Around the bend?

I am embarassed to say it’s been nearly 2 months since my last post. I’ve been in a bit of a funk, but things are going to change. New things are coming and I’ll be back at it in no time.

The Tree

The tree lost its leaves, the limbs are all bare
From the cold and the wind, the rain and the wear
From the strain of the weight the trunk had to bear
It bent and it swayed, no more shade under there

As the damage was done, and the sun shone through
And the warmth and the light came right into view
The seeds fell to the ground, dug deep in the soil
They rooted and searched, and started to toil

Rigid and gray, so near to death
The tree stands alone, holding its breath
Till the season is over and life rears its head
In the midst of the branches lifeless and dead

Seasons come and they go
But the tree holds its ground

If it waits long enough
New life will be found

Today Is The Day

Today is the day

You can use in a way

That is a step in the right

Direction

 

You can start

Acting the part

So in the mirror you like your

Reflection

 

The things that you say

And the way that you play

Have an impact on people’s

Affection

 

So take that small step

Don’t be scared

That it must be

Perfection

 

We can all do our part and

Think with our heart

And finally make a

Connection

Deal with it…

I have been under a significant amount of stress lately.  It is taking its toll on me, but I am trying everyday to deal with it.  I think I have avoided writing because it makes me think about all the negative stuff I really don’t want to deal with at the moment.  The problem is, however, it’s still there even if I refuse to think about it.  So, I’m done avoiding it.  I need to deal with what I have control over and accept what I don’t.  It will all work out in the end, I truly believe that.  I wish I could have remembered that over the last week or so; maybe I could have prevented some of my needless worrying.

I’ve got a theory that if you give 100 percent all of the time, somehow things will work out in the end. ~ Larry Bird

Where Do We Go Wrong?

Today I was watching the class video of my wife’s 2^nd grade class.  It is just photographs of the kids, the classroom, the things they learned and the things they have done throughout the year that she put together on a slide show with music.  It’s really quite touching and I can tell my wife really loves these kids.  I found myself thinking that some of those kids probably don’t get enough of that.  So, while I haven’t seen my wife teach, I’m certain she is a great teacher.  (Of course, I’m biased!)  She cares for them like she does our own son and I’m really proud of that.  I love you, Honey!

But, this isn’t the point I wanted to get to.  As I watched the pictures come in and out of the frame, I was struck by one photo in particular.  It was a picture of the kids during Field Day.  There were 6 or 7 of them in the picture and it was quite a diverse group; black, white, yellow, red, brown…you name it.  All different races, cultures and probably religions.  They were embracing each other, all smiles and laughter; you could really tell that they liked each other.  It was a wonderful picture. 

Then I wondered, where do we go wrong from there?  Where do we learn that it’s not okay to embrace our differences and cultures, our skin colors and religions?  I’m certain we learn this from our parents, from other kids, the media and life experiences.  But I say we have a choice.  We can choose to accept people for who they are and who they are not.  For what they do and what they don’t do.  For what they will become or won’t become.  Somewhere along the line though, we must be able to recognize that we are not better than one another, nor are we worse.  We are all just trying to get through this life just like everyone else.  And hatred, prejudice and discrimination should have no place here.  I am thankful that I feel this type of peace in my heart.  I hope it is contagious.

Strength

Maybe it is because I am not especially strong or powerful, but the term strength does not conjure up thoughts of pushing weight around, up and down, to and fro. (Did I just say fro?… why yes, I guess I did.) Strength, to me, comes in a number of different forms. I am exhibiting it this very moment, because I have not felt very creative lately and yet I am making myself explore every opportunity to improve. It is enjoyable and frustrating at the same time. I love it always, but sometimes find it annoying. That blank white space staring at me wondering why I haven’t started typing anything; or worse yet, why I have begun typing 100 times only to hit that damn backspace key over and over and over. The cursor just flashing at me; mocking me; daring me to make a move. But, in the long run, it’s not important.

Strength, for me, is exemplified by ordinary people doing extraordinary things despite their circumstances. The cancer survivor sitting next to you in class, moving on without complaint and you didn’t even know it until someone told you their story. The single parent working 2 jobs to make ends meet, only to come home to that 3rd full time job (without pay) awaiting them. When do they sleep? Accident survivors accomplishing more after they have been sentenced to a wheel chair than they ever thought they could have when they could walk. Our men and women in the military, exposed to some of most horrific situations you could imagine; separated from their families by miles and miles of land and sea; of their own free will and often with little complaint.

I have exhibited moments of strength in my life and will probably have the opportunity to do so in the future, by my hat is off to those who must exhibit strength on a daily basis. You are an inspiration to all of us.

Be Back Soon

I just finished my last research paper for this term and I’ll be back to posting sometime soon. Sorry for the delay!

Pardon the Interruption

Forgive me for the lack of posting in the upcoming days, but the author has significantly underestimated the complexity of 2 research assignments that are coming due within the next few days.  My mind is currently under rennovation, but we will resume the previously scheduled programming as soon as possible.  Thank you for your understanding.

Preachy Keen?

I’ve been feeling a little self-conscious lately about my writing.  I am concerned, but I don’t know why.  Let me explain.

I’ve looked over some of my writing over the last month or so because I’m afraid that they sound like I know it all; like I have it all together.  Let me be the first to tell you that this is far from the truth.  I’m not even close, but my writing is one of the tools I’m using to help me learn everything that I can.  My mind is constantly racing and if I don’t harness it, it flies right past me.  Writing helps me catch it before it is lost for good.

I’m also afraid that they sound a little too preachy.  That’s probably because they are.  But, they are intended to be preachy to me, not to others.  In the past, I would have apologized for this.  But today, I choose not to.  This is not because I am mean spirited or do not care; it’s because I am doing this (writing) for me.  This blog is a learning tool for me, a coping mechanism and a way to clear my mind when it is full of thoughts and ideas both justified and unjustified.  However, if I am fortunate enough to make a difference in someone else’s life because of it — all the better.  So please don’t be offended by the “preachiness.”  Enjoy what you like and ignore the rest.

So, I’ve gotten that off my chest.  I feel better.  Did you hear that sigh of relief?

Dealing with Adversity

While I was doing some research recently, I stumbled upon a Personal Development web-site that caught my attention.  The opening to the one of the articles spoke volumes to me:  “A life without difficulties is a classroom without a lesson.”  Before I read the article, I really thought my life could have definitely been defined as a classroom.  But, by the end of the article, Mr. Gallozzi had helped me to understand that we need to embrace the opportunities we have for growth.  He also gave a little reminder that there are plenty of people who have a much larger classroom than my own.  As I personally wade through my small puddle of adversity it is comforting to realize that how I feel about it is up to me.  Remembering this has been a struggle for me lately.

During a moment of frustration with my son this weekend, I looked to the sky (or ceiling, since I was in the kitchen) and started to ask for some help.  But, before I could get the words out, my wife said, “Don’t ask for patience, because God is just going to give you more opportunities to develop it!”  She had a good point, as usual.  (man, I say that a lot.) 

So, I am trying to make a concerted effort to understand that my adversity will make me a better person in the long run… if… I choose to see each occurence as an opportunity for learning.  Only by opening myself up to growth and change will I become the person I truly want to be.  I feel like I am only now starting to go down the path that I choose instead of the one chosen for me.  I hope I run into this adversity character again, because I’m ready to sock it to him!