Practice Makes Perfect

We've heard this saying many times. Especially as kids. I think it's supposed to inspire us to stick with something that's a challenge, but (not surprisingly) I've always taken it literally. I applied this philosophy to almost everything and also believed in perfection. The perception, the reality, and the self-destructive path getting there.

Now, I'm thankfully writing off perfect as a human state of existence. My goal is to be present and let my senses, soul, and mind do the rest. Maybe by being more aware I can learn and improve organically. Sounds like the same result of "practice makes perfect" and a lot more attainable than aiming for perfection from your regimens.

Practice presence. 

(deep breath)

What Is Content?

It's a homonym. This caught me off guard when I started this post because my intention was to consider the potential audience of this blog and what content I can feature that's inviting, current, and valuable.

Then I read the question the other way and that was thought provoking as well.

The content I strive for with this blog is simple. Short, well-written, thoughtful pieces on wine, lifestyle, respect, and self-improvement.

The last goal syncs with my answer to this question in the other context. "For me", (shout out to Randy Jackson!) there is an element of settling I associate with content. It's comfortable, like routines. And the self-improvement I strive for cannot be found here. But it's a nice place to hang out and catch your breath in.

I hope my content challenges our long term content.

Routines

I struggle with the right balance of routines. While at times I think they can build discipline and foster steady improvement, I also fear the comfort zone they can create. In a perfect world I would try a new form of exercise every three months, buy assorted foods at the grocery store, and explore one of the many places I haven't been to in Southern California on the weekends. But going for walks and bike rides, eating cereal, apples, bell peppers, and shrimp cocktail, and spending every weekend going to my favorite spots in Corona Del Mar makes me happy. 

And that's great. 

But I look back to times in my life when I broke away from a routine or regimented lifestyle and recognize the extreme benefits that these deviations brought to my life. A few examples are transferring high schools my sophomore year, studying and working in London my junior year in college, barely breaking even every month during my first job at Deloitte Consulting in New York City, and leaving Michael and Las Vegas after two years to spend a month in Champagne and Burgundy discovering my passion for wine. Throughout these experiences I was challenged, humbled, inspired, exhausted, exhilarated, sad, and happy. I'm still getting to know Newport Beach and Orange County, but am aware it is going to be very easy to get into a comfortable routine here. I ask of my friends to help me when this happens. It's healthy to get your ass kicked every now and then.