Veterans Deserve More than One Day

“They were all in and they were all together, 

one nation, under God, indivisible, 

with liberty and justice for all.” 
― Bob Richardson

Today our Veteran's are honored, but why just today?  Instead of just one day, why haven't we been utilizing resources  for standard living?  In reference to war Brene Brown states:  " For soldiers serving in Afghanistan and Iraq, coming home is more lethal than being in combat.   From the invasion of Afghanistan to the summer of 2009, the US military lost 761 soldiers in combat in that country. Compare that to the 817 who took their own lives over the same period, and this number does account for deaths related to violence, high-risk behaviors, and addiction.” 

We ask Americans to serve in our wars, and their families are deeply impacted as well.   Honorable men sit safely behind desks predicting, projecting, and plotting the course  while other honorable men follow orders into atrocities, physical disabilities, chemicals or torture, becoming scarred human beings.  These courageous men return home expected to be normal and carry on with the American Dream.  If we cannot support honorable men impacted by the horror of war, then as Americans, we aught not send them.

More effort needs to be placed on recognizing we are all made by the same God and God is not on one side or the other.  When we can respect each other as fellow earth dwellers, perhaps we can find peaceful ways to share, care, and distribute equally with respect and honor for all.

 

 

Anticipation Replaced by New Reality

"Stay awkward, brave and kind!"

Brene Brown

Back tracking in my journal, I came across a 'To Do" list prepared for my return to Nashville.  Based on my previous experience of living in this city, I looked forward to numerous activities such as :  Flea Markets; Southern Book Festival; Writers Guild; Library Book Club; Nature Trails; Art and Craft Festivals; and Music Festivals.  The intention would be to create eclectic friendships and to settle my spiritual self  into my new apartment.

Little did I know only a few weeks after my arrival, a tornado would blow through, followed by the arrival of the virus.  Most of the above mentioned activities soon became impossible including the new apartment.  I was sheltered in my daughter and son in law's love filled home accompanied by beautiful grandchildren.

It is fortunate that my core remains strong and I adapt well to differing situations.  Within me remains the desire to write and thank goodness my daughter's book collection sustains me.   I am graced with gifts from the 'littles' ... tons of hugs and kisses; so, although my life does not match my original intentions, it is one worth living.  The love of family and appreciation for the breath of life, I move forward bravely, continuing to be kind.  Awkward is not new to me and it keeps me aware for what still may come, and not taking anything for granted.

When Hard Pressed

Conflict has appeared in what is usually a warm and accepting environment.  I am totally caught off guard and I feel tension spreading through my body with waves of fear.  I experience my mind building a strong defense to secure things will remain comfortably in my favor.

It pays to sit awhile, to toss ideas around so they can be worn out and set in a corner of the mind.  I let my concerns drop down into my heart and I scoop the fear from my belly.  Sigh.  Peace returns and I can view the situation from a greater distance, allowing creative opportunities to surface.  

Instead of trying to 'stack the cards' in my favor or decide what is 'right', I can venture into positive outcomes when change occurs.  My intuition is somehow able to bring to the the surface ideas enhancing the situation rather than producing a negative climate.  

To allow the mind to stop thinking and to wait for insight that will benefit all involved, is truly a preferred way of decision making.  When hard pressed, it is best to just admit clear insight is not apparent as of yet, and more time is required.  Automatic responses are rarely in any one's best interest.  Give permission to take as much time as needed until thoughts, feelings, and emotions are aligned.