Check out this interview with a psychiatric nurse with 20 years of experience, as she discusses some of the challenges America faces with mental health and drug addiction.
I’m a huge fan of Doctor Who. I could talk at length about the show for days, but this article juxtaposes the show to our reality and gives a little insight on what inspired me to write the poem, A Tribute to The Doctor: Part I, in my book, A Decade: Rethinking the Meaning of Life.
Yes, the production value until more recently left a lot to be desired, but it’s also what makes the show great, and after stumbling upon the 2005 reboot series I’ve been hooked ever since. A lot of people laugh it off as just some silly kids show, but, it is so much more than that; as I find with most well-written shows, especially in the SciFi genre. If you look past some of the cheesy props and dialogue and put yourself in the shoes of The Doctor and/or his companions, the show takes on an entirely new form. There are so many great concepts and thought-provoking material, that those with any type of imagination or an open mind could really get into the show.
I discovered the reboot series in 2009, thank you Netflix, and what I find funny is that I thought up a concept comic strip called The Adventures of Ski with several storyboards back in 2001. The character was a failed game show host that lived in a cardboard box underneath a highway overpass that just so happened to be much bigger on the inside, just like a TARDIS. I jokingly thought after watching my first ever Doctor Who episode that they stole my idea, however, a quick internet search revealed that the show has in fact been around since the 60’s; so, I was the one late to the party. Perhaps this was why I was so fascinated by the first episode I watched.
Maybe these are the ideas every child has playing make-believe in the box the refrigerator came in or maybe they instinctively know there is something far greater out there and this is how they express themselves. Sure, maybe there is no time traveling Time Lord coming to take us on a life-changing adventure, but isn’t the point of life; to expand one’s understanding and purpose of their existence here on earth?
As humans we are brought up by our parents or lack thereof, we go to school to learn, and I use the word ‘learn’ loosely; we get older, get a job, have a family of our own, maybe we don’t and eventually die and so the cycle continues. I understand that’s a general way to view life, but when you stop to think about it… isn’t that what the majority of life is for most; the overall endgame?
It’s just like the first episode in the reboot series titled Rose. The episode follows Rose, a girl that lives with her mom in a small apartment in London. She works at a clothing store, hangouts with her boyfriend on her lunch break and lives a very typical life. However, that all changed when she met the mysterious Doctor and was shown infinite possibilities that exist changing her life forever. She realizes just how vast reality is, all while discovering her true potential and what she was capable of; ultimately coming face to face with her life purpose. Most of what she considered important before her transformation became inconsequential.
I’d say the majority of us are just like Rose before she met the doctor. So much potential and ability wasted on the mundane and ordinary things we call life, or at least this life; the one we are living and remember. We fail to see we are destined for more than we have been led to believe.
As humans, we think so small and act so petty, which is silly considering our existence is a mere blip of infinite outcomes and possibilities. You, as consciousness, are infinite and will never cease to exist. That consciousness may never see this reality again, yet we confine ourselves to a mediocre physical existence acquiring stuff instead of knowledge, to expand the thinking mind to experience our full potential and purpose on this plane of existence at the current time and in our current form. The body is just the vessel and isn’t who we are. Just as The Doctor regenerates, or to some, reincarnates, his physical body changes, but his consciousness of who he is, never dies. It may take him some time to adjust to pick up where he left off, just like a baby growing into a child and later an adult, but the body only dictates the lessons needed to learn and fulfill our destiny. It puts us in the position to meet the people we need to meet and experience what we need to experience to grow and develop. And no matter how far we may go to escape it, the universe will always find us no matter where we try to hide. Even the Doctor can’t outrun his own destiny, even though he continues to try. But in the words of the infamous River Song… ‘Spoilers!’
We are born into this world alone, we leave this world alone. There may be those who support you along the way. People we call friends, family etc. There may be those that try to bring you down, which can be the very same people. It’s like what Morpheus says to Neo, “I told you, I can only show you the door, only you can walk through it.”
Perhaps this is our hell on earth because we aren’t on the path to fulfilling our life purpose and unlocking our true potential. Maybe our current life path isn’t meant for us. Maybe at one point, it was necessary to start our journey, but now that we have grown and become aware of our existing consciousness, it’s time to turn over a new leaf. This may seem unsettling to many, nevertheless something I want everyone to ponder for a little while.
The truth is you can’t rely on others to define who you are. As an infinite being, you are no one’s possession. We may refer to a spouse, family member or loved one as MY, but let me clarify this, that you don’t own or possess anyone, nor does anyone person own or possess you. Manmade traditions or titles can never own or control that which is conscious.
I have been told by many that one day I will find the right person, settle down, have children and pursue a life like the one which they chose, and my answer is always the same…it’s not going to happen. Why would I for one second let someone else dictate my life or base my decisions on what other people think is right for me?
If you read the poem, Off The Beaten Path, in my book, I realized that going against the grain was a difficult and sometimes lonely journey. I’m sure The Doctor could agree with that statement. Like The Doctor, you will have many companions throughout your journey from all walks of life and other times you’ll have to go it alone. And at some point, we all must come to terms that the physical body will eventually die and our consciousness will return in a different form to learn the lessons we failed to learn the last time around or perhaps to continue exactly where we left off. Because we are conditioned throughout life to accept our reality as absolute we often feel alone because just like the child playing in the refrigerator box pretending it’s a TARDIS know deep down that the universe is an infinite place and as infinite beings we have infinite potential.
It isn’t until those we call family, friends, teachers or experts convince us otherwise. Why you may ask? Because these same people ignored their own life purpose and have failed to realize their own potential for the pursuit of fiat bank notes and material wealth or social status and/or gain. What petty and nonsensical behavior, indeed.
Check out our explainer video below to learn more.
Where it all Began, is a free, downloadable, children’s origin story of Chris Sheeply. How many books do you have planned for the complete series?
Chris: I believe the original goal was twenty-five, but we already have fifteen stories and there are so many things we could write about it, could honestly go on forever. We have already decided how we would like to end the series, but that’s for the future. We have a lot of exciting ideas we think readers will like. We encourage everyone to download the free book; it’s much shorter than the books you can expect, but it’s a great segue into the series. We are also planning to have a limited-run, hardcover, special edition book with this title, which will include an embossed front and back hardcover, sequential numbering, five to six full-page illustration spreads, a unique twist on the title page, and several additions to the existing illustrations. Each copy will be signed and include a Chris Sheeply bookmark.
Pam: When Chris proposed the series to me, I didn’t think that we would be able to create twenty-five books, but, once we got rolling, it was easy to see we can create so many stories based on Chris Sheeply’s life that will entertain, not only children but adults, as well. The authenticity of the stories, and the messages they offer will allow us to share his exciting adventures for a long time. I guess what I am saying is there are no limits.
The books are cutely illustrated. How do you go about illustrating the work?
Chris: The illustrations are a two-part process. After we develop the story, I go back and sketch detailed scenes for the entire book. This includes both the front and back cover and the title page. Then, I collaborate with an illustrator I have been working with from Venezuela for the past two years and he adds the professional touches to all the sketches and fills in the blanks where necessary.
Pam: I think that illustration starts as soon as words are spoken. Chris has a very vivid and creative mind. It’s like he sees the book before it is written just based on our discussions and drafts of the written story. He sketches out what he is thinking, and we review it together. He has chosen an amazing illustrator to make Chris Sheeply come to life.
When coming up with stories and scenes, do you have an idea of how they will be illustrated?
Chris: We don’t know exactly what the illustrations will look like at the moment. But, I have such a close relationship with the illustrator, Deivys Acuña, that I can usually visualize the final draft. But, we always have a general direction and overview of what we are going to include in the illustrations for the stories we are sharing. Even though the final illustrations are nearly identical to my original sketches, Deivys, will always put his own unique twist on an image and I appreciate his artistic license when I am stuck coming up with an idea for an illustration.
Pam: I am a visual person and, although I really can’t draw, I create what I would like to see on paper in my mind and then describe it to Chris who then sketches it out. Since we don’t live in the same state, there are times when I attempt to draw figures for placing and send it to him for review. You should see Chris Sheeply as a stick figure.
What are your end goals with Chris Sheeply? What do you ultimately hope to share with children?
Chris: To share the seemingly forgotten concept of natural law and how it relates to causality, the law of attraction, karma or moral law and the golden rule that’s easy enough for anyone to understand.
Pam: The end goals for Chris Sheeply are enjoyment and learning for those who want to share in his adventures. We are trying to share the morals and lessons within each story to help children have a greater scope of life and how to navigate it within the world we live in.
What age group are you targeting with your books?
Chris: I think is important to hit every age group from kids all the way to adults. I’d say the kids’ books range between the ages of 2 to 8 years, whereas the comic books are geared more towards teenagers and adults, as well as the poetry collections.
Pam: Currently, our age group is 2 to 8 years; however, I believe that anyone who reads the books can enjoy them. The morals within the story can help parents reflect on how we teach our children through the eyes of Chris Sheeply. The comic and poetry books are geared more toward teenagers and adults. We are working on ideas for those in the middle, ages 8 to 14.
The books teach a deep growth and development philosophy. What philosophers or deep thinkers inspired the writing?
Chris: There are several people who have contributed to my development in thinking beyond the ordinary and whose philosophies reflect my core principles and a deeper understanding of life. Some of these people are: Jordan Maxwell, Larken Rose, Max Igan, Howard W. Percival, Thomas Paine, David Icke, Clif High, Mark Passio, Samuel Adams, John Locke, Thomas Hobbes, George Carlin, Bill Hicks, Nikola Tesla, George Orwell, John Barbour and William Cooper.
Pam: Because of my background and where I see myself going, I have several people to mention as they have taught me, inspired me, helped me to step out of the box and think beyond visual reality. Some of these people are: Caroline Myss, Louise Hay, Edgar Cacye, Carl Jung, Wayne Dwyer, Alberto Villoldo, Jon Kabat-Zinn, Gary Craig, Bernie Siegel, Walter L. Weston, David Perlmutter, William Davis, Gabrielle Bernstein, James Redfield, David Hanscom, Daniel G. Amen, Michael V. Pantalon and Candace Pert.
How can readers discover more about you and your work?
Chris + Pam: Please feel free to contact us on our website at sheeplypublishing.com. There you can check out our latest books, view our profiles, follow us on Twitter, subscribe to our YouTube channel and download the free kids book we mentioned in this interview. We read ALL of our messages and do our best to respond in a timely manner. We always look forward to interacting with our fans.
A Decade: Rethinking the Meaning of Life, looks like a great motivational/life experience book. Any plans to make this into a series or write similar books?
We are currently working on a series of kids’ books and adult comic books, both revolving around the life and adventures of Chris Sheeply. Chris Sheeply is the character on the cover of the book; sitting on the tree stump with the light bulb over his head. We are very excited with what we have in the pipeline for the kids’ book series and the comics. There is also a plan to create a few more poem books that will be entirely different from the content and theme of this book.
What do you think makes a great motivational book?
A book that is unapologetic. Something that makes you consider new ways of thinking and gets you to question the way you’ve been doing things. Life is all about the experience. As Morpheus says to Neo, “There’s a difference between knowing the path and walking the path.” I think it is important to encourage people to think outside the box. You may not like what someone has to say, but when you consider new possibilities, there are no limits to what you can accomplish. One reason I wrote and published this book was to reach not only others with thoughts and feelings similar to my own, but also to people who are questioning the meaning of life. I know not everyone has a great support system to help get them to where they want and need to be, but I hope this book can serve as a guide for those that need it most. Even though change can only happen from within each one of us, it’s always nice to know that you aren’t alone in the world.
What inspired you when writing A Decade: Rethinking the Meaning of Life?
Short answer, Truth and Knowledge. The funny thing is I never liked school. I hated being forced to read and learn things that didn’t interest me. What I realized as I got older, wiser and dropped out of college in 2006, was that I really liked to learn, and the REAL purpose of formal schooling was to condition me to be someone I wasn’t. I was being trained to work for some corporation and completing school with a ‘diploma’ or ‘degree’ was no more than a work permit to show that I was eligible for employment. So, I started to read a ton of books about a variety of different topics and watch documentary after documentary, that would challenge my existing worldview and what was taught to me growing up and throughout my schooling years. Having your beliefs and your way of doing things challenged at the deepest level is a very difficult and painstaking process, but I wouldn’t change it for the world and these poems are my journey through that transition.
What are your ambitions for your writing career? Full-time? Part-time?
While I was organizing my book and working with various illustrators for publication, I started my very own publishing company. I understood early on how important it was to have full control over the content and stories I wanted to share with the world. Starting my own publishing company gave me a platform to do just that. Short answer, I plan to write full-time. I am still in the transition process, but I hope to gain enough traction with the different projects I have planned to make writing a part of everyday life.
When did you decide to become a writer?
I can’t pinpoint a specific time-frame when I said, “Hey, I’m a writer now,” but I have always enjoyed drawing and telling stories from as early as the first grade. I spent most of my free time drawing pictures and comics throughout grade school into junior high. I guess my passion for writing became apparent during my junior year in high school. I am grateful to my Uncle John for spending time with me that year as I worked on my writing assignments. Even though it seemed like a grueling task, he helped me develop my own writing style and I ran with it. Writing suddenly became something I enjoyed and no longer felt like a chore. After a year of writing papers with my uncle’s guidance, I’ll always be sure to have a dictionary and thesaurus close by.
When writing A Decade: Rethinking the Meaning of Life did anything stand out as particularly challenging?
The only real challenging thing I can think of was being entirely satisfied with what I wrote. I knew the poems made sense to me, but my biggest concern was will it make sense to the reader. Because of this concern, I took some time to build up the courage to publish this book. Even though the poems were written nearly ten years ago, I’d say 99 percent of the words in the poems have remained unchanged since I originally wrote them. That I didn’t have to go back and change what I had thought and written means I can honestly say I’m happy with the end result, no matter how the book may be perceived in the end.
What do you like to do when not writing?
I am always looking to expand my knowledge base, so I do a lot of research reading books, visiting websites, watching lectures, documentaries, and listening to speaker presentations and/or podcasts. I haven’t had cable TV in over ten years, but I do like to download and watch animated shows like Archer, Rick and Morty, Adventure Time, South Park, Futurama and Gravity Falls. Some people may find cartoons silly, but there’s a lot of truth and comedy gems in animated shows. I am also a huge fan of SciFi series like Dr. Who, the entire Stargate franchise, Farscape, The Hobbit, and Lord of the Rings, and you can’t forget about the Matrix Trilogy. In my opinion, the Matrix movies are some of the best allegorical movies ever made and are far closer to reality than most would think. I also like hanging out by the pool or at the beach catching a few rays, hiking, weight lifting, bowling, darts, table tennis, poker, building and fixing computers, and listening to EDM.
How can readers discover more about you and your work?
Contact me directly or for more information about the book, including a free download, you can visit my website at thinksheeply.com. If you would like to contact someone at Sheeply Publishing, please visit our main website at sheeplypublishing.com. There you can check out our latest books, view our profiles, follow us on Twitter, subscribe to our YouTube channel and even download a free kids book.