Skip to main content

Next Level

 In 2022 my first blog post was called Day One. This year it’s time to go to the next level! 

Over the Christmas break I did some of my most deep thinking and realised that I have only had little drops of success. It’s time for me to commit to a five year surge. 

A five year surge where I’m only focussing on becoming the best artistic version of myself I can be because I have come to the conclusion that everything else I want to achieve can be achieved as a flow on effect of becoming the best poet and actor possible. 

Going to the next level is about using everything I have in a concentrated form. It’s about never giving up and never being finished. 

In a stroke of perfect timing I was given the opportunity to get David Goggins’ book Never Finish. In my opinion Never Finish is even better than his first book You Can’t Hurt Me. It has the ability to put anyone who reads it into the savage mindset. 

I will never be a Navy SEAL or an ultra athlete but I can, and do, use the same mindset towards my acting and poetry. Put it simply, just get after it. 

This is the only way to be all in all the time and reach the next level by using my full power. 



Full Power


My wheelchair might make me look weak because I can’t use the stairs to reach the top of the tower;

But that’s just because you’ve never seen my mind and will at full power.

It’s not about awards, medals, or a cup;

For me it’s all about levelling up. 


You never know what life can bring. 

The only way you can keep the winner’s grin is being willing to go all in.

No matter the pain or the energy drain, 

It’s not applause but the personal power you gain.


Some people think being focussed on a goal 

To the exclusion of all else is crazy

But how dare you be so glib.

Get back to me when you’ve delivered your lines with a broken rib.


I used to think it was my destiny to be a disabled king;

That when I reach the peak the sanctioned angels will sing.

Life is simpler than that. 

There is no more tower when my mind and will are at full power.


Chris Van Ingen | 22 January 2023


Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

More Than Politics

 Every election our vote is about more than politics; it says I am part of this nation and my voice will be heard.  This election is about Team Australia. Which leader has a plan to build Australia's future and who wants to divide us? This election is about more than politics; it is about stable leadership. It is about aiming high, looking forward, and thinking big.  My life has been about disability rights. I am living proof that disability rights is more than politics and this election people with disabilities' votes matter.  If I was American I would die. Medicare is the envy of the world. No less than two American presidents have tried to bring in an Australian Medicare style system. Universal healthcare is a human right.  All leaders have been saying that we live in uncertain times and as a result, thinking about acting in Australia's defence becomes about more than politics. We need to make Australia impenetrable to anyone that wishes to do us harm. We nee...
Post a Comment
Read more

Circle of Life or Circle of Tech

 I have written extensively about how assistive technology helps me be independent. In blog posts such as More Than a Test Drive and Tony Stark's House (an Assistive Technology Dream) . My disability has turned the circle of life into a circle of tech.  Every few years I have to go through the assistive technology merry go round because all of my equipment seems to break down at the same time.  I am in the process of applying for a new hoist and sling, shower commode chair, bed, front door opener, and new abductor cushion.  I also am aware in the not too distant future I will have to attempt to try and get a new wheelchair. Every time I have to apply for a new piece of equipment my therapists and I have to make the case as to why that particular piece of equipment is 'reasonable and necessary'.  The frustrating thing about this is, even though it might be clear that I need a piece of equipment, one or two words in the funding form can make a difference on wheth...
Post a Comment
Read more

A Philosopher Actor

 Centuries ago there was an ideal philosophical concept known as the Philosopher King . The idea being to be a great ruler you should be a philosopher because philosophy leads you to the best life where you are courageous, moderate, just, and wise.  I have modified this concept as my new approach to life instead of becoming a Philosopher King I aim to be a Philosopher Actor. It is said by the ancients that the aim of philosophy is to lead a good life. My good life is to be a good husband, man, and actor.  I recently have been doing a deep dive into Uta Hagen's books:  A Challenge for the Actor , and Respect for Acting . She advocates for an almost monk like discipline towards the arts and the acting craft.  I have always felt this level of commitment to my acting but I didn't want to be considered too extreme but after reading Uta's books I feel I have permission to do so. I have also been reacquainting myself with the philosophy of Schopenhauer and the Taoists....
Post a Comment
Read more