tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17385602798999074832024-02-07T04:06:33.501-08:00Peace PathPersonal reflections, struggles and lessons learned on the path to inner peace. Jaipi Sixbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140953911429872583noreply@blogger.comBlogger134125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738560279899907483.post-53806050398961284922020-07-17T07:23:00.000-07:002020-07-17T07:23:42.074-07:00Herd mentality, you and me<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<script async="" src="//cdn.chitika.net/getads.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Folks, we all like to think that we're not a part of herd mentality. The society we live in stresses individuality. But does that society actually encourage the free thinking they pretend to promote? I think we all know the answer to that question is a resounding H E double hockey sticks (LL) no!<br />
<br />
While we hear daily that we should be ourselves, etc, etc,. The powers that control our current society work tirelessly on mass brainwashing for profit. In fact, they have actually found a way to make the appeal of freedom and individuality a selling point for conformity. Ain't capitalism grand? <br />
<br />
Don't believe me? Think you are living in a free country? Than if you are truly free and a free thinker, how did they convince you, for instance, to worship a piece of cloth above respecting people who don't worship the same piece of cloth or reside within different imaginary, man-made borders than you?<br />
<br />
Or maybe they convinced you of some other way of thinking. It doesn't really matter what stance you take, if it involves herd mentality. Red or blue pill, they've got your number either way.<br />
<br />
What do they get out of it?<br />
<br />
Simply put, they get compliance and complacency. Which are, of course, the opposite of the freedom and individuality they say this society stands for. Compliance and complacency, my friends, enable them to sell you the products that line their pockets and empty yours.<br />
<br />
They are ripping you off and naming your adherence to their format, “freedom.“ But is it really? Heck no. They are creating the illusion of a free country in order to make you step in time, form a line and do their bidding.<br />
<br />
Does that sound like individuality to you?
Well, to me, it sounds a lot like dictatorship and frankly, the wrong ship to sail on.<br />
<br />
I love my country. I'm just simply not buying what those who truly run things are selling.<br />
<br />
Is our government running things? No, they're not. They're puppets, just like the rest of us. Meanwhile, those who jerk our strings and theirs are playing with all our heads for profit and power. The more we play along, the more profit they make and the more powerful they become.<br />
<br />
Eventually, our freedom will be dust in the wind. Maybe it already is. Maybe it always has been.
After all, when a group of people adopts a common mindset, regardless of what that mindset is, thinking outside of the community box is seen as a betrayal of the community.<br />
<br />
Those who are in power love that. It works for them. Because it allows them to manipulate us more easily.
New thoughts and ideas for improvement are often rejected because conformity provides an illusion of comfort and security. It makes us feel safe, Even though, in reality, herd mentality is toxic behavior by design.<br />
<br />
Personally, I'm at peace with living my life as a true individual and a free thinker. No plans to join any of the many herds out there in brainwash central. I'll be over here doing my own thing when they pass by. How about you?Jaipi Sixbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140953911429872583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738560279899907483.post-60185668248157261592018-10-31T11:29:00.001-07:002018-10-31T11:29:37.816-07:00I'm at complete peace with my imperfections<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
And I have a lot of them. So do you. So
do all of us. Because human beings are, well, human. We are
inherently imperfect. We can't help it. We can and should try to
improve ourselves. Absolutely. But unless we accept and embrace what
we believe to be our own imperfections, we will never feel whole.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Why is that? Well, in some ways, that
answer is simple. In others, it's quite complex. So, let's begin with
simple. There is “good” and “bad” in everything and everyone.
That fact creates balance. And balance is necessary for survival. No
one is all good or all bad. Taking away our imperfections completely,
makes us less than whole.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
And now, for the real complications.
The terms “good” and “bad” are not easily defined as the
definitions are not the same in everyone's mind. So what some people
see as your faults, may not be faults to you and the reverse is also
true.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Not only that, but “good” can come
from “bad” in the form of lessons learned. That renders mistakes
and imperfections a catalyst for self improvement.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
So, there are times when things seen as
your imperfections can be of benefit to you. Imperfections can be
strengths or weaknesses, depending on the circumstances.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
And what separates you from others?
What makes you different? What makes you interesting? Certainly your
strengths do. And those strength can be born of either your positive
qualities or your perceived imperfections, which are sometimes one
and the same.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
My imperfections are not evil and
unless they involve thoughts, words or actions that do harm, neither
are yours. They simply exist. They simply <i>are</i>. That's why I
accept my imperfections and yours as well. Now, that is not to say
that I will stop working to improve myself or that you should stop
working to improve yourself.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It's just that accepting yourself entirely, imperfections included is the only way to begin being the person you wish to be.
Change cannot come without first having awareness and acceptance. And
that's true, whether you're speaking of the entire universe, the
world or just your part of it.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I'm at complete peace with my
imperfections as I move forward to make positive changes. Because if
I don't know my whole self or allow myself to wallow in shame for the
things I am not proud of, how can I hope to make improvements?
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
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<script async="" src="//cdn.chitika.net/getads.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Jaipi Sixbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140953911429872583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738560279899907483.post-44889789210687019332018-10-31T08:04:00.001-07:002018-10-31T08:04:27.014-07:00A not so peaceful Halloween tale<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<h1 class="western" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Night Terrors</span></h1>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
Shawna woke to find herself shivering
in the bushes. Her dress was torn and muddy. Rain pelted her exposed
limbs. Slowly, she became conscious. A chill ran through her as she
remembered the events that brought her here. She felt something
trickle down her face and realized it was not rain water. Blood was
seeping from a gash in her forehead. She couldn't move and didn't
dare breathe. He might find her here, crouching in the night shadows
like a wounded animal.
</div>
Her head was spinning. Her legs, pinned in an awkward position.
Shawna remembered twisting her leg as she dived for shelter. She
contemplated her situation. Experimentally, she moved and winced with
the resultant pain. She wouldn't get far on that leg. Still, the
train station was less than a mile away. There would be others there.
Witnesses that would prevent him from harming her further. Lights to
keep him at bay. Plus, there were the trains. A way out. Perhaps she
could make it, traveling from tree to tree to avoid being seen. She
had to take a chance.
<br />
<br />
Shawna knew she must act quickly while she still had the cover of
night for protection. Carefully she began stretching in an attempt to
return circulation to her other limbs. She rubbed her arms vigorously
in an attempt to warm them. Regrettably, the damp night fog had
settled into her bones. Shawna's eyes were becoming adjusted to the
night. She peered out into the blackness. No sign of him, but that
didn't mean anything. He was a creature of the forest. He knew how to
remain unseen. Still, there was no other choice. She slithered from
her hiding place as silently as she could manage.
<br />
<br />
Keeping low to the ground, Shawna crept to the nearest shelter. A
tree had fallen about ten yards away. She thought that by laying
beside it, she might blend in with its spindly shape. Pain shot up
her injured leg with every forward movement. She thought about the
trail her dragging foot might be leaving for him, but it couldn't be
helped. The hounds would smell the blood too. Without hesitation, she
tore a strip from her shredded hem. It would have to do. Shawna tied
the fabric tightly around her wounded forehead. Then she heard them
in the distance.
<br />
<br />
It was the hounds. At least, she reflected, it was an ironical
blessing. She could hear them and that was good. Kent wasn't afraid
of her. He could make all the noise he wanted. He was the hunter and
she was his prey. He was an animal now. His only thought was to
silence her. She knew what he had become. This wasn't her first
encounter with the beast. Her fingers instinctively felt for the scar
above her right breast. That was where his fury landed the last time.
This time it was worse. She was running for her life. Shawna could
feel the certainty of death upon her. Its hot steamy breath whispered
tauntingly in her ear.
<br />
<br />
It hadn't always been this way. Once there was laughter and joy.
He used to hold her hand and talk of their future together. Then
there were wedding bells and a honeymoon trip to Fiji. They would
make love for hours, languishing in the sun. The thought of Fiji made
her slight body shudder once again. She remembered the eyes of the
beast as it chased them through the jungle. Then, her devoted husband
sacrificing himself as a decoy so she could get away. They found him
days later on the outskirts of town. He was incoherent and covered
with long gashes, but alive. Then came the nightmares.
<br />
<br />
It started on the plane trip home. Kent woke in a cold sweat,
fighting animalistic urges she was unaware of. Once they arrived
home, it continued to worsen. The nightmares increased in frequency
and intensity. Each time she became more and more afraid. Of course,
everyone assumed he was traumatized from his experience in the
jungle, including Shawna herself. Until he began hurting her. He had
become someone else. He had become the very beast he saved her from.
He still looked like himself but his eyes betrayed him. She had left
her beloved Kent in the jungles of Fiji. The beast had taken his
place and he wanted her dead.
<br />
<br />
The hounds were closer now. Shawna knew she would have to chance
using her injured leg if she were to make it out alive. She would
need a crutch. She felt around in the darkness until her hand came
upon a decent sized fallen branch. She placed the end against the
tree for stability. Gingerly, she lifted herself up, wincing in pain.
The branch gave a little with her weight. She had no time to find
another. It would have to do. One agonizing step at a time, she began
her journey. She was jolted from her nightmare when something came
crashing toward her through the forest. Shawna fainted and crumbled
to the ground.
<br />
<br />
In her dream, Shawna was running. This time she was the predator.
Her prey was alluring. She could smell it's fear. It was young and
tender. She longed for the taste of it. The smell filled her nostrils
with desire.<br />
<br />
She awoke in a sweat. Someone was sponging her forehead.
She lay on a bench in the train station. A young man looked into her
eyes, inquiringly. He was saying something
about running from a beast in the woods and carrying her to the
station. Her blood was still hot from the night terrors. The lights
burned her eyes. She could still smell her prey. She glanced at the
little girl seated next to her and smiled sweetly.<br />
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<script async="" src="//cdn.chitika.net/getads.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Jaipi Sixbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140953911429872583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738560279899907483.post-5977445774607521072018-10-29T06:10:00.004-07:002018-10-29T06:10:35.811-07:00Face-booking on the peace path<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia2dVNUwNZDINae_OWXGkvNIGuOLIT02nKRgxyVZMie7Y0Mg7z3NVo9U1Fi6JKLRirAmDU8GJUNY2ylgK_zgCXjMYEWctuUJfoGh2xYHpUaIJ-0momzicln7rzfcoPR-deLTWAeeXIMak/s1600/800px-Footprints_in_sand_%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia2dVNUwNZDINae_OWXGkvNIGuOLIT02nKRgxyVZMie7Y0Mg7z3NVo9U1Fi6JKLRirAmDU8GJUNY2ylgK_zgCXjMYEWctuUJfoGh2xYHpUaIJ-0momzicln7rzfcoPR-deLTWAeeXIMak/s320/800px-Footprints_in_sand_%25281%2529.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Now, maybe you're saying to yourself,
“She's joking, right?” After all, I am very outspoken on social
media. But what exactly am I outspoken about? Peace, love, acceptance
and compassion are always at the core of my posts.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
If I display any animosity toward
certain behaviors, those type of posts will now be restricted to my
own page. There's no point in trolling around just to stir up
trouble. Oh, I've done it on occasion when someone works my nerves or
ignorance rears it's ugly head. But now I'm making a concentrated
effort not to.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
And yes, I am big on making folks aware
of their less than kind tendencies with my posts. You know, the
habits and behaviors that are so socially ingrained that nice people
don't even notice they're participating in them?
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I figure that I would want these things
pointed out to me so I could lead a kinder life, so why wouldn't
everyone else? But again, this is mainly on my own page or on the
pages of those who are in agreement with me.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I'm sorry folks, I just can't condone
practices that are less than compassionate toward humans or other
animals. It's not in me. However, I really do have faith in the good
character of all my friends, which is why I believe they would want
to know if something they do or say is hurtful to someone else.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I certainly would.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I have noticed that sometimes, certain
of my friends are offended by the thought of being compassionate
above all. I can't help that.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
How silly is that, BTW? Why be so hell
bent on sticking to tradition or so set in your ways that you prefer
not to see the truth or consider ways to improve in the future? That
just makes no sense to me.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Blinders and rose colored glasses are
not my style, Compassion reigns supreme with me, even when it
necessitates changing my own stubborn ways and re-routing my own way
of thinking.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Mind you, I'm not saying that I'm
picture perfect. I have weathered my fair share of social media
battles. I <i>have</i> been guilty of stirring the pot, sometimes
with serious vigor. But there's something about making an effort to
live a kinder life that has prompted me to do better in that area.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anyway...</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I am making a special effort toward
peaceful interaction on Facebook these days. Social media is here to
stay. And as admittedly antisocial as I am, I still want what little
conversation I do engage in to be pleasant for all concerned.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I'm not commenting negatively on other
people's pages any more. If I have something to say that I can't <i>not</i>
say, I'll say it on my own page instead.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
If you view my posts frequently, you
may or may not have noticed that I also now avoid lumping, grouping
and categorizing people in my posts. That includes <i>not</i> sharing
memes that condemn one political group or another. Because folks, we
are all so much more than the labels we are given. Sorting people out
this way feels a bit too much like bigotry to me.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I'm still a bit judgmental, I admit it.
I'm working on it though. I'm constantly working on self-improvement.
It's important to me to be fair and kind.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I can't help being human, of course. I
do and will slip up sometimes. In fact, I have done so, big time in
the past. More than once. A lot of the time it has taken me more than
once to learn my lesson. I probably have a ton of failing and growing
to do in the future as well. Still, I try to look at my mistakes as
learning experiences and I apologize when apologies are due.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I've stopped truly “falling for”
anything mass media, big banking, big business or mainstream
political parties spew without first doing a little unbiased
research. And generally, if the “news” coming out makes someone a
huge profit, I tend to pass on it. I'm looking for truth, not
propaganda. That's true, BTW, even when the news is slanted toward my
views.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
For the most part, I scroll past
anything that causes me to shake my head without comment. You know,
anything that isn't based in compassion or impacts me in such a way
that I completely lose my own compassion. However, I do reserve the
right to post my disdain on my own page.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
However, I'm trying my best to see that
said disdain is now directed toward the action, not the person. With
the exception of certain individuals who consistently display
tendencies of hatefulness, animosity, cruelty and general rudeness
with no remorse. Because then, I figure, something has to be said.
Silence is often seen as license and acceptance. People are not going
to change if they don't have to.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
One last thing and maybe I've said this
a lot but example is the best teacher. That goes for everyone from
toddlers to seniors. Whatever aura you project surrounds you and
spreads to others. So, by being firm about supporting compassionate
behaviors and using that same compassion to promote them, I hope to
influence others to do the same.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I have always believed in being the
change I wish to see. Still, sometimes my actions have fallen short
of that goal. Patience is not a virtue I possess in quantity. I have
a short fuse when it comes to those who promote or project hatred and
exclusion.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
So, I'm working the path of peace, one
step at a time and trying my utmost to do so with kindness in mind.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
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<script async="" src="//cdn.chitika.net/getads.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Jaipi Sixbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140953911429872583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738560279899907483.post-85314889396602467212018-10-29T06:01:00.000-07:002018-10-29T06:01:04.867-07:00Making peace with zero page views<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4aSBdqRkEdi19POUzWGvBTH3OPOBPxIgcM7t7c2ekDZAGnYakX-KsPKDSzPzA_N2gRUfgeFiXFyJfGczzVIunFT4pU8Z66tBteAf9EhASHzO4FYcTzAGNI7Xp6N1eFAB8-W6cuxWSB04/s1600/Un_dollar_us.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4aSBdqRkEdi19POUzWGvBTH3OPOBPxIgcM7t7c2ekDZAGnYakX-KsPKDSzPzA_N2gRUfgeFiXFyJfGczzVIunFT4pU8Z66tBteAf9EhASHzO4FYcTzAGNI7Xp6N1eFAB8-W6cuxWSB04/s320/Un_dollar_us.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I've been in love with writing since I
first learned to form letters, make words from them and put those
words together to make legible thoughts appear on paper. In short,
since I was about 5 years old. Back then, I didn't care who read my
thoughts. Surprise! I don't care now either.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I write for myself. If no one reads
what I write, well, that doesn't make it any less valuable to me. I
also don't care if my grammar is picture perfect or my punctuation is
on point. I write how I talk. It's legible enough. It's not
completely off. And anyone who doesn't like it doesn't have to read
it. So there!
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
If all that makes me sound a bit
narcissistic, well, I don't care about that either. People can think
what they want because I also don't judge the way others write.
Practice makes perfect and maybe they're not there yet. Or maybe
they're like me and don't care if they ever get there. Ha!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I have a lot of blogs that nobody
reads. They make me about a penny a month. OK, maybe a little more.
But hey, since I don't ever cash it out, I might have a whole dollar
by now. Woo-Hoo! Celebration time! Maybe I could frame it and hang it
on my wall.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Meh, who cares? I think the almighty
dollar gets enough air time. I save my decor space for family photos
and other things that really matter. Like dream-catchers, tapestries,
artwork, various handmade dangly things, cute signs and such. Most of
which is truly “unprofessional” and maybe a bit sloppy. I love
it!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
And sure, there is an off chance that
someday, someone, somewhere will find that either my meanderings or
my artwork warrant a deeper look. Maybe there's even a ,little
monetary compensation in my future. Still don't care. Besides, likely
that would mean writing/creating the way everyone else thinks I
should; conforming to consumerist demand, etc.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Nah, I'm happier just the way things
are. Doing what I love to do, the way I love to do it. No promises.
No demands. No battlefield. No blood shed. No deadlines. No editors.
No rules. No pressure. Just the freedom to write/create as I wish.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I'm at peace with my non-existent page
views. In fact, I prefer them. They represent my freedom to be who I
am. They reflect my true self, good, bad and ugly combined. They
empower me like no amount of money ever could.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
And you can take that to the bank.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
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<script async="" src="//cdn.chitika.net/getads.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Jaipi Sixbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140953911429872583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738560279899907483.post-65786624626916929802018-10-29T05:51:00.002-07:002018-10-29T05:51:45.822-07:00Be careful who you call a snowflake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-inANTCchCFPLIx1ME67zwChnfClxraG9O2qo0DThrzL-I28DzbBONcF-NoU_ShgorHvqroQZ_ZOHqoaexB1jlazZ0idyD-E5WTh0J1boCnPjW1RnAKjTAx3zpBiiJyoiZra5TpRj2d8/s1600/800px-Snowflake_magnified_usda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-inANTCchCFPLIx1ME67zwChnfClxraG9O2qo0DThrzL-I28DzbBONcF-NoU_ShgorHvqroQZ_ZOHqoaexB1jlazZ0idyD-E5WTh0J1boCnPjW1RnAKjTAx3zpBiiJyoiZra5TpRj2d8/s320/800px-Snowflake_magnified_usda.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
People, when will they ever learn?
These days it seems that anyone who gives a rat's behind about
anything is labeled as a snowflake. To which I say, “Not so fast,
good friends. Being kind is not so easy.” Being a “snowflake”
is a lot more of a challenge than being a hard ass or ignoring the
wrongs and la dee da-ing through life because they don't impact you
directly.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Personally, I'm at peace with being a
so-called snowflake. Here's why:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Compassion is not a cop-out. Kindness
takes strength, perseverance and dedication. Sometimes it even means
finding the good in those who seem to be made up of 99.9% evil.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Compassion involves standing up for the
rights of all, including those who don't agree with you, are
misguided, cruel or only seem to care about themselves. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
These days, being compassionate even
means putting yourself in danger. Because for some reason, people who
lack compassion are offended by those who believe in it.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
In contrast, it's quite easy to put
yourself first and walk away from things you'd rather not admit are
happening. It's easy to be hard. It's easy to ignore. Cognitive
dissonance makes life simple for those who are not strong enough to
face the truth. The real snowflakes are the ones who haven't the
strength or courage to worry about anyone but themselves.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
And trust me, I would love to distance
myself from the evils of the world. But not enough to live every day
sheltered from the harsh realities of life in a society gone mad.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Why not just enjoy life and let the
chips fall where they may? I'll tell you why not. Because if everyone
in the world ignored injustice, justice would cease to exist.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Someone has to care enough to take a
stand against bias, exclusion, cruelty and hatred. Are these people
snowflakes? I don't think so. Quite the opposite, in fact. Those are
the folks I want in my corner. They are strong and capable with
hearts in the right place.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
On the other hand, I suppose you could
side with the bullies of the world. They seem to be strong, don't
they? But that's just it. They only appear to be strong. Their
resilience and confidence are lacking, Which is why they have to put
others down in an effort to inflate their own egos.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
And, final point, guess what? Not all
those you call snowflakes have had an easy life. Some have had to
push through hardships that would do a lot of people in. So be
careful who you call a snowflake. You might be handing them a doubly
disrespectful insult. (Disrespectful of both their beliefs and their
long, hard struggle to get where they are.) And the resulting
blizzard may be more than you bargained for.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Because compassionate people are the
majority in this country, folks. And history has proven, they will,
quietly and effectively over-rule your agenda of fear mongering,
hatred and exclusion every time. </div>
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<script async="" src="//cdn.chitika.net/getads.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Jaipi Sixbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140953911429872583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738560279899907483.post-84097689509780411392018-10-28T05:14:00.000-07:002018-10-28T05:14:27.471-07:00Burn, baby burn!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCiTHLdJpTIBaB8-fkSThTiso4DUivgWYKfwo_6bGo7F0Kl7KWXhAu-aCtAMJYJwK4Ttt1_fnbMl94n67KjmSKc6z7I5qdGCgL2PQ8Z0O9aPeCrg6ANeMWEnZsUo2i-v3fqHuHwewKTrs/s1600/1024px-An_Old_Woman_Burning_Papers_MET_DP817990.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="529" data-original-width="1024" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCiTHLdJpTIBaB8-fkSThTiso4DUivgWYKfwo_6bGo7F0Kl7KWXhAu-aCtAMJYJwK4Ttt1_fnbMl94n67KjmSKc6z7I5qdGCgL2PQ8Z0O9aPeCrg6ANeMWEnZsUo2i-v3fqHuHwewKTrs/s320/1024px-An_Old_Woman_Burning_Papers_MET_DP817990.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Sometimes attaining inner peace
involves environmental cleansing. I'm not speaking of the environment
as a whole, just my own corner of it. OK, maybe there's a greener way
to purge my personal space of ancient paperwork. Still, ceremonial
burning is highly satisfying, isn't it?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I have a lot of paperwork to purge. I
don't own a shredder. I can't afford to pay someone to shred all
these old documents I pulled from my file cabinet.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
So, I say, burn, baby burn!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It's been interesting cleaning out ten
years worth of files. The clutter in there was clogging up my to do
list as well. And when my list gets too long, it blocks me from
attaining peace. Plus, I just don't need the stuff. Well, most of it.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I did find a few gems in the files. A
lot of my old journals and handwritten notes. Some poetry that I
forgot that I wrote. And I found one really cool thing.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It was a Christmas gift from my Mom,
sent to me long ago. A booklet of her writings. It's mostly poetry to
loved ones. I remember reading it when I first received it and loving
how it revealed her innermost feelings.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
When I was growing up, kids weren't
really privy to the feelings of their parents. Oh, sure, there was
love and lots of it. Still, our parents didn't really confide in us.
Or at least not in me or in as much depth as in poetic ramblings.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anyway, it was fun to read, for
instance, poems my Mom wrote to my Dad. (She referred to him as
Herbie.) How very in love she was with him! It also gave me a window
to their life before kids. Shocker! They had lives before us!
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Needless to say, I won't be burning my
Mom's poetry or any of the other sentimental stuff in the file
drawer.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
But as for the weight of unnecessary
paperwork, up in smoke it goes. I offer it to the Gods of cleansing
and purification. In doing so, my mind becomes clear and peaceful.
“To do” becomes “to done.” The ashes settle gently on the
peace path behind me.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
And forward I trudge with renewed
conviction, at peace with the ashes of my past floating across the
back yard.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
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<script async="" src="//cdn.chitika.net/getads.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Jaipi Sixbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140953911429872583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738560279899907483.post-88157190823730238882018-10-28T05:02:00.000-07:002018-10-28T05:02:02.141-07:00Life isn't fair and that's a good thing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZjSNDnMnuc5sH_8SDWbswYY92y7bIfDypgySgDDGES34dw4EkJjdL0d7GMVsn7SieGiH3vvj_92K7S_NRGeyCikEFGF695dnx9KzPND6YjbcDWUYcMycopMKhPkmruwYkejU-vpsZ3EA/s1600/1024px-Band-Aid_close-up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="518" data-original-width="1024" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZjSNDnMnuc5sH_8SDWbswYY92y7bIfDypgySgDDGES34dw4EkJjdL0d7GMVsn7SieGiH3vvj_92K7S_NRGeyCikEFGF695dnx9KzPND6YjbcDWUYcMycopMKhPkmruwYkejU-vpsZ3EA/s320/1024px-Band-Aid_close-up.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I don't pretend to have the answers to
everything. If I did, I suppose my life would be a lot easier. Still,
I think a few important things have been lost through the
generations. Mainly what's been lost, I fear, is the ability to deal
with the ups and downs that life throws at us.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
People today seem to think the world
owes them respect, decency and kindness. And that there are certain
rights everyone is born with. I suppose that last bit is due to the
wishful thinking of our founding fathers. But it's not real, you
guys. Nothing society tells us is real.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
In actuality, nature is not fair. Life
is not fair. And those who expect it to be are destined to have a
hell of a time dealing with it the way it really is. They don't have
the tools for that. It's not their fault. They were simply never
taught the realities of life.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Life is a lot of struggle mixed with a
little happiness to soften the blow. It has to be that way, you know.
Those struggles strengthen us. They keep us humble. But most of all,
they provide the contrast we need in order to appreciate the good
times.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Now, I was raised in the country and I
do mean in the country. I am not from a small town. We lived across
from a dairy farm in the middle of nowhere. There were a lot of us
and we were not monetarily wealthy.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
We had pea soup and corn bread for
dinner <i>a lot</i>. It was tasty and healthy and I still love
it. We had a garden. We worked for our food by shucking those peas, harvesting other veggies and helping around the house. My Mom put dinner on the table every night. It wasn't always
pea soup. It <i>was</i> always humble, nutritious and inexpensive. If
we didn't like it and didn't eat it, well, we'd be really, really
ready for breakfast next day.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Because there was no alternative.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
We didn't order in or eat fast food. We
didn't eat out. We sat at the dinner table, talked about our day and
enjoyed each others company. After dinner, we played board games
until bed time, which was when the sun went down. If it was summer,
we played outside. We were never bored.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
We worked hard but we also knew how to
have fun. Sometimes we would all pile into the car and go to the
beach. In winter, we grabbed our sleds or whatever else would slip
down the hill and made our own fun. We skated
on the neighbor's cow pond in the winter.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
We invented our own brand of fun. I'm
told that one time, when the garden flooded, we plugged up an old
bathtub to use as a boat, therefore turning a tragedy into a good
time. I was pretty young, though. I don't really remember it.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I guess you could say that my childhood
was a series of events that were largely based on turning old, beat up straw
into shiny, new gold. Which is, I suppose, why I'm so resilient to
this day. Practice makes perfect, as they say. That is not to say
that I'm perfect. Nope, far from it.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
But I do know this. If you shelter your
kids from everything, kissing all their boo-boos and catching them
every time they fall, well, they never have a chance to learn those
deep down, ingrained lessons that struggle and misfortune bring, do
they?
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
In other words, it's OK to let your
little darlings skin their knees and develop the resultant,
protective scabs on their own. In fact, it's more than OK, it's
necessary. Strength comes through adversity. And strength, my
friends, is vital to survival.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I'm at peace with life being unfair, In
fact, I'm glad it is. Because if it wasn't, I wouldn't be half the
person I am today. A lot of us wouldn't. So, when life knocks you
down, take your licks, patch your skinned knees and let those
lessons give you strength to carry on, a little wiser than you were
before. That's what life is all about. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Isn't it beautiful?
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
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<script async="" src="//cdn.chitika.net/getads.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Jaipi Sixbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140953911429872583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738560279899907483.post-6879320274634205902018-10-28T04:32:00.003-07:002018-10-28T04:32:31.282-07:00Why is it so hard to find our true selves?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcNRXZJWFLfchSOsm8WQn5gngBAykXBYIH44HgR1TVZ2T2jW-EVjOzRfCiXEVNXxvLp0NXFp-sj1IAZEmFowyYruQESSryMi6Rh3-OkGLAgnN1d8pud746KY3WQXIg2DONpz0eN6haQlY/s1600/800px-Number_of_tourists_with_binoculars_tour_of_the_environment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcNRXZJWFLfchSOsm8WQn5gngBAykXBYIH44HgR1TVZ2T2jW-EVjOzRfCiXEVNXxvLp0NXFp-sj1IAZEmFowyYruQESSryMi6Rh3-OkGLAgnN1d8pud746KY3WQXIg2DONpz0eN6haQlY/s320/800px-Number_of_tourists_with_binoculars_tour_of_the_environment.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Have you found yourself? So many people
searching for self fulfillment out there. So many lost souls,
wandering the planet, looking for something that doesn't exist,
seeking answers that don't exist. Unfortunately, by doing so, we may
never find that inner peace path. Why? Because... wait for it.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
There is no self.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Or at least, not the way we humans
define it. You see, we are all one entity. All the flora and fauna
found on this planet, possibly in the universe are inexorably
connected by a common energy. Therefore, we will never find ourselves
by connecting with our self. We are a finely tuned machine made up
of many components, all working together to create our reality, our
whole.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
We are not meant to be independent. And
it's a beautiful thing.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Or it should be. <i>Without</i> the
human ego, it would be. <i>With </i>the human ego, we, as humans
spend 99% of our time trying to place ourselves either above, below
or isolated from the whole, manipulating the machine to suit our own
selfish needs. We have a desperate need to know who we are because
somewhere along the way, we have lost sight of the big picture.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Surprise. The needs of the many really
do outweigh the needs of the few. Our refusal to stop feeding our own
self interests, not only clouds our judgment, it's killing us.
Because the further away from our interconnection we move, in pursuit
of self, the more out of sync our “machine” becomes.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
At the same time, we are also creating
many false societies that work directly against the natural machine
that is us. This complicates the matter of connecting with others who
are caught up in the illusion. And if we cannot connect with each
other in the way we were naturally intended, the magic can never
happen.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
We may never find ourselves because we
keep looking for a definitive individual with definitive traits when
we should be seeking a connection with the collective whole. And we
do connect, sometimes. Problem is, we are finding human created
collectives to belong to, rather than the natural collective which is
designed to nourish, sustain and preserve us.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Those false collectives have another
issue in common. They are made up of only human life. The natural
collective doesn't just contain human life. It contains all life.
Vegetation, sentient beings of all kinds and all natural matter, air,
water, etc. Earth and all its' elements and inhabitants working
together, each of us a piece of an intricate, balanced system is who
we are.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The other issue is that right here and
now, many of those components, human and otherwise are unhealthy.
Others who served vital roles in sustaining all have simply gone
extinct. When a part of a machine goes bad, the whole machine stops
functioning properly. If too many parts are missing or malfuntioning,
the fate of our natural “machine” AKA ecosystem is bleak.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
So, what can we do? Well, a good start
would be to begin mending those lost connections, then repairing the
broken and replacing missing parts with others that serve to
duplicate their function. This used to be a process that “mother
nature” could handle on her own. However, at this point in time,
she needs a little help. We humans have to let go of self and start
living selfless as we were intended to. Otherwise, their may be
nothing left of our selves to find.
</div>
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<script async="" src="//cdn.chitika.net/getads.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Jaipi Sixbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140953911429872583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738560279899907483.post-60064760272383317862018-10-25T02:37:00.001-07:002018-10-25T02:39:55.548-07:00At peace with self medication<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKkdgldFZTVTiW5asLY4uUw48chv6xs-0rL55xSgGcy1ky9zUmDUEyp-D3yU8qGU3A_MwT4bgrnxV5-88ec-uj3RXiXMQBnz99E96-orGu9QRm1gHPfkxGn6YsSz-PJbsSPiFrpHywkp0/s1600/RECALLED_%25E2%2580%2593_Methotrexate_Sodium%252C_USP%252C_25_mg-mL_%25288770222572%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKkdgldFZTVTiW5asLY4uUw48chv6xs-0rL55xSgGcy1ky9zUmDUEyp-D3yU8qGU3A_MwT4bgrnxV5-88ec-uj3RXiXMQBnz99E96-orGu9QRm1gHPfkxGn6YsSz-PJbsSPiFrpHywkp0/s320/RECALLED_%25E2%2580%2593_Methotrexate_Sodium%252C_USP%252C_25_mg-mL_%25288770222572%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
True story: There is no cure for what
I've got. All the doctors can do is “manage” my symptoms and
they're doing a piss poor job of it. To date, every med but one has
not only been ineffective, but has made me feel miles worse. It's
not their fault for several reasons, not the least of which is, there
are very few medicines I can tolerate. So, rather than torture myself
and bombard my already fragile body with foreign substances, I've
stopped going to the doctor on a regular basis to be poked, prodded
and experimented on. As a result, I am more at peace with this
illness than I have ever been.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Now, don't get me wrong. If there is a
dire situation, I know the way to the ER. And admittedly, the doctors
have saved my life on several occasions, using, of course, the only
drug that works and that I can tolerate short term. Problem is, I'm
told I can't take it long term without dire consequences. I don't
disagree with that.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Furthermore, I live in Colorado, folks.
Which means, I can seek an option that may be illegal in your state.
And that's great, except that I have tried CBD oil, both with and
without THC. I've also tried CBD tablets. Edibles get me high but
that's about it. I can't smoke as Lupus has already compromised my
lungs a few times and they are weak. In fact, no marijuana based
solution does anything at all to alleviate any of my many, many
symptoms. That is, barring the infused rubs, which are great for
localized pain.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
So, I use the rubs. I use the rubs and
if the pain gets too bad, I take aspirin. And if the aspirin is not
strong enough to decrease the inflammation responsible for most of my
symptoms, I take advil. There may come a time when that's not enough
to keep me from screaming in pain. When that happens, like I said, I
know where the ER is.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I take all the nutritional supplements
that help with Lupus and Rheumatoid, plus, I avoid trigger foods. At
this point in my illness, I know what those are. I stay hydrated. My
diet is about 95% vegan, which studies have shown is the optimal
Lupus diet. I stay as active as is possible with body parts that have
been impacted by chronic illness. I'm not running marathons but I
don't spend the entire day eating bon-bons and watching soap operas
either. Heck, I don't even like soap operas and bon-bons are not
vegan.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I've also moved about an hour from the
hectic and toxic city. That has helped in numerous ways. Nothing like
a little fresh air and open space to help you function better! I could
go on. There are other “treatments” I self medicate with,
depending on my symptoms. None of them are illegal or harmful in any
way. One is fresh pressed organic ginger tea. There's no point in
listing them all. None of them are miracles. None will cure me
entirely, but neither will anything the doctors have to offer.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anyway... Folks, here we are. It's
Thursday night and I just had an attack of acid re-flux. I can deal
with that because it's the first one I've had since ditching
prescription medications. Likely, that's because the meds are
responsible for the acid re-flux. Never did have it until I started
taking them. And none of the prescription meds my doctors prescribed
worked for that either. So, this evening, once I was rid of the
issue, so to speak, I took a precautionary antacid tablet and moved
to my recliner, where I can sleep sitting up.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Folks, I'm at peace with using common
sense solutions to self medicate, barring emergency, because they
work better than anything the doctors ever prescribed me or suggested
I do to alleviate my symptoms. I don't have to pay myself thousands
of dollars to tell myself the same thing over and over or be
experimented on, poked and prodded. And neither the doctors or I are
going to cure this crap. Either way, it will get me sooner rather
than later.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
And so, I have opted for a peaceful
solution. One that doesn't involve me running back and forth to the
doctor to be bombarded with chemicals that make me feel worse than I
already do. My brand of self medication doesn't involve any of the
many poisons dished out by medical professionals. It involves living
a peaceful life in the country, making my own decisions about what
will and will not go into my body. It involves me being kind to
myself for the first time in years.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I'm at peace with self medication
because it works. And isn't that the point?
</div>
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<script async="" src="//cdn.chitika.net/getads.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Jaipi Sixbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140953911429872583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738560279899907483.post-75639731225431191332018-10-24T10:49:00.003-07:002018-10-24T10:49:49.619-07:00When the helper needs help<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT5uFCRt80lb0B1VUpFF9rwoLTlOPl-lUZLdqVTRQxWLXjQ3k2PwgapH3tJtZQXiWW11snJ1yX31GpoOEvOhkzLmLVSe8nijXSd_7V6bz1LMzG7gWQUvFldh-cXgjk-3T9csqZem9cvLw/s1600/800px-Helping_hand_%25288080553331%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="530" data-original-width="800" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT5uFCRt80lb0B1VUpFF9rwoLTlOPl-lUZLdqVTRQxWLXjQ3k2PwgapH3tJtZQXiWW11snJ1yX31GpoOEvOhkzLmLVSe8nijXSd_7V6bz1LMzG7gWQUvFldh-cXgjk-3T9csqZem9cvLw/s320/800px-Helping_hand_%25288080553331%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I am a helper. I love that about
myself. Wouldn't change it if I could. Every morning I get up with a
purpose. That purpose is to bring happiness into the lives of others
and create a home environment that's conducive to that end. Proud of
it. Happy with it. At peace with my role. But... You knew there was a
but, didn't you? Sometimes this helper wishes someone would help <i>her
</i><span style="font-style: normal;">just a bit more. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Now, maybe my
standards of what needs doing are a little different than those of
the average person. Maybe I'm expecting helper qualities and
viewpoints from non-helpers. Maybe that's the problem. Or maybe
people are just so used to me taking on all the unpleasant
responsibilities that they just don't see that I'm not invincible. Do
you blame them? I mean, I am pretty awesome. Kind of hard to top me
in the help department. And I'm so modest too.
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anyway.... Here's
the thing. Believe it or not, there are things that I just can't do
for whatever reason. Gasp! And even though I'm practically perfect in
every way, I'm not always so Mary Poppins when it comes to my
attitude, either. In other words, I get really ticked off sometimes.
And nothing makes me more angry than bending over backwards for
people who don't return the favor or at least make half an effort to
lend a hand.
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I have to stop here
and say that there are absolutely people in my life who DO help and
quite a bit!
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
By contrast, there
are also those who always have a ready, seemingly plausible, yet
actually lame and overused excuse for not helping me. Or those who
act like the 5 minute task they did is medal worthy. Or those
“adults” who have to be told what their responsibilities entail.
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Because guess what
all those repetitive excuses mean to me? They mean that the
complainer knows very well that help is needed and they have no
intention of giving it. Now, how on earth do I know that? I know it
because I know that the impossible is always possible if you want it
badly enough. If they wanted it badly enough, or recognized that it
needed doing, they'd be working right alongside me without any
nudging.
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I was a single
parent of 3 for many years, working 2 and sometimes 3 jobs when
necessary, with a chronic illness I couldn't afford to go to the
doctor for. Still, I managed to come home and rock the home-front
too. Was I tired? You betcha! Did I hurt? You betcha! Cried myself to
sleep from the pain many nights. Never got to sleep at all some
nights. Got up the next day and went to work anyway. But things got
done. I took care of my shit and no one else had to step in it. Still
do. Proud of it. Earned everything I have that has come from it.
Earned my rest and my peace many times over.
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Maybe it's unfair
of me to expect that same level of conviction, that same fighter
spirit, that same work ethic from everyone. Or not. Because frankly,
I had and have a whole lot more limitations to conquer than most
people will ever experience. And yet, I continually sacrificed and
continue to sacrifice my needs for the greater good. No excuses!</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Every single day of
my life is spent gladly helping others. Yes, gladly. I never regret a
minute of what I have done for those around me and I never will.</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">However,
I do reserve the right to be angry at the excuse makers. Because, no
matter what they may say, their actions (or lack of actions) reveal
how little they appreciate the hard work of those around them. In
fact, from my helper mentality fueled, highly responsible viewpoint,
some people's life purpose seems to be avoiding all the work they
possibly can, taking the easy way out and forcing other people to
take up the slack so they can just kick back and do nothing (or as
little as humanly possible) while watching the rest of us knock
ourselves out to save their lazy asses from the inevitable failure
that comes from said laziness. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
And I'm not special
or better than anyone. I'm not the only one out here kicking butt on
a daily basis, am I? There are many others. Maybe you are one. Kudos
to you! Maybe you know one. If so, please, give them a break. They're
trying to help you to the best of their ability. Pick up after
yourself. Thoroughly. So no one has to go behind you and finish the
job. Lend them a hand with the heavy loads. And most importantly, do
both without being asked to and without complaint.
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Because, believe it
or not, helpers do not enjoy reminding people to help them. They
don't make excuses. They don't want to hear yours either. They
shouldn't be be made to feel guilty every time you help them. They
have enough on their plates. And chances are, they've done more in
the last hour than most people do all week. So, keep your pity party
to yourself. Just help the helpers. They need it They deserve it.
They earned it. And most importantly, it's good for you too. You'll
be happier for having accomplished something unselfishly and without
regret.
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Trust me, I know. I
do it daily. And it rocks!
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
At peace with my
helper self. Appreciated, compensated or not. I'm OK by me. Still, a
little help would be nice. Pretty please?
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
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<script async="" src="//cdn.chitika.net/getads.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Jaipi Sixbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140953911429872583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738560279899907483.post-26457295248421763452018-10-24T10:36:00.000-07:002018-10-24T10:36:28.771-07:00You are not that important<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3m2NkOwu9SxAlURZ-Ze2tBY9gTsCMZHN9nrs0Fm3Ce7pIoJrHNnYzpiClddX2AISqU9Q7TZgRr3_RWjp82xrclvLHm6ehFWrHXwX1Zb0mYfLnnS1pDxfXEynbYYZRXGLhybdmuCkUd9U/s1600/800px-Rugby_World_Cup_Trophy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1204" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3m2NkOwu9SxAlURZ-Ze2tBY9gTsCMZHN9nrs0Fm3Ce7pIoJrHNnYzpiClddX2AISqU9Q7TZgRr3_RWjp82xrclvLHm6ehFWrHXwX1Zb0mYfLnnS1pDxfXEynbYYZRXGLhybdmuCkUd9U/s320/800px-Rugby_World_Cup_Trophy.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Ha ha ha It took me so long to figure
this one out. I'm a speck. And yes, we have our contributions to make
to the world. When we shine, those around us shine right along with
us. When we're moody those around us reflect that as well. I get it.
But seriously? You are not all that important. Neither am I. We are a
very small part of the scheme of things. So stop putting so much
pressure on yourself to be perfect. Admit to your imperfections and
just work on them.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I look at society today and find it to
be very self centered. People are overly obsessed with expressing
themselves as individuals. It's fine, even healthy to like yourself.
It's great to have an opinion. But it's more important to actually be
kind, generous, courteous, etc. Do positive things. Make others
happy. Express your sympathy when things go badly for someone. Just
don't expect a medal for it. Because it's what you're supposed to do,
Doing it doesn't make you a hero.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
You're not that special. None of us
are. Find some humility!
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Sometimes, I blame Facebook. One
example is those birthday reminders. How so? You feel guilty if you
don't respond to them, don't you? You feel guilty if you miss
thanking someone for responding to them as well. This mentality
stretches into your personal life too, doesn't it? Folks, it's a nice
thing to do but seriously? If someone forgets my birthday, I just
figure they're busy with their own life. I don't take it personally.
And if they do remember, I don't show up at their doorstep with a
trophy.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
And speaking of birthdays, I don't get
or even want a party every birthday. Now it seems people aren't happy
unless they not only get a party but receive every little wish their
heart desires because they are all important, you know? And every
birthday seems to have some specific present attached to it. If they
don't get that specific thing, heaven help us. It's the end of life
as we know it, apparently.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Here's another one. If your boyfriend
asks you to marry him, he has to come up with a clever way. It's not
enough that he loves you enough to ask. The ring has to be perfect.
Your wedding has to be epic too. Everything has to be done just right
so you have a story you can tell. And you need pictures of every
little detail of your life. Heck, sometimes people demand them. And
make sure those are picture perfect too. Get the right angle, the
right background, cover every theme, every moment, etc. Who cares if
they're an honest representation of your life as long as they make
you look perfect?
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
And yes, it's important that people
feel good about themselves. We should also be kind to our children so
that they have a well adjusted personality. We should support their
endeavors. But we can't make them happy all the time, just as we
can't make ourselves happy all the time. We are not that fabulous.
We're just human beings. We are not, nor will we ever be perfect, nor
will any of our experiences be perfect.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Life is not a movie where things are
solved in the space of 2 hours. It's a journey. Hopefully, a long
one. Enjoy it for what it is. Don't try to impress anyone with it.
Because, unless you're a serial killer or something, you are good
enough just as you are Ya, it's cliché, but it's true.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
And speaking of issues, it's OK to call
someone you love out on their crap if they're heading in a direction
that's bad for them and those around you. It doesn't mean you feel as
if you're better than or any more important than they are. Don't feel
guilty about being a caring individual. But you're still, not a hero.
You're not that special. There are no medals for doing the right
thing. It's what you're supposed to do. That's all.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I don't know how this happened to us.
But we are at a point where living up to our own over-inflated
expectations is killing us. The pressure involved with being a human
being in this society is enormous. Oh my gosh, people, just live.
Enjoy your life. Forget about societal standards. Just be nice to
each other. Because for all other intents and purposes...</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
You are not that important. Neither am
I. None of us are. So just relax and be at peace with being you!
</div>
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<script async="" src="//cdn.chitika.net/getads.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Jaipi Sixbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140953911429872583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738560279899907483.post-47594217369074384332018-10-24T09:37:00.002-07:002018-10-24T09:38:37.051-07:00What makes me #Sad, but still at peace<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibbPY0oXv30Sr_egzc4lT-l7EQVeDExNIc007485dWBaJnozt0dzEP4IM_o9urxSC1B5idTg88LZ_rivz12pgVMlZuIImrv_k-n4YTZBqz0AJrwEXhuY52TWnBGeChsIyXAraHFuTMbUk/s1600/800px-Sad_face.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibbPY0oXv30Sr_egzc4lT-l7EQVeDExNIc007485dWBaJnozt0dzEP4IM_o9urxSC1B5idTg88LZ_rivz12pgVMlZuIImrv_k-n4YTZBqz0AJrwEXhuY52TWnBGeChsIyXAraHFuTMbUk/s320/800px-Sad_face.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It seems the older I get, the more I am
determined to find the best in people. Admittedly, it doesn't always
happen. I'm no Dalai Lama, but I do try. I suppose that's why I find
the saddest people are those who unknowingly make themselves and
others miserable on a daily basis. Those whose energy not only brings
the people around them down, but is self harming as well.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Because they're doing it for absolutely
no reason. You see, folks, as much as we think the world is out to
get us sometimes, it's really our actions and reactions that are
bringing us down. In other words, to be blunt, shit happens to
everyone. Every day. Constantly complaining, playing the blame game,
throwing tantrums, being over dramatic and “venting” will not
change that fact.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Playing the victim will not make your
problems go away either. Whining about every little thing that
happens to you, as if you're the only one in the world with struggles
will not make your problems disappear. Neither will denying their
existence or running away. There are only two things that will make
your problems go away.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
1. Doing something different to solve
them.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The old adage is true. You cannot
expect to have different results if you keep doing the same thing.
Only doing something different will reap different results. When you
create a rut for yourself, draw lines, impose conditions that are
impossible to follow and dig in, that's exactly where you will find
yourself years, maybe even decades later. Setting your actions and
reactions in stone will only make your life harder. It will bury you.
A change.... will do you good.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
2. Getting a new attitude</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Attitude really is everything. If
you're struggling, remember, so is every other person you encounter.
Struggles teach. They are a necessary part of life. Be grateful for
them. Embrace them. Use them to strengthen your spirit. Oh, you can
complain about them if you wish, I suppose. But that will do nothing
to improve your situation.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Now, I don't pretend to be all knowing.
Not by any stretch. I am highly imperfect. Highly. I have been known
to lose my temper. But I know that when I focus on the positive
aspects of a situation, things improve for me so I try to do that the
majority of the time.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I also know that when I'm stubborn and
refuse to budge or insist on doing things my way, I fail miserably.
By the same token, when I put a smile on my face, move forward and
embrace new perspectives, my life improves.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Folks, it took me longer than most to
get to this realization. And I still have a long, long way to go too!
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
That's why I empathize with those who
are not there yet.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It makes me sad that I can't pass this
information on to those who need to hear it most. I know this
because, believe me, I have tried. I'm not one to give up on people.
It just isn't in me. Problem is, if they're not ready to hear it or
act on it there's nothing I can do.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
If they refuse to open themselves up to
anything that anyone else has to say, they won't hear it. No one
heals until they see their own issues and make positive changes. That
has to be their decision.<br />
<br />
That's why I'm at peace with it. Because
there's not a darn thing I can or should do. It's their prerogative.
But it certainly is the saddest thing to witness their self
destruction and not be able to get through to them.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It certainly is #Sad.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
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<script async="" src="//cdn.chitika.net/getads.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Jaipi Sixbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140953911429872583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738560279899907483.post-538888056330130282018-10-24T09:20:00.001-07:002018-10-24T09:20:39.270-07:00The last to be chosen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkmOkz1lw7gw7JpxHAbjmxkFNOWYlaDjQd2X93ebooswHXwysTNNOlDSrYaU1ppAGGn3MRxoBx9BGAKbhuYiq-_iVKMESsAaUrRx13DJrRiaOXQf3On_t7MSPP4YfT4pF1Knr-4hCUdos/s1600/800px-US_Navy_111209-N-PM781-011_The_U.S._Naval_Academy_Cheerleading_Squad_and_Bill_the_Goat%252C_the_U.S._Naval_Academy_mascot%252C_perform_during_a_pep-rally_a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="531" data-original-width="800" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkmOkz1lw7gw7JpxHAbjmxkFNOWYlaDjQd2X93ebooswHXwysTNNOlDSrYaU1ppAGGn3MRxoBx9BGAKbhuYiq-_iVKMESsAaUrRx13DJrRiaOXQf3On_t7MSPP4YfT4pF1Knr-4hCUdos/s320/800px-US_Navy_111209-N-PM781-011_The_U.S._Naval_Academy_Cheerleading_Squad_and_Bill_the_Goat%252C_the_U.S._Naval_Academy_mascot%252C_perform_during_a_pep-rally_a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Here's something a little unique that I
find myself being at peace with. But the most unique thing is the
reason for my peace. You see, I never even wanted to be on the team in the first place. Any team. At all. Ever. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
This is one of those cases where
someone posts something I notice while scrolling through my Facebook
page. This post was about adults taking responsibility for making
sure kids aren't left out. I agree. However, I have to say, some kids
don't want to be “in” and I was one of those kids.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I was picked last for teams too, but
honestly, never been a team person anyway and I was out of my element
when I belonged to groups. I just don't have that kind of mentality.
Clubs and teams, church, whatever... It all feels too cult-ish for
me. Some of us enjoy being left alone.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I thought being picked last was awful
as a kid but I'm at peace with being left out now, at the age of 59.
Wandering thought, I'm also at peace with being 59. In fact, I'm
pretty much at peace with everything about myself. I don't overly
dote on me, me, me. But I'm OK with me. I'm even OK with seeing my
worst facial expressions and my fat arms in pictures.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Because, who cares? But more
importantly, being that all star with the “perfect” figure and
the “perfect” life just isn't who I am or even who I was, as a
kid. I enjoyed reading for hours upon hours, just as much as those
other kids enjoyed being prom king or queen, head cheerleader or
whatever their deal was. My deal was being at peace, even then. And
what brought me the most peace was just being myself.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
As I got older and started working for
a living, I was a hard worker, for sure. I was a worker bee. Yes, I
got promotions. But, I never really fit in to the management mold.
Because, once again, I always found it strange, the whole belonging
to a team thing. It just didn't suit me. The money was nice, though.
LOL Everyone needs money, right?
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I've never been one to shop till I
drop, either. I prefer a simple life. No fame and fortune. No glory
guts. No party like a rock star. None of that appeals to me in the
least. I was always meant to be exactly who I am. And not only am I
OK with it, I love it!
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Being OK with being chosen last is
liberating. I don't have to dress to impress, shoot to thrill or any
of what I feel is crazy nonsense. I take pride in who I am. I do the
right thing. I excel at some things. I don't at others. And I have
never been and never will be a superstar. Well, maybe I'm a superstar
Grandma. LOL
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
And hey, if you're the type of person
who enjoys being chosen first, good for you. Go for it. Personally,
though, I enjoy fading into the background where it's quiet and the
pressure is off. It's who I was meant to be and it just feels like
the right fit.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
At peace with being the underdog. No
cape required.
</div>
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<script async="" src="//cdn.chitika.net/getads.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Jaipi Sixbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140953911429872583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738560279899907483.post-85527390412071829232018-10-24T09:10:00.004-07:002018-10-24T09:10:48.861-07:00Peace through true acceptance<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz4SI-5QSlNlhgTufQsGDbFu5ak9Yo7EK4Hlb8cSxrb5myMCTMcKm3mRE-k1LMARA4DtboAqOaoNLVHs8SnWUaNE1zvmMmqNlMKxfvoI26PawLQYejoCB9HUNtz_rGQhc6SXoy1o_-H_Y/s1600/Peace_dove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="156" data-original-width="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz4SI-5QSlNlhgTufQsGDbFu5ak9Yo7EK4Hlb8cSxrb5myMCTMcKm3mRE-k1LMARA4DtboAqOaoNLVHs8SnWUaNE1zvmMmqNlMKxfvoI26PawLQYejoCB9HUNtz_rGQhc6SXoy1o_-H_Y/s1600/Peace_dove.jpg" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
OK. Here it is. Being judgmental of
others, no matter the circumstances is self harm and obviously in bad
taste. It's indicative of our own issues when we're critical of
others. It makes us look small and vindictive. I'm not telling you
anything you don't know here, am I?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
And yet every day, on or off social
media, bashing others is glorified repeatedly. I have caught myself
doing it as well. Now, I don't know why this is. Maybe it's the
influence of sitcom like humor that pervades mass media. Maybe it's
all those irresistibly sarcastic Facebook memes. Or maybe it's
simply the natural evolution of societal conditioning. But whatever
it is, I don't like it at all.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I mean, seriously folks, even if we
have accidentally evolved into this kind of thinking, we can
purposely evolve out of it. It's just not cool to put people down for
their differences, kick them in the face when they're struggling
mentally, give them a hard time for being, poor, rich, fat, thin,
pretty, ugly, insecure, overly confident, etc. etc. I could continue
for days here. You get the point.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Making other people look bad or
highlighting their faults for the sake of a laugh is grade school
behavior. It's rude. It's counter-productive. It's just plain
unacceptable. Most of us have been the victim of another person's
criticism at one time or another. We should know how horrid it feels.
People are literally killing themselves over being criticized or
bullied.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
So why do we keep up this madness? I
have no idea.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Now, believe me, the irony and
hypocrisy of this post does not allude me. I realize that I'm being
critical of other people being critical here. But the thing is, it's
the behavior I am condemning, not the people who engage in it.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
My personal pet peeve of late is those
posts people make on the book of faces concerning “fake” people.
Folks, there are no fake people. There are only people struggling to
fit into this messed up society the best way they know how. And
doesn't that apply to all of us? Aren't we all on a journey that
includes plenty of stumbling blocks and a lot of confusion?
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
We don't like being misguided, losing
our way or being inherently fallible in other ways do we? We're all
just trying our best to fit in, right? And we certainly don't feel
good when our mistakes are paraded around or shoved in our faces do
we? Then why on earth do we do it to others?
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
What if I told you that the main reason
we judge others just may be that we don't feel that great about
ourselves? What if I told you that it's time to realize that being
critical of others for being fake is in and of itself, a feeble
attempt on our own part to fit in? (Thereby rendering us guilty of
the very self centered, false aura we're accusing them of having.)
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
When we put others down, we're not
exactly being nice to ourselves either. Most of us know it's wrong to
judge others. But what a lot of us don't realize is that, by judging
others, we essentially reveal ourselves as having conceited
tendencies as well.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
So folks, how about we stop this
behavior now? We're all basically good people, right? So let's start
acting like it. If someone we know is struggling to fit in, why not
reach out a hand instead of kicking them off the ladder?
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Couldn't hurt. Might help.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
But hey, what do I know? I'm struggling
too. And yes, I've had people refer to me and some of my family
members as fake. That's probably because we prefer to speak of the
good things in our lives while we work on the negative qualities in
private. But trust me, we have our issues as well. Lots of them. And
we know it. We have no delusions. Just a lot of hope for improvement.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Part of which includes having better
acceptance of others.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Life is a journey, folks. Some of us
may never be lucky enough to reach our destination or even get close.
So let's keep that in mind when we are tempted to be critical. Let's
truly lift each other up. Let's do what we can to enrich each other's
lives, rather than picking at every little imperfection we see.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Maybe someday we'll evolve into true
acceptance of the highly fallible and unique beings we all are. But
in the meantime, let's just make an effort to be kinder, shall we?
Because no one is fake. We're all just doing our best to survive.
Inner peace simply does not come without knowing you are treating
others the way you wish to be treated.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Peace is earned, not given.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
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<script async="" src="//cdn.chitika.net/getads.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Jaipi Sixbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140953911429872583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738560279899907483.post-83989454533394451812018-10-24T09:02:00.004-07:002018-10-24T09:02:56.747-07:00I'm OK with being fine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeXgVWyjylPhdrT8zQLU3mE9kQ5FslrpCEVHDn5AaGJ97I75OpcU8qSgFioUIYpV5hi9Sl1LacixFb0Vswp-6OzNFu0-qAiFgd96oEmDw9hQdFxYNG-Lx3Jcd-jiAx73OVKzuK6RvAG-0/s1600/800px-Hospital_Bed_2011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeXgVWyjylPhdrT8zQLU3mE9kQ5FslrpCEVHDn5AaGJ97I75OpcU8qSgFioUIYpV5hi9Sl1LacixFb0Vswp-6OzNFu0-qAiFgd96oEmDw9hQdFxYNG-Lx3Jcd-jiAx73OVKzuK6RvAG-0/s320/800px-Hospital_Bed_2011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I'm fine. That's what you often hear
from most people with chronic illness. I'm at complete peace with
telling people I'm fine when I'm not. So are a lot of us. It's a big,
fat lie though and I'm not the type to lie. So why am I OK with it?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Well, the biggest reason is that I
don't want others to suffer with me, worry about me or spend
sleepless nights wondering if I'm OK. Also, I don't want them to know
how horrible this is for me. When people don't understand my illness,
that's a good thing, in a way. Because that means they don't have it.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Because frankly, folks, unless you have
one of these monstrous conditions, clawing at you, night and day,
it's impossible to imagine what it's like. No amount of graphic
description is going to be enough to get that across to a healthy
person.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
And I like that. That is, I like
knowing that the people around me don't experience what I do on a
daily basis. I'm so happy for them to NOT have this or any other
chronic illness. Oh, there are a few that do. Those are the ones I
talk to about it. But even though I'm glad to have someone to talk
to, I wish that I didn't. Because that would mean all of my loved
ones were healthy.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Wouldn't that be awesome?
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I'm at peace with just being fine and
leaving it at that. Because I'm OK with other people not suffering
along with me.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
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<script async="" src="//cdn.chitika.net/getads.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Jaipi Sixbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140953911429872583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738560279899907483.post-59551749310704922732018-10-24T08:51:00.000-07:002018-10-24T08:51:17.541-07:00I see things and I'm at peace with it<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHsm9j_t1vyJEcEwILXa1w710KvUIbfnKou3NB0UaLt7s8eynOZIpTHH09SwAcmwB4RpOKOHpxGPA74s22ghdc-Vlzfq9VVd0ogvykQBVd3XvfmaEZoG5EVnmfPaynsP8Se9fi631e7XA/s1600/She_took_up_the_jewel_in_her_hand%252C_left_the_palace%252C_and_successfully_reached_the_upper_world.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="499" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHsm9j_t1vyJEcEwILXa1w710KvUIbfnKou3NB0UaLt7s8eynOZIpTHH09SwAcmwB4RpOKOHpxGPA74s22ghdc-Vlzfq9VVd0ogvykQBVd3XvfmaEZoG5EVnmfPaynsP8Se9fi631e7XA/s320/She_took_up_the_jewel_in_her_hand%252C_left_the_palace%252C_and_successfully_reached_the_upper_world.jpg" width="221" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I see things, but it's not what you're thinking. I see the connections
between all of us. I'm not insane and I'm not alone but some days, it
feels like it. Our society has become a mockery of our truth. None of
us are who we think we are, myself included. We're so wrapped up in
lies the truth doesn't matter any more. We live and breathe a life of
pure illusion, created by those who profit from our ignorance.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
None of us are special. We are all part
of the whole. We are, in essence, “The Borg” but we are missing
the hive mind mentality.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
We are fighting for our individuality
with every step we take. Perhaps that's why the concept scares us so
much in a tale of fiction. Our brains are separate and independent
and yet, they are designed to work as parts of a well oiled machine.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
That machine is nature.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Koko said it best. “I am nature.”
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Yes, we are all nature. Those who laugh
at nature lovers are laughing at themselves. We are one energy in
different bodies.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
While some might see this concept as
frightening. (Or yours truly as some kind of fanatic.) I see it as
comforting. It gives me peace. I like knowing that we are all
connected. I like knowing that there is more to this life than our
society tells us there is. Because in my opinion, our society has
produced the most widely accepted, most warped mess of tangled lies
that ever were pulled over anyone's eyes.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I like feeling the connection to living
beings, to plants, to the stars, the moon and other planets. I like
reaching out my hands and feeling a part of something vast and
wonderful and amazing.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Pure connectivity is at once both the
most beautiful, most precious feeling one can attain and the most
frightening of all realizations. True awareness is a realization.
It's seeing life for what is is, stripped clean of everything we
previously thought to be true. It's admitting that we have it all
wrong. It's seeing ourselves and everyone and everything around us as
simply existing in unison, with no judgment passed. It's being able
to sort the truth from the lies.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
And in order to see it, one must let go
of everything first.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The first thing to let go of is
possession of other beings. Truly, we can never possess anyone, human
or otherwise. We can never let go of the web that binds us, and yet
we do not belong to each other. We <i>are</i> each other. That's why
we have so much trouble finding ourselves. Because we are not
individuals. We are one. One energy. One spirit. One love.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
My friends, I love you. I understand
you, I respect your right to believe as “you” wish, although that
“you and I as separate beings” nonsense in itself is another lie
we have been told. Anyway, as much as I respect “you” in order to
truly be at peace, all of us must let go of conventional religion.
Religion was created by man to explain things we don't understand.
Things that frighten us. Things that we find hard to accept because
we do not see reason in them. But it's not our truth.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
And pardon the wandering thought, but
can you see, that's a “power” humans have exclusively? Reasoning,
that is. Other animals are catching up to us in that respect, though.
Unfortunately for them, because our “powers” of reasoning, or the
search for deeper meaning actually causes us great frustration. We
have to have an answer for everything. And because there is no answer
to why we exist other than a simple state of being, we find ourselves
on a lifelong search with no end result.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The truth is that there is no answer to
why we are here. Or at least there is not what we see as an answer.
Because our truth, our purpose is simply to be and to experience. And
even that realization is not an answer. You see, our purpose has
nothing to do with being an individual or finding ourselves.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It's about finding the whole and
connecting with the humbling fact that we are not special as
individuals but as a great web of life energy, each living being,
entity, flora or fauna having their own function within the whole.
It's all so beautiful. I wish everyone could see it.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
So we have come to a point where
because we are hell bent on finding and defining the individuals we
mistakenly believe ourselves to be, the whole system is suffering. Do
you see? We spend our whole lives searching for something that isn't
there, entirely missing the fact that we are all one beautiful,
astounding, interconnected energy.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
And until we start acting as if we are
merely a small piece of something greater and amazingly intricate, as
long as we keep separating and labeling ourselves, we will never be
in touch with the truth. As long as we continue to conform to an
unhealthy false reality, we will never be truly functional.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
But we all <i>do</i> have to conform in
order to survive, don't we? Of course.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
But, what is at the bottom of that
truth? The truth is, we're conforming to the wrong thing. Every one
of us. Every second, every minute, every hour for our entire lives.
We are conforming to a self created, false society, that in some ways
mimics the very thing we're searching for. It's a grand illusion that
keeps us from our true purpose, which is to simply be and be a part
of a greater energy.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
We get up every morning and go to jobs
we were never intended to do. We aspire to “see the world” when
we haven't even learned to see ourselves for who we really are. We
cling to our creature comforts rather than experiencing life in the
raw, the way it was meant to be lived, as most natural beings do.
Why? I don't know. I'm not special. I do life the same way as
everyone else.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
But I do see things. I see the
connections and it gives me comfort to know they are there. Sometimes
it scares the heck out of me. But I see life for what it is. I see
that there really is no “I.” There is individual thought but
that's only there so that we may bring different facets of thinking
to strengthen our greater whole.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
And yet, as comforting as this is, “I”
shy away from it. Because “I” am one of those unfortunate souls
who, although they see the connections clearly, can't quite see
themselves conforming to anything. Maybe that's because “I” also
see too clearly what conforming to the wrong thing has done to damage
everything we are and everything we were meant to be. So all forms of
connection frighten me a little.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Yes, it makes me a little frightened to
accept that I am simply a part of the whole after all. Maybe that's
because all our lives we are told that having high “self” esteem
is vital to our mental health when the truth is that self esteem is
only as important as it is in relation to the energy and health of
the whole natural universe.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
In other words, I see that we are only
important as individuals in that we do our individual part to keep
the entire web of natural energy healthy. Because when one part
malfunctions, the entire system is compromised. Yes, all of nature
depends on individuality and yet, because of our connection to each
other, to our collective energy, we are not truly individuals.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It doesn't sound like I'm at peace with
this, does it? And yet, “I” truly am. Because there's something
else I see. And that something else is that reality and imperfection
is inevitable and will inevitably win out over false perfection every
time. It gives me hope to know that I am not alone. Ever. It gives me
hope to see that more and more people are realizing how beautiful the
truth is, compared to the lies that have been handed to us.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I'm also glad that somewhere down the
line in the generations before me, there must have been enough truth
passed along to lead me in the right direction as well. To allow me
to see what has been right in front of me all along. To show me that
I am a part of something greater than myself. Something so beautiful
that I can't even begin to describe it with mere words.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Just do this for me, if you will. Reach
up to the sky, to the stars. Reach out to the earth as well. Take off
your shoes and feel the energy flowing from the ground beneath you.
Feel it pulsing into and from every pore of your body. What you feel
is your connection to all things natural. It's the most peace you can
ever experience. Because it is your truth and mine.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Now take that peace, that connection,
that inner feeling of knowing and satisfaction and imagine using it
to create a world where everyone knows and respects their role.
Except that, it's not about anything we create. It's not about what
or who created us.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It's simply about being and accepting
our own pure truth.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
All of us.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Every being and life form, flora or
fauna.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Together.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
You're welcome.
</div>
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<script async="" src="//cdn.chitika.net/getads.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Jaipi Sixbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140953911429872583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738560279899907483.post-50794832495353068082018-10-24T08:37:00.004-07:002018-10-24T08:37:54.517-07:00At peace with doing as I please<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9f6lK7FUJwk2ENp59GZlL3evXPEX-zDZ_KnH-3gcAgnBj4j-QC-mRx7LqFg7mqKcMKDG_lOmgBrMUuoqyXXGdV23UhFqxUSRq6BWA8lvx701WPgrt3rJQcwb-YRsNi5NzmltW5ann7Y4/s1600/Black_Recliner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9f6lK7FUJwk2ENp59GZlL3evXPEX-zDZ_KnH-3gcAgnBj4j-QC-mRx7LqFg7mqKcMKDG_lOmgBrMUuoqyXXGdV23UhFqxUSRq6BWA8lvx701WPgrt3rJQcwb-YRsNi5NzmltW5ann7Y4/s1600/Black_Recliner.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
That may seem like a strange title and
also a strange topic for a peace path blog post. Possibly a little
selfish. Also, if you know me well, it's a little puzzling and out of
character for me. I mean, usually, I'm all about making others happy,
right? And there you go. That's the point.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It has taken me a huge amount of time,
mental work and being under the influence of a chronic illness to get
to the point where I'm OK with taking care of me. And even now, from
time to time I get a twinge of guilt when I take it easy. Surely,
there is something that needs doing.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
There's always something that needs
doing, right? And more often than not, I used to be the one doing it.
Oh, no worries, I was happy to. And I still practice due deligence. I
was raised to be a responsible person. I'm OK with that, too. It's
just that there is a downside to being <i>overly</i> responsible and
I spent a good deal of my life doing just that.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I'm tired now, folks. And I'm sick. So,
it's someone elses turn. I'm OK with taking it easy. I've more than
earned it. I can sit in my chair and do nothing, relatively guilt
free. I spent 30 plus years as a divorced working parent. Sometimes I
juggled 2 or 3 jobs to make ends meet, but my kids (and grand-kids)
always had a roof over their heads and food on the table because of
it. It was well worth it.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Now, when I first became sick, it was
hard for me to sit and rest. I was still in my old mode of get it
done at all costs. But as time has gone by and my health has waned,
I've gradually begun to put self care at the forefront. And yes, it's
true. Some people don't get it.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
To some people, I'm a freeloader
because my husband shoulders the breadwinner role now. I get it. Most
of them don't know my history. They didn't know me when I was a go
getter. They're not aware that when hubby and I first got together, I
rescued him, much like he rescued me down the road.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The naysayers also don't see me
struggling through my days, doing all the work I'm able to, huffing
and puffing my way up and down the stairs, taking care of errands,
bookwork, laundry, groceries, meal prep, etc. And sometimes the pain
and suffering from this type of illness isn't even visible. That
makes me look lazy too.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
But you know what? I know my value. My
husband knows my value. Anyone who's close to me knows that every
day, I still stretch my limits of endurance to get the necessary
tasks done around the house. The people who truly care about me know
that I have earned my rest. And gosh darn it, I'm taking it.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
And so, I'm at peace with taking it
easy. I'm at peace with my forced retirement, sort of. I'd actually
rather be more capable of working, truth be told. But since I'm not,
I'm OK with doing what I please, which sometimes includes getting
things done and sometimes does not.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I hope I'm wrong but I have a little
less time than most to enjoy <i>not </i>working for a living. I'm not
looking at a long life here, is what I'm saying. So I'm making the
most of the life I do have left. Feeling guilty for enjoying myself
and trying to make the best of a bad situation cannot be a part of
that.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
And so, here I am today, sitting in my
chair, being me, writing this blog post and not caring what anyone
thinks of me or that there are things to be done that I'm not doing.
I'm at peace with doing what I please. I earned it. It's been a long
time coming. And I refuse to feel guilty about it.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
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<script async="" src="//cdn.chitika.net/getads.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Jaipi Sixbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140953911429872583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738560279899907483.post-17242847703353729482018-08-27T10:13:00.001-07:002018-08-27T10:13:46.492-07:00So... about those good old days<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<script async="" src="//cdn.chitika.net/getads.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Did they really exist? The good old days, that is. I mean, I'll give you this. In the good old days, we were young, wild and free. Or at least, it felt that way. Well, for those if us who were born in the “right” place and descended from the “right” people, that is. Some of us weren't that lucky. I was one of the lucky ones. I see that now.<br />
<br />
But while I was enjoying my youth in the good old days, many people were struggling. Some, because they were of a certain ethnicity. Others, simply because they were adults with responsibilities and with more awareness than I.
I would imagine that being a mature adult in the good old days was very different than being a child or even a young adult.<br />
<br />
In fact, I'm betting that adults in the good old days had every bit as much to be concerned about as we have today. OK, maybe, they were not quite as aware as today's adults. I suppose that's why they look at the past we fondness. They were somewhat sheltered, weren't they? That allowed them to relax and enjoy life just a bit more when they did have a free moment to do so.<br />
<br />
Now, let's talk about this awareness thing, shall we? In today's world, with advanced technology, we're so very connected. We're pretty much aware of just about anything that happens, everywhere, aren't we? Even in tiny countries we've never even heard of. We're aware of people we don't know. We're aware of their lives. We're aware of their struggles. We're aware of their tragedies. We're aware of their negative characteristics. But we hear very little about their goodness or their triumphs, don't we?<br />
<br />
We see the world as an ugly place because that's how it's presented to us.
Why is that? Well, folks, it's partially because tragedy sells. Pain sells. Heartbreak sells. Fear sells. It gets our immediate attention.
Admittedly, though, we actually are facing some very real challenges the seriousness of which has been building up for a while now. You know, things like global warming, dead zones and other environmental issues.<br />
<br />
But these things aren't believed by everyone, are they? That's because, unfortunately, it's not profitable to believe them, is it? In fact, working on these issues is expensive.
Now, many of us know that the cost of believing in and solving these issues is well worth it. Because our very survival as a species depends on us doing so. Unfortunately, that group does not include those with the power to address them. They don't want them addressed. Because again, taking action against environmental issues is not considered profitable.<br />
<br />
Likewise, it is not profitable to discourage war. War is very profitable for the powers that be. Therefore, it behooves them to instill “patriotism” in the average citizen, even to the point of shaming them for having a preference for peace. Furthermore, they create an illusion of our superiority to people in other countries, which neatly provides the profit mongers with soldiers to fight their monetized battles for them. When most of the time, we're not actually going to war for peace or to conquer evil or fight injustice, we're going to war for profit or to obtain resources.<br />
<br />
Now, let me be clear. I love my country. I love that I was lucky enough to be born here. I see that people in some other countries have struggles the like of which astound me. I also understand that the very capitalistic regime that seeks to make a profit from us, also benefits us.<br />
<br />
But my friends, I must be honest, there are also countries where the powers that be don't lie to/brainwash their people who enjoy those benefits as well.<br />
<br />
Incidentally, it would even appear that some countries have it better than we ever did. Yes, even in “the good old days” if there ever was such a thing. We're seeing that now, due to our increased awareness. And yet, some people cling to returning society to the way they feel it was in those good old days. I don't blame them. Do you?
I mean, we have truly placed the “good old days” on a lofty pedestal, haven't we?<br />
<br />
The problem is, though, they really weren't all that great for most people. Life is always difficult. It was then and it is now. It just seems better in the past because looking back always carries with it fond memories. The human brain is built to survive tragedy by leaving it in the past. Bad memories fade over time. Otherwise, we'd all go bonkers.<br />
<br />
I mean, think about it, when someone close to you dies that maybe you didn't really get along with, don't you try to remember the good times and forget the issues you had with them? Well, it's the same way with everything in life. Moving forward with fond remembrances of the past is perfectly natural. Add to that the subtle brainwashing inherent in every society, brainwashing designed to take us in a profitable direction and you get this Utopian-like idealistic view of the past.<br />
<br />
But folks, our past was anything but perfect. If you examine it closely, you can even see the beginnings of what our society is today. You can see the roots of the purposeful manipulation. You can see the for profit corruption. And most certainly, you can see the hatred and bigotry that existed and is being allowed to exist today.<br />
<br />
Hatred and fear for profit has always been a background theme in our society. Folks, it was common to hang people for the color of their skin right up until the 60's.
My friends, we are being led to long for the good old days. It enables the powers that be to manipulate us and bend us to their will. It allows them to use and abuse us. It allows them to pull our strings in the direction they need this society to go in order to further stuff their pockets. They have us right where they want us. Compliant and obedient.<br />
<br />
But that's not enough. They want our kids too.
They want us to breed generations of warriors for them. They even sponsor and finance the books used to educate our children, not out of generosity, but because they have a vested, monetary interest in what our children believe. They need a never-ending supply of unaware, obedient, subservient people to fuel their mission. They need puppets.<br />
<br />
Ironically, they teach us that democracy is superior. The problem is that what we have isn't a democracy. It never was. It's always been about making a profit for certain people. Yes, even in the “good old days” because the good old days never existed, my friends. They're just an illusion. There has always been corruption. There has always been discord. There has always been a hierarchy.<br />
<br />
We just never noticed before.<br />
<br />
And the moral of this story is, every era has it's delights and downfalls and I'm at peace with that. Probably because I choose to be a part of the positive end and not participate in the mass manipulation that has always been a part of our society. Probably because I'm a non-conformist to the max. Jaipi Sixbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140953911429872583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738560279899907483.post-79427558348301339362018-08-27T08:19:00.004-07:002018-08-27T08:27:04.372-07:00My Mom ate banana bruises<script type="text/javascript">
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<br />
<br />
She ate apple bruises too. Peach bruises? You betcha. She did it for all of us. And as crazy as it may sound, I'm at peace with it, now that I know why. What the heck am I talking about here? Oh, I mean this quite literally. My Mom ate fruit bruises. She also scraped the mold off of cheese and ate the non-moldy part. Ya, sounds gross, right? But there was a reason for it. There's more that she did that fits this category, but the point is..<br />
<br />
I never realized why My Mom ate fruit bruises and the like until just recently. Sure, we were poor you guys. (I never really thought about how poor until just recently either.) That's because my Mom and my Dad made so many sacrifices for us, that we didn't notice.<br />
<br />
But it was so much more than that.
We were grossed out that my Mom would cut the bruised part of the fruit she gave us off and eat it herself. We thought it was some kind of depression era habit. I guess it was. But what we didn't see is that we got the good part of the fruit. That was the whole point. We couldn't afford to waste food. So, my Mom made sure we had the best part.<br />
<br />
What I, personally, never thought about is that the fruit bruises my Mom ate were probably also the only fruit she ever got. She always saved the good stuff for us. She had grown up in the depression. She wasn't as picky as we were. So she would scrape the mold off the cheese and sour cream and eat what was left.<br />
<br />
But she would give us the good stuff that hadn't gone moldy.
And the more I think about it, the more I realize that she did this with everything.<br />
<br />
She was constantly taking Grade B so we could have Grade A. And while my Dad wasn't quite as “gross” as my Mom in this respect, his life was all about us kids too. Every minute of it.<br />
<br />
Oh, they both had their hobbies. My Dad liked gardening and woodworking. He grew our food and made a lot of the things we used around the house. He even built us kids a color TV because we wanted one and couldn't afford it. He sent away for a kit and worked on it for months. It wasn't for him. It was for us. And when my Mom took up “crafting” she made things for us. Everything was for us.<br />
<br />
Everything.<br />
<br />
All of it was for us. Every mouthful of bruised fruit. She used to say, “I'll take your bruises, Jeannie.” And now that I think about it, she meant that literally. And me, as a kid, the whole time and a little ways into adulthood, I just thought she was kind of gross. Or at least, her habits were. But really, she was just giving me the best in the only way she could.<br />
<br />
So now it's my turn to give her my best. And I guess that's true of all people with aging parents. But not all parents eat your bruises for you or scrape the mold off the old sour cream, eat what's left and give you the newer container. Not all parents work as hard as my Dad did and come home and work some more. Not all parents make the sacrifices mine did.<br />
<br />
My Dad is gone now, so I can't thank him in person. But I can thank him by calling my Mom more often, writing her the letters she loves to read and maybe sending her a care package here and there. Because that woman ate my banana bruises for me. And he loved her so much, you guys. So much. But that's a story for another day.<br />
<br />
Off to call my Mommy. Peace out.
Jaipi Sixbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140953911429872583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738560279899907483.post-21624125163965673022018-07-27T06:35:00.003-07:002018-07-27T06:35:41.337-07:00Vegan for the peace of it, inspiration from a veteran soldier <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
This morning I watched a video of a
seasoned vet with a different perspective on going Vegan, due to
having witnessed and possibly participated in violence as a career.
Now, I'm not the military type. Never have been. Never will be. But
for some reason, this gentleman really got through to the core of me
with his purpose for going Vegan.
</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
He said, although not in these exact
words, that he was sick of death, blood and violence. That he was
searching instead for life and rejecting death. And that for him,
that sense of inner peace now starts on his plate. He feels better
knowing that he is projecting peace with his diet. In other words, it
gives him a base of operations for how he lives his life.
</div>
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<br />
</div>
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You might think it crazy that as a
peace sign throwing hippie child, I would find common ground with a
former soldier. And that, after so many years struggling to overcome
the cheese addiction that was blocking my being altogether vegan,
this vet made me feel something that just might be the catalyst for
me to “go all the way”</div>
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<br />
</div>
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Now, my Vegan friends, don't get all up
in arms here. Please. The amount of cheese I consume is minuscule at
best. But I do cave occasionally. I've always admitted that I'm not a
perfect Vegan. However, the point is that after hearing this
gentleman speak of his rejection of death, blood and violence, I
truly feel that I'm ready to make that full Vegan transition now.
</div>
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<br />
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Which is a good thing, so don't bring
me down now, of all times, please.
</div>
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<br />
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
And you know as well as I do what I'm
talking about. There are a lot of angry Vegans out there. And maybe
their anger is justified. Certainly it is. They are angry over the
death and suffering of other animals at the hands of omnivores,
whether directly or indirectly. They tend to be brutally intolerant
of those who are not Vegan because of this. Particularly those like
myself who should know better.</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Their anger is not inspiring to me. But
this man, this former harbinger of death, so to speak, who has
decided that he is fed up with death and is extremely joyful and
happy in his new life as a Vegan, may very well be the catalyst for
my own personal change.
</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I think it has a lot to do with his
aura. He's completely at peace with his choice. He feels good about
himself for making it. And most of all, he's done with the anger.
He's done with the death. He's not spreading his beliefs in a
forcible manner. He's spreading them in a peaceful manner. And peace
and joy and love, my friends, should be at the core of anyone
professing to be Vegan, shouldn't it?
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I mean, isn't that what this is all
about? The rejection of violence? The joy of living life knowing that
your core purpose is to do no harm?
</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
And here is this veteran, telling us
all, from the perspective of someone who has had direct involvement
in the violence of war, that peace begins on our plates. Here is the
most unlikely of people, showing Vegans how to peacefully project
their beliefs.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
He doesn't judge. He doesn't preach.
He's not sarcastic or offensive. He doesn't insult others who consume
animal products. He doesn't throw red paint at people. He simply
emits peace, love and joy from every core of his being. He's happy
with his choice and it shows. Now that's something to aspire to and
be inspired by! Vegan for the peace of it. I like it.
</div>
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<script async="" src="//cdn.chitika.net/getads.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Jaipi Sixbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140953911429872583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738560279899907483.post-20959271380762207302018-06-23T06:40:00.001-07:002018-06-23T06:40:14.424-07:00Making peace with fences? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
In the last couple weeks, I have had
the opportunity to watch two kinds of people build fences around
their respective homes. On doing so, I made a couple observations
that I'd like to share with you. Now, let me be clear, I'm not
passing judgment here. And indeed, my own fence building would likely
reveal my own “shortcomings” as it were. Although, in my opinion,
shortcomings are more of an indication of one's location in their
journey, than they are a fault. But that's a story for another time.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
So... The most obvious and first
observation I made of the two fences, was the way they were facing.
The owners of house one, faced their fence with the “good” side
toward themselves. While the owners of house two, faced the “good”
side toward their neighbors. I found this very revealing of where
their sympathies rest and how they view the world.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
By facing the good side toward
themselves, the first homeowners made it clear that they place
themselves first. Especially since the building code states that the
“good” side should face their neighbors. They were in such a
hurry to put up a barrier from their neighbors that they didn't even
bother to check the rules.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Now, I have to be fair, they needed the
fence so that their dogs would not jump over the existing chain link
fence into their neighbor's yard.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Remember that last bit. You'll see why
later.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
And.... back to the fence building
details. It's also much easier, for construction purpose to face the
good side in your own yard. So, this is revealing too. Clearly, doing
things the “right” way was an inconvenience for them. Clearly,
their time frame was more important to them than being polite. This
was also reflected in the fact that they didn't even have the
courtesy to wait for the old homeowners to move out before barging in
on them to construct their fence. As you may have guessed, I was one
of the old homeowners. That's how I know this.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
They were in a huge hurry to make the
house their own, which frankly, I completely understood. Because
while they were putting up their fence, we were patiently and
courteously waiting for the former owners of our new house to move on
so that we might begin making our new house ours, just as they were
making our old home theirs.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Now, the very fact that I highly
resented their intrusion, because I was simultaneously being
respectful by not intruding on the former owners of our new home is a
bit revealing of my own character flaws. In other words, I'm not
perfect either.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
As you may have noticed, I enjoy
studying human behavior, even my own.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anyway, eventually we left the
impatient new homeowners behind and moved on to our new home, where,
by coincidence, our new neighbors (previously mentioned as the owners
of house two) are also building a fence, also for the purpose of
keeping their dog from jumping the existing chain link fence.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
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But our new neighbors are building
their fence very differently.
</div>
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</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
As I mentioned, first of all, they were
facing the good side toward us and their other neighbors. Which, even
if it wasn't the law, was very respectful. After all, how likely do
you think it is that in a small town with less than 1000 residents,
anyone is going to check the fence to see that it faces the right
way?
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Well. I can tell you that in this
particular town, the zoning laws are very loose and there are many,
many people who have ignored them for decades anyway. And ironically
to my delight, they will likely continue to do so for many years to
come. In fact, people here are pretty much free to do things their
way as long as no harm comes to others. Hence, the overall charm of
this town for me.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Our new neighbors chose to be
considerate in their fence construction. They didn't have to. They
also didn't have to take the time to tell us that their dogs jump the
chain link fence and that's why they're building a fence between us.
They especially didn't have to do this on the very first day we moved
in, but they did. They also could have banged up their fence rapidly,
without care and never spoken to us again, but that's not what they
did.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
They faced the good side in their
neighbor's direction. They took their time building that fence well.
And instead of just befriending the one neighbor who took the time to
reach out to and assist them, as the first homeowners did, they spoke
to all their neighbors before anyone even had time to inquire about
what they were doing. The fact that they made the first move combined
with the fact that they did the right thing by all their neighbors is
impressive in comparison to the other folks, don't you think?
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
And the thing is, our new neighbors
still aren't done with their fence. So when we go outside, we wave at
each other. We laugh over the dogs, who still jump the fence
occasionally to play with my grand-daughter's dog. And while we're
watching them build their fence the right way, the careful way, the
courteous way, they're also watching us bring our yard back to life
in a similar manner.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It all feels very small town and we're
loving it. It's such a contrast to the rush and hurry of city life
that we left behind, you know? And there you have the biggest
difference in character between the two sets of homeowners. Two very
different philosophies in play. First there was the “get it done
now, no matter what it takes or who gets in the way and has to be run
over” philosophy. Then there is the “take your time, do it right
and do it with a smile” philosophy.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Ya, I'm going to like it here. It's my
kind of peaceful place.
</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0U3yxt6Ho8UbsbL4rBQL1BDbntBhoC_Kt0IRz7e4kj3h731bs_HcclEC30xMQRidOReUwnbxhBarU36UBsG9EEdwQD_zm2jNq1vTUtMN5kO_f1rWalwRJAtaN-fCMpZ7l1MEramrTm-M/s1600/Cell_tower_on_Staniel_Cay_%25283426272358%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0U3yxt6Ho8UbsbL4rBQL1BDbntBhoC_Kt0IRz7e4kj3h731bs_HcclEC30xMQRidOReUwnbxhBarU36UBsG9EEdwQD_zm2jNq1vTUtMN5kO_f1rWalwRJAtaN-fCMpZ7l1MEramrTm-M/s320/Cell_tower_on_Staniel_Cay_%25283426272358%2529.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
When we move to the country to find our
peaceful place, we'll be getting more peace than we originally bargained for.
That's fine by us. In fact, we're looking forward to it. The small
town we're moving to isn't as remote as some. There's even internet.
Gasp! It's just not the awesome reception we're used to. But, guess
what? We've decided that we can live without it anyway.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Sort of.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
We'll still have WIFI hot-spots on our
phones. So, it's not a total disconnect. And we do have a choice. We
could pay for internet there, even though it's not quite what we're
used to, here in the city. But why bother when we know we're better
off without it? </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
And hey, the whole idea of moving to a less populated
area is to live a slower, more “old school” life. Without
internet, we'll have more time for important things.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
So, what exactly will we do, without
internet?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
We'll sit out on our deck and stargaze
because light pollution isn't a thing where we're going. Or we can do
that at the astrological society dark site that's just a mile from
our house. We might volunteer at the peaceful prairie sanctuary.
We'll definitely be gardening. Maybe we'll even take a bike ride on
the prairie. You know. Country stuff.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
And of course, once a week or so we can
“go to town” as they say. Or not. Because we don't really need
to. There are plenty of amenities close by. Besides, we'll be busy
hanging out with friends and family, playing cards or board games and
enjoying our new above ground pool. We have room for a pool table in
the basement. Maybe we'll find one for free on Craigslist. It's
certainly not unusual.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
And yes, maybe all of that sounds a
little old fashioned. That's OK. So are we. And let's face it. Who
hasn't thought of turning back the clock to simpler times
occasionally? Aren't we lucky to actually be able to do it?
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
But, basically, we'll be more present,
to use the current word for it.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Ya, we'll be OK without awesome
internet. Meh. Who needs it when we have each other?
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
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<script async="" src="//cdn.chitika.net/getads.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Jaipi Sixbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140953911429872583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738560279899907483.post-38278742096256127392018-04-30T08:52:00.000-07:002018-04-30T08:52:42.981-07:00Peace Path Revelation - Your life really is other people's business<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx624PiaS1iPoUpdR8ugfWvjkMonpFCzmXamDWjViKdzXLCx8KF3lweluunNnHj0c93KbZqNFyHUIPtgKO5JhDe6k2QKQXd6VtSMw3zhrLIc-tA1bdpPKep1wNz9H4IqB6xFQk71zb7FA/s1600/800px-R1_Chain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="523" data-original-width="800" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx624PiaS1iPoUpdR8ugfWvjkMonpFCzmXamDWjViKdzXLCx8KF3lweluunNnHj0c93KbZqNFyHUIPtgKO5JhDe6k2QKQXd6VtSMw3zhrLIc-tA1bdpPKep1wNz9H4IqB6xFQk71zb7FA/s320/800px-R1_Chain.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
When you realize there is truth in the
title of this post, it's a bit of a tough revelation to swallow. Why
is it anyone else's business how you live your life? The answer is
both simple and complex. So, to begin with, let's start with a fact we are all familiar with.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
We are all connected through our
actions and reactions.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
No argument there, right? Most of us
know that everything we do or say impacts others. Even our beliefs
influence our behavior. They prompt us to speak, act and react in a
certain way. Therefore, our beliefs also impact other people,
especially those closest to us.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Are we in agreement so far?
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Good, because here's where it gets
interesting.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Because of our connection to everyone
and everything in the universe, while we appear to be individuals,
our true value and purpose lies in being a functioning part of a
greater whole. This revelation can be both liberating and scary.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Relinquishing yourself to the cog in
the wheel theory, well, it pretty much goes against everything we've
ever been conditioned to believe, doesn't it? I mean, we're all about
being who we are, celebrating our individuality, etc. etc.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
And yet, gazing at the big picture
reveals that every little piece of the natural world, ourselves
included, is just another cog in the great wheel of life. We are both
insignificant and valuable. Our value lies in the fact that how we
live our lives impacts everyone's “success” and not just our own.
It has both nothing and everything to do with our independent
actions.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Complicated, yes?
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Your decisions, thoughts and actions
have a huge impact on everyone around you. If you're not pulling the
weight of the chain that your particular cog is responsible for
pulling, chances are, someone else has to take up the slack in order
for the wheel to turn.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
On the other hand, if your cog is
functioning properly, the wheel turns more smoothly in response. No one else has to pull your weight.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
To take it a step further, if your cog
is functioning above and beyond what it takes to turn the wheel, you
not only carry your own weight, you ease the burden of others. That
is, for people who are not, for whatever reason, performing their own
duties.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
This group would, of course, include
the sick, the elderly and such.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Unfortunately, it also includes people
who, for whatever reason, have decided that their life is none of
your business, people who, even though they are perfectly capable
individuals, refuse to hoist their burden, which forces you to take
up the slack, yes?
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Feels a little different on the heavy
end of the chain, right?
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Do you see why everything you say and
do is the business of someone else? At the very least, you have to
admit that it is the business of the cog closest to you, that is
forced to take on your duties. However, in actuality, your life is
the business of everyone who is influenced by your thoughts and
resultant actions.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Which is literally, everyone!
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
So, yes, although it's a tough pill to
swallow, it really is everyone else's business how you live your
life. It's still your prerogative to live life as you choose, of
course. Sort of. Just keep in mind that doing so without considering your impact on others will sometimes limit
their ability to function properly. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
And that's just not very nice, is it?
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
But there's another silver lining to taking up your own slack. Because guess what? If you're not
burdening those other cogs with your duties, they'll likely be able
to focus on their own responsibilities instead of worrying about
yours. And that means, no one will have to pick up <i>their</i> slack
either.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
See how that works? We're all in this
life together. That makes what everyone does, everyone else's
business. We might not like that but it doesn't make it any less
true.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
So, go ahead, follow your dreams. Just
make sure you're not holding others back from doing the same.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Yank your own chain, little cog. That
way, no one else has to yank it for you.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
#BeLove #BeKind #BeConsiderate
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
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<script async="" src="//cdn.chitika.net/getads.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Jaipi Sixbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140953911429872583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738560279899907483.post-59830708403520829412018-04-23T08:05:00.005-07:002018-04-23T08:16:25.947-07:00Peaceful, easy country feeling<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiClQCDCd6xMHStXHe1vv9j_vbL0xa2jAN_2PQxZ1WzMpCny7GWm-GFBrBki993qy9KmCC0l_Z2AosibL9A_7muL0LoZDqXeMmI8MsAaf54NXQ4wBfa55hge8CXsGSrKP43ysvl6FbC1Nk/s1600/FB_IMG_1515076242576.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="392" data-original-width="552" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiClQCDCd6xMHStXHe1vv9j_vbL0xa2jAN_2PQxZ1WzMpCny7GWm-GFBrBki993qy9KmCC0l_Z2AosibL9A_7muL0LoZDqXeMmI8MsAaf54NXQ4wBfa55hge8CXsGSrKP43ysvl6FbC1Nk/s320/FB_IMG_1515076242576.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
So many thoughts swirling through my
head this morning. All of them, very peaceful. Relocating to a tiny,
somewhat antiquated western town on the plains of Colorado next month
has a lot to do with it. Very much looking forward to the relaxed
atmosphere there. Still, we can all create a zone of peace, no matter
where we live.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
This morning I'm listening to “my”
favorite yard bird, accompanied by the crows of the neighborhood
rooster and wondering how much my connection with the universe and
the sense of peace I've been experiencing of late have to do with me
focusing on moving to the country.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Just to clarify, I'm not saying that
I'm particularly special. We're all connected to the universe. Every
last one of us, along with every other living being or blade of grass
or tree on the planet. We're all a part of nature. We <i>are</i>
nature.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Now, let me back-track for a minute to
fill you in.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
My bird is a black capped chickadee
with a unique, two whistle chirp. There was one in my country yard,
growing up. There's one in my city yard now. I wonder if there will
be one in my new yard, out on the plains. Wouldn't that be awesome?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
And yes, we are moving. City home sold.
Country home purchased. And while I still love the Denver metro area
with all my heart, life out on the plains suits us much better. Truly
looking forward to living in a place that lacks tall buildings,
light/sound pollution and looking forward to the slow life. Besides,
we won't be too far away. It's a commutable distance.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
But Oooh and Ahhh to:
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Star gazing from our backyard deck.
Tilling and planting our own healthy country soil. Being a
contributing member of a small community. Long, leisurely bike rides
to nowhere in particular with a packed picnic lunch in the bike
basket. Sitting by the wood-stove on cold winter nights. Room for extended family and guests on holidays and special
occasions. Room to create. Room to breathe. Room to relax.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It's going to be spectacular! But then
again, life always is, with the right state of mind. And now, back to
today:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I'm sitting in my chair, listening to
these two, decidedly different birds serenade me and planning a
peaceful country life. How will I fill my rooms and my days? What do
I still need to pack? Because I want to be ready to roll when the day
comes. Ready to start a new life again. Ready for positive and even
negative changes.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Because life is about change, isn't it?
Learning new things. Growing. Stretching. Spreading wings to take on
fluctuating currents, soft breezes and even an occasional tumultuous,
temperamental tornado or two.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I woke up this morning to a new day and
a new life, just like I do every day. Trudging the peace path and
loving every minute of it. But somehow, today seems more peaceful,
knowing a dramatically new beginning is just around the corner. Can't
wait!
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<script async="" src="//cdn.chitika.net/getads.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Jaipi Sixbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140953911429872583noreply@blogger.com0