Folded Thought of the Day:


"I live not in dreams but in contemplation of a reality that is 
perhaps the future."

-- Rainer Maria Rilke 

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Having spent a good portion of the weekend reflecting on and 
contemplating various elements of life, I felt compelled 
today to share a realization or two, as they relate to 
Below the Fold.  

Many people write in wondering about the nature of Below 
the Fold, asking what some of the entries mean or expressing 
vague bewilderment that someone of such questionable sanity 
can manage to hold down a job here at Webstakes.com.  Some 
people write in with enthusiastic words of encouragement and
others with vehement criticism.  It's all in a day's work.

Nothing I do down here is part of any grand design.  I'm simply 
doing my best to recognize and honor the spirit that exists 
within me.  I'm occasionally successful, but regardless of 
whether I am or not, the challenge in life is to keep trying.  

One should never take criticism or praise too seriously.  
Too often we do things that we believe will give us the most 
positive response (we play to the audience) instead of doing 
the things that truly reflect our selves.  Naturally, the 
rewards of the former can be quite tangible and enjoyable -- 
money, acceptance, adoration, etc.  And the risks of doing 
the latter can be quite daunting (fill in the opposites of 
the above rewards).  

The challenge for me as I continue this Folded journey, 
is to have faith in my course and to stubbornly refuse any 
impetus to alter it.  For to alter my course would represent 
a betrayal of my spirit -- an act that would destroy the 
entire meaning of Below the Fold.  

And, just as this is my challenge Below the Fold, it is 
also my challenge in everything else I do in my life.  And 
just as it is my challenge, I believe it is also the challenge 
of everyone.  If we're not honoring and honestly reflecting 
the integrity of our selves, then what meaning can our 
lives contain?...

So the next time you write if with a comment or thought 
regarding Below the Fold, please know that I do read 
and value your comments, I'm just -- either because of 
limited time or well-honed stubbornness -- not always 
able to respond.


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