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GRIP vs GRIPE
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Love and money are volatile topics
Whether you live in Siberia or the Tropics
Hunting love and money is always in season
They must be subject to some rhyme or reason
Either can be a long, mad, crazy trip
It would behoove us to get a grip
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APPLES AND ORANGES
When we purchase a pig in a poke
It could turn out to be some awful joke
What we thought we would get
Morphs into regret
All our hopes going up in black smoke.
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TRY AGAIN LATER
Don't think about it
Put it out of your mind
Don't give it another thought
Why waste today pondering a flock of unknowns
When today is all we've got
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FLOCKING
We are like songbirds
Each with a song we sing, our unique variation
And a song we respond to
That is how we find our flock
We are birds of a feather
Songs of love, kindness, redemption, gentle humor
Call to me
Songs of hate, violence and division are for other ears
Other flocks
Yet all are part of a vast ecology of differences
So I fly the friendly skies united with my lovely feathered friends
As we rise into the pink dawn and head off into a brand-new day
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SOMEWHERE STREET
There are streets we will never walk down
Traversed by people we will never meet
They have stories we will never hear
On that faraway Somewhere Street
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On the Street you will never walk down
Is a wise one filled with knowing
Carrying a special message for you
The message is Keep Going
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THE FOCUS NEWS
Howdy - here's the latest news from my neck of the woods
My avocado was finally ripe.
My toe is healed and does not need a bandage.
I lit a new candle for us.
I changed the bag in my wastebasket
All good news!
This is the localest news.
What directly impacts the quality of my day.
These are things I can comprehend, manage, fix
Unlike that other news about Over Yonder
Where I do not plan on visiting anytime soon.
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LISTING
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When we have a list of concerns
We will tackle them one by one
Taking care of them, checking them off
Until the list is done
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The problem solving framework
Scaffolding the upgrades must be
A daily workshop of healthy maintenance
So our future will be unburdened and free
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GOOD FOR SOMETHING
When we go to a laundromat
We expect to do our laundry
But not fix an ingrown toenail
Not make a tofu sandwich
Nor repair the clasp on an inherited necklace
No, when we go to a laundromat
Our expectations are realistic
The same thing applies to people
One person is a good listener but offers "tough love"
Another person can transfer computer files
But can't cook worth a bean
If we see people as just fine the way they are
We can see what they have to offer us
And what we can offer to them
Limitations and strengths exist in each person
This way we know who to ask for advice
And who can help with our computer issues
Without getting frustrated at normal human limitations
Or trying to adjust their personality to harmonize with ours.
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LIVELY UP YOURSELF
Sometimes it's not depression
Sometimes it is low morale
The two things feel very similar
So how can we really tell?
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The answer is plain and simple
We take time to look within
Listening to our inner commentary
It's the easiest place to begin
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Look for what you notice about yourself
That is really the key
Do you notice your strengths and talents?
How hard you try? When you succeed?
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Or do you only notice the blunders
Do you notice the failings and flaws?
Are you not noticing all the wonders
Of being you just because
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You are not pure or perfect
Though no one that draws breath is
So focus exclusively on what you did right
See if that dark cloud lifts
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Morale is all important
We need to keep ours high
If we are encouraging to ourselves
We get the energy to give it a try.
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YOUR HONOR
We are subject to lots of laws
The Laws of Physics and the Laws of Nature are non-negotiable
The Laws of God vary from scripture to scripture
But most include the basics like the Golden Rule
The Laws of the Land are the most detailed
Because they define our interactions in a complex society
Mainly to prevent vigilantes and feuds
Which can metastasize into wars
If not nipped in the bud
The most hidden laws, seldom written down
Thus, subject to change without notice
Are our innermost laws based on the creed we live by
Each of us has inner rules whether they are iron clad or loosy goosy
Inner laws that provide form and reform
To the complex cluster of interactions
We bring to society and our own little life
Even though these inner laws are the most poorly defined
They are the most important laws
Governing ourselves is vital
Crucial for navigating our chosen path
A moral compass we must consult to determine
Which direction the next part of journey will take
The Laws are the guideposts to stay the course
Taken by our Higher Selves when deciding a matter
Of importance.
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OPEN DOOR POLICY
We can convince ourselves that up is down
Wrong is right, bad is good, day is night
Being convinced of something is not proof
Something is true
No one would believe something they know isn't true
A folly way beyond a healthy imagination
We only believe what we think has been proven true
Everything else is conjecture and possibility
Paranoia and prognostication
An open mind is really essential to keep the flow of possibilities
Moving, they must move, or they wither away
Open the front door in your mind to let new ideas in
Open the back door to let old ideas out
With a bouncer at the front door to keep out the crazies
And a Security Guard at the back door to make sure
The old ideas leave without stealing the silver.
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THE MONSTER CALLED DEPRESSION
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Hopelessness is its mother and father
Oblivion is its goal and its prize
Respite fills its thoughts and its longings
The Ruinous Past fills its heart and eyes
You can hold back the Monster of Depression
If you pick up the Sword of Try
And the shield of Just One Thing
And an Effort you can apply
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TRICKERY DICKORY DOC
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"Let's you and him fight"
Is one of the oldest tricks in the book
Filling your mind with outrageous tales
Before you have had a chance to look
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The strident spin doctors can get away with anything
If your attention is directed at shadows and invisible foes
If no one is questioning the basis of these stories
Then no one sees and no one knows
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We all sense there is a lot going on
In secret behind the scenes
This leads to worry insecurity paranoia
We want to know what it all means
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Don't get pre-riled before you see
The actual impact of what will be
Save your outrage and anger
At things you experience personally
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Don't join that credulous army
Things can be interpreted in many ways
Listen, research, but don't believe
Anything a professional fear monger says
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BOO BOO
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Have you ever had a sore finger or toe?
You seem to bump it into things whereever you go
It seems like everything conspires to hit it
That poor sore sensitive digit
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You ask yourself "How can this be?
Everything seems to be targeting me."
It is the same when anger unaccountably flares
Something we experienced has touched a sore place in there
Deep in our feelings where old hurts hide
And something touches that sore spot inside
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We can tend directly to the wound once we find it
Apply the soothing balm of comprehension and bind it
With a growth philosophy of full responsibility
We treat our past injuries so they are not disabilities
Then our old wounds can finally heal
We will not suffer if it's no big deal
Look for your boo boos, not who to blame
Because healing and growing are the name of the game.
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WHAT? WHAT?
What causes two generals
Who face a common foe
Who need to coordinate their efforts
Because things are touch and go
What causes these mighty generals
In this dire situation
Then turn and fight with each other
What can be their motivation?
They undermine each other
They disagree and more
When their joint cooperation is essential
To fight and win the war
What rises in their minds
To eclipse the primary fact
That in order to be successful
They must join forces and attack
The enemy, not each other
A common cause should make them friends
Yet they squabble and they bicker
Forgetting about their common ends
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CLEARLY PASSIVE
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The same window I look through to see the renewing moon
Is the same window I look through to see the sun shine
I also see storms and dense grey fog
The scene changes all the time
These things don't cause the window to change
Either the viewer or the view
It doesn't hold on to the past
Every moment is startling new
We can make our minds like that window
We can simply observe and see
The sceneries present in this moment
This sets our minds free
We do not need to fear the spectacle
Of what is roiling away out there
We can stay safely inside and observe it
So come, let's just be observant and aware
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A NEW BEGINNING
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Sometimes it's "the rosy fingers of dawn"
Sometimes it's "red sky at morning, sailor take warning"
There's no way to tell as the vermillion floods out the night
Even for a seasoned voyager
So batten your hatches me hardies
Raise your sails, fly your Jolly Rodger
Off we go towards the radiant light
That forecasts meaning to our day
An uncharted land in unexplored waters
And we, the intrepid crew, ready to man the guns
Or hunt for treasure, we are bound for adventure
On these flame-colored waves
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GOOD BETTER BEST
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Just let them do what they're doing
Even if you see they might be making a mistake
Unless someone asks you specifically how to manage
There is no way in creation you can make
Someone see your solid informed reasoning
Clothed in your time tested philosophy
Their attitude is that they don't need
To be less like themselves and more like me
Just let them do what they're doing
Pat them on their little pointed heads
While they are still learning and growing
Invest your wise efforts on you instead
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PLAGUE OF CONTEMPT
There have been plagues throughout history
How they start is often a mystery
They suddenly end, we don't know why
We're sitting ducks until the next plague sweeps by
But there is one plague currently in play
That we can eliminate by what we say
A plague of contempt is clouding the land
It keeps snowballing, getting out of hand
It starts with a person angered to distraction
They don't want words, they want action
They are so desperate to get their point across
Civility, manners and kindness are lost
In a snarky tone sarcastic words are spoken
Meant to wound, the tirade is a token
Of the complete and utter contempt they extend
Towards someone who thinks differently from them
What is this meanness meant to achieve?
Here is what I think and believe -
The sarcastic ones are actually insecure
They are inflamed but not really sure
If their theories are workable and right
So instead of "time will tell" they pick a fight
With any opinion that might give them pause
To question their rightness or their cause.
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YES YOU CAN
Regular magic isn't hocus pocus
It is really all about focus
First an intent must form
Then we can cast our charm
The easiest most basic spell
Is to wish some project of yours well
Your purpose and your aim
Is to give yourself some gain
Put one goal in your crown
Like a jewel
Then positive focus is your tool
You will always benefit and succeed
If you follow this simple creed:
Do no harm - that's the half and the whole
Then focus your mind on your worthy goal
See it as if it already exists
Already done and checked off your list
Confidence and persistence is what we need
To make sure the improvement will succeed
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FOG OF MYSTERY
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We are surrounded by a fog of mystery
Unsolved questions that may never be solved
We can invent or surmise answers
That will never be wholly satisfying as long
As there is a lack of proof
We can't let these mysteries drive us nuts
Otherwise, we would all be nuts
(Which we kind of are, come to think of it)
Maybe the fog of mystery is confusing our minds
As we feel our way forward
The uncertainty, the mortal dread, the squeaking ego
The identity crisis
Being hard wired to want solid intel
The human mind has nothing solid to grasp
When it seeks a hand hold on reality
So, it seems like square one of getting to that mythical land
Inner Peace
Is to be fine if something is a mystery
To be content with Not Knowing
Sure, we may wonder about the origins of the Universe
The soul, a guiding higher consciousness
Yet no one has the answers to satisfy every mind
We have a menu of invented answers to choose from
We can choose Mystery, we can embrace Mystery
Be fine with not knowing
Who knows? It could lead to not worrying
Which is the greatest blessing of Inner Peace
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IMPASS
Oh no! The path ahead is blocked!
But fortunately this is true;
If a door is closed and locked
The hand on the key belongs to you
That great big boulder in your way?
It's made of the self defeating things you say
That dark cloud blotting out the sun?
Might be from the steam of an angry one
A new beginning on a brand new day
Blows those threatening clouds away
Turn that key! Lighten that load!
Watch as the boulder rolls off the road
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FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE
I could ride around in an armored vehicle
While wearing a Hazmat suit
Surrounded by armed body guards
With a Taster to check for poisoned foods
Medical professionals at my beck and call
Live in a fortress, guarded and patrolled by lions
Every alarm and lock in place
Yet still not be safe
From my damaging thoughts and unworthy impulses
My first line of defense must be to patrol the perimeter
Of my vast thought wilderness,
Full of unknown possibilities and probabilities
I walk with my inner spiritual advisors looking for those thoughts
Which might rise up and defeat me
Because safety comes first, last and always
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PLAN B
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Some situations can't be fixed
All our good faith efforts were nixed
Now we are worn out and vexed
The question becomes "What to do next?"
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First you retire to the rear and dress your wounds
Being battered and bruised because we consumed
Our inner resources to try and try
Now we look back on it all and sigh
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All life warriors need time to heal
Defeated might be how we feel
But we have not quite given up yet
Knowing there are numerous ways to get
To the wonderful goals we have in mind
Today is a new day and you have a fine mind
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WAX GURU
Anything can be a teacher, containing a lesson
It doesn't have to be something we learned
"The hard way."
It can also be learned from the easy way
Of observing exactly what you are doing right now
And looking for lesson contained within
For example, this morning I lit a new candle
After anointing it for our good, specifically,
That we are in the best place for us to be
"North, South, East, and West
Go to the place that serves you best"
At first the wick lit very brightly
Too brightly, as it turns out
Because it burned right down to the wax surface
And fizzled out
Lesson #1) Don't give up in frustration
But I have come across this situation before
Lesson #2) Don't reinvent the wheel, use what has worked in the past
And I tipped the candle while holding a lighter to the wick
Enough wax ran off to relight the wick
Now our candle is burning nicely
Lesson #3) Appreciate and enjoy your successes
This was a teaching contained within the act
Of lighting a candle, a wax guru come to gently
Remind me that
Lesson #4) Things might start out great but then fizzle out
Yet life experience can pick up the tangle and fix it
We can get double value from the events in our lives
If we look for the teaching contained in each
Precious moment of our enchanted lives
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INHABITABLE
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The thin veneer of civilization we currently have
Is not going to be enough to carry us into the future
I think we all can see that
The customs and manners, ethics and commandments of the past
Are not going to be strong enough to hold back the wild jungle
Of primitive emotions roiling in the level of consciousness
We currently have
We need enlightenend self interest to seep deep down
Like a century of the gentle rain of training to think
Differently
Empathy, kindness and practical goodness
Must permeate the human psyche until it reaches
The very bone and sinew of humanity
All minds need to see that rage, violence, and selfish behavior
Is inconsistent with the kind of society
We want to pass on to the next generation
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