Stop and Smell the Perspective

Perspective…I lost a friend to cancer last Thursday.  She and I went from 6^th through 12^th and then worked together at the bank for years, hung out until 1998 and then kept touch for years through cards.  I didn’t know she had been battling cancer.  So it was a shock to find out.  I can’t stop thinking about her, our times together and that she isn’t here anymore.  I’ll never get the chance to see her smile.  She lit up a room…really. 

So I stop and smell the perspective as it makes me be thankful for that time I had with her, thankful for all that I have, forget about what I don’t have and remember that life is a precious gift.

2008 Make it GREAT!

Beginning another year

fresh and new;

It may be your last,

and be my last too.

What would you do if

it was your last year?

Make memories, take pictures,

kiss and hold all those who are dear?

You may find it morbid,

you may find it scary,

But the truth is it’s a year

filled with dread AND with merry.

So choose your perspective

watch for good or for bad,

It will make you the same

so why not be GLAD!!!!!!!

I wish for you and yours a VERY HAPPY and HEALTHY 2008!

I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that mine with be GREAT!!!!!

By Deb (www.thecanvasgrey.wordpress.com)

ALERT! Major Paradigm Shift Occurring!!!!

This morning I was sorting through some items for a volunteer position.  I had the boob tube on THE VIEW because they have Whoopi now.  I love her because she makes me think AND laugh, a great combination.    

Chris Mathews was on talking about how he believes that politicians are smart because they are people who don’t make anything or do anything except raise money and make policies for other people to follow.  I liked that (chuckle).  Then Mr. Mathews points out that politicians ask for and get money from people who are accountable to them (the politician).  Okay, let’s review that carefully because this paradigm shift blew me out of the water.  Another way to say it is:  Politicians don’t “owe” those that contribute or vote for them anything.   The ladies jumped on it and asked how this could be.  Mr. Mathews went on to say that people who give something to someone have basically passed on their power to the person to whom they have given something.

Difficult to completely comprehend that isn’t it?  Mr. Mathews pointed out that most of us have the mindset of an accountant thinking a campaign contribution holds the politician accountable to us.  However, this isn’t true because basically WE are indebted to the politician because we gave/paid them our money/trust.  In other words, I’ve got mine and forget about yours or what you THOUGHT I said/promised/did/going to do, etc.  You’ve just given me your power.

That is the second time THIS WEEK I’ve heard this perspective.  I’ve heard this here and there for years but thought that perspective is for idiots.  Now, I’m not young and I know the ways of the world ain’t always so great.  But if the paradigm shift like this is coming we are ALL in trouble.  I much prefer the “you scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours” philosophy of life.  At least there was some responsibility and accountability there. 

Are we really going to spin stuff so out of control that our new version will be “you scratch my back, and then turn around as I kick your ass while you walk away?”  Oh, I forgot to add that “I have no accountability for what you’ve done for me, paid or given me!”  Doesn’t this sound like a teenager before they mature, look around at the world and realize what wonderful parents/guardians and up bringing they had?  Doesn’t this type of thinking remind you of spoiled, have it alls that just take and take and take?  Aren’t these people usually considered sociopaths or evil?

So where are those young, “going to change the world” kids from the 60’s who did drugs, love-ins, sit-ins, protests, riots for change against the establishment?  Oh, they ARE the establishment now…and this is the paradigm they are establishing? 

Perspectives, they are funny things aren’t they?  Lately it seems everyone has become a pro at spinning things, manipulating paradigms, inviting different perspectives so be ready to stand on your head and view things from a ridiculous angle.

Excuse me while I walk outside and lay down in the street for a completely different perspective!