Cycle of Change

We may not always have a choice about some changes that
occur in our lives, but we do have choice over how we react
and what we do in the wake of change.

And, when we find ourselves stuck in an uncomfortable
status quo, we have the ability to ponder and advocate
our own changes when necessary.

But these most significant changes don't occur by chance;
careful meditation and planning goes on. We might have
contemplated and speculated for months or even years
before breaking free of the spell of the old in order to set
forth a new status quo.

And as it didn't occur by osmosis, neither with it maintain
on its own steam. Any worthwhile endeavor, including a
life well lived, cannot simply coast along. There has to be
attention paid, preparation and planning, difficult choices,
appreciation of our strengths and weaknesses, and a basic
understanding of why we do what we do.

Keeping focused and readying ourselves ahead of time
is a sure way to better combat the pitfalls of this crazy
ride. Not every day will support us, not every person
will like or love us, but at the core of it all has to be our
dedication to self and the goals we have.

Even if your goal is 'simply' to have the best day possible
for you, where you are at right now, that is more than
sufficient. That's everything.

If your goal isn't to be taking care of yourself, perhaps
it's time to examine what your goals are...or to get some.

We will always face obstacles and injuries; life is a
constant flow of change and adjustment. If we refuse to
be proactive and fluid, we will find ourselves at the
business end of decisions and choices, rather than the
one in charge of making them.

We can survive any number of problems, relapses,
mistakes, abandonment, and setbacks; we can survive
anything except perhaps giving up on ourselves.

Finding out...what is fake and...what is real

Even in you follow a spiritual path, it doesn't
mean that you have to be a passive wimp.

But at the end of the day, no matter what
you believe, there's only one person standing
between you and oblivion; You.

We are all of us warriors, not only capable of
defending and watching our for ourselves, but
implicitly designed for self-preservation. We are
expected to maintain our own personal welfare.

But we live in a world where people teach us
to be meek and accommodating and servile.
We are broken and domesticated and kept,
taught to bow to authority again and again.
Because to do so serves the greater 'good.'

We are all of us ultimately insignificant to
everyone but ourselves. So we have to learn the
methods for protecting ourselves.

We have to stand up to those who would
convince us that it is in our interest to give power
to another. That we have to become inactive
in our own fight, and simply 'wait and see.'
Because no one has a vested interest in your
well being or success except you. Nobody.

And the sooner we all accept that and learn
some good old fashioned American self-sufficiency
and toughen up, the better we'll be.

Because the world is rough and tumble, and it's
nothing personal, but it will devour you if you
aren't prepared. Inside every one of us is a
warrior, just waiting to be let out.

Don't let anyone intimidate you into thinking
that you don't have any power over your life...
or the right to exert it.