Obsolete

   
     Our bodies grow old, but our thoughts should stay up-to-date.  This may require an open and inquisitive mind that can delete the out-of-date and refresh beliefs and opinions.  Many people want to cling to the ideas of their parents and ancestors.  New ideas seem to interfere with age-old concepts.  Scientific evidence can collide with past notions.
     Some ideas from the past are still valid, but many are faulty and obsolete.  We need to clean out our closets, keep what is essential and toss out the rest.   Some items may have historical and sentimental value, but some things are just worn out and need to go.  Easier to clean a closet than a mind.
     Just because something is new doesn't make it true or false, helpful or trivial.  The same goes for something old.  Allow your mind to go forward, grow, and improve.  Don't become obsolete.

Speak Up

   
     When you can make a difference, when the time is right, when you might regret it if you don't say something, speak up.  Be courageous, yet courteous; have good intentions, but be prepared for criticism.  Show others that you welcome their contributions and encourage them to speak up.
     Value your own opinions and the opinions of others.   If you want to influence others, be willing to let them influence you or at least, make you think.  Listen, speak, then listen again.  Add to the dialog with respect.  Insults and name calling are counterproductive.
     We see instances of poor communication every day.  People who are overconfident in their  own opinions cause more division instead of possible compromise.  Thoughtless and hateful remarks are akin to bullying, intimidating others to acquiesce.  Freedom of speech should encourage communication and help clarify the truth.
     Compliment or critique, encourage or caution, support or correct, defend or oppose.  Decide when it is best to speak up.
 

Keep Quiet

   
     Or the less politically correct - Shut Up!  Saying this to yourself is an attempt to restrain from making remarks that may be counterproductive, misunderstood, or hurtful, but sometimes frustration and anger are hard to contain.  Trying to silence someone else can also reflect your own frustration and anger.
     Sometimes, we just need to release our feelings and opinions and share our thoughts, free speech and all that, but be aware of the possible consequences.  Sometimes your ideas are not welcomed, are considered none of your business, and believed to be overstepping.  Parents of adult children often have to hold their tongue out of respect.  Friendships need to be protected, so we should take care that remarks are not insulting.
     Many people don't want their opinions questioned or are only interested in opinions agreeing with their own.  In the past, we were told never to discuss religion or politics in polite company, for obvious reasons.   Better to just have a pleasant evening.  Weigh the risks of opening up your mouth or writing down your thoughts.
     When you feel like telling someone else to "keep quiet," try to understand the reasons behind their remarks.  Don't stop communication, but try to present your own objections in a civilized tone, and explain your own opinions.
   Quieting yourself or expecting others to be quiet may help keep the peace, but the price of silence may be too high.  Decide when it is best to keep quiet.
 

Winnowing

   
     Using the wind or a current of air to remove the chaff from the wheat can be a metaphor for removing the bad  from the good.  Sometimes we need to allow a cleansing air blow through our minds to remove the worthless from the valuable.
     We must recognize the chaff in our minds, that which is unhealthy, nonproductive, untrue, and bad for us, that which is holding us back from our potential and narrowing our view of life.  Perhaps something or someone in our past is still surrounding our thinking, preventing us from recognizing the wheat, the seed of truth which we need for sustenance and growth.  Perhaps we are holding on to a protective covering for comfort, not wanting to face facts.  We may be holding on to a philosophy or a relationship that needs to be improved or dismissed.
     We need to keep the good, that which is healthy, those grains that help us survive, take root in reality and blossom.  Find a wind of fresh air, a personal method of determining what should remain and what should be discarded.

       

Connections

   
     A hug or a handshake, a loving embrace, spoken and written words, lyrics and music, connections serve  many purposes; we need to be in touch with each other.
     In the beginning of life, babies prefer the connection with mother.  Later, teenagers want to connect to their peer group as their status seems to increase with the number and frequency of text messages.
     Lovers desire a connection with their special someone that will last a lifetime.  Business people want connections that will make them money and advance their careers.  Politicians need to connect with voters to get them into office and keep them there.  Performers like to connect with their audience and fans.
    Some people enjoy a connection with their pets, while others value most their attachment to the spirit world.  Older adults are glad that their personal connections are still alive.
     Connections can be temporary or lifelong, serious or frivolous, remain strong or weaken with time.  The past, present, and future connect to create your life story.
   
   

Get through the day

Plan and prepare the day before for what lies ahead.  Care for yourself, your health, your potential.

Awaken all your senses, open your mind to various options, adjust toward a positive attitude.

Prioritize, be flexible, and change your mind and actions when advisable.

Realize human nature aims for survival and values cooperation.  Appreciate, create, be proud.

Don't define yourself as sinful or label behavior as good or bad.

If you regret some behavior, forgive yourself, learn from mistakes.

Don't judge or hold grudges.  Forgive others for what you perceive as wrongs against you.

Don't let the weather influence your mood.  The earth creates what it needs.

Take one moment at a time.  Add some joy to the world.  Have a worthwhile day!

Get through the night

the dark, the unknown, heartbreak and pain, to make sense of the chaos, to search for reasons and explanations, to hope for relief.  What does it take to get you through the night?
     You may want answers to go forward, desire help from others, and cling to the idea of a higher power providing protection and aid.  Or  you may concentrate on building personal strength to roll with the punches, realize you must face adversity using your own resources, and adjust to discomfort as a natural  part of life.
     We must live in night as well as day with the unknown as well as answers and experience suffering as well as comfort.  Adapting to reality helps us survive.