Tag Archives: life

“Anything can be.”

Posted on by
Reply

“Listen to the mustn’ts, child. Listen to the don’ts. Listen to the shouldn’ts, the impossibles, the won’ts. Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me… Anything can happen, child. Anything can be.”
― Shel Silverstein

When my kids became the focal point of a prompt a day or so ago, memories of books we read together returned. Some I recall were authored by Shel Silverstein, favorites because the poetically humorous poems and stories. I ventured around a little to stir up some smiles and happened upon what he said above.

Part of it reminded me of how I described independence as they grew up. I had them envision being on this great open field, with a fence line way off in the distance. The boundary was there solely for their protection. Provided they thought, spoke and acted according to the rules they were raised under, they could run that field all over. They were entrusted with that level of independence.

The fence, as I said, was for their protection. If I sensed they are getting close, we might have a chat to discuss the need to respect that boundary. Did not want any harm to come their way. Once they were of a certain age, then they could leave it or move it. That was their responsibility then. It seemed to work. They all have their lives, their loves and are thriving.

And then, when I read this, the mention of the “impossibles, the wont’s and the never haves” struck another chord. The one orchestrated to sing the praises about being what you were meant to be, embracing the mission of life and finding your purpose. Never to set them on top of others. Just apart, and only in the sense that they were free to find themselves. That there was no boundary to their exploration.

That the fence had been taken down.

Mr Silverstein was spot on.

“Anything can happen, child.”

“Anything can be.”

It may appear otherwise, but I do like to laugh.

Posted on by
Reply
Daily writing prompt
What makes you laugh?
View all responses

Well. Let me see.

I was pondering this one on the way to mass this morning. Strange I know. But that is just how the noggin on this ’59 Rambler works. Huh. Just came up with that one. Now I have a pretty decent nickname. Maybe a new email address? Passwords? The possibilities are endless. Thank goodness for all of you, there will be a conclusion to this one. Eventually. Guess what is next…

So humor to me has to work on several levels to make me laugh.

Surprise!

Things composed primarily of profanity, innuendo, insult and the like just really do nothing for me. Sam Kinnison had some moments, but that grew old fast. It was like there was no craft to it. No beginning, middle road and destination. Just shock. Maybe laughed ’cause of the state we were all in. And I don’t mean Illinois.

To elicit laughter, the transmitter somehow has to connect with the receiver in such a way as to be as one with them. Bring to mind a similar moment. Common thread. Shared experience. Perhaps the circumstance is not precisely the same, the individuals involved or what was said, how things were responded to and what happened next. Maybe it is just a “been there” moment. Something relatable. I am struggling for the right nomenclature.

I have never been a cat (been called something like it) or a mouse but Tom and Jerry crack me up to this day. The facial expressions, the yowls, smacks, situations just bring me to tears. Golfing. On the beach. Tom in the cradle saying, “Ah, goo” Out west, Texas Tom rolls a cig, Jerry licks it closed, he inhales the whole thing to exhale “Howdy” to the cowgirl next to him. Crambone.

I could go on and on. But to save on a gig or two, and stay true to my word on their being a conclusion. I will just list some others that make me laugh over and over.

Though my appearance says otherwise, I have no real connection to the brothers Jerome, Moe and Shemp, or their fellow stooge Lawrence.

To see me get up and walk in the morning, you would think I belong to the Ministry of Sillywalks. Same gait after I’ve been shopping.

Mr. Bean? Some quiet reflection is called for regarding that matter. I will get back to you on that.

Frank Drebbin taught me to mute when using the washroom.

The Barones, Michael Scott, Dwight Schrutt, Leslie Knope, Ron Swanson, “Jerry”.

Rob and Laura, Buddy and Sally, Mel, Allan.

Carol Burnett, Tim Conway and Harvey Korman.

Benny.

Muppets.

Tex Avery

AFV

All make me laugh over and over. So maybe its I see myself in a lot of these characters and the situations both they and I find myself in. When I recognize one, I may just smile and chuckle to myself. Or, if the mood is right, I will try to recreate the scene some how. Slap stick sound effects. Accents when called for. At the ready for a pun or three. Dad jokes? Guaranteed.

It may appear otherwise, but I do like to laugh.

I am worth it.

Posted on by
Reply
Daily writing prompt
What’s something most people don’t understand?
View all responses

I am not going to attempt to assign my seat on a pedestal by claiming to know this. I typically fly economy, no pajamas, if that is even a thing anymore. I cannot speak for or to others’ view on this. But I can speak for myself and share some of the many things I just don’t understand. Sorry friends, just doing what the prompt tells me to do.

So let’s just say this, I don’t understand the privileged titling process that allows certain individuals to disregard the posted speed limit, all traffic signals, maintaining safe space between vehicles and proper lane usage on the highway or anywhere.

Maybe this is something you buy on the internet? Some kind of rewards thingee, for being cool? A sticker for your car that tells the police they can drive like this? This whole driving schtick these days has me flummoxed. But I digress….

What I don’t understand is why I allowed others to assign my value, tell me my worth and define me. All this ever accomplished was creating an internal need for me to be everything, handle everything and do everything. Oh, and be graded on my performance. Been trying to figure that one out for some time now.

Not so much on how to handle it these days, I have put in the effort to give that a dirt nap. Now it is more so noticing the red flags, recognizing the situations and sensing the phrases or attitudes that do their best to create these wonderful scenarios.

My nature though is to take it several steps farther. Determine why it ever happened and when it first became my MO. I doubt this is something that comes from the factory, preinstalled like the heated seats and back-up boob tube. I believe it was learned. And why I learned it, and what that class was really about are things I need to understand

The car thing is out of my hands.

They aren’t worth fussing about.

The other is purely in mine..

I am worth it.

That is my goal.

Posted on by
2
Daily writing prompt
How often do you say “no” to things that would interfere with your goals?
View all responses

Boundaries are a quandary for this guy.

Hence, “no” is harder for me to utter than supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. It would actually be fantastic or wonderful to decline more often than I accede. But alas, that is still a work in progress.

As far as its impact on goals are concerned, I think uttering “no” isn’t a goal protectant as much as it is a personal protectant.

In terms of striving for a goal, a firm “no” here and there could provide help for one to maintain intention, focus and momentum. If not possible, it’s been my experience that a set back here and there actually add to the end accomplishment. More intensity becomes the weapon of choice to get back in sync and finish. Plus, the accompanying zig-zags still produce valuable lessons and knowledge. Like matter, nothing is ever wasted. You just have to adapt to the changes in form.

As in the case of the goal, a personal protectant “no” issued from a point of self-honesty, -awareness and -love could very well add to what is yet to follow as well. Additional intensity in this case is not the requisite. Copious amounts of self-acceptance can help reset the tone. You still have an opportunity to learn, but now it can be absent the pressure to over-perform and represents a chance to remain fully in the moment,.

In terms of striving for, lets call it personal well being, a well placed “no” would actually halt a perceived obligation that you feel you need to keep giving “what you no longer have”, “are no longer able”, or that “you never could in the first place.”

If your intention is to maintain a modicum of peace and serenity in your life and soul, then “no” is a start. Despite the fact that something inside may press you to pack that word away permanently, it is not a sign of selfishness to stick up for yourself, know when the tank is depleted and simply say it. Then take five. Or ten.

It is very difficult for me to say those two letters together.

I wrote the book on boundary-less over-functioning. (lots of hyphens in this one. yikes!) Not sure how the compulsion began, where I found it or why I need to be that way. But it sure taught me some tough lessons. Bruises remain. But I am healing.

To frame it as I did regarding goals, saying “no” needs to be expressed when you finally just can’t. You can ultimately maintain intention, focus and momentum that carries you to bigger and better things not just for you, but for all.

So I can still be there for those that are in need.

But I have to be aware that mine are important too.

And keep it that way.

That is my goal.

Finally just me.

Posted on by
Reply
Daily writing prompt
What’s a secret skill or ability you have or wish you had?
View all responses

Honestly, I do not think this can really be considered a secret skill or ability. For me, it is akin to something more along the lines of self-honesty. Coinciding with that all elusive power, a better sense of self-awareness, more self-discipline and finally, some much needed self-love.

I think the latter three tend to nourish the former one. All four woven into one, becoming a constant source of health, acceptance and peace. Alas, for the most part, all are of more recent vintage. They seemed to have been missing for quite a while.

Because now that I look back at things, perhaps the original secret skill or ability was an altogether all encompassing pattern of self-deception.

If you go about things convinced you know what you are doing, you are right, and you really do not have to listen as much as you speak, well, that pretty much says it all. The only thing I actually lacked was a costume. A piece of garb I could jump into when my secret skills were in operation and out there for full display. That would have completed the charade.

Wait.

I was kidding about the uniform. Didn’t really need to change into something else to make that ability stand out and command attention. It was already fairly evident. Come to think of it, a cloaking device would have been handy. Some method I could employ to actually hide from my innate ability to employ them on a daily basis. Just wonder why I never saw what I am sure was obvious to those around me.

Hence the need for better self-awareness. But I digress….

There is a serenity and peace to be found in intentionally engaging in self-honesty. Opens all sorts of doors that had been nailed and/or bolted shut pretty much through out my existence. If you actually acknowledge self-honesty as a valued character trait in lieu of a mortal combatant, the awareness follows.

Guarded by discpline.

All nourished by some genuine love for one-self.

What blankets you then is a protective sense that you are worthy and valued just as you are becoming. Talk about serenity and peace. Man. If there is a secret ability, then that is what I found to be the one for me.

I can just be.

Nothing secret.

Finally, just me.