I'm in a different frame of mind today. So please forgive the departure from my usual posting style. Every once in a while I feel to need to reflect and regenerate.
Each day we are subjected to unkind behavior and cynicism. Some of us (I find myself in this category) are in protracted battles against adversity. Working hard just to survive, let alone succeed. Feeling rapidly used up, just trying to keep up. Most days I cope by leaning on my sense of humor, and by attempting to share it with you lucky devils!
We can't let negative people, events or situations make us permanently bitter and cynical. We can fight back, and not allow our personalities to conform. Pay them back in kind, THEY win; rise above it, and WE do.
Waiting for better circumstances to be happy and be the people that we'd like to be? Why do we allow external conditions to shape our personas in the first place? Dumb. What are we, plankton?
I heard a great Bruce Willis quote in a movie last Sunday: "It's time to cowboy the f*ck up!". In other words, get tough. I like that. I know it seems out of place in this post, but then again it really isn't. Don't get "mean" tough, get "rise above it" tough.
Those of you who are somewhat familiar with my writing already know my thoughts on organized religion in general. We should never allow ourselves to be spiritually manipulated by others, nor beholden to any form of dogma for simple sake of tradition. Personal enlightenment is an individual journey for most of the way.
However there have been, are, and shall be exceptional role models, independent of their religious affiliations.
Mother Theresa was an INCREDIBLE person. If ever there was the embodiment of the Supreme Being's essence here on Earth, it was this wonderful human being.
I get goosebumps reading the majority of her quotes. She just resonates. So don't be surprised if I make these types of posts a semi-regular event.
This is one of my favorites. I hope you enjoy it.
***
People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered.
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives.
Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies.
Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you.
Be honest and frank anyway.
What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight.
Build anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous.
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow.
Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough.
Give the world the best you've got anyway.
You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God.
It was never between you and them anyway.
***
Sorry if this post wasn't your cup of tea. I needed to write this one for me. Thanks.
35 comments:
Well, it certainly was MY cup of tea. I am tired of cynicism. What a great and inspirational post. Great way to start the weekend for me.
Thank you
Thanks leelee. I'm so glad you liked it. That means a lot.
did you see my vacation post yet???????? I'm waiting for your comment!
I sure did, but since you went to all that effort, the least I can do is reciprocate with my critique. So I'm planning on coming back and camping out as soon as I can. Stay tuned ...
lol...was it too forward of me to ask you to look? That's really not my style ..ya know...to ask...but..anyway, I'm glad you looked just the same..and I look forward to your critique..
ooooooh, look at you...all introspective.
I liked this very much.
You are the second person that I've had to tell today that you are an adult, you don't have to apologize for or explain your feelings or needs.
And you're right. In the words of those most awesome philosophers Bill and Ted. Be excellent to each other...
I'm pretty sure that Bill and Ted are Unitarians.
LOL blackbird
Jmeped, it's not that I don't believe in organized religion, per se. However, to elaborate here would likely make this the longest comment reply of all time, so instead, I'll do a post someday soon; probably on a 2nd blog (the one I recently mentioned that I plan on launching). I want to keep "Why Oh Why" on the lighter side.
Suffice to say, religion and politics are two areas of intense passion for many people. And unfortunately too many of us have closed minds and blind allegiance to our convictions in these two realms. These are ingredients for manipulation by other humans for their own personal agendas, rather than for the common good. Too many of us allow ourselves to be "programmed". I have a problem with that.
I appreciated what you had to say. Have a great weekend yourself!
Leelee, no, it wasn't forward at all. My regulars are friends too. I was anxious to see them, and can't wait to add my irreverent comments!
Thank you Blackbird. It always makes me smile when you stop to comment. And you cracked me up with your Unitarian remark!
PJ, thank you for calling me an adult, without adding "you should act like one". And kudos for the Bill and Ted reference ;-)
Suffice to say, religion and politics are two areas of intense passion for many people. And unfortunately too many of us have closed minds and blind allegiance to our convictions in these two realms. These are ingredients for manipulation by other humans for their own personal agendas, rather than for the common good. Too many of us allow ourselves to be "programmed". I have a problem with that.
ABSOLUTELY!
I really liked this, also. Seems like many of us are haviong those sorts of days/weeks....you have given me something to think on, and snap myself out of this funk. thx.
I needed to read this...and it was refreshing- thank you :)
Leelee, who knows? Perhaps someday we'll find something that we DON'T agree on! ;-)
Babelbabe, thank you for taking the time to stop by, and especially for your comment. It's gratifying to learn that you (as well as other commenters) are as touched (and helped) by this quote as I am. This one has been on the bulletin board in my office for close to two years now. EVERY time I read it I am moved. Only this past Friday did I think of sharing with my readers. I sensed that I wasn't alone in my need to revisit its message. Here's to hoping the funk disappears for a long time to come.
Fair Mayden, thank you. I'm delighted at the positive response to this post. I'll have to do them more often!
Buckled, I see your point. And boy, did it take me FOREVER to find it! I'm better now. Though you've probably scarred some of my readers.
BTW, I was watching "The Madness of King George" last night (this is true), and strangely enough I thought of you (and your blog). Keep a close eye on your urine., dude (like you don't already). Yellow = okay, blue = possible madness (and/or you're a "Maple Leafs" fan). Do what I do. Keep it in jars to monitor trends.
So let's make a deal. I'll lighten up if you start posting again. I'm adding your blog to my Black Sheep links, so the world will be watching.
well if we did, I'm sure it would make for interesting debate and or conversation.
Leelee, no doubt whatsoever.
It all goes back to that old saw, "To thine own self be true." As long as you do what you know is right, and true to your values, you will be happy. No matter what happens.
So true, doggerel. This I tend to forget. Doing a better job of it lately, though.
Sorry, I meant to comment earlier but forgot.
You should always blog for yourself. Always. Don't write for an audience, write for you and the audience will follow.
Who cares if it wasn't our cup of tea (it was my pot o' tea and i loved it! Let's hear it for positivity!)
Blogs are for us ultimately. we can't worry about what others will think. Defeats the whole purpose of blogging in the first place, self-centeredness.
Cheers!
MS, yours are words of wisdom. That is one reason why I purposely don't pay attention to stats all that much. In fact, my stats counter is only a recent addition; serving more as a curiousity than a motivator.
I think bloggers can choose from many different reasons as to WHY they do it. In an upcoming post I plan to reveal mine. Thanks for your words of encouragement.
PG, thank you for the kind words. I posted this one because I felt we could all use the shot of optimism. Especially from someone (Mother Theresa) who had seen more misery than we could in five lifetimes.
And yes, I do find myself fighting the urge to censor my writing, but so far I haven't surrendered to it. I still have tentative plans to launch that 2nd blog for posts that I want to keep separate, but I don't ever want to NOT post / or heavily edit, something in order to placate anyone.
Thanks, PG, I missed you!
I know I've been missing posts and such. Nothing personal. Over-whelmed.
I've got lots o' finals due this week and well, brain is mushy, mushy, mushy. Brain is wondering, wondering, wondering.
I also, about 10 minutes ago, decided to change my paper topic on a paper that is due on Thursday. A 10 page paper and I just changed my topic.
Yes, I do think much of my stress is caused by myself.
Take care, Love. I am always near by.
PG, I understand. I am feeling the love from you (and as a result - for you) once again. It's making me warm and tingly. Oh, wait, nevermind, I spilled coffee in my lap.
And if you ever need anything, such as help with your papers, let me know.
After all, my paper writing is LEGENDARY in these parts. I have ghost written such masterpieces as:
"Show Me The Monet!"
and
"Chile, Not Just Something You Eat".
So keep that in mind. You need that degree so you can support me in the manner to which I've become accustomed.
Well, yes, I suppose that's one way to look at it, GG.
Note to self: Bend at the waist and tell Puerileuwaite that I have a 10 pager due on Thursday and a 15 pager due on the 19th.
He can pick the topic as I feel the humor will win the professor over.
Okay, PG, you're on. Let me know the classes, and give me some topics that interest you. Then we'll brainstorm. (I'm serious)I'll be working late today and tomorrow, so I'll be "here".
- Your humble servant
Okay PG, I have a few to toss at you just to get those juices flowin'. No silly, I meant CREATIVE juices! So here goes:
***
"The Visigoths: Black Clad Warriors Who Hated Their Parents? Or the First Optometrists? You be the Judge."
"The Renaissance: Age of Enlightment? Or the Inspiration for Godawful Festivals?"
"Born Toulouse: The Tragic Life of Toulouse Lautrec."
"Lend Me Your Ear: The Madness of Vincent Van Gogh"
"Ass Cracks and Sink Traps: A History of Indoor Plumbing"
"Cookie Monsters: A History of the Girl Scouts"
"The Day the Universe Changed Forever: The Birth of Paris Hilton"
***
Okay Party Girl. Take these and run with 'em. Let me know what you wanna do.
That's a great story. Waiting for more. » »
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