1776PatriotUSA.com

Tag: life philosophy

Be Deliberate!

deliberate – on purpose and intentionally

People fail to stand back every so often and look at their life – and their actions. People often have good intentions but just do not follow through. You see in today’s world of superficial gestures far too often high importance is placed on societal status rather than things that truly matter. People often feel like they have accomplished something when in fact all they did was “intend” to accomplish something. Intentions don’t get you very far – actions do.

How many times has someone told you….”Hey, it has been so long. We need to get together and have lunch. I’ll call you next week!” – and next week comes and goes and nothing. Hey – let’s be honest here – you’ve done it haven’t you? Don’t feel bad – just acknowledge and be aware.

Back to the title of this post: Be Deliberate!

Look at what you are trying to accomplish. Maybe it’s relationship improvement with your spouse, son, or daughter. Maybe increasing the size of your emergency fund is long overdue. Possibly it’s time to lose weight and get healthier. Whatever it is be deliberate and make it happen.

People are judged by their actions, not their intentions. I judge myself in that way. It doesn’t matter what I intended to do what matters is what has been done. I work daily to be deliberate in my actions and inch ever closer to each and every goal.

With all the craziness going on in the world today, prioritizing and getting things done in the realm of preparedness is more important than ever.

Be determined. Be deliberate. Make it happen.

What say you?

Rourke

July 31, 2021
Talking to Those You Love….For Years To Come

I tend not to get too personal here in 1776. I make an exception from time to time and will say that over on Patreon I have started, and will be MUCH more in-depth about my personal life. I turned 50 and although starting this November I plan to start going backward I have certainly been reflecting on life and have been thinking about what lies before us – and our children over the coming years.

Almost 5 months ago my first grandchild was born. I was living several hours away and my ability to be present was limited. I was worried about how things were going and what would happen. My older son – my grandson’s father, has been in a lot of trouble and has some emotional issues. He has a heart of gold – but – still has a tendency to make poor decisions based on emotion rather than logic and commonsense. Regardless, he did great, and seeing pictures of him holding his son after the birth just made me smile and warmed my heart.

I have visited my grandson several times and he is amazing – simply beautiful. I travel quite a bit and a thought entered my mind during a recent trip –

“Why don’t I use modern technology to connect with Bentley(his name) for years to come by recording audio messages and videos and save them for him when he is older?”

I’m sure someone has thought of this before. During one of my trips, I used an app to record a message to Bentley. I recorded it thinking he will be an adult – or close – when he listens to it. As life is unpredictable I may be gone when he comes of age and these messages are a way for me to talk to him for years to come. Maybe I can pass on some knowledge……some wisdom. Maybe he can find comfort listening to me tell him stories about his father. Maybe some crazy philosophy I have about life can guide him in making right decisions. Maybe I can do some good.

So – I have started recording Bentley messages. I figured I can place these on a USB drive. I can provide backups to make sure something so important cannot be lost. Audio messages may talk about someplace I’ve been – and include pictures so he can visualize them. I might talk about a favorite movie that really had an impact on me – and includes the movie on the USB drive.

Maybe this is ridiculous. I don’t know. What I do know is I’m going to do it regardless.

Rourke

$1.00 per month

October 15, 2020
COVID-19: When It’s All Over, Whats Next?
First off I want to say thank you for the incredible response to my post a few days ago – “From the Desk of John Rourke“. I really appreciate it. Back to today’s post…….

So – the cases of COVID-19 are spiking and the United States sits in 3rd place for total in the world. This is not unexpected as testing has increased, thus, the number of reported cases should be going up. Luckily – thus far – the percentage of deaths compared to total cases remains fairly low(at least by Italy standards). New York is the epicenter with almost half the nation’s total cases.

The stock market has dropped nearly 30%, and rebounded back up around 8%. I suspect it will skyrocket once the stimulus package is fully passed – adding trillions of dollars to the Federal debt in the process.

Businesses all over the country are shut down and millions are out of a job. Grocery store shelves are empty of rice, beans, meat, and other essentials. Gun sales have skyrocketed and ammunition is flying off the shelves. Police departments across the country are refusing to enforce or investigate non-violent crimes. Some cities are releasing inmates to decrease the possibility of infection through the jail population. People are walking around in public with N95 masks on and hand sanitizer is the most popular perfume and cologne ever made.

It’s a $%&#storm for sure.

The nation will recover(to what extent is up for the debate). The economic impact of the COVID-19 virus will be longlasting and severe(for how long and to what extent is also up for debate).

When it’s all over – what then?

If this event does not wake people up to preparing for uncertain times nothing will. For those of a preparedness mindset, we should all learn from this experience what holes we have in our systems and provide perspective on what is truly needed. When things get “back to normal” – or at least to the new normal – what are YOU going to do differently to be better prepared for the next event?

Hey – it is still early in this situation and there are far too many variables involved to accurately predict exactly what will happen over the next 6 -12 months and beyond. I have my concerns. What I know is based on the assumption that we get back to some sense of normalcy I plan to do the following:
- Be completely debt free. Being that I just became unemployed I recognize that having very little debt would be of great benefit.
- Live in the country away from people. This has been a goal for quite some time and I will accomplish this ASAP. There are so many advantages to being “in the sticks”. No doubt there will be neighbors and a community that I’ll actively engage. Networking is important.
- Food. Food storage is so important and must be a priority. While I have been sitting in a decent position it is not nearly enough. This will be rectified once employment is gained.
- Medical. While difficult I would very much like to expand my medical preparedness to include some prescription meds that could be very handy in a variety of situations. It can be done.
- Emergency Savings. Building an emergency savings to deal with unexpected events is a must.
- Just enjoy life. Over the past year, I have been unbelievably busy. Life is too short. Going kayaking, fishing, looking at the night sky and all those stars, firepits, whooping my kids’ ass in basketball, and having a glass of whiskey with friends are just a few experiences that I need more of.
Those are a few of my thoughts for now, and no doubt the list will change over time as things change.

How about you? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

Stay safe.

Rourke

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March 25, 2020
The Sheepdog Concept

January 13th, 1982: Air Florida Flight 90 crashed into the Potomac River. Only six of the 74 passengers survived the crash and ended up in the icy water. While a helicopter was able to come in and snatch four of the 6 passengers one disappeared under the water while another – Priscilla Tirado – helplessly struggled in the 33-degree water. Unable to hold on to the rope lowered by the helicopter she began to drown. A bystander who witnessed the crash while he was walking home could not take it any longer. He could not stand there and watch this woman drown. He removed his coat and jumped in the water. He swam over to her as she laid just under the water, grabbed her – and pulled her to the bank.

He saved her life.

This is the epitome of the Sheepdog.

Not everyone can jump into action and put themselves into harm’s way. Not everyone can be a Sheepdog. Can it be learned or developed? Probably. People are just wired in different ways.

I have had several situations where things were happening nearby and I could not just sit back and not get involved. Sometimes it was preventing someone from getting hurt. Sometimes it was standing up for someone. Sometimes it was helping someone who was already hurt. Risk evaluation has to be done but sometimes there just isn’t any time.

Saturday evening I was walking through Uptown Charlotte, NC with a friend. Walking down the sidewalk along the busy street I came towards a metal bench. I wasn’t looking at it rather just walking with my friend talking. In an instant, I saw a child run around from the front of the bench to the back of it and then straight towards the car filled street. I didn’t think about it I just moved. I ran and grabbed the kid – about 2 years old – just inches from the street. Did I save the kids life? I don’t know. The father noticed the kid as well and put his hand out in front of the child right at the same time I got to him.

My heart was pounding in my chest. My buddy said he didn’t see anything and just saw me take off. Some big, muscular guy said his heart was racing because he thought the kid was going to get hit. I almost said it but didn’t – “Why did you just stand there?”

The answer to that question is not everyone reacts the same nor has the capability to react the same.

As for me – I will continue to mind my own business until it’s time NOT to mind my own business.

JR.

This post was originally published HERE.

February 15, 2018
Time at the River

It’s important to get away from it all and enjoy God’s creation once in awhile. For me that is on or near water, out in the country – or up in the mountains. Recently spent some time on the Catawba River which flows through North and South Carolina. Got some fishing in and enjoyed watching my youngest explore the shore and shallows – in the water.

I’m often thinking that more time needs to be spent unwinding doing things like this then life creeps in and suddenly weeks have gone my.

Planning on going to a new location this weekend and hopefully will have better luck with the fish. Looking at picking up a couple kayaks as well. Many floated by me while I was waist deep and it looked like an awesome time.

Here are a few pics:

Take care all –

Rourke

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June 16, 2016
What makes you feel alive?
As I have mentioned previously 1776PatriotUSA.com is more than just current events, preparedness and all things SHTF. As individuals with limited existence on this planet and preppers who wish to stick around as long as possible wouldn’t it be great to truly enjoy life? I mean – life is full of up and downs but how many of us travel through life with blinders on and not seeing that which will really make us feel alive?

At 46 I would never proclaim to have all the answers however I will share a bit of wisdom I have managed to acquire along the way.

Here we go…..

GET OUTSIDE. For many of us today’s modern world filled with every gadget imaginable and where most any bit of information is at your fingertips it is easy to miss the beautiful environment around us. Most anywhere in this country a lake, pond, hiking trail, vineyard, apple orchard, or state park is within miles. Sometimes getting outside and enjoying nature will create a state of relaxation unlike most anything else. It’s also all in high-definition without the expensive electronics.

EXERCISE. Get out there and get the heart pumping and the sweat pouring. People that live sedentary lifestyles often miss out that feeling of being alive. They rarely feel their heart pumping blood through their veins and the high from surging adrenaline.

WATCH A SCARY MOVIE. Seriously. Pop some popcorn, shut the lights out and turn on Paranormal Activities. If you get into the movie you WILL feel alive. Just do me a favor – keep the 1911 filled with 185 grain jacketed hollow points in the safe. You don’t want to have to explain why there are bullet holes in your TV.

TAKE A COLD SHOWER. Want to feel alive? Jump in the shower with the water ice cold. Brrrrrrr……

GET A DOG. I was a cat guy for way too long. Cat’s are cool but dogs are best friends. Yeah – get a dog – or twelve.

HELP A STRANGER. I had a situation that made me feel extremely emotional – and very much alive. I didn’t set out to do this but it just kind of happened. I was in a Cracker Barrel with a few friends of mine. I noticed a large multi-family table with a young bald girl(cancer treatments) sitting there with her mother. This was right next to Carowinds – a giant theme park. I figured they had brought the girl there trying to get HER to feel ALIVE. I felt horrible. What did I have to stress about compared to this family who was facing the loss of their daughter? How about this young girl who likely wondered how much time she had left?

I went and saw the manager and told him I wanted to pay the families bill. He asked of it was OK to tell them and I said no. I wasn’t doing it for recognition. I went back to my seat with my friends. A few minutes later the manager went over and I could tell he was telling the mother their bill was taken care of. She started crying.

I felt horrible at the time but also very much alive. I still think of that little girl every so often.

DO WHAT YOU TRULY ENJOY. This may sound like an easy one but far too often we make excuses why we do not do the things we want to. Sometimes money is the cause but then $6 bucks a pop are blown at Starbucks on coffee. Sometimes it is a fear of embarrassment that stops you from doing what you truly enjoy. Unfortunately it may be an unsupportive spouse as well. Hey – if you want to go ballroom dancing or do stand up comedy at the local club the only one stopping you is you.

These are but a few suggestions and just like we all have favorite foods and cars what makes us feel alive is very unique to each of us. Do I practice what I preach? Not nearly enough.

So – what makes me feel alive? Here are a few:
- firearm training
- off roading on an ATV
- fishing
- hunting
- sparring
- working out
- jamming to country music while driving down the road
- going to the movies
- showing y kids just how brilliant I am
Ok, how about you? What makes you feel alive?

JR
February 2, 2016