Random Thoughts

Veterans Day

Veterans Day is just around the corner (Tuesday, November 11, 2014). The best way to celebrate is by simply being thankful – enjoying those pleasures, rights and freedoms that America affords. We live in a great nation, and don’t you forget it! Here’s to peace.

For the naysayers, peace can be achieved, but only when the judging stops, looking upon each other as equals. We must respect everyone’s spiritual beliefs too, whether one chooses to believe or not – otherwise, we will perish. Believing in a higher power, in itself, does not guarantee peace because more people have been murdered in the name of God historically. – paerki

("We must still do far more than we have done to honor the dead, to comfort the wounded, and to lend a hand to those fortunate enough to have returned to us unharmed, than merely attend parades or wear poppies or visit graves or bow our heads in silence." - The Atlantic)

Do You Care, America?

We are passive when it comes to devastating habitats, exploiting natural resources (oil, lumber, etc.), and all out of greed. Sadly we pick and choose how we regard life – debating abortion, health care, not funding projects for the poor and overpopulating the planet, and all out of selfishness, disrespect and ignorance. What about life in the rivers and oceans – in the forest and elsewhere? Do you care, America? We continue to pollute streams and fields, releasing harmful chemicals in the air we breathe and the water we drink. Do you care, America?

It’s sad that many are eager to play the dirty game of politics, both politician and follower waging war on minorities, especially gays and women, who are not your enemy, but your friends, coworkers, relatives, etc. Let’s not forget about war as it pertains to combat and all those little boys on Capitol Hill who are still trying to prove themselves to their mothers and the world at large that they are big, strong and moral, but in actuality are small, weak and unprincipled, only happy when they are picking on the meager to feed their righteous conceited egos (now this is a real bully). Do you care, America? – paerki 

The Countdown To Thanksgiving Continues

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and I’m happy to have a special day to proclaim my gratitude for a life that’s not always perfect but keeps me moving forward, because what else is there and, of course, beggars can’t be choosy.

As with all of us, there is triumph and challenge and for some, there is more of the latter, but that just means you have to go deeper to look for those things that bring value and meaning to your life, and they are there – trust me!

It’s elementary to think the other person has it easier, but I don’t believe this to be true. We are all flawed and have a cross to bear. Too many of us have to travel far and wide to find reason and perspective, and this is good because I think your soul requires this in order for you to truly appreciate the totality of your life, and those around you. (And remember, that which makes you weak, but doesn’t kill you, will absolutely make you stronger in the end. This I know for certain!)

The unexamined life is not worth living. It’s important for us all to evaluate and reassess our journey, time and time again, if we want to go the distance. Many of us need to reshape our life in order to respect ourselves more, and therefore respecting others, thus finding that place deep inside that allows for genuine and more meaningful appreciation.

Like many, I travel this time of year along the route of typical thankfulness – for family, friends, health, etc., but on some level that’s not always good enough because that’s an expectation, and it’s innate that one would be satisfied, unless of course, your spirit is broken, which is a possibility, and I pray for your recovery.

I’m getting older, but wiser, and with that comes a true sense of self, which feeds into my happiness and my ability to find those things I’m deeply thankful for that help me thrive.

I’m thankful for – the crunch of leaves underfoot because it reminds me of how much I love the outdoors, nature, change in seasons and walking – the simple things in life… confidence because it keeps me strong in the face of adversity… friends that I would like to see more often, but don’t because of distance, appreciating their calls to say, "I’m thinking of you", "I miss you", "I care about you", "I love you"… understanding my body, listening to it and respecting it, and therefore feeding it a diet of proper nutrition and exercise… my ability to respect the environment, caring enough to do my part to make it a better place for all… seeing examples of hate because it teaches me to love even more (of course hate shouldn’t exist, but I live in the real world, and it’s not going away anytime soon)… my ability to transcend religious dogma, to see there is a light in me, and it shines brighter when I judge less and embrace things I don’t understand and this happens when I seek the truth… Facebook friends I’ve never met, but want too, because they respect my input and I their wisdom… occasional interludes of solitude, appreciating those moments when I stop speaking and answering life, which allows for better acceptance of change… my ability to be creative because it’s a window into my soul and it has allowed me to meet some of the most amazing people on the planet… music, art and literature because when all else fails, this becomes my back-up plan and always saves the day.

I have my occasional unhappy moments too, as we all do, but I’m always thankful, and I hope you are too, dear friends. Remember, life without thankfulness is devoid of love and passion.

Don’t wait to ponder Thanksgiving. What are you thankful for? – paerki