Autumn Brings Clarity

The crispness of the autumn air is such a welcome change to the sticky humid days of summer I've endured for too long. Although the temperatures are still very warm, I know change is coming.

It is odd - as the earth turns dormant I am refreshed and energized. I have purpose and clarity and I've achieved a few personal goals. I have renewed energy and a feeling that something great is on MY horizon.

Sophia

Reflection and Time Away

There are certain aspects of this world where humans have no control. Oh, they think they do but they don't. I am no exception. I have no control over the weather, traffic, amount of taxes I pay and especially I have no control over others.

But on the other side of this I must realize that I am also un-controllable - but only if I choose to be. Becoming un-controllable isn't easy especially for someone like me to was raised to listen and be obedient. Sure, I went through stages where I was less-controlllable but I could be reined in by authority. Is being un-controllable a goal in which I should strive? Maybe - maybe not, but what is the alternative? Perhaps there is a happy medium somewhere.

I'll be taking a break for a week or so and during this time I will be reflecting on the parts of my life where I'm the puppet and cutting some strings. Take care all. I'll be back around September 18th.

Blazing A New Path

For awhile now I've been talking less and listening more and there are times I don't like what I hear (and see). I hear grumblings of unfair treatment when I don't see it (this has nothing to do with the recent tragedy along the Gulf Coast) and witness unfair treatment where nothing is done about it.

I see excess and and deficiency, the haves and the have nots, people who work and people who don't and I see abundance and I see scarcity. I used to wonder where I fit into all of this, then I realized, I fit where anyone sees me and all those people don't see me in the same light, and I have come not to care about who they think I am or how they judge me. I just don't really give a damn.

My life dreams are lofty for some and unambitious for others. I'm percieved as lazy by some, a work-a-holic by others. Life is too short to live by the standards other individuals and society holds as sacred for us.

I'll be the best I can be in MY eyes and no one elses. I'll keep a clear conscious, mindful demeanor and a steady hand. I'll rest when I need to and work when required. But the remaining hours in the day are MINE!

Sophia

Out of the Rubble

I'm sickened at all the finger pointing during this time of utter despair and chaos suffered by so many. The tragic aftermath of Hurricane Katrina has brought out the best . . . and the worst in people and some of the worst is coming from the leadership community.

Federal governnment is a dinosaur who reacts slow. I've worked with both the DoD and EPA in the past and know the amount of red tape. I don't believe the government left the victims in those horrid conditions because they were poor or because they are black and those who want to pursue the issue and point fingers are trying to unravel what the United States is all about.

Yes, there were many many mistakes and most of the them on the local and state levels. The Federal government was too slow in realizing the incompetence and the inadequacies of those supposedly in charge. People died and I'm sorry.

Perhaps it will be handled differently next time. And there will be a next time.

Peace

Sophia

Gentle Strength

Time like these bring out the best . . . and worst in all of us. I admit I was one of those folks filling up my gas tanks (yes, more than one) yesterday, a reaction to the panic that ensued the city. I also drove by the Red Cross and made a donation.

The feeling of helplessness is rampant. I sit in front of the television and watch the devastation. I feel guilty because I can't do much to help. I cannot volunteer nor can I donate large sums of money. I just don't have it to spare.

I see video of looters and evil run amuck and I see heros of all kinds. I see desperation and I see hope. I see diligence and kindness in the face of catastophy. It was so overwhelming that I had to turn off the television.

My part will be small I know, but I suppose my gentle strength is all I have - a kind word, a reassuring smile, a gentle hug that all will be well again and the courage to believe in a better tomorrow.

I have nothing else to offer.

Sophia