Did you ever notice that the majority of people have a notable reaction to the sun? People smile more, we're more active, our perspectives lean more toward the positive, problems don't seem so big or bad...I know this is true for me.
The first truly warm day of the spring/summer just brings me to life. I am instantly renewed with a sense of the things that matter in life. I think of river floating, camping, time with family and the blissful feeling of laying in the sand with the sun warming me. I see it happen to people all around me when the sun comes.
It makes me recognize the oneness, the unique connection we have with the world around us. Like how our bodies are made up largely of water, and how the moon controls the tides. This realization makes me more aware of the unique connection we should share with all humanity. I am aware of such a focus on SELF coming at me from all angles. In the media, in music, in movies and in societies general focus.
We're hearing that you have to look out for yourself, stand up for yourself, protect yourself, take care of yourself, support yourself. By the way, doesn't the definition of the word 'support' sort of indicate a lack of being able to do it yourself? Or is that just me? (LOL) So yes, all of those things are necessary, but do we have forget all about everyone else in the mean time? I am not talking just about your family, friends etc...We are "naturally" inclined to love our blood, right? Or do we just love them with the intensity that we do, because we know them; We've build bonds with them, we've shared our lives with them?
Since I've moved to Seattle I see a lot more people that don't appear to have much. There are more men and women on the corners here with signs, and they are on more corners. I used to say that I didn't live in Seattle because of all the crazy people that lived here. My mind forms all these immediate judgments to everything I see. Including people. I'm learning to observe my thoughts, question them, and stop listening to them when I don't agree.
I catch myself judging, liking, disliking, comparing, justifying, questioning, blaming, hoping, regretting, reminiscing, worrying, fearing and planning ALL THE TIME. I'm becoming more and more aware of the incessant thinking that goes on, which accomplishes nothing, besides taking me out of the very moment that is the only thing I have; right now. I am learning the art of focus and appreciation for, right now. The sounds I'm hearing, the way something looks or feels. It's pretty awesome. Everything slows down. I feel the sun, the wind, water on my skin and feel intensely happy, and at peace.
Unhappiness is largely created by our resistance to what is. It doesn't have to be good or bad. We don't HAVE to like, or dislike it. It just is at it is. Resistance is wasted energy. Take that energy and share it with someone instead. I spent some time talking with a homeless woman this week who really needed to know that someone, anyone cared about her... just because she was a person. In the past, had I seen an apparently homeless woman crying on a bench, I would have wanted to stop. But I would have kept on walking. I robbed myself of many opportunities this way, I am sure. But today, I didn't.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Depths
From the deepest part of my tattered soul
shines the light of love that will guide me on...
From behind my broken smile, come words of love
that will carry on.
From the tears that I've cried, and the ones
I've tried to hide.. comes the taste that reminds
me I'm alive.
Out of the pain that's left many a bruise
come the lessons I've learned and the wisdom I use.
It was worth it all.
Though I may not see clear...
It is with me always.
It is always right here.
I cherish the scars
for therein lies my story.
My strength.
My glory.
shines the light of love that will guide me on...
From behind my broken smile, come words of love
that will carry on.
From the tears that I've cried, and the ones
I've tried to hide.. comes the taste that reminds
me I'm alive.
Out of the pain that's left many a bruise
come the lessons I've learned and the wisdom I use.
It was worth it all.
Though I may not see clear...
It is with me always.
It is always right here.
I cherish the scars
for therein lies my story.
My strength.
My glory.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Shower the People
I think frequently about how much I love my family and friends. I'm aware that there are many not so fortunate. I appreciate and value what each and every one of you add to my life. I admonish every one to take a moment once in a while to just think about how much you love the people in your life and really think about the happiness you bring each other; the memories you have. Feel it, and carry it with you through your day.
...and remember to tell them. Say it when you think it. Call them for that five minutes with nothing else important to say just to tell them you're thinking about them. Thank them, for putting up with your antics (I know that isn't just me!) I always feel compelled to call and thank my parents particularly lol. So.. without being too serious, while being entirely serious. This song comes to mind .. James Taylor.. "Shower the people you love with love, show them the way you feel. Everything will be just fine, if you only will."
So, although I know that I do say it fairly often, I don't think you can ever say it too much. So for the joy I get in just thinking about my family and friends.. THANK YOU ALL. For being my friends through the years.. through the many different phases of life.. hard times and great times.. for being part of my journey. I have so much respect for you (Yes, you.) <3
.
...and remember to tell them. Say it when you think it. Call them for that five minutes with nothing else important to say just to tell them you're thinking about them. Thank them, for putting up with your antics (I know that isn't just me!) I always feel compelled to call and thank my parents particularly lol. So.. without being too serious, while being entirely serious. This song comes to mind .. James Taylor.. "Shower the people you love with love, show them the way you feel. Everything will be just fine, if you only will."
So, although I know that I do say it fairly often, I don't think you can ever say it too much. So for the joy I get in just thinking about my family and friends.. THANK YOU ALL. For being my friends through the years.. through the many different phases of life.. hard times and great times.. for being part of my journey. I have so much respect for you (Yes, you.) <3
.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
The True American (Response)
The "True American" needs an English lesson, spell check, or a proofreader. Is this a magazine? I don't know...
but I got it as a forward in my email and this is what it made me do! lol
I would just like to say I thought this article was "low class." This article didn't have a thing of value to say...
I hear hatred based on the most ridiculous of reasons. First of all, who is the Queen of England, or Prince William and Kate
to me? They aren't my moral compass, my fashion compass, or my political compass. Let me just say, I am
no Obama fan.. but they are all elite. They are the same caliber of people to me. Neither sets of people are anyone
I aspire to mimic or impress or be anything like. They can be as alike or different from each other as they want, they can
hate or adore each other. It makes NO DIFFERENCE to me. This article is ignorant, at best and try as though they might,
they couldn't hide their true message from me. It rang out loud and clear; though I am confident they think they are much
smarter than they are. Jokes on you.
There are plenty of reasons to dislike or have concerns about our government, its leaders, policies and administration. You can devalue
its greed, its bad intentions, its disregard for God and humanity, its justice, and any other number of things...Without
having ever to speak of "asses" or "fashion" or someone not following a tradition. I wasn't invited to the royal wedding
either. Is this a reason to judge my character, level of class, or how important I am to the world around me. Maybe the "True American."
Is more of a "True American" than they even meant to be.
Let's see.. find fault with others, while making gross mistakes of my own? Check!
Kill the messenger and completely disregard the real problem or issues that matter? Check!
Use largely irrelevant "facts" to support my "thesis" while all the time simply promoting my personal opinion/agenda? Check!
Play on people's emotions/opinions to gain support for my topic? Check!
Bank on the uneducated masses gobbling up essentially whatever I say as something of truth or value, simply because it is presented that way? Check!
I wonder what type of difference they are making in to further humanity,
or even to further their own development as humans. Under normal circumstances I would go check
out their website and find out. However, if they did have any valuable information to pass along.. then they defeated
their purpose with this article! Because I'd be ashamed to have their website in my browser's history.
I could keep going, but those of you get the point; already have it. If you don't.. there is a great article in the previous post you will probably enjoy!
but I got it as a forward in my email and this is what it made me do! lol
I would just like to say I thought this article was "low class." This article didn't have a thing of value to say...
I hear hatred based on the most ridiculous of reasons. First of all, who is the Queen of England, or Prince William and Kate
to me? They aren't my moral compass, my fashion compass, or my political compass. Let me just say, I am
no Obama fan.. but they are all elite. They are the same caliber of people to me. Neither sets of people are anyone
I aspire to mimic or impress or be anything like. They can be as alike or different from each other as they want, they can
hate or adore each other. It makes NO DIFFERENCE to me. This article is ignorant, at best and try as though they might,
they couldn't hide their true message from me. It rang out loud and clear; though I am confident they think they are much
smarter than they are. Jokes on you.
There are plenty of reasons to dislike or have concerns about our government, its leaders, policies and administration. You can devalue
its greed, its bad intentions, its disregard for God and humanity, its justice, and any other number of things...Without
having ever to speak of "asses" or "fashion" or someone not following a tradition. I wasn't invited to the royal wedding
either. Is this a reason to judge my character, level of class, or how important I am to the world around me. Maybe the "True American."
Is more of a "True American" than they even meant to be.
Let's see.. find fault with others, while making gross mistakes of my own? Check!
Kill the messenger and completely disregard the real problem or issues that matter? Check!
Use largely irrelevant "facts" to support my "thesis" while all the time simply promoting my personal opinion/agenda? Check!
Play on people's emotions/opinions to gain support for my topic? Check!
Bank on the uneducated masses gobbling up essentially whatever I say as something of truth or value, simply because it is presented that way? Check!
I wonder what type of difference they are making in to further humanity,
or even to further their own development as humans. Under normal circumstances I would go check
out their website and find out. However, if they did have any valuable information to pass along.. then they defeated
their purpose with this article! Because I'd be ashamed to have their website in my browser's history.
I could keep going, but those of you get the point; already have it. If you don't.. there is a great article in the previous post you will probably enjoy!
The True American (Article)
I received an article via email...I am going to post it below. Remember.. These are not my words!
The article:
Royal snub for the Obama's:
Prince William and Kate Middleton wedding: President Barack Obama and Michelle are not invited!
Michelle is livid over the snub and Obama can't believe it.What is happening and what can I do about it seems to be the thoughts in Obama's head.
Meanwhile, William and Kate have it together!
Prince William and Kate Middleton are planning a royal wedding April, 2011. Prince William personally told the wedding planners to strike the Obama's from the guest list. He stated, "He did not wont Michelle Obama trying to pull her center of attention ploy trying to upstage Kate on Kate's wedding day". Sources reveal that William states, "She may run Obama, but she doesn't run him or England ". The Democrats and Obama would like to play the race card as they have done so many times in America , but it is difficult when other black heads of states are invited to the wedding and will be warmly received.
Now, what is the future King of England 's reasons for Snubbing the Obama's to the world and making them a laughing stock. It has nothing to do with America beyond being so stupid as to elect such low class imperfection to the office of President and First Lady. The decisions that they make can and will affect the World. Secondly, Michelle called his mother Diana an over sexed cloths horse and further stated that she, Michelle, was more popular than Diana ever was. Thirdly, Michelle Obama showed her butt at every major social function endeavoring to be the Queen in the lime light. In other words, just a lack of class. Fourthly, the Queen , William's grand mother also has her reasons. Obama refused to bow to her, but a few days later bowed to the King of Saudi Arabia . Michelle manhandled her by becoming too familiar by putting her arm around her. The Queen only shakes hands with gloves on.That are the Traditions and it is still honored by the Royals. The Queen said to her staff, "Never allow that woman to be in the same room with me again" and she meant every word of it. The gifts from Obama and Michelle were both tacky and in poor taste.It is all a matter of class. In addition the Queen supported Prince William in his decision, due to the fact, the word is out about the lavish booze parties at the White House, the expensive vacations and state visits that cost the American tax payers billions of dollars un-necessarily when the American people need the resources.We here at True American can't decide if it is Just low class, no class, big ass or all that has just been mentioned.
The Obama's are desperately trying to make it a slight against America . Every past Head of State has always been invited.This is not a state function and William is not yet a Sovereign. It is just a multi-million dollar private wedding and the Obama's have been royally snubbed by the British Royals; not America , just the present classless leaders.The True American!
The article:
Royal snub for the Obama's:
Prince William and Kate Middleton wedding: President Barack Obama and Michelle are not invited!
Michelle is livid over the snub and Obama can't believe it.What is happening and what can I do about it seems to be the thoughts in Obama's head.
Meanwhile, William and Kate have it together!
Prince William and Kate Middleton are planning a royal wedding April, 2011. Prince William personally told the wedding planners to strike the Obama's from the guest list. He stated, "He did not wont Michelle Obama trying to pull her center of attention ploy trying to upstage Kate on Kate's wedding day". Sources reveal that William states, "She may run Obama, but she doesn't run him or England ". The Democrats and Obama would like to play the race card as they have done so many times in America , but it is difficult when other black heads of states are invited to the wedding and will be warmly received.
Now, what is the future King of England 's reasons for Snubbing the Obama's to the world and making them a laughing stock. It has nothing to do with America beyond being so stupid as to elect such low class imperfection to the office of President and First Lady. The decisions that they make can and will affect the World. Secondly, Michelle called his mother Diana an over sexed cloths horse and further stated that she, Michelle, was more popular than Diana ever was. Thirdly, Michelle Obama showed her butt at every major social function endeavoring to be the Queen in the lime light. In other words, just a lack of class. Fourthly, the Queen , William's grand mother also has her reasons. Obama refused to bow to her, but a few days later bowed to the King of Saudi Arabia . Michelle manhandled her by becoming too familiar by putting her arm around her. The Queen only shakes hands with gloves on.That are the Traditions and it is still honored by the Royals. The Queen said to her staff, "Never allow that woman to be in the same room with me again" and she meant every word of it. The gifts from Obama and Michelle were both tacky and in poor taste.It is all a matter of class. In addition the Queen supported Prince William in his decision, due to the fact, the word is out about the lavish booze parties at the White House, the expensive vacations and state visits that cost the American tax payers billions of dollars un-necessarily when the American people need the resources.We here at True American can't decide if it is Just low class, no class, big ass or all that has just been mentioned.
The Obama's are desperately trying to make it a slight against America . Every past Head of State has always been invited.This is not a state function and William is not yet a Sovereign. It is just a multi-million dollar private wedding and the Obama's have been royally snubbed by the British Royals; not America , just the present classless leaders.The True American!
Saturday, April 16, 2011
What I deserve.. What I desire.
What I deserve, what I desire
All these things I will have.
All these things I will give.
Patience, support
passion.
Balance, trust
compassion.
Action, stability
resolve.
Character, quality
friendship.
Encouragement, a listening ear
humor.
Flowers for no reason, arms that
never let go too soon.
Calm, quiet
steady now...
A teammate. A best friend.
Someone who sees the best in me.
and gives me their best in return.
Intelligence, a desire to grow and
a passion for progress.
A cheerleader. An individual.
A free-thinker. Not my other half,
for I am whole. Not my better half,
I am my best.
Hold my hand. Open the door.
Treat me as you wish to be treated,
You will be greatly rewarded.
This is a still resolve.
Quiet resolution.
To be at peace with now.
Until I have
all the things I deserve.
All the things I desire.
All these things I will have.
All these things I will give.
Patience, support
passion.
Balance, trust
compassion.
Action, stability
resolve.
Character, quality
friendship.
Encouragement, a listening ear
humor.
Flowers for no reason, arms that
never let go too soon.
Calm, quiet
steady now...
A teammate. A best friend.
Someone who sees the best in me.
and gives me their best in return.
Intelligence, a desire to grow and
a passion for progress.
A cheerleader. An individual.
A free-thinker. Not my other half,
for I am whole. Not my better half,
I am my best.
Hold my hand. Open the door.
Treat me as you wish to be treated,
You will be greatly rewarded.
This is a still resolve.
Quiet resolution.
To be at peace with now.
Until I have
all the things I deserve.
All the things I desire.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Take a small step...
It is the small steps on the way to our larger goals that make up the path we walk to our destination. Want to be healthier? Start by drinking more water. Want to be happier? Start by listing the things you appreciate in your life.
There are so many things on my "to do" list. Sometimes I can't figure out where to start. Some of my goals seem nearly unattainable because there are so many steps between where I am now, and where I want to be. Sometimes the first step is the hardest. The first step can be the scariest. I always hear people use the phrase "afraid of success." I never understood that phrase. Why would someone be afraid of success? Maybe because they wouldn't know where to go from there?
For example. I want to go to U.W. I want to get my Bachelor's Degree and eventually my Master's in Teaching. I want to serve two years in the Peace Corps. I want to join TWB (Teacher's without borders.) What if I go to U.W. and get my degree, but I can't find a job? What if I can't find a job and I can't pay for my student loans? I guess that is what people could mean when they say someone was "afraid of success?" I don't know. I don't think about it like that.
I look at it more from the perspective of, what have I got to lose? If I go to U.W. and I get my degree and I never get the job I want, or serve in the Peace Corps, or travel with TWB. I can still never replace the experiences I will get from having gone to a 4 year University and gained an Education. Yes, its expensive. I am certainly not guaranteed a job after I graduate.
But, I don't want to live a life where I only walk along a trail, knowing exactly where it leads. Where is the fun in that? I might go to U.W. and find a passion for something I never knew I had. After all, certainly there are a million things I don't know anything about. I mean, I started Pierce thinking I wanted to be a Journalist. Ended up focusing on English, and now I want to major in Sociology. If I had never gone to Pierce because I wasn't sure what I wanted to do, I wouldn't have realized my interest, or ability in these other areas.
Even if I go to school and get my degree and I never land a job making more than I make now. No one can take my education from me. Even if I die still owing Sallie Mae for those student loans, I don't care! What does it matter then anyway right?
I didn't even sit down to write about school. I started out on a whole different thought pattern. I have been thinking a lot lately about whether or not I still wanted to go to U.W. I knew I still wanted to go to school, but the cost has given me pause. Not to mention, I take the bus through the campus every day and see all these 18-20 year olds and wonder if I am too old. If it will be strange to be surrounded by all these kids...But there is no acceptable age to stop learning so there is no such thing as "too old" for school.
I hope to have some exciting things to share regarding my writing very soon. I will keep you posted :) For now, this letter to myself (as it turns out) comes to a close. Byeeeee! Feel free to share your thoughts!!
There are so many things on my "to do" list. Sometimes I can't figure out where to start. Some of my goals seem nearly unattainable because there are so many steps between where I am now, and where I want to be. Sometimes the first step is the hardest. The first step can be the scariest. I always hear people use the phrase "afraid of success." I never understood that phrase. Why would someone be afraid of success? Maybe because they wouldn't know where to go from there?
For example. I want to go to U.W. I want to get my Bachelor's Degree and eventually my Master's in Teaching. I want to serve two years in the Peace Corps. I want to join TWB (Teacher's without borders.) What if I go to U.W. and get my degree, but I can't find a job? What if I can't find a job and I can't pay for my student loans? I guess that is what people could mean when they say someone was "afraid of success?" I don't know. I don't think about it like that.
I look at it more from the perspective of, what have I got to lose? If I go to U.W. and I get my degree and I never get the job I want, or serve in the Peace Corps, or travel with TWB. I can still never replace the experiences I will get from having gone to a 4 year University and gained an Education. Yes, its expensive. I am certainly not guaranteed a job after I graduate.
But, I don't want to live a life where I only walk along a trail, knowing exactly where it leads. Where is the fun in that? I might go to U.W. and find a passion for something I never knew I had. After all, certainly there are a million things I don't know anything about. I mean, I started Pierce thinking I wanted to be a Journalist. Ended up focusing on English, and now I want to major in Sociology. If I had never gone to Pierce because I wasn't sure what I wanted to do, I wouldn't have realized my interest, or ability in these other areas.
Even if I go to school and get my degree and I never land a job making more than I make now. No one can take my education from me. Even if I die still owing Sallie Mae for those student loans, I don't care! What does it matter then anyway right?
I didn't even sit down to write about school. I started out on a whole different thought pattern. I have been thinking a lot lately about whether or not I still wanted to go to U.W. I knew I still wanted to go to school, but the cost has given me pause. Not to mention, I take the bus through the campus every day and see all these 18-20 year olds and wonder if I am too old. If it will be strange to be surrounded by all these kids...But there is no acceptable age to stop learning so there is no such thing as "too old" for school.
I hope to have some exciting things to share regarding my writing very soon. I will keep you posted :) For now, this letter to myself (as it turns out) comes to a close. Byeeeee! Feel free to share your thoughts!!
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