Politically Speaking

Lately, I have found myself following politics more than ever.  It started in late August when Obama was in the full swing of his re-election campaign. I would watch MSNBC and other news channels just to keep up with what was happing in the race.  Now, I find myself watching just because it’s interesting.  I always knew politics effects and groves much of our lives.  Only recently, I became aware of just how far reaching politics can become.  The news is filled with discussion about immigration reform, legality of same-sex marriages, and gun reform.  The right and the left, the Republicans and the Democrats seem to be light years apart on most of these issues, and we, the American citizens are caught somewhere between the cross fire. I am watching anxiously to see how America fares my summer, until then, I am going to buckle my seatbelt because I am sure it is going to be a long and bumpy ride.

Thought for the day:

“When outside forces effect your life, your challenge is to manage the outcomes with tolerance, diligence, and perseverance. There is always a silver lining.”

Super Bowl Holiday Hype

I have never been a sports enthusiast although I often find myself intrigued when watching Venus or Serena Williams play tennis.  Young Gold Medalist Gymnast Gabby Douglas was spectacular to watch, but football has never done it for me.  Well, there was that one time in 1985 when “Sweetest” Walter Payton and the Chicago Bears played in and won Super Bowl XX. Not only did I root for the home team, but I also watched every thrilling and non-thrilling moment of the game until the Bears gained their much-earned victory over the New England Patriots. Sadly, even though I have attended several Super Bowl parties, I must admit I have not watch a complete game since 1985.  I have laughed at a few commercials and managed to catch a few half time shows; however, I usually find someone to talk to that has as much interest in football as I do.

Last week, I heard on an MSNBC news program that someone had actually circulated a petition asking that the Monday after the Super Bowl be made a national holiday. It has several thousands signatures and only need a few thousand more before the White House will give it actual consideration. Personally, I do not think the Monday after the Super Bowl should be named a national holiday, after all, it would only give those over zealous football fans who ate, drank, and screamed too much a chance to sleep off the effects of a good time. Personally, I would like to see a national women’s day holiday where women everywhere are recognized for all they do to keep this world running. I bet Michelle Obama, Hilary Clinton, Jill Biden, Sonia Sotomayor, Maya Angelou, Myrlie Evers-Williams and thousands other great women would sign that petition.  I would not only sign it, but I’d personally deliver it to the White House.

Thought for the day:

Accolades are freely welcomed gifts. Speak well of those you admire while they can hear and rejoice in the moment.

Happy New Year! Happy New You!

January 2013 is just about done, and I can barely remember New Year’s Day.  This has been an exciting month. My fourth grand daughter was born, Obama was inaugurated for his second term, and we commemorated Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s birthday-Wow. Now that’s the definition of life being a forward process, and if you don’t keep moving, you will miss a lot.

As January slips out and February moves in there is so much to look forward to.  Hold fast to your dreams, wishes, hopes, aspirations and goals. Remember the moment of absolute certainty never arrives, but  fear and doubt should not hinder your progress because, “Nothing beats a failure but a try.”

Loretta

Morning Thoughts

I woke up this morning with a lot of thoughts running through my head.  Thoughts about feelings, unfinished tasks, my daughter, my son, my grandchildren, my students, feelings of being overwhelmed, and so much more.  I thought about how we see things.  Some see the glass half full and other see the glass half empty.  I, the perpetual optimist, always see the glass half full.  I like to look on the bright side because there is always one.

No matter what almost happened, think of the things which did happen.  Think of the things which  were prevented from happening.  Yeah, you were almost late this morning, but you ran a little faster, caught the later bus, and made it on time.  Yeah, you almost fell down the stairs, but you grabbed the banister, caught yourself and landed on your feet.  Yeah, you almost lost your wallet, but before you could report it, someone called you at work after finding your work id in the wallet and returned it to you by lunch time.  I am sure there have been many incidences of “almost happened”, but I would bet my last two dollars that there have been  far more  good or  great incidences of things  that “did happen.”

 Trying to make sense of my morning thoughts, especially the reoccurring ones, I concluded the main message  to you and me is, “to encourage yourself.”

Sometimes, it seems like no one is witnessing your life, or that no one really cares, but the truth is one person is always witnessing your life-You, and your opinion counts!  No one knows like you do just what you had to go through to get to your current status in life-good or bad, you and only you walked in your footsteps.   You and only you, truly knows the level of sacrifice, determination, application, and perseverance  you  have put into your life. No one truly knows just what went into the choices, decisions, and accomplishments you made-- no  one but you!

Yes, it would be great to have someone  to pat you on the back, or mentioned how proud they are of you, or even that you should be or could be doing better, but don’t wait for another’s confirmation.  Encourage yourself.  Critique yourself. Review yourself. Redirect yourself. Applaud yourself. Nurture yourself. Take care of yourself, and most importantly, love yourself! No one can do you better than you can.

I Am An American!

Six A.M, Monday, October 17, 2011

In spite of an  African-American sitting president and rainbow coalitions  united in protest throughout the country, America is still one of the most polarized countries on Earth.  No matter what the issue is, Americans still tend to line up on one side or the other based on their race or culture. America is barely holding on to its position as the world’s richest nation where freedom and opportunity abounds for all who make it within its shores.  The real truth is, the abundance of freedom and opportunity is dependent upon ones race,culture, and ethnic heritage.  Yes, even today, racism and discrimination is prevalent in overt and convert measures.

It has been said there are two sides to every story.  Your side and their side, but the truth is there are many sides to every story.  Yours, his, theirs, ours, the fiction, and the truth.

You may say, “What is this morning raving about?” It's about your story, your reality of living in America as you.  It's about my story, my reality of living in America as me.

I am in the midst of writing a series of articles in which I talk with veterans of America’s military.  Each has a different story, each with a different perspective.  The series is called “On Behalf of a Grateful Nation,” and the flip side is “On Behalf of an Ungrateful Nation.”  The series provide poignant details of individual stories of a veteran's military experience and their quest to reintergrate into society upon return.  Did they find a grateful or ungrateful nation? It depends on whose side of the story you believe.  A  well noted biblical term, “Whose report will you believe,” is associated with whether or not you will believe the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  When I ask the question, “Whose report will you believe,” I’m not seeking an answer, I just want you to read the stories of these men and women, and you answer the question for yourself, and then do with it what you will.  I’m just the writer who is privileged to capture the story for publication, the stories are the lives of the brave men and women who served their country.

The first story will premiere next month, until then if you know of a veteran who might like to share his or her story please me  contact me at lorettaragsdell@aol.com . Oh, and please leave me a comment on the blog.

Until then, I’ll see you again during my 6 a.m. inspiration or raving-it depend on how you look at it!  I’m going out  now and make my mark on this glorious day.  I hope you do the same.

Loretta