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"The height of cultivation always runs to Simplicity" ~ Bruce Lee







Wednesday

Writing Challenge Prompt #2: What really makes you angry about the world?

When I think about the things that anger me in this world they can usually be distilled into one of two areas; people who disrespect others and/or people who don't take responsibility for their own actions. Both of these things are extremely selfish. Let's face it, we live in a world with other people. The world doesn't revolve around anyone. No one owes you anything. This is all big news to some people. It can manifest in several ways; leaving your mess for someone else to pick up, treating others as if they are your servants, always taking and never giving, lying, being late for appointments, blaming others for your own shortcomings, always insisting on your way or no way, etc... I guess this bothers me so much because I always go out of my way to be respectful and responsible. And when I see those who couldn't care less I sense something lacking in those people. And I think, sometimes, why should I care if they don't care? Shouldn't I just be selfish too? But then I realize that if ALL of us were that way, the human race would become extinct within a very short time. Luckily, there are plenty of good people in the world to balance out the lazy and inconsiderate ones. I tend to have lots of patience. But a side effect of that is that when I am eventually pushed past my limit my anger is fierce. Sometimes I let it explode, but more often I silently vow to cut those people out of my life forever! And I rarely return to those relationships. And I never seek revenge, but I usually withhold any help I could offer as well. I don't need that negativity in my life. So I cut it out completely. I believe in Karma. I don't need revenge on those people. They build their own revenge in time. If I could share one piece of advice with all of humanity it would be "Always act respectfully and responsibly!"

Tuesday

Blog Revival/Life Revival...

I started this blog a couple of years ago. In fact, I started several blogs back then. Then, I really just got too much going on in my life and had to abandon most of them. Yesterday I got an email from Live Your Legend. It was an invitation to embark upon a writing challenge. Also, as if by fate, the day before that I received some small royalties from a blog I set up 3 years ago. I haven't even thought about that blog in 3 years. It was just a fun one for me, but it has out-performed all of my other blogs by leaps and bounds as far as viewership. It's a blog about Bob Marley. You never know what sort of thing people will be interested in. So, I decided it was time to revive this blog. This is really my favorite because it just really gets to the essence of everything I'm about. And it is also the one where I feel I can really help others through my posts. So, in this writing challenge I am given some daily prompts for 7 days. The first one is "Tell your story..." So here goes (I'll keep it brief): Right now I am a high school art teacher during the week and a tattoo apprentice and trumpet teacher on the weekends. I know, sort of an odd combo, but it's what I love doing. And I am of the belief, If you love doing something, there's no better thing to do than those things! Right? And if you fall out of love with something (it happens), then stop doing it so you can refocus your energy. And that's why I am transitioning out of education and trying to find my way tattooing. I think we all have something to contribute to the world. And most people have several things they can contribute. Through a lot of reflection and experience, I have found my passion(s) to be in art (and music). I love creating! And because I love doing it, I do it a lot. And because I do it a lot, Ive gotten very good at both art and music! And because I've been doing both for about 30 years each, I've realized that I never run out of room to grow. And that keeps my ego in check! Always learning, always doing, and always inspired by those who do it better. I think a small portion of me decided it was time to stop teaching after realizing that practically none of my students has a passion as intense as I do about art! And that's ok, but it creates a disconnect between us. It's just been a journey of learning who I am. I don't want a disconnect. And through my own artwork, I can communicate directly with people! And that just feels better to me. And it just supports the fact that maybe I just need to be an artist and leave the teaching of it to others better suited for that endeavor. I've had to give myself permission to change. I spent 8 years working part time and going to college just so I could become a teacher. Back then it's exactly what I wanted. So, I'm happy I was able to make that happen. But now I have been doing it for about 12 years and am feeling a calling from other areas of life. And I have accepted that this wasn't a waste of my time. It was a great experience for that time in my life! I carry many memories and lessons with me, and I always will. But if you've ever had your heart set on something, you know how strong those urges can be! I've always been one to reach the goals which I set. Which is great, but it makes me really evaluate if I have set the right goals. I know I will do whatever it takes to reach them, so I want to be sure I am pursuing something worthwhile. And that's where I stand right now. I'm "lining up the stars" to take the next phase of life's journey. It's exciting, and scary, and it makes me feel alive! I encourage everyone reading this (all 2-3 of you who accidentally stumbled here searching for something else)to go forth and do the same. Find your true calling. And most importantly, realize that life is ever-changing, so it's ok if it changes a few times! Stay true to your heart and be Happy!

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