I don’t profess to know it all; I’m still trying to figure out life for myself. Most of these writings are just things that have popped into my head at one time or another. Some of these writings are years old, some a day old. For most of my life I’ve been afraid to let my true feelings out and have hidden them from the outside world for fear of being ridiculed.
The years I’ve wasted I’ll never get back, but at least now I am trying to free myself of my self-imposed prison. Hopefully my insights into myself and the world around me can help someone else out there to understand themselves and the world around them. There’s only one way to find out, write what I think and paint what I see in my mind and find a forum to express myself, to show what I’m all about.
My hope is that others understand that even though everyone may not agree or like what you’re doing, it’s ok. We all have different opinions and we all see things at least somewhat differently. I believe we all want to be and do good, and when we don’t it’s like we have a cancer eating away inside us that slowly makes us feel more and more miserable.
I have a need to help people if I can and if I don’t I feel terrible about it. Just the other day while driving I was stopped at a light when my wife says “Oh my god! That girl just got hit!” Looking at the scene to my right I knew I had to help if I could. Diane immediately phoned 911 as I pulled my vehicle over and ran to the scene. The victim was a young woman and she was lying on the road, cuts and bruises all over her body. She and her boyfriend had been riding bikes and for some reason she rode out in front of an oncoming truck, was struck, and send flying about twenty feet.
The boyfriend was in a panic as was the driver, just as I reached them they were attempting to lift this bleeding, crying, moaning young woman to her feet. I immediately stopped them from causing her even more pain and tried to calm her down, telling her to lay still and that help was coming. The girl had a humungous lump protruding from her head.
I soon came to realize that both the girl and her boyfriend were not completely normal, they were mentally challenged, possibly retarded in some way. This made trying to keep everyone calm even more difficult. The boyfriend seemed most worried about calling the girl’s parents and repeatedly asked if I could read his cell phone. I managed to keep the woman down and safe until help arrived as two policemen came to the scene.
These officers were of little assistance as neither one came to talk to me or even check on the girl! They just stood over by the boyfriend and the driver of the vehicle and talked with them. I could not believe this and so I continued to comfort the girl until an ambulance came to take over.
Even after the situation was calmed down the officers never even wanted to speak with me! I knew Diane had witnessed the whole incident and so I took her to the officers and told them she had seen the accident. They took down her name and phone number and she told them what she had seen. I was shocked by the officers’ lack of caring for the victim or for making any attempt to speak to witnesses. They obviously didn’t care about their jobs or the people they were supposed to be helping.
As I said earlier, I feel the need to help if I can. I believe most people are like me in this matter, and would have done most of the same things. I’m pretty squeamish when it comes to much blood or big cuts but in an emergency situation I think I can overcome it. Heck, I can’t even watch the fake operations on TV, I have to turn away.
Everyone is different and life is a constant journey of the discovery of who we really are. My search is still on but at a much slower pace right now due to time restrictions and just the lack of energy caused by life’s daily grind. We just need to keep finding our way and try to do what we can and help who we can along the way. I hope to find more time to discover myself and learn about life, wishing, hoping, dreaming, being me!
Sunday, October 17, 2010
“Calling All Humans!”
Are there any human beings left out there? Or has society succeeded in transforming us all into robots? The fast paced, uncaring, dog eat dog lifestyle we are being forced into is in essence turning us into Cyborg-like creatures. While we may appear to be human on the outside, inside we are being manipulated into a mechanical state of performing our corporate functions without thought of how it truly may affect us as well as everyone else.
Many companies of today treat their employees as machines, sometimes actually better than they treat machines; at least machines are provided maintenance. Humans not functioning correctly in the eyes of the company are either ignored and left to rot or discarded as if a useless piece of equipment. While I realize these companies are in business to make a profit, I believe it’s today’s society that pressures these businesses into becoming unfeeling, production at any cost entities.
As a society in general we believe that politicians are corrupt, business is a necessary evil, a fast paced lifestyle is a successful lifestyle, that excesses are necessities and that we must stay ahead of the Joneses, not just keep up with them. The seven deadly sins: pride, covetousness, envy, gluttony, anger, sloth, and lust are pretty good descriptions of what most of us feel at least one time or another. We are a flawed race, there’s no denying that.
Does this mean we have to continue on this way? Do we have to fall into the trap and say “everyone else is doing it so I have to too!”? Or can we overcome our self-doubts and do what we know is right instead of just doing what everyone else is doing? The choice is ours to make! Do things the easy way and swallow our shame, or do things the right way and swallow our pride? In the long run what do you think is best?
Many companies of today treat their employees as machines, sometimes actually better than they treat machines; at least machines are provided maintenance. Humans not functioning correctly in the eyes of the company are either ignored and left to rot or discarded as if a useless piece of equipment. While I realize these companies are in business to make a profit, I believe it’s today’s society that pressures these businesses into becoming unfeeling, production at any cost entities.
As a society in general we believe that politicians are corrupt, business is a necessary evil, a fast paced lifestyle is a successful lifestyle, that excesses are necessities and that we must stay ahead of the Joneses, not just keep up with them. The seven deadly sins: pride, covetousness, envy, gluttony, anger, sloth, and lust are pretty good descriptions of what most of us feel at least one time or another. We are a flawed race, there’s no denying that.
Does this mean we have to continue on this way? Do we have to fall into the trap and say “everyone else is doing it so I have to too!”? Or can we overcome our self-doubts and do what we know is right instead of just doing what everyone else is doing? The choice is ours to make! Do things the easy way and swallow our shame, or do things the right way and swallow our pride? In the long run what do you think is best?
Saturday, May 29, 2010
"Turtle Perseverance"
I was sitting outside the front of my house one morning just observing nature and contemplating my life. I watched the clouds, the ants at my feet, the birds flying by. There were two little lizards running around as if playing a game of tag. Out of the corner of my eye I saw a cat appear from the brush that ran along the little canal across the street, nothing special about that except it next brought my attention to a dark object that wasn’t there a few moments ago. It piqued my interest so I decided to walk closer to get a better look. It was a turtle. As I watched the turtle it started to move, slowly and deliberately it proceeded on its journey, stopping at times before venturing onward.
As I studied this creature I suddenly realized just how similar it was to the human race. The turtle struggles through life slowly searching for a path to reach its ultimate goal. It often has to alter its course as unforeseen obstacles get in its path, he either goes over the impediment or he goes around it. The main thing is he has a set goal that he’s trying to reach and no matter what gets in his way or how long it takes he perseveres. The turtle has the fortitude to keep going after his goal no matter what, sometimes even if it kills him.
Now through their journey they take adequate time to rest and eat so they’ll have the strength to reach their final destination. And at times they feel fear and go into hiding inside their protective shell. But eventually they find the courage to go back out into the world and to realization of their goal. The turtle knows that it will never reach its destination and the accompanying reward if it doesn’t at least try.
I’m sure you to can see the many similarities between the turtles journey and our own. So when life gets you down and you feel like giving up, take a lesson from the turtle and go for your goal no matter how long it takes or how many obstacles get in your way!
As I studied this creature I suddenly realized just how similar it was to the human race. The turtle struggles through life slowly searching for a path to reach its ultimate goal. It often has to alter its course as unforeseen obstacles get in its path, he either goes over the impediment or he goes around it. The main thing is he has a set goal that he’s trying to reach and no matter what gets in his way or how long it takes he perseveres. The turtle has the fortitude to keep going after his goal no matter what, sometimes even if it kills him.
Now through their journey they take adequate time to rest and eat so they’ll have the strength to reach their final destination. And at times they feel fear and go into hiding inside their protective shell. But eventually they find the courage to go back out into the world and to realization of their goal. The turtle knows that it will never reach its destination and the accompanying reward if it doesn’t at least try.
I’m sure you to can see the many similarities between the turtles journey and our own. So when life gets you down and you feel like giving up, take a lesson from the turtle and go for your goal no matter how long it takes or how many obstacles get in your way!
Saturday, May 22, 2010
"Quite The Paradox!!!"
*When we feel bad about ourselves it seems to make it harder to help others, yet when we help others doesn’t it make us feel better about ourselves?
Thursday, May 20, 2010
“To Thine Own Self Be True”
Why do we all copy each other and try to be alike? It’s not in our similarities but in our differences that make us unique and give us true worth. Imagine how boring life would be if every one was the same. Yet, for some strange reason people who are out of the ordinary, or who have an unusual idea or way of doing things are often chastised and ridiculed.
Why? I think its society’s way of dealing with the fact that they are jealous that they themselves didn’t have the creativity or the courage to be different. Could this be the reason there is so much anxiety, depression, stress and anger in the world? Are many of us suppressing our true inner feelings for the fear of being different, or of becoming an outcast?
I believe one reason for the numerous suicides and widespread drug use is that we feel trapped and helpless due to the fact that society is geared toward conformity. This makes it hard for people to express their true selves as well as their true passions. Shouldn’t we embrace our individuality instead of feeling as if we have to hide them?
Imagine all the new inventions, discoveries, and visions the world is missing out on. There is a possibility that some of the most creative, ingenious minds in the world may not have the inner strength to face our conformist society. All the gifts and talent in the world are of no value if they go unused.
In society we fear and ridicule that which we don’t understand. The United States is supposed to be a country of freedom, the only way to truly feel free is to express your true self. Embrace your uniqueness and cultivate your gifts and talents. Who knows what your mind may come up with if you simply get out of its way? “To Thine Own Self Be True!”
Why? I think its society’s way of dealing with the fact that they are jealous that they themselves didn’t have the creativity or the courage to be different. Could this be the reason there is so much anxiety, depression, stress and anger in the world? Are many of us suppressing our true inner feelings for the fear of being different, or of becoming an outcast?
I believe one reason for the numerous suicides and widespread drug use is that we feel trapped and helpless due to the fact that society is geared toward conformity. This makes it hard for people to express their true selves as well as their true passions. Shouldn’t we embrace our individuality instead of feeling as if we have to hide them?
Imagine all the new inventions, discoveries, and visions the world is missing out on. There is a possibility that some of the most creative, ingenious minds in the world may not have the inner strength to face our conformist society. All the gifts and talent in the world are of no value if they go unused.
In society we fear and ridicule that which we don’t understand. The United States is supposed to be a country of freedom, the only way to truly feel free is to express your true self. Embrace your uniqueness and cultivate your gifts and talents. Who knows what your mind may come up with if you simply get out of its way? “To Thine Own Self Be True!”
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
“I AM”
And me who is I
Who sits and just thinks
When they know they can fly
I am all that I am
And all that is me
Still trying to understand
The world that I see
My knowledge though growing
Is far from complete
My accomplishments showing
My trials to compete
As my life goes on
It’s become plain to see
That all that I am
Is not all that I’ll be
Monday, May 17, 2010
"What's Really Important?"
Why do we care so much about things that mean so little? Why is it we put so little time into the really important aspects of our lives? I believe that one way to answer these two questions is our never-ending search for finding the easy, more comfortable way in all that we do. If one way seems to take less effort than the other we have a tendency to take this route.
Many of us choose to focus on things that truly have little or no real effect on our lives in an attempt to avoid having to deal with things or situations that are important and have a real, tangible effect on us. Examples of this are watching television, unnecessary shopping, sports, movies; all are an attempt to escape reality and the things that truly matter. These things can give us a temporary high, though if things don’t go right with them we may allow these meaningless things to ruin our day.
How ridiculous and sad is it that when our team loses a game, we may yell at the kids, or argue with the wife! Does the fact our team lost have any real effect on our lives? Not really, only what we let it. While we all need an escape from reality once in awhile, many of us have a tendency to let these little distractions take over our lives.
We need to take back our lives; instead of watching others live and perform for our entertainment we need to get out there and live life. Do things instead of watching them be done! If you’re not living you’re dying! Choose to live!
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
"My Perfect church"
In my ideal church, everyone would be welcome; help would be offered to all. The church would not pressure or guilt anyone into making donations, or make people feel they need to give more, to get more. Our church wouldn’t be built on money like so many others are today; we would seek to build a nice simple church that would make people feel comfort and at ease when they enter, and full of joy and hope when they leave. Our mission is to give the hope, guidance, and unending support needed to all we meet, inside or outside of the church.
My belief is that God does not want to be feared or worshiped as so many religions would have us believe. I have to believe that God is like a father watching over his children, and all he really wants from us is love and respect, as well as our being as morally pure as we can. The most important thing we can do for him is to be the best we can be, and to help our fellow man to be their best.
There are too many churches out there that offer their help with one hand while asking for money with the other. Too many televangelists on television who put on a huge theatrical production of what god wants us do, only to manipulate us into sending them money. Do you really think the so called blessed jewelry they offer (for a small donation of course) will really help you? These people use religion to get to you, and to your wallet.
We then have the big churches, the ones who receive massive amounts of donations. Why is it they feel the need to spend so much of these donations on making the church so extravagantly beautiful? Is it vanity, greed, or is it because they think it will bring in more parishioners? Maybe it will, but I would rather all that wasted money be used to help the people in need. And of course many of these preachers need a big fancy house, an expensive vehicle, and even an RV, in order to better help others.
All the big extravagant displays of how well their church is doing does nothing to help the needy. These are selfish, vain, and greedy displays as well as a misuse of donations, bordering on criminal acts. They give religion a bad name. A large number of people stay away from religion due to these misguided and sometimes even corrupt individuals or organizations. The news is full of church misuse of funds, cover-ups, and other negative instances.
The children and young adults of today are receiving mixed signals about religion, they are told to believe in god and to follow his beliefs, yet they see that so many of these religious leaders are not practicing what they are preaching. Could this be one of the reasons for the deterioration of society? People need guidance, and they need positive role models. We need to bring religion back to respectability and hold our religious leaders to a higher standard.
Religion shouldn’t be something we dread, it should offer a fun, enlightening, joyful time where people from all walks of life can come together to learn of gods ways and of each other. There should be no pressure placed on anyone to do or say anything. Going to church should be a time of ease, where we can relax and be ourselves without fear of judgment. What good is church if you are putting up a front and are not truly honest about who you really are inside. You shouldn’t be afraid to go to church because you can’t afford to make a donation or your clothes aren’t nice enough. Church shouldn’t cater to the privileged, everyone, no matter their race or circumstance should feel welcome and embraced. Let’s take the fear and embarrassment out of going to church and replace it with a spirit of hopefulness, and excitement of learning more about ourselves and forming new friendships with others.
We all need help and support sometimes in our lives, the church should be one of our greatest sources for both. People do need people, and everyone needs something to believe in. Let’s help give god and the church the chance to offer both.
My belief is that God does not want to be feared or worshiped as so many religions would have us believe. I have to believe that God is like a father watching over his children, and all he really wants from us is love and respect, as well as our being as morally pure as we can. The most important thing we can do for him is to be the best we can be, and to help our fellow man to be their best.
There are too many churches out there that offer their help with one hand while asking for money with the other. Too many televangelists on television who put on a huge theatrical production of what god wants us do, only to manipulate us into sending them money. Do you really think the so called blessed jewelry they offer (for a small donation of course) will really help you? These people use religion to get to you, and to your wallet.
We then have the big churches, the ones who receive massive amounts of donations. Why is it they feel the need to spend so much of these donations on making the church so extravagantly beautiful? Is it vanity, greed, or is it because they think it will bring in more parishioners? Maybe it will, but I would rather all that wasted money be used to help the people in need. And of course many of these preachers need a big fancy house, an expensive vehicle, and even an RV, in order to better help others.
All the big extravagant displays of how well their church is doing does nothing to help the needy. These are selfish, vain, and greedy displays as well as a misuse of donations, bordering on criminal acts. They give religion a bad name. A large number of people stay away from religion due to these misguided and sometimes even corrupt individuals or organizations. The news is full of church misuse of funds, cover-ups, and other negative instances.
The children and young adults of today are receiving mixed signals about religion, they are told to believe in god and to follow his beliefs, yet they see that so many of these religious leaders are not practicing what they are preaching. Could this be one of the reasons for the deterioration of society? People need guidance, and they need positive role models. We need to bring religion back to respectability and hold our religious leaders to a higher standard.
Religion shouldn’t be something we dread, it should offer a fun, enlightening, joyful time where people from all walks of life can come together to learn of gods ways and of each other. There should be no pressure placed on anyone to do or say anything. Going to church should be a time of ease, where we can relax and be ourselves without fear of judgment. What good is church if you are putting up a front and are not truly honest about who you really are inside. You shouldn’t be afraid to go to church because you can’t afford to make a donation or your clothes aren’t nice enough. Church shouldn’t cater to the privileged, everyone, no matter their race or circumstance should feel welcome and embraced. Let’s take the fear and embarrassment out of going to church and replace it with a spirit of hopefulness, and excitement of learning more about ourselves and forming new friendships with others.
We all need help and support sometimes in our lives, the church should be one of our greatest sources for both. People do need people, and everyone needs something to believe in. Let’s help give god and the church the chance to offer both.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Thank You!
Thank you all for coming to my blogsite. I hope you enjoy my writings. Go to www.jeffreyblecha.wordpress.com to check out my website "Live Your Life"
You can also see some of my articles published on EzineArticles/Jeffrey Blecha
You can also see some of my articles published on EzineArticles/Jeffrey Blecha
Saturday, April 24, 2010
“Two Powerful Little Words”
Apologizing to someone may be one of the hardest things to do. Some of us have a hard time admitting we’re wrong. How many relationships has this cost us? Even if it may not have caused the total loss of a relationship I’m certain it’s caused some animosity and lessened the relationship in one way or another.
A simple heart felt apology, the simple words “I’m sorry” have a tremendous impact on our lives. It can change a person’s mentality from one of war and strife to one of peace and love. Two little words, but they hold so much power!
Why is it we allow these two powerful and positive little words to interfere with our lives? Just uttering these words can have such a meaningful, tension releasing effect on not only the ones hearing them, but also on the person saying them. “I’m sorry,” how many times have you thought to yourself, “it wouldn’t be so bad if he/she had just said they were sorry?” Two little words!
How many of us are poisoned by the fact that we feel terrible about something we may have done or said in the past to someone and we wish we had apologized? We still can! No matter how long ago or how strained the relationship may be now we can still say “I’m sorry.” While the person may not accept and forgive you immediately, you’ll feel better that at least you tried, and who knows? In time this person may come to realize just what effort it took for you to apologize and see that you really do value their relationship.
I compare our remorse to a poison that is slowly, yet deliberately killing us each day. It eats away at us, causing resentment, self doubt, and sucking the very joy out of life. The longer it’s inside the more it festers and causes us pain. We need to find an antidote, a cure that will save us and give us our lives back. These two little words “I’m sorry” may be that cure, they may be just what is needed to repair our relationships; they may be our only salvation!
It doesn’t matter how long ago an incident took place. Just imagine how you would feel if someone you felt had wronged you 20 years ago, came up to you or called you, or even wrote you and said “I’m sorry.” How would that make you feel? There is no time limit for remorse! It can be a freeing feeling!
If this story helps you in any way then I’m thankful. If it inspires you to go out and apologize to a friend, neighbor, or especially a family member then I’m ecstatic! Relationships are hard to build but easy to tear down. Value every relationship, try to see the good in everyone, care enough to utter these two little words “I’m sorry.” It’s too important not to!
If this story offends anyone out there then all I can say is that was not my intention, and that “I’m sorry!”
A simple heart felt apology, the simple words “I’m sorry” have a tremendous impact on our lives. It can change a person’s mentality from one of war and strife to one of peace and love. Two little words, but they hold so much power!
Why is it we allow these two powerful and positive little words to interfere with our lives? Just uttering these words can have such a meaningful, tension releasing effect on not only the ones hearing them, but also on the person saying them. “I’m sorry,” how many times have you thought to yourself, “it wouldn’t be so bad if he/she had just said they were sorry?” Two little words!
How many of us are poisoned by the fact that we feel terrible about something we may have done or said in the past to someone and we wish we had apologized? We still can! No matter how long ago or how strained the relationship may be now we can still say “I’m sorry.” While the person may not accept and forgive you immediately, you’ll feel better that at least you tried, and who knows? In time this person may come to realize just what effort it took for you to apologize and see that you really do value their relationship.
I compare our remorse to a poison that is slowly, yet deliberately killing us each day. It eats away at us, causing resentment, self doubt, and sucking the very joy out of life. The longer it’s inside the more it festers and causes us pain. We need to find an antidote, a cure that will save us and give us our lives back. These two little words “I’m sorry” may be that cure, they may be just what is needed to repair our relationships; they may be our only salvation!
It doesn’t matter how long ago an incident took place. Just imagine how you would feel if someone you felt had wronged you 20 years ago, came up to you or called you, or even wrote you and said “I’m sorry.” How would that make you feel? There is no time limit for remorse! It can be a freeing feeling!
If this story helps you in any way then I’m thankful. If it inspires you to go out and apologize to a friend, neighbor, or especially a family member then I’m ecstatic! Relationships are hard to build but easy to tear down. Value every relationship, try to see the good in everyone, care enough to utter these two little words “I’m sorry.” It’s too important not to!
If this story offends anyone out there then all I can say is that was not my intention, and that “I’m sorry!”
Friday, April 23, 2010
"How Important Is Acceptance?"
How many great men and women are hidden from society due to their own self imposed insecurities? We are all great in our own way, the sad fact that so many of us never reach our potential because of fear and worry of public opinion is an injustice to humanity. Not only do these crippling feelings cause pain to the individual, society also suffers.
People need to feel and be free to be whom and what they really are inside. How many of us are trapped into being and doing things just because we feel it’s what society demands, that it’s the only way to fit in and be accepted in today’s world? I’m sure that the cause of many mental illnesses are the fact that we feel imprisoned by our need to be accepted by society, we hide our true feelings and let them fester inside and poison our health and well-being.
Men need to be strong, virile, and confident. Women must be petite, soft spoken, and look their best at all times. These are just a few of the many unspoken perceived rules of society. What of the people who don’t fit these profiles of the proper man or woman? These are the people who are ridiculed and shunned by society. They are made to feel that they are doing something wrong or that they aren’t normal. The real question is what is normal? Who decides what normal is? Do we or should we really want to be like everyone else? Imagine how boring the world would be if everyone was the same.
Our differences are what make the world more exciting, more colorful. Imagine if all painting used the same colors, the same styles. Everyone sees the world differently; it’s just that most of us are afraid to say exactly how we feel. The fear of acceptance is a stifling emotion. The few of us who are strong enough to truly be ourselves are usually the ones who come up with many of the inventions, styles, and artistry (including culinary) that add spice to humanity.
Is it wrong to be a homosexual? Are homosexuals evil, wrongdoers? While I myself am not a homosexual I do respect their right to be who they are. There is nothing wrong, or evil about being a homosexual, just as there is nothing wrong with being a heterosexual. As long as there are two consenting adults it can’t be wrong. The only true wrong is not being who we really are.
People need to feel and be free to be whom and what they really are inside. How many of us are trapped into being and doing things just because we feel it’s what society demands, that it’s the only way to fit in and be accepted in today’s world? I’m sure that the cause of many mental illnesses are the fact that we feel imprisoned by our need to be accepted by society, we hide our true feelings and let them fester inside and poison our health and well-being.
Men need to be strong, virile, and confident. Women must be petite, soft spoken, and look their best at all times. These are just a few of the many unspoken perceived rules of society. What of the people who don’t fit these profiles of the proper man or woman? These are the people who are ridiculed and shunned by society. They are made to feel that they are doing something wrong or that they aren’t normal. The real question is what is normal? Who decides what normal is? Do we or should we really want to be like everyone else? Imagine how boring the world would be if everyone was the same.
Our differences are what make the world more exciting, more colorful. Imagine if all painting used the same colors, the same styles. Everyone sees the world differently; it’s just that most of us are afraid to say exactly how we feel. The fear of acceptance is a stifling emotion. The few of us who are strong enough to truly be ourselves are usually the ones who come up with many of the inventions, styles, and artistry (including culinary) that add spice to humanity.
Is it wrong to be a homosexual? Are homosexuals evil, wrongdoers? While I myself am not a homosexual I do respect their right to be who they are. There is nothing wrong, or evil about being a homosexual, just as there is nothing wrong with being a heterosexual. As long as there are two consenting adults it can’t be wrong. The only true wrong is not being who we really are.
"Dad"
My father was the kind of man that everyone looked up to and respected. Dad was incredibly smart and it seemed there was nothing he couldn’t fix or figure out. He grew up during the depression and as might be expected, that had a great influence in his life. During the depression money was scarce and hard work was the name of the game. Dad learned at an early age to work and to save his earnings, and to not trust the banks with all his money. He was very frugal with his hard earned income.
Dad was a workaholic; it seemed he always had to be working on something. As a child, we always celebrated our Christmas on Christmas Eve. Each Christmas Eve after dinner my family would journey to my parent’s bedroom where we would intently watch out the window for Rudolph’s shiny red nose, signifying that Santa was near. While watching for Santa we would sing Christmas carols as a multitude of pictures were taken. My father was hardly ever in these pictures though, before we ventured to my parent’s bedroom my father would disappear, my mother would tell us he had to work on something in the garage.
The fact that my father would be working even on this night might have seemed odd to most people, but not to us, we were all used to seeing him work so much. It wasn’t until years later that I realized he wasn’t out in the garage working, he was helping Santa. Our Santa had a lot of work to do too; with seven children eagerly awaiting his arrival.
When we would go out into the living room, after Santa had gone, we were amazed by the vast amount of presents that filled the room. Now, I believed in Santa a little longer than most of my friends, this was because when questioned about Santa my parents always explained there was no way they could afford to buy all those gifts for all of us. While I know my father worked a lot, I’m still amazed our parents were able to give us so much.
This is just one story, the stories and accomplishments of dad are too many to list, though throughout the years I know we will all be telling them to our children and grandchildren just to give them a small piece of what he’s given us for all these years.
To say my dad was a good provider would be an understatement. He gave us whatever we needed and more. Even though he knew the value of money and was very cautious with his spending, his sense of family was by far his strongest emotion, and he made sure his family was happy and well taken care of.
I realize this workaholic trait of my father’s supplied me and my family with many happy memories, but I just wish my father would have had more time to share in them with us. I always tell everyone that “I had the best parents in the world.” They taught us love, respect, and the true meaning of family. My only wish is that dad is happy; and that he knows how much he is loved by us all and that we’ll miss him very much. He is and always will be the greatest man I’ve ever known.
WE LOVE YOU DAD!
Dad was a workaholic; it seemed he always had to be working on something. As a child, we always celebrated our Christmas on Christmas Eve. Each Christmas Eve after dinner my family would journey to my parent’s bedroom where we would intently watch out the window for Rudolph’s shiny red nose, signifying that Santa was near. While watching for Santa we would sing Christmas carols as a multitude of pictures were taken. My father was hardly ever in these pictures though, before we ventured to my parent’s bedroom my father would disappear, my mother would tell us he had to work on something in the garage.
The fact that my father would be working even on this night might have seemed odd to most people, but not to us, we were all used to seeing him work so much. It wasn’t until years later that I realized he wasn’t out in the garage working, he was helping Santa. Our Santa had a lot of work to do too; with seven children eagerly awaiting his arrival.
When we would go out into the living room, after Santa had gone, we were amazed by the vast amount of presents that filled the room. Now, I believed in Santa a little longer than most of my friends, this was because when questioned about Santa my parents always explained there was no way they could afford to buy all those gifts for all of us. While I know my father worked a lot, I’m still amazed our parents were able to give us so much.
This is just one story, the stories and accomplishments of dad are too many to list, though throughout the years I know we will all be telling them to our children and grandchildren just to give them a small piece of what he’s given us for all these years.
To say my dad was a good provider would be an understatement. He gave us whatever we needed and more. Even though he knew the value of money and was very cautious with his spending, his sense of family was by far his strongest emotion, and he made sure his family was happy and well taken care of.
I realize this workaholic trait of my father’s supplied me and my family with many happy memories, but I just wish my father would have had more time to share in them with us. I always tell everyone that “I had the best parents in the world.” They taught us love, respect, and the true meaning of family. My only wish is that dad is happy; and that he knows how much he is loved by us all and that we’ll miss him very much. He is and always will be the greatest man I’ve ever known.
WE LOVE YOU DAD!
"Are We Spoiling Our Kids?"
Parents are always saying “I want to give my kids the things that I never had.” Why do we feel the need to give our children everything? Was our own childhood really that bad? I would guess that for most of us the answer is no. Of course we want to provide whatever we can for our children, but sometimes we do too much.
Are we doing so much for our children that they acquire bad habits that will actually hurt them and their future? Do the children expect the parents to wait on them when they are perfectly able to do things for themselves? Do the children perform choirs, even simple little ones, or do they just ignore them until the parent either yells at them or does it themselves? Do you have to wake your child in the morning or have to keep telling them where they have to go, or what they need to do, or are they responsible enough to set their alarm clocks, or know what they need to do without being told?
These are just a few things that will affect them in later years. The habit of waiting for others to do it, or not respecting others time by being late can eventually cost them their jobs as well as their relationships. Could our doing too much for our kids be the reason why there is so little respect in this country? Are we spoiling our children and ruining future adults?
Are we doing so much for our children that they acquire bad habits that will actually hurt them and their future? Do the children expect the parents to wait on them when they are perfectly able to do things for themselves? Do the children perform choirs, even simple little ones, or do they just ignore them until the parent either yells at them or does it themselves? Do you have to wake your child in the morning or have to keep telling them where they have to go, or what they need to do, or are they responsible enough to set their alarm clocks, or know what they need to do without being told?
These are just a few things that will affect them in later years. The habit of waiting for others to do it, or not respecting others time by being late can eventually cost them their jobs as well as their relationships. Could our doing too much for our kids be the reason why there is so little respect in this country? Are we spoiling our children and ruining future adults?
"Believe In Yourself"
The first step in reaching any goal is to have a clear and concise vision of exactly what you aspire to achieve. You lessen the chance to hit your target if don’t take the time to aim. Just imagine an archer shooting arrows all around in one general direction, how will he know if he hit his target if he doesn’t even know what he was shooting for? Obviously, you need to know the exact location you are trying to get to in order to find the directions to get there.
If you really believe in yourself you can achieve anything. The thing is you have to truly believe in yourself 100%. Physical limitations can be overcome if you have the drive and determination to do whatever you have to in order to reach your goal.
The mind can achieve amazing things, as history proves, your only limitations are the ones you put upon yourself. Just think of all the incredible achievements and accomplishments made throughout history that was thought impossible at one time or another, and of some of the people who were far less physically or mentally fortunate than us who achieved some of these miracles. As the saying goes, “anything the mind can conceive it can achieve.”
If you really believe in yourself you can achieve anything. The thing is you have to truly believe in yourself 100%. Physical limitations can be overcome if you have the drive and determination to do whatever you have to in order to reach your goal.
The mind can achieve amazing things, as history proves, your only limitations are the ones you put upon yourself. Just think of all the incredible achievements and accomplishments made throughout history that was thought impossible at one time or another, and of some of the people who were far less physically or mentally fortunate than us who achieved some of these miracles. As the saying goes, “anything the mind can conceive it can achieve.”
"False Happiness"
Why is it that we feel the need to tear each other down in order to build ourselves up? When conversing with a friend are you secretly hoping to hear about some misfortune they may have had or to at least hear of someone else’s bad luck? Even though you may care about or love this person and really wouldn’t want to wish anything bad on them, inside are you having a hard time feeling happy for any good fortune that may have come there way?
I believe most people feel this way, that the few exceptions to this are the ones who are truly and completely happy and satisfied with their lives. Does this make us bad people? No, it’s just a self-defense mechanism built inside us, telling us that if bad things happen to others, our lives may not seem quite as bad. While if others have good fortune, our lives feel just that much worse.
Is it true that the misfortune of others will cause us to be more fortunate? No! The truth is it really has no affect on our being more fortunate, it’s just an illusion our minds create to make us feel better about our own situations. I know we don’t really wish anything bad to happen to anyone, and that we actually feel bad about our minds telling us to hope for something negative to happen to anyone. This is a battle that rages on in our bodies, the good versus evil fight that everyone has inside of them.
Who’s winning the battle in your life? Is it the good or the evil? This ongoing war will be within us our entire lives and it’s in how we deal with it that we truly define ourselves. Sure the world would be a much nicer and happier place if we could all just be happy for one another and help each other any way we could, but we all know that’s just not going to happen anytime soon.
So, what can we do to change this world? All we can really do is to try our best to be the best friend, family member, and human being we can, and to help others to do the same. Let’s lift and assist each other when we’re down, and applaud one another’s accomplishments or good fortune. We can all strive to find joy in each others good luck and maybe take a small piece of each others happiness in the same way we do with the happy ending of a movie.
How do you feel after you just watched a movie with a happy ending? That feeling can be addictive, why not acquire that same type of pleasurable feeling in the real world when good things happen to real people? In your body’s battle of good versus evil get in the habit of questioning any bad intentions you may have or feel, and try to add to your friends’ joy by being excited for them. I’ll bet you’ll feel better about yourself knowing that you helped make your friends good fortune just that much better. That friend will appreciate you that much more.
I believe most people feel this way, that the few exceptions to this are the ones who are truly and completely happy and satisfied with their lives. Does this make us bad people? No, it’s just a self-defense mechanism built inside us, telling us that if bad things happen to others, our lives may not seem quite as bad. While if others have good fortune, our lives feel just that much worse.
Is it true that the misfortune of others will cause us to be more fortunate? No! The truth is it really has no affect on our being more fortunate, it’s just an illusion our minds create to make us feel better about our own situations. I know we don’t really wish anything bad to happen to anyone, and that we actually feel bad about our minds telling us to hope for something negative to happen to anyone. This is a battle that rages on in our bodies, the good versus evil fight that everyone has inside of them.
Who’s winning the battle in your life? Is it the good or the evil? This ongoing war will be within us our entire lives and it’s in how we deal with it that we truly define ourselves. Sure the world would be a much nicer and happier place if we could all just be happy for one another and help each other any way we could, but we all know that’s just not going to happen anytime soon.
So, what can we do to change this world? All we can really do is to try our best to be the best friend, family member, and human being we can, and to help others to do the same. Let’s lift and assist each other when we’re down, and applaud one another’s accomplishments or good fortune. We can all strive to find joy in each others good luck and maybe take a small piece of each others happiness in the same way we do with the happy ending of a movie.
How do you feel after you just watched a movie with a happy ending? That feeling can be addictive, why not acquire that same type of pleasurable feeling in the real world when good things happen to real people? In your body’s battle of good versus evil get in the habit of questioning any bad intentions you may have or feel, and try to add to your friends’ joy by being excited for them. I’ll bet you’ll feel better about yourself knowing that you helped make your friends good fortune just that much better. That friend will appreciate you that much more.
"Only A Memory Away"
This is something I wrote and read at my father’s burial. I’m adding this to my blog in the event that it may help others to deal with the death of a loved one.
“ONLY A MEMORY AWAY”
While this is a sad time for us all, we need to remember that Dad is and always will be with us each and every day. Sometimes we feel his presence, almost as if he were standing right beside us. Each day we’re reminded of things he’s said or done, bringing a smile to our face and a tear to our eye.
Dad is in each and every one of us in one way or another and we continue to pass on his wisdom and teachings to our friends, neighbors, and especially to our children. Dad’s abilities were limitless and his love endless. He would do anything for anyone, without wanting something in return. He lived his life the old fashioned way, caring for his fellow man, just as we all should.
He never bragged, or worried about getting credit for things he’d done. He had too much self-confidence to care what others thought of him. Dad always said “I’m going to do something, even if it’s wrong,” but with dad everything always seemed to turn out right.
We know what a great man Dad was and the love we all feel for him is a testament to the type of human being he was. From my mother, sisters and brothers, our spouses and children, to anyone who ever knew Dad, we can see the type of man he was by how much love and respect we all feel for him.
Dad lives on in us all; he’s in our smiles, our eyes, the blood running through our veins, and within our very souls. Dad will never be gone as long as he’s remembered, and his teachings are passed along to our future generations. His family and his land were his life, and his legacy goes on as we go on, loving and supporting each other just like Dad always did for us.
Love you Dad, I still see and hear you everywhere, everyday, and I know you’ll always be near. You’re only a memory away.
“ONLY A MEMORY AWAY”
While this is a sad time for us all, we need to remember that Dad is and always will be with us each and every day. Sometimes we feel his presence, almost as if he were standing right beside us. Each day we’re reminded of things he’s said or done, bringing a smile to our face and a tear to our eye.
Dad is in each and every one of us in one way or another and we continue to pass on his wisdom and teachings to our friends, neighbors, and especially to our children. Dad’s abilities were limitless and his love endless. He would do anything for anyone, without wanting something in return. He lived his life the old fashioned way, caring for his fellow man, just as we all should.
He never bragged, or worried about getting credit for things he’d done. He had too much self-confidence to care what others thought of him. Dad always said “I’m going to do something, even if it’s wrong,” but with dad everything always seemed to turn out right.
We know what a great man Dad was and the love we all feel for him is a testament to the type of human being he was. From my mother, sisters and brothers, our spouses and children, to anyone who ever knew Dad, we can see the type of man he was by how much love and respect we all feel for him.
Dad lives on in us all; he’s in our smiles, our eyes, the blood running through our veins, and within our very souls. Dad will never be gone as long as he’s remembered, and his teachings are passed along to our future generations. His family and his land were his life, and his legacy goes on as we go on, loving and supporting each other just like Dad always did for us.
Love you Dad, I still see and hear you everywhere, everyday, and I know you’ll always be near. You’re only a memory away.
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