I remember a person describing a plant that had become very large and the person was telling about the daily care of the beautiful plant. The plant was in front of a window and the person said that each day the plant had to be turned. The plant was drawn to the light from the window and would naturally be full of new shoots of growth on the side of the window.
The person said that each day the plant had to be turned or else the plant would eventually strangle itself. By turning the plant regularly a balance was kept for a healthier and more vibrant plant.
I am not comparing myself to a plant but I have heard that people are drawn towards happiness. This thought makes me ponder that we must keep turning as we are drawn to happiness. To be balanced we must remember we have needs for physical happiness but we also have needs for our spiritual, emotional and psychological well being. Happiness, in only one area of our life will eventually be strangling to us and be out of balance for a fullness of life and productivity.
We have to take time to have all aspects of our design to be in a atmosphere of peace, balance and happiness. By doing so, we are turning ourselves to enjoy all aspects of being drawn towards happiness and we will see the flourishing effects it will have in all areas of our life.
The turning will not only bring a balanced life but it will also make us stronger in all aspects of our life. This in "turn" brings a remarkably happy and fulfilled lifestyle that is balanced and not strangling in any way to us.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Friday, April 29, 2011
#127 "Be Wise" By Susan Pearl
It is not wise to criticize what ever we don't like before our eyes,
But to realize that there is more beyond ourselves and if one tries,
A new awaiting depth of appreciation and self discovery there in lies.
But to realize that there is more beyond ourselves and if one tries,
A new awaiting depth of appreciation and self discovery there in lies.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
#126 "Letting Go" By Susan Pearl
I think this may be a pet peeve of mine. Over time I think I have seen too much unrest in lives because a person was unable to move on and be in harmony with the current time and setting.
So there is one expression I rarely use and that is the expression "letting go".
First and foremost I personally don't think this expression is fitting in terms of a relationship with another adult person.
I think an adult person has a right to his or her own life and that fact should be respected by others.
The "letting go"of another person just doesn't seem to be in line with knowing and respecting a persons place in regard to another persons right to his or her own life, liberty and the prusuit of happiness.
It conveys that a person has the ability and choice that "letting go" of the other person will then allow freedom to occur.
I think that is thinking too much of one's self or of the other person and it becomes more like a control thing or a power struggle. Both people involved should enjoy the freedom of living a full, productive and functioal life without thinking a permission from another is needed to do so.
The reason I don't use that particular expression very much is, also, because it conveys to me that we hold something within the grasp of our hands. To me it is a false concept that it is just a matter of releasing our own grasp on something will release us from whatever is holding us from going forward.
Instead, in my opinion we are the one held captive by a grasp on us and the way to be released from its grasp is for us to move beyond of its reach.
Here again "moving on" takes us out of reach of the things that used to hold us back.
Examples of this woud be---"letting go" of the pain when in fact we are being held in the grasp of the pain.
We can "let go" all we want but the answer is that for the pain to no longer be able to have its hold on us we have to move beyond pains reach.
Like, for instance, a new confidence in ourselves makes us secure and that confidence in ourselves moves us out of the reach of from being overpowered and held captive by the insecurities of the past.
Instead of "letting go" we "move on" and this new way brings us in a new direction that in turn will free us from the former holds, from old repeated patterns because we now live beyond the reach of these old ways. Therefore the former problematic lifestyle canno longer hold us because we have moved outside of its range of reach.
These old ways have to release us because of our living a new fuller and more productive life.
We have "moved on" that we become out of reach of any grasp that the past may have had on us.
The negative aspect is the one "letting go" of us, not us "letting go" of it.
We are no longer living within reach of what was holding us back.
That distance is exactly what releases us from the any grasp of a former negative or destructive way.
I don't say "letting go",
For I know I have no control,
Our lives all rest on a dinvine plan,
That at times we 'will' and 'will not' understand.
So there is one expression I rarely use and that is the expression "letting go".
First and foremost I personally don't think this expression is fitting in terms of a relationship with another adult person.
I think an adult person has a right to his or her own life and that fact should be respected by others.
The "letting go"of another person just doesn't seem to be in line with knowing and respecting a persons place in regard to another persons right to his or her own life, liberty and the prusuit of happiness.
It conveys that a person has the ability and choice that "letting go" of the other person will then allow freedom to occur.
I think that is thinking too much of one's self or of the other person and it becomes more like a control thing or a power struggle. Both people involved should enjoy the freedom of living a full, productive and functioal life without thinking a permission from another is needed to do so.
The reason I don't use that particular expression very much is, also, because it conveys to me that we hold something within the grasp of our hands. To me it is a false concept that it is just a matter of releasing our own grasp on something will release us from whatever is holding us from going forward.
Instead, in my opinion we are the one held captive by a grasp on us and the way to be released from its grasp is for us to move beyond of its reach.
Here again "moving on" takes us out of reach of the things that used to hold us back.
Examples of this woud be---"letting go" of the pain when in fact we are being held in the grasp of the pain.
We can "let go" all we want but the answer is that for the pain to no longer be able to have its hold on us we have to move beyond pains reach.
Like, for instance, a new confidence in ourselves makes us secure and that confidence in ourselves moves us out of the reach of from being overpowered and held captive by the insecurities of the past.
Instead of "letting go" we "move on" and this new way brings us in a new direction that in turn will free us from the former holds, from old repeated patterns because we now live beyond the reach of these old ways. Therefore the former problematic lifestyle canno longer hold us because we have moved outside of its range of reach.
These old ways have to release us because of our living a new fuller and more productive life.
We have "moved on" that we become out of reach of any grasp that the past may have had on us.
The negative aspect is the one "letting go" of us, not us "letting go" of it.
We are no longer living within reach of what was holding us back.
That distance is exactly what releases us from the any grasp of a former negative or destructive way.
I don't say "letting go",
For I know I have no control,
Our lives all rest on a dinvine plan,
That at times we 'will' and 'will not' understand.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
#125 "Integrity" By Susan Pearl
The closing comments at a seminar on working with the activities for residents in a nursing home were the best closing comments I have ever heard. The instructor started her closing comments by saying, "Be a person of integrity."
The instructor continued, "Be a person that people can count on. Start your activities on time. Finish your activities on time. Be someone the people can count on--be a person of integrity."
I left that seminar with some new thoughts. I had not thought of integrity having anything to do with being on time. I had always thought the meaning of integrity as a person doing the right thing even when no one is watching.
Now the word "integrity" was taking on much more meaning to me. Her words, "Be a person people can count on" made me think of so many new areas that integrty could be applied in life.
I will always remember that seminar and I will always strive to be a person people can count on.
The instructor continued, "Be a person that people can count on. Start your activities on time. Finish your activities on time. Be someone the people can count on--be a person of integrity."
I left that seminar with some new thoughts. I had not thought of integrity having anything to do with being on time. I had always thought the meaning of integrity as a person doing the right thing even when no one is watching.
Now the word "integrity" was taking on much more meaning to me. Her words, "Be a person people can count on" made me think of so many new areas that integrty could be applied in life.
I will always remember that seminar and I will always strive to be a person people can count on.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
#124 "Acceptance" By Susan Pearl
I was told once that people who have suffered an trauma have difficulty with change.
To have difficulty with change would bring about a way of life that would avoid changes at all costs and not have acceptance to change.
Some changes are inevitable.
Some changes are a process.
Some changes are sudden and unexpected.
Change can be a lose but change can also be an improvement, too.
If we choose not to accept change then we will become "locked in" at that point in time.
The older I get the more I realize that acceptance allows us the ability to move on.
Without acceptance we will "stay put" or get "stuck in a rut".
Not accepting change will cause us to develope and fashion a life around the non acceptance.
With so much trauma happening in the world is it any wonder that change and progress is met with so much difficulty for any acceptance of a new way, a way of change, a new way of doing things or maybe even a new thought?
Sometimes for generation after generation of repeated trauma it can become a true dilema?
In my opinion, fear of change can become a way of life.
Acceptace is a way of life that realizes change is a reality brought about by time and circumstance.
It is to the advantage for the years to come to move on and not build an ongoing life of non acceptance. Being stuck in the same rut can become a stubborn way of life.
Moving on in life by acceptance of change brings about a flexibilty to adapt to life and its ongoing changes that brings us to new times and progerss.
To have difficulty with change would bring about a way of life that would avoid changes at all costs and not have acceptance to change.
Some changes are inevitable.
Some changes are a process.
Some changes are sudden and unexpected.
Change can be a lose but change can also be an improvement, too.
If we choose not to accept change then we will become "locked in" at that point in time.
The older I get the more I realize that acceptance allows us the ability to move on.
Without acceptance we will "stay put" or get "stuck in a rut".
Not accepting change will cause us to develope and fashion a life around the non acceptance.
With so much trauma happening in the world is it any wonder that change and progress is met with so much difficulty for any acceptance of a new way, a way of change, a new way of doing things or maybe even a new thought?
Sometimes for generation after generation of repeated trauma it can become a true dilema?
In my opinion, fear of change can become a way of life.
Acceptace is a way of life that realizes change is a reality brought about by time and circumstance.
It is to the advantage for the years to come to move on and not build an ongoing life of non acceptance. Being stuck in the same rut can become a stubborn way of life.
Moving on in life by acceptance of change brings about a flexibilty to adapt to life and its ongoing changes that brings us to new times and progerss.
Monday, April 25, 2011
#123 " The Sames" By Susan Pearl
The English launguage has what I call "the sames".
If you can say "I will"---then "I'll" is the same. Example: I'll call you soon.
If you can say "you are"---then "you're" is the same. Example: I said, "Thank you." She answered, "You're welcome."
If you can say "I am"---then "I'm" is the same. Example: I'm so proud of you and I'm so happy.
If you can say "they will"---then "they'll" is the same. Example: They'll come as soon as they can,
If you can say "it is"---then "it's"is the same. Example: It's time to go.
If you can say "I will"---then "I'll" is the same. Example: I'll call you soon.
If you can say "you are"---then "you're" is the same. Example: I said, "Thank you." She answered, "You're welcome."
If you can say "I am"---then "I'm" is the same. Example: I'm so proud of you and I'm so happy.
If you can say "they will"---then "they'll" is the same. Example: They'll come as soon as they can,
If you can say "it is"---then "it's"is the same. Example: It's time to go.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
#122 "Worthwhile" By Susan Pearl
In my opionion what is done in faith, or with hope and with love are the worthwhile things done in a lifetime.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
#121 "Quick Thinking" By Susan Pearl
When I was growing up my mother was very good at keeping the house in top shape. It was clean and orderly and with us five children I'm sure she had her moments of just having her efforts undone by our young ways of maybe making a mess.
So it was such an unusual day that we had let the kitchen "go". We didn't do the dishes from the meals and we had baked several items and so the kitchen was full of dirty dishes and that's when the phone rang.
On the phone was a distant relative calling from a gas station four blocks away asking for directions to our home so he and his family could come by for a quick visit.
Mother told them we only lived four blocks from where they were calling. They said theywould be right over.
We literally had two minutes to clean the kitchen.
"Quick", Mother said, as she started loading dirty dishes into large roasters, "take these to the back seat of the car while I load the oven."
We had an attached garage off of the kitchen and the car was in the garage so it was close for me to run back and forth and load the dirty dishes into the back seat of the car.
The doorbell rang and mother calmly answered the front door.
The visitors came in and we had a lovely visit. It was good to see them. We even had a light lunch together in the spotless kitchen.
I'm sure the guests felt very special as mother served them with our best china plates and matching cups.
The dishes were used for only special occasions and what could be more special than not having any other clean dishes. I really think Mother may have used them anyway but on this day those 'special occasion' dishes sure came in extra handy.
The other dishes were waiting out of sight in the oven and in the back seat area of the car. That was really a "quick thinking" visit that day and I think I remember putting the dirty dishes in the back seat of the car more than the distant relatives who came that day for a surprise visit.
It was fun to be eight years old and putting dirty dishes in the back seat of a car.
Her "quick thinking" idea gave me a long lasting thought for life.
So it was such an unusual day that we had let the kitchen "go". We didn't do the dishes from the meals and we had baked several items and so the kitchen was full of dirty dishes and that's when the phone rang.
On the phone was a distant relative calling from a gas station four blocks away asking for directions to our home so he and his family could come by for a quick visit.
Mother told them we only lived four blocks from where they were calling. They said theywould be right over.
We literally had two minutes to clean the kitchen.
"Quick", Mother said, as she started loading dirty dishes into large roasters, "take these to the back seat of the car while I load the oven."
We had an attached garage off of the kitchen and the car was in the garage so it was close for me to run back and forth and load the dirty dishes into the back seat of the car.
The doorbell rang and mother calmly answered the front door.
The visitors came in and we had a lovely visit. It was good to see them. We even had a light lunch together in the spotless kitchen.
I'm sure the guests felt very special as mother served them with our best china plates and matching cups.
The dishes were used for only special occasions and what could be more special than not having any other clean dishes. I really think Mother may have used them anyway but on this day those 'special occasion' dishes sure came in extra handy.
The other dishes were waiting out of sight in the oven and in the back seat area of the car. That was really a "quick thinking" visit that day and I think I remember putting the dirty dishes in the back seat of the car more than the distant relatives who came that day for a surprise visit.
It was fun to be eight years old and putting dirty dishes in the back seat of a car.
Her "quick thinking" idea gave me a long lasting thought for life.
Friday, April 22, 2011
#120 "Through" By Susan Pearl
'Through" is such an interesting word to use in speech and in writing.
Examples;
I am going through a change.
I am through with the project.
Love will lead us through.
Through thick and thin we can make it.
All through life we learn.
Through all the chaos a new found peace was shown.
Through the kindness and thoughtfullness of others we got through.
Examples;
I am going through a change.
I am through with the project.
Love will lead us through.
Through thick and thin we can make it.
All through life we learn.
Through all the chaos a new found peace was shown.
Through the kindness and thoughtfullness of others we got through.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
#119 "Working Together" By Susan Pearl
The fable of "Stone Soup" was an interesting fable to think about and understand when i was growing up. No one in a poor village could make soup but together they could. One person only had potatoes, another person only had some carrots, another person only had seasoning. They put it all together and had enough delicious soup for eveyone. Together they could do it but alone no one person could do it.
I worked (served) for over thirteen years in a nursing home. During that time I heard many stories from those dear people telling me how they had lived through the Great Depression. One successful farmer rancher man told a particular story of great gratitude.
He said that during the depression he was to the point of no return and had nothing but a few cattle but could no longer afford pasture rent. He said word of his plight got out and he got a call from a rancher in the southern part of the state. He said the rancher calling him said he had some pasture land not being used and the rancher told him that if he brought his cattle to the rancher's pasture he could pasture out his cattle for free.
Th man telling this storied got tears in his eyes and his voiced choke up but he manage to finish telling the story by saying, "And if it wasn't for the kindness of that rancher I would not be where I am today with my farming and ranching operation."
Government didn't do it but it was a kindness that helped this man to make it through the depression. I think all of us have something to give to in some way and if we work toghether we can make it work to get through a difficult time when everyone doesn't have much or enough but together we do.
I worked (served) for over thirteen years in a nursing home. During that time I heard many stories from those dear people telling me how they had lived through the Great Depression. One successful farmer rancher man told a particular story of great gratitude.
He said that during the depression he was to the point of no return and had nothing but a few cattle but could no longer afford pasture rent. He said word of his plight got out and he got a call from a rancher in the southern part of the state. He said the rancher calling him said he had some pasture land not being used and the rancher told him that if he brought his cattle to the rancher's pasture he could pasture out his cattle for free.
Th man telling this storied got tears in his eyes and his voiced choke up but he manage to finish telling the story by saying, "And if it wasn't for the kindness of that rancher I would not be where I am today with my farming and ranching operation."
Government didn't do it but it was a kindness that helped this man to make it through the depression. I think all of us have something to give to in some way and if we work toghether we can make it work to get through a difficult time when everyone doesn't have much or enough but together we do.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
#118 "Expressing with Senses" By Susan Pearl
I like to use old expressions in my daily talk and also in my writings. So today i would like to convey a point by using old expressions and our five senses. So here goes.....
(Hearing) I heard what was said and suddenly it was as clear as a bell.
(Smell) I smelled a rat. I don't always know what's right but I sure know it when something isn't right.
(Sight) It was a scam and what I thought I had seen disappeared like a mirage in a desert.
(Taste) It was a biiter sweet lesson to learn.
(Touch) What had been as smooth as silk became as rough as sandpaper. It was the old 'bait and switch' scam.
(Hearing) I heard what was said and suddenly it was as clear as a bell.
(Smell) I smelled a rat. I don't always know what's right but I sure know it when something isn't right.
(Sight) It was a scam and what I thought I had seen disappeared like a mirage in a desert.
(Taste) It was a biiter sweet lesson to learn.
(Touch) What had been as smooth as silk became as rough as sandpaper. It was the old 'bait and switch' scam.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
#117 " The Illusion Control Exchange Station" By Susan Pearl
I went on a twenty-three hour bus trip and it was a learning journey of a lifetime.
An angry young mother boarded the bus and sat by me with two small children.
This young mother semed very impatient.
Since it was Christmas time I asked, "Going to see family?" Then I found out in a sudden way about her anger because she abruptly answered,"I don't have a family. I ran away from every foster home I was ever put in. My mother died of a drug overdose when I was three and they never knew who my father was."
It seemed like I automatically and instinctly asked immediately, "Did it happen in the '60's?"
She quickly answered, "No, it was 1972."
I really didn't have much to say after that but I sure did a lot of thinking.
The main thought that I would like to convey is that sometimes one controlling force can be exchaged for another controlling force.
Like the person who wants to get away from a controling family and joins a cult.
Like the person who is controled by bad memories and pain and turns to the bottle.
Like the person who wants to break the bondage of the establishment so that person embraces the fake freedom of taking drugs.
We have to be watchful that we don't exchage one demanding force with another demanding force.
When we surrender to the illusion of being controlled or being in contol of others it doesn't matter whatever form it comes in, it will be the same thing in a different way.
The sooner we can recognize true freedom then, truly, in my opinion, we shall experience being free.
Free to be independent and not be exchanging one domineering force for another domineering force.
Rather the domineering force is addressed and held in its' place and the compulsion and proneness for it are recognized.
This recognition becomes a new awareness for us to live and enjoy a new freedom that the other lifestyle would have not known or allowed for us to find within ourself.
We stop exchanging one extreme for another extreme and find our balance in between for an amazing and happy life.
An angry young mother boarded the bus and sat by me with two small children.
This young mother semed very impatient.
Since it was Christmas time I asked, "Going to see family?" Then I found out in a sudden way about her anger because she abruptly answered,"I don't have a family. I ran away from every foster home I was ever put in. My mother died of a drug overdose when I was three and they never knew who my father was."
It seemed like I automatically and instinctly asked immediately, "Did it happen in the '60's?"
She quickly answered, "No, it was 1972."
I really didn't have much to say after that but I sure did a lot of thinking.
The main thought that I would like to convey is that sometimes one controlling force can be exchaged for another controlling force.
Like the person who wants to get away from a controling family and joins a cult.
Like the person who is controled by bad memories and pain and turns to the bottle.
Like the person who wants to break the bondage of the establishment so that person embraces the fake freedom of taking drugs.
We have to be watchful that we don't exchage one demanding force with another demanding force.
When we surrender to the illusion of being controlled or being in contol of others it doesn't matter whatever form it comes in, it will be the same thing in a different way.
The sooner we can recognize true freedom then, truly, in my opinion, we shall experience being free.
Free to be independent and not be exchanging one domineering force for another domineering force.
Rather the domineering force is addressed and held in its' place and the compulsion and proneness for it are recognized.
This recognition becomes a new awareness for us to live and enjoy a new freedom that the other lifestyle would have not known or allowed for us to find within ourself.
We stop exchanging one extreme for another extreme and find our balance in between for an amazing and happy life.
Monday, April 18, 2011
#116 "Interpetation" By Susan Pearl
It is amazing to me how two people can read the same book and come away with two opposite interpetations of what they read and the indivual meaning of the book to them.
Suppose a book about a dad. One interpetation of the book may be that a dad is a punishing dad and that the dad punishes his child according to the disobedience and deeds of the child. Actions please the dad and a kind and loving relationship could exist under only certain circumtances. The child fears displeasing the dad for fear of punishment.
Another person reading the same book may have an oposite interpetition of the dad. This interpetation could be that the dad was fair and compassionate and merciful, with an uconditional love for his child. This child believes the dad wants the very best for his child and so the child obeys out of trust for the dad's love.
Two people reading the same book and having two opposite viewpoints, in my opinion, tells something about the mindset of the person reading the book. The more extreme the mindset the more extreme the interpetation. Sometimes, I think we can read into things the life that we have known or the life that has been shown to us. It is best to be objective and try to maintain a balanced viewpoint and mindset. One way may only see the worst and the other way may only see the best when the somewhere in between is the less extreme interpetation and that can be understood with a mindset that is not extreme in viewpoints.
Suppose a book about a dad. One interpetation of the book may be that a dad is a punishing dad and that the dad punishes his child according to the disobedience and deeds of the child. Actions please the dad and a kind and loving relationship could exist under only certain circumtances. The child fears displeasing the dad for fear of punishment.
Another person reading the same book may have an oposite interpetition of the dad. This interpetation could be that the dad was fair and compassionate and merciful, with an uconditional love for his child. This child believes the dad wants the very best for his child and so the child obeys out of trust for the dad's love.
Two people reading the same book and having two opposite viewpoints, in my opinion, tells something about the mindset of the person reading the book. The more extreme the mindset the more extreme the interpetation. Sometimes, I think we can read into things the life that we have known or the life that has been shown to us. It is best to be objective and try to maintain a balanced viewpoint and mindset. One way may only see the worst and the other way may only see the best when the somewhere in between is the less extreme interpetation and that can be understood with a mindset that is not extreme in viewpoints.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
#115 "Leary Three" By Susan Pearl
Since I have been around the track a few times I ahve found that there are three characterists I am a little leary of and proceed with grate caution in the relationship or interactions when these type of characteristics are apparent.
The first characteristic is "empty promises"--People who make promises and don"t keep them. When this happens over and over again until it becomes habitual in my opinion it is then the person's word losses value.
Now, if you can't take a person for his or her word what do you really have?
The second characteristic I am leary of is what I call "harvest robbers". This characteristic is manifested when the person that has done the work does not receive credit for his or her hard work and efforts. Instead, the focus of attention is redirected to another person or another person will take credit for the work of the one whom actually did the work. This type of characteristic is like a person who gets to hold the spotlight and will only shine it on himself or herself or away from any other person not giving the other person an opportunity to shine. In my opinion , this is very selfish and lacks truth and graditude. I have found that it is a constant struggle to be intertwined with these types of characterists and it does not gel well with what I value to be real and honest.
The third characteristic I am leary of is the characteristic of not taking resoponsibily for a person's own actions. This also includes being a full able bodied person and having the actions of being dependent on others. In my opinion, this leads to extreme coping mechanisms that after time gets so out of line. It can lead to a disfunctioal lifestyle that, in my opinion, is not healthy and problematic for others involved in the setting.
I do not judge others but I do have some internal red flags that appear to proceed with caution whenever I am eposed to these chacteristics.
I guess somewhere in going aound the track I learned this to be the best for me and not to be prone to believe the "empty promises", or to be hurt by the "harvest robbers", and to not allow myself to be blamed for the actions of others. I am just a little leary of those charactertics --they are my leary three.
The first characteristic is "empty promises"--People who make promises and don"t keep them. When this happens over and over again until it becomes habitual in my opinion it is then the person's word losses value.
Now, if you can't take a person for his or her word what do you really have?
The second characteristic I am leary of is what I call "harvest robbers". This characteristic is manifested when the person that has done the work does not receive credit for his or her hard work and efforts. Instead, the focus of attention is redirected to another person or another person will take credit for the work of the one whom actually did the work. This type of characteristic is like a person who gets to hold the spotlight and will only shine it on himself or herself or away from any other person not giving the other person an opportunity to shine. In my opinion , this is very selfish and lacks truth and graditude. I have found that it is a constant struggle to be intertwined with these types of characterists and it does not gel well with what I value to be real and honest.
The third characteristic I am leary of is the characteristic of not taking resoponsibily for a person's own actions. This also includes being a full able bodied person and having the actions of being dependent on others. In my opinion, this leads to extreme coping mechanisms that after time gets so out of line. It can lead to a disfunctioal lifestyle that, in my opinion, is not healthy and problematic for others involved in the setting.
I do not judge others but I do have some internal red flags that appear to proceed with caution whenever I am eposed to these chacteristics.
I guess somewhere in going aound the track I learned this to be the best for me and not to be prone to believe the "empty promises", or to be hurt by the "harvest robbers", and to not allow myself to be blamed for the actions of others. I am just a little leary of those charactertics --they are my leary three.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
#114 "The Calming Comment" By Susan Pearl
The plans for the wedding had been worked on for nearly a year.
Every possible senario had been thought of that could go wrong and corrective actions had been taken to counteract any possible problems.
The big day arrived and there stood before them a problem and it was something that had not been anticipated-----a hungover grooms man.
The focus shifted from the bride to thoughts of can the grooms man make it through the cermony without passing out.
He looked very hungover and he seemed unaware of how bad he looked in appearance and in seeming totally aware of the importance of the occasion.
The mother of the bride was horrified to say the least.
Several weeks later the bride and groom and their parents met to spend a day together and look at the photos of the wedding.
The grooms man condition showed up in the pictures of the wedding and even in the professional photos of the wedding.
That was enough for the gathering to express their anger of how irresponsible the grooms man had been.
One by one they expressed their total disappointment and disgust of him for doing that to their special day.
The father of the groom didn't say anything for quite awhile but when the remarks about the grooms man were going at full steam the groom's father spoke up and said, "I just don't think he has been the same since he lost his dad."
The mother of the bride had grown up without her dad and she immediately understood what the grooms man was going through.
No one said another angry word about the grooms man.
The groom's father had brought an understanding into the situation.
His words had brought a calming effect into the setting and the day continued being calmer and became a time of peace even when seeing pictures of the grooms man.
No one felt angry anymore.
I think we need more "calming comments" in discussions where people are upset about an event.
Maybe being unaware of the full picture even while looking at the pictures of the event a "calming comment" can bring about a new way of looking at the pictures and seeing the pictures with understanding.
Every possible senario had been thought of that could go wrong and corrective actions had been taken to counteract any possible problems.
The big day arrived and there stood before them a problem and it was something that had not been anticipated-----a hungover grooms man.
The focus shifted from the bride to thoughts of can the grooms man make it through the cermony without passing out.
He looked very hungover and he seemed unaware of how bad he looked in appearance and in seeming totally aware of the importance of the occasion.
The mother of the bride was horrified to say the least.
Several weeks later the bride and groom and their parents met to spend a day together and look at the photos of the wedding.
The grooms man condition showed up in the pictures of the wedding and even in the professional photos of the wedding.
That was enough for the gathering to express their anger of how irresponsible the grooms man had been.
One by one they expressed their total disappointment and disgust of him for doing that to their special day.
The father of the groom didn't say anything for quite awhile but when the remarks about the grooms man were going at full steam the groom's father spoke up and said, "I just don't think he has been the same since he lost his dad."
The mother of the bride had grown up without her dad and she immediately understood what the grooms man was going through.
No one said another angry word about the grooms man.
The groom's father had brought an understanding into the situation.
His words had brought a calming effect into the setting and the day continued being calmer and became a time of peace even when seeing pictures of the grooms man.
No one felt angry anymore.
I think we need more "calming comments" in discussions where people are upset about an event.
Maybe being unaware of the full picture even while looking at the pictures of the event a "calming comment" can bring about a new way of looking at the pictures and seeing the pictures with understanding.
Friday, April 15, 2011
#113 "So Glad" by Susan Pearl
A thought came to me yesterday that if I were to tell someone of an impressive and important person in my lifetime I would have to say "Billy Graham."
As a small child I was drawn to watch his crusades on TV,
Thoughout my lifetime he has been an inspirational person in my life.
I have not met him, I have not had one correspondence with him,
But yet I know he has been a strong and steady source for good in my life in many ways.
I am so glad I have lived my lifetime when Billy Graham has lived his lifetime, too.
He has been important and impressive to me, and it has been a privilege on my part,
And I am so glad I have been given that opportunity of seeing him during my impressionable years,
And I know he has shown a consistant strength to me for a better and more meaningful life by knowing about what real "Life" is and I am so thankful and gald for what he has done for me and for many others for over many years -- so, so glad.
As a small child I was drawn to watch his crusades on TV,
Thoughout my lifetime he has been an inspirational person in my life.
I have not met him, I have not had one correspondence with him,
But yet I know he has been a strong and steady source for good in my life in many ways.
I am so glad I have lived my lifetime when Billy Graham has lived his lifetime, too.
He has been important and impressive to me, and it has been a privilege on my part,
And I am so glad I have been given that opportunity of seeing him during my impressionable years,
And I know he has shown a consistant strength to me for a better and more meaningful life by knowing about what real "Life" is and I am so thankful and gald for what he has done for me and for many others for over many years -- so, so glad.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
#112 "Grace" By Susan Pearl
In my blog I write a lot about "grace".
One line of a song I have written has the words--"with time and grace a change takes place,"
I believe those words to be true.
In my opinion "grace" is having a new perspective, a new way of seeing something that we had only viewed in one way before, and this change in our perspective allows more ways to see and to uderstand something new about life.
Also, "grace", in my opinion, is the ability to separate from something that is a detriment to us. The "grace" is the creative power to separate from something destructive or undesirable.
Maybe "grace" is a combination of both----Having a new perspective and this perspective gives us the ability to separate from a former way of thinking that brought about negative actions and unwanted consequences.
And to separate from these negative actions is to separate from the negative consequences of these actions,also.
It all comes with "grace" for the lasting good and wonderful changes to take place in our life.
One line of a song I have written has the words--"with time and grace a change takes place,"
I believe those words to be true.
In my opinion "grace" is having a new perspective, a new way of seeing something that we had only viewed in one way before, and this change in our perspective allows more ways to see and to uderstand something new about life.
Also, "grace", in my opinion, is the ability to separate from something that is a detriment to us. The "grace" is the creative power to separate from something destructive or undesirable.
Maybe "grace" is a combination of both----Having a new perspective and this perspective gives us the ability to separate from a former way of thinking that brought about negative actions and unwanted consequences.
And to separate from these negative actions is to separate from the negative consequences of these actions,also.
It all comes with "grace" for the lasting good and wonderful changes to take place in our life.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
#111 "Final Understanding" By Susan Pearl
It took me many, many years to understand the real meaning of some words that were told to me.
I felt so hurt, so let down, so betrayed and I was really crying hard when a person said,
"You aren't there emotionally. This should not destroy you."
Those words at the time were another disappointment to me as I thought the person would become irrate as to know how I had been verbally mistreated.
I thought the person would console me for enduring such a verbal outburst directed towards me.
So the response at the time was interpetted by me to not be in the relationship that was destroying my happiness.
But this could not be because I had almost daily contact and responsibilities that involved being with this explosive and vindictive personality.
So I didn't consider the advice appliable to my setting.
After years and years of dealing with all sorts of people I now know the meaning of these wise words.
These explosive and vindictive people will be in our lives and it takes high emotional maturity on our part to not let their words or actions destroy us.
I now know and realize that the actions of others should not destroy me in any way shape or form and that I should walk away exactly the same as I was before experiencing the rude encounter.
The encounter should not destroy me. My emotional maturity has to match the immaturity that is coming my way and even directed towards me.
Such an immature encounter should not destroy me.
I finally understand what was told to me so many years ago.
Or maybe I have finally developed the emotional matuity to not be destroyed by the immaturity of others.
I felt so hurt, so let down, so betrayed and I was really crying hard when a person said,
"You aren't there emotionally. This should not destroy you."
Those words at the time were another disappointment to me as I thought the person would become irrate as to know how I had been verbally mistreated.
I thought the person would console me for enduring such a verbal outburst directed towards me.
So the response at the time was interpetted by me to not be in the relationship that was destroying my happiness.
But this could not be because I had almost daily contact and responsibilities that involved being with this explosive and vindictive personality.
So I didn't consider the advice appliable to my setting.
After years and years of dealing with all sorts of people I now know the meaning of these wise words.
These explosive and vindictive people will be in our lives and it takes high emotional maturity on our part to not let their words or actions destroy us.
I now know and realize that the actions of others should not destroy me in any way shape or form and that I should walk away exactly the same as I was before experiencing the rude encounter.
The encounter should not destroy me. My emotional maturity has to match the immaturity that is coming my way and even directed towards me.
Such an immature encounter should not destroy me.
I finally understand what was told to me so many years ago.
Or maybe I have finally developed the emotional matuity to not be destroyed by the immaturity of others.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
#110 "I'm A Doughnut" By Susan Pearl
In my blog I write a lot about self esteem.
The reason I do this is because there are a lot of hurting people who are looking for their answer outside of themself.
This can become a constant cycle of disappointment and looking more and more for answers to their life's changes and problems outside of themself.
I believe that once a person has found his or her own value and self worth inside that they have a peace and no longer have the need of trying to fill a void in life.
Knowing our true idenity gives a peace within ourself.
Sometimes it can be accepting the void and the realization that is can never be filled.
On the pastry table of life I am a doughnut.
I have a void by growing up without a dad.
This is the way it was for me and I have to accept it because this is accepting reality of who I am and respecting who I am, too. Nothing can change it or fill the void of not having an opprtunity of knowing my dad.
I have had to learn how to accept who I am without bargaining that I can change it and become a cream puff when I really am a doughnut.
It is O-Kay to be a doughnut.
I am at peace with my life and myself and this is having good self esteem and gives a direction in life that comes from within me instead of being directed by what is outside of me and is trying to sell me a gimick to feel better about myself.
I can be a doughnut and be just fine and feel good about myself without following any gimicks.
Gimicks that promise they have the answer for me to feel good about myself when all the time I have it within myself to do just that.
Gimmicks that promise they can make me into a jelly roll, a cream puff a cinnamon roll when I really am a doughnut.
Self esteem is knowing who we are, accepting it and being at peace with it.
Otherwise we live a life in a ongoing state of bargaining thinking that if we 'do this or do that' it will make up what for some sort of lack. This lack is not being at peace with ourself or our life and that peace can only be found 'inside' of one's self.
I'm at peace with being a doughnut and I don't want to be anyone or anything other then who I have been designed to be.
The reason I do this is because there are a lot of hurting people who are looking for their answer outside of themself.
This can become a constant cycle of disappointment and looking more and more for answers to their life's changes and problems outside of themself.
I believe that once a person has found his or her own value and self worth inside that they have a peace and no longer have the need of trying to fill a void in life.
Knowing our true idenity gives a peace within ourself.
Sometimes it can be accepting the void and the realization that is can never be filled.
On the pastry table of life I am a doughnut.
I have a void by growing up without a dad.
This is the way it was for me and I have to accept it because this is accepting reality of who I am and respecting who I am, too. Nothing can change it or fill the void of not having an opprtunity of knowing my dad.
I have had to learn how to accept who I am without bargaining that I can change it and become a cream puff when I really am a doughnut.
It is O-Kay to be a doughnut.
I am at peace with my life and myself and this is having good self esteem and gives a direction in life that comes from within me instead of being directed by what is outside of me and is trying to sell me a gimick to feel better about myself.
I can be a doughnut and be just fine and feel good about myself without following any gimicks.
Gimicks that promise they have the answer for me to feel good about myself when all the time I have it within myself to do just that.
Gimmicks that promise they can make me into a jelly roll, a cream puff a cinnamon roll when I really am a doughnut.
Self esteem is knowing who we are, accepting it and being at peace with it.
Otherwise we live a life in a ongoing state of bargaining thinking that if we 'do this or do that' it will make up what for some sort of lack. This lack is not being at peace with ourself or our life and that peace can only be found 'inside' of one's self.
I'm at peace with being a doughnut and I don't want to be anyone or anything other then who I have been designed to be.
Monday, April 11, 2011
#109 "To, Two, Too" By Susan Pearl
The English language is such a beautiful language,
The word "to" --- I went to town.
The word "two" is the number --The number between one and three is two.
Now, the word "too" is a little more complicated.
If the word "too" can be subsituted with the word "also" then it is written with a comma.
Example, --I liked the movie, too.
If the word "too" refers to an excessive amount it does no need a comma.
Examples, --That is too much ice cream.
Too much of a good thing is not a good idea.
If it sounds too good to be true it probably is.
So I guess that going to the ice cream parlor two times in one day is too much, too.
The word "to" --- I went to town.
The word "two" is the number --The number between one and three is two.
Now, the word "too" is a little more complicated.
If the word "too" can be subsituted with the word "also" then it is written with a comma.
Example, --I liked the movie, too.
If the word "too" refers to an excessive amount it does no need a comma.
Examples, --That is too much ice cream.
Too much of a good thing is not a good idea.
If it sounds too good to be true it probably is.
So I guess that going to the ice cream parlor two times in one day is too much, too.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
#108 "Hidden Anxiety" By Susan Pearl
When I was young I thought everything had to be done "right now",
And it upset me to wait and heaven forbid we ever be late.
But now I can see that was a hidden form of anxiety in me,
So I suprised myself the other day when asked if I needed help,
Here I, Susan Pearl, said,"No, and if it doesn't get done it won't be the end of the world."
Time has unfurled a flag of calm in me by knowing that it won't be the end of the world,
By being able to look at a book or to contemplate without the feeling of being late,
Or to have an ongonig thought that there is something I should do-like I use to.
And it upset me to wait and heaven forbid we ever be late.
But now I can see that was a hidden form of anxiety in me,
So I suprised myself the other day when asked if I needed help,
Here I, Susan Pearl, said,"No, and if it doesn't get done it won't be the end of the world."
Time has unfurled a flag of calm in me by knowing that it won't be the end of the world,
By being able to look at a book or to contemplate without the feeling of being late,
Or to have an ongonig thought that there is something I should do-like I use to.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
#107 "Jump" By Susan Pearl
Oh, the joy to jump in for a swim,
But jump out of the way of those breaking the rule by running on wet cement,
Those "cannonballs" take a splash toll and can be a fun competition of their own,
Some jump off the end of the diving board for a low cannonball score,
Others jump up and down at the end of the board then execute a high cannonball to be scored,
Then a quick look at the time and what a surprise-just time for one more round,
What fun it has been to go for a swim and to see the cannonballs as they jump in.
But jump out of the way of those breaking the rule by running on wet cement,
Those "cannonballs" take a splash toll and can be a fun competition of their own,
Some jump off the end of the diving board for a low cannonball score,
Others jump up and down at the end of the board then execute a high cannonball to be scored,
Then a quick look at the time and what a surprise-just time for one more round,
What fun it has been to go for a swim and to see the cannonballs as they jump in.
Friday, April 8, 2011
#106 "Changes" By Susan Pearl
For every change I ever went through,
It brought a new horizon into view,
Until I caught a glimpse of how things could be for me,
A brand new time had come for me to see,
And it was the changes that led me through,
Into this new time with this new view,
Of what life and love could be for me.
Like the moon and the noon day sun are different in every way,
But both are neeeded to bring forth a brand new day,
So likewise different changes were needed for me,
To see a new horizon of how good things can really be.
It brought a new horizon into view,
Until I caught a glimpse of how things could be for me,
A brand new time had come for me to see,
And it was the changes that led me through,
Into this new time with this new view,
Of what life and love could be for me.
Like the moon and the noon day sun are different in every way,
But both are neeeded to bring forth a brand new day,
So likewise different changes were needed for me,
To see a new horizon of how good things can really be.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
#105 "Time Will Tell" By Susan Pearl
With 'Father Time' we will know,
That 'Mother Earth' runs the show.
That 'Mother Earth' runs the show.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
#104 "Being Proud" By Susan Pearl
A teacher told me once "Whatever you do take pride in what you do. If you are sweeping a floor take pride in sweeping that floor."
We should take pride in our life and be proud of what has been done for us by past generations.
Being proud is not a haughty pride that bull dozes its way through to move others out of our way.
And true pride is not vanity and it knows that difference in ourselves and in others.
I think pride is knowing we do our best, with what we have to work with, with what we know at the time.
People with pride are thankful and see life as an opportunity they have been given to contribute their best.
Pride becomes a way of life not for what others think of us but for what we think of ourself.
We should take pride in our life and be proud of what has been done for us by past generations.
Being proud is not a haughty pride that bull dozes its way through to move others out of our way.
And true pride is not vanity and it knows that difference in ourselves and in others.
I think pride is knowing we do our best, with what we have to work with, with what we know at the time.
People with pride are thankful and see life as an opportunity they have been given to contribute their best.
Pride becomes a way of life not for what others think of us but for what we think of ourself.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
#103 "Being Humble" by Susan Pearl
Being humble to me is the opposite of being proud,
I was told once that a humble person knows his or her place in a relationship to other people and their lives,
So the bottom line of being humble is respect and having respect for the other person's life,
And respecting our place in the lives of others,
Being humble can be described as being a guest at a banquet and we automatically go to the exact placement of our place card because we know our place in our relationship to the host or hostess.
True humility would not want to be below the proper placement of the place card or to be above it, either,
True humility is knowing and respecting our place in the lives of others.
And to keep other people in their proper place in our life, too.
To put this into a practical way let's suppose each of us had a pole that is ten feet long, and we are to decorate this pole showing who and what is imprortant to us.
We are to put what is most improtant on the top and work our way down in order of importance.
Then we show the pole to others and they see our placement of them in our lives.
We see how they decorated their pole and we get to see our placement in other people's lives.
Now with two humble people, the poles will match in the placement of each other on the pole even though maybe nothing else on the poles matches.
That's the way being humble works,
Being humble is knowing our place in someone else's life,
And for the other person to know his or her proper placement in our life, too,
It happens respectfully with no one wanting it to be any other way or trying to make it any different,
We respect our place and by doing that we show respect for the other person.
No one should feel hurt-that is just the way time moves some lives on,
This works both ways and we should be aware of proud people who may not want to respect their proper place in our life.
If this ever becomes the case we must be aware that such people may think to much of themselves and are proud and not humble,
Therefore, they do not truly respect us or our life and the way we would like our relationships to be.
Those people need to redecorate their pole and move us down a few notches to be more in line to match our placement of them in our life or vice versa,- maybe we need to move someone to a lower placement on our pole because they have us at a lower placement in their lives and we should respect that.
Such actions would not only show respect for us and for them but it would also show being humble.
As we go through life and there is just so much of us and our time to go around we will again be changing our redeorated pole to correspond to our current settings and situations.
Humble people will respect that and understand it, too. and wouldn't want it any other way but to respect their place in the life of another.
I was told once that a humble person knows his or her place in a relationship to other people and their lives,
So the bottom line of being humble is respect and having respect for the other person's life,
And respecting our place in the lives of others,
Being humble can be described as being a guest at a banquet and we automatically go to the exact placement of our place card because we know our place in our relationship to the host or hostess.
True humility would not want to be below the proper placement of the place card or to be above it, either,
True humility is knowing and respecting our place in the lives of others.
And to keep other people in their proper place in our life, too.
To put this into a practical way let's suppose each of us had a pole that is ten feet long, and we are to decorate this pole showing who and what is imprortant to us.
We are to put what is most improtant on the top and work our way down in order of importance.
Then we show the pole to others and they see our placement of them in our lives.
We see how they decorated their pole and we get to see our placement in other people's lives.
Now with two humble people, the poles will match in the placement of each other on the pole even though maybe nothing else on the poles matches.
That's the way being humble works,
Being humble is knowing our place in someone else's life,
And for the other person to know his or her proper placement in our life, too,
It happens respectfully with no one wanting it to be any other way or trying to make it any different,
We respect our place and by doing that we show respect for the other person.
No one should feel hurt-that is just the way time moves some lives on,
This works both ways and we should be aware of proud people who may not want to respect their proper place in our life.
If this ever becomes the case we must be aware that such people may think to much of themselves and are proud and not humble,
Therefore, they do not truly respect us or our life and the way we would like our relationships to be.
Those people need to redecorate their pole and move us down a few notches to be more in line to match our placement of them in our life or vice versa,- maybe we need to move someone to a lower placement on our pole because they have us at a lower placement in their lives and we should respect that.
Such actions would not only show respect for us and for them but it would also show being humble.
As we go through life and there is just so much of us and our time to go around we will again be changing our redeorated pole to correspond to our current settings and situations.
Humble people will respect that and understand it, too. and wouldn't want it any other way but to respect their place in the life of another.
Monday, April 4, 2011
#102 " Different Kinds of Winning" By Susan Pearl
No one likes to know defeat,
To be knocked off his or her own two feet,
So 'pick your battles' is a familiar phrase,
To say we may be better off to not fight some of the being outnumbered ways,
But if we only pick battles we know we can win,
What about the battles we truly believe in?
Is it so important to win that we would pass an opportunity to express what we believe in?
To me when we are outnumbered at times and can still speak our mind,
We are being free and living our democracy.
To be knocked off his or her own two feet,
So 'pick your battles' is a familiar phrase,
To say we may be better off to not fight some of the being outnumbered ways,
But if we only pick battles we know we can win,
What about the battles we truly believe in?
Is it so important to win that we would pass an opportunity to express what we believe in?
To me when we are outnumbered at times and can still speak our mind,
We are being free and living our democracy.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
#101 "The Potter" By Susan Pearl
I have read that He is the Potter and I am the clay,
And I believe that to be true and I will until my dying day,
He continues to mold me and shape me into what he knows I can be,
So if you want to call me "a work in progess" that's alright with me.
And I believe that to be true and I will until my dying day,
He continues to mold me and shape me into what he knows I can be,
So if you want to call me "a work in progess" that's alright with me.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
#100 "Loss" By Susan Pearl
This week brought the sudden loss of someone whom I have known for over forty years,
The news has shocked and affected me,
When I conveyed the sad report to a dear friend I was kindly given this response,
"We will mourn the death but celebrate the life."
Those words are very comforting to me because I truly am experiencing both emotions at the same time,
I mourn the loss but I admire the dedicated life lived,
A remarkable person in so many ways,
"We will mourn the death but celebrate the life."
A life well lived, well done and welcoming to everyone.
The news has shocked and affected me,
When I conveyed the sad report to a dear friend I was kindly given this response,
"We will mourn the death but celebrate the life."
Those words are very comforting to me because I truly am experiencing both emotions at the same time,
I mourn the loss but I admire the dedicated life lived,
A remarkable person in so many ways,
"We will mourn the death but celebrate the life."
A life well lived, well done and welcoming to everyone.
Friday, April 1, 2011
#99 " Blooms" By Susan Pearl
I think it is important to be excited about life,
Like awaiting the opening of the blooms in Spring,
While at the same time realizing the favorite times of beauty in each day,
And enjoying the moment with looking excitedly for what life will be unfolding soon,
"Unfolding soon" like an ongoing "Opening bloom".
Like awaiting the opening of the blooms in Spring,
While at the same time realizing the favorite times of beauty in each day,
And enjoying the moment with looking excitedly for what life will be unfolding soon,
"Unfolding soon" like an ongoing "Opening bloom".
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