To Vote or not to Vote

I was talking to my 18-year old niece a couple of months ago and I asked her who she was going to vote for in the election (now that she was of age to vote). She told me her choice. I asked her why she had chosen this party and she said "Because that's who my dad is voting for.".

So, I asked her if she was going to do any of her own research on the candidates, just to make sure that she also thought this particular party was the best choice for her and for the country...her reply was this "Hell no, I don't have time for that...It's summer and I have softball!"

Tragic. Because she doesn't think taking time to improve her awareness and making a choice she thinks is best is important, and because up until a couple of years ago, I didn't either.

I used the excuse that there are too many liars in politics and the media. And you will never really know if what you think you are voting for is what you are going to get. This was a "cop out" of coarse, for being afraid, not wanting to research, and not really caring about anything but myself.

Today I have grown in awareness and believe that it is important that each and everyone of us takes a look at what our options are. Its important to be grateful that we live in a country that allows us the opportunity to have a say in our future.

Now, I am an idealist by nature so I know politics can be very discouraging at times...but persevere!

This is an important time for us; our world is evolving. Change is in the air and this is a good thing! Just remember nothing ever lasted that has stayed exactly the same.

Go out and vote this year for the candidate YOU choose!

What?

Life is short, thoughts run deep

What's it all for? Are we all sheep?

There must be more, an unseen plan

Can't seem find it, head in the sand

Fear runs deep, what will I find?

Love is strong, disregard the mind

How much unknown, tick tock tick tock

A sense of urgency, or am I in shock?

Its the end of the world as I know it

and I feel fine...

-G. Garrisi 08

Reason, Season, Lifetime

(I am not sure of the author here but I like the idea and wanted to share it...enjoy)

People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person...

When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.

Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn...
They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it, it is real. But only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons, things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.

It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant. Thank you for being a part of my life, whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime.

Constant Prayer

There are some of us who are born into this life with a very strong sense of purpose; a desire or hope that what we do in life will matter and make a difference. That however does not mean we will actually do anything at all with our lives...

There are so many obstacles in the way for some of us, despite our desire. Without the proper support as children and guidance as young adults many of us can become depressed, discouraged and lost.
Personally, I came into the world this way and ended up just the way I described at the mere age of 28.

Without direction, support, and encouragement, dreams can get muddled and we end up living lives that belong to other people in an effort to find something that fits...

Usually that is where rock bottom comes in for most of these types of personalities. At the end of their rope, their only choices seem to be to step off the chair, or pray.

Thank God I prayed.

I would love to say there was a great shining white light that scooped me up in all encompassing joy and handed me a list of all the things that I was to do next to ensure my life was fulfilling and I am content here...
Ya....no. That didn't happen. But I did find relief from my fears and my unhappiness, and I became open to letting people give the support and guidance I had been neglected as a child.

Over time I have learned that the guidance is within me. I have to meditate, listen very close in silence to what is behind it and that is where I will find the answers.

Having had 28 years to practice a different way of operating, this new idea seemed difficult and too slow....but practice makes progress and year after year I keep trying and I don't give up.

It is becoming clearer to me now, that voice within, and much easier to access.
Now when I feel off coarse or unsure I know what to do to get help and to find direction.
The new challenge for me is in actually doing it.