Rocky has busily gathered some great items from the
internet. I gathered some of them today as ways to improve our lives simply.
Not always easy steps, but good ones just the same!
First, youth Christmas present idea:
Kid
sitting on Santa’s lap asks for books, computers, and the ability to
Travel through time
and space. Santa responds with a Library Card.
If you haven’t already secured a library card for your child
or grandkid, think about doing just that in time for the Holidays. It is the
passport to a wonderful world of ideas.
Second, focusing on ourselves as the cause of problems is a
good step to fixing things:
“If
you blame the decline of America
Homosexuals
Abortions
Non-believers
Separation
of Church & State
Evolution
The Poor
Congratulations! You
are what’s wrong with this country.
We cannot fix others. We can fix ourselves. If the above
list is accurate for you, then you know what to do!
Third, history contains actual facts. Events occurred. Why
they did happen as they did takes years of study and piecing bits of
information together to form an accurate picture of the times. Here’s one quote
that helps us understand this premise clearly:
“They
came with a Bible and their religion, stole our land,
Crushed our spirit, and now they tell us we
should be thankful
To the Lord for being saved.”
~Pontiac
Fourth, what we wish for affects what we get. Sometimes with
grossly unintended consequences! Bertrand Russell (1872-1970), the great
British philosopher, logician and historian shares this thought with us:
“If
there were in the world today any large number of people who desired
Their own happiness more than they desired the
unhappiness of others,
We could have paradise in a few years.”
Think about that. Desiring our own happiness – although
egotistical and problematic – is not the problem. Desiring the unhappiness of
others, however, is. Not wishing for that, not demanding retribution on others,
strengthens us and makes for a better world. Think about the recently completed
election campaigns, think not about the victor or loser. Think instead on the
future and what would make us happy. You happy. Maybe now we can get somewhere?
Fifth, in this time of distressed economies and global
unrest, it might be a good thing to remember those in need. They are mostly in
need because of actions far away from them that delivered unintended
consequences upon them. So now there is a need for those who can, to do. Listen
please to the words of the Dalai Lama:
“Compassion
is not helpless pity, but an awareness and
Determination that demands action.”
That directive is for each of us, not someone else. I can do
something about the ills that surround us. You can, too.
Five simple things. Not easy to accomplish. But they will,
when done, or even in process, lead to better times. Thank you in advance for
being a part of this!
November 27, 2012
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