I grew up in a world like that of many other American children; immersed in a world of beauty and magnificent discovery at every turn.  As a small child every day was a new experience and an opportunity to learn and grow.

At some point in the future things became stale and mundane, like a moldy bagel.  I started to take this world for granted. My world became polluted with negativity as I absorbed the pressures of everyday life run on some preconceived time table.

Over the last few years I've been engaged in a process of challenging many of my baseline beliefs and predispositions. I've also started to remember what's really important in my life, like my family, trust, honor, compassion, spirituality and authenticity. 

In a way I've come full circle to a point where I can now appreciate all of my surroundings and the people around me. I see only unlimited opportunities and positive energy unfolding as I rediscover the world through the eyes of a child.

It's been a long journey to get to this point and I still have a long way to go.  I've come to realize that life is more than just accomplishments and accolades.  It's about being yourself and being with others.   The Book of Bob chronicles my unfolding journey and is dedicated to those following their hearts and discovering their own path in life.  

Remember, if you can change yourself you can change the world.

My Life (under reconstruction)

For some reason my life never seems quite complete.  Out of sheer boredom or the need for perfection, I'm always undertaking renovations.  Like most of us in this world, I'm searching for something better for myself, my children, for humanity.  The question becomes one of where do I focus my attention, what are the right projects, the right goals?  Last year I scaled back on my personal goals and told myself I was going to relax, be at peace, enjoy life.  To a large extent I stuck to my words, but I can't say that I was any more complete as a result.  Completeness is a concept that seems to allude me and my overly analytical mind.  I'm much more content when I'm busy, caught in the moment, with little time to analyze the situation.

The New Year while just some arbitrary line in the sand, is a good place to begin any reconstruction effort. A New Year, a new beginning, a clean slate.  I have a few goals for 2008 and I suppose sharing them here will force me to be concise and stay on track.

A few of my re-construction goals

• Secure Project Funding:

My goal is not one of saving but spending less.  How do I prevent myself from being consumed in mass, the mass consumer. I'm just looking to reduce my contribution to the National debt.  There's not much that I need personally, but raising a family of six can be quite expensive.

It's equally important to have project sponsors. People that you care about that can support you on your life's journey. For me the picture above sums it up.  Lots of love and loads of fun!

• Expect Delays and Roadblocks:

My goal is to stay focused and calm in the face of adversity or disappointment. We don't always get what we expect, but I do believe there's a grand purpose and order to everything, otherwise life would just be a cruel joke, right?  My goal is to stay determined and press-on through any unexpected roadblocks, to be spontaneous and to be in the moment.

• Revise Blueprints:

My goal is to keep doing what I love, which is writing.  The ultimate goal would be to get my book published or secure an agent.  I was very close to doing just that in 2007, but things feel through.  Now, I'm dusting myself off, making some revisions to both my writing, my plan, and wishing on a star.

• Repave the Spiritual Entrance Ramp:

I'm always trying to find the time to stay connected with the spirit world, the great mysteries of life and death. To take the time for meditation, prayer, appreciation and service. Recognizing that there is so much to learn in the world, I remain open to any and all possibilities.

• We the People

  My goal is to appreciate the beauty and stay in close union with myself, my family, my friends, people in need and nature. These all fuel my creative energy, my love for the world and a general sense of peace and well-being. In particular I plan to do something special and spontaneous in appreciation of my wife Christy each month. 

  I also plan to see people, not for what they are but for what they can be.  Often my thoughts about people are framed by past beliefs, perceptions and interactions.  I propose to throw these notions out the window and approach with new eyes.

I'm not an expert on blogging, not even an amateur.  Well. here's my attempt at an online journal for 2008. If you would like to chime in on a particular topic, just email me along with your first name, city and state. I'll post your contribution right here.

December 2007

I have this vision for a Center of Awareness.  A place where people of different beliefs and backgrounds could come together and share thoughts, ideas, philosophies. A group of people who like me are focused on personal growth and aspire to make a difference in the world, whether on a small or large scale. 

The only requirement is that those involved be open, honest and trustworthy. The thought would be that we would gather monthly on-line or in person and share our ideas on a variety of topics and focus on learning something new from one of the members such as a culture, belief, craft etc.  The group would also focus on a quarterly service activity to help others in need, their community or environment.

My question is, are there people like me out there that are interested in changing yourself and the world you live in?  Do you think my idea has merit?  Can it work?

I'd love to here your thoughts. email me at Rpiersonmeier@comcast.net