Making Peace

I have been finding myself in a sort of fighting mood these days; not exactly sure where it has been coming from, but that's not really important anyway. What I do know is that I'm sick and tired of it, and it doesn't line up with the kind of person I want to be in this life. I have never been one to stay angry for too long, hold grudges, or be vindictive, and I am not about to start now. What would be the good in that? If I gave in to the "dark side" and acted on my frustration and anger, I would only end up hurting myself and the people I care most about, and I care too much to do that. I believe in karma and the Golden Rule, so I will continue to live accordingly. I have put my fists down toward the ground, released the stones from my grip, and let them fall... there will be no stony pitches thrown here. I take solace in knowing that for every stone I put down, there is one less stone aimed at me, and that is motivation enough.

I am choosing to forgive. I am choosing to let go. I am choosing to take a deep breath... and another. I am choosing to trust. I am choosing to play nice. I am choosing to make peace. I am choosing to be happy and bring happiness to others no matter what the circumstances may be.

Song of the Day: "Instead"

I recently downloaded Madeleine Peyroux's new album, "Bare Bones," and listened to this song from the album for the first time while I was at work today. I love the message that it conveys about choosing a perspective on life that propels us forward rather than holds us back. I can really relate to it and thought it fit perfectly with yesterday's post as well. Here are the lyrics:


Instead of feelin' bad, be glad you've got somewhere to go
Instead of feelin' sad, be happy you're not all alone
Instead of feelin' low, get high on everything that you love
Instead of wastin' time, feel good 'bout what you're dreamin' of

Instead of tryin' to win something you never understood
Just play the game you know eventually you'll love her good
It's silly to pretend that you have something you don't own
Just let her be your woman and you'll be her man

Instead of feelin' broke, buck up and get yourself in the black
Instead of losin' hope, touch up the things that feel out of whack
Instead of bein' old, be young because you know you are
Instead of feelin' cold, let sunshine into your heart

Instead of acting crazy chasin' things that make you mad
Keep your heart ahead it'll lead you back to what you have
With every step you're closer to the place you need to be
It's up to you to let her love you sweetly

Instead of feelin' bad be glad you've got someone to love
Instead of feelin' sad, be happy there's a god above
Instead of feelin' low, remember you're never on your own
Instead of feelin' sad, be happy that she's there at home
She's waitin' for you by the phone
So be glad that she is all your own!

Get happy... she's waitin' for you by the telephone
So get back home!

Don't cry for me... Smile for me!

Every time I start to feel sorry for myself, I think of all the good I have in my life, and I just laugh at how silly I am for feeling this way... and when I start believing that it is useless to continue feeling this way and that my life is actually exactly how it is meant to be, amazing things start to happen!

Recycled Thought: Don't Judge a Book By Its Cover

After seeing this video of Susan Boyle performing on Britain's Got Talent earlier today, I thought I would post an old blog entry of mine that I think relates to the message I got from it. This woman was impressive. I have sung this song in the past, and let me tell you, it is no easy feat. She made it look effortless. I love witnessing people defy expectations, especially when those expectations are against them. Imagine all that untapped talent out in the world, limited every day by our small-mindedness, superficiality, and impatience! Let's keep our eyes, ears, minds, and hearts open.


Vintage KTOTD (Original post date: December 30, 2002)

Do not let first impressions serve as the primary basis upon which you judge another person; they are often misleading or inaccurate. The one person who is extremely silent throughout the first encounter could very possibly be the most complex, intelligent, and enaging individual you will ever meet, just as the one who is loud, obnoxious, and rude could be someone in denial of his or her own faults, for example, lacking the ability to interact properly with others. Time, interaction, and one's words and actions beyond the first meeting are better judges of character.

Recognition

It feels good to have your efforts noticed every once in a while, especially when you've worked so hard at something. I'm learning not to need it as much as I used to, but a little positive reinforcement now and then never hurt anybody.

Resurrection is 'Finding a New Way'

I have a strange intuition that something amazing is going to happen soon. I am not sure what change is about to occur, but I am excited by the mere thought of its coming. This must be what they call 'hope.'

Memory Loss

Earlier today, I was trying to recall my college days and was surprised to find that I could remember very little of that time in my life. Four fleeting years of my life, four years that helped to shape who I am today, that took me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to experience a new sense of freedom and self-exploration, four years of never-ending learning inside the classroom and out in the world... that was almost four years ago. I am still young, and yet my memory fails me. In some ways, I am relieved; no sense in reliving the past. In some ways, I am frightened... how rapidly does time pass and memories fade! Twenty-five years on this earth, and I can barely recollect the happenings of last week. All the more reason to savor the present moment... Be here... Be now.

Recycled Thought

Vintage KTOTD (Original post date: November 27, 2002)

What you think makes you forget it all actually reminds you ten times harder.


The further you pull one end of a rubber band from the other end, the harder and quicker it will return; the further we run away from and avoid that which we try to forget, the longer it will stay ingrained in our being and cause us pain. So cut the rubber band and release the tension; stop running, accept, and let go.

P.S. This is just a reminder.

All We Have is Now

You never know when your time will come. Let go of trivial concerns, count your blessings, and make the best of what you have in this moment.

Recycled Thought: Discovery

Vintage KTOTD (Original post date: November 13, 2002)

We have so much light in this world, both natural and artificial. So tell me: with all this light, why do we still have so much trouble seeing? We must be losing our eyesight... or perhaps we have always been blind and never knew it.


My eyes are opened much wider these days, and I have begun to notice things that have always been around but had always escaped my conscious gaze. I am starting to wake up, I am beginning to see. I like to think that our "eyesight" returns to us at the moment we are meant to see; we see when we are ready to see. What I have discovered in this moment would have done me no good in the past... Timing is everything. I am ready.

Recycled Thought

Since I seem to have lost the will to keep this blog updated on a regular basis, I thought I would start recycling posts from the original version of this blog that I started a few years back. I promise I will return with my regular daily (current) thoughts once I get my wits about me again, but until then, enjoy some oldies-but-goodies. It's actually pretty amusing to see how thoughts I have had in the past relate to my current experiences, how they take on new relevance and meaning. Recycling is good!


Vintage KTOTD (Original post date: December 31, 2002)

The man who is honest with others and himself, who comes to terms with his own faults and admits his mistakes and, in turn, is willing to do whatever it takes to make amends, who is willing to share with others his true self despite the fear of rejection and disapproval, and who makes the extra effort even when success seems out of reach... that man will go far in life, no matter how many obstacles stand in his way.