Thursday's Musings

Election

I am disappointed. Suck it up and move forward. The pendulum swings both ways. Never stop fighting. Never stop believing. Remain hopeful (easier said than done). Tomorrow is a new day. There are still battles to be won. For those who want to rant, chanting phrases like… "I am done with politics!" "That’s why I didn’t vote!" "I am never voting again!" – You are part of the problem. You’ve got to be in it for the long haul. Ugly happens, but get over it! Setbacks are inevitable. Patience and perseverance wins the race.

It’s futile to think we can prevent change; however, we can control how we respond to it, and much of this has to do with our choices. Our journey will always improve when we become the force of change instead of putting up roadblocks, which as you know, speaks of fear.

What a frustrating election! Sadly, I am disappointed by the outcomes because of poor choices (from both sides), but I’m determined to look at what’s happened, not as a negative, but as an opportunity to strengthen my resolve, which will aid in my ability to move forward in a much stronger and meaningful way.

There’s something I forget on occasion… My attitude + My choice = My life. Remember this for yourself when dealing with life’s misery and misfortune. It’s also helpful to take long walks, while incorporating moments of meditation.

In a world of turmoil the mind requires silence (stillness) to help bolster our concentration, feed our creativity and keep us focused. However, the greatest reward is the reduction in stress and tension.

I encourage everyone to take a break from the news. That’s my plan. Cheers! – paerki

Gone, But Never Forgotten

It’s been three years, but it feels like yesterday. I continue to think about your untimely demise, and often. However, there is more joy than sorrow. Whether it be at a church filled with beautiful stained glass (especially when it’s Tiffany) or a museum adorned with exquisite paintings, I feel your presence because you inspired me to look at these treasures in a different way, helping me to appreciate them just a bit more.

I miss our annual leaf production, spending hours in your yard – working hard, being silly and stupid, and laughing endlessly. Those were good times, and I miss them – Oh, how I miss them, my dear sweet friend. I enjoyed cooking dinner after, sitting outside in the garden with you to enjoy the fruits of our labor while drinking a glass of wine, and then another, and another, but hey, who’s counting?! You remain a part of me, and are forever in my heart – never ever to be forgotten, my Jeffrey.
 
Friendship is important. Some people we have to love from far away, but for those we really connect with, whom we can immediately reach out and hold and touch, laugh and cry with on a daily basis – do it, and often. Celebrate and nurture that bond of friendship with dinners, drinks, flowers, walks, day trips, etc.

Friendship is a place you can always come back to for healing. A true friendship is built on love, hope and beauty, and allows for forgiveness, and for some, know that an ounce of manipulation will take its toll, and what you thought you had will just wither away, so be mindful and never take that vow of friendship for granted.

Thank you, Jeffery, for helping me to appreciate more what friendship is all about – unconditional love and being there for someone when they need it the most, but also knowing when to walk away, especially when the stakes are too high and both could be lost forever. I celebrate you, always in my heart – forever in my heart.

Death must inspire us to live, especially to live a life guided by gratitude, selflessness, quality and more importantly, hope. Here’s to better living through love, and allow it to begin today with a hand extended. – paerki