A Better Happiness

Blog: Better Happiness Inspiration

Be Inspired!

These articles provide thought-provoking content to motivate and inspire. Learn how to make a difference in your life and in the lives of those you connect with. Each day is another opportunity to find your better happiness inspiration, and this blog is provided with that purpose in mind. Because knowledge is key to stimulating positive personal growth, and when we know better we can do better.

When we allow others to define us we overlook this simple truth:  We came into the world completely equipped to be who we are, and not simply who others want us to be. You can do it. Consequently, believe in yourself and take the chance. Choose to expand your knowledge and be inspired.  Yes, choose to find your better happiness!

A Good Man Like Him

There are days when you’re so caught up in life you forget there is an eventuality running to you. One that no man, woman or child can successfully sidestep when it catches up to you.  No one knows when.  Only that it will.  Today, an old friend passed away.  He’d been sick for a while, so it wasn’t unexpected.  But the news of his death brought back so many fond memories.  He was a good man.  A fine father, spiritual brother and mentor.  He was a father figure to me. The last time I saw him was several years ago, and I told him I loved him.  Those were my…
Read More

God is Good. We are Too.

Some who read this may not follow, worship, or even believe in a higher power.  And that’s fine with me because I believe we’re all on our own individual journeys in life.  I love to see people overcome and succeed.  Life can be a brutal taskmaster, so there is benefit in learning how others navigate the challenges encountered, regardless of their beliefs.  After we say and do it all, we still share the same eventuality - the grave.  I find it much more reasonable to be agreeable to other's differences than to argue and fight about who is right or wrong.    My story is unique in some ways, but common…
Read More

Embrace Life

In life we know 3 things for sure: we are born, live for a certain number of years, and then we die - anything beyond that knowledge is speculation, faith or hope, however we want to frame it. Our creator gave us the gift of hope to get us through the eventuality of life. If this is the creator's gift, God's gift - what man has the right to deny another man's speculation, their faith or their hope? Rather, let that go.  Embrace life and all that it has to offer.
Read More

Live With Intent

The average lifespan in the United States is now almost 79 years. Since it’s an average, that means some will live longer, and some shorter, but most will pass along before they reach 80. Consider your age for a moment. Subtract that from 79. Think about it. Now, what will you do about it? Time is precious, and life is a miracle. Our individual lives are invaluable compared to an average statistic. Don’t waste time on things that don’t matter much, or people who don’t value you. Give yourself permission to let go of any pain from the past. Do your best to make the most of today and be…
Read More

Goodbye and Hello!

Photo by Ioana Cristiana on Unsplash Amazing. Another full year has come and gone. As I write this, there are one and almost a half day of 2018 left. The past 12 months have been full of much hard work and achievement and pain and sorrow. I will complete my 54th year of living in 2019. To some, that is a long number of years, and for others too short — depending on one’s own perspective at the moment in time. Regardless of the years gone by there remains a constant reminder: That time is on our side if we use it correctly. And by correctly, I appreciate that what is correct is inherently up…
Read More

The United Strength of (an imperfect) America

[caption id="attachment_1388" align="alignnone" width="432"] African American Woman Sewing Flag[/caption] Am I so naïve to think America is perfect? Not at all. However, I have the wherewithal to understand something in the air has changed. There is a noticeable difference in the way people dialogue. There is a misunderstanding of others. We don‘t trust intentions. This causes fear. Fear gives way to anger. We yell. We point blame. Does this way accomplish anything? It may validate a point of view. But what do we want? If we could come together as people imagine what we could accomplish. Come together America. Leave the divisive rhetoric and see us for who we are. We…
Read More

Wonderful

She hates herself because she’s devalued from the moment she comes into the world due to the color of her skin.  She sees things the way man see things.  Yet, the way man sees is not the way God sees.  The Creator values all of his handiwork. They are wonderful. We marvel at the industriousness of the ant and enraptured by the playful maneuvering of the hummingbird.  There is respect and fear at the power and majesty of the Lion.  What about the sustaining earth which brings forth food for our bodies?  Yet, we are so inept as to devalue the most incredible of all of God’s creations, another human being. …
Read More

Oiesis: The Deception

“When you are told from childhood that you are expected and commanded to behave in a way that will be acceptable only if you do it voluntarily... you remain permanently mixed-up. That, if anything, is permanent brain damage...” - Alan Watts I knew I would need to take a good, long and honest look at myself. Others had defined me to that point. I had assumed a role put upon me by someone else–by my parents and by the Jehovah's Witness community. They had told me who I was to be.  I had allowed this as it was the only way I knew. That is how life must be. Now, that role was…
Read More

Refocus:

[caption id="attachment_1361" align="alignnone" width="300"] Refocus[/caption] There are time in our lives when we will need to refocus and do what is right for ourselves.  And, what is right for self may not be right for others.  That’s okay.  Part of the beauty of life is we can continue to grow as individuals and shape who or what we want to become. This has been my space in 2018.  I had to do what was right for myself.  Most individuals trying to promote a betterment lifestyle through writing would not do that (https://betterhappiness.com).  But for me it’s been a year of change and growth, some expected and some not.  Most of…
Read More

A Good Man Like Him

There are days when you’re so caught up in life you forget there is an eventuality running to you. One that no man, woman or child can successfully sidestep when it catches up to you.  No one knows when.  Only that it will.  Today, an old friend passed away.  He’d been sick for a while, so it wasn’t unexpected.  But the news of his death brought back so many fond memories.  He was a good man.  A fine father, spiritual brother and mentor.  He was a father figure to me. The last time I saw him was several years ago, and I told him I loved him.  Those were my…
Read More

God is Good. We are Too.

Some who read this may not follow, worship, or even believe in a higher power.  And that’s fine with me because I believe we’re all on our own individual journeys in life.  I love to see people overcome and succeed.  Life can be a brutal taskmaster, so there is benefit in learning how others navigate the challenges encountered, regardless of their beliefs.  After we say and do it all, we still share the same eventuality - the grave.  I find it much more reasonable to be agreeable to other's differences than to argue and fight about who is right or wrong.    My story is unique in some ways, but common…
Read More

Embrace Life

In life we know 3 things for sure: we are born, live for a certain number of years, and then we die - anything beyond that knowledge is speculation, faith or hope, however we want to frame it. Our creator gave us the gift of hope to get us through the eventuality of life. If this is the creator's gift, God's gift - what man has the right to deny another man's speculation, their faith or their hope? Rather, let that go.  Embrace life and all that it has to offer.
Read More

Live With Intent

The average lifespan in the United States is now almost 79 years. Since it’s an average, that means some will live longer, and some shorter, but most will pass along before they reach 80. Consider your age for a moment. Subtract that from 79. Think about it. Now, what will you do about it? Time is precious, and life is a miracle. Our individual lives are invaluable compared to an average statistic. Don’t waste time on things that don’t matter much, or people who don’t value you. Give yourself permission to let go of any pain from the past. Do your best to make the most of today and be…
Read More

Goodbye and Hello!

Photo by Ioana Cristiana on Unsplash Amazing. Another full year has come and gone. As I write this, there are one and almost a half day of 2018 left. The past 12 months have been full of much hard work and achievement and pain and sorrow. I will complete my 54th year of living in 2019. To some, that is a long number of years, and for others too short — depending on one’s own perspective at the moment in time. Regardless of the years gone by there remains a constant reminder: That time is on our side if we use it correctly. And by correctly, I appreciate that what is correct is inherently up…
Read More

The United Strength of (an imperfect) America

[caption id="attachment_1388" align="alignnone" width="432"] African American Woman Sewing Flag[/caption] Am I so naïve to think America is perfect? Not at all. However, I have the wherewithal to understand something in the air has changed. There is a noticeable difference in the way people dialogue. There is a misunderstanding of others. We don‘t trust intentions. This causes fear. Fear gives way to anger. We yell. We point blame. Does this way accomplish anything? It may validate a point of view. But what do we want? If we could come together as people imagine what we could accomplish. Come together America. Leave the divisive rhetoric and see us for who we are. We…
Read More

Wonderful

She hates herself because she’s devalued from the moment she comes into the world due to the color of her skin.  She sees things the way man see things.  Yet, the way man sees is not the way God sees.  The Creator values all of his handiwork. They are wonderful. We marvel at the industriousness of the ant and enraptured by the playful maneuvering of the hummingbird.  There is respect and fear at the power and majesty of the Lion.  What about the sustaining earth which brings forth food for our bodies?  Yet, we are so inept as to devalue the most incredible of all of God’s creations, another human being. …
Read More

Oiesis: The Deception

“When you are told from childhood that you are expected and commanded to behave in a way that will be acceptable only if you do it voluntarily... you remain permanently mixed-up. That, if anything, is permanent brain damage...” - Alan Watts I knew I would need to take a good, long and honest look at myself. Others had defined me to that point. I had assumed a role put upon me by someone else–by my parents and by the Jehovah's Witness community. They had told me who I was to be.  I had allowed this as it was the only way I knew. That is how life must be. Now, that role was…
Read More

Refocus:

[caption id="attachment_1361" align="alignnone" width="300"] Refocus[/caption] There are time in our lives when we will need to refocus and do what is right for ourselves.  And, what is right for self may not be right for others.  That’s okay.  Part of the beauty of life is we can continue to grow as individuals and shape who or what we want to become. This has been my space in 2018.  I had to do what was right for myself.  Most individuals trying to promote a betterment lifestyle through writing would not do that (https://betterhappiness.com).  But for me it’s been a year of change and growth, some expected and some not.  Most of…
Read More

A Good Man Like Him

There are days when you’re so caught up in life you forget there is an eventuality running to you. One that no man, woman or child can successfully sidestep when it catches up to you.  No one knows when.  Only that it will.  Today, an old friend passed away.  He’d been sick for a while, so it wasn’t unexpected.  But the news of his death brought back so many fond memories.  He was a good man.  A fine father, spiritual brother and mentor.  He was a father figure to me. The last time I saw him was several years ago, and I told him I loved him.  Those were my…
Read More

God is Good. We are Too.

Some who read this may not follow, worship, or even believe in a higher power.  And that’s fine with me because I believe we’re all on our own individual journeys in life.  I love to see people overcome and succeed.  Life can be a brutal taskmaster, so there is benefit in learning how others navigate the challenges encountered, regardless of their beliefs.  After we say and do it all, we still share the same eventuality - the grave.  I find it much more reasonable to be agreeable to other's differences than to argue and fight about who is right or wrong.    My story is unique in some ways, but common…
Read More

Embrace Life

In life we know 3 things for sure: we are born, live for a certain number of years, and then we die - anything beyond that knowledge is speculation, faith or hope, however we want to frame it. Our creator gave us the gift of hope to get us through the eventuality of life. If this is the creator's gift, God's gift - what man has the right to deny another man's speculation, their faith or their hope? Rather, let that go.  Embrace life and all that it has to offer.
Read More

Live With Intent

The average lifespan in the United States is now almost 79 years. Since it’s an average, that means some will live longer, and some shorter, but most will pass along before they reach 80. Consider your age for a moment. Subtract that from 79. Think about it. Now, what will you do about it? Time is precious, and life is a miracle. Our individual lives are invaluable compared to an average statistic. Don’t waste time on things that don’t matter much, or people who don’t value you. Give yourself permission to let go of any pain from the past. Do your best to make the most of today and be…
Read More

Goodbye and Hello!

Photo by Ioana Cristiana on Unsplash Amazing. Another full year has come and gone. As I write this, there are one and almost a half day of 2018 left. The past 12 months have been full of much hard work and achievement and pain and sorrow. I will complete my 54th year of living in 2019. To some, that is a long number of years, and for others too short — depending on one’s own perspective at the moment in time. Regardless of the years gone by there remains a constant reminder: That time is on our side if we use it correctly. And by correctly, I appreciate that what is correct is inherently up…
Read More

The United Strength of (an imperfect) America

[caption id="attachment_1388" align="alignnone" width="432"] African American Woman Sewing Flag[/caption] Am I so naïve to think America is perfect? Not at all. However, I have the wherewithal to understand something in the air has changed. There is a noticeable difference in the way people dialogue. There is a misunderstanding of others. We don‘t trust intentions. This causes fear. Fear gives way to anger. We yell. We point blame. Does this way accomplish anything? It may validate a point of view. But what do we want? If we could come together as people imagine what we could accomplish. Come together America. Leave the divisive rhetoric and see us for who we are. We…
Read More

Wonderful

She hates herself because she’s devalued from the moment she comes into the world due to the color of her skin.  She sees things the way man see things.  Yet, the way man sees is not the way God sees.  The Creator values all of his handiwork. They are wonderful. We marvel at the industriousness of the ant and enraptured by the playful maneuvering of the hummingbird.  There is respect and fear at the power and majesty of the Lion.  What about the sustaining earth which brings forth food for our bodies?  Yet, we are so inept as to devalue the most incredible of all of God’s creations, another human being. …
Read More

Oiesis: The Deception

“When you are told from childhood that you are expected and commanded to behave in a way that will be acceptable only if you do it voluntarily... you remain permanently mixed-up. That, if anything, is permanent brain damage...” - Alan Watts I knew I would need to take a good, long and honest look at myself. Others had defined me to that point. I had assumed a role put upon me by someone else–by my parents and by the Jehovah's Witness community. They had told me who I was to be.  I had allowed this as it was the only way I knew. That is how life must be. Now, that role was…
Read More

Refocus:

[caption id="attachment_1361" align="alignnone" width="300"] Refocus[/caption] There are time in our lives when we will need to refocus and do what is right for ourselves.  And, what is right for self may not be right for others.  That’s okay.  Part of the beauty of life is we can continue to grow as individuals and shape who or what we want to become. This has been my space in 2018.  I had to do what was right for myself.  Most individuals trying to promote a betterment lifestyle through writing would not do that (https://betterhappiness.com).  But for me it’s been a year of change and growth, some expected and some not.  Most of…
Read More

A Good Man Like Him

There are days when you’re so caught up in life you forget there is an eventuality running to you. One that no man, woman or child can successfully sidestep when it catches up to you.  No one knows when.  Only that it will.  Today, an old friend passed away.  He’d been sick for a while, so it wasn’t unexpected.  But the news of his death brought back so many fond memories.  He was a good man.  A fine father, spiritual brother and mentor.  He was a father figure to me. The last time I saw him was several years ago, and I told him I loved him.  Those were my…
Read More

God is Good. We are Too.

Some who read this may not follow, worship, or even believe in a higher power.  And that’s fine with me because I believe we’re all on our own individual journeys in life.  I love to see people overcome and succeed.  Life can be a brutal taskmaster, so there is benefit in learning how others navigate the challenges encountered, regardless of their beliefs.  After we say and do it all, we still share the same eventuality - the grave.  I find it much more reasonable to be agreeable to other's differences than to argue and fight about who is right or wrong.    My story is unique in some ways, but common…
Read More

Embrace Life

In life we know 3 things for sure: we are born, live for a certain number of years, and then we die - anything beyond that knowledge is speculation, faith or hope, however we want to frame it. Our creator gave us the gift of hope to get us through the eventuality of life. If this is the creator's gift, God's gift - what man has the right to deny another man's speculation, their faith or their hope? Rather, let that go.  Embrace life and all that it has to offer.
Read More

Live With Intent

The average lifespan in the United States is now almost 79 years. Since it’s an average, that means some will live longer, and some shorter, but most will pass along before they reach 80. Consider your age for a moment. Subtract that from 79. Think about it. Now, what will you do about it? Time is precious, and life is a miracle. Our individual lives are invaluable compared to an average statistic. Don’t waste time on things that don’t matter much, or people who don’t value you. Give yourself permission to let go of any pain from the past. Do your best to make the most of today and be…
Read More

Goodbye and Hello!

Photo by Ioana Cristiana on Unsplash Amazing. Another full year has come and gone. As I write this, there are one and almost a half day of 2018 left. The past 12 months have been full of much hard work and achievement and pain and sorrow. I will complete my 54th year of living in 2019. To some, that is a long number of years, and for others too short — depending on one’s own perspective at the moment in time. Regardless of the years gone by there remains a constant reminder: That time is on our side if we use it correctly. And by correctly, I appreciate that what is correct is inherently up…
Read More

The United Strength of (an imperfect) America

[caption id="attachment_1388" align="alignnone" width="432"] African American Woman Sewing Flag[/caption] Am I so naïve to think America is perfect? Not at all. However, I have the wherewithal to understand something in the air has changed. There is a noticeable difference in the way people dialogue. There is a misunderstanding of others. We don‘t trust intentions. This causes fear. Fear gives way to anger. We yell. We point blame. Does this way accomplish anything? It may validate a point of view. But what do we want? If we could come together as people imagine what we could accomplish. Come together America. Leave the divisive rhetoric and see us for who we are. We…
Read More

Wonderful

She hates herself because she’s devalued from the moment she comes into the world due to the color of her skin.  She sees things the way man see things.  Yet, the way man sees is not the way God sees.  The Creator values all of his handiwork. They are wonderful. We marvel at the industriousness of the ant and enraptured by the playful maneuvering of the hummingbird.  There is respect and fear at the power and majesty of the Lion.  What about the sustaining earth which brings forth food for our bodies?  Yet, we are so inept as to devalue the most incredible of all of God’s creations, another human being. …
Read More

Oiesis: The Deception

“When you are told from childhood that you are expected and commanded to behave in a way that will be acceptable only if you do it voluntarily... you remain permanently mixed-up. That, if anything, is permanent brain damage...” - Alan Watts I knew I would need to take a good, long and honest look at myself. Others had defined me to that point. I had assumed a role put upon me by someone else–by my parents and by the Jehovah's Witness community. They had told me who I was to be.  I had allowed this as it was the only way I knew. That is how life must be. Now, that role was…
Read More

Refocus:

[caption id="attachment_1361" align="alignnone" width="300"] Refocus[/caption] There are time in our lives when we will need to refocus and do what is right for ourselves.  And, what is right for self may not be right for others.  That’s okay.  Part of the beauty of life is we can continue to grow as individuals and shape who or what we want to become. This has been my space in 2018.  I had to do what was right for myself.  Most individuals trying to promote a betterment lifestyle through writing would not do that (https://betterhappiness.com).  But for me it’s been a year of change and growth, some expected and some not.  Most of…
Read More

A Good Man Like Him

There are days when you’re so caught up in life you forget there is an eventuality running to you. One that no man, woman or child can successfully sidestep when it catches up to you.  No one knows when.  Only that it will.  Today, an old friend passed away.  He’d been sick for a while, so it wasn’t unexpected.  But the news of his death brought back so many fond memories.  He was a good man.  A fine father, spiritual brother and mentor.  He was a father figure to me. The last time I saw him was several years ago, and I told him I loved him.  Those were my…
Read More

God is Good. We are Too.

Some who read this may not follow, worship, or even believe in a higher power.  And that’s fine with me because I believe we’re all on our own individual journeys in life.  I love to see people overcome and succeed.  Life can be a brutal taskmaster, so there is benefit in learning how others navigate the challenges encountered, regardless of their beliefs.  After we say and do it all, we still share the same eventuality - the grave.  I find it much more reasonable to be agreeable to other's differences than to argue and fight about who is right or wrong.    My story is unique in some ways, but common…
Read More

Embrace Life

In life we know 3 things for sure: we are born, live for a certain number of years, and then we die - anything beyond that knowledge is speculation, faith or hope, however we want to frame it. Our creator gave us the gift of hope to get us through the eventuality of life. If this is the creator's gift, God's gift - what man has the right to deny another man's speculation, their faith or their hope? Rather, let that go.  Embrace life and all that it has to offer.
Read More

Live With Intent

The average lifespan in the United States is now almost 79 years. Since it’s an average, that means some will live longer, and some shorter, but most will pass along before they reach 80. Consider your age for a moment. Subtract that from 79. Think about it. Now, what will you do about it? Time is precious, and life is a miracle. Our individual lives are invaluable compared to an average statistic. Don’t waste time on things that don’t matter much, or people who don’t value you. Give yourself permission to let go of any pain from the past. Do your best to make the most of today and be…
Read More

Goodbye and Hello!

Photo by Ioana Cristiana on Unsplash Amazing. Another full year has come and gone. As I write this, there are one and almost a half day of 2018 left. The past 12 months have been full of much hard work and achievement and pain and sorrow. I will complete my 54th year of living in 2019. To some, that is a long number of years, and for others too short — depending on one’s own perspective at the moment in time. Regardless of the years gone by there remains a constant reminder: That time is on our side if we use it correctly. And by correctly, I appreciate that what is correct is inherently up…
Read More

The United Strength of (an imperfect) America

[caption id="attachment_1388" align="alignnone" width="432"] African American Woman Sewing Flag[/caption] Am I so naïve to think America is perfect? Not at all. However, I have the wherewithal to understand something in the air has changed. There is a noticeable difference in the way people dialogue. There is a misunderstanding of others. We don‘t trust intentions. This causes fear. Fear gives way to anger. We yell. We point blame. Does this way accomplish anything? It may validate a point of view. But what do we want? If we could come together as people imagine what we could accomplish. Come together America. Leave the divisive rhetoric and see us for who we are. We…
Read More

Wonderful

She hates herself because she’s devalued from the moment she comes into the world due to the color of her skin.  She sees things the way man see things.  Yet, the way man sees is not the way God sees.  The Creator values all of his handiwork. They are wonderful. We marvel at the industriousness of the ant and enraptured by the playful maneuvering of the hummingbird.  There is respect and fear at the power and majesty of the Lion.  What about the sustaining earth which brings forth food for our bodies?  Yet, we are so inept as to devalue the most incredible of all of God’s creations, another human being. …
Read More

Oiesis: The Deception

“When you are told from childhood that you are expected and commanded to behave in a way that will be acceptable only if you do it voluntarily... you remain permanently mixed-up. That, if anything, is permanent brain damage...” - Alan Watts I knew I would need to take a good, long and honest look at myself. Others had defined me to that point. I had assumed a role put upon me by someone else–by my parents and by the Jehovah's Witness community. They had told me who I was to be.  I had allowed this as it was the only way I knew. That is how life must be. Now, that role was…
Read More

Refocus:

[caption id="attachment_1361" align="alignnone" width="300"] Refocus[/caption] There are time in our lives when we will need to refocus and do what is right for ourselves.  And, what is right for self may not be right for others.  That’s okay.  Part of the beauty of life is we can continue to grow as individuals and shape who or what we want to become. This has been my space in 2018.  I had to do what was right for myself.  Most individuals trying to promote a betterment lifestyle through writing would not do that (https://betterhappiness.com).  But for me it’s been a year of change and growth, some expected and some not.  Most of…
Read More

A Good Man Like Him

There are days when you’re so caught up in life you forget there is an eventuality running to you. One that no man, woman or child can successfully sidestep when it catches up to you.  No one knows when.  Only that it will.  Today, an old friend passed away.  He’d been sick for a while, so it wasn’t unexpected.  But the news of his death brought back so many fond memories.  He was a good man.  A fine father, spiritual brother and mentor.  He was a father figure to me. The last time I saw him was several years ago, and I told him I loved him.  Those were my…
Read More

God is Good. We are Too.

Some who read this may not follow, worship, or even believe in a higher power.  And that’s fine with me because I believe we’re all on our own individual journeys in life.  I love to see people overcome and succeed.  Life can be a brutal taskmaster, so there is benefit in learning how others navigate the challenges encountered, regardless of their beliefs.  After we say and do it all, we still share the same eventuality - the grave.  I find it much more reasonable to be agreeable to other's differences than to argue and fight about who is right or wrong.    My story is unique in some ways, but common…
Read More

Embrace Life

In life we know 3 things for sure: we are born, live for a certain number of years, and then we die - anything beyond that knowledge is speculation, faith or hope, however we want to frame it. Our creator gave us the gift of hope to get us through the eventuality of life. If this is the creator's gift, God's gift - what man has the right to deny another man's speculation, their faith or their hope? Rather, let that go.  Embrace life and all that it has to offer.
Read More

Live With Intent

The average lifespan in the United States is now almost 79 years. Since it’s an average, that means some will live longer, and some shorter, but most will pass along before they reach 80. Consider your age for a moment. Subtract that from 79. Think about it. Now, what will you do about it? Time is precious, and life is a miracle. Our individual lives are invaluable compared to an average statistic. Don’t waste time on things that don’t matter much, or people who don’t value you. Give yourself permission to let go of any pain from the past. Do your best to make the most of today and be…
Read More

Goodbye and Hello!

Photo by Ioana Cristiana on Unsplash Amazing. Another full year has come and gone. As I write this, there are one and almost a half day of 2018 left. The past 12 months have been full of much hard work and achievement and pain and sorrow. I will complete my 54th year of living in 2019. To some, that is a long number of years, and for others too short — depending on one’s own perspective at the moment in time. Regardless of the years gone by there remains a constant reminder: That time is on our side if we use it correctly. And by correctly, I appreciate that what is correct is inherently up…
Read More

The United Strength of (an imperfect) America

[caption id="attachment_1388" align="alignnone" width="432"] African American Woman Sewing Flag[/caption] Am I so naïve to think America is perfect? Not at all. However, I have the wherewithal to understand something in the air has changed. There is a noticeable difference in the way people dialogue. There is a misunderstanding of others. We don‘t trust intentions. This causes fear. Fear gives way to anger. We yell. We point blame. Does this way accomplish anything? It may validate a point of view. But what do we want? If we could come together as people imagine what we could accomplish. Come together America. Leave the divisive rhetoric and see us for who we are. We…
Read More

Wonderful

She hates herself because she’s devalued from the moment she comes into the world due to the color of her skin.  She sees things the way man see things.  Yet, the way man sees is not the way God sees.  The Creator values all of his handiwork. They are wonderful. We marvel at the industriousness of the ant and enraptured by the playful maneuvering of the hummingbird.  There is respect and fear at the power and majesty of the Lion.  What about the sustaining earth which brings forth food for our bodies?  Yet, we are so inept as to devalue the most incredible of all of God’s creations, another human being. …
Read More

Oiesis: The Deception

“When you are told from childhood that you are expected and commanded to behave in a way that will be acceptable only if you do it voluntarily... you remain permanently mixed-up. That, if anything, is permanent brain damage...” - Alan Watts I knew I would need to take a good, long and honest look at myself. Others had defined me to that point. I had assumed a role put upon me by someone else–by my parents and by the Jehovah's Witness community. They had told me who I was to be.  I had allowed this as it was the only way I knew. That is how life must be. Now, that role was…
Read More

Refocus:

[caption id="attachment_1361" align="alignnone" width="300"] Refocus[/caption] There are time in our lives when we will need to refocus and do what is right for ourselves.  And, what is right for self may not be right for others.  That’s okay.  Part of the beauty of life is we can continue to grow as individuals and shape who or what we want to become. This has been my space in 2018.  I had to do what was right for myself.  Most individuals trying to promote a betterment lifestyle through writing would not do that (https://betterhappiness.com).  But for me it’s been a year of change and growth, some expected and some not.  Most of…
Read More

A Good Man Like Him

There are days when you’re so caught up in life you forget there is an eventuality running to you. One that no man, woman or child can successfully sidestep when it catches up to you.  No one knows when.  Only that it will.  Today, an old friend passed away.  He’d been sick for a while, so it wasn’t unexpected.  But the news of his death brought back so many fond memories.  He was a good man.  A fine father, spiritual brother and mentor.  He was a father figure to me. The last time I saw him was several years ago, and I told him I loved him.  Those were my…
Read More

God is Good. We are Too.

Some who read this may not follow, worship, or even believe in a higher power.  And that’s fine with me because I believe we’re all on our own individual journeys in life.  I love to see people overcome and succeed.  Life can be a brutal taskmaster, so there is benefit in learning how others navigate the challenges encountered, regardless of their beliefs.  After we say and do it all, we still share the same eventuality - the grave.  I find it much more reasonable to be agreeable to other's differences than to argue and fight about who is right or wrong.    My story is unique in some ways, but common…
Read More

Embrace Life

In life we know 3 things for sure: we are born, live for a certain number of years, and then we die - anything beyond that knowledge is speculation, faith or hope, however we want to frame it. Our creator gave us the gift of hope to get us through the eventuality of life. If this is the creator's gift, God's gift - what man has the right to deny another man's speculation, their faith or their hope? Rather, let that go.  Embrace life and all that it has to offer.
Read More

Live With Intent

The average lifespan in the United States is now almost 79 years. Since it’s an average, that means some will live longer, and some shorter, but most will pass along before they reach 80. Consider your age for a moment. Subtract that from 79. Think about it. Now, what will you do about it? Time is precious, and life is a miracle. Our individual lives are invaluable compared to an average statistic. Don’t waste time on things that don’t matter much, or people who don’t value you. Give yourself permission to let go of any pain from the past. Do your best to make the most of today and be…
Read More

Goodbye and Hello!

Photo by Ioana Cristiana on Unsplash Amazing. Another full year has come and gone. As I write this, there are one and almost a half day of 2018 left. The past 12 months have been full of much hard work and achievement and pain and sorrow. I will complete my 54th year of living in 2019. To some, that is a long number of years, and for others too short — depending on one’s own perspective at the moment in time. Regardless of the years gone by there remains a constant reminder: That time is on our side if we use it correctly. And by correctly, I appreciate that what is correct is inherently up…
Read More

The United Strength of (an imperfect) America

[caption id="attachment_1388" align="alignnone" width="432"] African American Woman Sewing Flag[/caption] Am I so naïve to think America is perfect? Not at all. However, I have the wherewithal to understand something in the air has changed. There is a noticeable difference in the way people dialogue. There is a misunderstanding of others. We don‘t trust intentions. This causes fear. Fear gives way to anger. We yell. We point blame. Does this way accomplish anything? It may validate a point of view. But what do we want? If we could come together as people imagine what we could accomplish. Come together America. Leave the divisive rhetoric and see us for who we are. We…
Read More

Wonderful

She hates herself because she’s devalued from the moment she comes into the world due to the color of her skin.  She sees things the way man see things.  Yet, the way man sees is not the way God sees.  The Creator values all of his handiwork. They are wonderful. We marvel at the industriousness of the ant and enraptured by the playful maneuvering of the hummingbird.  There is respect and fear at the power and majesty of the Lion.  What about the sustaining earth which brings forth food for our bodies?  Yet, we are so inept as to devalue the most incredible of all of God’s creations, another human being. …
Read More

Oiesis: The Deception

“When you are told from childhood that you are expected and commanded to behave in a way that will be acceptable only if you do it voluntarily... you remain permanently mixed-up. That, if anything, is permanent brain damage...” - Alan Watts I knew I would need to take a good, long and honest look at myself. Others had defined me to that point. I had assumed a role put upon me by someone else–by my parents and by the Jehovah's Witness community. They had told me who I was to be.  I had allowed this as it was the only way I knew. That is how life must be. Now, that role was…
Read More

Refocus:

[caption id="attachment_1361" align="alignnone" width="300"] Refocus[/caption] There are time in our lives when we will need to refocus and do what is right for ourselves.  And, what is right for self may not be right for others.  That’s okay.  Part of the beauty of life is we can continue to grow as individuals and shape who or what we want to become. This has been my space in 2018.  I had to do what was right for myself.  Most individuals trying to promote a betterment lifestyle through writing would not do that (https://betterhappiness.com).  But for me it’s been a year of change and growth, some expected and some not.  Most of…
Read More

A Good Man Like Him

There are days when you’re so caught up in life you forget there is an eventuality running to you. One that no man, woman or child can successfully sidestep when it catches up to you.  No one knows when.  Only that it will.  Today, an old friend passed away.  He’d been sick for a while, so it wasn’t unexpected.  But the news of his death brought back so many fond memories.  He was a good man.  A fine father, spiritual brother and mentor.  He was a father figure to me. The last time I saw him was several years ago, and I told him I loved him.  Those were my…
Read More

God is Good. We are Too.

Some who read this may not follow, worship, or even believe in a higher power.  And that’s fine with me because I believe we’re all on our own individual journeys in life.  I love to see people overcome and succeed.  Life can be a brutal taskmaster, so there is benefit in learning how others navigate the challenges encountered, regardless of their beliefs.  After we say and do it all, we still share the same eventuality - the grave.  I find it much more reasonable to be agreeable to other's differences than to argue and fight about who is right or wrong.    My story is unique in some ways, but common…
Read More

Embrace Life

In life we know 3 things for sure: we are born, live for a certain number of years, and then we die - anything beyond that knowledge is speculation, faith or hope, however we want to frame it. Our creator gave us the gift of hope to get us through the eventuality of life. If this is the creator's gift, God's gift - what man has the right to deny another man's speculation, their faith or their hope? Rather, let that go.  Embrace life and all that it has to offer.
Read More

Live With Intent

The average lifespan in the United States is now almost 79 years. Since it’s an average, that means some will live longer, and some shorter, but most will pass along before they reach 80. Consider your age for a moment. Subtract that from 79. Think about it. Now, what will you do about it? Time is precious, and life is a miracle. Our individual lives are invaluable compared to an average statistic. Don’t waste time on things that don’t matter much, or people who don’t value you. Give yourself permission to let go of any pain from the past. Do your best to make the most of today and be…
Read More

Goodbye and Hello!

Photo by Ioana Cristiana on Unsplash Amazing. Another full year has come and gone. As I write this, there are one and almost a half day of 2018 left. The past 12 months have been full of much hard work and achievement and pain and sorrow. I will complete my 54th year of living in 2019. To some, that is a long number of years, and for others too short — depending on one’s own perspective at the moment in time. Regardless of the years gone by there remains a constant reminder: That time is on our side if we use it correctly. And by correctly, I appreciate that what is correct is inherently up…
Read More

The United Strength of (an imperfect) America

[caption id="attachment_1388" align="alignnone" width="432"] African American Woman Sewing Flag[/caption] Am I so naïve to think America is perfect? Not at all. However, I have the wherewithal to understand something in the air has changed. There is a noticeable difference in the way people dialogue. There is a misunderstanding of others. We don‘t trust intentions. This causes fear. Fear gives way to anger. We yell. We point blame. Does this way accomplish anything? It may validate a point of view. But what do we want? If we could come together as people imagine what we could accomplish. Come together America. Leave the divisive rhetoric and see us for who we are. We…
Read More

Wonderful

She hates herself because she’s devalued from the moment she comes into the world due to the color of her skin.  She sees things the way man see things.  Yet, the way man sees is not the way God sees.  The Creator values all of his handiwork. They are wonderful. We marvel at the industriousness of the ant and enraptured by the playful maneuvering of the hummingbird.  There is respect and fear at the power and majesty of the Lion.  What about the sustaining earth which brings forth food for our bodies?  Yet, we are so inept as to devalue the most incredible of all of God’s creations, another human being. …
Read More

Oiesis: The Deception

“When you are told from childhood that you are expected and commanded to behave in a way that will be acceptable only if you do it voluntarily... you remain permanently mixed-up. That, if anything, is permanent brain damage...” - Alan Watts I knew I would need to take a good, long and honest look at myself. Others had defined me to that point. I had assumed a role put upon me by someone else–by my parents and by the Jehovah's Witness community. They had told me who I was to be.  I had allowed this as it was the only way I knew. That is how life must be. Now, that role was…
Read More

Refocus:

[caption id="attachment_1361" align="alignnone" width="300"] Refocus[/caption] There are time in our lives when we will need to refocus and do what is right for ourselves.  And, what is right for self may not be right for others.  That’s okay.  Part of the beauty of life is we can continue to grow as individuals and shape who or what we want to become. This has been my space in 2018.  I had to do what was right for myself.  Most individuals trying to promote a betterment lifestyle through writing would not do that (https://betterhappiness.com).  But for me it’s been a year of change and growth, some expected and some not.  Most of…
Read More

A Good Man Like Him

There are days when you’re so caught up in life you forget there is an eventuality running to you. One that no man, woman or child can successfully sidestep when it catches up to you.  No one knows when.  Only that it will.  Today, an old friend passed away.  He’d been sick for a while, so it wasn’t unexpected.  But the news of his death brought back so many fond memories.  He was a good man.  A fine father, spiritual brother and mentor.  He was a father figure to me. The last time I saw him was several years ago, and I told him I loved him.  Those were my…
Read More

God is Good. We are Too.

Some who read this may not follow, worship, or even believe in a higher power.  And that’s fine with me because I believe we’re all on our own individual journeys in life.  I love to see people overcome and succeed.  Life can be a brutal taskmaster, so there is benefit in learning how others navigate the challenges encountered, regardless of their beliefs.  After we say and do it all, we still share the same eventuality - the grave.  I find it much more reasonable to be agreeable to other's differences than to argue and fight about who is right or wrong.    My story is unique in some ways, but common…
Read More

Embrace Life

In life we know 3 things for sure: we are born, live for a certain number of years, and then we die - anything beyond that knowledge is speculation, faith or hope, however we want to frame it. Our creator gave us the gift of hope to get us through the eventuality of life. If this is the creator's gift, God's gift - what man has the right to deny another man's speculation, their faith or their hope? Rather, let that go.  Embrace life and all that it has to offer.
Read More

Live With Intent

The average lifespan in the United States is now almost 79 years. Since it’s an average, that means some will live longer, and some shorter, but most will pass along before they reach 80. Consider your age for a moment. Subtract that from 79. Think about it. Now, what will you do about it? Time is precious, and life is a miracle. Our individual lives are invaluable compared to an average statistic. Don’t waste time on things that don’t matter much, or people who don’t value you. Give yourself permission to let go of any pain from the past. Do your best to make the most of today and be…
Read More

Goodbye and Hello!

Photo by Ioana Cristiana on Unsplash Amazing. Another full year has come and gone. As I write this, there are one and almost a half day of 2018 left. The past 12 months have been full of much hard work and achievement and pain and sorrow. I will complete my 54th year of living in 2019. To some, that is a long number of years, and for others too short — depending on one’s own perspective at the moment in time. Regardless of the years gone by there remains a constant reminder: That time is on our side if we use it correctly. And by correctly, I appreciate that what is correct is inherently up…
Read More

The United Strength of (an imperfect) America

[caption id="attachment_1388" align="alignnone" width="432"] African American Woman Sewing Flag[/caption] Am I so naïve to think America is perfect? Not at all. However, I have the wherewithal to understand something in the air has changed. There is a noticeable difference in the way people dialogue. There is a misunderstanding of others. We don‘t trust intentions. This causes fear. Fear gives way to anger. We yell. We point blame. Does this way accomplish anything? It may validate a point of view. But what do we want? If we could come together as people imagine what we could accomplish. Come together America. Leave the divisive rhetoric and see us for who we are. We…
Read More

Wonderful

She hates herself because she’s devalued from the moment she comes into the world due to the color of her skin.  She sees things the way man see things.  Yet, the way man sees is not the way God sees.  The Creator values all of his handiwork. They are wonderful. We marvel at the industriousness of the ant and enraptured by the playful maneuvering of the hummingbird.  There is respect and fear at the power and majesty of the Lion.  What about the sustaining earth which brings forth food for our bodies?  Yet, we are so inept as to devalue the most incredible of all of God’s creations, another human being. …
Read More

Oiesis: The Deception

“When you are told from childhood that you are expected and commanded to behave in a way that will be acceptable only if you do it voluntarily... you remain permanently mixed-up. That, if anything, is permanent brain damage...” - Alan Watts I knew I would need to take a good, long and honest look at myself. Others had defined me to that point. I had assumed a role put upon me by someone else–by my parents and by the Jehovah's Witness community. They had told me who I was to be.  I had allowed this as it was the only way I knew. That is how life must be. Now, that role was…
Read More

Refocus:

[caption id="attachment_1361" align="alignnone" width="300"] Refocus[/caption] There are time in our lives when we will need to refocus and do what is right for ourselves.  And, what is right for self may not be right for others.  That’s okay.  Part of the beauty of life is we can continue to grow as individuals and shape who or what we want to become. This has been my space in 2018.  I had to do what was right for myself.  Most individuals trying to promote a betterment lifestyle through writing would not do that (https://betterhappiness.com).  But for me it’s been a year of change and growth, some expected and some not.  Most of…
Read More

A Good Man Like Him

There are days when you’re so caught up in life you forget there is an eventuality running to you. One that no man, woman or child can successfully sidestep when it catches up to you.  No one knows when.  Only that it will.  Today, an old friend passed away.  He’d been sick for a while, so it wasn’t unexpected.  But the news of his death brought back so many fond memories.  He was a good man.  A fine father, spiritual brother and mentor.  He was a father figure to me. The last time I saw him was several years ago, and I told him I loved him.  Those were my…
Read More

God is Good. We are Too.

Some who read this may not follow, worship, or even believe in a higher power.  And that’s fine with me because I believe we’re all on our own individual journeys in life.  I love to see people overcome and succeed.  Life can be a brutal taskmaster, so there is benefit in learning how others navigate the challenges encountered, regardless of their beliefs.  After we say and do it all, we still share the same eventuality - the grave.  I find it much more reasonable to be agreeable to other's differences than to argue and fight about who is right or wrong.    My story is unique in some ways, but common…
Read More

Embrace Life

In life we know 3 things for sure: we are born, live for a certain number of years, and then we die - anything beyond that knowledge is speculation, faith or hope, however we want to frame it. Our creator gave us the gift of hope to get us through the eventuality of life. If this is the creator's gift, God's gift - what man has the right to deny another man's speculation, their faith or their hope? Rather, let that go.  Embrace life and all that it has to offer.
Read More

Live With Intent

The average lifespan in the United States is now almost 79 years. Since it’s an average, that means some will live longer, and some shorter, but most will pass along before they reach 80. Consider your age for a moment. Subtract that from 79. Think about it. Now, what will you do about it? Time is precious, and life is a miracle. Our individual lives are invaluable compared to an average statistic. Don’t waste time on things that don’t matter much, or people who don’t value you. Give yourself permission to let go of any pain from the past. Do your best to make the most of today and be…
Read More

Goodbye and Hello!

Photo by Ioana Cristiana on Unsplash Amazing. Another full year has come and gone. As I write this, there are one and almost a half day of 2018 left. The past 12 months have been full of much hard work and achievement and pain and sorrow. I will complete my 54th year of living in 2019. To some, that is a long number of years, and for others too short — depending on one’s own perspective at the moment in time. Regardless of the years gone by there remains a constant reminder: That time is on our side if we use it correctly. And by correctly, I appreciate that what is correct is inherently up…
Read More

The United Strength of (an imperfect) America

[caption id="attachment_1388" align="alignnone" width="432"] African American Woman Sewing Flag[/caption] Am I so naïve to think America is perfect? Not at all. However, I have the wherewithal to understand something in the air has changed. There is a noticeable difference in the way people dialogue. There is a misunderstanding of others. We don‘t trust intentions. This causes fear. Fear gives way to anger. We yell. We point blame. Does this way accomplish anything? It may validate a point of view. But what do we want? If we could come together as people imagine what we could accomplish. Come together America. Leave the divisive rhetoric and see us for who we are. We…
Read More

Wonderful

She hates herself because she’s devalued from the moment she comes into the world due to the color of her skin.  She sees things the way man see things.  Yet, the way man sees is not the way God sees.  The Creator values all of his handiwork. They are wonderful. We marvel at the industriousness of the ant and enraptured by the playful maneuvering of the hummingbird.  There is respect and fear at the power and majesty of the Lion.  What about the sustaining earth which brings forth food for our bodies?  Yet, we are so inept as to devalue the most incredible of all of God’s creations, another human being. …
Read More

Oiesis: The Deception

“When you are told from childhood that you are expected and commanded to behave in a way that will be acceptable only if you do it voluntarily... you remain permanently mixed-up. That, if anything, is permanent brain damage...” - Alan Watts I knew I would need to take a good, long and honest look at myself. Others had defined me to that point. I had assumed a role put upon me by someone else–by my parents and by the Jehovah's Witness community. They had told me who I was to be.  I had allowed this as it was the only way I knew. That is how life must be. Now, that role was…
Read More

Refocus:

[caption id="attachment_1361" align="alignnone" width="300"] Refocus[/caption] There are time in our lives when we will need to refocus and do what is right for ourselves.  And, what is right for self may not be right for others.  That’s okay.  Part of the beauty of life is we can continue to grow as individuals and shape who or what we want to become. This has been my space in 2018.  I had to do what was right for myself.  Most individuals trying to promote a betterment lifestyle through writing would not do that (https://betterhappiness.com).  But for me it’s been a year of change and growth, some expected and some not.  Most of…
Read More