Devilish Smirkwill always evolve. I promise. All blog topics are on the table, or close enough to grab.
You never know what I’ll bring back to the table. I pace a lot and I can return with any topic. I’m like a dog carrying a dead rat into the house and freaking everyone out.
Some topics will come out of nowhere, and others you may not understand,but it doesn’t matter. I’m not that complex, and life is much simpler.
You’ve Been Warned
It’s hard to arrive at the place where you understand and believe what you think to be true. Nothing gets easier. In fact, problems elevate your threshold to deal with more bullshit problems, which are always possible.
Anything can happen. Friendships morph, but don’t always end. It’s happened to me, and others. You never know exactly what you’re being prepared for so you might as well prepare as best you can.
What have you got to lose?
That’s a trick question. You have everything to lose, no matter what you do.
Simplify your life after you complicate the fuck out of it. Everyone does it to themselves, in countless capacities.
Baby steps are small and, to get anywhere, takes time.
It’s like sea kayaking in Alaska. You paddle for hours and the scenery doesn’t change because the mountains are giant.
As a writer, this has been one of my larger struggles, but not the largest. Cherries bury a lot when the bowl is big enough.
Thank you for checking out Devilish Smirk. I hope you enjoy your time here. Never be afraid to show your genuine self. That’s the quickest way to take control of your time.
Spend time on this site. Subscribe for inbox surprises. Engage. Share.
Smile, then smirk.
Communication is how it begins.
“When I started this, I read a lot about having a niche. I’m creating it. It’s been a huge challenge, but I’m having a lot of fun and I feel great doing it. I wish I’d dedicated time to it sooner.” Travis Garrod, October 22, 2015.
When I hear someone speak with unabashed enthusiasm, it’s inspiring. Passion creates action. Action creates reaction.
There’s nothing better than jumping into something you love with both feet.
Coloring by Travis Garrod; Devilish Smirk
Welcome to Your Atmosphere
I just turned 43. If I count the time I spent in utero, that’s nearly 16,000 days on this planet. I survived incubation only to be pushed out of a womb and intothe world.
Ever since, I’ve been forced to deal with people. It happens to all of us.
Kidding aside, the rules of life are easy. The loopholes take a lifetime to learn.
Shitty people are a whole other beast, but they’re an unfortunate obstacle we encounter on a daily basis.
How we deal with difficult situations defines us as individuals. Just because life flings poo my way doesn’t mean I’m going to shit on anyone. Plus, I won’t shit in public.
Fact is, we’re damn lucky to inhabit this planet. If you’re reading these words, you’re luckier than billions of less fortunate souls you may never know.
It’s Time to Care
I thrive in a positive atmosphere, and I think that’s true for almost anyone. The challenge is creating that atmosphere. If you’re not feeling it, you’re wasting your time.
In other words, focus your energy on things that make you feel something. That’s where passion starts and the seeds of momentum take root.
When nurtured, momentum grows like a weed. Left unattended, weeds get out of control and before you know it, you’re in a messy place you’d rather ignore than deal with. Eventually, you’re that person with a million ideas nobody wants to hear.
Passionate People Make Things Happen
At first, I had it backwards. Writing made me happy, but not happy with myself. I didn’t understand that until I took a break from writing to focus on myself.That’s what I did in St. John.
I rediscovered myself. In a sense, I was reborn. When it happened, I knew it. It was better than any runner’s high and, quite frankly, better than any drug I’ve ever tried.
The lesson was clear. Any passion found before you’re passionate about yourself risks getting lost in the wake you leave once discovering yourself. That’s when passion becomes palpable.
Passion Drives Success
Certain things will never work without passion. Lifeis fulfilling only after you care about yourself. Careersthrive when people love what they do. Relationshipslast when couples are on the same page. Communication is key.
With that hat trick under your belt, you can begin to change your world. Now is not the time to take life for granted. Focus your energy to make a positive impact in any way you can.
Easier Said Than Done
A friend recently told me she didn’t have the energy in life to reinvent herself. She didn’t feel capable of doing that right now. She said she wasn’t putting off a passion, but unfulfilled at work and stuck in a job she hates.
It’s dehumanizing when your efforts are exhausted for the benefit of others. I’ve been there. I co-founded a company where I spent 15 years gaining experience in a cutthroat, disgusting industry of a bullshit software known around the world as SAP. SAP is basically a Ponzi scheme that boils down to nothing more than high stakes poker.
Not every risk is worth taking. My younger self was naïve enough to do it. I was in my first entry level corporate job after graduating college. I was there five months and I was kicking ass. Long story short, I was cock blocked from a promotion because policy required one more month in my current position.
So, I quit.
The timing was impeccable. Everything happens for a reason.
I co-founded the company that gave me 15-years of the best experience I could have ever dreamed of having.
Eventually, we sold. After the purchase, I wasn’t as bold. I took the job like a little bitch and moved to Arizona where I was shoved in a corner. They refused to give me a contract. My responsibilities were stripped and my pay was cut.
I was promoted twice and received an outstanding review where I was told I should be next in line for a C-level position. Then shit hit the fan and I was laid off in a corporate game of chess.
The timing was impeccable. Everything happens for a reason.
That’s when I registered Devilish Smirk. Now, I’m on Instagram and I post publicly on Facebook. I still have Twitter and LinkedIn.
Simple Lessons Learned the Hard Way
I’ve talked to too many people who’ve given up whatever it is they used to love in order to pacify the expectations of others. I know extremely talented people who’ve lost the bright light that used to shine from within. Nothing kills the light faster than slamming the door on opportunity.
Sculpture: “The Optimist” by artist Steven Lee Smeltzer. Photo by Owner, Travis Garrod; Devilish Smirk
Welcome to the Matrix
Life is nothing more than virtual reality.
Nobody crosses paths by accident.
Keep your eyes open for the Easter eggs.
The signs are all around you, every day.
No, you’re not crazy.
Bold decisions may be required.
It almost feels like a sick joke, but I have a Devilish Smirk.
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