities.
We can only really rely on ourselves to deal with many different situations and challenges in life, what we say and how we act is a very big part of that. We depend on ourselves entirely, we receive positive words from friends and family but ultimately the actions and decisions come from within. We are brave and robust, we’re also adaptable, which is the reason our lives are like one long roller coaster. Just make the right decisions and ensure there are a lot more ups than downs. It’s the things we do and experiences that influence us, grows us and shapes us. But whilst we ride that roller coaster of life, from the outside, I wonder whether I am as graceful as that swan. I’d like to think so, but I'm probably not.
Wednesday, 11 November 2015
‘Say my name’ - Playing about with letters on a wall! © Mark Ovens
‘Say my name’ - Playing about with large magnetic letters on a wall! © Mark Ovens, Norwich, Norfolk, England, UK. I love a good picture!
Sunday, 20 September 2015
A methodical change cycle, is there such a term?
As I sit here, I reflect on life and wonder if we go through a methodical change cycle, they say our bodies change on average every 7 years (the cells in our bodies), so do our mental thoughts and processes do the same? Do we let go of things that we’ve enjoyed for so long until we’re ready to do something different and go through that cycle again, that’s the question I ask.
So then, some of society can suffer from boredom, does that mean their methodical change cycle could be less? Those who hate change and are content with everything could have a longer methodical change cycle. What about those who only consider change due to a particular catalyst in their life, they need the old fashioned kick-start to get them excited and consider something new, they must fit in there somewhere? We certainly can’t exclude them.
Also, when I say methodical change cycle, I mean not ‘spare of the moment’ decision making or the ‘off the cuff’ choices, I mean strictly change, in the ‘it’s time’ or ‘it’s the right thing to do’ type of mentality. I can certainly see a lot of patterns in my life and signs of it in others. I definitely think there is something to it.
I’m probably not even using the correct terminology, but then who am I to say, I’m not a Neurologist. This is all purely my thinking. I know, sometimes I can talk a load of drivel.
So then, some of society can suffer from boredom, does that mean their methodical change cycle could be less? Those who hate change and are content with everything could have a longer methodical change cycle. What about those who only consider change due to a particular catalyst in their life, they need the old fashioned kick-start to get them excited and consider something new, they must fit in there somewhere? We certainly can’t exclude them.
Also, when I say methodical change cycle, I mean not ‘spare of the moment’ decision making or the ‘off the cuff’ choices, I mean strictly change, in the ‘it’s time’ or ‘it’s the right thing to do’ type of mentality. I can certainly see a lot of patterns in my life and signs of it in others. I definitely think there is something to it.
I’m probably not even using the correct terminology, but then who am I to say, I’m not a Neurologist. This is all purely my thinking. I know, sometimes I can talk a load of drivel.
Sunday, 2 August 2015
Mountain Biking is such fun! Thetford Forest, High Lodge © Mark Ovens
Mountain Biking is such fun! Thetford Forest, High Lodge © Mark Ovens, Norwich, Norfolk, England, UK. I love a good picture!
Wednesday, 15 July 2015
A fab Saturday of activities on the day of the Lord Mayor’s Procession (4th July) © Mark Ovens
A fab Saturday of activities on the day of the Lord Mayor’s Procession (4th July) © Mark Ovens, Norwich, Norfolk, England, UK. I love a good picture!
Monday, 13 July 2015
Digital connections and footprints in the world of pixels
How the world is changing; our connections are now mostly through the internet, our presence is seen by the digital footprints we leave behind. Those online channels allow us to communicate and are a platform for us to express ourselves. We use the applications and various system integrations to date and transfer money, the various ways of doing this is growing; social media, apps, online digital currencies. We scan, store barcodes, vouchers and docs we file away in the cloud for easy reach. Its uses are advancing rapidly, music, air con, heating, controlling the different devices in the home and car. What don’t we do with those digital connections in the world of pixels, scripts and program code?
It does save us time and increases our efficiency but does it really enrich our lives, human contact will still always be an important factor. Virtual reality could be a world where we could easily get lost. They say, that the technology will one day take over. Will it really be like a scene from Terminator? Nevertheless, it’s interesting to see how it plays out, I’m curious to know what it will be like in another 20 years' time.
It does save us time and increases our efficiency but does it really enrich our lives, human contact will still always be an important factor. Virtual reality could be a world where we could easily get lost. They say, that the technology will one day take over. Will it really be like a scene from Terminator? Nevertheless, it’s interesting to see how it plays out, I’m curious to know what it will be like in another 20 years' time.
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