Sunday, March 03, 2024

Pay It Forward

Someone once said, ~Love your parents. We are so busy growing up, we often forget they are also growing old.~ Without a doubt, each one of us can most be preoccupied with getting older so much so there is a tendency to forget our parents are doing so as well. For it’s a truly sobering situation indeed knowing there are moments in life where you can’t help but notice changes our parents go through regarding their physical and mental health/well being to the point where it makes an immensely significant impact. Thinking about it further, it’s a type of impact that changes the perception from seeing our parents as superheroes/warriors when we’re younger to suddenly getting that perception flipped within a blink of an eye, especially after they reach a much older stage in life.

As I said before, it’s a truly sobering situation indeed knowing there are moments in life where you can’t help but notice changes our parents go through regarding their physical and mental health/well being to the point where it makes an immensely significant impact. I think it’s safe to say our perception of reality in regard to how each one of us growing up envisioned one’s mother, father, guardian, etc. as pillars of strength who are seemingly indestructible. True, how we viewed them with our own adolescent eyes as kids subsequently changed once we reached a matured grown up stage in our own life that ended up showing a sobering, potentially bittersweet reality. However, despite possibly losing a step it hopefully doesn’t hinder their determination in living their best life.

If you think about it, the perception of our parents being seen with our young adolescent eyes as superheroes/warriors yielding not only tremendous amounts of strength and absolutely indestructible, but have protected us against any dangerous threats throughout our lives too. Of course, being a parent means never really stopping in looking out for the best interests of their offspring no matter how grown up their child/children they become. Unfortunately, the roles are eventually reversed when the child/children stops, looks out for, and protects the parents when there’s a cognitive decline in their physical and mental acuity. Although they’ll always be our superhero/warrior parent(s), that perception gradually fades thus hitting us, so to speak, with the sobering reality that they’re actually mere mortals after all.

Personally speaking, I was hit with the sobering reality last year when it came to a serious medical issue involving my father. Although he’s thankfully doing much better, the seriousness of the situation really woke me up to the fact that the man who I have respected and looked up to for so many years was suddenly down the count. What made the situation even more worrisome was that I never received a call from my mom and I only learned about what happened to him when my sister-in-law texted me. In any case, my father’s health scare would end up leading to a very surreal and serious conversation between the both of us since I’m the oldest child of the family. Hey, as much as I worry about my dad, as well as my mom, I know they’re worrying about me just as much as parents do.

In retrospect, it’s considerably difficult to accept the fact that one day we won’t be able to talk to and spend time with our parents. Sadly, those who have lost a parent know whether through age, cancer, an accident, etc. dealing with their absence can be absolutely painful. Yet, you feel their presence and in some ways know their watching over you while continuing on with your own journey of life. Ultimately, every child wants to reciprocate in some way, shape or form to show how much they loved and cared for their parent or parents. In other words, give back because they have continually supported/sacrificed so much to see each one of us thrive and succeed. In the end, treasure the time and moments you have with your parents because we’re given the opportunity to pay it forward now matter how big or small the gesture of love is towards him/her/them. A song that best reflects this is by James Blunt titled “Monsters”.

Friday, February 16, 2024

A Steady Heart

Let me ask this question, how many of us played the electronic game Operation and were you able to successfully beat the game by taking out every part of the funny anatomy ailments without getting buzzed/shocked and lighting up Cavity Sam’s red nose? In a sense, that same premise to the game somewhat parallels certain aspects of matters of the heart relating to the single life, especially in the dating scene. In other words, both are considered absolutely nerve racking once you make the decision to take part in it. Essentially, for those living the single life we’re all metaphorically using the tweezer of our own thoughts, feelings, as well as emotions in order to try to gradually remove a number of issues while avoiding unfortunate mistakes in hopes of establishing a truly worthwhile relationship.

As I said before, for those living the single life we’re all metaphorically using the tweezer of our own thoughts, feelings, as well as emotions in order to try to gradually remove a number of issues while avoiding any unfortunate mistakes in hopes of establishing a truly worthwhile relationship. For it's seemingly an easy enough situation indeed to help remove/resolve any past relationship issues to finally let go of, but in actuality are deemed considerably difficult. I think it's safe to say every person has been in or is currently in a situation where one is trying to carefully remove painful issues of past heartbreak pertaining to a guy/girl of interest. For the most part, it takes a tremendous amount of patience knowing you don’t want to end up continually making an utterly shocking mistake, so to speak.

If you think about it, there’s a similarity in the funny ailments you’re trying to remove from the body of Cavity Sam to relationship issues being personally mentally, emotionally, and maybe even spiritually removed pertaining to that certain someone special. Although we don’t use actual tweezers, a single person like myself would utilize the most important “tools” at one’s disposal, which is a listening ear, no preconceived judgment, and helpful advice to provide if asked for. Thinking about it further, if those metaphorical tweezers are used/provided with genuine sincerity without any ulterior motives whatsoever then the issues of anger, hatred, doubt, worry, sadness, frustration, bitterness, disappointment, utter contempt, will hopefully be removed not only gradually, but with utmost patience as well.

Without a doubt, the object of the game for Operation is removing the funny anatomy ailments without getting buzzed/shocked and lighting up Cavity Sam’s red nose? Granted, you don’t replace anything after all the pieces are completely removed. However, when it comes to issues of a past relationship embedded within a guy/girl’s heart one hopes to use the tweezers representing their own heart to gradually remove and patiently replace the issues with the following positive key aspects of importance: trust, faith, integrity, honor, respect, honesty, loyalty, understanding, communication, commitment, etc. What it primarily comes down to is being able to light up and experience the quintessential red nose of positivity rather than experiencing the unfortunate red flags that are considered an absolute annoying buzzkill.

In retrospect, even though there’s a timeless, classic quality when it comes to love/true love it should never be treated as a game. True, there is a tremendous amount of fun to be had when you’re able to properly focus on what matters most in a shared relationship instead of selfishly focusing too much on one’s own needs and wants. Sadly, a person ends up metaphorically hearing and feeling a constant buzzing sound because they’re not taking the relationship seriously as if the human heart was actually a kids game that came out in 1965. In the end, when you eventually meet your reason for true happiness he/she enables you to have a steady heart in which you patiently take your time in carefully removing possible past relationship issues while at the same time filling in the empty spaces of his/her heart.

Friday, February 02, 2024

Batteries Not Included

Eric Jerome Dickey once said, ~Like she said, love wasn’t a switch that could be turned off. It was more like a battery, had to run until there was no more energy left.~ Without a doubt, when it comes to matters of the heart in regard to a strong, worthwhile relationship you most definitely want to experience a type of energy a battery provides, but with one major difference. Of course, the major difference is the energy that I’m referring to is long lasting, durable, and reliable rather than unreliable to the point where it’s constantly draining in a mental, as well as emotional way. For it’s truly a thought provoking situation indeed in wanting that right relationship where you’re exchanging and helping energize each other instead of all it being wasted on the wrong ones is considered a rarity these days.

Let me ask you this question, what kind of batteries do you highly recommend and always use that is considered not only the most efficient, but reliably durable as well. Alkaline, Lithium, 9V, Nickel metal hydride, rechargeable, etc. are types of batteries that provide energy that’s hopefully long lasting, reliable, and durable. True, it can be considerably difficult in finding/meeting a battery/heart that is genuinely energy efficient and reliably durable, especially in the dating scene. Essentially, every person living the single life is doing their best in trying to make the right choice pertaining to the proverbial battery energy of someone else’s heart who one hopes doesn't end up draining/wasting all their heart energy on. However, when you actually do find/meet that certain someone you won’t be disappointed.

As I said before, wanting that right relationship in which you’re exchanging and helping energize each other instead of all it being wasted on the wrong ones. is considered a rarity these days. Why? Oftentimes, people get into relationships too quickly, whereby leading both individuals draining the energy out of the battery of one another’s thoughts, feelings, and/or emotions. In other words, a toxically draining relationship. Unfortunately, that’s when couples try to salvage the last remaining battery energy of the relationship in order to not face the realization of an impending breaking up rather than holding on to what is clearly dead, so to speak. In a way, it’s like batteries are put in the freezer because it supposedly slows down and conserves the remaining energy left inside, which has been proven totally wrong.

For the questions can be asked: how many of us have ever tested a battery by sticking it to the end of your tongue? Did it get a bit of a shock or felt a tingle afterwards? I think it's safe to say every person wants to always experience that type of shock or feel a tingle in either a kiss or simply holding hands that lets him/her know the spark with one’s forever best friend is still there. However, it’s not just any spark as it’s a representation of important aspects in a relationship such as trust, faith, integrity, honor, respect, honesty, loyalty, understanding, communication, commitment, etc. What it primarily comes down to is being able to lovingly conserve those aforementioned important aspects with rather than not be a drain, so to speak, on that special certain someone you want to continually experience the shocking tingle of true happiness.

In retrospect, the thing about love/true love is the amount of battery energy it takes to maintain a relationship where you’re able to help each other recharge when the both of you find yourself low mentally, emotionally, physically, and even spiritually as well. Thinking about it further, it makes you wonder about all the batteries you’ve replaced in your heart because they were wasted on a past relationship that drained you, in a manner of speaking. Ultimately, some of the best relationships are the ones that create together the individual battery energy that not only powers, but brings to life both their hearts. In the end, for those living the single life that want to put in the energy and experience that unmistakable spark with that guy/girl in question, keep in mind the following three words: batteries not included.

Sunday, January 28, 2024

Restore The Balance

Gerald Jampulsky once said, ~Inner peace can be reached only when we practice forgiveness. Forgiveness is letting go of the past, and is therefore the means for correcting our misperceptions.~ If you think about it, one can most definitely feel like you’re unbalanced after not only being wronged but not being given an apology because you know you absolutely deserved it. For it’s an unfortunate situation indeed as it can certainly take its toll mentally and emotionally to the point where there can be unwanted shifts in your thoughts, feelings, and/or emotions. Essentially, you feel like you’re totally off balance that causes not only a seemingly chaotic disruption of one’s inner peace, but leaves anyone absolutely unfocused.

Let me ask this question, do you remember a time where one of your best buds/gal pals did you wrong and instead of apologizing he/she just laughed it off because it was considered funny? I think it’s safe to say we’ve all experienced being slighted by a friend or someone you possibly no longer deem part of your inner circle. Thinking about it further, the cohesive balance that was once there in that friendship with him/her unfortunately became unbalanced so much so there’s a struggle in trying to achieve a sense of inner mental and emotional peace. The question remains, have you dealt with or are you still dealing with wanting an apology with a former best bud/gal pal who you haven’t spoken to in quite some time in hopes of achieving balance again?

As I said before, when you’re struggling to attain inner peace after being slighted and wanting an apology, it has the propensity to take such a tremendous mental and emotional toll, especially if it involves matters of the heart. Oftentimes, the harmoniously tranquil inner peace one seeks in another person’s heart ends up turning into utter heartbreak that may very well be truly unforgivable. Anger, hatred, doubt, worry, sadness, frustration, bitterness, disappointment, utter contempt, etc. have the ability to tip the mental and emotional scales, in a manner of speaking, thus leaving one not able to let go and move on. Why? For the most part, it’s the uncomfortable burden weighing heavily within one’s heart that it can drive anyone absolutely insane.

Without a doubt, it can be considerably difficult at times in finding a happy medium in regards to the place each one of us work at. Of course, we do our best even going above and beyond in hopes of reaching the next level of climbing the ladder of success. Sadly, one’s own blood, sweat, and tears are at times overlooked, whereby leaving you slighted because even though you put in all the time, as well as effort, it resulted in a lack of recognition you’re most deserving of. True, it can be taken as a personal insult to your work ethic and leaves you with an unfortunate negative mindset that not only working hard doesn’t necessarily pay off, but it causes your once positively peaceful thoughts, feelings, and emotions to become incredibly unbalanced as well.

In retrospect, there comes a point where seeking out that apology you feel you deserve from someone is fleeting. You see, once you let go of what has possibly consumed you/obsessed about mentally and emotionally, then the uncomfortably heavy burden that’s been weighing you down will finally be lifted because it wasn’t worth it to be carrying around to begin with. When that happens, you’re able to fully focus on what’s/who’s in front of and potentially ahead of you regarding your future instead of looking behind you at everything you’ve held on to for so long. In the end, sometimes in order to restore the balance of inner peace it’s best to be the bigger person and just forgive the person to bring back a sense of sanity into your life.

Saturday, January 13, 2024

Win or Lose

M.L. Valentine once said, ~Love is like a game, and gaming is like love. Both require passion, dedication, and the willingness to take risks. Just like in love, sometimes you win and sometimes you lost, But it's the journey and the connection you make that truly matters.~ In some aspects, matters of the heart in regard to being in a strong, worthwhile relationship is like playing a rp(role playing) video game. Essentially, every gamer starts off in the beginning with a considerable intense resolve of determination and our goal is to get to the next level until you reach the final stage level/stage of the game itself. Thinking about it further, that’s exactly how it is living the single life as we’re determined in trying to get to the next level of dating to where it hopefully reaches the point where it goes well beyond the final relationship level/stage.

Without a doubt, you can’t play a video game unless you have a game controller in hand to not only move in the direction you want to go, but press a combination of buttons to mount a formidable defense, as well as a blistering offense. For it’s a thought provoking situation indeed as each one of us presses or has passionately pressed the quintessential game controller of our own heart in order to move towards someone else’s heart. Of course, there’s an absolute uncertainty of what one will encounter as there is an anticipation to be fully prepared to either find yourself constantly going on the defensive, being overly confident while on offense, or somewhere in between. Hey, have a strategic plan in place even if the plan is not having a plan at all, which makes absolutely no sense and at the same time does make sense.

If you think about it, side quests are most definitely a part of rpg games and they can certainly be considered a distraction that keeps any gamer from their main objective. Unfortunately, one can become so dedicated to those side quests you end up distracted by the quintessential red flags of dating that leave/have left you wounded mentally, emotionally, and physically to the point where you end up dead, in a manner of speaking. Although there are save points in a game where you’re able to start over from where you died, there aren’t necessarily any relationship save points to start over from after “dying” due to costly mistakes made. Why? What it primarily comes down to is being too focused or reckless with our own thoughts, feelings, and emotions, especially with what’s least important pertaining to a forever best friend.

Let me ask you this question to my fellow gamers, when was the last time you were so heavily invested in any game that you lost track of time? I think it’s safe to say all gamers have and even though you pay for it having lost hours of sleep the risk is totally worth it. For the most part, living the single life is hoping to one day find/meet someone and become heavily invested with each other. However, don’t be in a relationship too soon. Instead, be willing to take the time to unlock and gradually raise the power level of the following relationship achievements: trust, respect, faith, honor, honesty, integrity, loyalty, understanding, communication, commitment, etc. Ultimately, that’s the test of a true relationship knowing that you didn’t have to use cheat codes to make it a far easier rather than difficult gaming journey towards true happiness.

In retrospect, there comes a point in a video game where the story has an eventual ending but when it comes to a real life two player love story it keeps moving on. Hopefully, the guy/girl/both don’t end up rage quitting on each other because a particular level you’re both reaching for was frustratingly complicated. You see, there’s always a challenging excitement that can be found in any relationship that has the propensity to negatively and/or positively push each other’s buttons on the proverbial game controller otherwise known as the human heart. In the end, throughout the game that is love/true love you do your best in building up each other’s abilities while strengthening any weakness knowing that win or lose, you’re standing strong side by side facing off and continually beating every obstacle in your path together.

Tuesday, January 09, 2024

A Major Stink

Ann Evertt once said, ~Love. Dude. It’s like a fart. You don’t even know it’s happening, but all of a sudden it crawls up the crack of your ass and then the stink hits you.~ If you think about it, when it comes to matters of the heart it can most definitely be compared to a normal body function that practically everybody has experienced and if they said they’ve never done it they’re lying. As humorous as it sounds, it’s truly an interesting and thought provoking situation indeed how 2 totally different, as well as innocuous topics of discussion can share at least 3 different similarities. Essentially, those 3 aforementioned similarities are suffering absolute embarrassment, denying it ever happened, and facing/dealing with the stinky situation in a hopefully mature way.

Let me ask this question, have you ever farted in the presence of someone you were either attracted to or potentially interested in? How did you initially react? I think it’s safe to say each one of us have made an utterly embarrassing stink, so to speak, in saying or doing something that you actually wanted to or felt the urge to not only run away, but possibly hide and never rejoin the outside world ever again? In any case, if/when that unfortunate occurrence happens again you’re faced with the following 2 options: 1.) allow your fight or flight to kick in and avoid lingering around making the situation even more incredibly awkward. OR 2.) make the most out of what’s negatively awkward by turning that stinky first impression into a situation where it gradually becomes a positive.

As I said before, one of the similarities that matters of the heart and a fart share is denying it ever happened, especially if it involves relationship issues not properly being dealt with. You see, relationship issues that end up turning problematic and filled with drama always have an uncanny ability to leave anyone expressing a stink face. For it’s a type of stink face that is made when there’s an unmistakable odor wafting, in a manner of speaking, in the air of a relationship that neither the guy/girl acknowledges. Anger, doubt, hatred, worry, sadness, frustration, dishonesty, bitterness, disappointment, utter contempt, etc. represent individually or as a whole an oftentimes overpowering smell that you don’t want to have it permanently settle thus causing even more issues/drama.

Without a doubt, there’s a level of maturity one hopes to reach in facing/dealing with a fart that you sometimes don’t realize is happening until it strikes. True, it comes out of nowhere just like how true happiness can strike at any moment whenever you’re really not paying attention. Thinking about it further, it’s how each one of us is able to maturely handle/face/deal with not just our own thoughts, feelings, and emotions but someone else’s as well that actually determines if we’re actually ready for it or not. What it primarily comes down to is being able to work on the problem in hopes of working together in no longer smelling the foul stench of mental, emotional, physical, and possibly even spiritua immaturity, especially for a number of relationships that wholeheartedly need it.

Someone said, ~Love is like a fart. Whatever you do it’s hard to hide it. When released, everyone will know even if you don’t confess.~ In retrospect, love/true love can certainly make an impact whether it strikes silently like a stealthy ninja or a loud explosion that rattles anyone straight to the core of their heart. In other words, it makes its presence known in its own unique way. Although it’s difficult at times to actually know what true happiness actually smells like in regard to a forever best friend, you'll know it when it finally hits or already has hit your nose or in this particular case your heart. In the end, it has the propensity to ultimately cause a major stink in both cases and as much as you try to do your best in hiding how it’s affected you the truth will always reveal itself without even uttering a single word.

Monday, January 01, 2024

Day 1(1st Yodaism of 2024)

Annie McKee once said, ~Leaders set the tone, and a positive tone that is grounded in optimism, curiosity, and excitement leads to individual and team success.~ Let me ask this question, how many of you were eagerly anticipating the start of 2024 and never looked back on 2023, which you’d gladly leave behind in your proverbial rearview mirror? I think it’s safe to say there are countless people who wholeheartedly agree that 2023 didn’t necessarily turn out the way he/she intended, knowing this past year may have taken its toll mentally, emotionally, physically, and/or spiritually. However, since it’s a brand new year it gives each one of us the opportunity to reset the past 365 days thus setting the tone when it comes to our own mindset, attitude, as well as behavior.

Without a doubt, we’re all not only given a clean slate to work with for the new year, but the potential for a positively fresh and hopefully optimistic mindset. For it’s a thought provoking situation indeed how a positive mental outlook can most definitely shape, in a manner of speaking, the possibility of a successful new year. Thinking about it further, having a positive instead of a negative outlook helps in the reduction of those stress and anxiety ridden days that we’ve all quite possibly experienced during this past year, whereby improving one’s overall mental health/well-being. Essentially, the level of focused optimism in which we think positive thoughts concerning goals/achievements in hopes of attaining positive results is something we individually set forth for ourselves or as part of a group.

If you think about it, there’s also a level of curiosity as to what 2024 will bring about as last year and every year before that was considered a year to forget. You see, it’s through our curiosity that determines whether the attitude each one of us exudes for what we’ll in all intents and purposes face off against this coming year is either a sense of calming peace and happiness or stress/anxiety ridden anger. Of course, we should never forget to be truly grateful and show that gratitude by expressing how thankful we all are. What it primarily comes down to is not just acknowledging one’s gratefulness towards people who’ve stuck by our side, day in and day out, encouraging/supporting us, but the Lord Almighty who has never wavered as he spiritually guided us during our own individual journey.

As I said before, there are countless people who wholeheartedly agree that 2023 didn’t necessarily turn out the way he/she intended, knowing this past year may have taken its toll mentally, emotionally, physically, and/or spiritually. Yet, despite the daily toll it may have taken in the areas previously mentioned last year there’s a feeling of excitement and a sense of revitalized energy that can completely change our behavior this year. For the most part, it's just a matter of letting go and moving on from the issues of the past you’ve been constantly dwelling on such as unwanted drama involving a significant other, friendship, family, work, etc. Hey, by letting go of those unwanted issues of drama you’re better focused on living day by day with an energetic pep in your step rather than being grumpy and cranky.

Jon C. Maxwell said, ~Set the tone for your day by treating people better than you expect to be treated by them. Be the first to smile. Express your appreciation for them. Expect the best out of them. If you act first, you will set yourself up for success.~ In retrospect, 2024 is full of absolute uncertainty filled with days of endless possibilities. Each one of us is setting the tone to unknowingly be an unselfish example for someone else. Although he/she may not follow the same path, the individual in question is leading by example in their own way and paying it forward for him/her to do the same as well. In the end, on day 1 and for the next 364 days try to set the tone in being optimistic, curious, courteous, thankful, grateful, excited and so much more even though we may not get it back in return.