Educate

 
     We educate our children, our students, and anyone who comes into our lives.  Sometimes, we are unaware of the effect we are having.  Sometimes, we are aware when we are trying to teach something to someone.  As others listen to you speak, read what you write, and observe what you do, you are teaching and they are learning.
     At times, you may feel ignored, but you never know how your words or actions may help someone later on.  Sometimes, you may receive disagreement and opposition, but at least you have started someone thinking.  Other times, you will feel rewarded when you have inspired and empowered someone toward a better life.
     Beware when  your behavior is less than stellar.  A strong person may just see an example of what not to do.  A more vulnerable person may adopt your habits.  Also, be careful when your power of persuasion causes someone to remain narrow minded; instead, try to broaden their viewpoint.   
     Keep talking, writing, and being a good role model.  Someone will be observing your words and your actions.  Your experience and wisdom can help educate others, the best gift you can give.

Education

     We receive education throughout our entire lives at home, at school, and in society.  Sometimes we are unaware and just automatically absorb the world around us.  Sometimes we are aware of the  process and through our own efforts seek out information and study.
     We need education to develop our physical, intellectual, emotional, and social skills in order to become responsible citizens working at fulfilling jobs and having meaningful relationships.  We need to develop our curiosity, reasoning skills, self-discipline, and self-reliance.
     As children, we rely on adults to provide education.  As adults, we become more responsible to continue learning.  Even in adulthood, we may often depend on others when we should develop independence.  We may expect our mate to provide some of our needs while we reciprocate and provide for them.  Teach each other the skills to be independent.
     Every adult needs to become well-rounded and not relinquish their duty to be life-long learners.    Women, especially, should ready themselves for a life that might include taking care of an incapacitated spouse or becoming a widow.  While you have the time, keep learning especially about those things that your husband has done in the past.  We shouldn't go from being a dependent daughter, to being a dependent wife, to being a dependent mother of adult children.
     Have self confidence that you can learn what it takes to be independent.  Have courage and determination.  Please continue your education.

Wonder

    Why?  I wonder, I don't know, but I'm thinking about it. We rethink the past, seek answers to today's questions, and ponder what will happen in the future.  Our curiosity helps us find meaning.  We try to find reasons, sometimes doubt, desire more information, and consider choices.  We wonder.
    Wow!  I wonder, I am amazed, and in awe.   We marvel at nature, admire outstanding talents, fortitude, and kindness, and are thankful for our physical and mental capabilities.  Sometimes the less we understand the workings of nature, the more we may see it all as miraculous.  We feel wonder.
     When you wonder about the wonders of the universe, keep questioning and don't assume it is a miracle.  Realize we are a product of an amazing evolution.  Our survival depends on how we take care of ourselves, each other, and the world.
      Question and marvel about everything.  Discover the why and feel the wow.

Evergreen

      Some trees never seem to change, forever green, never baring their branches, always providing shade and refuge.  Other trees show a colorful display, then leaves fall and decay.

    When we focus on sustaining our outer beauty, we need to remember that autumn fades to winter.  When we concentrate on maintaining our inner beauty, our usefulness will last through all the seasons of life.

     Nature does not worry about sustaining spring because fruit must form in the summer for the next generation.  When autumn arrives, every living thing follows its own survival plan.  See the natural beauty in all forms of life in every season.  

Reflections

     Light enables us to see.  Ideas enable us to think.
     The Times/Picayune newspaper has a section called Reflections where editorials and opinions are published.  Readers may submit letters to-the-editor in reply or on original topics.  Professionals and amateurs can share their thoughts.
     Our mirror creates reflections where we can analyze our appearance, fix our hair, and apply health and beauty products.  Sometimes we see imperfections and signs of aging in face and body.  Other times we realize we are OK and good enough as is.
     We should look beyond the mirror and reflect on what we think.  We can listen to and read other viewpoints which will help our own thinking.  We can voice our opinions and write about our thoughts.  Our behavior can be a reflection of our values and morals when we practice what we preach.  Sometimes, however, we say one thing and do another.  Actions often speak louder than words.
     After reflection, we can expand and alter our thinking, but at times, we may believe we are OK and good enough as is.

Now's Not the Time

     Some say timing is everything.  The results we wish to achieve will be lessened or ineffective if we say or do something at the wrong time, in the wrong circumstances, or with people who are not ready to listen.
     Sometimes, we must plan a conversation and do whatever it takes to get the person ready to listen.  We may be ready now, but we have to remember our goal and plan accordingly.  We also must anticipate resistance to change especially if the person is happy the way things are now.
     Good comedians develop their timing to build up, pause, and wait for the laugh.  People making  speeches have to get their points across in the right amount of time with good style and delivery.  Parents realize they have to have a continuing communication with their children instead of trying to reason when the child is upset and out of control.
     We can time our conversation to get the greatest effect, but procrastination may produce too much delay.  Our time may be limited; our opportunities may be few.  The perfect time may not come.  We don't want to run out of time to get our message across.
     If now is not the time, then when?

Brainwashing

     When your thinking, emotions, and behavior seem to be controlled by other people or outside influences, your independent thought is inhibited.  Brainwashing usually is pictured as happening in war prisons, totalitarian governments, or religious cults where isolation, propaganda, repeated messages, and emotional pressures are used to control minds.  Many forms of brainwashing, however, happen all around us.
      Often, we are indoctrinated supposedly for our own good.  Parents and other well-meaning adults teach us values and opinions to help us develop into responsible adults.  They may not encourage us to think independently or form other opinions.  Religions also indoctrinate people to what they believe is true and necessary to lead good lives. Cults aren't the only ones who insist that their philosophy is the only way.
     Brainwashing is also used for the benefit of someone else.  Political parties use every tactic to control your thoughts and get your support.  Promoters of products and services use advertising to influence your spending habits.  Repetition of emotional appeals seem to block our independent thought.  We do need good leaders, products, and services, but we need to realize when we are being manipulated.
     Perhaps we need to give our own brains a good washing to examine how we think, feel, and  behave, then clean out the debris.   Recognize who or what influenced you in the past and increase the use of independent thought now and in the future.