Who's Pulling Your Strings?

Get the whole world in your hands



Instead of feeding my old assumptions about the 'holiday season' 
this year, I relinquished all my old expectations.
I said farewell to other people's notions of what 'is'
or 'should be' and even my own childhood sense 
of loss for the reality that exists.
I just let go and let it be another day in the neighborhood.

And it was good.

I didn't go anywhere I didn't want to go, didn't surround
myself with anyone I didn't want to see, didn't get
involved in any activities/traditions/habits that
were not to my liking, and I felt not one single iota
of disconnect or detachment because I was not
"part of" this massive movement.
Because I'm not; I'm me..and only me.


I can do my thing and be the only person on the planet doing so, and that's cool.
I owe no explanations, and need no one's approval.
I can craft whatever kind of day or week I need
based on my needs, and not feel threatened
or left out or lonely. It's all an attitude.


One day has no more 'magic' than another.
I am not obligated to perform trendy rituals.
I need make no apology for my beliefs.
I needn't get upset about other people's foolishness.
The predictability of human drama is entertaining if you let it be.


Be the designer of the world you want.
Give yourself permission!








***************************************

Change

Albert Einstein In Context

“It seems to me that the idea of a personal God is an anthropological

concept which I cannot take seriously. I feel also not able to imagine

some will or goal outside the human sphere. My views are near those

of Spinoza: admiration for the beauty of and belief in the logical simplicity

of the order which we can grasp humbly and only imperfectly. I believe

that we have to content ourselves with our imperfect knowledge and

understanding and treat values and moral obligations as a purely human

problem—the most important of all human problems.”

“I am a deeply religious nonbeliever.…
This is a somewhat new kind of religion.”





“The fairest thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the funda-
mental emotion which stands at the cradle of true art and true science.
He who knows it not and can no longer wonder, no longer feel amaze-
ment, is as good as dead, a snuffed-out candle. It was the experience
of mystery — even if mixed with fear — that engendered religion. A
knowledge of the existence of something we cannot penetrate, of the
manifestations of the profoundest reason and the most radiant beauty,
which are only accessible to our reason in their most elementary forms-
it is this knowledge and this emotion that constitute the truly religious
attitude; in this sense, and in this alone, I am a deeply religious man. I
cannot conceive of a God who rewards and punishes his creatures, or
has a will of the type of which we are conscious in ourselves. An
individual who should survive his physical death is also beyond my
comprehension, nor do I wish it otherwise; such notions are for the
fears or absurd egoism of feeble souls. Enough for me the mystery of
the eternity of life, and the inkling of the marvellous structure of reality,
together with the single-hearted endeavour to comprehend a portion,
be it never so tiny, of the reason that manifests itself in nature.”





*****************************************************

Asking a Better Solution of Your Worries

If I am lonely, I will hold my own hand.....

If I am sad, I will know that it passes in time.

If I am disturbed, I will assess the source accurately.

If I am maligned, I will pay no heed.

If others dismiss me, I will know they are missing out.

If my dreams are not met, I will remember

that unmet dreams are a part of the journey,

and not a final outcome.

If I am scared, I will endeavor to understand why

and know that fear and worry is human,

but meaningless.

If I feel less than, I will know

that it is a lie, and change focus to embrace

all that is right with me. No one else's goals

are my goals.

If I feel left out or unattended, I will remember

that I am responsible for my own entertainment

and empowerment and education.

There are always books, music, movies

and other sources of connection

from like-minded comrades past and present.

If I begin to worry, I will remember...

that worry is weakness taught.

I will relearn a better solution to my

mind's turmoil.

*******************

I AM My Own God

Why would I seek a source outside of me

for strength, for love, for sight?

Why would I imbue another with the ability or

the responsibility to care for me?

Why would I seek to counter reason with

fantasy and fiction?

Why would I give up on the reality that persists

to indulge in groundless wishful thinking?

There is no God in place to run and rule,

so I step in and fill the void.

I AM not a child....

I AM not helpless....

I AM not prone to hysterical fairy tales calming me.....

I AM not unhappy or without value...

I AM not required to mirror the masses...

I AM complete, and the best head of this life I am living.

No more divisions between self

and higher understanding.

**********************

Changing the Dynamic

I AM PEACE...

I AM PROSPERITY...

I AM PROTECTED...

I AM PERSEVERING...

Step through the fear

Stop settling for less than

Shine your light

Let no man stand against you

BREATHE DEEP,

RELEASE,
REALIZE NEED,

ASK,

BE OPEN,
RECEIVE

It is within.

(******)

"He who trims himself to suit everyone
will soon whittle himself away."
    ~Raymond Hull


"God has given you one face,
and you make yourself another."
    ~William Shakespeare


"It takes courage to grow up
and become who you really are."
    ~e.e. cummings


"Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself
to be made a victim. Accept no one's definition of
your life; define yourself."
    ~Harvey Fierstein


"There is just one life for each of us: our own."
    ~Euripides


"Wherever you go, go with all your heart."
    ~Confucius


"When one is pretending the entire body revolts."
    ~Anais Nin


"It is better to be hated for what you are
than to be loved for something you are not."
   ~Andre Gide





*******************************

My Manifest Life; Act Three

I Am dedicated to Providing, instead of Seeking, these days.

I wanted something to do the other night, and receved a last
minute reminder of a local Open Mic and Poetry Reading.
When I got the message my first thoughts were "Oh, I am so
tired, and I don't have anything prepared-- STOP! Just go!"
I caught myself doing the opt-out thang that has kept me from
going or growing so often in life.

So I went home and got ready, and started putting myself
in another New Mindset for me; Spontaneity! Because one
of my biggest issues is in not feeling okay if I have not planned
something to Death. So I took the challenge of not having
something prepared as a challenge to be met! And I determined
to be a part of, rather than mere observer.

I embraced the scariness, I welcomed the burst of excitement,
I allowed my true self to conjure up some ideas, and I
walked into the Lion's Den!

"I AM Courage....I AM Ready....I AM Capable.
I AM Confident; I make it so.
I acknowledge the fear, and I act anyway!
I AM in charge of my interaction with life.
Right now....embrace...enjoy....step into it!"

I came up with a comedy bit that was impromptu, and I
was bold and outspoken and worked on all the things
that I want to improve, rather than giving in to them and
skulking away!

It was a big smash, everyone really loved the bit I did,
I met a lot of fun and interesting new people, and it was
actually one of the best nights in my life!

Afterwards, I went walking with a friend, and we met
a guy playing guitar at the park. I pushed into the
opportunity, asked to join him, and was subsequently
dazzled with hours of music and philisophical discourse!
I met someone who shares a lot of similar outlooks,
who also had an incredible demeanor that humbled me.

From one new bold outcome emits another, and
another, and......

(Evening wear available at Suckit Intl!)

************************************

My Manifest Life: Act Two

So I had a bad habit of focusing on what was
'wrong' or what I lacked; I spent time and energy
talking about and thinking about weakness and
inability, perceived or real.

So I decided to become at peace with what 'is'
already to the extent that is possible, and trust
that what is needed will be provided by The Universe
(or I will find a way to bring it about.)

I had some serious need of clothing both for
work and personal, since funds had been so
tight, so I got proactive. I swallowed my pride
and asked a local woman who does work with
a clothes closet if she had anything in my size
(which is typically hard to fit) and she produced
a bag of clothes that fit me to a T!

No one else will know the clothes were donated
unless I choose to tell them. I am as grateful and
proud of those clothes as if I had sewn them myself!

The next week an acquaintance heard me talking
about how long I had made a pair of shoes last,
and we got to talking. She asked if I could use
some clothes, since she imagined her husband's
wardrobe would fit me. He had passed in the last
year. I graciously accepted to see if they would
fit.

That lovely woman brought down about four
huge garbage bags and laundry bags filled with
clothes; every possible piece and type of clothing
imaginable, and every one of them a perfect fit.

All that I had been doing without due to lack of
funds, I now had flush again; belts, robes, jeans,
dress shirts, and more, all beautifully kept! And the
style is a bit retro, which fits my sensibilities
perfectly, and they even have a scent that reminds
me of my Nana and Papa's house!

It was a great blessing that I am incredibly grateful
for, and it happened when I stopped being consumed
about what was 'not' and opened myself to what
could 'be.' I had a need, and I saw it being met,
and it was.

************************************

My Manifest Life: Act One

So I had decided that, rather than sit here like a bump
on a log and complain about the lack of options catering
to me, I would change my outlook and begin choosing
a more empowering mindset.

I would start envisioning the kind of things I would be
interested in. I would see them as being possible Here,
Now, Where I Am, and no longer as 'unattainable.'

So I started empowering myself, believing it possible,
and drawing forth (prayer, if you like) from the Universe
artistic outlets and endeavors for my edification.

Every morning, I set forth what kind of day it would
be; Prosperous, Grateful, Genuine to Self, Empowering,
Courageous. Throughout the day, I renewed my
commitment.

I agreed to stop saying "No" to everything, to stop
doubting and giving power to nothingness, and instead
create opportunity, draw opportunity, be ready for
opportunity, and to say "YES" to opportunity.

In the next week, an acquaintance approached me
at the library and asked if I would be available to
do a movie with him. I didn't hesitate. Unequivocally,
I said "Yes," and now have been involved in a great
creative outlet, as well as have new contacts, new
experiences, new opportunities that continue to come
through as a result!

We can have whatever we conceive,
if only we will believe.

 

****************************************

Pushing On

"With a little perseverance

you can get things done...

in spite of blind adherence

that has conquered

some."

-Corey Hart

****************************

What are we waiting for?

We don't know how much time we have,

and it slips away so easily.

Why wouldn't we fill every moment with

something of importance, of substance?

Let others be content to sit back

and passively allow the world to drone on,

we will stand tall and speak loud

and be seen and be known.

We were not made such unique and

wondrous creatures, so full of life

and insight, just so we could sit still

and accept this imperfect world.

There is work to be done.

Passionately.

Interactively.

Engagingly.

Aggressively.

Fight like your life depends on it.

It does.

We get exactly the world we are willing

to accept, to fight for.

There are things that need doing in this world;

We all know this.

How much are we willing to do?

****************

Reminder Notes

I AM ...Powerful

I AM...Strong

I AM....Whole and Complete

I AM.... Wondrous

I AM ....Beautiful

I AM... Prosperous

I AM.....Loved

I AM....Blessed Beyond Compare

I AM....Capable of Anything

Let me remember these Truths,

renew these Truths,

proclaim these Truths,

promote these Truths,

reveal these Truths,

continue these Truths,

and explore these Truths.

Most importantly, be firm

and affirming of them from within.

No outside source can ever remove them.

I am Open to knowing these Truths more

and more

through the Faith and Fulfillment

of my greatness and Life.

Namaste

*********************

fully, and

Talking 'bout the real thing, baby....

If we stop to acknowledge and respect
the amount and level of power
we actually have over our day,
things would go so much more smoothely!

In every moment, if we are Cautious and Aware,
we can transform Reality with either a smile
or a frown....our Thoughts and Words and Actions
are all so carefully tied to our impact on the world,
and, of course, what it gives back to us!

We can determine a new Friend or Foe by
letting transgressions slide or becoming menacing
and defiant. Conflict--short of self preservation--
is a Choice. Resentment is a Choice. And one
decision colors the rest of the world we see.
Do we reach into another person's day for good
or for ill, by either acknowledging them with a
nod and a kind word, or looking the other way
and ignoring them?

Regret, resentment, and rage...
or contentment, calm, and compassion?

Do we perform for others, clamoring for affection
and attention, or do we remain True to Spirit
and Self?

Are we engaged in old patterns and habits,
or are we open to new paths and outcomes?
Repitition or exploration?

Is it in our heart to curse others (and our day)
with contempt, gossip, and assumption,
or do we Bless with kindness, courtesy,
support, and a tongue in reserve?

It is completely within us to decide each of
these, and by choosing, so determine the quality
of our day.....and that of those around us.

Harmony

He who lives in harmony with himself

lives in harmony

with the world.


- Marcus Aurelius

Unexpected

Invariably, things turn out differently
than we might expect or envision,
no matter the devotion or detail applied.

Remarkably, the end results can be
more useful than what we intended.

If I Am open to the Gift of Reality,
and cease interpretting as good/bad
from my limited perspective....

if I Am confident in my abilities rather
than doubting and fearing and being
obsessed with lacking...

Great things can occur...and I can see them.

Hit the Refresh Button

A daily renewing for our earthly shells

I AM blessed and favored

and ever so great..

I AM a wondrous creation,

connected to all beauty and love...

I AM meaningful, powerful,

pure and clear....

I AM happy by choice,

and free from fear.

I am fulfilled and grateful...

I AM decided....

I AM with purpose....

I AM responsible and

satisfied and content...

I AM always saved,

though I may feel spent.

I AM capable and strong

and provide for myself,

I AM deserving and

prosperous and open

to every good thing coming to me

and through me.

I AM claiming my rightful place

in charge of my own life,

amidst the fast and furious

flowing stream of  benefit and strife.

I AM whole, and it takes every one of

my precious broken pieces

to make it so.

All We Need

Every moment of solitude is Gift

to focus and clear and prepare

Every pain and attack is Clarity

of what is real and charade

Every deficit deemed by another

is merit less in our reality

This mind, this emotion, this mouth

mine to control

What establishes itself within

will come to pass in my dealings without;

Caution....cool and careful caution.

Aloneness is time to discover self

and recognize the labors that need doing;

Separateness is Blessing to determine true need.

We are easily lost and absorbed

when we make too much an appendage

of ourselves upon others.

Let the path within

not be distracted by the circumstances

of the external world.

Health, wealth, loss, hurt, worry, rejection;

none mean a thing in the scheme.

All that we need is inside;

Heart and Drive and Truth,

Rightness and Spirit

longing for accord.

I am divine.

The Armor of Truth

The Armor of Truth
(adapted from some book or another)

Finally, be strong in  Self and in your mighty power. 
(Know that every good thing is yours and coming your way.
You are connected to every good thing in the Universe.)

Put on the full armor of Living, so that you can take your stand
against the dark’s schemes. Let no doubt or condemnation
disable you or distract you from your task. Be genuine and pure,
so much as it is possible. Feel the power of Now and your
inherent universal right to be alive and well.

For our struggle is not merely against neighbors and bosses and
corporations, but against governments and automatons,
against the authorities, against the powers of this dark
world and against the spiritual forces of evil in all realms.

Therefore put on the full armor of Self, so that when the daily
evil of compromise and corruption comes, you may be able
to stand your ground, and after you have done everything,
to stand...tall, loud and proud. Know your worth. See your
beauty.

Stand firm then, with the belt of True Living buckled around
your waist, allowing no others' callow or gossiping bits to
invade the pits of your stomach.....
with the breastplate of Connectedness in place, reminding
you that your heart is whole and strong, no matter how
heavy it may become....

and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from
the Peace of Acceptance. Let no circumstance sway your path.
Everything can be worked for your good. See the lesson
within every pain, and stay rooted in your good.

In addition to all this, take up the shield of Faith, with which
you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil ones,
such as the Republicans, the false prophets, the ignorant, the 
charlatans, the wealthy, the prideful, and the self-righteous.
Deflect their manipulative concoctions; do not let them near.

Take the helmet of Conscious Reality and the sword of the
Spirit, which is the word of Truth. Protect yourself against the
horrible lies and deceits of this dualistic world and its
manipulations; bad people claiming good, bad acts being
rewarded, bad thoughts prevailing, and more.
Speak the truth always, no matter the reception. Pierce the veil.


And pray in the Spirit and Mind on all occasions with all
kinds of  meditations, demands, proclamations, affirmations,
and countering of negativity. We must be ever vigilant against
friend and foe, for no one aside from us can understand who
we are meant to be. No one else can give us what we must
cultivate in self.

With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying
for all people. For conflict in and of itself is not fortuitous
for any person. We must never seek adversity to prove
ourselves capable of handling it. We seek peace, but
smartly, remain prepared for war.

Dualistic tendencies

Knowing what drives you is good;

Knowing that Two Guides lead you

is a blessing, not a curse!

Two wondrous beasts reign over my

spirit and provide my elements.

On the Offensive

Strike hard and fast

Aggressive

Territorial

Animalistic

Spiritual

Will Not be denied

Soar high

Free of thought and spirit

Regal, powerful

Visionary messenger

Seeker of liberation & Insights

Predator

Intuitive

Target of Fearful

Difficulty connecting to earth

Portent of Change

Harbinger of Awakeness and Awareness

Magical

Seer of the Unseen

 

************************

As Above, So Different Below....

****************

On the sly

Active at night

Defensive system

Recipient of Fear & Respect

Solitary; slow movement

Confident & Prideful

Creates a scene

Causes irritation in Attackers

Reactionary, intuitively protective

Quiet, reserved

Surprisingly fierce

Creative

Secluded

Observant

Aesthetics

Survival, like tires, doesn't have to be pretty.

Rise up, stand tall, live loud.

Any battle you walk away from is a good one.

We're entering into a vast "Any which way you can"
mode of getting through and making it.

Buckle up, recalibrate; Get'r done.

Easier said than done....(as always!)

"Blessed is he who has learned
to admire but not envy,
to follow but not imitate,
to praise but not flatter,
and to lead but not manipulate."


~ William Arthur Ward ~
 
 
(sigh)...
"working on it!"
 
 

The Power of Each Moment's Decision

You alone are in charge

of your thoughts.

You can steer them

in a negative, defeated

direction, or a positive,

empowered direction.

You can decide

where to apply your energy

and where to detach.

The choice is always yours,

which means

that the outcome

is always from your creation.

Own this idea,

and you will take charge

of your life

and become the master of it.

-Sherri Lane

********************

Creating a space

Own your own space.

You have the right to live your own full life....

No one else has the right to impose

their version of the truth on you.


No one has absolute knowledge or insight...

it's all just hypotheticals and best guesses.

We're all just doing our best to stay afloat;

when we try and brand Our salvation as

The Salvation, we create tension

that needn't exist.



Relax.....it's all what you make of it.

Actualized, pre-emptive, and ready

The Hawk sits anxiously

upon his throne,

awaiting the time for war.

Patience, planning, purpose,

passion, and preparation

lovingly serve the preservation

of self against a world of detractors and

assailants.

Let the judgment of the one-man

Council be swift, strong, suitable,

and serious.

Peace is a luxury for

fools and victims.

Only a submissive

accepts a status quo of

negligence and degradation.

Power is within,

established only upon

refusal of scraps, upon

venturing the step beyond.

Do the work.

Relinquish the past and all

sentimentality.

Vanquish the opposition.

No excuses, no blame, no regret,

no worry, no emotion, no frets.

Choose to be set free,

and never look back.