Windows 2007

I find pleasure sitting by the sofa next to the window in the living room. Windows seem to give me snapshots of what the outside world looks like. It offers different views, sights, colors, and images that lead me to introspection. Blue sky, the neighbor's rooftop, electrical posts and wirings, the ocean, quiet and busy streets, nightscapes and landscapes, these are some of the scenery that brings me delight. Each new day. The most beautiful thing about looking out from behind the window, moreover, is the awe and expectation of what could be and what is out there waiting to be discovered: The World. The buzzling lights of the city and the flickering reflection of the moon or the sun on the ocean are some of the things that take my mind on a roller coaster ride of imaginative bliss.

THERE IS SOMETHING OUT THERE WAITING FOR ME.

This coming new year I will sit by the window in the living room for a while. Yes, the Living Room. I will take the time to think, visualize, listen, watch, and clear my mind of bad memories, out of focus shots, negative behavior, and other toxic experiences that I have seen and heard in 2006. I will take heed of Life and what it has to offer me. I will wait and watch the sun rise, and hear God say, "Behold I make all things new."

I will let go of the past. I will claim my tomorrow. I will live my Life today.

Swimming with Crocodiles

IT'S NOT WHAT OTHER PEOPLE THINK, SAY OR DO TO US THAT MATTERS, BUT WHAT WE THINK, SAY OR DO TO OURSELVES AND OTHERS THAT REALLY COUNTS.

Up until now, I have realized that Life is tough only because we make it difficult for every one of us to co-exist and live harmoniously. People are mean to each other, pull each other down, hurt each other, slander each other, ignore one another, among many other things. I do not understand why we have to be rude and malicious to have value and a place in the inner circles we revolve in by spitting at and biting each other. Some of us had to do so growing up, because the surrounding culture called for survival of the fittest, scarcity of resources, lack of human touch and kind words: WE WERE UNLOVED.

I have been slandered at work lately (after 2 weeks of being there and mingling at the Christmas party) for things that were not even documented and confirmed. I don't know why some people want to eat the newbies alive. I don't know how my quiet and very civil presence made some people want to attack me behind my back. I am almost convinced that I am swimming amongst crocodiles, and that at anytime, a rib, a joint, or a head would fall off instantaneously.

I was taken aback. Seriously. It became clear to me that we humans seem to find it necessary to fight, struggle, and compete with one another to get at something we think is the most important thing in this world: SURVIVAL. If this is what life is all about, then we are all pathetic losers trying to get rid of one another until the last man standing wins. ALONE and BY HIMSELF.

So how do I make peace with this recent backstabbing? (Smiles.) This is nothing new. All of us have done bad things to each other, family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, etc., and the most fascinating about this is that we are also caught by surprise by the kindness of fellow human beings at any given time and day. The kindness of STRANGERS is often times more heartfelt and inspiring than the negligence, lack of care, insensitivity, ignorance, and mediocrity of FAMILIAR people in our lives. And this story is becoming sadder every day.

I wan to Live therefore, I have to pursue Life and not Death. I don't need to focus on what others think, say, or do to me, but I can live a better Life by treating myself and others with Love and Respect. I don't have to expect anything from anyone, but I can be that kind stranger to everyone.

God's Love will keep us alive.