Category Archives: Ken La Salle

Novelist and Playwright, Ken La Salle grew up in Santa Ana, California and has remained in the surrounding area his entire life. He was raised with strong, blue-collar roots, which have given him a progressive and environmentalist view. As a result, you’ll find many of his stories touching those areas both geographically and philosophically. He’s also very funny. His plays are often seen in theaters on the west coast of the U.S. and many of his books can be found in ebook format on Amazon.com (for the Kindle) and Smashwords.com (for all e-reader formats). Ken La Salle is represented by Sullivan Maxx Literary Agency.

The Worth of Dreams The Value of Dreamers

The Tragedy of Impotence

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Guest Blogger: Ken La SalleThe Worth of Dreams The Value of Dreamers

I used to tell people about how much I wished I didn’t have a dream. When it came to wanting to be a writer, there were times when I just wished I could work some everyday, ordinary job and not dream at all. I thought I’d be better off. I thought I would be safe. I couldn’t have been more foolish.

When I consider all of the joy and fulfillment I have experienced as the result of following my dream – when I just stop and recall how much better off I am for knowing what makes me happy and pursuing it; I realize just how lucky I am. I tell you this because I found out this week that things could be far worse.

Listen: I have been looking for guests to appear on my new podcast, So Dream Something, lately. I even posted a notice on Reddit to see if I could find some motivated people who are pursuing their dream. What I ended up with, however, was just, plain unbelievable. It was a single comment. It read, “Unfortunately, I know what my dream is but I don’t know how to achieve it.”

I read it. And then, I re-read it. I was flabbergasted.

“I know what my dream is but I don’t know how to achieve it.”

I want you to think about this the next time you feel defeated in the pursuit of your dream. My heart goes out to this person. I couldn’t think of something more tragic. And, the thing is, this idea hadn’t even occurred to me until I read it. I understand intimately the challenge of pursuing your dreams. I can also relate to those who live without dreams, people who live their lives in peace. Those were the people I envied so much. But to have a dream, to know what would make you happy, and feel yourself impotent to do anything? To not have any idea how you can make your dream come true, even in a small way? To know what will fulfill you but have no idea how to find fulfillment in your life? That, my friends, is a tragedy.

Comic and wisenheimer Jackie Kashian has an interesting philosophy about these things and I’ll summarize it here in my own words: If you want to do something badly enough, you’ll find a way to do it.

I’ve come to believe this very strongly, especially after interviewing about half a dozen guests on So Dream Something. Each one of them found their own way toward pursuing and achieving their dreams. Those without money found ways. Those without position found ways. There is always a way. It may not be exactly what you’d hoped but it gets you there. Heck, in my case, that has involved self-publishing, recording my own audiobooks, and even pounding on doors long after they’re closed to me.

But I do it because the dream is that important. Either I’m going to find happiness in this life or I’m going to be miserable – and I’m not too keen on misery. It’s one of the things that keeps me from eating broken glass. My point is I know where my happiness lies and that’s my direction. That’s my course.

What a sad statement about our society that we have people who know their course, who know their dream, but are made so impotent that they don’t know what to do? What creates this impotence, I wonder? I can’t help but think back to my own experience and remember those who told me I’d be better off with some other course, rather than moving toward what I know will make me happy. Follow a “Plan B”, otherwise known as someone else’s plan, rather than the thing you know will bring you happiness, your Plan A.

I don’t know if that’s what is preventing this individual from following their dream but I hope they find an answer to the impotence they feel. The answer is within this person. It’s within all of us. We know what it is.

Our challenge is to follow it, no matter what. 

About the Author

Ken La Salle is an author and playwright out of Anaheim, California. His passion is intense humor, meaningful drama, and finding answers to the questions that define our lives. You can find his books on Amazon and Smashwords and all major etailers. His philosophical memoir, Climbing Maya, is available in ebook and paperback. Ken also has a number of audiobooks available on iTunes, Audible, and all major etailers. You can follow Ken’s writing career on his website at www.kenlasalle.com.

 

The Worth of Dreams The Value of Dreamers

Dreams and Goals and In Between…

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Guest Blogger: Ken La SalleThe Worth of Dreams The Value of Dreamers

I took my road bike out for my first ride of the year today, cycling just over seven miles. Since it was my first ride, it was surprisingly exhausting. I was lucky to make it that far and it hurt. That happens because I haven’t cycled in about four months; getting back into it will take time and patience. My goal is to log a few hundred miles rides, called “centuries”, before the year is out. My dream isn’t to become a great bicyclist. My dream is just to be a good cyclist… and even that’s going to take some time.

But thinking about this goal and this dream this morning as I was stomping on the pedals for all I was worth and trying to squeeze just a little bit more speed out of my cold, out-of-shape body reminded me about how I had meant to write about this very subject. Goals are a great thing to have, but how do they help us move closer toward achieving our dreams?

I’m the kind of person who has a lot of dreams. I dream about being a famous writer – sometimes I even dream of being able to pay my bills with it. I dream about running in a marathon one day, maybe a 10k… maybe a 5k… maybe a 1k. I dream about taking my bike up the California coast, like I’ve heard other people do.

But all of those dreams are very different things from goals.

Goals are guideposts. They are markers. You can have plans that help you get to goals but goals are rarely the world to us. Goals are not what define us.

Now, dreams? Dreams are the big deal. Very often, they are so big that people just can’t believe them. Some of my family look at what I’ve done with my writing career and tell me they’re impressed and I think, “This is nothing compared to my dream.”

Dreams make our hearts sing. Goals just tell us where we are.

… and yet, perhaps they’re not so different in one way.

When I was out on my bike today, struggling for just a measly seven miles, it did feel silly in a way. I mean, I’ve gone cycling over a hundred miles many times in the past. I know there’s more to cycling than a meager seven miles. And yet, being out there on that bike reminded me that I was on my way. Sure, seven miles today is nothing but I’ll never get up to a century without that first step.

And when it comes to my dream of being a writer, I never tell my family what I’m thinking because listening to them tell me how proud they are – and, in truth, mostly it’s my mom – is part of what this is all about. I like having people look at me and see me as a writer, no longer the guy who wants to be a writer one day or the guy who says he’s going to be a writer but an actual, real writer. That’s part of what the dream has always been about.

And, as more people look at me that way, more people will buy my books and read my pieces, listen to my podcasts and download my audiobooks – that’s how it happens.

Goals are just guideposts. They should never be mistaken for dreams in themselves. But you should never forget just how important they are in making your dream real, a little bit closer, and a part of your life.

 

About the Author

Ken La Salle is an author and playwright out of Anaheim, California. His passion is intense humor, meaningful drama, and finding answers to the questions that define our lives. You can find his books on Amazon and Smashwords and all major etailers. His philosophical memoir, Climbing Maya, is available in ebook and paperback. His audio book, The Worth of Dreams The Value of Dreamers, is available on iTunes, Audible, and all major etailers. You can follow Ken’s writing career on his website at www.kenlasalle.com.

The Worth of Dreams The Value of Dreamers

When Dreams Take a Back Seat

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Guest Blogger: Ken La SalleThe Worth of Dreams The Value of Dreamers

Would you like to know what I was going to write this month? With Valentine’s Day shortly upon us, I was going to write an article reminding readers how important it is to love your dream. I was ready with allusions to romance, with examples from my own life, and a poignant ending to wrap it all together. It would’ve been nice.

As it turns out, though, that isn’t what I’m going to write because, in my case, I find it easier to write these articles from a place relevant to my life. I like to think we’re both on the same kind of journey in following our dreams, so what would be the point of my telling you to love yours when I have been putting my own dreams in the back seat?

And that’s why, this month, I thought it might be a good idea to share some of the events of my own life and why I’ve found it so important to relocate my dreams back there. And now that I’m in this place, it seems to me it must be very common, this need to push things aside, and why it’s important to recognize that as a part of our journey.

You see, earlier this month, my wife had to go into the hospital for a minor procedure. In the process of recovery, her still-healing incision became slightly infected and that was enough to put her back into the hospital. What was supposed to be minor turned into a medical reality we will face for the next couple of months. (I won’t go into details about the procedure not only to protect her privacy but because this really was minor when you consider what others unfortunately must face.)

I am understandably relieved that she’ll be home soon and we’re through the worst but there is no escaping the strong effect this had on the pursuit of my dream. With my wife back into the hospital, the knowledge of how this would affect our finances, and the emotional impact of seeing my wife go through all of this, I realized I had to put things aside for a bit. My dream had to take a back seat.

And this is fine. I know I come to you every month and say, “Follow your dream! Follow your dream!” But I don’t want anyone to think they should do that to the exclusion of all else. Life is about your relationships – your dream would mean nothing in a vacuum, after all.

This particular week, I was engaging in two important projects. First, I was going to finalize another audiobook. This would require my attention and concentration and also time. Second, I was scheduled to begin writing a new novel. My schedule for this – because I’m a big believer in putting yourself on a schedule, which is fodder for future articles – was to aggressively write 5,000 words a day.

When my beloved Vicky was admitted to the hospital on Tuesday, everything had changed. My focus was on something far more important, and this something was a someone: my Vicky. I had to sit down with myself and ask, “How do I move forward with my plans while also providing enough time so I can be there for Vicky?” Because life is about changing priorities and keeping in mind what is important.

In the end, I decided to slow progress on my audiobook to a halt and write only 2,000 each day in the new book. Even that was a struggle. My mind was never really on my writing; it was back at the hospital with my wife. Even though she was resting in her private room and eating surprisingly good food, all I thought about was her.

As I write this, it is January 25th and Vicky will get out of the hospital today. She’ll come home where I can look after her and, slowly but surely because Vicky is incredibly independent, my focus will turn back to my work, to my dream.

Not following your dream all the time is not the same as not following your dream. Keep things in perspective because your perspective can always change.

About the Author

Ken La Salle is an author and playwright out of Anaheim, California. His passion is intense humor, meaningful drama, and finding answers to the questions that define our lives. You can find his books on Amazon and Smashwords and all major etailers. His philosophical memoir, Climbing Maya, is available in ebook and paperback. His audio book, The Worth of Dreams The Value of Dreamers, is available on iTunes, Audible, and all major etailers. You can follow Ken’s writing career on his website at www.kenlasalle.com.

The Worth of Dreams The Value of Dreamers

Facing Forward

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Guest Blogger: Ken La SalleThe Worth of Dreams The Value of Dreamers

“Don’t let 2013 discourage you, even if it is an unlucky number,” my friend, Brad, told me over a few beers. Little did he know I was considering what to write about on Recovering the Self this month. Last year, I wrote about assessing and reassessing your plans and strategies for the previous year, but I know better than anyone how easy it is to get discouraged. And, I suppose, for some people that number 13 might get in the way as well.

You see, I wasn’t always Mister Up-beat-talking-about-going-after-my-dreams. Not at all. I used to get very discouraged over every setback, and I certainly saw each New Year as a large setback indeed! I’d think, “There goes another year.” I’d watch it go right by me, missed opportunities and all.

The difference between that guy and the person writing this article? Now, when the new year comes, I face forward, focus on the horizon, and look for what opportunities the new year will bring. It’s really that simple: turning from one direction to the other.

And the New Year is a terrific time to make that shift in direction because, after all, everyone is facing that way. So many people talk about New Year’s Resolutions and the like, it’s very easy to go with the flow and face the same direction as everyone else. You don’t have to make a resolution. In fact, if you ask me, a single resolution is small-time thinking.

If you shift your attention forward, you can go from looking for one opportunity in the New Year – I hate the term “resolution” because it’s so inflexible – to really planning out your strategies for the entire year ahead.

In my own case, I’ve been looking forward to the New Year for about a month now. After all, my wife and I make our holiday plans long before they come around. That leaves me with plenty of time to look out into the coming year and see what opportunities are coming my way. If I can’t see any, I make some. My dreams deserve no less!

My plans for the beginning of 2013 are very ambitious and I’d like to share one with you right now. Once the year begins, and just as this article goes live on the Recovering the Self site, I’ll begin distribution for a new podcast called So Dream Something. Twice each month, I’ll interview someone who is pursuing their dream and we’ll talk about what it’s like to be a dreamer and what they’re doing to make their dreams come true.

This podcast has been such a great fit that I’ve been enthusiastic about its release since my wife, Vicky, and I first began discussing it late in November. Anyone who has read my work – either here on Recovering the Self, in The Worth of Dreams The Value of Dreamers, or in my book Climbing Maya – knows how enthusiastic I am about our passions in life. Our passions to understand, to experience, to love, to find fulfillment, are essential to making us into the people we wish we could be.

That’s what dreams are: not ends in themselves, but means toward the end of self-discovery and fulfillment.

And that’s why that shift from the past to the future, from regret to discovery, is so important. No longer are you watching who you could have been slip from your grasp. Now, you are facing the person you wish to become, taking an active role in your own creation, going after your dream.

I hope you’ll enjoy So Dream Something as we shift our focus toward our passions in life twice each month. If you are pursuing your dream, I’d love to hear from you. You can contact me through Recovering the Self – just leave me a comment below – or through my website at www.kenlasalle.com.

It’s like Brad said, “2013 is only unlucky if we let it be. Otherwise, it can be a great year.”

About the Author

Ken La Salle is an author and playwright out of Anaheim, California. His passion is intense humor, meaningful drama, and finding answers to the questions that define our lives. You can find his books on Amazon and Smashwords and all major etailers. His philosophical memoir, Climbing Maya, is available in ebook and paperback. His audio book, The Worth of Dreams The Value of Dreamers, is available on iTunes, Audible, and all major etailers. You can follow Ken’s writing career on his website at www.kenlasalle.com.

The Worth of Dreams The Value of Dreamers

Being Thankful

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Guest Blogger: Ken La Salle

I’m coming in a little late with this one, so bear with me. The Thanksgiving holiday just passed here in the United States, which is our tradition for giving thanks for the things we have. As someone pursuing my dream, I felt it would be very appropriate to pause at this time and give thanks for my dream.

And I believe that’s something we all should do.

Just think about what your dream gives you. No matter how far along you may be in achieving your dream, just the fact that you’ve dedicated yourself to it puts you in a very good place.

Consider this. Dreams turn your focus towards the future. You’re less likely to dwell on regrets about the past if your focus is on moving forward with your dream. Dreamers are naturally optimistic people. You’re going to be more optimistic as a dreamer when your focus is on making good things happen in your life. And, lastly, dreams make us feel good about ourselves because we are making ourselves into the people we want to be.

There’s a lot to be thankful for when you’re a dreamer, because you’ve taken that important step away from just wishing for something and into making it real. Really putting the work in to making your dream a reality is a way of taking charge of your life and making it your own.

Now, you might be thinking that I sound pretty unrealistic and that my beliefs are “pie in the sky” – except… there’s a twist.

Because a week ago, I was let go from a new job.

You see, a while back, my wife and I decided that I would devote myself to making my dream of becoming a writer a reality. Changing my focus and devoting my time paid great dividends and really moved my career forward. Sadly, though it paid dividends, it didn’t really pay enough money that I could devote myself solely to writing. (Truth be told, the money has been very slim.)

So, I’ve had to look for part-time work to help us get by. Most of this work has been of a temporary, contract nature and I understand when it ends. But recently, I was hired as a part-time writer and I really believed the job would last a while.

It didn’t. When we saw the end coming, we didn’t realize it would come so quickly. After just about a month in the position, I was back on the street.

So, who am I to talk about being thankful? What is all this nonsense about all the blessings your dream provides?

I’ll tell you who I am. I’m a guy who has devoted himself to his dream. These aren’t just platitudes here. It’s real. Yes, times are tough and things don’t always work out – but even in the worst of it, I can tell you all of this because it’s true.

It’s easy to be thankful when everything is going well. That’s the platitude. That’s what makes holidays about giving thanks seem so empty. But to truly understand what thankfulness is about, you need to stand in the worst and understand all the ways you benefit. You need to see it from the toughest spot.

Those who dream the toughest dreams understand this. They scratch and claw their way, knowing just how worthwhile their dream is and that’s why they don’t let anything stop them. Because another benefit dreams provide is the understanding of just how special your dream is even before you achieve it.

Knowing that can get you through all kinds of difficulties. And that’s what keeps you going.

My difficulties are pretty bad at times but I’m fortunate to have someone like Vicky; someone who cares. (You can see my article on support systems for more on this. I’ve included it in The Worth of Dreams The Value of Dreamers – now in audiobook. Wink!) That’s just another thing I’m thankful for.

You don’t have to wait for a special time of year to be reminded of this. Every moment you work towards your dream is a reminder in itself.

About the Author

You can find out more about Ken La Salle at www.kenlasalle.com. Climbing Maya, An Exploration Into Success by Ken La Salle is now available from all major e-tailers by Solstice Publishing.

You can also find The Worth of Dreams/The Value of Dreamers, a compilation of Ken La Salle’s first year with Recovering the Self with plenty of bonus content, available as an e-book from all major e-tailers and coming soon as an audio book.