The title is a question I think everyone should ask themselves. After all, nobody knows you better than yourself. At least, usually. In the end those who seem to can probably read your aura or something making them technically not any more knowledge-able about you than anyone else who can read or see things you can not. Like how you act, or talk, or write, or sing, or play or fight. Anything you do can hint at who you are, but still, seeing the aura probably is more direct, and probably hints closer to the true you hidden behind all the acting we are taught to do as children.
Back to the question though, where do yo see hope? I see hope when I beat a video game. I see hope when I get a new pinball high score. I see hope in flowers, lights that still come on when I flip the switch at night, glow-in-the-dark stones and LEGOs. I see hope in birds and squirrels, dogs, cats and deer, and other animals as they continue to live their lives often with just a vague notion of the danger of a road, and hardly any good sense to look both ways or stand still and wait for a car to pass. I see hope when I pass by a car on the side of the road with a flat, and another car behind it belonging to the person changing the flat. I see hope when people give money to children raising money for ball games, mission trips, or just their local girl scout group so they can do fun things. I see hope in sunrise, and sunset. I see hope when I look up after dark and see the constellation Orion and his 'belt'. I see hope when I look up at the moon. I see hope in movies with a happy ending, or books with a happy ending. I see hope when I find a job opportunity that I didn't see a week ago, and they accept my application. I see hope when my wife smiles. I see hope when I make a goofy face in the mirror. I see hope when I put on my hawaiian shirt my wife made.
There is more. Hope in little, daily miracles that I can find every day I look. So I ask you, where do you see hope?
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Friday, March 21, 2008
Beyond Coincidence
About the last post. I think it is a great idea, but I admit, I don't want to throw away the whole economy that exists today. I just want to be able to enjoy it. Everyday. I want to go get something to eat somewhere else if I want to and not have to worry about how to afford it. I want to buy a $400 dollar video game system once a year. I want to be able to buy a home or have one built soon, or if not that, be able to rent a place without spending all my rent money on gas. I do not think I am the only one who feels like financially, life could or should lighten up on all of us. Whose to blame? I think all of us are to blame at least a little. The efforts to make life better for everyone are usually hindered by those who are already enejoying life now. Those who barely scrape by often complain about things, but don't gather in massive groups to work out something better. But we could. Millions of people working together can make life better for the billions of people alive today. Thousands of people working together could make life better for millions of others. The way my wife talks about economics, it seems like a system that can not change or be any different, because that just would not work. But I don't think this 'economic system' is working very well at all, and that there has to be something better.
Speaking of something better, I have recently finished reading The Celestine Vision by James Redfield. He has a very wonderful view on life, and on the amazing way our lives work out for our best. He avoids using negative language and truly encourages positive energy flow in peoples' lives just the way he talks. I want to be more like that. I need to be more like that. This blog is one way I am working on bettering myself for the benefit of others. I believe what James has written in the book, about those moments we often call coincidences, but are more like divine orchestrations bringing two sounds, two notes together at the right time to make better music on the eternal, heavenly scales. Right now I need that kind of moment to both encourage me, and uplift me to higher levels of energy I so I can find where in the current economy I could fit, and what else I can do to help everyone I want to help.
Whatever happens, I will not give up and leave my life willingly. I will work to make it better, and I plan to keep working on it for many more years.
Speaking of something better, I have recently finished reading The Celestine Vision by James Redfield. He has a very wonderful view on life, and on the amazing way our lives work out for our best. He avoids using negative language and truly encourages positive energy flow in peoples' lives just the way he talks. I want to be more like that. I need to be more like that. This blog is one way I am working on bettering myself for the benefit of others. I believe what James has written in the book, about those moments we often call coincidences, but are more like divine orchestrations bringing two sounds, two notes together at the right time to make better music on the eternal, heavenly scales. Right now I need that kind of moment to both encourage me, and uplift me to higher levels of energy I so I can find where in the current economy I could fit, and what else I can do to help everyone I want to help.
Whatever happens, I will not give up and leave my life willingly. I will work to make it better, and I plan to keep working on it for many more years.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Paid to Live
I have only been alive for twenty-seven years, but I have to tell you all, that I think the modern capitalist system has a really big gaping hole on the bottom end of it, and I also think that wonderful, and especially talented creative people are falling through this hole.
The essential problem of the capitalist system can be summed up in one basic phrase, "You are paid to work".
That to me leaves a big gaping hole. The biggest problem of course is not just the capitalist system, but the definitions we use to explain it. Certainly there are the fabulously rich people out there who have worked hard, and have in many ways gotten rewarded for it in their lifetime. There are also those who have worked hard and gotten few rewards for that hard work. Then there are those who simply struggle with the whole concept of work.
I personally continue to struggle to find a place in this system we have, and I feel very strongly that my greatest problem is not me, but the system. I believe it is time we work on building a new system. I believe millions, if not billions of people all over the world should start working on this tomorrow, if not tonight while I'm asleep and getting a little rest before going 'to work' tomorrow, for the first time next week, and maybe the last (besides looking for work).
To me, the best future possible for mankind is to realize how valuable every person we meet is to us, and to start investing in these people. Not just the people we meet though, but also the people who we will never meet, but whose fruit we will be blessed by throughout our lives. I believe that we should build a system where humans, and other beings, are paid to simply live. Yes, that is what I think. I think every government on earth should sit down and that every person on earth should make sure they do sit down, and start to write the global economy in a way that will change our lives for the better. By deciding that our next currency system will be based upon a standard of human value given to us by the universe that allows us to live, by the universe that sends us to live. I think this value is in the trillions of dollars, but for the sake of being able to build a new economic system on this concept, I would start by simply deciding on a universal system that gives us a daily paycheck(or direct deposit) for being here. Something like $100 dollars in the U.S. (at least, where I live that would work rather nicely). After we all are given a small credit (based on a very low percentage of our true universal value) meant to cover only our necessities, we can then work on earning 'fun money'. In other words, our jobs and our work could be only things we wish to do, not things we 'have' to do. Doesn't that sound better? Not only that, but anyone and everyone could use their $100 a day to buy food, clothing or perhaps shelter for the night, while saving up to start a new business, or buy a house, etcetra, whether or not they were capable of being hired to flip burgers! Authors could spend their first thirty years writing a book from hotel rooms without having earned one penny for their writing, and finish the epic trilogy that only the next generation will appreciate. Instead of building houses and plumbing for a living, and falling dead of sudden complications before they finish their first book which was given second place to 'working for a living' and instead became their 'hobby'.
In fact, we can still take this idea even further. Once our needs are met, whatever else we have to give we can truly give willingly and freely. Including large tips to pizza delivery people who work for the fun of delivering pizza. Including giving something or buying something for friends, family, or even getting something for a stranger who we came across when we needed their advice, or friendly smile. Our economy would adapt, and the change could help propel humankind into a brighter future. If we would only allow it to begin now.
Seriously, aren't you worth it? I think God thinks we are worth it, or else we would not be here. Some others may disagree with that logic, but I think they are worth it too. Here is an example: What if my purpose in life is to write this blog? Will I get paid for it? I haven't gotten paid to write one word so far. But if it helps you, shouldn't I be given the basic needs of my body at least to allow me to continue to live so I can continue to help people with the words I write, and if you think I help people with the words I write, imagine what I could do if I had nothing else to do all day, and saw people in another yard, in the store, on the side of the road, who could use help from me there? Shouldn't living to help others without having to worry about whether or not we'll be able to eat dinner be allowed by everyone? Shouldn't everyone be allowed to choose to live to help others, instead of make money?
I think so. I always will. Let's get paid to do something we don't have to try or learn to do, let's get paid to live.
The essential problem of the capitalist system can be summed up in one basic phrase, "You are paid to work".
That to me leaves a big gaping hole. The biggest problem of course is not just the capitalist system, but the definitions we use to explain it. Certainly there are the fabulously rich people out there who have worked hard, and have in many ways gotten rewarded for it in their lifetime. There are also those who have worked hard and gotten few rewards for that hard work. Then there are those who simply struggle with the whole concept of work.
I personally continue to struggle to find a place in this system we have, and I feel very strongly that my greatest problem is not me, but the system. I believe it is time we work on building a new system. I believe millions, if not billions of people all over the world should start working on this tomorrow, if not tonight while I'm asleep and getting a little rest before going 'to work' tomorrow, for the first time next week, and maybe the last (besides looking for work).
To me, the best future possible for mankind is to realize how valuable every person we meet is to us, and to start investing in these people. Not just the people we meet though, but also the people who we will never meet, but whose fruit we will be blessed by throughout our lives. I believe that we should build a system where humans, and other beings, are paid to simply live. Yes, that is what I think. I think every government on earth should sit down and that every person on earth should make sure they do sit down, and start to write the global economy in a way that will change our lives for the better. By deciding that our next currency system will be based upon a standard of human value given to us by the universe that allows us to live, by the universe that sends us to live. I think this value is in the trillions of dollars, but for the sake of being able to build a new economic system on this concept, I would start by simply deciding on a universal system that gives us a daily paycheck(or direct deposit) for being here. Something like $100 dollars in the U.S. (at least, where I live that would work rather nicely). After we all are given a small credit (based on a very low percentage of our true universal value) meant to cover only our necessities, we can then work on earning 'fun money'. In other words, our jobs and our work could be only things we wish to do, not things we 'have' to do. Doesn't that sound better? Not only that, but anyone and everyone could use their $100 a day to buy food, clothing or perhaps shelter for the night, while saving up to start a new business, or buy a house, etcetra, whether or not they were capable of being hired to flip burgers! Authors could spend their first thirty years writing a book from hotel rooms without having earned one penny for their writing, and finish the epic trilogy that only the next generation will appreciate. Instead of building houses and plumbing for a living, and falling dead of sudden complications before they finish their first book which was given second place to 'working for a living' and instead became their 'hobby'.
In fact, we can still take this idea even further. Once our needs are met, whatever else we have to give we can truly give willingly and freely. Including large tips to pizza delivery people who work for the fun of delivering pizza. Including giving something or buying something for friends, family, or even getting something for a stranger who we came across when we needed their advice, or friendly smile. Our economy would adapt, and the change could help propel humankind into a brighter future. If we would only allow it to begin now.
Seriously, aren't you worth it? I think God thinks we are worth it, or else we would not be here. Some others may disagree with that logic, but I think they are worth it too. Here is an example: What if my purpose in life is to write this blog? Will I get paid for it? I haven't gotten paid to write one word so far. But if it helps you, shouldn't I be given the basic needs of my body at least to allow me to continue to live so I can continue to help people with the words I write, and if you think I help people with the words I write, imagine what I could do if I had nothing else to do all day, and saw people in another yard, in the store, on the side of the road, who could use help from me there? Shouldn't living to help others without having to worry about whether or not we'll be able to eat dinner be allowed by everyone? Shouldn't everyone be allowed to choose to live to help others, instead of make money?
I think so. I always will. Let's get paid to do something we don't have to try or learn to do, let's get paid to live.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Positive Change
I have noticed that most of the news, and most of the forecasts I hear about the world are decidedly negative. Crime at an all time high. Value of the dollar is falling like a satellite from orbit. Nature herself beats us with meaner, stronger, faster storms and more earthquakes than ever before. So on and on and on.
It is also said that this is meant to happen. That we approach that great and final end of time for humankind. This group will be slaughtered because they don't side with all the rest of the misled and evil people, and thus get to go to heaven. This group will finally be able to watch their Lord descend from heaven and destroy the evil infidels, and burning fire will cleanse the earth, paving the way for a better, holy, perfect paradise. So on and on.
I don't buy into it all. I do think things are changing on a global scale. Like never before we as humans can actively work together on a global scale, and I think this is our time to shine like never before. Seriously, if we can work together on a global scale and working together save the lives of millions, I think we'd continue to grow and change as a species, and we'd be developing toward being able to work together on a star system scale, then a galactic scale. We may even get help from other civilizations.
The point is, even if things are getting bad, we can choose to look forward to things getting better in the long run. We can also look forward to making ourselves better, and doing what we can to make life better for everyone around us. If the world insists on changing, then let's change, and let's use whatever influence we have to change it for the best.
It is also said that this is meant to happen. That we approach that great and final end of time for humankind. This group will be slaughtered because they don't side with all the rest of the misled and evil people, and thus get to go to heaven. This group will finally be able to watch their Lord descend from heaven and destroy the evil infidels, and burning fire will cleanse the earth, paving the way for a better, holy, perfect paradise. So on and on.
I don't buy into it all. I do think things are changing on a global scale. Like never before we as humans can actively work together on a global scale, and I think this is our time to shine like never before. Seriously, if we can work together on a global scale and working together save the lives of millions, I think we'd continue to grow and change as a species, and we'd be developing toward being able to work together on a star system scale, then a galactic scale. We may even get help from other civilizations.
The point is, even if things are getting bad, we can choose to look forward to things getting better in the long run. We can also look forward to making ourselves better, and doing what we can to make life better for everyone around us. If the world insists on changing, then let's change, and let's use whatever influence we have to change it for the best.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Hope in Humor
Throughout my life, in many situations I would rather not have been in, I have found a good joke, or a funny thought to be a most wonderful companion. Often I look forward and practice talking to my wife about things waiting for the moment a funny joke or comment will enter my head and allow me to share it with her. I have not made a serious effort to create my own collection of funny jokes I made that are always funny to others, but eagerly anticipate and look forward to the very next comment or joke that will enter my head. I will enjoy a series of funny thoughts related to one another long after the moment when they first became funny to me and others, and after everyone else finds the humor of the funny thoughts long dead. I suppose because my dad had a tendency to tell jokes that were often not very funny or left me feeling in trouble for something I developed a secret joy in taking any obvious joke too seriously, even to the point of acting like I took it too seriously, which I still do to other people today. It is funny when someone says something they think is funny and you act like you just thought they were being serious. Especially when you catch the joke, but they don't realize you are only acting serious! But there are times when I do enjoy a joke and enjoy sharing the good humor of someone else with them.
When all else fails, let's stop for a moment, and look to see if we can find a silver lining on the clouds of doom. Perhaps, we might even find a good joke too. In some cases, the best jokes are always in the mirror. I still enjoy making faces when my wife seems mellow, and we are not doing anything else. I think one of the greatest gifts a joke can unwrap, is a smile full of warmth and perhaps a bit of humor.
For the sake of all of you who could use a joke, hopefully unrelated to your situation, I present one of my all time favorites.
A man walks into a bar...
I bet that hurt!
When all else fails, let's stop for a moment, and look to see if we can find a silver lining on the clouds of doom. Perhaps, we might even find a good joke too. In some cases, the best jokes are always in the mirror. I still enjoy making faces when my wife seems mellow, and we are not doing anything else. I think one of the greatest gifts a joke can unwrap, is a smile full of warmth and perhaps a bit of humor.
For the sake of all of you who could use a joke, hopefully unrelated to your situation, I present one of my all time favorites.
A man walks into a bar...
I bet that hurt!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
