" Version ... "

We could live
In a house outside of town
We could build
Our own version of society ...

There'd be no one to answer
To and complicate our lives
We could be
The epitome of self-sufficience ...

Modify your version so we can carry on ...

~ Incubus ~ Version ~

***

We live in a society where it is a commonly held conviction that illness is the fault of the person who is sick.  This delusional way of thinking is due to conditioning.  Why?  Because we are told if we do “something” we can avoid ... illness, aging and/or death.  So if you “get sick”, it must be your fault.  Add to this, how many feel uneasy and even fearful when a friend is ill.  They don’t know what to say or what to do.

... it is not about the perfect words or the perfect gift ...

Begin with your intentions.  I’ve said before that if your intentions stem from kindness, compassion and generosity than they are likely to enhance the well-being in others as well as ourselves.  

From my perspective, although cancer lives with me, I don’t really know what someone else who has been diagnosed is “going through”.  Simply put ... I only know my version of it.  I will not even begin to try to figure out where they are.  I know the fear, the dread, the sadness, the shame.  And I also know the blessing, the gift and the clarity it has brought.  Again a version that is shared through through my writings.  So I bring forward my challenges and lessons, my success and failures, in hopes to help others.

... in the end, 

it doesn’t matter what type, stage, duration or treatment ...

You see, regardless of the chaos in life, it is about speaking or acting in a way that you believe in your heart will ease suffering ... and maybe help find peace with life as it is.  When your actions are motivated with these intentions, your inclination to behave in this way is strengthened.  

... being told to “think positive” and old cliches help no one ...

We all know that you cannot control the results of your actions, ever.  But with forgiveness and compassion in your heart for both of you,  just try again ...

www.walkstrong.ca

" Habit … "

Seen it happen to a couple of friends

Seen it happen and the message it sends

Taken up for what's an obvious fault

Just to see what all the fuss is about

It's not your way...not your way

It's not your way ...

Another habit says it's long overdue

Another habit like an unwanted friend

I'm so happy with my righteous self

It's not your way...not your way

It's not your way

Never thought you'd... habit

Never thought you'd... habit

Never thought you'd... habit

I never thought you, never thought you...

~ Pearl Jam ~ Habit ~

***

I love the new year with fresh starts and new beginnings.  It is a chance to be more intentional with life.  And it is also an opportunity to cultivate good habits.  

Some may call it a “routine”, other’s a behaviour, but what makes a habit is consistency.  For a habit to be a habit, we would subconsciously repeat the same actions or activity.  You don’t have to think about it, it is just what you do.  Plus a habit won’t cultivate or fade on it’s own ... and when you establish a habit, the mind doesn’thave to work so hard, allowing you to create new ones easily.  

It takes an act of will to create a new habit ...

And we can begin by finding the habits that achieve your desired goal.  Start by finding people whose circumstances are similar to yours but who've achieved the success you desire. They are your pattern, they are your lesson plans.  

Once these habits or behaviours have been determined, then it is time to assess the time needed for them.  Resistance, procrastination and excuses will play their role, but it is about managing the dark with light & the negative with the positive.  Replace old habits that no longer serve you with new ones and calendar your new routines.

“We form our habits, and then our habits form us." ...

Take on one step at a time, one habit at a time.  Personally, I form the habit in my mind first which helps me perform it outwardly.  By seeing yourself performing the action in the places and circumstances you expect to perform in, you cultivate the expectations you want, not what you fear.  A process athletes utilize all the time.  

And watch the company you keep.  By spending more time with people who have the habits you want, you’lll see the possibility of forming those habits and be encouraged to create them.  This directly honours you and those around you by becoming the better human you may be longing to be.