Original Press Releases Concept Banner

I run a company (sort of) named Original Press Releases.  I haven't had any employees and I haven't written any press releases for a long time but I am going to begin working soon. The last time I had the business up and running I was able to hire two part-time girls to help me produce content so I don't see why this time should be any different. Maybe I'll shoot for five full-time employees!

The clients were coming in and I was very happy. And then I relapsed.

I started smoking crack cocaine and drinking alcohol again. Not long after I consumed  the first rock of crack cocaine, the business began to crumble. I stopped giving my employees work and I stopped doing work myself because I was too busy smoking crack.

I was homeless a short time later. There I was again on the streets with a crack pipe in one hand and a rock in the other. And after I did a hit, I would walk around the city like a crazy person.

I am going into another drug rehab in a few weeks and I hope this will be the last time I find myself in one of those facilities. I really do want to change my life and I pray to God to please help me. I will do whatever is necessary to change my life.

I want to live and to be happy aside out. And most importantly, I want to follow my dreams.

Started a Journal a Few Months Ago to Help Me Record & Remember My Life

Hello Journal,

Long time no see! I've really missed you, Journal. You were a big help in getting me through the Redwood Center drug rehab in 2006 and I haven't forgotten how you changed fate in my favor more than once.

I remember I needed money so I wrote that I had money in my journal and a couple days later I found $20. I also wrote how lucky I was and good things began happening to me. I won a contest and I was elected house leader for two weeks.

I didn't do very well after leaving the Redwood Center because I began drinking and doing drugs again within a week of my graduation. It's incredibly difficult to change in a short period of time. Any lasting change has to be worked on for months if not years.

I did go back into treatment after that and I was able to remain sober for a good while. I think I was off drugs for more than six months that time which is a long stretch for an addict that's been in the scene for more than 25 years.

Maintained a Journal to Help Me Change in 2006

I worded the salutation by saying hello to my journal because I maintained a daily diary in 2006 and it really helped me organize my thoughts and it helped with performing affirmations. Written affirmations are very powerful because they manifest just like spoken affirmations, only faster.

At any rate, I haven't used the new journal in the same method I used in the past so I'm not getting the same results. It's still incredibly helpful. Maintaining a journal offers many benefits the biggest of which it helps to clarify thoughts so it's easier to make decisions that are important.

Received Offer for Apartment in San Francisco

For those of you who do not know, I live in subsidized housing. I received an offer a couple of weeks ago for an apartment. The offer is...
If I go into a 90 day treatment program I can move into a really nice apartment upon completion of the program. I have been taking a long time to make a decision, but I did finally decide a few days ago.
I sent the email below to one of the housing supervisors that is overseeing the program that's subsidizing my rent. The email just communicates to her that I made a decision and that I would go back to get into drug treatment.

Hi Monica,
As always I hope you are well. I made a decision over the weekend.
After talking to Mary Beth and reading your letter, I decided to accept your offer to go back into rehab for 90 days after which I'll move into the O'Farrell Street apartment. I have a meeting later today with my HealthRight 360 counselor.
As soon as I am accepted, I will provide you with a letter communicating that I am enrolled in a 90 day treatment program. Kaseem can visit me there in the future.
I never meant to give you a hard time. I only want to be treated fairly and I want to be part of the decision making process.
I will continue to work with Kaseem as you requested. If he continues to make mistakes or if he continues to not tell you and other decision makers the truth, I will ask for a replacement again.
If you want to meet after I'm in treatment please call me. Thanks for your help.

Created Android Background Using PicsArt Software

I started creating Android backgrounds as a way to change my life and almost instantly I found it to be a lot of fun. I call this background image the 'Cat's Eye' because that's what it reminds me of. Of course, after you download it you can name it anything you want.

You can download the Cat's Eye Android background by taking on this link:
https://flic.kr/p/uwqEaA

The picture is actually of a sunset. At least that's what it looks like to me... it could be a sunrise. At any rate, I used the PicsArt software to rotate and resize the image. It was easy.

I'll be posting more Android background images here. I am starting to learn a little more and I want to post some of my work here. It really is helping me to change my life and at the end of the day, that's what I want. I want a new life and new friends and just to be happy.

The Four Agreements

I have found the Four Agreements to be an incredibly easy way to change my life almost instantly.  For example, the second agreement not to take things personally instantly changes your view of the world and the people around you.

It's sometimes difficult to not take things personally.  It takes a lot practice and a constant remembering, but it's worth the effort.  Not taking things personally allows you to see the other person's pain which leads to compassion.  And being compassionate with others eventually leads to self-compassion.

Read the Four Agreements below.

The Four Agreements

1. Be Impeccable with Your Word

Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the Word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your Word in the direction of truth and love.

2. Don’t Take Anything Personally

Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won’t be the victim of needless suffering.

3. Don’t Make Assumptions

Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.

4. Always Do Your Best

Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse, and regret.


 change my life  


 http://trying-to-change-my-life-now.blogspot.com/2015/06/the-four-agreements.html?m=1 

8 Steps to Creating Something Great

At one point in our lives most of us think 'what do I have to do to change my life'.  Even the ultra rich experience this human  phenomenon. I think we go through this stage in life because we somehow think that there is something better out there waiting for us, or that there is a better way to live our life.

It could be that what we really want to accomplish is to leave a legacy so we are remembered. Contrary to popular belief, most people want to help others. It is in our nature to support each other.

With that in mind, here are eight ways that you can create something great which will leave a lasting legacy with your name on it. These steps require that you do a little thinking.  Keep in mind that you may have to get out of your comfort zone if you want to accomplish something great.  

The eight steps listed below were adopted from a Wunderlist  I found online entitled, "How to Create Something Great".

1.  To begin, think about something that can improve people's lives. C'mon think about it.

2.  Do you have it? Awesome! Now, why are you going to do that and no other thing?

3.  Cool! Now that you know two very important things, ask yourself:

• How can I do it?
• What do I need?

4.  Keep it simple, and think about one thing. How would it be perfect for you?

5.  And now, ask your family, friends and team. How would it be perfect for them?

6.  Okay, this is getting serious. You have to do something beautiful and functional. It won't be easy.

7.  Once you have it, join your ideas and start working on it.

8.  Don't do it only for the money, do it because you love what you do. The money will come later. If you're only focused on making money, you will not reach your objective most of the times.

There you have it! Eight steps which will help you create something great to leave a lasting legacy behind. When do you think you will begin the process of creating?

Maybe you can begin by setting goals to change your life. It wouldn't hurt to try and it may actually lead to something awesome.

If you want to download a PDF version of this article please click on my lin> 8 Steps to Creating Something Great

I'm Selling a Sea to Summit Pack Cover 70D Waterproof Fabric Small 30-50 Liters which is brand new and a Sea to Summit Thermolite Fabric Reactor Plus

Hello my friends,


It's Sunday and I'm at home making money off Craigslist.  A couple weeks ago I bought a Sea to Summit Pack Cover 70D Waterproof Fabric Small 30-50 Liters which is brand new and a Sea to Summit Thermolite Fabric Reactor Plus.  I paid $5 for both items and now I'm trying to sell them for $30.  Wish me luck!


I've been buying and selling stuff for nearly 10 years.  San Francisco is a great place to buy cheap and sell at a good price because everyone is always looking to save money because it's so expenisive to live here.  Apartments now go for an average of $3,000 to $4,500.  The only people that can afford that kind of rent are professionals or technical folks earning more than $100,000 a month. 


In fact, it is getting to be a real problem in the City becauswe all the low wage workers are leaving the City one by one.  For example, the neighborhood where I live used to be comprised of approximately 60% Hispanics and 40% whites and blacks.  Today it is 40% Hispanics and 60% everyone else.  The City is in crisis mode.


A city supervisor last week proposed a moratoriam on new building construction until they figure out what to do.  It didn't pass because it lacked a handful of votes.  That's the democratic way!  I'm glad I have people helping me.  If not, I'd still be a homeless bum walking the street blasted off drugs every day.


At any rate, the text below is what I used on my Craigslit ad.  I have no doubt that I'll sell the stuff.  I'm just hoping that it happens today.  It is 5:23 p.m. already.  The only thing that will help me is that it is Sunday which is the busiest day for people that sell on eBay and Craigslist.  It's been like that as long as I've been selling online so I'm speaking from experience :-)




=================




Hi,



I am selling two top of the line hiking and camping items. The first one is a Sea to Summit Pack Cover 70D Waterproof Fabric Small 30-50 Liters which is brand new. The second one is a Sea to Summit Thermolite Fabric Reactor Plus which is slightly used.



I live on 18th and Valencia in San Francisco and I'll be home the rest of the day. Please send me an email now and I will reply right away.



The Sea to Summit Pack Cover costs approximately $39. And the Sea to Summit Thermolite Fabric Reactor Plus costs about $69. I included pictures, links and descriptions for both units.



If you were to buy both of them today, you would pay more than $100 after taxes. I am asking only $30 for both of them... and you can get them right now. In fact, if you get both of them today, you won't have to wait for a shipment to arrive at your home or pay extra shipping and handling charges which will bring the price up to more than $130.



That's a great deal and it is good today only because I need the money right away.



Features of the Sea to Summit Pack Cover 70D Waterproof Fabric Small 30-50 Liters



• Made of 70D polyurethane-coated nylon

• 2,000mm waterproof fabric

• Contoured for modern packs

• All seams are tape sealed

• Compact packed away size when not in use



Specifications



• Volume: 1800-3000 cubic inches / 30-50 liter

• Weight: 3.9 oz / 111 g



You can perform research on this unit on via the links below:



http://www.moosejaw.com/moosejaw/shop/product_Sea-to-Summit-Deluxe-Pack-Cover_10046818_10208_10000001_-1_#sthash.gxbcnIjf.dpuf



Or here:



http://www.moosejaw.com/moosejaw/shop/product_Sea-to-Summit-Deluxe-Pack-Cover_10046818_10208_10000001_-1_




===================================



Features of the Sea to Summit Thermolite Fabric Reactor Plus



This unit has been used a couple times. It is in very good condition.



Increases sleeping bag performance by up to 20 F (11 C) with dual-weight Thermolite fabric. Sea to Summit regular 80 g/m2 is combined with panels of 110g/m2 Thermolite in the core body and foot bed areas adding extra warmth where most needed. The compact, shorter design shaves off excess weight while giving maximum warmth for torso and feet.



Features




• Lighter weight, more packable than fleece

• Adds up to 20 degrees F /11 degrees C of warmth to a sleeping bag

• Mummy shape with a box foot

• Draw cord hood with mini cord lock

• Packs into its own 3 in x 5 in sil nylon stuff sack



You can perform research on this unit on Amazon.com via the link below:



http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0045IDL4K/ref=pd_aw_sbs_200_3?refRID=0YRJETZWPD49CXFDT008#productDescription_secondary_view_pageState_1433708725797




Let’s do this today. Go ahead and send me an email right now.

Things People Regret The Most While on Their Deathbed

I think it was Benjamin Franklin that said the only things certain  in life are death and taxes. Please don't quote me on that, I could be wrong!

Unfortunately, we're all born to die. In fact, death is one of mankind's greatest fears. Some of us fear the death of our mother. Others fear their own death.  

However, there is a fear of death that is common to all people.  It is that we all know our own death is inevitable and we are not going to like the way we feel when the time comes.

A couple decades ago I read about an old army medic who spent a lot of time with the WWII army personnel who were dying.  When he wasn't helping doctors on the operating table, he'd spend time with soldiers that were dying after being injured in battle.

Most of the injured soldiers were inoperable.  Some of the men had a couple hours to live while others had only a couple days to live.  The medic would sit with the men every chance he could.  He would hold their hands and console them while listening to their last words.

After the war, the medic's Christian work asked him to spend time with people on their deathbeds. So he spent a few more years consoling dying people. Thankfully, it was a calling he did not ignore.

When the medic retired, he reported that he heard the same things over and over from the people on their deathbeds.

They said to him, "I never did what I should've done with my life.  And now it's too late, I'm dying."

I recalled reading about the medic after finding the text below. Apparently, it doesn't matter what era we're in, we all have the same regrets.

The text below was curated from this link: http://www.businessinsider.com/5-things-people-regret-on-their-deathbed-2013-12

The 5 Things People Regret the Most Before They Die

Living with regret scares us all. Bronnie Ware worked in palliative care for many years, tending to people during the last three to twelve weeks of their lives.

A handful of themes cropped up in the things they regretted during their final days.  

The Top Five Regrets of the Dying:

1. I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.

2. I wish I didn’t work so hard.

3. I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings.

4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.

5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.

To them, these were regrets. For us, maybe the above can be a checklist of what not to do.  We can live our lives a little differently by changing the things we don't like about ourselves.  I'm beginning to change my life by setting goals.

Do we really have a choice in how we live our lives? Are we truly in charge of what happens to us? What do you think?  Can we create our own story. Please post your thoughts now