1/3 + 1/3 + 1/3

The first third of life is about awareness and discovery
The second third of life is about meaning and purpose
The third third of life is all about acceptance and reconciliation

The Way We See

Sometimes it's not things that need to change but the way we see them. When my twin sister (Kathie Whitesel) teaches art to children she'll have them hang upside down to do a drawing. The idea is you can't draw from memory when you're looking at something upside down. Things look totally different. In real life we tend to make assumptions. If we can take the time to challenge those assumptions and try to look at things differently we usually find ways to accept things we can't change. I heard the serenity prayer said like this once, "God grant me the serenity to accept the people I cannot change, courage to change the people I can, and the wisdom to know . . . it's me!" And you know what? There's a whole lot of wisdom in that.

Ah, Grand Youth

Ah, grand youth
when we were all knew
no other reference needed
to make it be so true

Then join the ranks of working dogs
and try to make our mark
in a sea of indistinct
we only play a part

If by chance you catch the eye
of mentor elder best
you may by chance become your dream
if you can pass the test

But don’t forget in later years
the gift that you were given
when then you see the same esprit
and you can pass the leaven