Now that makes me happy.

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Daily writing prompt
You get some great, amazingly fantastic news. What’s the first thing you do?
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Smile.

Give heartfelt thanks.

If it concerned another, learn of their circumstances, the intention that guided them and the devotion of their quest that made that good thing happen. Employ their experience as a lesson for my growth and achievement.

If it involved me?

Smile as I gave even more thanks. Recalled the circumstances of my mission. Replayed within the intention that guided my purpose. And confirmed the sense of devotion that eventually led me there. If this news came in the presence of others, I would be mindful just as ai learned from others, these others can now learn from me.

Over the weekend, a very wise man shared the notion that we need to aim at fulfillment first and foremost. Because when you achieve that, happiness is one of that outcomes most obvious byproduct.

Aiming for happiness first may seem a good tack, but it can fleeting. Its presence can be relegated to chance or luck. And yet the path you trek and endure towards fulfillment is sprinkled with happiness all along the way. A bit here. A piece there. Pursuing fulfillment all out teaches you how to find happiness.

Not just once. But over and over and over.

Now that makes me happy.

Oh, where Ray and the Girl Scout leader have it out.

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Daily writing prompt
Are there any activities or hobbies you’ve outgrown or lost interest in over time?
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I am a football guy. I have learned to enjoy watching soccer with my brother-in-law or even when he is not around. I like baseball especially around the playoffs. But in essence, I am a football guy.

I played in highschool and college. Have the gait to prove it. I have coached it about a quarter century, youth, highschool and college. Watching games with my best friend is an activity I truly look forward to. It is our mutual connection.

But as far as making it the central facet of viewing pleasure, it has now been relegated to background noise. Like “Everybody loves Raymond” or “Fixer Upper”, it can just run in the background until some play, uncomfortable family matter or demolition catches my attention.

The game has become the mechanism for many things not football. To the point that the players are an after thought. Playing Sunday then Thursday? I thought Monday to Sunday was bad enough. Add to that all of the betting sprinkled in all around it. The questions of a coach or player on the field before, in the middle or at the end of a game.

Playing surfaces that last but create non-contact injuries, tears and breaks. Now college football has NIL and transfer portals so that you can truly make it about yourself – not the men that are busting ass for YOU in the same locker room.

Football was the greatest game ever invented.

What you – singular and plural – accomplished on that field was all about what you – singular and plural – devoted yourselves to the other nine or so months of the year. Leaving it all out there all twelve months for the guy next to you. Serving them so all could achieve.

Now?

The greatest cash cow ever invented.

Nothing like I remember it.

But thank God, I always will.

Wait, what is this one?

Oh, where Ray and the Girl Scout leader have it out.

Therein lay the just deserts.

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Daily writing prompt
What’s your favorite candy?
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Location. Location. Location.

Don’t get me wrong. Movie popcorn immersed in butter, served with a can of Wet Wipes, is good eatin’ at the show. But my favorite, as introduced by my best friend, are Dots.

They can be taken one by one, dumped into your pie hole a dozen at a time, or melded into a clump and stuck in your cheek like a wad of Levi Garrett to salve and savor.

But, if I desire a hunk of chocolate to get the juices flowing, two are my go toos.

Mounds because it is a savory dark chocolate cured around a tassel of coconut.

And lastly, just in need of chocolate?

Hersheys. Break it into four pieces. Down by the next traffic light.

You are all fortunate this one wasn’t about ice cream.

Therein lay the just deserts.

A mutual attraction.

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“Men do not attract that which they want, but that which they are.”
― James Allen

I cannot recall where I came across Mr. Allen or when. I just know that he has left an indelible impression here.

If you are genuine, open and guided by character and integrity, then that is what wil come to seek your company.

Part of the rebuilding process.

Looking forward to spending time with souls such as these.

A mutual attraction.

Not from this.

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Daily writing prompt
Do you need a break? From what?
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This one is a wee bit complicated. So this may be short and sweet, long and arduous, or “just right”. No clue. Well, here goes….

Recently, I came to several conclusions, literally and figuratively. Whoops.

At this moment, I am incapable of correctly starting the next phrase with “…from the former perspective” or “..in the latter view..” when it comes to a conclusion. Must have missed that day in etymology. Sorry. But I digress….

Let’s just say that for most of my time here on earth, I had been unable understand my value. Know my worth. Grasp my abilities and talents. I have pretty much always allowed myself to be defined. And perhaps worst of all, sought confirmation of all of these inadequacies – and more – through others. This conclusion, that I enabled others to validate me has now become the other conclusion.

Adios my friend.

Taking a break from heinously breaking myself down into a shattered collection of fragments, pieces and chunks. A shambles of what I was meant to be. Concluding that part of my life. Finito.

And since I now have this amazing collection of Mark Legos, I can build something I never once imagined.

Piece by piece. Bit by bit. Moment by moment. An opportunity I have been given that arrived precisely when I most needed it.

Grace.

As my new foundation begins to takes shape, for once, I am fully present. I build to a different voice.

I cannot imagine what is gonna go into the first floor. And I have no clue how many more stories or outbuildings will be added after that. No bother. I just love this kind of building. I trust it will be just what has always been needed. It will be everyhing it is meant to be when all is said and done.

Then finally, so will I.

Do I need a break?

Not from this.