What’s happening in my life at the moment is nothing short of miraculous.
And I have you to thank.
Daily, little miracles are occurring, and I’m so very grateful.
Before this month I considered myself a busy person. Now, I’m breaking all borders and boundaries I thought existed. My schedule is absolutely insane. Not only is time being eaten, but I’m also learning how to deal with the immense pressure and weight that continues to build.
It’s not only a physical battle, but mental too.
I love it.
Currently I’m juggling four full-time occupations.
Work. Singing. Sickness. School.
Let me tell you about work.
My career in digital marketing is booming along at full force.
At the moment I manage my network of blogs, buy and sell websites, and consult with various companies. I would really love to tell you what some of these companies are, but unfortunately, some are under a non-disclosure agreement.
Let’s just say most of you use their products daily. I use what I experience in these companies as much of this blog’s content.
A large portion of my time is also spent completing written interviews for various blogs, preparing for radio interviews, and answering questions via email.
I’ve also taken a marketing/managerial position within an event startup going national to many locations, within the next five years.
As a side note, be sure to follow my good friend Ellen Bremen, whom I’m working with in preparation for her fast-approaching book launch. What a wonderful woman.
As you might notice, work is busy, and I’m grateful for all of it.
Singing my worries away!
Singing has been my life’s greatest passion.
The opportunities falling into place, for performing, is snowballing at the moment.
As many of you know, I’ve been trained classically in Opera. This is very much one of my favorite genres, but I’m also expanding into other areas.
Recently I was fortunate enough to begin training with Daniel Hayes, who was tutored by Seth Riggs. You may know Seth as the “speech level” vocal coach who trained Josh Groban, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Barbra Streisand, and others. I don’t have words to describe how honored I am to be working with Daniel, and the improvement he’s brought my voice in only a few short weeks has been fantastic.
At the moment I have over fifteen songs to rehearse for various performances.
Auditions for The Voice on April 1st in LA, auditions for X-Factor, a wedding performance in May, a last-minute booking this coming Saturday, eight songs for a local chamber choir I’m involved with, an Opera recital piece, and narration and song for a role in an upcoming concert.
I have daily vocal exercises, studies with two vocal coaches, piano lessons, and stage presence tutoring.
I love to sing, and am honored to see this part of my life evolve and progress.
I have no time for sickness.
You may know I’m currently battling Lyme disease.
I was misdiagnosed for two years, and a month ago they finally found the Lyme bacteria in my blood.
I do my best to stay positive while battling such a debilitating illness, but there are certainly days when I collapse. I’m currently taking two high-dose antibiotics, a blood additive, and other medications. When my antibiotic dose increases or I have a particularly aggressive bought with the disease, you may notice my social media involvement decrease.
The prognosis for the disease is grim, as there’s a large chance it will stay in my blood for my entire life, and flair up at random intervals.
I choose not to let this disease be the dictator of my life, and will continue to fight with all my heart, mind, and might.
Lyme will not win.
There’s too much to live for.

A, B, College…
I’m going to school full-time right now and just filed my petition to receive an AS in Computer Information Systems – Internet Concentration, at the end of the semester.
You may know of the humorous back-story I have with college.
I graduated high school in two years, and then started college early. A few semesters into college my business expanded, and my time was limited. To make a long story short, I was working too much, and I failed a basic web design class. How’s that for ironic?
I’m retaking that class now.
It reminds me that anything is possible, your past doesn’t define you, and don’t take life too seriously.
Mistakes should be laughed at.
What does it all mean?
Now you have an insider’s look at my current schedule.
I know, it’s a little psychotic.
To clear my day of menial tasks, I use Get Friday and Fancy Hands as my favorite virtual assisting firms. Yes, these are affiliate links.
Sometimes I spend an entire day resting, recuperating, and thinking about how I’ll accomplish the next week’s task. I’m in awe at the beauty of this world, and what you’re able to accomplish when you let your mind be the controller of your universe.
Being positive is key.
With an illness like mine, the pain is so great that you have to have something to live for.
Just living, isn’t always enough.
I know it’s a dark thought, but it’s the truth.
So I choose to live, and live for much.
What are you living for? How do you deal with an almost insurmountable workload? What do you do to focus? Are you currently living your passions? Are you grateful for your life? Do you want your life to change?

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"You’re such a smart boy!" were his first accolades heard. So, it’s no wonder that this phrase became the title of his business, Smart Boy Designs.
Read more about Christian
{ 44 comments… read them below or add one }
Awesome post dude. did not know about the disease. You are in my prayers (and I really do pray!) : )
Mark W. Schaefer recently posted..Lean StartUp Movement turning some heads
Twitter: smartboydesigns
March 15, 2012 at 8:02 am
I really appreciate that, Mark. Thank you.
Christian Hollingsworth recently posted..Igniting Passion In Organizations
Twitter: DrRhia
March 14, 2012 at 9:50 am
I’ve missed you these last few days and hope your health settles down again soon. Your life sounds frenetic…and that’s something I understand. I live for myself…but that changes over time; ‘myself’ now includes a husband and three adopted children. My motivation is to be the best I can be and to lend a helping hand to as many as possible along the way. I hate wasting time…though I don’t think pondering is a waste of time.
Rhia
Rhia Roberts recently posted..The Power of Words
Twitter: smartboydesigns
March 15, 2012 at 8:03 am
Sometimes I really wish we didn’t have to sleep. Or get sick. I don’t like wasting time at all either, but do understand we have to take care of ourselves before we can reach for more.
Just wish it wasn’t that way sometimes.
I can only understand how much more precious time becomes when you’re accountable to your own children. That’s honorable.
Christian Hollingsworth recently posted..Igniting Passion In Organizations
Twitter: justonecookbook
March 14, 2012 at 9:55 am
Hi Christian – just wanted to drop by and say hi. I’m happy to see you are doing really really well.
Good luck with everything, and please take good care of yourself.
Nami | Just One Cookbook recently posted..Zenzai (Red Bean Soup)
Twitter: smartboydesigns
March 15, 2012 at 8:04 am
I’m doing my best to take care of myself, Nami. Trying to spend less time overworking myself, and more time resting. It helps.
Christian Hollingsworth recently posted..Igniting Passion In Organizations
Twitter: TaniaDakka
March 14, 2012 at 11:04 am
I fell in love with your blog very recently and I’ve been checking in almost daily because I thought you rocked. But, now I know you do! Didn’t know about your disease (I’m sorry), but it sounds like your outlook is really helping you out. I’m very impressed by such a young dude who has sooo many plans and so much to do. You rock and I wish you all the best!
Tania Dakka recently posted..Marshmallow Butt…Yeah…I’m talking to YOU!
Twitter: smartboydesigns
March 15, 2012 at 8:05 am
Thank you for sharing your lovely thoughts with me, Tania. The support and love I receive from blog readers is unparalleled. I’m just so grateful for all of you.
What are you reaching for this year? What are your plans? Anything specific?
Christian Hollingsworth recently posted..Igniting Passion In Organizations
Twitter: TaniaDakka
March 15, 2012 at 8:12 am
For the first time, I do have specific goals. But, according to some, I may never reach them. Thankfully, all that’s done is pushed me to try harder!
I’m very rarely in front of a TV, Christian, so please…please…tweet and share when you’re auditions and such will be on. It will be so cool to be able to root you on!
Tania Dakka recently posted..Marshmallow Butt…Yeah…I’m talking to YOU!
Twitter: smartboydesigns
March 15, 2012 at 8:16 am
That’s great to hear! I think it’s good to have a mixture of “far out” and attainable goals. Do you agree? After going through goals in my mind, some are pretty preposterous, while others are going to be accomplished rather easy.
Maybe doing so keeps us focused and excited, if we mix things up a bit.
And yes, I’ll certainly let everyone know what happens on the TV side.
Christian Hollingsworth recently posted..Igniting Passion In Organizations
Twitter: janetcallaway
March 14, 2012 at 12:16 pm
Christian, absolutely love this post. Also, you and Ellen are a perfect pairing. Look forward to the launch of her book.
Life is meant to be enjoyed and you are doing it. All we can ever do is change the things we can and change our attitude towards the things we can’t. From my observation, you are doing that beautifully.
Love your new picture. it suits. As always, wishing yo all the best. Aloha. Janet
Janet Callaway recently posted..How to Re-wire your Brain for Success
Twitter: smartboydesigns
March 15, 2012 at 8:07 am
Her book is going to rock! I’m very excited for her.
Thank you for your wonderful thoughts, my friend. Obviously, reminding me of the quote talking about accepting things we can’t change, strength to change the things we can, and courage to know the difference.
A beautiful, beautiful way to live.
I’m trying to work on that daily. It’s hard, but so worth it.
Christian Hollingsworth recently posted..Igniting Passion In Organizations
Your schedule looks really psychotic, but for the first sight, your post seemed to be a little psychotic for me:) As I saw your photo, I thought that it was Raul Duke (Hunter S. Thomson) from the movie ‘Fear and loathing in Las Vegas, which is really a psychotic one!:)
Julie recently posted..dentist surgery
Twitter: smartboydesigns
March 15, 2012 at 8:08 am
Just looked up his photos. That outfit is so similar. Funny.
Christian Hollingsworth recently posted..Igniting Passion In Organizations
Twitter: imamandajulius
March 14, 2012 at 2:56 pm
Christian, you definitely make me rethink my definition of being “busy.” You are absolutely an inspiration to each and every person that wants to accomplish great things in their life. How you stay so focused and positive is incredible.
For me, I started accomplishing more when I broke down my large goals into mini goals. One of my lifelong goals was to write a novel. But it’s such a daunting task that I didn’t know where to start. So I broke it down. I did the first draft in three-ish months, I took a break, and now I’m working through my first revision. Each and every time I accomplish a mini goal, it gives me the pride and motivation to make it to the next one!
Good luck with the auditions – if you make it, I’ll break my “no reality or competition show” rule to watch!

Mandy Kilinskis recently posted..Dwight K. Schrute’s Top 10 Tips for Work Ethic (and World Domination)
Twitter: smartboydesigns
March 15, 2012 at 8:10 am
Thank you Mandy!
It’s easier to work for a lot, when you have so many people like yourself giving such strong backing and support. It’s a wonderful life that way!
Love hearing about your mini-goals too. That’s something I’m trying to get better at. Write down maybe two important things to be accomplished for the day, and focus rigorously. Then work on other things if you have time left over. If we look at things in a huge portion, it’s a lot easier to get sidetracked.
Christian Hollingsworth recently posted..Igniting Passion In Organizations
Twitter: annieandrehacks
March 14, 2012 at 4:02 pm
Good Gracious,
Are you stressed out by all of it. You have so many passions and so many things you are good at and you make it possible to pursue them all and make it look so easy… Pace yourself ok? And stay healthy.
Annie Andre recently posted..10 Reasons Why French Women Don’t Get Fat: Adventures In France #4
Twitter: smartboydesigns
March 15, 2012 at 8:11 am
Trying to pace myself better. Spending more time resting, which is helping my physical and mental state. It’s amazing how important “down time” is.
Thank you for your love, Annie!
Christian Hollingsworth recently posted..Igniting Passion In Organizations
Twitter: MattGron
March 14, 2012 at 4:05 pm
Thanks for this post my friend, you are an inspirational source for me. I thought my schedule was busy, but after reading this one I need to gear up.

Mattias Gronborg recently posted..Comment on Become An Engaging Valuable Friend In Social Media by Mattias Gronborg
Twitter: smartboydesigns
March 15, 2012 at 8:12 am
I’m so grateful and honored to know you’re inspired by this post Mattias. Thank you for sharing your heart.
Christian Hollingsworth recently posted..Igniting Passion In Organizations
LOVE the hat, Christian! LOVE your attitude. Lyme will be a thing of your past, given your attitude, as will be college. Singing and Work – and eventually marriage and kids – is part of your future! I look forward to watching it all unfold!
Bruce Sallan recently posted..#DadChat Talks #Teens This Week
Twitter: smartboydesigns
March 15, 2012 at 8:14 am
After I posted the new avatar, I immediately thought of you, Bruce. Great minds cap themselves with good hats.
And thank you for this comment. A great perspective I need to remind myself of often. The good will continue, while the negative will fall to the side. Make room for the positive!
Christian Hollingsworth recently posted..Igniting Passion In Organizations
Christian
I love you man, its really a breath of fresh air to see how you live your life to the fullest, and how you always stay positive.
you are the master of your life, life is beautiful man and I love to see all the green grass in your pictures but blue is my favorite color.
Keep growing stronger and stronger my brother

Kenny Fabre recently posted..On-Page SEO and Off-Page SEO
Twitter: smartboydesigns
March 15, 2012 at 8:15 am
Thank you for this lovely comment, Kenny.
What’s your favorite “blue” object? The ocean? I think photos with a clear, blue ocean are some of the most beautiful.
Christian Hollingsworth recently posted..Igniting Passion In Organizations
Twitter: SandiAmorim
March 14, 2012 at 6:43 pm
I love this! Your passion & spirit shine so bright and it’s contagious, in the best kind of viral way

Sandi Amorim recently posted..The Who of You
Twitter: smartboydesigns
March 15, 2012 at 8:17 am
Thank you Sandi. REALLY glad you enjoyed it.
Christian Hollingsworth recently posted..Igniting Passion In Organizations
Twitter: harleenas
March 14, 2012 at 9:08 pm
Loved the post Christian- so much of YOU in it
The photos are absolutely beautiful and you look wonderful indeed, especially the last one with your siblings- they too teach you a lot about life- isn’t it?
Life is indeed beautiful and needs to be lived king-size as they say- live each moment to the fullest. No one knows about the next moment, so whether you are ill or not, what has to happen can happen any moment- to anyone. What matters most is that you appreciate, value, and treasure the moments you have now by making the most of things.
And yes, I can see the nice changes coming into your life that are taking you on a new journey- and that includes your wonderful singing as well.
Wishing you all the very in life- always

Harleena Singh recently posted..Prayer and Fasting for a Better Life
Twitter: smartboydesigns
March 15, 2012 at 8:18 am
My little brothers tend to teach me something about about life everyday. Especially in their childlike ways, on how to constantly stay excited and intrigued about life.
Christian Hollingsworth recently posted..Igniting Passion In Organizations
Twitter: hajraks
March 14, 2012 at 11:49 pm
You are a fighter and that just shows with every word of this post. Busy is good especially when you are having fun with it!
Best wishes for everything and yes, you are awesome!

Hajra recently posted..Will they call you over for a Bloggers Party?
Twitter: smartboydesigns
March 15, 2012 at 8:19 am
Thank you Hajra!
Christian Hollingsworth recently posted..Igniting Passion In Organizations
Twitter: BetsyKCross
March 15, 2012 at 2:19 am
All I thought as I was reading was, ‘Now THIS is how to use a brain!”
Betsy Cross recently posted..It Matters to This One
Twitter: smartboydesigns
March 15, 2012 at 8:19 am
Well I’ll keep trying to use it well, Betsy!
Christian Hollingsworth recently posted..Igniting Passion In Organizations
I agreed with Hajra. Thank You!
head brace recently posted..Head Brace
Twitter: smartboydesigns
March 15, 2012 at 8:20 am
You’re sure welcome. Thanks for stopping by.
You are one of those admirable people who are able to face trials with a lot of positiveness. I hope that your attitude will rub off to all your readers.
Twitter: smartboydesigns
March 15, 2012 at 8:20 am
Thanks Denny. I try my best to stay positive, even when there are a lot of negative things surrounding me. It seems the best way to live.
Christian Hollingsworth recently posted..Igniting Passion In Organizations
Twitter: berget
March 15, 2012 at 12:05 pm
Hey Christian,
I did know about a disease, but I didn’t know that it was something that serious. I hope you get well very soon.
It’s very impressive what you’re doing, and I can’t wait to hear about the audition for the voice. I am watching it in Norway every Friday and it’s so much more fun than “American Idol”.
Jens P. Berget recently posted..Long Tail Pro – A Video Review
Twitter: smartboydesigns
March 17, 2012 at 3:43 am
Thank you for your feedback, Jens. I appreciate your support.
I’ll let everyone know more about The Voice auditions, and what happens. It’s going to be a fun little journey I embark on.
Christian Hollingsworth recently posted..SmartBoyDesigns.com Review by Cathryne
Question though Christian. Is auditioning for The Voice an April fools joke? As far as I know they are already in the battle rounds for the Voice… Just wondering
. If you are actually auditioning good luck!
James recently posted..Nichepursuits.com | How To Make A Great Living With Niche Sites
Twitter: smartboydesigns
March 21, 2012 at 4:48 pm
No, not an April Fool’s joke, although it looks like it! lol
The show is auditioned for and then recorded almost a year in advance. Everything you’re seeing on TV right now was recorded months and months ago, and then it won’t be live until after the battle rounds. Auditions to audition on the actual show occur many months before that (what I’m going through right now), and then rehearsed and prerecorded.
It’s interesting to see how much of TV is actually staged versus live. More is staged than most think!
Thanks for your support!
Christian
Christian Hollingsworth recently posted..How to Write Better Blog Posts
Twitter: adriennesmith40
March 15, 2012 at 2:42 pm
I’ve been so busy too Christian but wanted to come by and comment on this post.
I’m so very proud of you and honored to know you. You really inspire us all to be the best we can be. My gosh, you’re so young and you are just paving the way for a fabulous future. Honestly, the sky is the limit for you Christian so I believe you just need to pick your path and it’s yours. But then again, you do love to do so many different things so just picking one will probably be difficult for you.
I knew congratulations were in order for the X-Factor but you’re trying out for The Voice too! Wow, I’ve heard wonderful things about that show so you’ll have me watching 2 extra ones just for you.
I’m behind you 100% in all your dreams Christian. I also know this Lime disease will not conquer you. You’ll find the right combination and kick it’s butt. That I do know for sure.
Best to you my wonderful friend and I’m so excited for all that is in store for you.
~Adrienne
Adrienne recently posted..Facebook Fan Page Tips And Tricks
Twitter: smartboydesigns
March 17, 2012 at 3:45 am
This comment was beautiful Adrienne, thank you. You know how much you mean to me, and I’m grateful we both continue to grow together.
Onward!
Christian Hollingsworth recently posted..SmartBoyDesigns.com Review by Cathryne
Twitter: jocelynwilhelm
March 16, 2012 at 12:22 pm
How do you have time to do this all? You’re nothing short of amazing. Looking forward to seeing you at the “Voice”. Keep us posted and PLEASE slow down and take care of yourself.

Jocelyn Wilhelm recently posted..New Facebook Pages Timeline Tutorial
Twitter: smartboydesigns
March 17, 2012 at 3:45 am
I’ll slow down enough to stay well and healthy. Because it’s needed. Good thing I have this illness at a young age, to learn that you have to take care of your body first, before you can do anything else.
It’s a hard lesson to learn.
Christian Hollingsworth recently posted..SmartBoyDesigns.com Review by Cathryne