And coming true. Well, that is my inkling from all I hear and see these days. It doesn’t take a prophet to read the signs and understand that this nation is done. The mean guys with the big guns are going to obliterate the u.s. Don’t ask me when. How would I know? I just read and listen and put two and two together to make eggroll.
I think it’s ironic that the book that spells it out is most misunderstood and misrepresented by the men who maintain its veracity. They know the heaven and hell part is a farce, but the story of the end of the world as we know it is plainly described.
In the book of their prophet Isaiah , the 18th chapter, it talks about a nation of people tall and smooth of skin, terrible from their beginning on, a nation measured out and trodden down, divided by rivers. It says in the evening a clear heat and in the morning they are gone. Hmm. Makes you wonder.
There were warnings that the events on 9/11 would happen and there have been warnings that the people who perpetrated that disaster are not finished. They say to expect it soon, not just big cities, which will all be blown up, according to the email I saw, but small towns, too. I personally believe that this will happen soon.
So… move to the mountains? Flee to Canada? Will it do any good? I don’t know. I do know it’s just a game. We all win in the end.
Sincerely,
D
P.S. c u soon, where we all remember how wonderful we are all the time!!! That’ll b cool.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Friday, March 12, 2010
Christianity: not so christian
Whoa. What? Yeah, no, it's pagan. Kind of ironic, eh?
Some examples from history…
Christmas; pagan.
Easter; pagan.
Hell; pagan.
Crosses; pagan.
Virgin mothers...also, pagan.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying a man named Jesus didn’t walk the earth, but I think we can all agree, the folks who’ve been preachin’ his “good news” for nearly 1800 years didn’t get it right.
One might say they deviated a bit from the "words in red" in their good book.
E.g., the Christ they profess to worship and adore said:
Judge not ... omg. need i say more? it seems to me Christians spend a lot of time pointing their fingers at others peoples' "sins", and little time focusing on their own. maybe they convince themselves that because their "hearts are right with God" (an invented phrase not found in their bible. [sacrilege!]) that they can safely condemn another to hell? I was recently informed that “there’s a list” in their book of Revelation citing all those who are going to “burn in the lake of fire for all eternity”, so apparently, the guy who wrote that supercedes their forgiving Christ. Jesus was so soft.
Love your enemies… they appear to be convinced they must kill their enemies before their enemies kill them. it's like they're afraid to die, as if they’re not quite sure where they’d end up. hm. of course, they’re not afraid to send their enemy straight to hell, in a loving manner, i guess.
Do unto others… I guess Christians must like to be belittled, criticized, and sentenced to eternal damnation and then sent there, asap, “cuz you never know what them crazy sinners are gonna do. better just put ‘em out of their misery.” but, seriously, do unto most Christians as they just did unto you, and beware, honey, they just might praise the lord and pass the ammunition your way, if you get my drift.
Also funny is that the wars are all righteous wars and everyone is fighting for their respective, loving God (capital G, of course!).
But the weirdest, most ironic thing of all is:
In their good book (in Revelations, again), there is a story about “Mystery Babylon, Mother of Harlots,” which some modern-day “Protesant” churches believe is the Catholic Church. They believe this church will come to ruin in the “last days” because of its evil. And isn't it? Now, I’m not one to judge, but if an organization can’t follow its own rules, why would anyone listening to its teachings? I’m guessing fear of authority and control of the masses are two phrases destined to be worked into this conversation. After all, the formerly mentioned entity has a particularly long and bloody history. Enter the protestants who condemn the old way and condone the new, right way to believe in and be saved by THE ONE TRUE GOD, or burn in hell. Well, they are not unlike their “mother” the “harlot” (a quote about fruits and trees comes to mind, here).
They’re reading a book compiled by men, for a specific purpose, 200 years after their Christ lived. Since then, many lost gospels and other writings have been found which were omitted from their perfect word of god. And since it’s perfect, who can refute anything quoted from it? (Isn’t that a nice little, built-in argument winner?) And, even if the book is directly breathed from god's mouth into the writers’ ears, who decided how to interpret its meaning? Of course, they and they’re pastor prayed about it, so their version must be right. (I think I just quoted myself. Heh heh.) Can anyone else see a pattern of indoctrination and abuse of power? Not to mention deception, murder, molestation, genocide, infanticide…
So, Alanis, this is ironic! The guys who’ve all along been preaching/legislating righteousness aren’t, never were, don’t care, just want you to be a good, quiet little mouse and eat your government cheese, and be glad, and if you don’t you might find a big mousetrap outside your front door.
Oh, and tithe.
Yours,
D
P.S. and I believe all that "end of days" death and destruction will probably happen at their hands… a little too ironic...and way too soon.
P.P.S. From Paul’s 1st letter to the Corinthians, chapter 13, Holy Bible:
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.
Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.
When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.
And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
Some examples from history…
Christmas; pagan.
Easter; pagan.
Hell; pagan.
Crosses; pagan.
Virgin mothers...also, pagan.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying a man named Jesus didn’t walk the earth, but I think we can all agree, the folks who’ve been preachin’ his “good news” for nearly 1800 years didn’t get it right.
One might say they deviated a bit from the "words in red" in their good book.
E.g., the Christ they profess to worship and adore said:
Judge not ... omg. need i say more? it seems to me Christians spend a lot of time pointing their fingers at others peoples' "sins", and little time focusing on their own. maybe they convince themselves that because their "hearts are right with God" (an invented phrase not found in their bible. [sacrilege!]) that they can safely condemn another to hell? I was recently informed that “there’s a list” in their book of Revelation citing all those who are going to “burn in the lake of fire for all eternity”, so apparently, the guy who wrote that supercedes their forgiving Christ. Jesus was so soft.
Love your enemies… they appear to be convinced they must kill their enemies before their enemies kill them. it's like they're afraid to die, as if they’re not quite sure where they’d end up. hm. of course, they’re not afraid to send their enemy straight to hell, in a loving manner, i guess.
Do unto others… I guess Christians must like to be belittled, criticized, and sentenced to eternal damnation and then sent there, asap, “cuz you never know what them crazy sinners are gonna do. better just put ‘em out of their misery.” but, seriously, do unto most Christians as they just did unto you, and beware, honey, they just might praise the lord and pass the ammunition your way, if you get my drift.
Also funny is that the wars are all righteous wars and everyone is fighting for their respective, loving God (capital G, of course!).
But the weirdest, most ironic thing of all is:
In their good book (in Revelations, again), there is a story about “Mystery Babylon, Mother of Harlots,” which some modern-day “Protesant” churches believe is the Catholic Church. They believe this church will come to ruin in the “last days” because of its evil. And isn't it? Now, I’m not one to judge, but if an organization can’t follow its own rules, why would anyone listening to its teachings? I’m guessing fear of authority and control of the masses are two phrases destined to be worked into this conversation. After all, the formerly mentioned entity has a particularly long and bloody history. Enter the protestants who condemn the old way and condone the new, right way to believe in and be saved by THE ONE TRUE GOD, or burn in hell. Well, they are not unlike their “mother” the “harlot” (a quote about fruits and trees comes to mind, here).
They’re reading a book compiled by men, for a specific purpose, 200 years after their Christ lived. Since then, many lost gospels and other writings have been found which were omitted from their perfect word of god. And since it’s perfect, who can refute anything quoted from it? (Isn’t that a nice little, built-in argument winner?) And, even if the book is directly breathed from god's mouth into the writers’ ears, who decided how to interpret its meaning? Of course, they and they’re pastor prayed about it, so their version must be right. (I think I just quoted myself. Heh heh.) Can anyone else see a pattern of indoctrination and abuse of power? Not to mention deception, murder, molestation, genocide, infanticide…
So, Alanis, this is ironic! The guys who’ve all along been preaching/legislating righteousness aren’t, never were, don’t care, just want you to be a good, quiet little mouse and eat your government cheese, and be glad, and if you don’t you might find a big mousetrap outside your front door.
Oh, and tithe.
Yours,
D
P.S. and I believe all that "end of days" death and destruction will probably happen at their hands… a little too ironic...and way too soon.
P.P.S. From Paul’s 1st letter to the Corinthians, chapter 13, Holy Bible:
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.
Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.
When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.
And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
how i'm gw, etc. pt 2. (why i returned to the p.o.)
If you read my profile, you'll see I was raised Catholic, and went through various stages of protestantism, to become a devoted pantheist. Thank me. So, it might not surprise you to learn that, for years, I felt a "call" to be a missionary in Africa. I have always wanted to go there and suspect, once I go, I'll want to stay.
That being said, I was sitting at work, a few years back, processing images of mail on my computer screen, thinking about what a wonderfully well-paying and secure job I had, and pondering how many years I had worked many horrific jobs (and some not too bad ones), and how blessed I felt at that moment. As I was relishing how far I'd come, and pondering where the future might take me, the thought came into my head, "You're going to have to give this all up, someday."
To which another voice retorted, "oh, yeah?"
The first voice continued, "yes, one day, you'll just have to take a leap of faith."
And at the precise moment the word "leap" popped into my head, the word "leap" popped up on my computer screen, on the next envelope I was to process. Right there, in the upper left corner, where most people put their return address (who wouldn't put it there? and why not? [helpful postal hint]) was the single word, "leap!"
Needlesstosay, I would have soiled my undies, had I been wearing any. (jk, I usually wear something between me and my jeans.) But, wouldn't you want to crap yourself? So, the voices in my head argued back and forth for a bit, until the voice I'll call "me" said, "Omg, ok. I'll do it, but you'll have to tell me when, and I better know it's you, 'God.'"
Of course, this is all part of why I quit, when I decided I was God and I didn't need no job (see previous blog). I had recently had several dreams in which I took a flying leap only to have the softest of landings. So, when I decided to quit, I just didn't show up the next day (you could be fired for that, immediately, you know. they'll do it.), and, a day later, walked into my bosses office, handed him my badge, and said, "it's been nice working with ya."
He surprised me by saying, "I figured you'd say that to me one day," and a bunch o' other cool stuff that left me confident I had made the correct choice.
Of course, once people started finding out, some went ballistic and lectured me (Come on, guys, I'm an adult) and others just gently asked the story and made sure I knew what I was doing, and just suggested I reconsider. Aaaaah. I listened whole-heartedly to them all, but respectfully disagreed.
So, let's recap. We got the birthday/anniversary/wisconsin/george-washington-look-a-like mask thing and the whole "who needs a job", and the soft landings...
So, of course, as I realize, I might get hungry without my fat paycheck, I go online and lookup overseas jobs. Now, everyone, and I mean, everyone has told me not to quit my postal job, to keep my insurance and my security, (and visit africa, first, and then later, maybe go there longer, etc,) but I am sure that, being God, I'll survive without it. And I was expecting that soft landing, but I didn't expect to type in the words "overseas jobs" and have the first hit to pop up be "united states postal service". Ccome on! And, of course, as I looked at the wedsites that listed jobs, I realized I might have trouble finding a position with no degree, and only clerical experience. So, I started looking at volunteering, but they all require that you have your own health insurance. Um, I was like, ok, I wonder if my soft landing of the dreams was the cushy job I already have, and since, "if a man doesn't work, he shall not eat," sounds reasonable, I might as well keep the fine job I already had.
I went back the day before my resignation would have taken effect and the h.r. lady about cried telling me how glad she was I came back. (Well, her husband had recently died, so she related how she had wished all the folks who praised him at his funeral had been able to tell him those things to his face. I almost cried, too.)
Now wasn't that was an adventure? And now, two years later, I have to find employment elsewhere, whether I like it or not. My worksite is closing. It'll be cool to see where I land this time. Don't worry, I'll keep you posted.
Yours,
D
P.S. Thanks for your patience and comments. :]
That being said, I was sitting at work, a few years back, processing images of mail on my computer screen, thinking about what a wonderfully well-paying and secure job I had, and pondering how many years I had worked many horrific jobs (and some not too bad ones), and how blessed I felt at that moment. As I was relishing how far I'd come, and pondering where the future might take me, the thought came into my head, "You're going to have to give this all up, someday."
To which another voice retorted, "oh, yeah?"
The first voice continued, "yes, one day, you'll just have to take a leap of faith."
And at the precise moment the word "leap" popped into my head, the word "leap" popped up on my computer screen, on the next envelope I was to process. Right there, in the upper left corner, where most people put their return address (who wouldn't put it there? and why not? [helpful postal hint]) was the single word, "leap!"
Needlesstosay, I would have soiled my undies, had I been wearing any. (jk, I usually wear something between me and my jeans.) But, wouldn't you want to crap yourself? So, the voices in my head argued back and forth for a bit, until the voice I'll call "me" said, "Omg, ok. I'll do it, but you'll have to tell me when, and I better know it's you, 'God.'"
Of course, this is all part of why I quit, when I decided I was God and I didn't need no job (see previous blog). I had recently had several dreams in which I took a flying leap only to have the softest of landings. So, when I decided to quit, I just didn't show up the next day (you could be fired for that, immediately, you know. they'll do it.), and, a day later, walked into my bosses office, handed him my badge, and said, "it's been nice working with ya."
He surprised me by saying, "I figured you'd say that to me one day," and a bunch o' other cool stuff that left me confident I had made the correct choice.
Of course, once people started finding out, some went ballistic and lectured me (Come on, guys, I'm an adult) and others just gently asked the story and made sure I knew what I was doing, and just suggested I reconsider. Aaaaah. I listened whole-heartedly to them all, but respectfully disagreed.
So, let's recap. We got the birthday/anniversary/wisconsin/george-washington-look-a-like mask thing and the whole "who needs a job", and the soft landings...
So, of course, as I realize, I might get hungry without my fat paycheck, I go online and lookup overseas jobs. Now, everyone, and I mean, everyone has told me not to quit my postal job, to keep my insurance and my security, (and visit africa, first, and then later, maybe go there longer, etc,) but I am sure that, being God, I'll survive without it. And I was expecting that soft landing, but I didn't expect to type in the words "overseas jobs" and have the first hit to pop up be "united states postal service". Ccome on! And, of course, as I looked at the wedsites that listed jobs, I realized I might have trouble finding a position with no degree, and only clerical experience. So, I started looking at volunteering, but they all require that you have your own health insurance. Um, I was like, ok, I wonder if my soft landing of the dreams was the cushy job I already have, and since, "if a man doesn't work, he shall not eat," sounds reasonable, I might as well keep the fine job I already had.
I went back the day before my resignation would have taken effect and the h.r. lady about cried telling me how glad she was I came back. (Well, her husband had recently died, so she related how she had wished all the folks who praised him at his funeral had been able to tell him those things to his face. I almost cried, too.)
Now wasn't that was an adventure? And now, two years later, I have to find employment elsewhere, whether I like it or not. My worksite is closing. It'll be cool to see where I land this time. Don't worry, I'll keep you posted.
Yours,
D
P.S. Thanks for your patience and comments. :]
Thursday, February 4, 2010
How I'm George Washington and why I quit my job
by: mentl D
This is a true story.
February 22, 2008 was my twenty-fifth anniversary of moving to Phoenix, from Wisconsin, back when I was younger. I'd been avoiding work to write a book and see what else the universe had for me besides a career postal position, as heavenly as that must sound, and planned to take the day off and do a raku class at the ceramics shop I frequented as a gift to my wonderful self. I had a couple of masks I'd made just for it a week or two earlier. One had turned out to look like our first President, and so I made a companion piece I called Martha. (I painted the pair with a glaze that comes out dark green with copper and purple highlights [the color of money!], and George was the only piece that turned out that night, out of about 7 pieces also painted with the same glaze and fired in different batches. All the rest, including Martha, came out a lovely, deep-jade green. Funny.)
A couple weeks after the class, my son directed me to the calendar, because there had been a lunar eclipse on February 20th that year and he mentioned that in Acts 2, verse 20 (in the bible) it says "the moon will be red as blood...before that great and terrible day of the Lord". (I personally believe we're close to some gigantic catastrophe, but then, I'm a bit dramatic sometimes and was indoctrinated as a "christian" and still have a fascination with "Armageddon".) (scary if you don't remember, it's all a dream, however it ends). Anyway. It was then that I saw that the Great G.W.'s birthday is February 22nd. I crapped my pants at the weird coincidence and stared at George for hours. And, don't ask me when, but, I noticed that the outline of the mask was shaped like the state of Wisconsin (dunt dunt dah), whereupon, I took another crap.
I was a bit euphoric, to say the least, and was remembering wayne dyer talking about his imagining having been talking with god about his life as St. Francis of Assisi and how wonderful it had been, and I had laughed, cuz no one remembers being a bum or a prostitute. And Wayne Dyer also says something very close to; "In an intelligently designed universe, there can be no coincidences." So, I guess, all these things came together in my brain, and I was like, "Wayne Dyer is Frickin St. Francis of Assisi and I'm George freaking Washington!" and a voice in my head said, "Yup. You're George Washington and you're Francis of Assisi and you're Wayne Dyer and you're Jesus. We're all one." And my heart exploded out of my chest and I laughed my ass off, 'til I cried. Euphoria, indeed.
Wow. I really knew I was God. So, I quit. God don't need no stinking job!
I should tell you that a week later I went back. That is another story, well, really, part of the same story, but almost as long, so, I'm gonna torture you and save my brain and fingers for another blog. ha ha ha haaaaaaaa ha ha ha haaaaaaaaa. (evil laff)
Stay tuned...
Yours,
D
P.S. I'd tell you it's a happy ending, but I don't think it's quite near over, yet. And we have learned that every ending's happy, cuz it brings a new beginning, right? So... But, just how happy remains to be seen.
This is a true story.
February 22, 2008 was my twenty-fifth anniversary of moving to Phoenix, from Wisconsin, back when I was younger. I'd been avoiding work to write a book and see what else the universe had for me besides a career postal position, as heavenly as that must sound, and planned to take the day off and do a raku class at the ceramics shop I frequented as a gift to my wonderful self. I had a couple of masks I'd made just for it a week or two earlier. One had turned out to look like our first President, and so I made a companion piece I called Martha. (I painted the pair with a glaze that comes out dark green with copper and purple highlights [the color of money!], and George was the only piece that turned out that night, out of about 7 pieces also painted with the same glaze and fired in different batches. All the rest, including Martha, came out a lovely, deep-jade green. Funny.)
A couple weeks after the class, my son directed me to the calendar, because there had been a lunar eclipse on February 20th that year and he mentioned that in Acts 2, verse 20 (in the bible) it says "the moon will be red as blood...before that great and terrible day of the Lord". (I personally believe we're close to some gigantic catastrophe, but then, I'm a bit dramatic sometimes and was indoctrinated as a "christian" and still have a fascination with "Armageddon".) (scary if you don't remember, it's all a dream, however it ends). Anyway. It was then that I saw that the Great G.W.'s birthday is February 22nd. I crapped my pants at the weird coincidence and stared at George for hours. And, don't ask me when, but, I noticed that the outline of the mask was shaped like the state of Wisconsin (dunt dunt dah), whereupon, I took another crap.
I was a bit euphoric, to say the least, and was remembering wayne dyer talking about his imagining having been talking with god about his life as St. Francis of Assisi and how wonderful it had been, and I had laughed, cuz no one remembers being a bum or a prostitute. And Wayne Dyer also says something very close to; "In an intelligently designed universe, there can be no coincidences." So, I guess, all these things came together in my brain, and I was like, "Wayne Dyer is Frickin St. Francis of Assisi and I'm George freaking Washington!" and a voice in my head said, "Yup. You're George Washington and you're Francis of Assisi and you're Wayne Dyer and you're Jesus. We're all one." And my heart exploded out of my chest and I laughed my ass off, 'til I cried. Euphoria, indeed.
Wow. I really knew I was God. So, I quit. God don't need no stinking job!
I should tell you that a week later I went back. That is another story, well, really, part of the same story, but almost as long, so, I'm gonna torture you and save my brain and fingers for another blog. ha ha ha haaaaaaaa ha ha ha haaaaaaaaa. (evil laff)
Stay tuned...
Yours,
D
P.S. I'd tell you it's a happy ending, but I don't think it's quite near over, yet. And we have learned that every ending's happy, cuz it brings a new beginning, right? So... But, just how happy remains to be seen.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Wisdom
I think this is the key to the serenity prayer. If you know what you can change in your life and what you can't, it will save countless hours of frustration and worry.
For instance, any time at all spent wishing to change the past, is wasted effort. The past continues to remain unchangeable. Bummer.
I was talking to a friend about "living in the 'now'", which is moderately difficult, due to our perceiving life only after it has happened. "Now" is always here, but we never experience it. My motto is: there is no "now", there is only perception, intention and action. Now, this may not be the ultimate answer to the universally relevant conundrum, but, if you think about it, it covers a lot of bases.
But we were talking about the wisdom to know what we can and cannot change, and I submit that we can only change ourselves. We can change our perception of the past and change our intention for the future and change our actions to match our new intentions. Well, assuming there are patterns which occasion adjustment, or some such.
I think it's safe to say we all desire to have wisdom. I also think we have it, but just don't always listen to it. Sometimes, I get so caught up in the game, I forget I'm a player, and make "mistakes" due to an oversight or lack of foresight or just plain crazy balls to the wall who gives a flying fuck, let's do it. It's good when I remember not to take everything so seriously. A very wise man once said that it is all vanity. Don't worry so much about riches and fame or food and clothing. We're all becoming dust again soon enough, anyway. Now, if the, arguably, I'll concede, wisest man in the world says it, it might very well be true.
So, I cannot change the fact that I blew the chance to get that girl's number, but I can learn from it, change my intention and then my actions, and be snuggling in front of "Singing in the Rain", or whatever, in no time! Isn't wisdom fun?
Yours,
D
P.S. So, I can be serene all the time, even when I'm being courageous and changing the things wisdom says I can. Cool. "Gotta dance!"
For instance, any time at all spent wishing to change the past, is wasted effort. The past continues to remain unchangeable. Bummer.
I was talking to a friend about "living in the 'now'", which is moderately difficult, due to our perceiving life only after it has happened. "Now" is always here, but we never experience it. My motto is: there is no "now", there is only perception, intention and action. Now, this may not be the ultimate answer to the universally relevant conundrum, but, if you think about it, it covers a lot of bases.
But we were talking about the wisdom to know what we can and cannot change, and I submit that we can only change ourselves. We can change our perception of the past and change our intention for the future and change our actions to match our new intentions. Well, assuming there are patterns which occasion adjustment, or some such.
I think it's safe to say we all desire to have wisdom. I also think we have it, but just don't always listen to it. Sometimes, I get so caught up in the game, I forget I'm a player, and make "mistakes" due to an oversight or lack of foresight or just plain crazy balls to the wall who gives a flying fuck, let's do it. It's good when I remember not to take everything so seriously. A very wise man once said that it is all vanity. Don't worry so much about riches and fame or food and clothing. We're all becoming dust again soon enough, anyway. Now, if the, arguably, I'll concede, wisest man in the world says it, it might very well be true.
So, I cannot change the fact that I blew the chance to get that girl's number, but I can learn from it, change my intention and then my actions, and be snuggling in front of "Singing in the Rain", or whatever, in no time! Isn't wisdom fun?
Yours,
D
P.S. So, I can be serene all the time, even when I'm being courageous and changing the things wisdom says I can. Cool. "Gotta dance!"
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Courage
...to change the things we can...
Courage isn't the lack of fear, but the determination to go through it. Who said that before me? What a genius.
All I know is, when I finally stood up to my arch nemesis, I was nervous as shit, but determined to change the intolerable situation. A friend from the twelve-step programs once told me, "You can't change another person, but you can change how they treat you by how you react and by letting them know what kind of behaviors are unacceptable." I don't know if she was that eloquent, but you get my drift. I can set boundaries and insist they be respected. Not for the squeamish.
Defending my territory from constant onslaught was tiring, so I decided to use the same tactics as my enemy. I innocently asked if I could do to her what she was doing to me and when she got appalled, I was like, but you're doing it... My heart was beating like a drum when I called her on her shit and, throughout the text battle, I thought I might pass out, but I had back-up, my daughter, whom my foe had begun attacking, also, and my arsenal of relaxation skills, and breathed my way to victory. Well, she's not bothered me or my children, since, so, so far so good.
And, can you believe I felt guilty? Don't worry, I got over it. But, all these feelings! fear, guilt, anger, shame, pride, joy, elation. They can keep us from doing a lot of things that we don't know are easy to do, until we do them. Like writing a blog, or asking that hot chick for a date, or quitting smoking. You name it. I just wonder how much different my life would be if I wasn't as afraid. So, I guess the thing to change is my outlook. Instead of thinking there are things to fear, I could exult that there are things to learn!
One thing, I have the courage to change my perspective. There are so many things happening around me which I can't control, change or even understand, sometimes, but I can always change me. or maybe it's, I can only change me. but I can. That's good to know.
Yours,
D
P.S. Hey, if the cowardly lion can get a medal, you can, too!
Courage isn't the lack of fear, but the determination to go through it. Who said that before me? What a genius.
All I know is, when I finally stood up to my arch nemesis, I was nervous as shit, but determined to change the intolerable situation. A friend from the twelve-step programs once told me, "You can't change another person, but you can change how they treat you by how you react and by letting them know what kind of behaviors are unacceptable." I don't know if she was that eloquent, but you get my drift. I can set boundaries and insist they be respected. Not for the squeamish.
Defending my territory from constant onslaught was tiring, so I decided to use the same tactics as my enemy. I innocently asked if I could do to her what she was doing to me and when she got appalled, I was like, but you're doing it... My heart was beating like a drum when I called her on her shit and, throughout the text battle, I thought I might pass out, but I had back-up, my daughter, whom my foe had begun attacking, also, and my arsenal of relaxation skills, and breathed my way to victory. Well, she's not bothered me or my children, since, so, so far so good.
And, can you believe I felt guilty? Don't worry, I got over it. But, all these feelings! fear, guilt, anger, shame, pride, joy, elation. They can keep us from doing a lot of things that we don't know are easy to do, until we do them. Like writing a blog, or asking that hot chick for a date, or quitting smoking. You name it. I just wonder how much different my life would be if I wasn't as afraid. So, I guess the thing to change is my outlook. Instead of thinking there are things to fear, I could exult that there are things to learn!
One thing, I have the courage to change my perspective. There are so many things happening around me which I can't control, change or even understand, sometimes, but I can always change me. or maybe it's, I can only change me. but I can. That's good to know.
Yours,
D
P.S. Hey, if the cowardly lion can get a medal, you can, too!
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Serenity
I like the Serenity prayer. In case you aren't familiar, here it is:
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
It's very simple and profound.
Lately, I've been concentrating on being serene, and so, of course, much drama has been presenting itself, so I can see just how serene I am not. I will say, that I am more peaceful, less stressed than I think I would have been in the past. Before, I would worry myself sick, now I just get a little nauseous.
But seriously, I've learned to have peace by being peaceful, so when the drama appears I can label it as such and step around it, or enjoy the play. Well, admittedly, I am a dramatic person. I don't shy from the limelight. And I don't like to be bored. But, sometimes, it's enough already. I want to be alone.
I'm glad I learned to go to the still place in my heart when I feel the need for quietude. It may only take a second, but it often takes me a while in the worry or fear or anger or hurt before I remember I have the power of peace available to me, anytime. All I ever have to do is close my eyes, take a few deep breaths and, soon, I'm calm. Yeehaw! It's so nice, I wonder why I like to spend any time at all being agitated.
Perhaps it's an old habit I'm finding the courage to change. (more on that next time!)
Yours,
D
P.S. Yeah, it's that simple.
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
It's very simple and profound.
Lately, I've been concentrating on being serene, and so, of course, much drama has been presenting itself, so I can see just how serene I am not. I will say, that I am more peaceful, less stressed than I think I would have been in the past. Before, I would worry myself sick, now I just get a little nauseous.
But seriously, I've learned to have peace by being peaceful, so when the drama appears I can label it as such and step around it, or enjoy the play. Well, admittedly, I am a dramatic person. I don't shy from the limelight. And I don't like to be bored. But, sometimes, it's enough already. I want to be alone.
I'm glad I learned to go to the still place in my heart when I feel the need for quietude. It may only take a second, but it often takes me a while in the worry or fear or anger or hurt before I remember I have the power of peace available to me, anytime. All I ever have to do is close my eyes, take a few deep breaths and, soon, I'm calm. Yeehaw! It's so nice, I wonder why I like to spend any time at all being agitated.
Perhaps it's an old habit I'm finding the courage to change. (more on that next time!)
Yours,
D
P.S. Yeah, it's that simple.
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