Monthly Archives: January 2026

Live differently.

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Daily writing prompt
What could you do differently?
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How many terabytes are available to answer this one?

Oh, and I guarantee that I will make more of this question than was intended. There is another terabyte. Something I could do differently. How about “lighten up Hahn.” But I digress…

As I warned above, what one could “do differently” initially requires a willingness to modify one’s being, perhaps in thought, word or deed. Recognizing the value of engaging with full intention in a personal transformation of varying degrees and depths.

During my current reclamation project, I am finding a true sense of peace and serenity in learning what I could do differently. As this is an ongoing enterprise of life, I am perfectly content to achieve and receive any and all accomplishments of most modest means. For I know that with each passing day, what I could do differently will be a true and lasting source of enlightenment and joy.

Even better?

What I could do differently may ripple outward as a genuine source of care, support and love for those around me, known and unknown.

There.

Now that that is out of my system, what I could actually do differently?

Try to abandon certain aspects of my ever stoic heritage and try to smile once and a while.

Heck, even emit a guffaw or three.

Take more walks, alone or with company.

Cut back on Dad jokes.

Read.

Listen more.

Let things sit.

Use my telescope.

Become what He meant for me.

Live differently.

“I love you”

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Daily writing prompt
If you had a freeway billboard, what would it say?
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Once I embarked on my journey towards faith, two things were revealed. One, that the story would remain a constant, following a path that shared the seasons. This brings with it a sense of peace and serenity, knowing the way. But more stunning to me is the fact that along each step of the way, I become aware of something new, different and touching.

Perhaps it is how the story is told, through a multitude of voices, perspectives and experiences that provides greater impact and deeper meaning. Add to that the fact that the moments and revelations shared were not of this century, the prior, or even millenia. They were uttered or written long, long ago, spoken in to others with ancient tongues and dialects, detailed with reed and papyrus. And yet, at this instant, they maintain a revelance and power far beyond anything today.

Just over the past few days, John speaks of the difference of being one of the world and being one of God. How our infirmities and debilitation is fostered, raised and enhanced by things all around us. Being caught up in these concerns, like resentment, ego and self-righteousness, takes one down a ruinous path, speaking from my own experience. But upon letting go of things born of the world around you, an altogher different life takes hold. In a comforting, sustaining and altogher safe way.

His only son was sent here to teach all of us how to live and to love. When you feel as though there is nothing left for you, that you are worthless, unvalued and ruined, you can leave this world behind. Not in a hopeless manner. But in a hope-full approach. So as to truly be what you were made for, with true intention, trust and the knowledge that you are loved steadfastly and singularly.

We may be on the earth for now, but by no means does this require us to be of this world. We have the free will to choose.

And finally, to just live.

So if I had a billboard?

How about this:

“I love you”

Or if you prefer, a circus.

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Daily writing prompt
Do you spend more time thinking about the future or the past? Why?
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“Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift of God, which is why we call it the present.”
― Bil Keane

He is the creator of “The Family Circus” cartoon, one of the first places I ventured, growin’ up, when the Sun-Times or Tribune was delivered on Franklin Street. Mr. Keane said that his name was spelled “Bil” because his parents knocked the “L” out of him for using the walls as his easel when he began to draw.

The past has its place. Back there. A resource like that spot in the library where the records of all the books, stories and reference material being stored was kept and maintained. While it has its function, living in the Dewey Decimal System is counter productive. Going back now and again to better understand how you got to be where you are now is a healthier way to employ the past.

Tomorrow is truly a mystery. All you can do to get an unkling as to what is to come the next morning, is to do all you can, to the best of your abilities before your noggin hits the pillow the night before. You could awake to calm waters, a steady tail wind and nothing but clear skies ahead. Or, you could face a tempest that will do its best to wring you out and question your own existence. Either way, you are meant to adapt and acheive. You just have to keep the short and Raybans next to the rain gear and boots.

Today is a present.

His gift to each of us. Opened at our discretion, used to the fullest we choose and then granted a decimal to keep the events in order for future reference. We are granted the grace to make the best of what we have been given. To create profound yesterdays and once in a life time tomorrows.

Or if you prefer, a circus.

Grace.

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Daily writing prompt
What is the greatest gift someone could give you?
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“It all begins with grace, and it all ends with grace. Bernanos’ country priest summed up Christianity with the phrase “Toute est grace,” everything is grace. God gives graciously, gratuitously, superabundantly–and then we are called to respond with a similar exuberance. “

Bishop Robert Barron

Grace.

With that, comes true and absolute forgiveness. For what you did. Or, what you failed to do.

Redemption follows. An opportunity to repair yourself, remove your faults renew personal integrity and revitalize character with unyielding intention.

An awareness of sense of peace and serenity begins to envelope your being. You feel supported, protected, loved.

Something that may have once been rare or altogether missing in your life.

A feeling so comforting and safe that you want to share it. Help others experience a truly divine sensation. Give what you were freely given.

Grace.

Be a rainbow.

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“Un-winged and naked, sorrow surrenders its crown to a throne called grace.”

And then….

“Dare to love yourself
as if you were a rainbow
with gold at both ends.”

Aberjhani 

Compelling thoughts from a man I just came to learn, worthy of a share and few words.

Sorrow rules the day for many. Regrets, rejections, repudiations and resentments. Each become a jewel that is added to that despicable crown meant only to disparage in a dominion governed by it. Sorrow.

But as you come to remove its dominion over you and your life, the ornaments of that authority corrode, fall away and as Aberjhani suggests, “surrenders its crown to a throne called grace.”

Once under that loving and eternal authority, you can truly dare to love oneself. To discover your true worth as one meant to be respected, affirmed, included and most of all, just plain loved.

Be like that rainbow you just happen to see when you look up in the sky. Think of the amazement and joy it brings you upon taking it all in. Honestly imagine yourself as being that very rainbow for those stuck in an overcast, cloudy, dismal existence. You will be that one offering gold on both ends.

One for those that happen to need it most that moment.

The other for you for finally seeing it in yourself too.

Take wing with grace.

Be a rainbow.