01-01-21

With this New Year, let's change our mindsets and build a better life for yourself.

I am not pizza. I can not please everyone.
The people I used to let influence me, no longer hold sway.
It's not that I don't believe them, it's mostly having discovered I have outgrown that way of being. Their way of being.
Sure, we all want to belong. Need a tribe.
Yet, there are times when one must let go of the old beliefs, the old behaviours and lean into a more evolved version of who You are.
Times like now...
Reinvent what you can.
Let go of the old ways. Outliers know things others do not...

31-12-20

It's complicated, this life. No doubt.
Navigating this life without a map, or a compass is tricky.
I mean, really...who can you trust?

The long and short answer to that is: You.
Call it instinct, call it gut feeling.
Call it what you will.
Get quiet. Be still. Feel those feelings.
The answer will come.
Listening to your intuition is guidance...

30-12-20

I believe this might mean putting up with 'on purpose' negative or bad behavior from others.
Yes, I can choose to ignore it/them.
If it interferes with quality of life, say from 30 door slams a day from the unemployed drug dealing neighbour downstairs, it makes sense to explore your options.
Pick your battles wisely, as unfortunately ignorant, entitled or damaged individuals (as well as sociopaths, racists and bullies) exist, and there is no reasoning with them.

28-12-20

There is always a reason, a back story if you will, as to why this meme is selected for today.
Here is what inspired today's Food For Thought...

Once upon a time, I loved an artist who was quirky, handsome and larger than life. I saw his potential (I always see potential) at the expense of the now because I grew up in a very abusive household. When not being hit or targeted for the daily on-slaught of verbal abuse designed to diminsh my spirit, I often felt invisible. The only attention I received was negative.

I made a decision as a child to see people.

Fast forward to that relationship. I chose to see him.
It was difficult and chaotic. Loving a man-child always is. Maybe it was a social experiment.
I hoped it would involve reciprocated love, protection and respect.
He needed more than I could give. He was not one to build a life around.
He ended up dumping me on Christmas Day, as he was seeing another.

Perspective

Do the best you can
With what you have
Where you are. ~Theodore Roosevelt

...

That's the theme for today. The office is taking shape.
The work week allowed for uninterrupted periods in which to have the time to sit at the computer and write.

I did so. Worked on ideas left sitting on a shelf.
Fired up the old printer and using the technology of USB to
Parallel cabling the old HP Deskjet500 lives!
It's a great day when you make a discovery such as this.

Speaking of discoveries...what an interesting few weeks.

I had a spammer attack my social media page.
I heard about a guy that in an inspired moment announced his intentions to quit his job over the the company PA system.
I had a meeting or two to determine if there was any life left in old projects.

Felt the sting of rejection (both professionally and personally).
Had my spirits uplifted by beloved Friends.
And discovered through a contact that a device exists that will allow you to transfer files from your old hard drives. Who knew?
Like a trip down memory lane. I can access old journal entries and the like. Woo hoo!

Solitude and a litany of quotes helped give me perspective.
I know that I am the one who assigns meaning to whatever occurs.

I choose to reframe some of the experiences into mini-adventures for my Soul.
I choose to allow change.
I choose to not take barbs, personally.
I choose to celebrate the closeness I feel to those who mean the most.

It's an energy thing. I can not give what I do not have.
I am so grateful I have a network of support.
A place where I feel at home.
A place of safety where I can always find refuge.

I had a brilliant week actually.
Many moments that intersected where truth meets wisdom then veered off to that place where the past met up with my present.

I am grateful.
You've shared.
I've listened.

It's all been a gift from the Universe.
I've had the amazing opportunity to use what I have, where I am.

I celebrate the small victories, and remain positive.
It can only go up from here!

Something to Think About

Whether it's the best of times or
the worst of times--it's the only time we've got. ~Art Buchwald


Did you know that the choices you make over the next few days will have a major impact on the direction your life takes?
Please don't let indecisiveness limit your chances to excel.
It will take hard work, that coupled with originality and ingenuity--but if you are willing to think outside the box, all this will help you.

I can help you, but so long as you see me as part of the problem
(not as I really am) I will remain so as part of your perception.

Actually, I am part of the solution (if you are willing to go there).

Realize your self worth and believe in your path.
Be content with what is.
Be proud. You've survived more difficult situations, I assure you.
Choose. Make better choices.
Take responsibility for your decisions.
Drop your worries.

By constantly bashing yourself over what you did and did not do--
and worrying incessantly about every little single thing that has occurred, are you aware that you are missing out on the happiness that you could have had all along?

Determine what sets you apart.
Your mission is to create a reason for being here.

Believe in yourself.
Believe in your decisions.
It all had to happen in order for you to be here, now.

Stay positive.
Keep moving forward.
Accept and love yourself.
Be kind to yourself and your life will be a whole lot brighter as you cease to blame yourself for actually living.

So, you made bad choices.
So, you let yourself and others down.
Isn't that Life 101?

Time to live more consciously.
Events and people are lessons.
There are no mistakes.

You matter.
Know that you are adored.

And after all is said and done--
It doesn't really matter what I think or what it is I have to tell you.
What matters is how you think.
Where you find meaning. How you frame this experience.

And though I can not change your mind,
or take away the fear you are feeling--
Just know that indeed, it all happens for a reason.

I can not get you to change your mind.
Only you are capable of shifting your thoughts.

When the unexpected occurs--
it's best to let it go.
Remain calm and carry on--
And be grateful to have had the chance to express who you are.

Even if it goes against the mainstream,
against popular belief and convention.

Because you were brave enough to think outside the box
for a time--
I am irrevocably changed for the better, because I had the
opportunity to be connected to you. If ever so briefly.

I am so grateful you found me.

Calm in the Face of a Storm

Interestingly, I find myself sitting across a person who is blowing a head gasket. They are animated, red faced, huffing and puffing. I suspect this is most likely their nature, yet at the same time I can see the frustration mounting as I refuse to play the game.

I will not become hysterical, nor teary eyed at the commentary. Oh, I can listen perfectly well to what you are saying.

My taking notes, and mirroring your statements has you taking pot shots at my integrity, my behavior, my vernacular and my race.

So what? I articulate when I am ready. I respond in kind as I see fit.
This may come as a surprise, but I have news for you. I have freewill.

I choose to remain calm in the face of your storm.
Omnipotent as you may believe you are in your role as superior human being
I hate to be the one to burst your bubble.

Yes, I may have caused some distraction, and yes--I admit there are two sides to every story. But it's clear tact and diplomacy are not your strong suits. And the reason you are having difficulty communicating with me is two fold. Firstly--you are having a temper tantrum, and secondly this conversation is more a rant.

Bash me as you will.
List my infractions.
Carry on as you will.
You may be god in your domain.
You may believe your own lies.
You may be just as ugly inside as on the outside.
You may be triggered, and angry and pissed off.

Kindly, I will let you be. You've insulted me enough for the both of us.
Thank you for everything.
The truth does indeed, set you free.