Everywhere I Go, There I Am

Friends leave. Sometimes there is no other way. They may choose to leave for various reasons -- job change, death, or sometimes they just run away. Whatever the reason, whatever the purpose, what remains is always the same -- I.

I am.

I am, no matter what happens to my circumstances. Happiness is not found outside of me. If I rely on relationships (or anything else) to bolster my happiness factor, I am forgetting my right to choose. I know I talk about this a lot, but it is so worth repeating:

Happiness is a choice; not something you get.

I observe and I learn. I am learning the art of being me, and it as simple as a choice. All my life I've been searching. That's what I do. Today I am reminded me that I have discovered enough through the years to be, do, and have anything I choose. The Spirit which is in all things, and emits the Love that underpins all that exists is alive and well in me, and my happiness is found there.

Love.

Because of Love, I am able to love. I choose it knowing full well that It chose me first. I am. And everywhere I go, whether alone or with friends, there I will be found. And I am here. Right here, right now. I am a little more awake today, and the sun shone a little brighter today. It is this type of perspective on Life that guides me in the way that is best suited for me. I am a lucky man, and I know it. Thanks for reading :) and may peace fill your soul.

I love you. -- jb

How to Avoid Conflict Every Time

There is a very simple step we can take any time we are faced with the potential for conflict. Just one step... We can choose to NOT be offended.

Just. Do. It.

Now, I didn't say this is an easy thing to do. Simple and easy are two different things. Easy implies little or no effort. Simple suggests that little thought should be involved... it just might be difficult to make the choice to do it.

We can make a tremendous contribution to the overall well being of our planet by choosing to avoid fighting. All it really takes is a conscious awareness of the consequences of being part of a dispute, and choosing to be a part of the solution instead.

You Can Do It!

It may not seem natural to offer forgiveness, but who ever said fighting was our nature? Have you ever paid attention to how you feel either during a fight or after? It really isn't a pleasant feeling at all. Make the effort today to see the "other" as anything but the other. See them as equal. Choose to turn the other cheek. It is a sure fire way to avoid conflict. Try it today.

Peace -- jb

Reactor or Creator?

Do you react to things you experience and that is your action, or do you take action and create the life you want?

The Reactor-Type

I got up this morning and as soon as I stepped out of bed I stumped my toe, and fell into the nightstand bruising my leg. It hurt so bad. Everything spiraled from there as I prepared to go to the job I hate just so I can sit and listen to all of the problems of the delinquent occupying the cubicle next to me. He always looks at me like my fly is open. Every time I see him, I want to scream, "Brush your teeth!" He is such a loser.

The Creator Type

I woke this morning from a great night's sleep. As I got out of bed I stumped my toe and then I fell into the nightstand and really whacked my leg. If I didn't know better, I would swear someone moved that thing while I slept... lol. I couldn't wait to get to work so I quickly ignored the pounding in my toe, and just like that I forgot all about the event. I was in a particular hurry to get to work today. You see, there's this new kid in the cubicle next to me. He has had a rough time of it lately, but I really listen to him and we seem to be connecting in some way. He must know that I am being honest in trying to help him. Every time I see him I want to hug him and assure him that all is well. He's such a great kid.

Which Type Am I?

Do I understand the difference? Do I acknowledge that it is in the choosing that I determine whether I am the creator of my reality or the reactor to it? Either way, I choose. I am the one who makes my reality. There is no one to blame when things go bad for me. In fact, as soon as I choose to forgive the imagined offender, I realize that there was never any offense committed against me. It is always my perception.

Rearrange Your Letters

Did you notice that each type makes use of the identical letters? Reactor. Creator. When I rearrange the letters, I see that I could be either one. It is how I choose to arrange the letters that determines the word I use to describe myself. In the same way, when I choose to see the world around me in a different way, the world takes on a different look for me. I choose. It is only I. There is no one that is to blame for anything.

Realize The Truth

To quote a portion of the introduction to A Course in Miracles: "Nothing real can be threatened. Nothing unreal exists. Herein lies the peace of God."

Dear friend, put on real eyes, and real-ize the truth of our existence: We are One. We are created in the image of God to be about the business of joining in with what God is doing. And what is God doing? He is waking his children from their slumber, as we are willing, and He is showing us who we really are. (Even while we are breaking our toe.) When you get it, express it, share it. The peace of God is for all people. It is meant to be expressed. In the expressing it is shared, and in our sharing we are creating peace on earth.

One Hope -- Peace. One World -- Now. One Love -- Forever.

We can change the world if we believe that we can. Believe. Be change.

I love you. -- jb

I Don't Understand

I don't understand why some people choose to be so happy, but I like it. Lately I have been noticing that those with whom I am interacting seem to be much happier people than in times past. Could it be that this whole world peace thing is coming around?

I realize that there is uncertainty regarding the state of our financial institutions here in the U.S., as well as concern over money in general everywhere else in the world. I have had my own issues in recent months, but hey! It is really a great time to be alive, and the joy that I keep bumping into is quite contagious. It is also really hard to miss.

I like how it all seems to contribute to an overall sense of well being, at least from my perspective. Additionally, it is remarkable that this sense of well being would choose to manifest when everything appears to be so screwed up :O

I don't put much stock in the news, and I don't care too much about popular opinion. I have been hearing how bad the economy is for several years and with little exception, my work is as fruitful as it has ever, ever been. So why have some of us been shielded from so much of this chaotic activity and allowed to live an unaffected existence?

I tend to believe that those who choose to see the good will always see it, and the poor souls who choose to see only other than good, have an ample supply of doo doo to sift through. It is a choice to see beyond these illusions, and I encourage you today to consider a new set of eyes and/or glasses if you have anything less than beauty and truth in your immediate view.

It is times like these that allow for the contrast that becomes necessary for some of us when we get too complacent. It is indeed a beautiful world, it's just that some people need help seeing that beauty. If you're happy, offer a glimpse of it to a stranger as you make your way through your day. If your anything short of happy, drop me a line and I will share mine with you.

Either way, just remember that it is our choice to see beauty and truth, and it is also our choice to see something else. Seeing is sometimes believing, and the fact that I am seeing more smiles than frowns makes me more of a believer in world peace than ever before.

May you experience peace, love, and thoughts that are unhindered by illusions. -- jb

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I'm Going to Write a Book!

I have dreamed of writing a book for a couple of years now and I think my dream may be coming true through these posts! I've been submitting them to ezine articles which is a writers'-community-type site that accepts articles written under certain guidelines. They have graciously approved my ramblings and from time to time I visit the site, and read my posts as if I was reading pages from a book. If you blog similarly to the way I do, I would suggest you begin reading your blog as if it were a book and see what happens. At the same time...

I will go ahead and switch gears now (don't you love the way I didn't sneak it by you like I normally do?) I really am going to turn this into a book if I can figure out how, but for right now, I want to revisit the entire purpose for even starting a blog about exclusion and the simple fact that "there is no them." Let me say that again a little louder, There is no them! I am so perplexed at times, and I am uncertain about how and why we humans ever lost sight of the truth about our absolute connectedness. I am completely frustrated by the way many of us treat others just because they are different, and I have finally gotten so fed up that I had to start writing about it. I never intend to point a finger in judgement but I know I will offend some. That's ok. I actually believe that some people really like to be offended (I personally know some) so you can have at it with me because I love you no matter what you believe about me :O

Just stop and think about how we sometimes profile another without ever knowing we did. I hear people say, "Well, I 'jewed' him down on his price." Or, "Those children act like wild indians." Or, "I just n*****-rigged it." I will not write the word. It insults our entire society but I think you get the picture. I am a 46 year old (that means I was raised in the 60's) white American living in Montgomery, Alabama, and I have probably heard every variation on the prejudicial slandering of African Americans, Jewish Americans, Native Americans, and just about any other non-white American you can imagine. I now travel extensively and I am sad to say that that sort of unconscious activity is prevalent everywhere, and in every part of this beautiful world. I think I am going to be sick, but the point of this ranting ramble is an attempt to get you to think about it!

Think. About. It.

Why is it ok to say things that allow another human to be put down in the first place? Why do we listen without saying something? We could at least walk away. Do we so lack in imagination and originality that we feel compelled to perpetuate and participate in this mindset without questioning it? Furthermore, why does this sort of conduct ultimately lead us to take part in the act of exclusion? Judgement is a scourge on all of us and the snobbish practices of elitism and exclusivity have increased in there divisiveness it would seem. Polarity between races, classes of society, and ethnic groups all seem to be on the rise in recent times. But wait! Is this really happening, or is it that there have always been man-made excuses created right from the beginning of history that provide license to mistreat others anytime we like, in any way we like? I really think I'm going to be sick now.

I won't drag this out. You can read most any of my posts and fully understand my thinking on this subject, and I hope you do. I hope you will get others to read them. In fact, I hope you will not just read, but do something about it in your particular area of influence. Startle your friends by no longer participating in the old ways. Begin to show them a new way, a way of love and acceptance. It is really much easier to be nice to people than to be mean. We also expend much less energy accepting than we do pushing away. Try hugging somebody... it feels good, and it is so much less stressful to choose to avoid conflict with others than to choose to be offended by them.

We choose.

My friend, you and I are both human beings. The differences that make us unique are perfectly planned to contribute to the splendid diversity that comprises our human race. As soon as we change the way we see our neighbor, our neighbor will change before I very eyes without having to do a thing. We will suddenly see a new world, a world of peace. This world is one that I think is being lovingly, yet silently created in the background, behind the chaos and confusion. It seems to be hidden most of the time by news stories of war and violence, or it is subjected to last page news if written about at all. But there are nice people everywhere making news. You just don't hear much about it.

I think that if we just quit watching the news altogether, and made the choice instead to get up and go outside to visit the elderly widow down the street or the child with Down's Syndrome, we might begin to truly see the good news that is right under our noses. We need not ever look down the afore mentioned facial appendage again. All we need are eyes willing to see the beauty in everyone, everywhere, all the time. It is there if you look for it.

Just imagine a world free from conflict, and free from the idea of separation or division.

Wow! What a wonderful world that will be, a world worthy of the peace it seems unable to realize. I pray for peace. Won't you join me? I believe we can change the world together, and to help get us started I will leave you with some of the most beautiful words ever written:

"Imagine there's no heaven, it's easy if you try. No hell below us, above us only sky. Imagine all the people living for today... Imagine there's no countries. It isn't hard to do. Nothing to kill or die for, and no religion too. Imagine all the people living life in peace... You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one. I hope someday you'll join us, and the world will be as one.

Imagine no possessions. I wonder if you can. No need for greed or hunger, a brotherhood of man. Imagine all the people sharing all the world... You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one. I hope someday you'll join us, and the world will live as one." -- John Lennon

Peace is possible, love will make it happen, and our good thoughts about it will speed it up. -- jb

Hello World! I've Got Something to Say!

I just started trying to use Word Press. Don't ask me why, and it's not because I don't like Blogger. I really like it a lot. It's just that I keep hearing how I can do more, and do it better or whatever. So I was playing around with it and I got tired. See, I had a tooth pulled yesterday, and it hurt so bad I am all wimpy... you know how men are. I am embarrassed to tell you that this is a copy and paste job. I humbly beg your forgiveness :-)

_______________________

My name is Jeff Baker, and I am what I refer to as a philosopher-pontificate(r)-thinker-type person. I know that may sound sort of strange, but you’ll soon see that it makes sense : )

I am here to blog about life and the experiences (most being my own) that can contribute to the better life. I am hopeful that I will soon learn the intricacies of Word Press as I am sticking with Blogger for now. I felt the easiest way to get my first post published was to try a simpler program and apparently Blogger is a lot simpler, but at the expense of some cool things. I like the stuff I see, but I haven’t figured out how to do any of it for myself yet, and even though I want to make the change, I am having a bit of a slow start. I guess I am indeed a writer and would rather do what I am passionate about, and leave the “figuring out how to do everything” to someone better suited for it like my very talented wife/editor/bestest friend in the whole-wide-worldestest, Cornelia. At the same time, this has turned out to be more fun than I ever dreamed, and I will indeed tame the monster that is Word Press… eventually. If I ever get back to it. Right now my tooth hurts :/

Until then, please check to see how I am doing. I am quite the newbie as a writer, but I’ve been told I have real potential to get discovered. I’d like to think so, and I would appreciate your honest feedback and suggestions. I have to be prepared for the critics one day, right? So it makes sense that I would want to experience all that now, and try to make them (you) fall in love with me and my writing before I am famous. Really, please be open to say whatever you like or don’t like about my stuff. I really appreciate it.

You’ll find that I write mostly about the act of exclusion, thus the reference to “them.” We all are connected to the process in some way. I don’t know about you yet, but I know I’ve been picked last, omitted from the e-mail list, ignored by friends, and even shunned by the church. It hurts. But it doesn’t have to keep hurting. We choose, and everything we experience has been given our personal seal of approval to be experienced. Think about it for a moment.

Think. About. It.

I ramble some. You’ve been warned. I cover the gamut, from connecting peace to something like a hurricane, to exclusion being a teacher, along with rock songs, forgiveness, and Alzheimer’s Disease. Experience is our greatest teacher, of course, and sharing our experiences with one another in the form of stories brings us closer together. I love to tell stories, and I love to hear great stories too. I have a passion for being around when someone says, “I get it now!” Oh, before I proceed I want to qualify the term “it.”

It is when you meet yourself again for the first time :O

More on that later, so stick around. I really hope to create dialogue and get us thinking about what we can do about the state of our world. I think we all have differing opinions about what it might look like, but in the end I believe that we will see world peace, because I am equally certain that I have to make peace before I am able to contribute to the cause of peace. Forgive. Allow. Accept. Love. Think. All I am really trying to do is get us to think. The rest will come if we want it. I would be honored if you would join me.

Peace is the way, love is here to stay, and our thoughts allow it to happen today. -– jb

How Do You See It?

"If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change." -- Wayne Dyer

Do you believe that? I do and I can tell you that today is one of those days when I am encouraged by the truth of that statement. It feels strange to be writing this post because I am actually writing it to myself. I have been somewhat out of sorts lately, and I have to confess that I have allowed certain recent events and conversations to create within me an outright uneasiness. It crept in without my having the consciousness to detect it. Man that hurt to say. And it would be easy at this point to give myself a hard time, but I am actually ok with taking my own advice.

I realize completely that I had simply gotten lazy and lowered my vibration by falling back into some old thought habits. I finally decided enough is enough. I love myself and I love my life. I am the master of my thoughts and I hereby take charge once more and allow myself the opportunity to get over it. (Sometimes I do this daily until it sticks.) This post is as much about positive affirmations as it is a personal confession. I have discovered that the outer reflects the inner and I have stopped my "stinking thinking." The way I look at things is changing as I write because I have also discovered the healing that talking about something can bring about. I cannot blame anyone for the way I was feeling. It never helps a situation to point a finger when the other four are pointed back at me :O

I take full responsibility for me and I offer this post as a reference in action for your free consumption. Always be good to yourself and even if you begin to think something less than positive, just stop. S.T.O.P. Stop and take a moment, take three deep breaths and remember who you are. Remember what you are about. Love yourself through it and change you mental image of the situation. It isn't magic, but it works in similar fashion. Everything, and I mean everything that we see is what we choose to see. Our experiences remind us of how we are seeing things and by responding in a positive way and changing our minds, we become our own personal healer. God I am glad I did because I feel better already!

Positive thoughts and affirmations are so important during stressful times, and I cannot even adequately impart to you how much better I feel. It is good to take responsibility for ourselves. It is sometimes a good idea to take a good look at our surroundings as well. It might even become necessary to stop hanging out with the same people if those people are the source of, or a reminder of the uneasiness. It can be painful I know, but it is not selfish to take action out of respect for our own well-being. It is not easy but it is healthy and leaving behind individuals who can't get their own lives together is quite possibly the only thing we can do. They cannot be of any assistance to us when we are struggling if they can't help themselves.

Take time out right now and reflect on your personal situation. Is everything just like you want it to be? If not, is there something or someone that is making things cloudy for you? Is there a situation that you've been close to that now needs to be dealt with differently, maybe as if it were dead and buried? Is there anything better than having the power to choose?

My friend, if you have allowed someone to take your power, reclaim it Now. Stand on your own feet, hold your head high and say, "No more." Indeed, change the way you look at things, and the things you look at change. The bible refers to this as repenting. My Christian friends who don't do their own due diligence, and instead rely on preachers to define terms like this may not like the connection, but look it up for yourself. Oh never mind... here is the truth about the term "repent" in the exact way Christ used it, borrowed from our friends at wikipedia -- "The Greek term for repentance, metanoia, denotes a change of mind, a reorientation, a fundamental transforma­tion of outlook, of man's vision of the world and of himself, and a new way of loving others and God."

It feels good to look at things through our own eyes, clear and bright, with no clouds in view.

Now on a personal note, remember that Jesus, Emmanuel, the Christ was always positive in his perspective. He even saw the good in those who were in the process of killing him. "Putting on the mind of Christ" means just that. He never judged, lest he be judged. Think before you refer to that Mind. Don't speak about it unless you know something about it. If It is in you, you will have no difficulty seeing the world you wish to see. Then maybe you can find the peace that seems to elude you. Thanks, Jeff. I really needed to hear that :-)

"I can see clearly now, the rain is gone. I can see all obstacles in my way. Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind. It's gonna be bright, bright, sun-shiny day." -- Johnny Nash

That's an old song, but man, that's good stuff!

Peace is the only way. Create some today. It will help you see better. -- jb

Power Outage

Last night as the full effects of Tropical Storm Fay literally inched closer to our home, we found ourselves facing ever increasing torrential rain and strong, gusty winds. My wife and I were just hanging at the house watching all of it when suddenly everything went black. We live outside the city and even with the electricity running in normal fashion, it is very dark at night. Last night it was as black as crude oil. So black was this kind of darkness, in fact, that it was dangerous to try and walk around in our own home for fear of tripping.

We like to think we're pretty prepared for things. We got out a flashlight, turned on the weather radio, located some candles, and provided our own light. It was adequate for seeing where we were going, but the amount of light necessary for normal function was not available to us. It seemed that no matter how many candles we lit, we were still short on the amount of light we desired. Hmmm, I smell a ramble.

As I sit here now in reflection, which is my favorite thing about Sunday mornings, I am conscious of an analogy regarding light and dark and how the two play into our daily lives. I should add that for me there is no such thing as actual darkness. It is simply the absence of light. How's that for eternal optimism? I am also fairly certain that scientists concur with that statement. :) And when I refer to light, I don't necessarily mean physical light, although we certainly depend on it to see. What I'm really talking about is the kind of light required to see what is really happening.

I am on the other side of a very difficult event which culminated late this week with what I felt would be a wave of relief. Instead, I have sensed a subtle difference between the feeling of relief I expected and what I am actually feeling, which seems to simply be a strong connection with appreciation. It really took until last night for all of that to sink in. Up to that point, I still struggled with some of the remnant emotions related to that event and the impact all of the uncertainty has had on me. I have been looking for things in my life for which appreciation has not been the operative word, and I am finding the process very healing. On a personal note, I am especially appreciative of our dear friends the Johnsons. They know me and they have always been here for me. They allowed me to further my processing this weekend without judgement, and it has played an important role in my getting my head out of my rear end. Thanks guys! You are both good and true; two very needed elements in today's world. These two qualities alone, when uncovered in an individual, constitute a strong foundation for the act of light bearing.

For me, it has become inescapably true that being in the light is good for me. I am honored to be a light bearer when it is my duty to do so, but I am at the same time a willing and hungry soul longing for that kind of light to be poured into and all over me. I never want to be in the dark although it would seem that it is sometimes unavoidable. I like being able to see. I want to really see what is really happening, and I have discovered that seeing is only possible when there is sufficient light. :O

There are many among us living in a sort of darkness that restricts our ability to see. It is disturbing to watch. Sometimes we are not successful in sharing love and light in these situations. This shadow is so overwhelming for some of us that it has the the potential of reaching a point of becoming almost debilitating. We are all responsible for our neighbors, and when we encounter these specific souls, it is imperative that we do all we can to share our selves with them. Lift up your head and look around. It is a beautiful world filled with beautiful people... our extended family, and we are all connected to each other whether we choose to believe it or not. We are truly living in the light when we recognize and see our brothers and sisters as we look into the eyes of those whom we meet in our everydayness. Give yourself away today. I mean it! No hidden price tag connected with just giving yourself away as completely as you can to the one you see who needs it. There is no greater gift than to give your life away in service to another. Your love, your money, your time -- your life.

Peace for the heart of your Sunday, love for the fuel of your mind, no thoughts of self, only for "them" and begin to see your Spirit soar ;-) jb Join my blog network on Facebook

I Choose Peace

Peace. One of my favorite words... and the one thing that I desire most.

Each day is filled with opportunities to make choices. We begin choosing at the precise moment we awaken each day. How will I approach today? What are my issues or concerns? How will I deal with them? How will the decisions I make now affect the rest of my day? And how will they affect others?

Do you ask yourself questions like that? Have you given thought to how the way you start your day dictates your attitude towards everything else that happens from that point forward? For instance, the phone rings an hour before you are ready to wake up, and by the time you find the phone, the other party is gone. So, you lie back down and try to recapture your dream of winning the lottery or whatever. Just as you begin to drift back out onto the astral plane, the alarm sounds. I'm sure you get the point.

Whatever you had planned just got placed under a dark cloud if you're like a lot of people. For some of us who enjoy sleeping, it can really be a bummer to lose that precious time, and we pout all day looking for sympathy. (at least I do) But wait. What if you took another minute, only a small moment before you actually got out of bed? What if, in that moment, you reclaimed your power to decide for yourself how your day is going to go? Instead of falling for the illusion of a bad day, decide to be thankful for another day and get up with a smile on your face.

Well, I know it's easy to talk about and maybe not so easy to do. But I have found that by doing so, I have become a gentler person in noticeable ways. When I refuse to yield to the impression of a bad day and decide that I am satisfied with myself and my world, I am at an advantage in my effort to have a good day. My days are not perfect in some ways. Some might even say that I am faking it. They know I should feel bad because they also happen to know my circumstances.

I have learned a very important thing in my quest for personal peace: There is a difference between gratitude and appreciation. Gratitude is something I feel after having come through something or after receiving something. Appreciation is a choice I make no matter what is going on with me. I can appreciate my excellent health, my family and friends, my successful business, etc. I might be facing issues that are less than ideal, but when I am in a state of appreciation, it is ok. All is well. I will allow the gratitude to flow after I pass through this valley of uncertainty.

For now, I will choose appreciation as my main focus. It is helping me to be at peace. It is helping me to be peace. If I want peace for myself, I must be willing to offer peace to others. In offering peace, I avail myself of the Divine Peace that cannot be explained; it can only be experienced.

May your path be clear of debris. May you always have perfect peace without having to search for it. And may you experience appreciation for all you have... always.

Peace to you, appreciative thoughts about you, and love for you! -- jb

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You Are Good

Well, I was going to leave the previous poem post (say that 3 times really fast) as today's blog. I wanted to post something quick because NeNe (my wife Cornelia) wanted to take the pontoon boat out for a sunset cruise and I was making us late. The poem was actually written a couple of weeks ago and is a reflection of some memories that have accumulated over the last several years. Memories... hmm.

So, here's the deal:

We went out on this boat. It was warm but a little breezy and we had our two dogs, NeNe(the dog) -- not my wife -- and General (the other dog). It was calm and the water was like glass. We like to ride in the wind and sometimes we don't even speak. We're very comfortable in our skins and with each other so we don't have a need to fill the air.

This air was sweet. The clouds were hovering and the rumble of thunder could be heard in the distance. You could smell rain in the area. The sun setting behind a variety of cloud structures made quite a show of her colors for us.

While caught up in this imagery, I was simultaneously caught up in thoughts of my own, small, private world. I was lost in my brain, thinking of my stuff, enjoying the water fowl and the crickets, when suddenly the two worlds I was traversing converged.

For me, it was symbolic; a sign from above; reminiscent of past stirrings of promise. It wasn't prominent, you sort of had to look for it but there it was... a rainbow.

A rainbow.

For some, it is the old testament-God's promise of preserving human life always. For some it's what happens when sunlight passes through moisture in the air. For me, the rainbow has historically appeared during times in my life when promises were scarce. Times of uncertainty; times when promises that could be trusted were hard to find; times when I needed a sign.

At the same time, some promises are unique to me; promises that reside deep inside of me; promises that only apply to me and my reason for being. You know how sometimes, even when things look pretty shaky, there can be a peace because you say to yourself something like: Huh-huh, not me... I know everything is going to be ok. All is well, and I am fine.

All is well, and I am fine.

I found myself saying that tonight. I know it's true. You know how you know that you know that you know? I know. So I know I'll be fine. But this blog isn't just about me. Really it's not. It's about us/we... you.

How about you? How do you feel? Are you hopeless? Do you need a promise? Do you need a sign or a symbol?

I don't know if you pray or if you believe that you're on your own here and that's it, that's all, or what... I don't know anything about you, but I do know this: If you sincerely ask for, desire, want something, believing that you have nothing to lose and everything to gain; if you can conceive of it as being true in your mind, picturing whatever it is as being the way you desire it to be, it can be. You can get that promise from books ranging as far as from the bible to "Think and Grow Rich."

We don't require a sign or a symbol. We like them, but we sometimes are forced to go deep and just trust. In times like these we get the chance to see what we are made of.

What are you made of?

I was reminded this evening that I am made out of the same Divine stuff that God is. I can choose to believe in me and my inherent goodness (just like God does), or I can fall for the lies that the world throws at me and choose to believe that I don't have what it takes; that if I don't prescribe to someone else's version of the truth, denying the truth that resides in me, I am doomed to fail.

I can choose to believe that everything is good and so am I. I choose that by the way. I chose it again earlier tonight. You can too.

Choose.

Choose to believe in you. I believe in you.

May you sleep in blissful peace this night, knowing that you are good.

You are good. -- jb

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All is well... really it is.

I have a Facebook page and I do a little thought for the day ramble. As I was writing, I had the passing temptation to just copy it over to today's blog, grab a beer, find a cool spot for my skinny butt, and let the world fade away.

Anyway, did you know that all is well? Do you worry? Do you suffer from anxiety about the unknown? Would you believe me if I told you that you don't have to live that way?

Uh, you don't have to live that way.

Life is complex enough without the added burden of all our fears being projected out into it. There simply is nothing to fear, and the sooner we all get our minds wrapped around that truth, the sooner the world will be a much nicer place in which to live.

All our thoughts become the things that we experience, so happy thoughts make it easier to maneuver through this life with joy. I have had responses to that kind of thinking that I can't repeat here, (mean people need love too) but suffice it to say, some people seem to really enjoy their misery. I choose to be happy, and when I do, life is much better. I choose to be happy first and then the products of my thoughts don't trap, trick or distract me from my purpose.

I don't have time to wait to be happy. As soon as my ship comes in, or as soon as I lose 10 pounds, or as soon as he changes his ways, then I will be happy. No!

Choose to be happy. It is a good choice, not to mention a healthy one... speaking of happy, I just got a call from my son, Brandon. He is about to enter his junior year at the University of Alabama. He has taught me as much about choosing to be happy as anyone I know. It comes naturally for him, and I just love the man for his wisdom and his infectious smile.

Writing all this has made me happy. And just a little thirsty.

Peace to you, love for you, happy thoughts about you. -- jb

hearme@jeffbakertalks.com... drop me a line and let's talk.

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Well, so what?

Ever had one of those days when everything goes really, really well?

I have had that kind of day and I started thinking: So what?

So what?

Think of all the days that we have had that we categorized as bad. What's the difference?

Well, for me it all starts as I am waking up and gathering my world. This is where daily choices begin. Do I choose life or do I choose death. You can replace those words with whatever floats your boat... happy/sad, grouchy/cheerful, etc... it doesn't matter how we phrase it. The fact is, we choose everything. I guess I chose to have a really, really good day today.

So, you might say, "JB, that's too much of an oversimplification." So what? It's my blog... just kidding. But we do choose, man. It's the most beautiful thing when you stop and think about it. It's like saying, "I am the master of my universe. It is up to me." And if you said that, you'd be right!

When you have a rotten day, what do you do? Look for someone to blame? The guy who cut you off in traffic; your kid who left the bigass truck outside your bedroom door that you tripped over; God; your wife; your boss... get the picture? We like to blame. It takes the attention away from me and my actions. ok... I'm rambling.

Here's the deal -- Even if your day starts out on the wrong foot, stop! Don't let another second pass until you remind yourself that everything else about your day will be a result of how you react to the start of your day. You have the power to ignore the illusion of a bad day and choose to make the day what you want it to be. Unless you want to have a bad day, in which case I am certain that you need to visit a different blog. :-)

My friends, I have convinced myself that if I start my day with love for myself, the guy that will cut me off in traffic, my kid (he's actually away at college so I need a different example here), God, my wife...(they're not one in the same), my boss (I don't have one but you might, so the example is sound), whomever!!! -- If I start each day from LOVE, there is a really good chance that the world can change "in the blink of an eye."

Put that in your pipe and smoke it -- peace for now.

jb

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