Sunday, September 29, 2013

Who talks to you?

Who talks to you when you're alone?
Who whispers in your ear
Providing all the best advice
And takes away your fear?

A voice from the spirit world
Or a human combination
Of experience and wisdom
Plus your imagination

Some will say you always need
Messages from above.
Others say just trust yourself
And always act with love.

     We all need to be open to advice wherever we can get it.  Our family, friends, and experts can help us form an opinion or a decision.  Some people rely on various political voices to tell us what's what.  Many also believe that we can connect to the spirit world through prayer, by reading the Bible, and by listening to pastors.  We need to analyze the various sources of advice and make sure the messages we hear and read are authentic and contain the truth.
       








 

Saturday, September 21, 2013

On The Fence

     When you find yourself sitting on the fence, you are still considering both sides of an issue.  You have time to remain neutral and delay a decision.  In some cases, you don't ever have to commit to just one way of thinking.
     Pressure may come from others to make a decision.  They may want you to agree with their way of thinking.  Once you choose one side or another, left or right, liberal or conservative, Democrat or Republican, you may find comfort with your own group.  You may begin to stray from the middle, the moderate, or the independent.
     Don't let others pressure you to leave the fence, to make unnecessary decisions, to reduce your options.  Take your time and realize you may never have enough information or confidence in one side or the other. The longer you stay on the fence, the better position you will have to understand the advantages and disadvantages of both sides.

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Religious Messages

     In most cases, our parents have guided us into a particular religion.  As we had faith in our parents, we believe what they believed.  They also taught us what not to believe, how other religions were mistaken on many issues, and how agnostics and atheists were completely wrong.  Many of us are prejudiced in favor of our own faith and against other faiths.
     Most religions convey the same basic messages:
1.  A higher spiritual power created the universe.
2.  Human beings can depend on this higher power to provide love, protection, and help.
3.  Our scriptures are true, accurate, and provide a guide to values and behavior.
4.  An afterlife awaits the faithful.
     Many religions are sending the wrong messages:
1.  All people are born heterosexual; homosexuality is a sin.
2.  Abortions are always wrong.
3.  What happens is supposed to happen, part of  God's plan, a reason for everything.
4.  Expect miracles, happenings beyond the laws of nature.
     In our democracy, all religions and lack of religion must coexist.  We wish this acceptance would apply around the world.  Overconfidence in any one particular religion can create dislike, hate, fear, and even war.  Religious messages should promote love and peace.
   

Monday, September 16, 2013

Cheer Up

     Often, we may be faced with the challenge of trying to help a sad person cheer up.  If  we are together face to face, the first step is to give hugs and love.  If we are communicating  from a distance, we can still give words of love.
     Next, get them talking.   Listen and empathize.  Ask questions to get a better understanding of their situation and feelings.  Ask about their physical health and discover if they are eating well, taking their meds,etc.  Have them suggest possible solutions.
     Remind them of the good they are doing with their life.  Encourage them to feel hope that they can cope.  Ask what you can do to help.
     Don't be judgmental.  Don't be too fast to try to solve the problem or offer opinions and suggestions.  Don't get off the subject or start talking about your own problems.
     At times, we may be the sad one trying to cheer ourselves up.  We need to follow some of the same steps.  Talk to someone.  Try to understand the causes of our sadness and think of possible solutions.  Make sure we are taking care of our physical health.  Ask for help.
     Sadness comes to us all.  Hopefully any depression is temporary.  How do you help a sad person cheer up?

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Childish Ways


     A child is immature, not yet an adult.  The brain needs to develop to be able to think clearly and reason well.  The emotions need to stay in control and be expressed effectively.  Selfishness needs to lessen as empathy and compassion for others increase.  Self-sufficiency needs to replace dependence.  When we grow up, we need to put away childish ways.
     We still need to keep some childlike ways.  Remain curious and adventurous.  Delight in learning something new.  Ask questions and search for answers.  Be creative.  Enjoy the simple pleasures.  Play and have fun.
     A child needs to learn a lot from adults.  Adults need to learn a lot from children.  Each stage of development has its pluses and minuses.  As we interact with our children and grandchildren, we can remind ourselves how to be young at heart.
   

Monday, September 9, 2013

Separation

Birth: Your first separation, no longer physically connected to mother.
School:  You leave the nest where parents have given the basic, general information and go to teachers who give additional, more complex info.
Adolescence: You spend less time with parents and more with peers.
Relocate: You go to college or career as an adult.
Marriage: You leave childhood family to form a new partnership and family.
Birth: Your baby no longer physically connected to mother.
School: Your child leaves to continue education.
Adolescence: Your child spends less time with you and more with peers.
Home alone: Your child is now an independent adult.
Live alone: Your spouse leaves or dies.
Death: Your last separation, no longer physically connected to the world.

     Separation (permanent or temporary) is natural, necessary, sometimes painful.  Where we were once connected, we now have a space between ourselves and others.  An emotional connection may remain which should also be natural, necessary, and healthy.  We need to go from pain to acceptance and enjoy and develop ourselves as separate.  Everyday we are forced to separate from the past and welcome the future.  Some separations are temporary and we can say, "See you later."  Other separations are permanent and we must say, "Good-by."

Saturday, September 7, 2013

Heroes


     As a nation, we honor the courageous men and women in the armed forces, police forces, and fire departments who risk their lives to save ours.  On a local level, we recognize other professionals in health care, education, and other fields who have our welfare as their goal.  We cheer our favorite athletes as they struggle against their opposition and win the game, the trophy, or the medal.  In books and movies, we witness the hero conquering the enemy and saving the day.  We also see the quiet heroes surviving obstacles and inspiring us toward a better life.
     Often our first image of a hero is the brave man rescuing the damsel in distress or the superhero fighting evil and saving the world.   We need to recognize the true heroes who come to our aid everyday, who have our best interests at heart, and sacrifice part of their lives so that we may survive, develop, and succeed.
     A hero is not just a strong, brave man who protects and defends those in need.  A hero  can be a friend or family member who helps you when you really need it.  A father is a hero to his children when he gives them love, support, and fun.  A mother is a hero when she gives her own body for nine months so we can become human beings, then loves and cares for us until we can care for ourselves.  Parents are brave and courageous as they sacrifice many years of their lives so we can have good lives.  A helpful friend can also become a hero to us.
     A hero is not only just someone who risks their life in dangerous situations, but a hero may also be someone who helps others however and whenever they can.  Appreciate the heroes in your life and find ways to be a hero.  

Sunday, September 1, 2013

Unique


     No one is, has been, or ever will be exactly like you.  No one has had your same life experiences or has your same perspective.  Carefully forming your opinions and sharing them is a gift to others and yourself.
     Some people may agree with you; some may disagree.  In some instances, more will disagree than agree.  Your opinions still have value.
     Be courageous sharing your thoughts.  Continue to consider other points of view, and when necessary, change and evolve your opinions.  Risk judgment and criticism.  Don't be defeated, but try and understand.  This will only improve your thinking.
     Experts may know more about a topic than you do or have a more powerful voice, but you are unique.  Communicate, speak, write.
     Just as Mr. Rogers sang, "There's only one in this wonderful world.  You are special."