Marcus Lopés

LGTBQIA2S+ Author, Blogger, Runner

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Writing Off the Grid

The Things We Never Say

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things we never say

“Who are you again?” Ryan asked with an edge as he shook the hand of the olive-skinned man who’d just introduced himself.

“I’m Toby—”

“I caught your name,” Ryan interrupted. “How did you know Mitch?”

Toby let out a nervous laugh. “We were friends.”

“I don’t recall Mitch ever mentioning you.” Ryan studied the attractive blond with boyish looks who couldn’t have been older than twenty-five. Maybe younger. “Were you one of his students?”

“Yes. I took his political theory class as part of my undergrad.” Toby bit his lip. “He probably didn’t mention me because…that would have complicated things.”

Ryan shrugged. “Complicated what?” [Read more…] about The Things We Never Say

The Scary Part of Goal Setting

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I’ve been consistent about setting goals and writing them down for the past three years, maybe a little longer. But there’s one thing I never did.⁠
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I never shared them.

Why?⁠

Because I was hanging on to limiting beliefs. Afraid that people would laugh at me. Mock me. Tell me I’m crazy.⁠
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But at some point, you have to stop running from yourself. I had to stop running from myself.⁠
⁠
If there’s one thing I took away from Gary John Bishop’s Unfu*k Yourself, it’s this: “I am not my thoughts; I am what I do.”⁠
⁠
There are, for me, two parts to “I am what I do.” One, I am a writer. That is what I do. No other job in this world will give me the high or a stronger sense of purpose and self. Second, showing up every day to write, and to share it with the world is also what I do. If I don’t do any of those things, if I don’t take action, then there’s no possible way I can achieve my dreams.⁠
[Read more…] about The Scary Part of Goal Setting

Father Daughter … Son

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“Why am I here?” Ian glanced at his watch. “It’s been a goddamn waste of time.”

Karen swatted her brother’s arm. “Language. You’re in church, not on Third Street turning a trick.”

Ian bristled. “I haven’t turned a trick in nine years. And for the record, we’re in the refectory.” When his sister’s mouth dropped open, he added, “God, you’re gullible.”

“You know…” Karen stepped in front of Ian and blocked him from moving away. “This is an important day, and it would be nice to get through it without any drama. So, behave…and watch your language.”

“Bite me!” Ian turned slightly away and surveyed the room. Why was he here? Why had he stayed? Now was the time to cut and run until he saw the woman wearing an obnoxious, wide brim black hat coming towards them. [Read more…] about Father Daughter … Son

1,578,240 Minutes and Counting

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Or 1,096 days. Or 36 months.

That’s how long it’s been since I stopped drinking on 17 January 2018.

“Why?” many of my friends and colleagues asked with bewilderment as much as curiosity.

Most didn’t like the answer: Because I wanted to change my life.

No one pressured me to stop drinking. When it came to alcohol, I knew my limit and respected it. Alcohol wasn’t ravaging my life. “Then…why?” people continued to ask. [Read more…] about 1,578,240 Minutes and Counting

2020: Imperfectly Perfect

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2020 is over. But the gift it gave us — COVID-19 — continues to impact millions around the world. Here in Ontario, we entered a province-wide lockdown on 26 December 2020. The City of Toronto has been locked down since 23 November 2020. Tough days are still ahead, but we will, together, weather this storm. I’m still hanging on to hope because, in the words of Desmond Tutu: “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all the darkness.” [Read more…] about 2020: Imperfectly Perfect