YOU ARE NOT DISPOSABLE

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Some time ago, disposable cameras were all the rage. They were fun, primarily because there was a bit of suspense baked into the outcome. One would never quite know if they captured the right photo until weeks later when the camera roll was dropped off and then picked up at a tiny house in the middle of some random shopping center. Nowadays, everything is digital and quick. We are able to evaluate, edit, and retake a photo that may not quite have left the impression we had hoped to remember. 

For a long time, disposable razors, sandwich bags, and other one-time use products were considered both convenient and cheap. Now we know more about the effects of these products and have made a giant swing back to carrying eco-friendly jugs of water, shopping bags made of burlap, and paper straws. I’m all for long term sustainable practices because it’s part of stewarding and protecting what we have been given. Personally, I prefer to simply skip the straw and not have to deal with the paper ones, but I appreciate the effort people are making. For most of us it takes time to look beyond the now and ultimately understand the importance of appreciating the original. 

Disposable cheapens the product and ultimately debases the intrinsic value of that in which it is attached to. You may have recently been laid off and left feeling like a juice box casually thrown to the wayside. Over the course of time life has a way of beating you down to a point that you feel disposable.  You spent years working and now what? Some executives made a business decision that has now affected your whole life and most likely your outlook and personal self-worth. 

I’m here to tell you that you are not disposable! You cannot be made by the thousands and there will never be someone quite like you. Situations don’t dictate who you are they provide opportunities for who you are going to be. The reality is that all those tiny houses that used to develop film are gone. Change is inevitable, change is good and sometimes change that is forced upon us is life’s way of getting you back on the road you were initially intended to walk.

You are 1 of 1,

Matt Davenport

YOU ARE NOT DISPOSABLE Final Edit
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BROKE IS THE NEW RICH

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In 1998, Stephen M. Pollan penned a bestseller titled Die Broke. Mr. Pollan interlaces several sound practices, but one really stuck out. Give what you have away while you are alive to enjoy watching others be blessed by your generosity. Why wait to give away what you have earned until after your gone. Where’s the fun in that? The reason this book was a bestseller is because it is so counterintuitive to our natural store up and hoard game plan.  

Houses, garages, storage units full of our stuff feels like winning in the moment. Why is that? My bookshelf is full of books that I have read. Occasionally, I will gaze at that shelf with pride like they are all little trophies. Why would I hold onto these little accomplishments instead of passing them on in an attempt to bring joy to someone else? Honestly, it’s most likely because I’m proud of the time I invested and occasionally will use these books as references. But maybe I’ve been thinking about these little trophies all wrong. I have already paid and benefited from them and now I have the opportunity to share something that has added value to my life with somebody else. 

The reason we accumulate is to establish the fact that we have made it. The secret voice in our head says, “that (fill in the blank) was wrong about me and didn’t see the raw potential that I had.” With chest puffed we secretly declare, look at me now. It’s amazing how much time we invest into proving others wrong. This chip on the shoulder mentality allows for you to acquire and accomplish but it will inevitably cost you everything. More specifically, everything of true value. 

One cannot acquire relationships. True bonds with our spouses, kids, loved ones, coworkers, and friends cannot be purchased. In fact, anything of eternal value can’t be bought. Yet, we spend our whole life generating income in hopes of securing something that can’t be obtained with the money we worked so hard to procure. 

This week, I encourage all of those reading to give something of value away to a person you care about. We must never take for granted our time together and we need to condition our selfish nature to look outward. Thinking of others is a habit and one that will change your life. 

Finally, it is my belief that the way in which we share what we have is the wisest investment of our time. The final result of a life led by giving will be a life that is honored, revered, and read about in trophies on bookshelves like mine. Remember, nobody has ever regretted being generous!

Go for it,

Matt Davenport

Broke is the New Rich - Edited
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ON THE ROAD AGAIN

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On the road again
Goin’ places that I’ve never been
Seein’ things that I may never see again
And I can’t wait to get on the road again

Willie Nelson’s words spark the imagination. They take us to a place of daydreaming and embracing the possibilities of new frontiers. Interesting to look back and realize we have recently been places we have never been and seen things we may never see again. It doesn’t feel so romantic when we look back as much as when we think of the possibilities ahead of us. 

Over the past several months I have encouraged everyone to appreciate how you arrived where you are today. Hindsight can be very uplifting when one looks at all the obstacles and hurdles we have made it up and over. We may have stumbled and skinned our knees, but we are here. Today, I want to do the opposite. Let’s dream of that open road again! 

Ancient wisdom says that hope deferred makes a heart grow sick. Many of us are heart sick due to the fact that it feels we are in a never-ending news cycle of deeply disturbing information. If you stare at the spin cycle long enough the dizzying effects can become nauseating apathy. This apathy then develops into depression and self-loathing. 

Let’s take a virtual Dramamine and set our sights on the future. The reality is we don’t know what is next. That is the beauty of Willie’s words. We will soon be goin’ places we have never been. I’m with you, I hope these places are filled with health, kindness, understanding, and gratitude. Willie finishes his legendary track with these words:

And our way is on the road again
I just can’t wait to get on the road again
The life I love is makin’ music with my friends
And I can’t wait to get on the road again, break free
And I can’t wait to get on the road again

Refill your tank, break free of doubt and let’s look forward to the open frontier that is our life. 

Get your kicks,

Matt Davenport

On the Road Again - Edited v2
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