Randominity (I looked it up)
Friday, 9. May 2008, 09:55:12
If I may, I'd like to begin today's proceedings by addressing the impending holiday. Essentially, I just want to say a few words about my beloved mother - words that she certainly doesn't hear from me as often as she should (I rather suspect that more than a few mothers out there can identify).
It took many years before I was able to even partially grasp what my mom - and my dad, who has been continually supportive and steadfastly reliable - had to sacrifice and set aside in order to raise children. It also goes without saying that I am eternally grateful for my parents' willingness to put so much time and energy into their kids.
My mom is a great example of what anyone can do if she puts her mind to it. A highly intelligent woman of great accomplishments, she chooses not to bask in reflected glory but instead humbly spends her free time helping disadvantaged children or spearheading progress in local political matters. She is an amalgamation of true grit and true class, projecting a caring and optimistic attitude even in the midst of physical or emotional pain.
I've heard it said that no present you give your mother can possibly equal the gift she has bestowed upon you. A touching sentiment, to be sure, and one that I unquestionably agree with. Of course, this doesn't mean we shouldn't try...so Mom, I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate all that you've done for me. I'm pretty sure that raising me wasn't exactly a picnic, and I thank you for showing me how to be ambitious, courageous, compassionate, responsible, patient, loyal and loving all at the same time. The following quotes will hopefully serve to further sum up my feelings:
"A mother understands what a child does not say." - Jewish proverb
"Mother - that was the bank where we deposited all our hurts and worries." - T. DeWitt Talmage
"My mother had a great deal of trouble with me, but I think she enjoyed it." - Mark Twain
"I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life." - Abraham Lincoln
Thanks for everything, Mom. I'll see you soon...
Now, moving on to other matters, how about a status report from yours truly? (Just in case you really are that bored).
Though I've been in a perpetual state of shock since realizing that it's already May and the year is close to being halfway over, I've managed to keep my wits about me, for now. The heretofore largely untapped and unharnessed "power of positive thinking" has become a dependable source of inspiration in recent weeks. Don't get me wrong, it's not that I was unable to think positively before - I simply wasn't utilizing this celebrated technique in such a dedicated manner. I guess you could say something finally "clicked" for me.
In truth, I consider myself to be a realist; therefore my dreams and expectations are often tempered by a dose of cynicism and (in theory, anyway) common sense. As I've detailed in this blog before, I used to be what you'd call a "big-picture" person, but that simply became too stressful after a while. Allow me to explain: If I spend an inordinate amount of time looking at the big picture, I have a vexing tendency to ignore the "periphery" of human existence. As I see it, life is constructed almost exclusively from those little moments that you're never quite ready for - and I was missing out on a lot of them.
So I switched to a philosophy of "just taking it day-by-day," or to further simplify things, "taking it easy." This, combined with a newfound sense of freedom, has enabled me to remain upbeat and focused even if a particular situation isn't going as well as I would have hoped. I'm at a point in my life right now where I seem to be learning new things about myself every day, and I have to tell you, it feels great.
I'm honestly not trying to brag - there are several cans of worms I could easily open, but I'll kindly spare you the discomfort. Once again, it comes back to staying positive and simply trying to enjoy my life as best I can. The only trap I'll have to watch out for is the potential for closing my eyes to the "big picture" entirely - but I am hoping that a keen awareness of my own mortality will keep me in check. I'll let you know how it goes.
As always, I thank you for reading, and if you've enjoyed today's post, please feel free to comment - because I can't get enough of that wonderful fluff. I wish you nothing but the best as we continue our journey toward the second half of 2008. Hope to hear from you soon...
- John
It took many years before I was able to even partially grasp what my mom - and my dad, who has been continually supportive and steadfastly reliable - had to sacrifice and set aside in order to raise children. It also goes without saying that I am eternally grateful for my parents' willingness to put so much time and energy into their kids.
My mom is a great example of what anyone can do if she puts her mind to it. A highly intelligent woman of great accomplishments, she chooses not to bask in reflected glory but instead humbly spends her free time helping disadvantaged children or spearheading progress in local political matters. She is an amalgamation of true grit and true class, projecting a caring and optimistic attitude even in the midst of physical or emotional pain.
I've heard it said that no present you give your mother can possibly equal the gift she has bestowed upon you. A touching sentiment, to be sure, and one that I unquestionably agree with. Of course, this doesn't mean we shouldn't try...so Mom, I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate all that you've done for me. I'm pretty sure that raising me wasn't exactly a picnic, and I thank you for showing me how to be ambitious, courageous, compassionate, responsible, patient, loyal and loving all at the same time. The following quotes will hopefully serve to further sum up my feelings:
"A mother understands what a child does not say." - Jewish proverb
"Mother - that was the bank where we deposited all our hurts and worries." - T. DeWitt Talmage
"My mother had a great deal of trouble with me, but I think she enjoyed it." - Mark Twain
"I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life." - Abraham Lincoln
Thanks for everything, Mom. I'll see you soon...
Now, moving on to other matters, how about a status report from yours truly? (Just in case you really are that bored).
Though I've been in a perpetual state of shock since realizing that it's already May and the year is close to being halfway over, I've managed to keep my wits about me, for now. The heretofore largely untapped and unharnessed "power of positive thinking" has become a dependable source of inspiration in recent weeks. Don't get me wrong, it's not that I was unable to think positively before - I simply wasn't utilizing this celebrated technique in such a dedicated manner. I guess you could say something finally "clicked" for me.
In truth, I consider myself to be a realist; therefore my dreams and expectations are often tempered by a dose of cynicism and (in theory, anyway) common sense. As I've detailed in this blog before, I used to be what you'd call a "big-picture" person, but that simply became too stressful after a while. Allow me to explain: If I spend an inordinate amount of time looking at the big picture, I have a vexing tendency to ignore the "periphery" of human existence. As I see it, life is constructed almost exclusively from those little moments that you're never quite ready for - and I was missing out on a lot of them.
So I switched to a philosophy of "just taking it day-by-day," or to further simplify things, "taking it easy." This, combined with a newfound sense of freedom, has enabled me to remain upbeat and focused even if a particular situation isn't going as well as I would have hoped. I'm at a point in my life right now where I seem to be learning new things about myself every day, and I have to tell you, it feels great.
I'm honestly not trying to brag - there are several cans of worms I could easily open, but I'll kindly spare you the discomfort. Once again, it comes back to staying positive and simply trying to enjoy my life as best I can. The only trap I'll have to watch out for is the potential for closing my eyes to the "big picture" entirely - but I am hoping that a keen awareness of my own mortality will keep me in check. I'll let you know how it goes.
As always, I thank you for reading, and if you've enjoyed today's post, please feel free to comment - because I can't get enough of that wonderful fluff. I wish you nothing but the best as we continue our journey toward the second half of 2008. Hope to hear from you soon...
- John
