Learn. Prepare. Be.

     I have enjoyed many stories in my life, from short stories such as "Green Eggs and Ham" by Dr. Seuss, to epic sagas, such as "The Way of Kings" by Brandon Sanderson.

     I've enjoyed different story modes, including stories that don't accept input, such as most books and movies, and ones that do, such as role-playing games with friends or on consoles. The stories I've enjoyed the most are the ones that feel like complete worlds with people who react the way someone who grew up in their world would likely react.

     Green Eggs and Ham had a persistent antagonist and a protagonist who grew increasingly annoyed. (A person could quibble over which was the protagonist.) The Way of Kings had several complex main characters; one in particular had strength of heart and strength of mind. When life broke him, his pain felt real. Dragon Age: Origins (I played on the Xbox) had several stories with characters that interacted with yours and with each other. There was a world happening around you, sometimes without your intervention.

     I want to write stories like these. I want to feel that my characters are real. I want others to experience the same depth of emotion I get from reading. Too many times, I plan my worlds and then all too often neglect to write in them.

     It is so tempting to take great amounts of time to develop those worlds. In fact, it is important to do so. How important depends on the story and the medium for it. But, ultimately, one must stop planning and start doing.

     I find that advice carries into other things in life. I recently had to move, in order to start the next stage of my life. There was a lot of planning and, at one point, nothing more than waiting. Fear and uncertainty kept me waiting than necessary. Eventually I had to face the fact that I had no more plans to make and no more bags to pack. It was time to get on the bus and go.

     I know I moved from talking about games and stories to getting deeper about life. I'm okay with that, because at least I am writing. I hope that you, reader, are also okay with that. If not, I would suggest you stop reading now. Because I do have a final piece I would like to share with you. It is my personal motto: Learn, Prepare, Be.

     Learn from the past, especially your mistakes. Mistakes and ‘failures’ are opportunities to grow, chances to improve yourself and become better at whatever you’re doing. Continue educating yourself; delve into topics that make you passionate.

     Prepare for the future. Be ready for success or failure. Be prepared for the daily grind, as well as for fortune and misfortune.

     Be in the present. It’s the moment we prepare for, and the moment we learn from. It is the moment we experience, the moment we feel, and the moment in which we act.