Thursday, March 4, 2010

Turn your life into an RPG

Today I found this article that reflects exactly what I want to try and do with my life, and this idea I am trying to share with my readers, all 4 of them. :)

Note: This article is from BBSpot, which is esentially a geeky version of The Onion, so this article was written for laughs, but still has some really good points.

Geek Overcomes Social Anxiety by Turning Life into RPG

Here's the tl;dr:
A dude from Florida was suffering from social anxiety. He then decides that it is time to "join the party" and actively seek social interaction. He decides to log in exp into his PDA (Yes, PDA) and improves his interaction.

Since this is from BBSpot, I'm sure you can pick up on the "poking fun at nerds/geeks" vibe. I don't like that part. I think that this real life = RPG idea has some weight to it, and am going to come up with some way to implement this into my life, and find a way to share it with others.

Now about that social anxiety... I suffer from general anxiety. I also have a moderate level of social anxiety. Today I had a general anxiety attack at work, and asked to go home after lunch. I have been keeping a handle on that for a few years now, little by little. The main thing I have been working on has been to recognize when I am having an anxiety attack, identifying the triggers, and calming myself down. <=Leveling up my anxiety defense

I am proud of myself today. I felt the adrenaline surges of my anxiety attack, but kept my cool, finished my work, and asked to go home. I get major exp for not freaking out or embarrassing myself. (Which has happened in the past)

+25 for me, and +6 for you reading this!

More on how I have been leveling up my anxiety defense to come...

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

It's Dangerous to go Alone, Take This.

It IS dangerous to go alone.

But none of us have an old man handing us a wooden sword. Nor do we find ourselves in need of an actual sword. Everyday life isn't live or die. We aren't battling octoroks, losing hearts, or meeting old men in caves with bonfires. *Sigh* Wouldn't that be exciting?

Our lives are all we have. An adventure awaits each one of us. It is up to us to make it all we can. If you are not where you want to be, if you can't face that giant boss at the end of your level, then it's time to Level Up!

What is the one thing that you value? You know, the thing that you enjoy. Or the thing that keeps your life from being a miserable existence, even if just for a minute. Is it your computer? Music? A hobby? Your car? A specific game on your Xbox, PS3, or dare I say it... Wii? Something that helps you get through the day, the hours, the minutes... Whatever gets you excited about life...

THIS IS YOUR SWORD
and despite being a 28 year old female, I am the old man giving it to you.

Find your excitement, no matter what it is, and take a moment to reflect on how you feel doing that activity. That is the feeling to build on. That feeling is the sword given to you to use to conquer your enemies... both mental and physical. So use this feeling to slash away at the things that hold you back, and prevent you from living your life as best as you can.

For me, my sword is the way I feel when I am in the Wasteland of Fallout 3, in my power armor, and shooting Raiders with my combat shotgun. That makes me feel ALIVE.

For a moment I feel sad that it is just fantasy, a game. But you know what? The feeling is real. And I want to feel that more often, in places other than alone on my couch. So I am going to take steps to change things in my life, to level it up, one stat at a time, and maybe I'll be able to beat that boss, and live my life healthy and happy.

I hope you decide to do the same.

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Just Press Play

Press Play. Do it!



I don't know about you, but in 25 seconds I feel like I can take on the world.

However, I have no idea how to "take on the world," or even if "taking on the world" is something I want to accomplish in my everyday life.

In most games, the path is laid out before you. You are exiled from your hometown, or find yourself in a strange place, or some life changing event has happened. Your destiny is placed before you. The journey ahead is full of trials and challenges, and you fail a few times, but you get back up and try again. And you know there is a great reward waiting for you... at the end of the game... something will happen, you will be rewarded with the love of your life, knowledge that you saved the planet from utter destruction, or that the world is safe from some evil boss dude. (Who will return later, in another game, but that's not the point here)

I believe that most people are unaware of what they are capable of doing. I know I am. I don't think I can actually change the world, or really do anything all that significant sitting here in front of a glowing screen. Let alone get some great reward for all of my hard work...

You know what?

I'm WRONG

And the sooner I, and you, realize that, the sooner we can get on our way making small changes all the time to level up our lives and reap the biggest reward of all:

Health, Happiness, and Living each day without regret.

It all starts here. It all starts now.