Silver Lining?

     Every cloud has a silver lining, not.  Sometimes a cloud lingers and blocks the sunshine for a long time.  When that cloud finally leaves, the sunshine returns, but that doesn't erase the fact that that cloud had no redeeming feature, no lesson to teach, no pretty.  We often hear that it could have been worse, but that isn't the point.  Author Harold Kushner explains how bad things happen to good people.  No rhyme or reason.  Not always fair.
     Don't feel that everything has a purpose or is part of some master plan.  Don't wonder why your guardian angel was off guard.  Some situations have no happily ever after, and we just have to cope.  It may never be the same. Looking for a silver lining isn't realistic in many cases.  As a famous lyric says: Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and start all over again.

Puzzle

     Watch a toddler learning to put together a simple puzzle.  With practice, the process gets easier.  As the child grows older and the brain gets more complex, the puzzles can become more challenging.  Adults also get a challenge and pleasure from fitting the puzzle pieces into a big picture.
     We are also puzzle pieces, each with a unique contour and design.  Some children and adults have a harder time than others fitting into their peer group.  Some may struggle finding their place.
     The human puzzle piece has the advantage of being able to modify its contour and design.  Through education and practice, the individual can create a better fit into society.  We may be just one piece, but our contribution will give us satisfaction and help solve the big puzzle.   
    

Inspiration

     Inspiration can cause a thought or feeling to motivate us toward action.  Sources of inspiration may include nature or art, hearing or reading meaningful words, or witnessing people living admirable lives.  Some people feel inspiration from God and religion.  Some people with curious and creative minds observe the world around them and come up with new ideas and inventions.
     Inspiration is also inhalation, the movement of air into the lungs.  Some people learn to focus on breathing by remaining still and allowing the mind to clear.  This is a type of meditation which can lead to enlightenment, with or without religious connotations.
     Oxygen, thoughts, and feelings are essential for survival.  They enable us to take action toward improving our lives and the lives of others.  Get inspired.  Be an inspiration.
    

Healing

     Stitch and staple the skin.  Ice and wrap the sprain.  Align and cast the bone.  Remove the appendix, the cataracts, the tumors.  Replace the knee, hip, and even the organs.  Our marvelous bodies begin to heal.
     Putting your life back together after troubled times, easing stress and strain, and mending a broken heart show how our minds can begin to heal.  Replacing negativity with hope and erasing grudges with forgiveness can lead to better mental health.
     We all are in various stages of physical and mental health.  As we improve our own situations, we will also benefit from helping others toward healing.

Volunteer

      Any time you willingly do something without compensation, you have volunteered.  As you care for family and friends, give your time to church and community, or take care of a pet or garden, you are volunteering.  Giving your time, talent, and attention can improve the world around you and, at the same time, can provide you with a sense of purpose and accomplishment.

     Flip the coin and realize how many people voluntarily make your life better and easier: your parents, your children, your friends, church members, and the list goes on.  Remember to appreciate what they do for you.  Don't take them for granted.
     Recently after a big rain, I noticed some annuals springing out of the ground that I had planted three years ago.  Obviously some seeds had remained in the soil all this time and came up on their own without any planning from me.  These volunteers are providing beauty free of charge. 

Independent View

The way it looks to me:

Republicans use religion as a guide.
                     define morality based on religion.
                     want to limit women's reproductive rights.
                     back school vouchers.
                     favor management over unions.
                     propose big cuts in government spending.
                     support increase in military spending.
                     want to retain tax breaks for the wealthy.
                     prefer private health insurance.
                     expect the poor to pull themselves up buy their own bootstraps.

Democrats believe religion is a private matter.
                  define morality based on the common good.
                  protect women's reproductive rights and gay rights.
                  want to provide good public education.
                  favor balance between unions and management.
                  want to reduce the deficit.
                  favor decrease in military spending and plan to bring the troops home.
                  believe in fair taxation.
                  want everyone to have access to health care and insurance.
                  feel responsible to help the poor pull themselves up.

Please let me know if you agree or disagree with any part of my viewpoint.  Or add to the lists describing the two parties.
                 
                    

Political Prejudices

                               

     Everyone has them; no way to avoid opinion based on past experience.  Just take a moment to trace your opinion back to its origin.  When did you first have that opinion?  What caused it?  Perhaps it was based on your family's influence, your personal experience, outside influences, and even manipulations.  What has made your opinion grow stronger and what do you benefit from having that particular way of thinking?

     Please be aware of how your emotions may make it difficult to understand those who disagree with you.  You may think that the opposition is less intelligent and less focused on what is best for you and your future. 
     Please be aware of manipulations to increase your prejudice like TV ads, speeches, and bias news.  They often try to increase your fear of the opposition.  They may use your dislike of the opposition to increase your loyalty to their way of thinking.
     We all have a big decision to make between now and the elections.  Most of you may already have made the decision.  Some of you may still be undecided.  Please  keep listening to both sides with an open mind and vote.  Hopefully, your decision will be based on clear thinking instead of prejudice.