It's an amazing day to be alive and well.
The Earth continues to spin on its axis and I continue to breathe easily and love strong.
I'm enjoying my first vacation in quite a while, and doing so thoroughly. Tomorrow I will depart on a journey to spend time with family and friends for a few days. I will have to leave my love behind this time and I just know I am going to miss his face so much, but a good trip it shall be nonetheless. I've been feeling pretty well lately; a few moments drew me away from that, but temporary distractions never cease to exist.
I'm looking forward to enjoying present moments and keeping focused on the future directly ahead. I cannot wait to embark out west next summer - it's going to be fresh, true to my desire, and exciting in many respects. For now, however, I am enjoying the months immediately subsequent to now, and am excited about the memories I will gain in this period.
I have a strong desire to build upon the moments in life past for a brighter, more peaceful tomorrow. Life is truly grand - it's been educational, emotional, enjoyable, exhilarating, and most of all, just the way I'd hope if I had to do it all over again. Although there are individual instances I might consider improving, the overall image of my existence is something worth fighting for, and that says something. I'm happy to be me, and I'm thankful for all the wonderful people in my life.
Now, I must pack...
"When real people fall down in life, they get right back up and keep on walking." (Michael Patrick King, Sex and the City, The Real Me, 2001)
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Monday, July 5, 2010
Happy
Relaxing on a Monday afternoon at the end of a wonderful three day weekend. Life's pretty good these days. I think some people would rather see me down and not enjoying life as much as possible, but that doesn't matter now, does it? I say not. I can reflect over the past several months and see that while some days were less than great, more were enjoyable, memorable even. To trade a few days of unpleasant memories of friends past for many days of pure enjoyment in the world immediately surrounding me, I'll make the trade. It's been worth everything I've left behind, every one that couldn't stand beside me. There's not a chance that I could have ended up somewhere better given the circumstances of reality coupled with everyone's need to impose their opinions on me. Through all the moments where I questioned myself, or allowed myself to feel sorry, I've learned one thing - what my opinion on my life is...
Good news?
They never had the power to take that away from me.
In fact, I feel thankful they pushed and prodded the way they did; without them, I might never have been allowed to feel so happy.
“Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence” --Aristotle (384 BC - 322 BC)
Good news?
They never had the power to take that away from me.
In fact, I feel thankful they pushed and prodded the way they did; without them, I might never have been allowed to feel so happy.
“Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence” --Aristotle (384 BC - 322 BC)
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Waiting
Waiting is the hardest thing to do, regardless of the suspected outcome being positive or negative. Waiting for test results is difficult, especially since the outcome can go one of two ways - good or bad. Waiting to make a change in life is even more difficult, since making the change could ultimately result in immediate improvement of one's situation. I am waiting to make a life change - a relocation that will result in progression. It is difficult to wait for this. However, it is necessary. There are steps that I must take to get there, right?
What do you think?
Should one wait to make sure that all their ducks are in a row before jumping overboard, even if the end result will more than likely be awesome, regardless of whether waiting occurs? I think so, but then sometimes, I wonder if waiting is simply putting things off in a manner that might end up with the changes never occurring.
In this situation - moving to a new state, I believe that preparation and planning are necessary for success of the overall journey. There's just a part of me that is dying to be at the culmination point - the time when I can start progressing forward without lying in wait. Is a year really that long? A year's nearly past since my life flipped upside down and look at me now. I'm happy, excited about my future, and enjoying each day as if it were my last. Surely the year to follow can't be any less enjoyable than the last. I think the biggest part that's getting me is that I just know its the right move... literally. So, naturally, I want to have it now, as a result of living in a world centered upon instant gratification.
I seek the ability to build up to the point of gratification and predict that in doing so, the end result (gratification) will be much more rewarding.
“The doors we open and close each day decide the lives we live.”
--Flora Whittemore
What do you think?
Should one wait to make sure that all their ducks are in a row before jumping overboard, even if the end result will more than likely be awesome, regardless of whether waiting occurs? I think so, but then sometimes, I wonder if waiting is simply putting things off in a manner that might end up with the changes never occurring.
In this situation - moving to a new state, I believe that preparation and planning are necessary for success of the overall journey. There's just a part of me that is dying to be at the culmination point - the time when I can start progressing forward without lying in wait. Is a year really that long? A year's nearly past since my life flipped upside down and look at me now. I'm happy, excited about my future, and enjoying each day as if it were my last. Surely the year to follow can't be any less enjoyable than the last. I think the biggest part that's getting me is that I just know its the right move... literally. So, naturally, I want to have it now, as a result of living in a world centered upon instant gratification.
I seek the ability to build up to the point of gratification and predict that in doing so, the end result (gratification) will be much more rewarding.
“The doors we open and close each day decide the lives we live.”
--Flora Whittemore
Friday, June 18, 2010
Arrogance in Customer Service
As I look at the world around me, I ponder the permeation of arrogance I find. A time long, long ago existed where people relied on one another, more fully comprehending that such reliance was necessary for survival. That time has long past and we now survive in a world where not a soul needs another and the journey is primarily about greed and personal advancement, even at the expense of others sorrows. For instance, ever tried to call customer service about a complaint and been greeted by a representative that speaks as though they're looking down at a measly peon? This happens to me all the time. I have found that sometimes the complaint isn't worth the stress it takes to make. When there is money involved, however, what choice do we have?
I don't have much to say because the arrogant attitudes are so enveloped by society that talking about it won't even chip the iceberg. Simply, I wish people could realize that it's not real power to work in customer service. You may have the power to deny me information, the power to speak over me like you're somehow superior to me. You might even have the right to hang up on me when I lose my cool and go from frustrated to angry, and you could even deny me the right to a supervisor because "they aren't available" when you know damn well they are. But what you don't have is real power. These things you control are merely the representation of a person so suppressed that you don't have anything going for your job except that you have no ability to make a difference... People like this should know, the world would continue to spin without your position... you don't really make that big of a difference unless you take the time to advocate for others; it takes effort to make a difference.
Such people would suffer and perish in a world where people depended on others, like that far off time from long ago. Either that, or they'd be eliminated due to intolerance.
They don't really smile while they work.
I don't have much to say because the arrogant attitudes are so enveloped by society that talking about it won't even chip the iceberg. Simply, I wish people could realize that it's not real power to work in customer service. You may have the power to deny me information, the power to speak over me like you're somehow superior to me. You might even have the right to hang up on me when I lose my cool and go from frustrated to angry, and you could even deny me the right to a supervisor because "they aren't available" when you know damn well they are. But what you don't have is real power. These things you control are merely the representation of a person so suppressed that you don't have anything going for your job except that you have no ability to make a difference... People like this should know, the world would continue to spin without your position... you don't really make that big of a difference unless you take the time to advocate for others; it takes effort to make a difference.
Such people would suffer and perish in a world where people depended on others, like that far off time from long ago. Either that, or they'd be eliminated due to intolerance.
They don't really smile while they work.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Consequences + Impermanence
Life is about consequences. Every action we take has some sort of consequence: "the effect, result, or outcome of something occurring earlier" (Dictionary.com, 2010). Some are positive, some are negative, others good or bad. However, living in fear of consequence is a silly approach to life. This falls in line with the fact of impermanence; nothing is every fully permanent or enduring, but rather is transitory (Dictionary.com, 2010). So in effect, impermanence is the result of consequence. Thus, one should learn to accept that their actions will ultimately result in a follow up reaction, and that this consequence may lead to impermanence in a given situation, or rather will result as such.
My life has taught me vast lessons about these two things recently and I have finally begun to realize that while some of the consequences I've endured as of late seemed negative or bad, effectually they have been some of the greatest blessings I could ever have stumbled upon. I have been given the chance to recognize that what is now missing is not lost from this life, but rather, these aspects have served their final purpose, leading me to an array of new choices, new beginnings. Fortunate are those that can see the wonderful world surrounding them, regardless of size or activity, for the quality that really exists in each moment.
"Life is a great big canvas, and you should throw all the paint on it you can." ~Danny Kaye (QuoteGarden.com, 2010).
Dictionary.com., (2010)., Consequence; Impermanence., Retrieved June 7, 2010 from, http://dictionary.reference.com/
QuoteGarden.com., (2010)., Quotations about life., Retrieved June 7, 2010 from, http://www.quotegarden.com/life.html
My life has taught me vast lessons about these two things recently and I have finally begun to realize that while some of the consequences I've endured as of late seemed negative or bad, effectually they have been some of the greatest blessings I could ever have stumbled upon. I have been given the chance to recognize that what is now missing is not lost from this life, but rather, these aspects have served their final purpose, leading me to an array of new choices, new beginnings. Fortunate are those that can see the wonderful world surrounding them, regardless of size or activity, for the quality that really exists in each moment.
"Life is a great big canvas, and you should throw all the paint on it you can." ~Danny Kaye (QuoteGarden.com, 2010).
Dictionary.com., (2010)., Consequence; Impermanence., Retrieved June 7, 2010 from, http://dictionary.reference.com/
QuoteGarden.com., (2010)., Quotations about life., Retrieved June 7, 2010 from, http://www.quotegarden.com/life.html
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Failing Friendships
Today is kind of a sad day for me. I just wrote a letter to someone I thought would always be a part of my life, a constant. For so many years, she's been my person, the one I could turn to with anything and end up smiling, even if things were still less than preferable. It's interesting how the common quote below comes about and surprises you from left field, with people that you never thought would be on the leaving side...
“Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for awhile and leave footprints on our hearts. And we are never, ever the same.” - Unknown
She was someone I thought would stay for a long while... someone I could grow with throughout stages of life I've yet to encounter. I was wrong, I suppose. Why is it that some times people just decide to make cuts and not even let those not making the cut why it is so? This has happened to me a few times in life... I just can't seem to figure out what it is that I do or don't do that causes this to be true. My heart aches today... for the loss of an incredible friendship, a sister, a great portion of my heart and soul. I'm going to miss her, but I must stop trying to figure it out and move on with my life. I love her and wish it could be different, but I can't sit around waiting for convenience to allow me a place back in her life.
“Value yourself. The only people who appreciate a doormat are people with dirty shoes.”
“Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for awhile and leave footprints on our hearts. And we are never, ever the same.” - Unknown
She was someone I thought would stay for a long while... someone I could grow with throughout stages of life I've yet to encounter. I was wrong, I suppose. Why is it that some times people just decide to make cuts and not even let those not making the cut why it is so? This has happened to me a few times in life... I just can't seem to figure out what it is that I do or don't do that causes this to be true. My heart aches today... for the loss of an incredible friendship, a sister, a great portion of my heart and soul. I'm going to miss her, but I must stop trying to figure it out and move on with my life. I love her and wish it could be different, but I can't sit around waiting for convenience to allow me a place back in her life.
“Value yourself. The only people who appreciate a doormat are people with dirty shoes.”
Thursday, May 27, 2010
A Lesson On Understanding
Contrary to popular belief, even the people we can tolerate least still have feelings - they still deserve to be treated as human beings.
This afternoon, having spoken to a woman of great strength, I realized that even though people don't always own the characteristics others prefer, there is still a great deal of good left in them deserving kind and respectful treatment. There are points in the lifetime of humans when they are presented with an opportunity to make a decision - to respect or take advantage of another. The hardest part about this is that sometimes the decision has already been made when one understands the question. Like I mentioned in my last post - life is about connections and the imprint they leave behind. I think we should all try to affect the world around us more positively, even when we feel negative.
This woman I spoke to has many faults. She has led a life of mistakes and was integrally involved in many people's pains. There were times in life when most people would have simply given up, without even thinking about glancing back. This same woman has overcome many of her personal obstacles, albeit not in the manner that some would prefer. For her it was the best she could do and much good resulted and continues to result from her course of action. Her largest fault now is that she has love for every person she meets, except that her definition of love has a few Riders attached. Trust in this - she loves with her whole heart. However, she also guards it and desires the same kind of love in return. I can tell you from experience its difficult to endure.
The people she cares for most often take advantage of her willingness to give, of herself, her resources, advice; anything she has she'll offer. Her expectation in return is respect, and the kind of southern appreciation where people help each other and give of themselves in return. Sometimes when this happens and conflict results, she uses an approach less than preferable. Other times, she is spot on. Lately, as life has aged her heart, allowing it to become softer and less abrasive, she has allowed people to step on her, willingly and knowingly. Our conversation related to this and she needed to turn some of that giving love onto herself.
Anyhow, back to the point; today I learned that even people who are difficult have great successes and personal traits left to discover. If only we can look past the facade physically facing us and dig deeper below the shell that houses what really defines a person. She is immensely strong. Even with knowledge that she has made many mistakes, she still dedicates her life to loving people in her own way. That's a good thing... to love.
Today I learned that I need to look at people more objectively - try to see the whole, rather than the countless number of mistakes we all have made.
"Humanity: The quality of being human; the peculiar nature of man, by which he is distinguished from other beings (BrainyMedia.com, 2010)
BrainyMedia.com., (2010)., Humanity., Retreived May 27, 2010 from http://www.brainyquote.com/words/hu/humanity174669.html
This afternoon, having spoken to a woman of great strength, I realized that even though people don't always own the characteristics others prefer, there is still a great deal of good left in them deserving kind and respectful treatment. There are points in the lifetime of humans when they are presented with an opportunity to make a decision - to respect or take advantage of another. The hardest part about this is that sometimes the decision has already been made when one understands the question. Like I mentioned in my last post - life is about connections and the imprint they leave behind. I think we should all try to affect the world around us more positively, even when we feel negative.
This woman I spoke to has many faults. She has led a life of mistakes and was integrally involved in many people's pains. There were times in life when most people would have simply given up, without even thinking about glancing back. This same woman has overcome many of her personal obstacles, albeit not in the manner that some would prefer. For her it was the best she could do and much good resulted and continues to result from her course of action. Her largest fault now is that she has love for every person she meets, except that her definition of love has a few Riders attached. Trust in this - she loves with her whole heart. However, she also guards it and desires the same kind of love in return. I can tell you from experience its difficult to endure.
The people she cares for most often take advantage of her willingness to give, of herself, her resources, advice; anything she has she'll offer. Her expectation in return is respect, and the kind of southern appreciation where people help each other and give of themselves in return. Sometimes when this happens and conflict results, she uses an approach less than preferable. Other times, she is spot on. Lately, as life has aged her heart, allowing it to become softer and less abrasive, she has allowed people to step on her, willingly and knowingly. Our conversation related to this and she needed to turn some of that giving love onto herself.
Anyhow, back to the point; today I learned that even people who are difficult have great successes and personal traits left to discover. If only we can look past the facade physically facing us and dig deeper below the shell that houses what really defines a person. She is immensely strong. Even with knowledge that she has made many mistakes, she still dedicates her life to loving people in her own way. That's a good thing... to love.
Today I learned that I need to look at people more objectively - try to see the whole, rather than the countless number of mistakes we all have made.
"Humanity: The quality of being human; the peculiar nature of man, by which he is distinguished from other beings (BrainyMedia.com, 2010)
BrainyMedia.com., (2010)., Humanity., Retreived May 27, 2010 from http://www.brainyquote.com/words/hu/humanity174669.html
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