Troubled Times The fears that have plagued me for years since the phobias rose to their highest levels pushed me to withdraw from actual society. The digital world’s society became my refuge. I could speak out or not, strive to refute or not. I could easily block those who had lost any sense of civility, decency, and sanity. When Covid-19 added death to the equation, my age added more angst to my daily life. The failure of the government to protect us made me wonder if I would survive this. Being with my husband when he passed was a blessing I knew many did not have, and I am grateful. But, realizing I was alone created new fears in these troubled times. What if I became sick, who would know? These years have brought to my attention things I’ve taken for granted in my life. Some as simple as sharing a cup of coffee with someone and talking about dreams, or meeting strangers with a smile and a hug. Trust in each other has eroded somewhat, but I know that even those who raged will recognize that competent leadership provides us with hope for a better tomorrow. I feel hope and pride in America rising up amidst the tears of joy and relief today. ©DWilliamsen |
Note: This was written after the 2020 election, and it is with sorrow that despite all the good Biden has done, I acknowledge we are once again at a crossroads where a crucial decision must be made by Americans between voting for an "us vs. them" society or an all-inclusive society. Let us hope America doesn't get lost in the lust for greed and power and the willingness to excuse reprehensible behaviors.
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Those on this planet Earth struggling to push aside the heavy curtains of our sleep
are much aware this is a planet of lessons, for every breath we breathe fuels yet another. The point of contention among us all is the purpose of those lessons - to punish or inspire? Though it matters not what stand we take, for if we believe it, then it is so. The beauty of the lessons lies in their willingness to be molded into whatever shape we desire. Lessons can take the form of an abusive spouse, a disagreeable employer, or an ungrateful child. They can just as easily become a supportive partner, an exciting job, or loving children. The question becomes “Why?” The answer lies in what we expect for ourselves. If we see ourselves as wayward children, the lessons feed our need for discipline. As prodigals returning to claim our Divine birthright, the lessons are our fuel and our compass. To punish or inspire is not a question, but rather a decision we each make about our path this time. Through our thoughts, our own beliefs, we create the cues, good or bad, that direct our lives. Our reality is unique. Our reality is fluid. It moves easily through the channel like a smooth, flowing river. Even the turbulence we feel in our lives is in harmony with our beliefs, with what we accept for ourselves. So the river of our Reality is always at peace, in perfect balance. Such is its beauty and power. I wonder if I will awaken enough to push aside my sleepiness, my tendency to leave things as they are. Will I use my inner wisdom to see beyond what is before me in form? Or will I drift back to sleep – thinking my short sojourn on this planet of lessons is the measure of who I am? Ashes to ashes. Dust to dust. Some will survive. Some will not. This attitude is one of punishment. Waking up is learning I am more than this one life, this form, that I’m a piece of God. This is inspiration! © Dannye Williamsen This year, 2024, brings with it many sorrows from the past. However, we do not have to dwell there. It is a time for new beginnings, for chances to change our perspective on our lives and move forward. Each of us contributes to the sum total, so we each need to do our part.
Any time is a good time to make a fresh start, but the new year is often designated as the time for doing this. In our New Year’s resolutions, are we focused on outer things or inner understanding? Are we willing to look to the future through a different lens?
We often beat up on ourselves by remaining in a relationship, platonic or otherwise, where we are unable to be our authentic selves. For unhealthy reasons, we allow another to use us as an emotional punching bag at the very least. Perhaps we convince ourselves we’re not trying hard enough. When the day comes that our tolerance reaches its limit, we realize that the lesson we’ve been avoiding is as clear as a bell ringing. We must recognize our own value, know that it is not our job to engage in someone else’s issues at our expense. It is even possible that our departure could be a wake-up call for them as well. Whether it does or not, that is their lesson to learn, not ours.
It is important to empathize with others, to try to understand what they are feeling; however, it is also important to recognize that you can never understand them completely. Nor can they understand you. You can only strive to find emotional and intellectual commonalities.
Since the beginning of time it seems, the human race has found some means of drawing distinctions between us. Culture, religion, sexuality, language, wealth, ethnicity have all had their days in the spotlight. However, the color of our skin has managed to be a constant from time immemorial. However, in the ways that really matter and connect us all as human beings, the color of our skin doesn’t really matter.
Have you ever had someone mention a certain kind of car, and it seems you are suddenly seeing them everywhere you look? The same can happen when sadness is strong within you. The sadness out there was always present, but it didn’t resonate as much with you until your heart was filled with your own. I can attest to this even with my loss several years past now. Perhaps I could never empathize as deeply until I experienced such a deep sorrow.
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Dannye Williamsen
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