Saturday, May 28, 2016

Why not now?

  
      Other people need me to do other things.  Their needs are more urgent than mine.  They are not able to do it themselves. These obligations come first. 
     I'm not ready yet.  I don't feel like doing it right now.  I'll be more prepared and able to handle it later.  I still have time.
     It's too late.  I should have done it before.  The opportunity has passed me by.  It's a lost cause.
     Now is the hour.  Reset your priorities and restructure your daily activities.  Set deadlines and avoid distractions.  Train family members to be more independent.  Let someone else do the other stuff.
     The older we get, the more we realize that time flies away unless we use it wisely and that time does run out.  At any age, we shouldn't procrastinate.
    

Monday, May 23, 2016

Trending Topics

     Innumerable thoughts pass through our minds.  Some dwell subconsciously; others are consciously welcomed or rejected.  Some thoughts remain; some disappear.
     We are bombarded with current events, both important information and frivolous trivia.  The news media chooses what to air and to print.  The more shocking, titillating, controversial, and amusing, the more repetition.  We need to be aware of what is entering our thoughts and how we can control or stop the effects.  Just because many people are talking about a topic doesn't mean we have to continue the chatter in our conversations.
     Much of our thinking is consumed with the necessities of  getting through the day.  Some trending topics may be useful, while some are just a waste of time.  Think of your mind as your home.  Don't answer every doorbell,  phone or text message.  Be selective about who or what to invite inside.  Clean house and get rid of the rubbish.  Leave a window open for fresh ideas.  Have room for entertainment and recreation, but also save space for quiet contemplation.  Cook up ideas on your own with ingredients from many sources.  Consume what is good for you, and throw out the garbage.
 

Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Turnout

     A ballet dancer learns turnout of the hips, legs, and feet in order to have more flexibility, a greater range of motion, plus faster and bigger movements.  The spine and core can remain straight and strong.  When ballet students first try these positions, they feel unnatural and awkward, but with years of practice they succeed.  Beauty results.
     Would that we could train our minds to move all 180 degrees, to become more flexible, and have a greater range of ideas.  Our minds can accomplish this and still retain a strong core.  Often, we prefer to stand still or go backward to remain in the past.  Trying to move forward and understand the wide spectrum of opinions may seem awkward.  With practice, we can succeed.  Empathy results.        

Monday, May 16, 2016

Lullaby

    
     Down through history all over the world, parents have sung songs to calm and soothe their babies, to reduce their stress and help them sleep.  These simple, repetitive rhythms and words mimic the movement experienced in the womb before birth.  Some say the song even calms the singer.  When the parent can no longer lull the child, we must grow up and learn to sing our own lullaby.
     When we feel weary and worry-laden, when we feel like crying aloud or silently,  we search for someone or something to help us through the rough spots.  We need a respite, a physical and emotional rest.  We may use another person to help soothe us.  We may form a philosophy that helps us deal with life's challenges.  Some have faith in spiritual help.  As adults, we need to learn to cope, to broaden our perspective, to see the whole picture of our experiences, and learn to handle happiness, sadness, and everything in between.
     Often, we have the opportunity to help others bear their burdens, to get them past difficult times.  By learning to soothe ourselves, we are better equipped to soothe others.  The calm may seem temporary, but with practice, we can develop our own lullaby.
   

Saturday, May 14, 2016

Fight Song

    
     Always ready (Coast Guard) to fight for right and freedom (Marines), anchors aweigh (Navy) into the wild blue yonder (Air Force.)  At times, we must fight the enemy at war, on the playing field, and in our lives.  The enemy may be someone or something that endangers our security and values or something within ourselves that keeps us from winning in life.
     Preparing ourselves and our children to decide what is right then to fight and win - that is a necessity of life.  A fight, however, doesn't have to be violent but more of an all-out effort to succeed.  You may have to battle an illness or unhealthy habit or try to right an unfair situation.  An enemy is just a threat to success, something to be conquered either inside or outside ourselves.  We all need to remain free to choose how we accomplish our goals for success.
     We may have our own personal fight song to motivate us to help accomplish goals.  We may be on a team or encourage a team with a song.  A high school or college song makes us feel loyal.  At times, we may have to go into battle and need a song to stay strong. 
     March forward, set sail, and fly high.
 

Tuesday, May 10, 2016

Anchors

 
      Seagoing vessels occasionally use a device that connects them to the seabed to prevent drifting due to wind and current.  We occasionally need something or someone to prevent us from drifting away into danger or the unknown.
    Often, you hear people say that another person or their religion is their anchor that provides support and guidance.  Everyone may need temporary help to feel safe, to rest and recuperate. An anchor, however, may prevent us from moving forward, a risk necessary for survival, development, and  other essential activities.  Even though we may not feel totally capable to make the journey or are not secure in our independence, if we are tied to the same spot because of tradition or connection to the opinions of others, we will not experience the true adventure of life.
     Anchors Aweigh!

Friday, May 6, 2016

The Voice

  
     In many TV show competitions, contestants must impress the judges/experts and the multitude of viewers.  The contestants must have some talent, expression, and interpretation of lyrics.  The listener must hear and see something that strikes a cord, that pleases their expectations.
     Politicians are in a similar competition using their voices to get your vote.  Potential voters want someone who seems to have the talent to do the job, who expresses solutions to problems and interprets the needs of the voters.
     As you listen to various voices, hear the true meaning of the words.  How you interpret the message will help determine the future of our nation.  Realize the power of your voice and your vote.  Support the candidate of your choice.

Sunday, May 1, 2016

Don't believe it


     The older I get, the more skeptical I become.  I hesitate before believing anything new; I question my past beliefs.  Some might say I have lost my faith in what I read, hear, and see.
     In order to enjoy fiction in print, theater, and movies, we have to suspend our disbelief.  We know what we are experiencing is not real but a combination of imagination and special effects.  Even non-fiction may contain unproven facts, exaggerations, and biases.  We have to consider the sources of information and their objectives.
     Ignorance and gullibility can cause people to believe things too quickly or easily.  Faith in preconceived notions can stunt critical thinking.  We can be fooled into believing many things that aren't true.  Taking the time and effort to test the validity of an idea, to examine the evidence, and apply logical thinking may keep us from being fooled.
     Who and what you trust help form your opinions.  When you lose trust in someone or something, you may be on your guard.  You want to protect yourself from living in fantasy, wishful thinking, or outright lies.  If it doesn't seem true, don't believe it.