Freeday – 071924

Until we have seen someone’s darkness, we don’t really know who they are.
Until we have forgiven someone’s darkness, we don’t really know what love is.


-Marianne Williamson

There is an extreme concept that I enjoy considering and attempting to practice – radical forgiveness. It confirms my thought from earlier this cycle about whether we should work on forgiving anyone and everyone. Yes, we should. It is not easy, but it is worth it. :) <3 Radical forgiveness can pave the way to ruthless self-love. We can be courageous in our own actions and beliefs as we build a better bridge in our lane, higher than ever before.

Forgiveness is not a feeling; it is a commitment. It is a choice to show mercy, not to hold the offense up against the offender.
Forgiveness is an expression of love.


-Gary Chapman

An interesting concept of forgiveness is how much more easily we can forgive enemies in comparison to friends. Then, loved ones can be the most difficult folks for us to forgive, even radically. It has to do with the levels of expectations that are involved. We expect enemies to betray us and need forgiveness, but we do not expect such behavior from friends or loved ones. The bite of those betrayals stings harder; it lasts longer. Do we want the boomerang to keep hitting us in the head harder and longer, though? I know that I do not want that repetitive pain, so I am working on radical forgiveness for all.

Forgiveness is a strange thing.
It can sometimes be easier to forgive our enemies than our friends.
It can be hardest of all to forgive people we love.


-Fred Rogers

At the end of the day, if we reflect truly, then we know how much forgiveness has been important for each of us at points in our lives. None of us are perfect, so we have relied upon others forgiving us for mishaps at some point. The same should be true for others, too, then, right? Right. We can forgive; we can try again. We can love; we can be loved.

Sometimes things make more sense the second time around. People change, you change, and the universe changes. If we keep ourselves confined to first chances only, we will truly miss out on some of the most beautiful things in life.


-Rania Naim

I do not want to miss out on beautiful things in life.

Forgiveness can help us move on from strife.

Is it wise? Is it dumb? Time will tell.

Wondersday – 071724

Have you ever wondered… about kintsugi? I have. It is a Japanese art form known as golden joinery or golden repair. Rather than throwing out a bowl, cup, or plate as soon as it breaks, they turn it into an art project. I think that is so lovely. They spend the time and invest the effort and energy into restoring it whole. The end result is a unique ceramic that still serves its intended purpose. It is truly one-of-a-kind now as it has golden seals holding it altogether again.

When we break, we should turn ourselves into an art project, too. Art exists as a therapy practice or style after all, and I believe that we should work on restoring ourselves whole. It takes plenty of time, effort, and energy, but what else out there deserves it more than us? We can have countless cracks and breaks; I know I do, both literal and metaphorical. The amount of scars that I have accumulated across my body are hopefully more than most. I say that because I hope others have not struggled as much as me. If you have, though, I am sorry, but we have more opportunities to practice kintsugi! What an exciting shift in perspective there! We can be even better at putting ourselves back together.

No man steps into the same river twice; for it is not the same river, and he is not the same man.


-Heraclitus

We will never look the same as we once did, and I do not think we should anyway. Life is about learning and growing, developing and changing. We forgive and forge ahead; we find our cracks, and we fix them. We shine light upon our issues and line them in gold. 

There is a crack in everything.
That’s how the light gets in.


-Leonard Cohen

We can also ask for help with it through medicine, meditation, relaxation, or therapy. Kintsugi does not have to be practiced alone. Plenty of people are ready and willing to help others live their best life possible. Some people even try to help when the cracked or broken are not yet ready to heal or mend themselves. That can be a tough lesson, too. Yet it can all start anew right here and right now with forgiveness. Bid the past adieu. Identify your breaks and cracks. Begin to pour gold into them; behold a new, true you.

No one changes unless they want to. Not if you beg them. Not if you shame them. Not if you use reason, emotion, or tough love.
There’s only one thing that makes someone change: their own realization that they need to do it.
And there’s only one time it will happen: when they decide they’re ready.


-Lori Deschene

Are you happy with your life in fragmented pieces?

Are you ready to mold and meld it back together?

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.

Mournday – 071524

Everyone in this world is somehow connected. So why not just be nice to everybody?


-Richard Simmons

Today, I mourn for the loss of Richard Simmons. While I have yet to find any sources or quotes of him advocating for forgiveness specifically, especially for self-forgiveness, I think he epitomized the idea, at least indirectly. A recent fact I learned about his advocacy that I love is that he pushed for noncompetitive physical education in schools. Without that added layer in conflict from competition, consider how many fewer situations arise for forgiveness to even be necessary due to bragging or boasting over victories (or worse, degrading or shaming over defeats). Sure, there are still bullies out there in many places, but that is why we need more people like Richard to offset and balance those disgraces.

I do not want any child in America to have my childhood because it was taken away from me because I just wasn’t good enough; well, I am good enough now.


-Richard Simmons

I absolutely love this idea of paying it forward. I have often been frustrated by stagnant people who think that this is the way the world is or how it has always worked. They dealt with this, so others should, too, right? Wrong (in my opinion). Let us change and do better instead please. Forgive your past to fortify your future. Plant metaphorical trees of improvement for the next generations so they do not have to repeat the same struggles that we endured and navigated. There is nothing wrong with letting the people who come after us enjoy an easier life because of us. Else, will we ask them to forgive us?

No one is perfect… absolutely no one. Like precious stones, we have a few flaws, but why focus on that?
Focus on what you like about yourself, and that will bring you happiness and peace.


-Richard Simmons

Richard used his voice confidently to remind us to love ourselves. I was previously unfamiliar with his personal backstory. Evidently, he was overweight throughout his childhood and adolescence. He lost over a hundred pounds and kept it off for decades. Between aerobics, mindset, and nutrition, he focused on easy, effective, and essential tangibles that feel realistic for any of us. No magic pill or budget-breaking expense needed; only a willingness to do the work. How forgiving and inclusive is that?

Take a moment every day to find peace. Pull over to the side of the road, turn off the radio, and find peace.


-Richard Simmons

Peace is easier with forgiveness. It is hard to have peace when holding onto unforgiven parts of life. I know how poorly I have eaten in the past. Who knows how many nights I opened a big bag of Sun Chips and finished it off fully in only one sitting. When I open the large pack of Sour Patch Kids, I can eat until my teeth are sensitive for days after. Mindless eating can be a quick and simple trap. Mindful eating can take a lot of work, yet I know which option I prefer these days; I know which one makes me feel better, too.

If you watch your portions and you have a good attitude and you work out every day, you’ll live longer, feel better, and look terrific.


-Richard Simmons

I am proud of my ability to be more mindful when I eat nowadays. I enjoy the experience to a greater extent as I engage my senses more, and I do not deal with those negative consequences for days. My health and happiness are bonus benefits, too. By forgiving my past, poor habits, I can choose to turn over a new leaf and add more leafy greens into my daily routines. On occasion, I will still indulge, but rarely now to the point that my tummy will bulge. I truly hope you, too, will work it out; life can be better, of that I have no doubt.

I consider myself a court jester – motivator.

When the king gets depressed, he doesn’t call for his wife or the cook. He turns to the little man with the pointed hat and says to the court jester ‘make me laugh.’ And I am that court jester.


-Richard Simmons

From a sugjester to a court jester, rest well, friend.

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.

Smarturday – 071324

magnanimous (adjective) – generous in forgiving an insult or injury; free from petty resentfulness or vindictiveness

For me, forgiveness and compassion are always linked: How do we hold people accountable for wrongdoing and yet at the same time remain in touch with their humanity enough to believe in their capacity to be transformed?


-bell hooks

I am delightfully captivated by the Latin origin of this word. Magnanimus in Latin means “great-souled.” What an incredible ideal to strive for, right? By fine-tuning forgiveness, we can begin to make our souls great again. I will wash my mouth or fingers out with soap later for typing such a sickening reference, but it amuses me. After all, I would rather laugh at the absurdity than cry, so here we are. Talk about a tough figure to forgive. Are some acts beyond forgiveness? I am curious to ponder upon that concept more. I do not think so. I think some people do not deserve second chances (or terms), but I do believe that forgiveness should be all-encompassing and universal. Otherwise, like I have repeated in each post this cycle so far, who gets hurt if we fail to forgive? We hurt.

It’s one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself, to forgive.
Forgive everybody.


-Maya Angelou

Do we want to stay hurt? I know I do not. I am trying to be the best me that I can be. In order to work towards that goal, I need to heal, and forgiveness is a key to healing fully.

To err is human, to forgive is divine.


-Alexander Pope

How great is your soul? Do you have any idea? When is the last time that you tried to get in touch and connect with it? I will sugjest again – who is at least one person or thing that you can work on forgiving today? Magnanimity will not be fully developed in only one day. However, at any point in time, we can begin to put in the work and pivot that way. Healing is a choice that we can each make. What is stopping you from starting now?

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.

Thanksday – 071124

I am very thankful for Mayo Clinic. If given the choice between researching a topic via Mayo or WebMD, I hope we will always trust the more credible resource. That is Mayo, in case it needs to be said for anyone. After all, you should “be careful about reading health books. You may die of a misprint.” (-Mark Twain) If you do not improve your skills of forgiveness, you may also die sooner. Do not take my word for it. Please read this Mayo article on the life-changing importance of forgiveness and why you should practice it.

Mayo Clinic is a world-renowned medical institute, and they have been the #1 overall medical center in America for close to a decade now. They have an established presence across the country, and they are a nonprofit organization that employs tens of thousands of people. Their research and education lead the medical and science world in many areas. They even integrate the arts into their care; they focus on holistic healing for all.

Forgiving isn’t something you do for someone else. It’s something you do for yourself.
It’s saying, ‘You’re not important enough to have a stranglehold on me.’
It’s saying, ‘You don’t get to trap me in the past. I am worthy of a future.’


-Jodi Picoult

When practiced effectively and routinely, forgiveness can lead you down the paths of physical, emotional, and spiritual healing and well-being. Holding onto a grudge can negatively impact your health, it can negatively affect your ongoing relationships, and it can cloud your current moment, stealing present possibilities. You are not winning in this situation; you choose to continue losing by holding on. We should hold onto as little as possible here, especially when it relates to negative emotions and feelings. Learn from it, then move on. Forgiveness frees you from the past. You can stop circling your thoughts around the same concern, you can start exploring new opportunities, and you can live, laugh, and love again. It is not easy, but it is worth it. How many times have I said that phrase by now? Y’all, I do not sugjest easy solutions, but I think I do tackle tough truths.

Cry. Forgive. Learn. Move on. Let your tears water the seeds of your future happiness.


-Steve Maraboli

I like how much the article from Mayo Clinic also stresses the fact that you do not have to return to the way things were whenever you do forgive someone or something. In fact, you can and probably should instead strive to live a better life according to your values. Forgiveness gives you the chance to break free and begin again. Remember what the tough topic taught you as you progress; I do not sugjest stagnation nor any steps to regress. You control your lane. If you do not forgive, how much baggage are you dragging along behind you in your lane? How much does that garbage slow you down? I hope that visual helps if nothing else so far has. Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.

Soulday – 070724

The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.


-Mahatma Gandhi

Forgiveness is a strong pillar with which to build your bridge upon; it can provide solid support. When established and strengthened, it can open up your potential to accept more and live freely. You do not have to become great at it overnight. In fact, it probably will not last if you force it quickly. Work at it slowly; cultivate forgiveness earnestly.

Take forgiveness slowly. Don’t blame yourself for being slow. Peace will come.


-Yoko Ono

While I was restoring some furniture this morning, watching the warm glow gradually return to the wood, I realized that this action is what we do within our own selves when we begin to practice forgiveness. We begin to wipe off the tarnish that has built up on us and the corrosiveness that has been eating away at us. Our warm glows are still awaiting us underneath all the cobwebs and dust that have gathered over much time. If we start forgiving ourselves and all others, then we can begin to glow again. It is not easy, but I believe it is worth it. After all, why should we ever withhold our glow from ourselves?

Forgiveness has to be complete. If you hate somebody, it’s like a boomerang that misses its target and comes back and hits you in the head. The one who hates is the one who hurts.


-Louis Zamperini

I think we should stop hitting ourselves in our own heads. We are starting a new week, and I am writing a new cycle. I cast off the past, and I stand here and now. In this present, I give myself a present to work on me. My skills at forgiveness are subpar currently, yet I am excited and motivated to advance this trait in me. I know it will help me be a better version of me – constructively, dependably, lovingly, nourishingly, and unrelentingly.

Mistakes are always forgivable, if one has the courage to admit them.


-Bruce Lee

I have seen how forgiveness helps in small amounts already. As I learn more about its importance and begin to practice it, I know one thing with certainty. Forgiveness is a virtue, and I strive to live virtuously. How do you choose to live? Will you let the past maintain its grasp, or can you forgive someone or something right here and right now?

To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that prisoner was you.


-Lewis B. Smedes

Can you also begin to live a more virtuous life? I hope we can all fill our days with joy and love, with compassion and freedom. I want us all to grow and glow. A key towards that goal is a collective improvement in our forgiveness, both for ourselves and for all others.

We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive.
He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love.
There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us.
When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies.


-Martin Luther King, Jr.

It takes courage to boldly practice forgiveness. I am working on it. How about y’all?

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.

Freeday – 070524

Earlier this week, one of the teachers in my life randomly told me about the root form of courage. Cuer in Old French or Cor in Latin both refer to the heart. An obsolete definition of courage even describes the heart as the source of emotion. To be courageous, we must have heart and feel our true emotions. When we open our heart to the world more, we become capable of practicing compassion, empathy, forgiveness, and loving-kindness.

That’s love, you see. It is redemptive… There is something about love that builds up and is creative.
There is something about hate that tears down and is destructive.
So love your enemies.


-Martin Luther King, Jr.

MLK, Jr. forgave his enemies, people who literally brandished weapons and attempted to take his life. Edith felt pity for the nazi guards in the concentration camps; she knew they had been brainwashed. She knew their childhoods had also been stolen. These people had so many reasons to be angry, yet they chose to still live life on their fair terms. How impressive and powerful! I am in absolute awe of their courageous commitments to love.

Man must evolve for all human conflict a method which rejects revenge, aggression, and retaliation. The foundation of such a method is love.


-Martin Luther King, Jr.

As I read that quote and reflected on their lives, it struck me that they both evolved well beyond standard or typical expectations of humans. They set the bar very high for us all. Edith and Martin both chose to courageously adopt unconventional mindsets to push the boundaries of equitable expectations for humanity, listening to finely-tuned consciences.

There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but he must take it because conscience tells him it is right.


-Martin Luther King, Jr.

For this next cycle, I choose to courageously explore one of the weakest areas of my life. I had not planned on going here so soon, but I am gradually improving my flexibility and open-mindedness. Listening to and learning from the cues around me has proven to be eye-opening. I hope you will forgive me if this next cycle is rougher. I can now envision a road work sign up ahead in my lane. Buckle up as we might experience some rough air.

Make up your minds that happiness depends on being free, and freedom depends on being courageous.


-Pericles

Forgiveness is just another name for freedom.


-Byron Katie

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell. Courageously forgive, y’all :) <3

Wondersday – 070324

Have you ever wondered… about mind over matter? I have. Zen do. Life go(al IMO). Yea.

 

Seriously, though, being able to better handle pain by processing it less (or not at all as some people courageously claim)? If we do not notice it, then it cannot affect our current state of being since we are being somewhere else. We choose to actively, courageously occupy our brains with other input. It makes me think of Edith Eger and what I have heard of her childhood. It feels wrong to even call it a childhood because I believe that no child should have to experience and endure what she suffered and survived. She was part of a Jewish family in Eastern Europe leading up to the Holocaust. As her family was being uprooted and hauled away by nazis, she learned a priceless life lesson from her mother:

No one can take from you what you’ve put in your mind.


-Ilona Elefánt

I am in wondrous awe of anyone who can control themself better to the point that they can ignore their physically-present corporeal periphery. Pour your senses (your present power or power over your presence) into a point on your perimeter. Give it a name. When did it get there? What point is that point proving? Perhaps it points to or from something? Perhaps it possibly smells up close. Name the smell. Taste the smell. How does its perfume percolate? Present a play-by-play to yourself to the point that your brain possesses a presence pertaining to a possibly-permanent point beyond your body.

We are products of our past, but we don’t have to be prisoners of it.


-Rick Warren

My heart breaks when I imagine about and empathize for Edith’s past life experience. I believe we should never steal childhoods. I respect any courageous child who can steel themself amidst such chaos. However, why should children ever even be put in a horrific nightmare to begin with? We need to courageously defend the powerless and weak. We need to set the right, positive example. Like Edith’s mother, we need to empower children to the point that they no longer remain powerless. When you see kids helping other kids while adults squabble back and forth like toddlers, who is really being grown up there?

A happy life consists not in the absence, but in the mastery of hardships.


-Helen Keller

Life happens. Each and every day. How do we each respond to it? We will get knocked down. Will we get up again? Will nothing keep us down? Can we be the correct clown?

You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.


-Maya Angelou

I courageously seek out those moments in my life like the brief brilliance that Edith shared with her mother, Ilona. What lessons can I learn that will linger with me for a lifetime? How many nuggets of wisdom can I acquire and share? I do not wish to hoard what I hold near and dear to me. I yearn courageously to help others as best as I can. Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell. Courageously wonder, y’all :) <3

Mournday – 070124

Today, I choose to mourn for the untimely and early death of Michael King, Jr. When I think of courage, he is on the list. Even his father practiced courage after a trip abroad. After feeling inspired by a religious revival in Germany, he courageously chose to change his own name as well as that of his five-year-old son upon returning to America. They each became known as Martin Luther King from that day forward to honor Martin Luther, another courageous figure who stood up to the church and prompted Protestantism.

We must build dikes of courage to hold back the flood of fear.


-Martin Luther King, Jr.

Did you know that Martin Luther King, Jr. was once stabbed, nearly a decade prior to his assassination? He was at a book signing when someone tried to stab him in the heart. Fortunately, they missed, allowing us all to learn and grow from him for more years. What if he had thrown in the towel then? What if he gave into fear when anonymous letters poured in with threats, disparaging comments, or blackmail? Can you imagine a world without “I Have a Dream” in it? I shudder at the thought; I dare not dream of it.

We shall match your capacity to inflict suffering by our capacity to endure suffering. We will meet your physical force with soul force. Do to us what you will. And we shall continue to love you.


-Martin Luther King, Jr.

What impresses me most, though, is his ability to still turn the other cheek. I think that epitomizes courage – to boldly and blatantly forgive an aggressive assailant. I think he had so many reasons to be incredibly angry and vengeful. However, he preached and practiced nonviolence. In my opinion, it is a tough ideal to follow. It can be so easy, in my past experience at least, to be quick to temper and then rage in some cases. As they say, though, practice makes permanent, so I will courageously exert my will pacifistically, too.

There comes a time when people get tired of being pushed out of the glittering sunlight of life’s July and left standing amid the piercing chill of an alpine November.


-Martin Luther King, Jr.

Rosa grew tired of being told to stand for a white man. I am thankful she was able to work with MLK, Jr. to enable the bus boycott in Montgomery, Alabama. I believe we should all share July’s sunlight as well as November’s chill in equitable amounts.

You can kill the dreamer, but you can’t kill the dream.


-Martin Luther King, Jr.

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell. Dream courageously, y’all :) <3

Smarturday – 062924

diffident vs. effulgent

diffident – adjective – lacking confidence in one’s own ability, worth, or fitness; timid; shy. Also, restrained or reserved in manner, conduct, etc.

effulgent – adjective – shining forth brilliantly; radiant

When I think about these two words, my mind jumps to indifferent and effusive:

indifferent – adjective – without interest or concern; not caring; apathetic

effusive – adjective – pouring out; overflowing; lacking reserve

One pair represents courage and another comfort or complacency. To me, they seem to be contradictory. Which pair sets you free? Which establishes harmony? Can you see?

My mind also jumps to the Cowardly Lion from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Throughout most of that story, the lion appears quite diffident. However, as a dynamic character who grows and improves, that characteristic does not stay static. Examples of his impromptu bravery abound. In addition, thanks to a mysterious liquid that the wizard gives him, the Cowardly Lion’s courageous effulgence appears by quelling his fears. What I like here is that the lion still adheres to his softer, wholesome veneer; his tough softness perseveres.

Imagine if the Cowardly Lion was too scared to adventure alongside Dorothy. What if he chose to do nothing at all? In my opinion, it does not feel valuable or worthwhile. Here is a sugjestion: reflect on at least a small step or two that you can choose to improve your diffidence. Even if you step slowly, you can feel and see your effulgence glow and grow.

To bring about change, you must not be afraid to take the first step. We will fail when we fail to try.


-Rosa Parks

Courage is only an accumulation of small steps.


-György Konrád

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell. Step onward courageously, y’all :) <3

Thanksday – 062724

How many years ago did we assign seats for adults in America? Fewer than a hundred. Even now in some places across the world, we essentially still observe this practice. In my opinion, I think it is absurd and outdated; I think it never deserved a place in society.

Why should skin complexion enter the equation? It is a characteristic or detail in which we as individuals have no control over. I sugjest you please think about that fact some and recognize the absurdity for what it is. I encourage us to consider valuing one another based on what we each can control, like our choices and our treatment of others. I also encourage you to value yourself based on these same things. I sugjest you reflect on your own choices and treatment of yourself in case that needs to be clearly said for anyone.

He [or she] who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.


-Muhammad Ali

I only briefly alluded to it in the last post towards the end, but I think we should focus on respecting the guardrails through any and all of our efforts as much as possible. We should practice courage from within the context of our own lane, and I think Rosa Parks embodied this sentiment perfectly. This Thanksday, I choose to express my extreme thankfulness for the “mother of the civil rights movement.” Not even 75 years ago, on December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks chose to practice so much courage. When the public bus driver saw white people standing on the bus while black people were still seated, the bus driver asked (or ordered?) the seated black folks to relinquish their better spots to the white folks. Rosa refused to give up her spot to a white man that day on that public bus.

Besides, whatever happened to ladies first, huh? :)

Without a struggle, there can be no progress.


-Frederick Douglass

Now, she was not the first person in the age of segregation to take such a courageous stand (or seat) in the face of injustice, but she was the one who kicked off a movement that would change America forever. Within four days of her being arrested and fined for her act of courage, a boycott of the buses began. This boycott was no short-term event. Instead of fizzling out in a strong rage over a short period of time, this organized, efficient, and effective effort persisted for 381 days. Over that year plus, additional communities beyond Montgomery, Alabama chose to get involved, too. Instead of irrational violence justifying insurance payments to offset damages, not truly driving a lasting lesson home, this powerful play proved economically impactful in a proper way. Their non-violent protest produced the permanent desegregation of city buses in Montgomery, Alabama.

Courage can be contagious, and hope can take on a life of its own.


-Michelle Obama

Rosa had plenty of reasons growing up to give into fear. Her grandfather would not sleep at night to keep a watch out for possible sneak attacks from Klan members since they lived and grew up in the Deep South. She got involved in various civil rights groups like the NAACP, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Rosa was closely connected with Martin Luther King, Jr. who helped to start the boycott of buses. By patiently and persistently working for the right things in the right ways, Rosa Parks chose to courageously live her life as an example of how we can all thrive peacefully.

Courage is contagious. When a brave man [or woman] takes a stand, the spines of others are often stiffened.


-Billy Graham

I think we can all learn a lot from Rosa Parks, and that is why I am thankful for her. It is so easy in this day and age to give into the fear that appears to pervade our peripheries. However, with conscious choices and bits of effort, we can practice courage in small parts and places; we can let it gradually build over time. We can continue to tend to our lane as best as we can while courageously defending it. If we see an opportunity to help another person with their lane, then we should offer courageous support. Maybe they will accept it, or maybe they will not. Their choice should not stop us from still courageously trying.

We must have courage – determination – to go on with the task of becoming free – not only for ourselves, but for the nation and the world.


-Rosa Parks

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell. Stay courageous, y’all :) <3

Soulday – 062324

All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.


-Walt Disney

I dream of world peace; I dream of no more needless suffering; I dream of freedom for all. Lofty? Definitely. Unattainable? I hope not. Time will tell, though. What do you dream of?

If you want to change the world, pick up your pen and write.


-Martin Luther

I am slowly figuring out more ways to volunteer within my community, too. I expand my footprint for social justice. I refuse to stay at home behind my walls doing nothing at alls.

You can choose courage, or you can choose comfort, but you cannot choose both.


-Brené Brown

I know how scary it can be, at least initially, to start moving beyond your comfort zone. That one Dune quote still echoes in my head, though – “fear is the mind-killer.” It feels quite true to me. By facing my fears, I become more courageous. I surprised myself even earlier today when throwing my one round of disc golf this weekend. A friend joined me for this morning’s round of eighteen, and he told me after hole thirteen that there was a spider on the side of my neck. I reached up to the right side and he instructed me towards the other side instead. After a casual brush along the left side of my neck, a decent-sized spider went falling to the forest floor. The spider scuttled away some as I crouched down to investigate it, mostly out of sheer curiosity. Even now, I am still trying to figure out how in the world I stayed so calm, cool, and collected in that moment. Why was I not flailing almost immediately after he informed me about my neighborly intruder? I suppose I am slowly figuring out that not all spiders are inherently bad or evil. Sure, it sounds simple now as I type it out, but I definitely lost that rational logic somewhere along the way for many, many years. I am proud of that brief courage that calmly presented itself today.

Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear – not absence of fear.


-Mark Twain

Spiders might still shock and surprise me on occasion, but, as I gain curiosity for them and learn more about them, those fearful moments start to shrink. I slowly begin to burn away at that web of fear that has encased me for far too long. It is exciting and liberating to feel the courage welling up inside of me. I had not tapped into it for quite some time, but I am thankful that it is there now, ready and willfully waiting for me when I need it.

Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy.


-Dale Carnegie

Please ask yourself – what is one small step that I can take this week to be courageous? How can I step beyond my comfort zone, even briefly, to try to help someone else a bit? Maybe you can start to ask yourself this question daily instead of weekly. Maybe then it can become hourly instead of daily. Courage can continue to grow and strengthen us all.

Courage is very important. Like a muscle, it is strengthened by use.


-Ruth Gordon

I expect there will also be days when you will simply need to be courageous for yourself. Perhaps you need to courageously defend some personal time to develop more love and care for yourself. That is very important, too. You can best help others when you operate at your best. However, there should be a healthy balance to that idea in general as well.

Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, ‘I will try again tomorrow.’


-Mary Anne Radmacher

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell. Be courageous, y’all :) <3

Freeday – 062124

Curiouser and curiouser!


-Alice

“She was so much surprised, that for the moment she quite forgot how to speak good English.” It is like having the wind knocked out of you; it is being caught off guard. You are unprepared; your mind is blown. Curiosity can be so powerful and life-changing, y’all.

One can’t believe impossible things.

I daresay you haven’t had much practice. When I was your age, I always did it for half-an-hour a day. Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.


-Alice and the White Queen

Even as I planned this post, I had not considered the following until now as I write here. Was Lewis Carroll inferring a form or style of meditation that the White Queen practiced? Consider me very, very curious; I know how my mind can grow creative when meditating.

While I am not consistent at meeting this goal before breakfast, I do try my best to adopt this mindset in general throughout each and every day. I enjoy maintaining curiosity as constantly as I can. It serves as a nice reminder for me to remain inquisitive of everything around me. Should I really take anything for granted? Is it indubitable? I do not think so.

It is unwise to be too sure of one’s own wisdom. It is healthy to be reminded that the strongest might weaken and the wisest might err.


-Mahatma Gandhi

In addition to Gandhi’s sagely advice, curiosity can allow us all to ask and learn more from others, too. We do not know it all; we will not know it all. I will let you know if that ever changes, but I doubt it much. Therefore, in the meantime, consider this curiously:

Every person that you meet knows something you don’t; learn from them.


-H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

I was very impressed last night when someone random at a restaurant started to talk with me some because he said we made eye contact and therefore had to talk a bit. It amused me and amazed me. I was curious by the exchange and appreciative of his level of outgoing boldness and downright friendliness. I suppose gregarious fits well. There were plenty of reasons why we did not have to say a word to one another, but curiosity won out. We both displayed courage and stepped outside of our familiar comfort zones.

At the end of the day, what are you so afraid of? As I think back on this week, there are a number of instances where I have said something to a stranger and received no response back whatsoever. Maybe they did not hear me, maybe they did not realize I was talking to them, or maybe they did not understand me or want to respond to me. Any and all of that is perfectly fine. I choose to be curious. I choose to talk with others, complimenting what I like and asking about whatever I am curious about in that moment. I choose to no longer live in a fear state, wondering what others may think. They will think whatever they think.

I think it should not impact my decisions; I will not let it. Courage can empower curiosity. Courage will be the theme of the next cycle in case you could not already infer as much.

If I make a fool of myself, who cares? I’m not frightened by anyone’s perception of me.


-Angelina Jolie

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell. Stay curious, y’all :) <3

Wondersday – 061924

Have you ever wondered… about the expression “great minds think alike”? I have. Why do you think that expression exists? I think it exists because great minds are aligned. They are often the most curious of minds, yet they share similarities. I think great minds sync up for a higher purpose and tap into the collective consciousness. I do not think that such a shared connection is possible without appropriate levels of conscientiousness.

Great minds discuss ideas;
average minds discuss events;
small minds discuss people.


-Eleanor Roosevelt

I think Eleanor was a very wise woman. By setting aside self or ego and stepping into selfless service, there is a common ground to stand upon. It reminds me of this quote:

You gotta dig a little on the ground you think you’re standing on so you can actually see that much of what you take for granted in society is actually layers upon layers of inequalities that have allowed for a baseline that’s fundamentally unequal.


-Kimberlé Crenshaw

We can set judgments aside; we can seek out and live by universal truths. I firmly believe in these possibilities for us. We can each stay in our own lane and tend to it as best as we can, all flourishing side-by-side. Respect the guardrails, stay curious, and thrive healthily. 

So plant your own gardens and decorate your own soul, instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers.


-Jorge Luis Borges

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell. Stay curious, y’all :) <3

Mournday – 061724

I mourn for doomers. The term caught me by surprise last week when I heard it in a TED talk. When I realized what the speaker had said, though, after backtracking once, I was in awe. Imagine existing in such a perpetual fear state that you basically stop living your life. You constantly worry and fear for all of the possible doom and gloom. It is such a depressing and upsetting way to move through life. I would even argue you are not moving through life at that point; you are simply allowing life to move all around you while you continue to recoil deeper and deeper into this sad state of fear. Coincidentally, you can soon guess what I excitedly experienced for the first time ever this past weekend:

I must not fear.
Fear is the mind-killer.
Fear is the little death that brings obliteration.
I will face my fear and I will permit it to pass over me and through me.
And when it has gone past… I will turn the inner eye to see its path.
Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain.


-Lady Jessica Atreides

Does your curiosity remain? Why not question more possibilities? Can you consider additional options? Maybe doom will happen, or maybe we will all bloom instead. It boils down to our choices and how curiously we choose to move forward. Should we assume it is all in vain or for naught? No! The third guardrail states no negative assumptions.

Face your fear, slowly but surely. You do not need to tackle it all at once. Instead, you can gradually start to swing that pendulum towards a more balanced, even-keeled position.

Here is one more story for now from my past weekend. As I left the garage one morning, I noticed cobwebs amidst some of the items stored out there. As I began clearing them some, I noticed a spider. This spider was a bit bigger with a bulb-like back. Y’all, please understand that spiders are one of my top fears. I do not know where along the way I gained that phobia, but I have been working on facing that fear this year. Rather than quickly overreacting and killing this small, mostly-defenseless creature, I pulled out my phone and researched it. I am now fairly certain that there is a cool-looking cobweb spider living out in the garage. Do you know what this spider hunts? Recluse spiders. This spider may actually help protect me from one of the few spiders that I should be more careful around. How cool is that? By being curious, I learned more and allowed this arachnid to cohabit the garage space with me. I think it is so cool. I am excited to continue exploring opportunities like this; I am eager to flex more curiosity when and where I can.

In doing so in that moment in the garage, do you know what I suddenly remembered? Charlotte’s Web. Not all spiders are portrayed as the evil villain. It is their common role, sure, but Charlotte is a definite exception. I felt such peace in that moment as I felt the fear dissipate, at least some. I do not think I am fully rid of that fear yet, but it is such a nice reminder for me to consider each thing individually. While I doubt this cobweb spider will be weaving messages in webs, I am thankful for our peaceful coexistence. I am grateful for what that pause and moment of curiosity has now allowed in my life.

Feed your mind with curiosity; do not starve it with fear.

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell. Stay curious, y’all :) <3

Smarturday – 061524

Inquisitive vs. Indubitable

Inquisitive (adjective) – given to inquiry, research, or asking questions; eager for knowledge; intellectually curious

Indubitable (adjective) – that cannot be doubted; patently evident or certain; unquestionable

I think very few things should be considered indubitable; I choose to remain inquisitive about almost anything and everything. Sure, the sun will rise, and it will fall. Time will forever tick on. Those things can easily be considered indubitable. However, in my past, my tendency to be too trusting of others has burned me too many times, so I need to be more inquisitive instead. It is good to be childlike, but that does not mean you should be naive. If you are reading this right now, then you were not born yesterday, so do not act like it. Be playful, but do so wisely. That is what I sugjest at least. Please be inquisitive with my sugjestions; they are not indubitable. I reserve the right to revise intermittently.

To circle back to one point, I want to say that it is worthwhile to trust others in the right amounts. Be inquisitive from the start, though. As someone who enjoys playing poker on occasion, the following quote jumped to mind as I started to write this interjection out:

If you’re playing a poker game and you look around the table and can’t tell who the sucker is, it’s you.


-Paul Newman

This quote is rather harsh, but I think it is important. I wish everyone would operate from a default of being friends with one another, but that is not the way our world works right now. People talk about a “dog eat dog” world or a cutthroat society. I will do my best to give everyone the benefit of the doubt, but that does not mean I am also going to show you all the cards that I am holding right out of the gate. Trust is earned with effort in due time. An inquisitive nature can help develop discernment; asking questions and digging deeper can get to bottom of things. If you trust things at “face value”, then what even is it that you are trusting – a possible facade or farce? Maybe. I like to get to the root of things.

My mind enjoys exploring many rabbit holes of possibilities. I like questioning seemingly-indubitable facts or alternate facts because it keeps me on my toes; it maintains curiosity. It is indubitable that we each have our own life to live; be inquisitive with what you let in.

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell. Stay curious, y’all :) <3

Thanksday – 061324

Today, I am very thankful for curiosity and someone who spends much of their life being extremely curious about… curiosity! Todd Kashdan, thank you for passionately and professionally researching curiosity. I found it very amusing that, during the week prior to this cycle starting, as I began to plan this next theme out, I heard the following in passing from a mental health expert in my life – “Curiosity is a sign of a healthy brain. Being inquisitive and curious is beneficial to your well-being.” Thank you for providing me with such an exciting light bulb moment. I was eager and thrilled to jot those words down as I realized what perfect fuel they were for my own curiosity about… curiosity! The layer of fun further unfolds here by the fact that Todd is a director of the Well-Being Laboratory.

Are you becoming curious at all yet? :) I certainly hope so.

Dr. Kashdan has determined that cultivating curiosity is fundamental for living a “happy, fulfilling life.” Curiosity can help you see the world through a brighter lens. It can help you enjoy more moments by reestablishing your “childlike sense of awe and wonder” with anything and everything that surrounds you. Todd believes that curious people perform better at tasks because they are more open to learning and being present.

He has authored a number of articles and books that you can explore if you are… curious to learn more. I cannot recommend anything in particular because I have only recently heard of him and his work. Yet, I can still be thankful for him already because he has helped me feel even more at home and in love with my insatiable and feisty curiosity.

I will close this post with the quote that stood out to me most in the article that I was reading when I curiously stumbled upon him and his work: “According to Kashdan, a good recipe for purpose is combining external curiosity – that is, curiosity about the world around you – with internal curiosity: curiosity about yourself. ‘Use external curiosity to ask yourself, “what does the world need?” Find the gap,’ Kashdan suggests. ‘Then, direct your curiosity inward to figure out what are the particular strengths, experiences, life events, perspectives, and relationships that make you unlike anyone else who will ever walk the Earth again. When you combine those things together, you can begin to see what you uniquely can contribute to the world. And that will help you determine what your purpose should be.'” It sounds quite beautiful, perfect, and personalized to me.

Thank you, Dr. Todd Kashdan. I appreciate your curiosity about curiosity immensely. Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell. Stay curious, and be well, y’all <3

Soulday – 060924

I have no special talents.
I am only passionately curious.


-Albert Einstein

Mr. Einstein did not simply self-identify as a curious individual; no, he described himself as passionately curious. In another quote, he encourages us to possess a “holy curiosity” in order to help “make your life worth living.” I love these enhancements of curiosity; I like pushing the envelope here to be as descriptive as possible. Why simply be curious when you can be passionately curious instead? Proceed through life with a holy curiosity that cannot be quenched. Sadly, others will try to stifle it, perhaps out of jealousy or envy.

They should stay in their lane where they should focus their curiosity. I choose to channel my curiosity within my lane; I like questioning as much as I can. I think it is too boring to pretend that you already know everything. It is not true, and it can stunt potential growth. Curiosity should be balanced appropriately while it bridges divides with loving change.

The hallmark of an open mind is not letting your ideas become your identity. If you define yourself by your opinions, questioning them is a threat to your integrity. If you see yourself as a curious person or a lifelong learner, changing your mind is a moment of growth.


-Adam Grant

Curiosity helps curb any know-it-all natures out there. I struggle with that trait at times, and it is difficult for me to “take my medicine,” but I know I will feel better afterwards. By recognizing my fault and owning it in those moments, I can still learn and improve. I can circle back to that state of curiosity and remind myself that I do not have many answers.

Maybe what we all need to hear is that it is perfectly fine to mess up. We all make mistakes. Will you own them, though, or will you try to cover them up or shift blame? What are you so afraid of if your tendency falls into the latter part there? Why do you cling to some broken delusion that holds you back from potential personal progression?

Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less.


-Marie Curie

There is a lot that we do not know. Let us all start there so we share common ground. We share this one space together. Let us all play nicely in it side-by-side please. Let us not belittle one another for asking questions, even if you think it is silly or foolish. I hate the thought of anyone feeling like they should hold back any questions for fear of shame. Curiosity should be treasured; I hold mine near and dear to me, holily and passionately.

Stay curious, y’all :) <3

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.

Freeday – 060724

An 87-year-old world leader apologized within hours to days of his mistake going public. He did not dilly-dally or try to discount or disparage the details. Pope Francis owned his error and brought balance back to the scales, at least on a small scale. How many other “men” in “power” have recently acted similarly with such earnest, swift steadfastness?

First, I think about Brandon McManus. Do you think these women want to bring their guilt and shame to light? I am not aware of him speaking up at all yet (aside from his attorney), and I also was not aware at first that he is married. Wow. Talk about being an ideal role model for all the kids. Honestly, I hope at least some of the Jaguars’ players speak up and defend the ladies if the allegations are authentic and true. If only we had video evidence…

…which brings me to someone who upsets me so severely… Sean “POS” Combs. He blatantly and brazenly denied all wrongdoing. The footage from the hotel is absolutely terrible to watch; his abuse is atrocious and inexcusable. Even after this release of cold, hard, and indisputable evidence, it took him DAYS to make a half-hearted apology all about himself and what all he has supposedly done. He shared a lot of words. Where are the actions, though? What cold, hard, and indisputable facts can you share with us about what you are now doing with your life to balance back out all of that wrongdoing, Sean?

I think he has a sick and unhealthy focus on drugs, money, and sex. He thinks that these women only want a quick payday or that this is all “purely a money grab.” To an impure mind like his, of course that is what he chooses to focus on. Why do these women want to recount one of the worst experiences in their lives across pages of details? They seek justice, they call for an accounting, and they want to see Sean receive his just deserts.

Who names their child Christian but raises them like Satan? It is hysterically hypocritical.

Lastly, has he-who-should-not-be-named ever apologized for anything? Sure, on rare occasions. However, has he ever truly meant it and tried to balance things back out, or does he only blame? There is so much more I could say here, but he is worth less and less of my time, so I will move on. This is how I begin to balance my life and my effort.

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.

FWIW – nowadays, when I walk into a room or enter a new physical space, I try to figure out how I can make it at least a little bit better before I leave. For the clowns mentioned above today and many others out there who remain unnamed for now, I imagine they try to figure out how any room or space can make them a bit better before they leave it. Which approach feels better balanced? I will not sugjest anything here; you decide.

Look, y’all, I have no delusions here. When I look back at my life, I know what a POS I have been, too, at times. I am not proud of many moments. I feel gut-wrenching shame when I reflect on them. They provide me with opportunities, though; they serve as tough lessons for me to learn and grow. Do you know what else I know? While I may be a POS, I also know that I am a priceless work of art. Now, I choose to try and balance out my past wrongdoing with a future of rightdoing. All I have is here and now. Should I blame others or wallow? Absolutely not. I choose to do better and be better with each and every moment that I still have here. Maybe I will never balance the scales back out, but it will not stop me from trying. I am quite curious to see just how far I can shift things for my life in the opposite and better direction nowadays. That is why the next cycle will focus on curiosity. Look forward to another fun quote on Sunday to kick things off. For now, stay curious, y’all. Much love. Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.

without Balance, we are Bound.

Break your chains!
 
til then, I will start wearing chains most days.
Perhaps people will be curious and ask.
eye will explain their symbolism.
Perhaps they will follow suit.
time will tell.
Perhaps.

Wondersday – 060524

Have you ever wondered… about forest bathing? I have. Shinrin-yoku is the Japanese word or term for it; this art or practice originated in Japan. It is an idea that you can heal yourself by immersing your body, mind, and soul in the natural world. I do not imply that it will fix all ailments, but it can help to lift one’s spirits. You can disconnect from the grind and hustle of life in order to reconnect with your senses; you can do so solo or in a group.

Leave your walls of comfort to admire her leaves.

Stroll through her woods;

walk in her fields.

Just stop and smell her roses.

Unplug from the screens,

take a break from technology,

and let Mother Nature give us her remedy,

all-naturally, holistically.

I was recently sent a Reader’s Digest to reference something mentioned to me a few weeks back. As I flipped to the page detailed, the article before it caught my attention – “The Upside of Anxiety”. I will spend at least an entire cycle on anxiety at some point, but, for now, the following quote jumped off the page to rightfully disrupt my balance:

Spending time in natural light and green spaces can restore balance.

I am not sugjesting giving up on modern comforts, at least completely. I imagine like most of y’all, I love my smartphone and internet access with streaming services to name a few, but I also strive to balance out my usage of them all with disuse of them all. I am better at it some days than others, and it will never be perfect, but I will keep up a concerted effort. Balance in everything can be crucial and critical. To avoid being hypocritical, I remind myself often to slow down more and worry less. I can only do one thing at a time, so I should approach each moment from as balanced of a standpoint as possible…

some tech use, some natural use

a show here or there, a stroll here or there

fruits and veggies, cakes and donuts

balance

Maybe it is wise.

Maybe it is dumb.

Time will tell.

Stay wondrous, y’all! :) <3

There is a pleasure in the pathless woods
there is rapture in the lonely shore
there is society where none intrudes
by the deep sea and the music in its roar
I love not Man the less
but Nature more

-Lord Byron

Mournday – 060324

Today, as the world keeps spinning, I choose to mourn for it. This post is the first time I will talk about it, but I doubt it will be the last time. We, as humans, are destroying Earth. We are currently living in such an imbalanced way as it pertains to this planet. The fact that many, mostly on the conservative side, choose to blatantly and blindly ignore all of the warning signs astounds me. Honestly, can you shove your smooth brain any further down into the sand? How are you even still breathing? Maybe Mitch McConnell really does have turtle-like superpowers that enable him to breathe through his skin. I doubt it, but I am thankfully not existing within his frozen shell. I imagine Marjorie will blame space lasers or some similarly-foolish BS before Green(e)house gases. When will it finally click? Do we need to lose countless amounts of our current coastal land first, or do we need to start waiting out scorching heat waves indoors? Spoiler alert – that basically already happens when Canadian wildfires run awry based on how they affect our AQI.

I want to highlight Switzerland here, specifically the Swiss Elders for Climate Protection. I applaud the two thousand women there who stood up and fought for themselves (in the RIGHT, IDEAL, or BEST WAY). They saw and felt the difference in their lives, and they took positive action. They earned their fair share by defending their basic human rights.

I am in awe of them and view them as role models. We can learn a lot from them if we listen. Now is the time to keep balancing out the climate equation. We will not fix it overnight, but we can at least stop making it worse and start moving the needle back.

I will include another phenomenal highlight here. There is a company working on some cool (heh) tech. They want to go under the ice in the Arctic Ocean and help it refreeze.

“Drill, baby, drill” is not the answer, despite what he-who-should-not-be-named thinks. IMO, that is the half-baked plan of a baby who thinks they are still puttering around a playground with Tonka toys. I can only imagine who all has a hand deep in his pocket. For all of our sakes, we need to leave oil alone, as best as we can and as soon as we can.

Even within this past week, I have now seen more studies released related to rivers changing colors. Beautiful, blue rivers are turning sickly orange in Alaska. Colorado has observed similar changes happening from the Rocky Mountains. To me, it feels like we are shifting the global scale of natural order out of balance. We continue to damage this world in bad ways. We need to start shifting that scale back while we still can. Else, while we are not the first, we may in fact be the last humanoid species here on Earth.

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.

One touch of nature makes the whole world kin.


-William Shakespeare

Smarturday – 060124

Kilter vs. Off-kilter

Kilter – noun – good condition; working order

Off-kilter – adjective – not exactly straight or in perfect balance; not completely well; somewhat ill

I find these two definitions to be quite intriguing. To me, their definitions do not strike me as being exact opposites. Why does kilter not also discuss being in balance? Regardless, I like both words. Which would you rather be? I will playfully cheat and detail the final definition for off-kilter now – unusual or eccentric; unconventional. If I can calculate and determine how to effectively maintain a unique level of unoffensive playfulness1 while still perfecting a personal balance, then that approach seems ideal to me. I want to be the best version of me as fully as I can but never to the detriment of others2. Essentially, I am striving to maximize my lane’s efficacy without hindering any other lanes. I seek that perfect balance both within my own lane and related to all lanes that I interact with.

What or who do you want to be?

What are you seeking??

Are you working towards it???

Are you identifying the imbalances currently within and around you? How can things change otherwise? Will you continually flounder and stall otherdumb? Time will tell.

I suppose another way to look at this balanced approach for life is to be even-keeled. I did not realize it is nautical in origin. I am not a well-versed boat buff at this point in time, as I imagine many others also are not. I chose the idea of lanes because I figure most people are more familiar with driving. That activity is fairly common nowadays. Yet we can see the importance of balance everywhere, on land, at sea, and even in the air. What do you think happens to an airplane that falls out of balance? Have you ever experienced turbulence mid-flight? It is not a pleasant feeling to endure. It can easily disrupt my kilter.

My sugjestion to you for today’s post – reflect and ruminate on what disrupts your kilter. What in your life inhibits you from perfecting your internal balance? Then, what can you do to shift that scale somewhat? There is no need to make sweeping, drastic decisions or changes in one moment or day. However, what is even at least one or two micro-adjustments that you can begin to change today in order start shifting the needle towards balance? How can we be as even-keeled as possible? I wish y’all nothing but the smoothest of possible sailings. May we never drift off-kilter if we can prevent it.

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.

  1. An exception here is when I poke or prod at those whom I think deserve it in order to hopefully encourage better behavior; a positive purpose is portended there. ↩︎
  2. Maybe a catch-22 here; my best self should naturally circumnavigate detriment. ↩︎

Thanksday – 053024

Thank you, Jack from La Crosse1. This past Saturday, I enjoyed the beautiful, clear, sunny, and warm afternoon by going out and throwing a round of eighteen at my local disc golf course. I suppose I should quickly mention that I am also extremely grateful for the sport of disc golf. I honestly think it has saved my life multiple times, and I can also honestly say that I am a better person today at least in part due to disc golf. I am sure I will talk about that subject more at a later point in time; it will tell, so we shall see… eventually.

For today, though, Jack was a wonderful teacher and temporary friend for me on that afternoon. Maybe he will be more than only a temporary friend, but time will tell there, too. I played the first four-ish holes on my own, and then we quickly partnered up due to congestion on the course, so I would say that we played approximately fourteen to fifteen holes together depending on how you look at it. Having never met before, we nearly-instantly gelled and coalesced into a balanced flow together. I have a favorite comment from the experience that stands out as he keenly observed my gameplay throughout. After I casually missed yet another close putt, he said something along the lines of “man, you’ve missed like 4 or 5 strokes by only about 4 or 5 inches in total.” That thought had not really crossed my mind because I try to stay in each moment and only that moment as it happens. However, as I briefly recounted and reflected, I realized he was probably quite close to right – perhaps a bit hyperbolic but nearly on point… a lot like my putts…

Sometimes, the smallest imbalance can make all the difference. In this case, tiny factors that were off-kilter cost me an extra stroke each time. Finding that perfect balance can improve my game; it can improve my life. Balance is a key; it unlocks so much potential.

Thank you again, Jack. While I often enjoy my solo rounds in peaceful solitude, that day’s company was much appreciated. As far as I am concerned, you are both a scholar and a gentleman. I wish all of the best for you and your family. I heard someone say recently that anyone and anything can teach us if we are open and receptive to receiving it. There was a monk who was meditating in India when a cat kept disturbing him. It frustrated2 him at first. When he finally flowed with the cat, all was well. I learn plenty from my cats, too, but I will talk about them and express my extreme thankfulness for them in a future post, so please do not worry for meow. Maybe it wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell. 

There is a subtle nuance to this Thanksday that I choose to openly acknowledge for transparent balance. I do not need to make each of these posts about someone famous or well-known based on current events. I can write a post about another decent, random human being who showed up and put their best foot forward. After all, can you only listen or learn if the name is recognizable? If so, then you were completely missing the point of this post earlier. Teachers can come in all shapes and sizes if you are but ready to be the eager student. There is an element or level of balance to this realization, too; all existing lives are balanced in the end. We are all deserving and worthy of our Thanksday.

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.

  1. Kind of like Jake from State Farm, only Sconnier :) ↩︎
  2. Purrhaps it should be “furustrated him” ^.^ ↩︎

Chooseday – 052824

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter the words, but to live by them.


-John F. Kennedy

I am very grateful to have set aside Tuesdays as a typical day off each cycle to rest, relax, and balance myself back out as best as I can. I am proud of living by those words, too. It has been a difficult challenge for me to remain silent this long on Tuesdays in order to honor my word about resting as much I can on these days. Two Tuesdays ago, I toyed with the idea of posting about musical bridges because it is my Tunesday; I left it alone. A handful of Tuesdays before that (0416), it was National Healthcare Decisions Day, and I toyed with the idea of posting about self-love by planning ahead. Once again, I left it alone. This time, though, I will balance out my good behavior with a rare exception.

As I see some European countries fight for a righteous balance, I will not leave it alone. I choose to write today because I will applaud their efforts as loudly as I can…

Ireland. Norway. Spain.

They are winning in my book. Maybe my book does not hold much value or weight for anyone else, but it means everything to me, and that is enough. In my mind (in my book), the situation between Israel and Palestine epitomizes disproportional imbalance. The Israeli military took control of and then promptly shut down the southern border in Rafah. That spot had been the main access point for any and all humanitarian aid that had been slowly trickling into Palestine to help stave off the famine that is running rampant there. An American effort installed an ad hoc support system via a floating dock/barge.1 Kudos to USA for being creatively ingenuitive here. However, why are we still supplying Israel with any support at all? There is a disconnect there that does not balance out in my mind. I certainly do not know all of those details, but I think I have a decent nose for fishiness.

Israel stacks all of the cards in the deck against Palestinians. Stack them against Hamas, sure; that makes plenty of sense to me. I know I have said it before, but I will say it again. Why are we punishing the masses for the mistakes of few? I believe Israel could balance out this equation. Why are they choosing to stubbornly refrain from doing so? I know that 100723 was surprising and devastating to all, but what is perhaps less surprising while drastically more devastating is Israel’s atrocities in the almost EIGHT MONTHS SINCE. They have swung the pendulum or scale so severely out of balance that it is borderline laughable; only I am not laughing at all because thousands of lives have been shortened unnecessarily as a result of your blind and blatant belligerence, Netanyahoo. Last week, I was thrilled to hear that the ICC stepped up and issued warrants for your arrest as well as others. They issued warrants for leaders on both sides, Hamas and Israel. That is fair. That is an action that is balanced and well thought out. Benny Boy, please stop trampling others outside of your lane with your temper tantrums; end your pathological war path! Pull your britches up, and think through this crisis in a calm, holistic, and wise manner.

First, I sugjest finding your own inner balance before trying to restore balance elsewhere because what you are trying to do now is an unbalanced shame. It is a damning travesty; it is a nearly-unforgivable imbalance in which you imbue upon the Middle East. Do better. Fight smarter, not harder, and fight for peace. Do not fight with more violence. That is how and why I choose to post today. Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.

Even yesterday, I heard about yet another airstrike by Israel that has killed more than fifty additional Palestinians. We only heard words from Netanyahoo as a result, not positive actions; an insincere apology about “a tragic accident.” We see no true balance or change in the direction of love, only more platitudes prior to persistent violence. You try to talk the talk, but you are not walking the walk. I honestly feel bad for how red his ledger is… there is still time to balance it back out if you try…

will you begin to be wise, or will you stay dumb?

how do you Choose to spend Your Days?

I choose to Learn, Live, and Love…

while Being as Balanced as I can.

Wise? Dumb? Time will tell.

  1. Unfortunately, that broke down this week and will now take over a week to repair. That means there is currently no inflow of aid for Palestine at this point in time. The article I read stated that thousands of TONS of aid is stockpiled in Cyprus awaiting delivery to Palestine. Why can the Israeli government not play nice and expedite that delivery to the Palestinian population? Please end manmade famine now! ↩︎

Soulday – 052624

Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.


-Albert Einstein

Albert Einstein sought balance. What do you think relativity deals with? To what percentages are space and time in balance or not? He has a lot of enchanting and fascinating quotes; I look forward to referencing many of them across many posts.

For now, though, balance should be critical in all that we do, not just when riding a bike, literally or proverbially, through life. Even earlier this morning, was I fully balanced when walking through one doorway? No, my left side grazed the frame. I cannot begin to count the number of times that I have stubbed and probably broken a pinky toe (typically my left one) on random things like table or chair legs.1 What is the common denominator among many, if not all, of these occurrences? Some will say it is not being focused, sure, but what is focus? It is balance – balance of mind and racing thoughts (or ideally lack thereof) versus the present moment, here and now. Is my soul within my body, or am I drifting elsewhere? When walking around a home or through a restaurant, I can tell you one thing. You get brought back into your body REAL QUICK once you stub a poor little piggy severely. I pity the fool who does it repeatedly. Learn and grow from your errors. Listen to the lessons. Please find your inner and outer balance. Do what you want and will with these words; they are only a sugjestion. Is it wise? Is it dumb? Time will tell…

Balance, to me, is key. I seek perfect balance. I do not know if I will ever attain it; perhaps it is truly unattainable. I will try my hardest, though, and that is good enough for me. The catch-22 here is that I need to balance out my efforts and endeavors to perfect balance. Else, where would the balance be there? I strive to have it anywhere and everywhere…

in a shop, with a cop. At a fair, in the middle of a town square, amid lots of fanfare.

Balance eventually paves the way to equanimity.

Therein rests much calm, joy, and tranquil, pristine peace.

I will discuss equanimity in a future cycle, probably sometime soon.

Please keep moving, listening, improving, and growing.

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.2

  1. I find it kind of funny to now think about one “leg” or foot attacking another when out of balance. ↩︎
  2. FWIW – I do not tire of this phrase because it is fitting; it feels balanced to me. ↩︎

Freeday – 052424

Why do you think people love to read and/or hear stories so much? One – they can be a welcome pause or reprieve from suffering. Two – they can serve as a bridge to other places, even other worlds or realities. I love finding out what I can learn from them, too.

Everything’s got a moral, if only you can find it.


-Lewis Carroll

I love Lewis Carroll. Actually, I love all people. Unfortunately, there are some people that I hate more than I love currently. In my opinion, if they behave better, then that love-hate scale will shift more towards love slowly. That choice is theirs, though. and time will tell.

Digression aside, books, stories, and pretty much anything and everything can serve as a bridge if you let it by looking at it the right way. Perhaps through a looking-glass, eh? Think about Alice falling down the rabbit hole. Think about Dorothy leaving Kansas via the tornado. Think about Siddhartha under the tree s-i-t-t-i-n-g. How many bridges may be presenting themselves to you that you may simply ignore or walk on by? I would not worry much, though, because there will always be the next one. I promise you. What is done is already done. What can you do next? The next best thing. That is what I focus on daily and what I tell myself along the way. I sugjest you consider doing the same please.

The three examples above (Alice, Dorothy, and Siddhartha) all experienced intense and often overwhelming vertical bridges – rude and rapid awakenings. I do not recommend that approach if you are able to avoid it. Instead, slow and gradual inclines are preferred.

I strongly sugjest shaping your bridge, else it may shape you in unforeseen ways.

Bridges have been fascinating to cross this cycle. I do not feel like I have fully exhausted this topic, though, so maybe some themes will repeat themselves across cycles in a fashion that is currently unknown to me. It could happen, and it could not. Time will tell.

What I do know, though, is that balance is next. It is far easier to stay high up on one’s bridge if one has adequate and appropriate balance. Recently, I heard from one expert in my life that a lot of yoga focuses on finding the middle ground. Essentially, it is all about balance. I think about Goldilocks a lot these days – what is not too hard, and what is not too soft? Instead, what is just right? There is so much more I could say and run with from here, but it is not yet time for all of that. Please know that I am overjoyed to keep writing, yet I must maintain my balance with that joy so as to not get carried away, off my bridge.

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.

Wondersday – 052224

Have you ever wondered… about catch-22? I have. I think of it as a questionable bridge in logic. I think about 22 a lot, too. For many reasons. As of late, does your mind go where mine does offhand? The woman, the legend, the all-star – Caitlin Clark. She is one of the best shooters to play the sport. Does it matter, though, if your defense does not balance out? As they say, defense wins championships. Her first professional game in the WNBA did not go as she probably planned it out in her mind. Kind of like the college finals, too, but I will not unpack that one any further for now. Sure, she drained some sweet 3’s that I will never tire of seeing. She racked up twenty (20) points in her first career WNBA game. Unfortunately, she also tallied ten (10) turnovers. Therein lies the catch-22 for this example. What if the Sun scored on each of those turnovers? Twenty points best case – immediately washing out all of her points. Thirty points worst case – creating a ten-point deficit for her team. Maybe it is true, then, that defense does win championships.

I do not say these things to disparage her as a player or as a person. I think Caitlin is incredible. Like Nicolas Cage, I think she must grapple with the unbearable weight of massive talent. I only paint this picture because none of us are perfect. She is the all-time leading scorer in the NCAA; that feat spans both men and women’s college basketball. I honestly wonder if that record, in addition to others she has set, will ever be broken in the future. Maybe, but maybe not. Time will tell. Her bridge has been built higher than most, and it shows possible potential. The ESPN article that was published about her back in March was simply incredible. First, it is probably the longest ESPN article I have ever read. It took me multiple sittings over multiple days to fully cover and digest it all. That is how comprehensive and in-depth I feel it was. I am a slow processor and a slow learner. I like to take my time to make sure I understand things as well as I possibly can. Again, this article was fantastic. Honestly, I am a big fan of hers. Honestly again, I did not watch any of the men’s NCAA tournament this year. Yet, I watched each and every game that Iowa played in this tourney. WVU gave Iowa such a nail-biting challenge early on in the bracket. Talk about another catch-22 had they dropped out early due to defeat after all the build-up and hype behind Iowa’s storied tale. A final showdown was seemingly-destined again as far as I am concerned. Sure, people can balk at refereeing along the way, but I think people love to find anything and everything to complain about to try and justify their hand in life. They would rather throw stones at others on their bridges instead of focusing on building up their own. We cannot change the past. We can only learn from it in order to do better moving forward. Maybe that should be considered a catch-22, too too.

22 means a lot to me, even before I was a big Caitlin Clark fan. 22 means a lot more than only her. Like today’s date to state one of the most obvious. Like the donation amount for any donations that WiseDumbTime receives. Believe it or not, my justifications for that amount have many reasons, none of which has anything to do with sports or any athletes whatsoever. Maybe I will talk about those reasons someday. Maybe not. Time will tell. Stay wondrous, y’all.

Mournday – 052024

Alejandro Hernandez Fuentes

Carlos Daniel Hernández

Dorlian Ronial Castillo Cabrera

Jose Mynor Lopez

Maynor Yassir Suazo Sandoval

Miguel Angel Luna Gonzalez

Six people died tragically in a terrible bridge collapse on March 26, 2024. We are close to the two-month mark. These people had family and loved ones. I truly hope that the Dali’s owning/managing company1 does right by all of them. Will it ever make up for what they lost in such a devastating moment? No, but balance and restoration should be required. Wholeness, or as close as we can come to it, should fall to those liable and responsible.

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  1. Synergy Marine Group and/or Singapore ↩︎

Smarturday – 051824

Abridged vs. Saga

Abridged – adjective – reduced or lessened in duration, scope, authority, etc.; diminished or curtailed

Saga – noun – any narrative or legend of heroic exploits or any very long story with dramatic events or parts

How many bridges are involved in an abridged version versus a saga? I think there would probably be quite the difference. It will not always be the case because I take immediate issue with this intro from a concept of quantity versus quality. However, the point stands. Opportunities to build best bridges increase in a saga as opposed to anything abridged.

In another way to consider, would you rather live an abridged life or a life experience that could be retold as an epic saga? The answer is easy in my mind. Before you roll your eyes too much, though, please understand that I do not imply opulent glitz and glamor. I think a lavish lifestyle can still be summarized succinctly if it lacks character and depth. Where are any intricate details if you simply waste your resources unendingly unto the very end? Should our legacies outline luxuries that we lauded or a lifetime of legendary lessons? :)

Siddhartha Gautama fascinates me. Most people have surely heard of him in some way, shape, or form along the way. He bridged so many divides. If you are not sure, can you picture the happy, fat guy sitting there (typically enameled in gold) with his hands often in some kind of intriguing pose? Yes, Buddha. He was Siddhartha Gautama prior to his awakening and/or enlightenment. He was not happy with the world. Despite being born into a comfortable, royal, and wealthy position, he sought deeper meaning out of life. He wanted to figure out why we are all here and what it all means. Lofty and idealistic, sure, but perhaps he is one of the original human rights activists. After all, he felt empowered to determine why humans suffered. He studied and reflected on that idea for very long periods of time. He searched far and wide. What was he doing when he figured it out? What was his “light bulb moment”? Sitting under a tree. As simple as that. My mind then jumps/bridges to Isaac Newton and the supposed story of how he discovered gravity. He was sitting under a tree, too, when the apple fell down and jolted him. Hm, where else can an apple be connected here next as a bridge to other meanings and possibilities?

If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.


-Isaac Newton

Nature brings solace in all troubles.


-Anne Frank

Talk about an abridged life that could still be a saga. Until recently, I did not realize how short of a life Anne Frank lived. Perhaps I knew it once, but I forgot it. She died at the age of fifteen, yet her impact reverberates through the ages. Life is not in the quantity; it is in the quality. Each day can be mundane and abridged if you so choose. Or, each day, you can choose to search for and secrete your own saga worthy of a song that sailors would sing around an evening campfire. The choice is yours. What bridge are you building? Can you also secure its supports on top of the shoulders of those who have come before us?

Things might seem dark. You might feel stuck in a deep rut, seemingly isolated and alone. Thomas Edison improved the light bulb significantly. He bridged that gap into mainstream modernity, and he also philosophized the following1:

Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.


-Thomas Edison

It is no fun being knocked off your bridge. Trust me; I know. I have been there, down in a rut, more times than I care to count. However, I now seek sagas. I choose to avoid an abridged experience in this life. Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.

  1. I really wanted to make this “phollowing” :) ↩︎

Thanksday – 051624

When I think about bridges and who or what I am thankful for, I think it would be a little too “on the nose” to express gratitude for a famous architect. It would also be difficult to pick from among the many great bridge-builders. Instead, I choose to be metaphorical. :)

I am thankful for Jackie Robinson. Yes, that is right – I am going to talk about baseball twice within one week. I am surprised because it is one of my least favorite sports, but evidently there is still plenty of value there and lessons to be learned. Even though I do not prefer this sport among other options, I can still appreciate it and its history. We each have opinions on favorites; tolerate them all. We will not agree on everything, y’all…

Again, I am extremely grateful for Jackie Robinson and all that he accomplished during a difficult age of segregation in America. He was the first black player to integrate into a Major League Baseball team, the Brooklyn Dodgers. He was mindful of the racial gap, and he bridged it spectacularly. I finally watched 42 earlier this year; I loved it so much. Chadwick Boseman has represented so many remarkable members of our collective consciousness. Both Jackie and Chadwick have bridged so many racial and societal gaps; they both broke through so many bombastic barriers.

That is precisely the point here. Both could have accepted the status quo. Both could have let others get to them and compromised their own values or moral compass. Both could have fallen off their bridges, but they did not fall. They persevered and prevailed against perilous problems. They powered through and pressed on. Jackie dealt with so much direct hate on all levels – emotional, mental/psychological, physical, spiritual, etc. I will not sugarcoat it; sadly, the majority of white masses back then acted egregiously and offensively, trying to knock him down or to break him down. Who truly knows how many times they came close to succeeding… I hate even considering it, but it is a probable truth.

It doesn’t matter how many times you get knocked down. All that matters is you get up one more time than you were knocked down.


-Roy T. Bennett

Circling back to his values and moral compass, I think Jackie knew well what kind of bridge he was building. His values ignited a self-determination so fiery and passionate that no one would stop him. He continued on in the direction that his compass pointed, along his bridge being built. His supports were solid and sound, too; they secured his safety and strengthened his resolve. He put up with a lot to pave the way for so many.

A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.


-Jackie Robinson

Please, y’all, let’s stop trying to knock each other off of our bridges; instead, let’s support and strengthen one another. Altogether, let’s see how high all of our bridges can be built up brightly and better side-by-side. Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell. <3

Life is not a spectator sport. If you’re going to spend your whole life in the grandstand just watching what goes on, in my opinion you’re wasting your life.


-Jackie Robinson

There’s not an American in this country free until every one of us is free.1


-Jackie Robinson

  1. We can even expand this last quote to be broader and all-encompassing. There is not a citizen of this world free until each and every one of us is free. It feels like a truth to me. ↩︎

Soulday – 051224

I ended last cycle with eight great speeches. Now, to bridge the gap, I want to start with one of my all-time favorite opening scenes1. It gives me goosebumps every time I see it. It also helps drive me forward to strive for better change by trying my best to bridge the gap. I think things are bad right now: corruption, famine, global warming, racism, war, etc. All that bad does not stop me from still seeing limitless beauty all around me. Even when current events are awful according to most places you look in the media, I still love those around me, and I still love everyone else to varying degrees, too. I feel like the darkness wants to close in and enshroud us, yet I happily press on. I choose to change myself and to control my light. I choose to try my best and to build a bridge towards a future that I can truly be proud of. We each have a lane to live in. I now think about the elevations of each of our lanes, too. Here is a sugjestion: is your lane down in a rut right now, or might it be sky-high? Also, how do you think those changes in elevation happen? By choosing to build a bridge. So, mind the gap as they say across the pond, and then bridge the gap.

The best and safest style of bridges need the right types and amounts of support in the optimal places. The starting point of the bridge is your past; you have to own where you came from and what has made you you along the way. The bridge’s ending point should be some goal(s) that you have for your life. My next sugjestion is to start there if you do not have those plans in place yet. Then, as for the supports of the bridge in between the beginning and the end, I believe that is where your values or moral code come into play. By first building yourself up correctly from the ground up, later on, you will have no need to question the reliability of the supports that hold your bridge up optimally and safely.

Steadfast belief and confidence in yourself is what I suppose I am getting at here and trying to recommend to each and every one of us. Be able to meet resistance along the way from any and all sides; do not let it sway you. I am not saying to proceed blindly, foolishly, or stubbornly, though. It is important, IMO, to continually question our beliefs and our surroundings. I often practice a running (or perhaps walking) internal dialogue of Q&A in order to keep reevaluating my beliefs so that I can learn and grow. We can each question these things and adapt accordingly while also maintaining belief and confidence in our values or moral code. Ideal self-belief should be shored up strongly as a constant. Belief of or in true truths should be sought after sincerely as a sustained, secret search.

I believe that we each must be the architect of our bridge(s). After all, IMHO, we should each be responsible for our own lanes. If you rely on others, then just stop and imagine what happens to that bridge of yours when they pull their supports out from under it… and from under you. I am truly happy to consult with you on bridge building. I like to see how much I can learn from others, and maybe, just maybe, I can help others, too. So, to be transparent with y’all, I plan on revamping other pages of this site this week/cycle. After all, it has already been up and running for three full cycles. I consider that first one to be pure chaos as I slowly pieced the plan together more and more. Then, it was love, and, most recently, it was change. As we swirl through this chaos, I believe we must channel love and change if we wish to grow and thrive. If we can help work on building the best bridge(s) that we can together, then check out the Donate page once it is overhauled if you want to reach out and see if we can connect. I am new to this, but I am eager. I will give you my best for a week if you are willing to take a chance and adventure with me.

Repeating myself to build a solid support, I will say it one more time because I think the best parts need to be shouted louder for those in the back (or those down in the ruts):

Mind your gap, then bridge your gap. Please. :)

There is enough room on the high way for us all.

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.

  1. Language warning – some profanity in the video ↩︎

Freeday – 051024

Bees are so cool. I may eventually write more about them in detail, but I love this sports story so much that I want to highlight it this Freeday. Evidently, honeybees are a sign of good luck from ancient times. A full team win resulted from teamwork and cooperation.

This seemingly-random first paragraph is in reference to a fun article that I recently read:

Dodgers-Diamondbacks delayed by bee swarm at Chase Field

How much change was endured that day? The starting pitch was delayed by two hours. The first, ceremonial pitch was given ad hoc to the “hero of the hour”. That hero had to change up his plan of watching his son’s tee-ball game. His drive in to the MLB stadium was smooth, though. That feels right.  It is a more literal take of sorts on what Matthew McConaughey talks about with Green Lights. Letting him throw that first pitch in his beekeeping suit feels right. Stunning those bees and relocating them safely feels right. I was on pins and needles for more of the article than I care to admit, but I was so fully and physically relieved when I read that they were frozen and relocated in a peaceful way. Otherwise, I am not sure if I could have held it back anymore; instead, I can let it go. :) <3

Bees are essential for our survival; I beelieve that. Again, I will save any more details here for a future post and/or cycle. Honey can be explored in detail, too, either in tandem or completely separately. We shall see… so many connections can be made if you keep your mind open enough. Bridges can be built between almost anything and everything if we simply put forth the effort and try. That is why the theme of the next cycle will focus on bridges. I hope you will cross this bridge with me. Is it wise? Is it dumb? Time will tell.

As a bonus bridge here, do you know what does not feel right to me? A bunch of college seniors out there who are missing out on their graduations. Violent protests should not be rewarded. Violent anything should not be rewarded. We must first learn to live and act peacefully in my wholehearted opinion. However, many of these students worked hard for years. To punish the many due to the few does not feel right to me. In case it offers a small consolation prize for any who may see this post, please celebrate yourself. Please set aside time to memorialize your milestone with these moments, these past commencement addresses that I feel are right. These moments met the mark of merit. These memories mirror manners and meaning. May you even learn and grow from and through these untimely hardships. I am so sorry you had to deal with this. Imagine what seniors four years prior had to deal with graduating in a pandemic1. We all have to deal with lots of change. How do you react and respond to it, though? Do you react in kind from a low road, or can you rise up and do better? Can you bee better than those before us? That is what I am trying to do here; that is why I write. I feel a sense of duty that calls me here. I have a love so deep and profound for all of us. Yes, all of us. Even those whom I have disparaged in past posts. I know what good they could be capable of. Choose to push buttons for productive progress. Change to make the world better for all beings.

In lieu of your own commencement and guest speaker, please enjoy any or all of these:

Chadwick Boseman

Gloria Steinem

Elie Wiesel

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Steve Jobs

George Takei

Barack Obama

Amanda Gorman2

Howard University must be doing something very right, IMO, to show up on here twice. Nice work. <3

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell. 

  1. As I reviewed this post, I realized that this timing actually and sadly presents a double whammy for many. For those adhering to the standard or typical American higher education path, y’all graduated high school four years ago… at the peak of the pandemic. FWIW – I am so sorry you now experience this double whammy.  ↩︎
  2. Not quite a commencement address per se, but it is so powerful and strong IMO. ↩︎

Wondersday – 050824

Have you ever wondered… about Karma? I have. A lot actually. Maybe that word eeks or irks you. At a recent lecture that I attended, a guest speaker described karma as cause and effect. So, do you at least believe in that? In another way, it was described to me as reaping what you sow, so your actions, good or bad, will make their way back to you. They can be reminders or wake-up calls for change. I believe in karma. Wholeheartedly. What do you believe in? Have you started to ponder these things at all? Why or why not? Is there something that you are afraid of? At least initially, it is often not pretty looking inside, but therein lie your secrets. IMO, if you only stay at surface-level, then you lie to yourself. You overlook or ignore those good (and bad) secrets that are awaiting within. They are not going anywhere, so what are you waiting for? Simply ignoring them and hoping they go away seems insane to me. After all, what is one definition of insanity?

Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.


-Albert Einstein

Repetitively paraphrasing again, I think of karma as a call for change. Our past will always catch up with us; our reckoning will come knocking. What will you do moving forward? Does anyone else have nights where one or two dream sequences will repeat themselves until you break the insanity and make the better or different choice? That, too, is karma. You can repeat your errors unrelentingly, or you can reconcile and resolve your reservations and restrictions through reflection, realization, reevaluation, recalibration, and readjustment. Please remove your restraints to revel in and relish reality. Really.

I sugjest slowing down some and looking inward. I will HOTly (Honestly, Openly, and Transparently) admit to y’all now that it has done me a world of good. I know it could do the same for you if you try and let it. As a fair warning, it is not easy, and it certainly is not all fun and games or rainbows, sunshine, and unicorns. It can be downright scary as you begin to figure things out. Reliving past traumas is rarely a bundle of joy, but it is oh so worth it in my most honest opinion… maybe it’s wise; maybe it’s dumb; time will tell…

Last NFL season, I watched what could easily have been my first-ever NY Jets game. I was excited to see what Aaron Rodgers would do now that he was no longer a GB Packer. Evidently, surprisingly, and unfortunately, not too much. His body got busted during the first series. I think they made it to the second set of downs before he went down. It was not pretty, but I also believe it was karma. Now, I will choose to recognize and respect his rehab and recovery. How he bounced back so fast post-surgery was truly impressive, but it also did not matter; the Jets did not make it to the playoffs last season. No single player makes or breaks things in a team sport, only himself or herself instead. I might speculate reasons for karma; I sugjest Aaron ruminate on it during his next retreat.

I think that he thinks of himself as “the greatest thing since sliced bread” or whichever aphorism more appropriately fits here in your mind. IMHO, I would love to sugjest to Aaron that he finally fill in that “chip on his shoulder,” and I would sugjest that he stay in his lane which should not be a very scientific one. Him spouting half-baked conspiracies is not helping any cause. I sugjest making your own loaf whole and truly great before blindly misdirecting followers more. That is my $.02 or 2% to serve alongside a slice. 

For right now, unfortunately at this point in time, I think A-A-Ron is just an A-A-hole, but he could be more. He could be better. We all could, if we each try more. I firmly believe life is about learning lessons if we learn to listen. Again, it takes work, but it is worth it. 

I think it is important for us all to do our best based on what feels right in our soul instead of basing our actions or choices on some “cool”, “dope”, or “swag” factor. Karma does not care about how many likes, replies, or shares we get. Karma catches up with all actions, including rhetoric that makes one simply question it sometimes with, “WTF, why would you say that?” Aaron Rodgers does not know about vaccines; he knows about football. Has that honorary doctorate (in humanities) gone to his head? IDK. While he may be “a genius on the football field, Rodgers has revealed himself to be a pandemic ignoramus.”

Honestly, I recommend DBT1 and not any other three-letter thing out there. In my most honest and humble opinion, DBT can do more good by slowly shining light on your own inner darkness as opposed to trying to turn off the lights on the outside more. What would A+A+Ron look like? I wonder… and I also truly hope he will show us that at some point if he can realize that there is a wide world of experts to rely upon beyond himself.

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell. Stay wondrous, y’all!

  1. Dialectical Behavior Therapy – learning how to act, feel, and think better/clearer ↩︎

Mournday – 050624

So it begins…1


– Théoden, Lord of the Mark and King of Rohan

…and so it ends. One beacon is no longer lit. I had started planning for a different post this Mournday, but I changed course when I saw the unfortunate news yesterday that Bernard Hill passed on from this life. I stand by this decision to be flexible with these posts because I believe that we should roll with the punches, regardless of if they are thrown by orcs or goblins, icebergs or humans. Realizing I had a chance to talk about LOTR2 in any way, shape, or form excited me. I will happily choose to take these nerdy opportunities when I can. Tolkien is one of the greatest world builders to have walked this planet. I am ever grateful for how he changed us with his creations. I think he would be proud of what Peter Jackson accomplished, and I imagine Bernard had lots of fun playing King Théoden, leader of the Riders of Rohan. This group stayed on the sideline for far too long. They changed their mind, though, and chose to be active at the right time. Elie Wiesel was a Holocaust survivor who lived on courageously for about seventy more years. He studied religions. He jested at the Ten Commandments as impractical.

The greatest commandment to me in the Bible is not the Ten Commandments… my commandment is thou shall not stand idly by.


-Elie Wiesel

Sitting or standing idly by while many injustices unfold in this world is probably one of the worst apathetic actions that we as humans can take during our time here on Earth. Again, I am not sugjesting violent recourse. That is where fantasy may always appear more appealing and flashier from the outside looking in. Instead, learn to speak your mind. Learn to voice concerns for those who may struggle to do so themselves. It is not ideal if we simply ignore suffering around us. We should not turn away from it. Is it uncomfortable? Of course! What if we can help, though? What if someone lights a beacon and calls to us for aid? It is easy to stay in our “castles”, safely secured within our own walls. That is too comfortable, though, and too lazy. Helm’s Deep would have surely fallen if not for each group choosing to show up and do their part in order to change the tide of that battle. Yes, I know that it is a fictional battle, but how close has Ukraine come to falling without aid? How many times has Zelenskyy tried to light beacons? They are enduring a long night that has stretched on for over two years now. Famine is setting in amongst the Palestinian population. Israel just shut down Al Jazeera, one of the largest news networks in the Middle East, within the confines of their country. Israel’s leadership is actively banning, stifling, and putting out any possible beacons. That feels so shady to me, figuratively and literally. It makes me wonder just how much they are truly hiding. How many injustices and war crimes have occurred? So many children could still have all of their limbs if they had been able to receive more timely care. However, many, if not all, of the hospitals in Palestine have been destroyed. The death toll is disproportionately exorbitant3. If aid routes were truly open and accessible without fear of death, then why is famine still spreading? I believe that the leaders of Israel have a lot to answer for. I believe that Putin has a lot to answer for. What I think they both fail to realize is that:

Every individual matters.
Every individual has a role to play.
Every individual makes a difference.


-Jane Goodall

Any human being is a challenge.
Any human being is worthy of my attention, of my love occasionally.


-Elie Wiesel

With those said, I believe we all have a lot to answer for. Our own actions add up over time. Will you sink with your ship, O Captain my Captain, or will you rise up alongside supportive masses? We all have choices. We all can change. Will we turn towards the beacons and do something, or will we continue to cower comfortably and complacently? Choose to change your chats; choose to talk about what truly matters. Please choose to acknowledge the suffering of others. For that matter, please also recognize your own suffering. Sit with your emotions, feelings, and thoughts to figure out how to make yourself whole again as we then work on wholly healing our people and planet.

Thank you, Bernard, for playing your roles so well. I will miss you, Mr. Hill, and I will enjoy reflecting on the art that you have helped leave behind in your stead. May his legacy and memory serve as a hill for us all to stand on together to each do our best. Personally, I feel like the world is aflame these days. Will we still ignore that beacon?

You’re not obligated to win.
You’re obligated to keep trying to do the best you can every day.


-Marian Wright Edelman

Maybe it is all wise. Maybe it is all dumb. Time will tell.

  1. Fun Fact: as a proud part of a nerdy family, for one New Year’s Eve celebration, we started watching The Two Towers at the exact time so that, when midnight struck for the New Year, Bernard Hill’s character, King Théoden, said this line on cue :) ↩︎
  2. An acronym for “The Lord of the Rings” ↩︎
  3. I find it fascinating (sadly so) that an Archaic definition for this word is “outside the authority of the law.” I think Netanyahoo has grossly overstepped his lane a lot. ↩︎

Smarturday – 050424

Word vs. Sword

Wordsmith vs. Swordsmith
Wordsman vs. Swordsman

I think swordsman is such a cool word, aside from its masculine default. If you drop the first letter off it, what do you get? Wordsman. Why is that not also a word currently? Conversely, wordsmith exists yet swordsmith does not? Some bizarre differences…

I think these words should exist. However, I sugjest a slight adaptation – wordsperson1. Incorporate a fully-inclusive ideal as we change things for the better. That is my goal. Personally, I think it should be the overall goal in general, too. It is how I write as a wordsperson, and it is what I am working on when I speak, too. It is not easy at times, but I feel strongly that it is worthwhile work, so I am happy to continue whittling away at it2.

Recently, I read an article about different radical US militia groups starting to ramp up recruitments. It reminds me of and reinforces my focus – words instead of swords, ballots over bullets, and alliances in lieu of altercations. Here is another sugjestion for both sides – stop being sore losers. 2016 sucked for nearly half of us Americans; 2020 sucked for nearly half of us3. To state it clearly, 2024 will also suck for nearly half of us. Do not hate the players or the voters, but hate the MF game. Choose to change the game, but please do so peacefully and productively. Process your emotions first prior to proceeding. Approach this problem from a well-positioned point plus perspective. Plan positive projects, not destructive divisions. Do not delve into yet more dilemmas that damage, deface, or diminish our delicate dealings. Please choose to channel charitable care.

Sharpen your words, not other tools. Learn how to have difficult discussions. Compromise is when both people walk away feeling like they did not get everything that they wanted. You have to be able and willing to meet in the middle. That is how we each best stay in our own lane. Worry about tending to your lane; do not worry about what others are doing in and with their lane. If they are trying to step into your lane uninvited, then use your words to effectively defend yourself. I understand words will not always work. That is why we have law enforcement and such. There are ways to enforce and uphold words. If you try, you can look at, listen to, and learn from the lanes of others, too, but please do not step into them. I think that is why violence upsets me. It is a physical clash of control for lanes. It does not feel right to me, and I think it only rarely yields appropriate results.

Ultimately, I think it boils down to this – are you controlling your emotions, or are your emotions controlling you? If the latter, then change is needed, and I believe that firmly. Resorting to violence is unacceptable. Control yourself first and foremost. Learn how to present your opinions and stances in a meaningful and productive way. For whatever it is worth, I realize as I write these words that I still have plenty of work to do here, too. Maybe a lot, if not all, of these posts are more for me than others. I do not know right now. It is all here, though, in case others choose to look and possibly be helped, too.

Do all the good you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
In all the places you can,
At all the times you can,
To all the people you can,
As long as ever you can.


– John Wesley

I am going to paraphrase repetitively – words over swords. Please, y’all, let us all try to slow back down and use our minds as best as we can instead of instantly trying to resort to our muscles. Those will come and go with time. Our minds can keep being honed if we are ready and willing to put in the work. Verbal battlefields over literal minefields. No life should ever be lost over any differences of opinion. Is it wise? Is it dumb? Time will tell.

  1. A person who uses their words (written, spoken, etc.) wisely and powerfully. ↩︎
  2. Will some consider this a run-on? Sure. I do not care. It makes sense; it works. Flexing my license as a wordsmith ;) ↩︎
  3. Really, it sucked for all of us because pandemic. Life as we knew it changed. ↩︎

Thanksday – 050224

For this next ThankSday, I ThinkS I need to honor a person who, IMHO, is a SainT of modern pop – TSwift, Taylor Swift. Thank you for all that you do, and thanks for being (mostly) unapologetically you. I used to feel weird about identifying as one for far too long, but, at the end of the day, I suppose you could say that I am indeed a SwifTie. Changing my view to ignore common conceptions and public perceptions, I am ME!

Now, to digress briefly, I choose to clarify that I love most, if not all, music out there. My opinion of best artists may be different than yours. We should have favorites, but we should also keep an open mind to hear more than what we already know. Essentially, I am sugjesting a choice to consider change. Your favorites can and probably should change over time. We all go through different phases and stages of life. Your favorites will not always change, but they certainly can and probably should in some cases. If that idea is upsetting to you at all, then maybe you should reflect on that some. Why are you choosing to be inflexible and stagnant? Might I already sugjest You Need to Calm Down?

 

As a Swiftie, I have been listening to her new album, The Tortured Poets Department, a lot as of late. It is a sadder album than I probably need in my life right now as I deal with more changes than I necessarily desire, but it does help me sit with my feelings more. In addition, it helps me reflect and ruminate more. It reminds me that I, too, am not alone. My experiences are similar to what others endure. I will not say that they are the same because they are not; we each live individual and unique lives, yet we can track trends and share similarities1. In doing so, we can advance better together, and we can change our outlook and grow through any and all shared experiences… if we choose to do so. 

Today is never too late to be brand-new.

You can still be Innocent.

It takes work, but it is worth it… <3

Personally, I listen to SiriusXM a lot. For this past month or so, Channel 13 has been exclusively dedicated to Taylor Swift. What stands out to me is the different audio clips between songs – there are insights from the legend herself as well as neat stories and confessions of admiration from some of the adoring Swifties. I really appreciated how people acknowledged Taylor’s change and growth throughout her career. She is not the same woman that she once was. I think that is one of the best points of life. Why would you want to always be the same person? We can continually learn and grow as the world around us continues to do so. We have opportunities to reinvent and improve ourselves over time with incremental iterations of what is ideal or important for our most idyllic life. 

Thank you again, Taylor Swift. I applaud and appreciate your willingness to be as authentic and real with us as possible. I imagine that it is not easy being the monster on the hill. I think you are doing a great job at showing many people how to feel more empowered and encouraged to enjoy experiences. You have educated me a lot.

Long Live well-lived and better-loved Legacies <3

Maybe it’s wise. Maybe it’s dumb. Time will tell. :)

  1. I love the idea of tinkering this into shimmerlarities :) ↩︎

Soulday – 042824

How are you? Good.

How ya doin? Fine.

What’s up? Not much.

I hate these exchanges so much. More often than not, they are simply not true at all. First and foremost, there is so much up above us! Yes, it is cheeky, but it is also quite accurate. Inauthentic answers align with apathy. Why are two people even interacting then, huh? Let’s shake it off and try something new to rekindle conversations. Here is my sugjestion:

Oh, hey, friend! What’s your current charge?

Well hello yourself, friend! I’m at about 85%. You?

Hmm, I’m right around 100; thanks for asking!

An equilibrium is established; an equivalent exchange is effected. I love this idea. It feels so fresh and right to me. How does it feel to you? Yes, it is different, and it is atypical from current norms/standards. Do you like it, though? I think it can help actualize even better, higher-quality, and more charged conversations amongst us all. Do you see what I did there? I believe in change, and I believe in charge. I also believe in being creative. Even if I could, I will not make this choice alone. It is up to all of us. If you like the idea in general, then please adapt it to best fit your needs as you see fit. Incorporate this livelier idea into your daily routines however it helps you best interact with those around you all the time.

Another perspective here is what else charge means. What duty are you charged with? By trying to think about a change in charge, we can adjust our outlook and perspective on life. The clinical or medical world uses this idea of dutiful charge a lot, and it was referenced in olden times a good amount, too. Are you aligning your current charge with and for your life’s charge? If your charges sync up, well, that sounds harmonious. Contrastingly, what do you expect if your charges are in dissonance?

Are your frequencies in tune, or are they scrambled?? Are you charging yourself and those around you, or are you draining and/or wasting precious charge and/or energy??

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell. For now, I will charge on, friends :) <3

Freeday – 042624

Given the theme of this cycle, I choose to immediately start this post with this sugjestion:

Where is the love?

To finish this cycle this Freeday, I want to stress how important I feel self-love should be for all of us. If you cannot love yourself, can you truly love others? Perhaps you are trying to love yourself by loving others, but I think that kind of love will only last temporarily. Anything external will not be reliable over time in the long run. Confidence, direction, maturity, and stability need to be built up and relied upon internally IMHO. If you cannot appreciate yourself and your feelings, can you truly appreciate anything else? Honestly, I am not sure. It is only a sugjestion for you to ruminate on. I think about it a good amount.

Take care, be kind, be considerate of other people and other species, and be loving.


-John Lithgow

I like this quote, but I think it should be directed towards one’s self, too. Not in a selfish way, mind you, but in a mindful, healthy, and balanced way. I believe that our bodies are temples. We are blessed to walk this earth and cohabit it with all other living beings. We should treat it all with respect, including ourselves. How often might we not think twice about what we may be doing to our own bodies or what we may be putting into them? For a long while, I was very guilty of not thinking more first nor being more aware of my own actions and choices. As I consciously choose more nowadays, the experience is far more rewarding IMHO. The intention with which I pour into my life now makes me a better person. I am better-spirited, I am friendlier, and I am happier. As I tend to my temple as best as I can, it in turn takes the best care of me. While everything outside may (and often can) change continuously, I remain steadfast and resolute in my beliefs and my loving self-care. IMHO, proper self-love paves a path towards equanimity. In my mind, this segues perfectly between cycles. I tried my best to stay focused on love for these two weeks. Next, I will focus on change. It is one of the constants in life. Try as we might, we cannot control everything.

Are you building your temple up, or are you breaking it down?

Are you raising it or razing it??

For now, I’ll just keep swimming. See y’all on Sunday for the start of the third cycle. I appreciate anyone and everyone who takes a look here. Maybe it’s wise. Maybe it’s dumb. Time will tell.

It is love alone that gives worth to all things.


-Teresa of Ávila

Wondersday – 042424

Have you ever wondered… about soulmates? I have. I honestly believe that I am bonded and/or bound, maybe for life. Time will tell, but I know I am bonded/bound here and now. Different beliefs and cultures talk about a red thread or an invisible string between two people as two examples. Maybe it is not physically tangible, but I believe that I can feel it on some level. Raise your eyebrow(s) if you want… but… does it make you… wonder? ;)

IMHO, there are other species out there who do a better job at bonding for life than us humans! The number of other animals that are often better at lifelong commitments makes me feel at least a little sad for humanity. Yes, I recognize that not all relationships should endure forever because some, if not many, are not built on the right foundations. However, other animals on this planet do not struggle with the difficulties that we do. “Red foxes form a monogamous pair, share their parental and hunting duties equally, and remain a unit until death.”1 There are a wealth of birds, sea creatures, and other animals that exhibit exquisite exclusivity. I’ll leave one more example article here to reference.2

As with most things in life, I think there still needs to be a healthy balance to establish. Otherwise, why do you think the term “codependency” exists? I do not need to wonder much about that one. I know I have struggled with it enough already. I will save anything additional on that topic for another time. I choose to focus on soulmates for now instead.

I will probably never love another person in the way that I love my soulmate. I will love other people, sure, but I doubt it will ever be with as many layers/levels of love. As I have said numerous times now, I love love, yet I reserve some of my love for her and only her.

After all this time?

Always.


-an exchange between Albus Dumbledore and Severus Snape

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.

love will sing

Stay wondrous, y’all <3

  1. Are We Biologically Inclined to Couple for Life? ↩︎
  2. Seven animals who mate for life ↩︎

Mournday – 042224

I mourn the loss of true love – real, authentic, soul-bonding&binding, ever-lasting LOVE. We all seek it or should seek it IMHO. Maybe you realize you have it with yourself. I am not sure there because I do not feel that way myself, yet I am trying to consider how to fully include the asexual community and any adaptations of that sexual orientation, too.

I consider myself extremely fortunate and perhaps even rare to hold such a connection near and dear. I wandered lost and alone for a long time. I found my own pockets of happiness and progress along the way, but she is a catalyst for my change. I owe so much of my self-improvement and, honestly, self-advancement to having a supportive partner. She had no clue what I was doing here. Psh, I had no clue what I was doing here. Inklings, sure, but I was “blindly playing, searching around in rooms for an invisible dot.1“

Y’all, I hate reality TV shows. What an oxymoron! Reality on TV?!? As if!!! Reality is out here. In the moment. Here and now. With each and every single one of us. Recorded and possibly-even scripted BS on a screen does not deserve such a title IMO. My case in point is the Golden Bachelor. 3 months – that is how long they lasted in “holy matrimony.” Holy cannoli, what a bunch of bologna! Ingesting such inane and innocuous/in-noxious in and out each week… you are zoned out and zombified on your couch, chair, floor, whatever.

Whenever, wherever did we lose out on sparking our own joy? Why do we need to waste precious half-hours to hours of our time hoping these two clowns pick each other?? My sugjestion: what if you spent that time improving yourself? What if, by putting in effort to make yourself better, you attracted all the things that you best love in and around you?

I know that the responses to this “Tarnished” Bachelor divorce announcement have been polarizing. Some support it, and some balk at it like I mostly have so far. I balk, though, because I think they are lazy. IMHO, they are not willing to put in the hard work that makes it work well. How quick were they to quip that it is irreparable? What cannot be repaired after only three effing months? The main (and only?) reason that I see detailed so far is their living situation. Here is a fun fact – despite how in love I am, and in spite of me having a soulmate, I do not live with her. There are progressive lifestyles out there nowadays that can help alleviate this sort of dissonance between two people. What works best for each of y’all? Why can you not try an approach like LAT (Living Apart Together) for some time before simply and slothfully throwing in the towel? That is what makes me so angry here – a sense of entitled laziness like they have exhausted all possible options for how to make it work. Did y’all even try any marriage counseling together? There is yet another sugjestion. I need to slow down and breathe some because this is how and why reality TV makes me so livid. IMO, it is a virtual swamp.

Switching gears entirely to lighten the mood before signing off for today, I want to wish a Happy Earth Day! Here is a fun video to watch that I loved seeing yesterday. It should probably include an epilepsy/seizure warning, though, IMHO. One final bonus sugjestion – what if we each did a little bit more for our planet that we are sharing? It does not have to be much. If even a small percentage of us start doing more, it will add up. Personally, I try to carry a bag with me now when I go out for walks. It allows me to pick up random pieces of trash when I see them. Then, it is easy enough for me to throw that bag away at the end of my outing/walk. It does not take that much extra effort from me, yet I know I am slowly making this planet prettier again. This cycle has a lot to do with (self-)love. A new song talks about cosmic love as one of the lyrics. I think that is cool; it is another take on agape IMO. I suppose, here, I am pushing for planetary love. Currently, like our bodies, it is the only one that we have. Do we really want to ruin it? I don’t. Do we need to keep destroying anything and everything around us? Let’s build it all up positively please. Let’s rediscover our health and Earth’s health. Maybe it’s wise. Maybe it’s dumb. Time will tell.

 

  1. Adapted/paraphrased from Ready Player One ↩︎

Smarturday – 042024

hot vs. HOT

I am redefining, for myself at minimum, what it means to be hot. I no longer care about trying to be hot for others as in worrying about whether or not people find me physically appealing or attractive. Instead, I now choose to focus on being HOT – Honest, Open, and Transparent. Think about it for a moment if you are willing to do so – do you appreciate when people are being authentic and true with you, or would you rather them be fake and false? It’s a true or false pop quiz! ;) If you are like me, then you prefer the former.

Beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart.


-Khalil Gibran

Superficial and superfluous stuff feels so wrong to me. I do not intend to offend anyone here (with this particular paragraph within this post). I am simply expressing my opinion. When I saw RFK, Jr.’s (third) wife standing next to him after the VP announcement, I was horrified by how she appeared. Everything about her face screamed fake and inauthentic to me. I wonder how many surgeries she has had. Plastic surgeries. I could debate that whole topic of “plastic” in and of itself for far too long, so I will definitely put a pin in that for a future post. The person closest to me in my life pointed out what I consider to be a profound perspective that I had not previously pondered – did Cheryl Hines choose these procedural paths for herself, or did she feel pressured by the patriarchy positing power over her? Our choices should be individual. I have already said that who knows how many times within these first two cycles of posts alone. I believe it firmly, so maybe that is why I keep stressing it repeatedly. HOT truth can take time to sink in gradually. After all, we can look a gift horse in the face and say “Nay”, eh? Our choices should be our own.

If you see something beautiful in someone, speak it!


-Ruthie Lindsey

To part this post, here are some sugjestions to consider: are you being HOT1 with others? Are you being HOT with yourself? Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell. :) <3 

  1. HOT – Honest, Open, Transparent ↩︎

Thanksday – 041824

Now that we have the silly circus/parody post over and done with from two weeks ago, please allow me to introduce the current and possibly-permanent plan for Thursdays:

 

Thankful Thursdays – Thanksday

THis first official one, THough, will be THanksday. ;)

I am thankful for Tom Hanks <3 To me, it sounds like he connects with anyone and everyone around him. That is beautiful and incredibly underrated IMO. I wish we all worked more to build up that skill better. I am certainly trying my best to work on it as I can, when I can, and where I can, but it is not always an easy thing to do. However…

The best things in life don’t come easy, but those things are the ones worth the sacrifice.


-Adriana Locke

As I learned more about Tom and his life, I realized how much I think he is full of wisdom:

I show up on time, I know the text, and I have an idea.


-Mr. Tom Hanks, “America’s Sweetheart”

IMHO, he’s one of the good ones. The basis of his work ethic reverberates reverently – “we’re all in this together… how can I help you?” Thank you, Mr. Hanks, for reminding me to bring solutions to the table in order to try my best to help resolve any and all problems that I can. Who cares if I am the reason for it in the first place or not? “Not my problem” is such a jaded and lazy response IMO. We can all fix plenty of problems if we give it a try.

As a few sillier highlights of why else I am thankful for Tom Hanks, I think his SNL skits are classics in the archives, and he evidently gifts his acting partners with typewriters as a means of codeveloping their roles via snail mail – typewritten letters back and forth in character. What a thoughtful and immersive experience to engage in with one another!

As I reflect more on an interview that I heard with him recently, another lesson from his life that I think could/should serve as a life lesson for us is that there is no specific order to how you should live your life. IMO, there are best/optimal ways to live life, but you can “figure it out” at any point should you so choose. He was already married and had a kid before I think his light bulb clicked on. It sounds like he was still in a happy-go-lucky, too-cool-to-be-bothered, young, dumb, and invincible phase despite already needing to be responsible for a family. Fortunately for him and those he supported, he clicked quick.

I want to be cheeky here and say “I think I love you, Tom,” but it would not be true. I know I love you, Tom. I think that you are such an incredible individual and that the world is so much better because of you, so THanks :) Maybe it’s wise. Maybe it’s dumb. Time will tell.

Any questions? :) <3  

Soulday – 041424

IMHO, it can be so easy to get swept up in anger and hate. I know all too well how quickly those strong emotions can take over and override the system. It can be blinding. In extreme rage situations, why do you think the term “seeing red” exists? That is what Kate Martin felt after a celebrating fan ran into one of her teammates earlier this season. Logic and reason (wise mind) check out while base instinct (basically dumb mind or lizard brain) checks in. Look at Draymond Green. I want to believe he means well, but I do not think he processes his emotions well. I think his internal systems get easily overridden. To be clear, I am not trying to discount or disrespect him. I love him, y’all, like a brother. I see his struggle, I feel for him, and I want to help him as best as I can, like a brother. IMHO, feeling & recognizing your emotions are some of the first steps towards becoming better.

Growing up, I was raised in a very religious household. One recurring lesson/theme on worship days seemed to circulate annually-ish and continually sticks with me to this day (because I believe it held kernels, nuggets, or seeds of wisdom). The leader liked to talk about the types of love. Not just love but the types of it because there are differences! Why should we only believe in one type of love? IMO, I think we often limit ourselves too much. Case in point: as I researched this topic to fact-check myself to the best of my abilities, I learned that the very leader who I looked up to back then did not even tell us all the types of love; I only recall three or four foreign words. Evidently the ancient Greeks had a number of different layers/levels of love (like an onion, or a parfait); some sources talk about 3 while others have 4, 7, or even 8 different types of love!!!!!!!! At the end of the day, I believe love is whatever you make it. My first sugjestion today – why wouldn’t you make the most of it? Why would you limit yourself to only one or two types of love (or even no love)? I will not. I choose to channel as many levels of love as I can; I find it to be very fulfilling and rewarding. What do you choose to channel; how do you find it to be?? To be completely honest, the last level I see scares me because I know how obsessed I can be by default with my basic personality type. Once again, feeling & recognizing it are some of the first steps. Therefore, in the interest of not withholding (what I deem to be valuable) information, I will detail all 8 levels or types of love that I found in preparation:

Agape1 (love for everyone)

Philautia (love of the self)

Pragma (longstanding love)

Philia (deep friendship)

Storge (family love)

Ludus (playful love)

Eros (sexual passion)

Mania (obsessive love)

Before researching the above information, I was prepared to expound on a point where I do not think that I was taught about, let alone how to correctly practice, self-love way back when2. That oversight disappoints me so much. IMHO, I think there is too much blame and/or responsibility that gets shifted away from ourselves. I believe that we fix our own problems (else we simply stagnate/stall). Can others outside and/or beyond us help? Sure. What do you think I am trying to do here? Ultimately, though, I believe it boils down to what you choose to do. How can you best help yourself? Currently, I feel that self-love is extremely underrated and underutilized in this day and age. Let’s work on it!

Over time and through education, I learned that, in the Arab world, it is common for two male friends to hold hands while walking. You will react however you are doing so right now. I can easily guess how much balking and eye rolling is going on because of what I’ve said. Honestly, though, I think it says more about you and your personal shortcomings than anything else. Why does that notion make you uncomfortable? What is it that you are missing out on in your life? Maybe you are jealous of how comfortably they can love. Love does not always have to be sexual. That is only one level out of at least eight! It doesn’t even have to always be sensual. IMHO, it should be one soul caring for another. Short, simple, and sweet. Hopefully and/or ideally, that other soul reciprocates the caring back to you, but it is not even necessary to receive that reciprocation in order for you to love regardless. I think we are often too afraid to love, so we miss out on so much of life! My last sugjestion for today: learn the layers and/or levels of love. Let it light a fire inside you and shine a beacon outward for all. Please, and thank you. Also, I love you. Yea. :) <3

Maybe it’s wise. Maybe it’s dumb. Maybe “All You Need Is Love.”3 Time will tell. 

  1. I was very intrigued to see this definition for the Greek word “Agape” because it is one of the few words branded into my brain from all those years ago. In the past, I had been taught that it was love for a higher power. How neat to see it differently. ↩︎
  2. I wanted to write “when I was growing up”, but, IMO, I am still growing up, even to this day, so that is why I chose to write it the way I did with a different approach. ↩︎
  3. Please note: water and food for survival are still strongly encouraged, too… ;) ↩︎

Freeday – 041224

I like to think of Friday as my day to freestyle – Freeday. In my head, I keep picturing the Wild card from Uno. Each 2-week cycle, I want one oddball day/post. Some cycles may have more of that type, sure. Carving out a dedicated day, though, is still appealing. It feels right to me. That is what this is all about. What feels right? What is our best for humanity? As a perfect segue, I’ll tell you something that could be our absolute worst:

Nuclear war/holocaust/apocalypse

I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones.


Albert Einstein

I know that went dark, literally and thematically, fast, but hear me out please. I am very overjoyed for a new TV show that is premiering on Amazon today – Fallout. I have been playing a number of their video games for years. Can it be depressing and dystopian AF (and even scary) at times? Sure, but the creativity that the game developers pour into its design and detail is so vivid and captivating. Deathclaws terrify me whenever I encounter them in-game, but they are also still so cool (IMO)! I am excited to watch the show soon.

In case you cannot tell already, I am a big nerd. I’m fascinated by languages and words, I’m infatuated with knowledge and learning, and I love love. Sure, some of that may sound weird, but what is wrong with any of it? Absolutely nothing. Say it again!

Now, for the next post and even as much of the next 2-week cycle as I can, I will focus on love. I think that will be important because I have recently said some disrespectful things to some worldly bullies. However, with that said, I have one more to focus on for today…

Marjorie Taylor Greene, you disgust me. Your lack of respect for basic decorum let alone your actions towards others is downright sickening. You should feel ashamed IMO. Do I think you will anytime soon? Nope, I won’t delude myself, but I want to state my opinion of you loud and clear for any who choose to listen. Maybe others will start to see you like I do – an unruly, petulant brat throwing nearly-nonstop temper tantrums. It does certainly help me better understand the company that you choose to keep. Between you and he-who-should-not-be-named, y’all set the bar so very low. How blasphemous of you to dare feel so bold as to try and translate, nay, warp and bastardize natural events to fit your own agenda. MTG, WTF?!? GTFO with that effed up BS, you babbling, blithering buffoon. “Nasty woman” is a fitting throwback as well. It could’ve been easy to use a different b-word at the end as well; I’m actively working on improving. I’m doing well. Are you? The expletives you say are inexcusable IMO. Being so rude as to interrupt our POTUS during his SOTU is wholly unacceptable. Your childishness is quite laughable.

You are a laughingstock IMO. Hahaha, and that is coming from a sugjester! I wish we could lock you up in some stocks for periods of time whenever you start acting up too much – a public timeout. What is so wrong with that? Absolutely nothing. Say it again!

With the recent fallout of disappointing decisions across southern states related to abortion rights (or, truly, the lack thereof), I want to highlight my favorite news in recent months related to the topic. Y’all, France enshrined1 a woman’s choice as an amendment to their country’s constitution. In America, I am culturally predisposed to think of French people as pretentious, but this news makes me deeply question that predisposition because, in my mind, there is no question as to which country is doing better here. Without hesitation, the answer is France for anyone trying to be difficult right now.

If only we could head-butt some sense into all of us stateside, oui?

IMHO, each individual can and should develop their own belief system. I recommend doing so with as much creativity and vividity as possible. That is my opinion and my choice for my system at least. That’s how I choose my fighter. A pacifistic one, mind you please. Let’s do better… together. Let’s stay in our individual lanes and keep our choices, especially when it comes to our own bodies, in our own hands and minds <3 Good gosh, y’all. What is life good for? What are you good for? I believe a lot. Do you? My first belief, summarizing it again as I culminate the completion of this first cycle, is that I believe in me. You can probably guess what the next one will be even before Sunday. We shall see.

Is it wise? Is it dumb? You choose; time will tell.

  1. such a cool word IMO – “to cherish as sacred” ↩︎

Wondersday – 041024

What if you wake up each Wednesday morning and simply shout (aloud or internally):

“Wondrous!”

Please don’t try to scare anyone else because then it defeats the purpose (you jumped beyond your lane IMO), but, just think with me for a moment please… how silly. How ridiculous. Yet how much fun if you get a little uncomfortable and just try it out at least once. Let loose and live a little please. What have you got to lose by trying? You may feel foolish, perhaps think of yourself as a clown or… a sugjester? Stay wondrous, y’all! :) <3

Have you ever wondered… about being your best self? I have, and evidently so too has Charlie Smyth. He has played a lot of Gaelic football over in Ireland. It sounds like he is a phenomenal kicker. For years, he has worked hard to get even a single opportunity to prove himself at the professional sports level. It started as a seemingly-farfetched dream, yet he has already made it onto at least the practice squad for the New Orleans Saints. How wondrous! I am so happy for him and what he has worked hard for to accomplish. He could have given up at any point over the years, but he pressed on and persevered.

I also want to appreciate what the NFL did with the International Player Pathway (IPP) Program. IMO, they pioneered or at least were an early adopter of DEI before it became a buzz word that now catches such a bad and unfortunately-negative reputation stateside. Expanding each team (at least at the practice squad level) to encourage global growth by recruiting international talent is quite commendable in my mind. Special teams positions were previously not included until this year (2024). I am grateful that they expanded this inclusion criteria because it allowed me to learn about Charlie. His work ethic impresses me immensely. Whether he knows it or not, I think he seems to at least follow the fourth guardrail really well. When interviewed for the article, I was amazed by what he shared:

I don’t want to be one of those boys who comes from the IPP just to sit on the practice squad for three years…

I’m doing it because this is what I love to do, and I want to be the best version of myself. To me, it’s not really about money. It’s about being the best version of myself and representing the country on a world stage and inspiring younger lads to follow suit. If you have a passion or a work ethic to achieve something, then why not go and do it?


Charlie Smyth

Why not indeed? :) Wise words from a man in his early twenties. I applaud his focus and tenacity. I resonate with his purpose and approach. We both strive for our best selves.

In summary, Charlie Smyth, in case you ever read this post or hear about it, I want to say thank you. Your words ring strong and true to me. I believe in you, and I wish you the best of luck. Not that you need it – your work ethic sounds exceptional – but because I choose to also believe in cheering on good people. How are you becoming your best self today? Maybe it’s wise. Maybe it’s dumb. Time will tell. Stay wondrous, y’all. Please and thanks.

Mournday – 040824

I was not sure at first how or where to start this inaugural Mournday1, but then we lost the lives of seven brave and heroic souls approximately seven days ago. They were each fighting the best fight they could. I’m proud of their actions, and I’m heartbroken for their losses. May each and every one of them find the peace that is not here now:

 

Saifeddin Issam Ayad Abutaha

John Chapman

Jacob Flickinger

Lalzawmi “Zomi” Frankcom

James “Jim” Henderson

James Kirby

Damian Soból

I’m a little ashamed to admit that, when I started drafting this post last week, I had not yet realized that I would be publishing it one day after the 6-month mark since all of the massacres have materialized. 

I guess time told me, huh? Raising an eyebrow? ;) I will probably raise many eyebrows with what I am about to say next, but I do not care. I could care less, sure, yet I do not care enough to stop. 

.أشوفكم و أشعركم, أصدقائي العرب 

Please note and understand, I do not intend this to imply that I do not also see and feel my Israeli friends. My education is limited, with little to no Hebrew knowledge currently. However, I also feel that the current injustices lie more heavily on the Isralie side as of late. I won’t begin to try and claim that I am fully abreast of all of the history here, but I do know that two wrongs don’t make a right. I do know that the stark difference in these staggering statistics2 do not feel right. I do know that we are often each capable of doing more if we so choose. Here is my question/sugjestion – why are we each not doing more to end this nightmare? Why are we creating our own living hell amongst one another?

I am appalled by the ridiculous claims that I have heard about some Israeli nationalists who want to reclaim their homeland/birthright/whatever-you-want-to-call-it. My next question/sugjestion – where is the compromise here? What land are you willing to offer in exchange? Everyone is hurting. Everyone is struggling. We have so many inner demons. Why must we also focus so much on perceived outer “demons”?

The wiser you get, the more experience you have, and the more you see people for who they are as human beings, as opposed to figures you have to fight against.


Vanessa L. Williams

Would you honestly tell me to my face that the starving Palestinians do not deserve to eat in order to live? Do I really have to remind you about who was starving 80 years ago? I hate going there. I despise myself for referencing it, but maybe it is a connection3 that someone needs to hear in order to change. Maybe that is a barrier to break down in order to broker the peace that so many are asking for, pleading for. Hate me for it, that’s fine, but please love your neighbor. Please let them eat and have basic human rights. An entire population should not be punished as a result of a subset. Judgments should be individual. That’s my opinion/belief. I’m not sure which right now. I’m too yangry to debate that part right now. Maybe it’s wise. Maybe it’s dumb. Time will tell…<3

As for a synchronized solution, let’s settle the sands simultaneously and systematically. Are we really all squabbling over the same territory? Is the biggest debate related to one holy ground? How about if no one has it and yet everyone has it? There is talk of a third temple, right? Let’s try a trifecta. Let’s appoint a combined team of experts that includes equal representation from all sides. It was a temple, it was a church, and now it is currently a mosque. Let’s make it all three, coexisting peacefully. I am not saying congregate collectively but collaborate constructively. Each worship area can and should be singular IMO; walls, though, can and should be shared. The team can design this idea. It can be reviewed and revised. It does not have to be rushed whatsoever. IMHO, we all should have it, or no one should have it. Is it wise? Is it dumb? Figure it out! Time will tell.

Teamwork can make dreams work. I believe that.

Benjamin Netanyahu does not strike me as a team player. As I prepared for this post more and more, I see his stubbornness. There are deals to be made, accords to be struck. Instead, he sinks his heels in and refuses? During the first truce, Israel almost reached the halfway mark for freed hostages. We could possibly be fully past this point by now with peaceful pacts. Your asinine attitude, Benny boy, allowed for additional atrocities. Your idiotic idealism instigated how much more insufferable harm. IMHO, Israel needs a leader who can truly lead. Leaders should not deal in absolutes. I believe that. I also believe a leader should be fluid and flexible, not rigid and uncompromising. Earlier in this war, after one of the prior mistakes by you and the IDF, you said Israel will “learn the lessons” of the accident. How can we see that learned lesson last week? Hagari even claims, “we do not strike in places where we know there may be hostages.” How about in places where there may be foreign aid volunteers who are out there literally risking and now losing their lives? After six months of this insanity, what did he claim on the anniversary? “The achievements of the war are considerable.” Sickening; warped and wild IMHO. Your atrocities of the war are considerable and damning. After an ultimatum by Biden, it sounded like progress was being made. New aid routes were opening up for Palestine. What did I see this morning, though? Delays with these deliverables. There is so much here that does not add up, and so much here does not make a lick of sense to me. I agree with Chef José Andrés who wants an independent review of it all. IMO, Israel should be offsetting, if not overcompensating for, the food supplies that were interrupted by their terrorism. Are my insights incendiary? Yes, and so were your missiles – not just the one. You had survivors from the first car in terror, and you circled back to finish the insanity that you introduced… Inconceivable. Inexcusable. Inexplicable. Infuriating. Inhuman.

Adina Moshe, in case you ever see this, thank you. Thank you for being such a sound voice of reason. Your words were a breath of fresh air that I appreciated immensely as the storm raged and roiled in my soul. She was one of the hostages. She was being held in Gaza captive for seven weeks. IMHO, she sees more clearly than Netanyahoo. To me, it feels like he is remaking a mockery of The Hunger Games right now. IDF have killed Israeli hostages. IDF have killed starving people vying for food. IDF have killed real and true heroes who put themselves in the line of fire to do what they knew is right and best. Over half of Palestine is on the brink of starvation. What I cannot figure out, though, is if you are Snow or Coin. Maybe you are both – a freakish chimera. Regardless, any of it and all of it still means that I think you, Benny boy, are corroded and delusional. It has already been two months since you boldly declared your braggartly bravado… what’s next, Netanyahoo? Be wise in time please, and thank you in advance… <3

Lastly, I choose to finish with a final vigil as well. After this paragraph, the rest of this post (aside from the footnotes) will be comprised of 13,031 broken hearts. That amount is only for the lives lost among the Palestinian children. How many more hearts are also broken by those losses? Mothers, fathers, brothers, and sisters. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Friends and neighbors. Classmates and coworkers. The limit does not exist for what harm and heartbreak has happened. It’s not irreparable, though. Many won’t believe that part right now. Emotions are too strong right now, but I firmly believe that repair and reconciliation can and should be possible. What else will stop all of us from dragging on fighting? Maybe it’s wise. Maybe it’s dumb. Time will tell. Be well.

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  1. Please note: This is easily my longest post yet. Who knows if it will be my longest post ever, but I appreciate any time and consideration you are willing to give it. Clearly I had a wealth of thoughts and feelings to share on this sad topic. ↩︎
  2. The horrid sneak attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023 killed approximately 1,200 Israelis. Since then, over the past six months, it has been estimated that 33,000 Palestinians have been killed, most of whom were women and children. Now, one million (1,000,000) more Palestinians are on the brink of famine/starvation. I’m no mathematician, but I do know that 1,200 < 33,000 < 1,000,000… WTF, people?!? ↩︎
  3. I was frustrated yet fascinated when I recently read this article. 1) I didn’t realize that additional concentrations camps have existed around the world. American POWs have evidently endured similar suffering. 2) Actions speak louder than words. They also judged the individual, not the populace, in the end here. Some extra “food for thought” IMO. ↩︎

Smarturday – 040624

Suggest vs. Sugjest

I am here to try and write the best witticisms that I can. Therefore, I believe it is within my right(/write) to occasionally flex (and even introduce) adaptations to existing words in order to best fit the needs of these writings. What else really is a writer’s license, eh?1

Along those lines, how else has wise/dumb language continued to evolve over time?

Suggestions are suitable substitutes for influence.

Sugjestions are perhaps slightly sillier substitutes. Regardless, they are still substitutes for influence all the same. As I started scripting this site, this subtle shift in the styling of a single syllable of a word served as a stark sentry surrounding my sensibilities…

Do not get completely lost in the work; do not forget why you are doing what you are even doing in the first place. Keep in mind what the point of it all is…

What even is the reason for all of this? As I understand things better (which isn’t that well IMO, mind you), I can say now that duty and love are what drive me. They are two of the main reasons why this site even exists. However, at the time when “sugjestion” became an idea in my head, I needed to remind myself then to also have some fun along the way… otherwise… (or otherdumb)…

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.


-ambiguous source – James Howell, The Shining (1980), etc.

IMHO, there’s already too much red rum2 out there in this world currently. I wish Jack Sparrow could be speaking up instead right now and asking all of us why it’s gone :)3

IMO, it can be so easy to get swept away by the global dismay that waylays our brains, capacitays, and personalitays. Therefore, for this first-ever Smarturday (which is when I’d like to encourage or sugjest to us all to reflect a bit more and look inward a bit more, as best as we each can), I want to clarify my definition and/or idea for sugjestions and what it means, to me at least, to be a sugjester.

First, suggestion is softer than most words. I like that idea, and I prefer that approach a lot more. My inherent intensity can instigate inconducive and inopportune interference with individuals if I don’t instinctually instill it incrementally. In that vein, if I invoke my insights as idyllic idiosyncrasies, I intrinsically introduce DEI. IMO, my writing is diverse. My focus is equity, and, if I sugjest to the best of my abilities, then perhaps I can idealize the implied intent here – inclusivity <3 interested? intrigued?? invigorated??? inywho… ;)

Second, jest can often catch a bad and possibly false reputation. I like focusing on the playful side of jest, not the derisive or demeaning aspect of it. Owning some hypocrisy there, yes, I am aware of writing that after more or less demeaning someone a good amount in the previous post. I mostly had fun with it, though, and can you really, truly tell me that it was not justified and/or warranted there? :) My mind is now toying with the idea of “jestified”, but there’s a time and a place for optimal change; while I want to have fun here, I also choose to remind myself to reel it in responsibly as well (within reason). Perhaps that aside helps paint the picture, though. Perhaps you can see how I try to find a balance – take the purpose seriously and enjoy the process. Have some fun along the way, please and thanks; when and where you can and as best as you can, inject your jests in healthy and loving ways… that’s just my sugjestion for us all :) <3

In conclusion, I choose to be one of the sugjesters. There are so many of us out there, even if that may not necessarily be how we all self-identify. I see y’all, though, and I appreciate y’all. So very much. Thank you for doing what you are doing. I love you <3

maybe it is all wise… maybe it is all dumb. Time will tell.

  1. Please note: this term is better known as artistic license or literary license ↩︎
  2. Spoiler Alert – it’s a Shining reference to “murder” (what is it backwards?) ↩︎
  3. In case you have a minute-ish to spare to enjoy this brief beach scene… :) ↩︎

Trumpsday – 040424

Hear ye, hear ye! By royal decree (this is a parody), Thursday shall be henceforth and forever known as Trumpsday! ;)

If he can threaten that a state (Pennsylvania) will have its name changed by some unnamed and unsourced entity (“they”)1, then I can change a day of the week, right? After all, why shouldn’t I honor him and all the great things he’s done? Wait… honor? No… HORROR. Absolute, terrifying, jaw-dropping WTAF HORROR.

WHAT. was that man thinking? In my opinion, I don’t think he was thinking. I don’t think he does think (often at least). I think he simply spews venom, vitriol, and filth – a bunch of despicable and disgusting dung delivered from his dome… where doth dangle dein Herr, Drumpf?

He is a poop peddler; he peddles piles ‘o poo. Within only a few months already this year, “he” has produced two “new” “products”:

  1. stupid “gold” shoes with a silly slogan and an even sillier price tag
  2. a sacrilegious abomination of a holy text

What happened to the separation of church and state? Evidently it’s now OK to blend and literally bind them together?? Do you know what I recently learned??? In the dictionary, under “book”, one of the actual definitions is an entry about “the Book” as the Bible. Donny boy went so far as to bastardize the best-selling book in the entire world. What on Earth gives him that right? How sickly narcissistic and terribly toxic does one individual have to be to think that they can do such a thing? To be clear and honest here, I doubt that he is solely responsible, if at all responsible, for creating this propagandistic poop, but he chose to be the selfish face of it all. I sugjest considering these questions:

  1. When, if ever, have you seen Donny boy wear a pair of those new golden shoes?
  2. When, if ever, have you seen Donny boy open and actually read any excerpts from that book?
  3. Is he trying to make money for himself, or is he actually trying to take care of America? He’s politicizing personal products while preening and pining for presidential power. IMO, Trump is patronizingly “patriotic”.

IMHO, I think he does not care about any of us at all except for himself. When have you last seen him with Melania? Why might we trust this old boy with our highest honor?? IMHO, I hope we won’t; I hope we will stand up together and say, “no more piles of poo please.” Please, let’s choose someone who actually cares about more than their own personal perpetuation.

Look, y’all, I know that Biden also isn’t great, but I think that he is clearly better – better than the man child and better than RFK, Jr. Joe probably sleeps better (& possibly more) than either of them which is honestly a good thing IMO. Based on what I’ve learned, the only time when our brains can expand back in size is when we are sleeping2. Did you know that? It’s such an interesting fact that I find to be quite mind-blowing. Knowledge can be so cool and powerful, y’all. I digress… Sleepy Jo(e)kes aside, I will mention a neat thought that amused me a ton as I prepared this post. Once it crossed my mind, it was really tough to not feel compelled to try and fit “Hodor” into the first part as “horror” was repeatedly referenced. Unfortunately for us, the great big oaf that we all actually love is fictional.

After this post, I will actively work on never saying or writing Trump’s name again. Forevermore. Instead, I will simply refer to him as “He-Who-Should-Not-Be-Named”. There are very few people, IMHO, who should ever receive such treatment. However, sadly for him, I think he easily makes that list… Is it wise? Is it dumb? Time will tell…

Oh! And, if you’re still here, for the record, a US state has NEVER had its name forcibly nor involuntarily changed (by “they”, them, or anyone). Based on my research into this topic3, just recently in fact (in November 2020 – 2 months before one of our candidates attempted a coup to corrupt our democracy), Rhode Island’s state citizens voted to amend the formal or official title of their state. It used to be “the state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations”, and THEY voted, as a state, to simply make it “the state of Rhode Island” instead. That right there, y’all, is the power of the people, and I’m proud of those participants. Let’s please publicly push for more positive progress like that one. In closing for today, which recent topics have you reliably researched yourself?

  1. trump pennsylvania state name change – Google Search – Note: please be prepared for yet more parody if you also click into the StateCollege article because I was briefly fooled for a bit while trying to fact check myself well here… :) ↩︎
  2. sleep expands brain size – Google Search or sleep study brain size before and after – Google Search ↩︎
  3. rhode island state name change – Google Search ↩︎

Chooseday; Snoozeday – 040224

I believe that rest is important. I have an energetic drive that’s difficult to quell at times. Therefore, on most, if not all, Tuesdays, you won’t hear from me. There may be urgent and/or pressing circumstances that warrant a rare exception, but I choose to snooze on Tuesdays. I’ll mostly make it my own Tunesday – lots of music to rest and recover well. How do you choose to spend your Tuesdays? Do you still dread this point in the week? Why? I know I used to, so, in my opinion, it’s a… fine… approach. However, that tends to make me think of “fat Gandalf” and one of his rare speaking lines in Deadpool 2 (2018):

You know what ‘fine’ stands for, Wade? [Effed] up, insecure, needy, and emotional.


-Buck

I try to avoid that word nowadays as a result of this one scene, so thanks, truly, David Leitch and whoever else we have to thank for this beautiful moment. There are so many whimsical words out there in this wide and wonderful world awaiting our witty writings while we wile away our waking hours. Maybe it’s wise. Maybe it’s dumb. Time will tell :)

Soulday – 033124

If you stand for nothing, you’ll fall for anything.


-Wayne

Sure, it’s a repeated line in a comedic show on Crave/Hulu about a fictional small town in Canada, Letterkenny. However, like many nuggets of truth, its actual history and nature goes much further back than I realized. Malcolm X is quoted with a similar saying as well as Alexander Hamilton. You don’t always have to say something original if many of the great people in the past have already said it better. Paraphrasing has power, too.

This expression/idea hits home hard for me, so much so that it has become an integral part of my life in more ways than I ever expected. It has helped me define my values and determine what I hold near and dear to me in my life from my lane.

Have you thought about your values and what you choose to stand up for? Do you know that you can work your own values out online if you choose to do so? It’s free. No cost to you whatsoever, aside from a bit of your time. In my opinion, though, I think it’s worth its weight in gold because it can help you better determine how to spend your time moving forward, in a more value-based and therefore valuable way. :)

Values also do not have to be static and/or permanent. I have completed this self-examination of what I find important to me in my life at least twice in recent years. Guess what? My values have changed some over time. Some have remained the same while others have fluctuated or exchanged with others some as I’ve learned and grown. For reference and to be fully transparent with y’all, my current top 5 values are, in order:

  1. Peace
  2. Health
  3. Authenticity
  4. Inner Harmony
  5. Growth

Where do you stand currently? What values do you hold near and dear to you? Want to find out, and might you care to share as well? By defining your baseline, you can begin to better evaluate and identify what in your life aligns with your current values. Perhaps it will offer some better perspective around what works well and what may be an area with room for (self-)improvement. It’s only a sugjestion that I have now offered to you.

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell. :) <3