Are you leading a Fraudulent Life?

Ranger Station Olympia State Park, Washington

08©

Today is a time when a person is extolled to live a quality life, a superior life, to live in the moment, to live a life of integrity and one of peace. At no other time in history has so much information been available to guide one with tools and skills to achieve a superior life. However, despite all of that there are still people who will not reach for their highest potential but often times will actually seek their lowest common denominator by living a fraudulent life.

Which can be disheartening as it is as easy or as hard as you want it to be to be the original you as there is not one other person on this amazing earth who is exactly like you who is so wonderfully made, so why settle for anything less? Yet there will be those who as one poet said rather have “contorted nonsense” then to take as much time as needed to lift them up rather then expend energy in the quest of having a fraudulent life by mimicking others.

I know most of us have at one time or another have heard the phrase “Imitation is the highest form of flattery". We have probably had it said to us or reference to another person.

Can you imagine for one moment what would have happen if Jesus Christ became imitators of men rather then fulfilling his God-given responsibilities even to the point of being that ransom sacrifice for all of mankind including the ones who vilified Him and put Him to death?

Can you imagine for a moment if we all became imitators of Christ? And how happier we would be? And while in a whole different category, imagine for a moment of all those untold heroes and sheroes who had a vision a belief and spent their lives and some of them cut short, because they were reaching out not only to live their highest life, but leaving a legacy to be emulated?

Imitation in itself is not necessarily a bad thing particularly if it’s for the common good, but credit should always be where credit is due. Unfortunately for some, there is a tendency of mimicking other people, plagiarizing their words, actions or thoughts, then somehow believing if they write the words differently or does it long enough they can convince others or even more sadly, themselves, that what they are doing is original or of their design.

The late Dr. Martin Luther King when introduced to the words of Gandhi by his wife, the late Corretta Scott King, routinely quoted and used Gandhi’s words in many of his speeches. He even went so far as to pattern what became a huge Civil Rights Movement in the 60’s pattering the concept of non-violence on Gandhi’s words and actions. The crucial part, he never took Gandhi’s words and accepted credit for them.

The great wise King Solomon in the Book of Ecclesiastes said "there is nothing new under the sun". It’s been done, maybe a different spin on it or maybe a deeper definition on something, but it’s been done.

It would simply be a far more honorable thing for one to acknowledge in word and deeds what might have inspired them to be a better person, to lead a better life and not behave as if they have operated in a vacuum. Unfortunately sometimes when people behave in a fraudulent manner, it might not necessarily come from a willfully harmful place, but more of unsureness that what they have to offer to themselves and the world might not be enough. But instead of taking A.I.M

Advance-do something differently

Invest- in some quiet time

Mellow- Self explanatory
They would prefer investing their energy in selling themselves short.

The beauty is there isn't a person on this earth that does not have something wonderful to contribute to the world, so the effort that is put in imitating someone demeans not only the one imitated but in the end demeans the imitator more so. And the unfortunate part is when you commit fraud, in the end when it is reveal you are the one who is harm in the end.

It is far better for people to be a most excellent rendition of themselves rather then a fraudulent ".other”. And by doing that they not only lift themselves up, but they lift up the rest of the world in the process.

Now how cool is that?

. All rights ReservedJHM6-6-08©

Holding My Fire©08~ Fit Matters newsletter 6-4-08

©08

I got a secret, now if you promise not to tell anyone else, I’ll tell you my secret…

Are you ready for this?

There has always been this little part of me that used to be much louder, but I have been holding my fire with bated breath for someone to come along and save me, protect me to make my life somehow better.

Whew! That felt better.

And I know another secret that I have to hold you to on the point of hanging you by you hair and torturing you with a feather.

Promise?

Here it is… I am not alone in those thoughts!

And I would suspect these are universal yearn for and hankerings of human beings from the beginning of time to know that we matter to someone and that we are cherished. That someone eyes light up a little brighter when we walk into a room. And I do not see where it will take away from my ability to take care of myself or make me any less a capable or autonomous woman, just a very human one.

Once upon a time in the not so distant past, I, like a lot of other people had great angst and hurt because no one I mean no one it seemed cared enough of me to cherish me. I’ve had more then my share of people who used me, who feigned friendship (was it them or me?) making me and my life more like the Dew Drop Inn where for the price of a few minute of attention you can have a genourmous (bigger then hugemongous) party, trash the house and then move on at my expense?

And while I thought I was successful in getting them out before the cops came and charge with disturbing the peace, I was still left with the trash & debris. I got fatter, more anxious, more injured because of one thing. I had left the dag-gone tape running.

We know the one, as we have hit that play button often ourselves. The one that told us that that no matter what we would be triumphant in including winning the Nobel Peace Price, found the cure for cancer, solve world hunger & establish peace, wrote five award winning novels, an Emmy, Oscar, Tony and a Grammy, can make a mean to die for low fat, non-dairy omelet with tofu, but we are not enough unless there is someone to care for us or about us.

Of course I am exaggerating here, but so is the tape. A gross amplification of what life really is and what we are in that life. While I had been to a large degree was turned down the volume, I did not think to take the tape out and destroy it so it continue to drone on unremittingly.

So we hold back our fire, I know I did it, though there are many times I couldn’t hold that fire back.

Despite the low grade tape still incessantly running nearly inaudible in my conscious thoughts, I did some things quite well and far more successful then what some of the silhouette people had prophesied.

I read this quote last night “You block your dream when you allow your fear to grow bigger then your faith” ~Mary Manin Morrissey.

The desire to be cared for and cherish is not wrong, it s very human. It’s when we allow that honest need to override our dreams, that when it takes third row center in our lives that it tap dances all over our faith in doing what is right those we will have problems.

The hitch is not putting the tape on mute, but pulling it out from what ever device its in, smash it, toss it in the recycling bin or delete it permanently & go on out there, release that fire to win the Nobel Peace Price, found the cure for cancer, solve world hunger & establish peace, write seven award winning novels, an Emmy, Oscar, Tony and a Grammy & make a mean to die for low fat, non-dairy omelet while you're at it..

The rest of us will be all the more better for it and we will cherish you for it. Now that just might be me.

And how cool is that!

All rights reservedJHM©08

How the Monkey Saved the Fish

The rainy season that year had been the strongest ever and the river had broken its banks. There Were floods everywhere and the animals were all running up into the hills. The floods came so fast that many drowned except the fortunate monkeys who used their proverbial agility to climb up into the treetops.

They looked down on the surface of the water where the fish were swimming and gracefully jumping out of the water as if they were the only ones enjoying the devastating flood. One of the monkeys saw the fish and shouted to his companion: “Look down, my friend, look at those poor creatures. They are going to drown. Do you see how they struggle in the water?”

“Yes,” said the other monkey. “What a pity! Probably they were late in escaping to the hills because they seem to have no legs. How can we save them?” “I think we must do something. Let’s go close to the edge of the flood where the water is not deep enough to cover us, and we can help them to get out.”

So the monkeys did just that. They started catching the fish, but not without difficulty. One by one, they brought them out of the water and put them carefully on the dry land.

After a short time there was a pile of fish lying on the grass motionless. One of the monkeys said, “Do you see? They were tired, but now they are just sleeping and resting. Had it not been for us, my friend, all these poor people without legs would have drowned.”

The other monkey said: “They were trying to escape from us because they could not understand our good intentions. But when they wake up, they will be very grateful because we have brought them salvation.”

The moral of this tale is easy to see.

While we sincerely think our intentions are good and honorable ones, we need to be mindful that we are not projecting our way as the only way on someone else. At the very least give the other person the courtesy of asking their permission with respect not condescension, if our help is needed before rushing pell mell into something that end up hurting them rather then helping.

Of course there are exceptions as in if a hurtling 2-ton truck is barreling down and death is immanent, then you act first if its in your power. But most of the time when people "help" it is not of immanent danger, but more of meddling of feeling our own discomfort at someone's expense.

Knowing when its Time to Walk Away

©08
Right now with all the turmoil, strife, murder & mayhem that oozes through every crack & crevices in our lives, the perception of the world if you listen to people is frightening if not downright scary...

While it may appear more than one can bear, it is also possible to see that change is happening. Serious change is often preceded by great angst. Those of us who are living far more privileged then well over 80% of the world have some how or another think that because we are going through changes that the sky is falling as Chicken Little declared.

We need not be Pollyanna and ignore what is happening because we should be paying attention, big attention. But we are too busy peering into a cracked mirror. Perhaps we should look from a standpoint of maybe; just maybe it is time to walk away. Walk away from things in the scheme of things that benefits the few at the expense of the many. Did we not think that sooner or later the chickens would come home to roost? Yet people will fight and argue and take issue with things real or imagined based on our expectation of what we think others should be giving to us rather than what can we all can for the greater good.

One thing I am not a fan of and take exception to is competition for the sake of competing. I know people, lots of people seem to get a real charge, and perhaps the charge is that it all they have to remind them that they are alive, or powerful or something to pass the time. Or they are really, really hurting and this is the only way they may know for a moment to extinguish some of that hurt.
People move each other around all the time because life has so much motion, constantly in flux, even when we are standing still.

So when anyone, I or any of you feel that they have to run rough-shod over others because of whatever need they may have at the moment that is so compelling that they would literally challenge, criticize read things into what is not even there are not actually having a issue with the person, but there is possibly a mirror being held up. Perhaps instead of believing that someone is out to harm you that maybe it is time to stop for a moment and pay attention to what you are seeing in that reflection. And at the end perhaps rather then to do retaliatory harm perhaps it may mean it is time to walk away in the interest of pursuing peace.

There are people whose behavior is always in a need/deprivation mode & won’t see what they are doing even when the mirror is held up. Sometimes the mirror is right there smack in your face or in more subtle reflection, but far too often allocating fearful of that veracity rather then the packaging we like in attendance that skewers our actions rather then see that the mirror is simply cracked and replacing it if vital to peace...

We've all have experience it one time or another in our lives that exercise in futility of competition whether it is with ourselves or someone else. Or is it sometimes coveting? Everyone has skills either they have developed or ignored or was told it would not measure up. So some may spend years, sometimes their entire lives being what I call the alpha wannabe's who in their head want to be a leader and may definitely have the skills to do it, but spend far more time banging up against people in a form or mental or emotional plagiarism, then they do in being that leader, author, designer person that they aspire to be. There will always be another alpha wannabe wandering among us and they come in all shapes forms, genders and age. They will always be one somewhere that will challenge you & then move on. ..

I firmly believe in power with not power over another person or group. There is so much in this lovely, generous, pregnant with possibilities, that there should be no reason for banging up against one another.. It is a challenge of all of us, I included, and to allow people to be who they are, but also know when it ain't working for you. And then it is time to walk away. Nowadays I see is it worth it? And it there is even a quiet no, then it is time to walk away.

All of us will lead at one time or another in some facet of life if they live long enough & the main challenge is will you be ready & able when that time after time before time comes upon you Then you have others that do lead and I admire those sorts as it is an awesome thing to see. They have to not only have the vision, drive & passion, but a good sense of self, a sense of humor and a resiliency that will carry them through when the wannabe alphas pop up.

And believe it or not there is nothing wrong with recognizing your strengths and weakness and giving respect to both. Even in all our flawed glory it just may be perfectly fine to be just like you are as long as we are cognizant of ones around us. However, the mental, emotional, spiritual plagiarism that people grabbed and hold onto for dear life will not be long lasting. It cannot go very far and serves no one. This particular methodology usually demean or dismisses the one doing, then sooner or later a mirror will stand up and reflect who they really are. & they cannot or will not handle it or adjust

But when you see someone stand up and make a difference in their lives it’s a sight to behold! I love seeing the humor, the different ways of seeing the world if for a moment through someone else's eyes in the way they manage this change. As they make that reallocation and really make a way, my excitement heightens and in some way make me know that all things are possible. I cheer all who are at whatever stage they are at and encourage to continue to reach out even if its baby steps or standing still to get a breather as they move to themselves.

A major shout out to all as we bear witness to a brand new day, a brand new world and the goodness that can impel/impel you forward to take action.

I cheer for me and I have come around the curve as in a spiral and in a new stage that puts my attention somewhere else.

Towanda! To all of us.

Ya Ya!

All rights reservedJHM ©08

Be You...

©07

It is not exhausting to be me
Actually its rather fun to be me, don’t you see?
I get to dream dreams that others may have put asunder…
As they plunder the fragments of other souls’ lives…
Looking for the I don’t knows that be you.
And shudder to think that in that folly, by golly, that being you is not wearing…
But challenging
And engaging & exhilarating.
Humbling & humorous…
Lightness & yes some darkness.
But yet the sun keeps on rising
Warming & lighting…
And the waters will replenish
And the grass will stay green & the birds will chirp
And people will fall in love
With luscious food to they seek & eat.
And I get to see it all from close up and sometimes afar.
Grabbing at lightning bugs placing them in a jar
Then releasing them on their way, sometimes long before the month of May.
It is not exhausting being me, oh say can you see?
Be you…
Not me
There is so much to relish for thee.
Be you…
Not me
It is not exhausting you see?
All rights reservedJHM4-3-07©

Simply Smiling

At the beginning of dawn- Greensboro, North Carolina February ©2008

Early this morning I threw on some clothes stumbled outside to shoot some of the foliage in the early morning sun. From my kitchen table there is this old fence probably older then I am on the side of the carriage road that was partially obscured by vines and sweet peas & for the last several mornings I kept on saying to myself I wanted to go out and capture it or give it a good try, so that's what I did. I stop preparing breakfast and headed out getting what seemed to be a couple of good shots.

As I turned to head back to the house, listening to the crunching gravel somewhat muted by all the dropped mulberries & the grass overtaking the previous owners' attempts to make the carriage row into a driveway & inhaling the perfume of the jasmines in bloom on the 2 bushes in my front yard.

On impulse, I took the notion to get something on film of them which then lead the way to shooting this one tree-like bush that I have shot numerous times before in different seasons. That directed me to a bunch of lavender buttercups I noticed at the foot of the concrete steps leading to my yard and it went from there...

It was wonderful grabbing hold of a moment in the morning light. This morning was one of those times when I am on fire and not a day of "what am I thinking" when I shoot. Later this afternoon and then again at twilight.

I will see if I can latch on to the same spots to see how they differ in the shift of the day.

A different angle…

Atypical moment.

After I returned inside, I found myself simply smiling, not grinning ear to ear. Simply smiling.

Such a small thing it may seem, that made me feel first-class. What if I had bypass this morning like I had all the other mornings getting caught up and never buying out the time to do this?

I grant you for those who work 6:30a is either getting up preparing for work or preparing for family and might not have that luxury, but if you find a moment and there are many of them, its just most of us are rushing with other things and we bypass the moment.

It is just like with the rest of living. We may bemoan that the weight is not coming off as fast as we like, or "I can't help myself" in trying to overcome a deeply ingrained habit or spend an enormous amount of time on something better spent elsewhere, or cannot or will not change what is changeable that we bypass the moment of I did not gain or I have drank more water today, or my eyes are sparkling today, better yet someone else’s eyes sparkle when they laid on us, that maybe somewhere in the world a hungry child got a little food today. Or someone mastered something they saw as futile. Or that someone loved someone today. Or that one grew to quietly accept something they could not change.

All those little moments are there.

And for now this is my moment.

Vios con dios.

All rights reservedJHM©08

From Where I Sit...

This was shot after a snow in Guilford County North Carolina©08

At half past eleven…I am keeping an eye on…
Over-stuffed, alabaster clouds on a merry chase…

Dancing nimbly on a backdrop of inky stained linen sky.
A solitary brighteningm from a lone-star on this wintry nigh.

I enjoy the engagement of a late snow…
Husky, endearing sounds of enjoyment that was possible from where I sit.

Oh that peace-ness can reign supreme, though off in the miserly distance…
Staccato popping shatters the still.

Aie! For a few seconds the peace-ness was denied.

Yet, from where I sit.among the jasmine bushes, nude branches coated in the remnants of snow

Peace-ness flows again at half past eleven from where I sit…

It is all I’ll ever need.

All rights reserved JHM 02 ©