Intention is on Trial Today

The trial in the Senate is a battle between Trump’s current and temporary future vs America’s constitutional and permanent future. Today will determine who will put themselves first over their country, or who will put country over themselves.

What drives each and everyone of us to do anything is purely based on our intent. Why do we do what we do? If you want a promotion, will you approach your boss specifically to bad-mouth other employees with the sole intent to make them look bad so you can look good? When you look at it this way you can see the dirty, sneaky aspect of it all. Getting dirt on the Bidens is an example of Trump’s true intent.

Trump’s lawyers’ intent is to save Trump. The House’s intent is to save democracy.

Fighting for the Betterment For All is the mindset required to being a selfless hero. Fighting solely to keep your power is the mindset of a selfish dictator.

May God bless and protect America

Personal Interests

We all have personal preferences and individual goals that we each aim to achieve. However, the minute we arrive at work, our personal life should be set aside, and a mutual co-operative goal should be the focus. One that follows the business at hand.

Politically speaking, any government servant is supposed to work for the interest of the public. So I am confused to hear murmurs that a ‘hall pass’ is given to particular senators; it’s an unauthorized ‘OK’ to vote in accordance to what will help or promote their re-election in 2020. Is this not the reason for the impeachment trial – Personal Interest in the 2020 election is in question??

Nostalgia

Introducing my very young children to Eddie Murphy’s comedy no doubt would have labelled me ‘a bad influence’ to many parents and scholars, so I never openly admitted I showed them clips from his stand-up routines. [Their favourite was “The Ice-cream Man Is Coming!”] Many would say I “polluted” their virgin ears. Which would have put me on the defence because I was very protective of what I allowed my children to watch, but I guess the magic of Eddie overpowered my parental judgement.

When SNL announced Eddie was hosting, we all looked forward to it hoping to see Gumby, Buckwheat, and of course, Mr. Robinson’s Neighbourhood.

The anticipation and joy that twinkled in my eyes was also present in theirs. Had I not introduced my kids to Eddie’s comedy, they would not have appreciated Eddie’s SNL return like the rest of us 50+ year old fans did.

Thank you Eddie Murphy for bringing a shared nostalgic moment into our home.

As I write this, commentary from Cosby is circulating in the news. I will just say this, remarks and judgements thrown at Eddie in the 80’s were precisely the reason I felt guilty introducing my children to his material. I admired and respected Crosby back then. He didn’t like Eddie’s swearing. He felt it wasn’t necessary. But we can’t deny what we feel. And I felt entertained listening and watching Eddie on-stage. If anything, Eddie was being his RAW self, unlike Cosby, who was only playing the good guy.

The brilliance of Eddie Murphy is being able to wrap a 35 year old joke up with a quick one-liner “whose the American dad now?” said it all.

~ Let’s try to judge less and enjoy more

A World Without Trump

The world will not be better off without Trump. The divisiveness is in need of a hero and only one man can be that hero – Donald J. Trump.

The impeachment is likely to happen. Many will be relieved, and many will be upset.

Immediately following, Mr. Trump should address the world from his oval office and send a message of love, peace, and hope for the future.

His address should call for pause. His statement should be humble. His words should be clear. No blame should slip through his lips. Instead he should accept the vote and vow to do better. He should show his respect for the office and apologize with deep regret that his actions has caused a great divide in America.

By doing this Democrats will appreciate his acknowledgement of the severity of the situation and Republicans will respect him even more.

Living In and Loving The Moment

Flipping through channels the other night I came across Garth Brooks wiping tears from his eyes. Being curious I had to tune in. His story captivated me. We assume successful people get lucky breaks. But no one arrives at the top of their game without first pursuing their dream. And Garth had a wonderful dream.

Titles, trophies and awards validate some successful people. But Garth achieved the greatest success – true happiness. I often start my day hoping to achieve the same, but I forget to activate something within me – passion.

Success begins when we feel satisfaction. And satisfaction is felt when we enjoy what we are doing. And we enjoy what we are doing if we allow ourselves to be passionate. If we ignore our passions by placing our hope for success in the future, then ‘if tomorrow never comes,’ we lose the opportunity to feel happiness.

Watching Garth perform is not simply seeing a man strumming a guitar and singing a song – it’s watching a man celebrate his love for life! It’s watching him thoroughly enjoying what he is doing. And as we watch and listen and ‘dance’ we genuinely feel his infectious love for Living in, and Loving, [and singing in] the Moment.

Thanks for ‘The Dance’ Garth.

~ I hope this inspires you

The Right Time and Place

I have not had the pleasure of seeing Lin Manuel Mirandes’ phenomenal play, Hamilton, but I did see a special on PBS, showing the making of Hamilton and was completely blown away.

Great work is inspired. And I believe there is a divine hand leading ordinary people to do extraordinary things. And when these inspired people listen to their deepest desire [to write a play about Hamilton] and allow the seeds of their creation to grow with the pure intent to provide betterment for others, then the entire universe will support and help them to succeed.

Like dandelion seeds floating in the wind, I like to think there are ideas floating in the universe. And when one of our thoughts [hopes, dreams, wishes, desires] lines up with one of those seeds, conception occurs.

I watched the American Judicial Hearing yesterday and was inspired by the four professors who so elegantly explained the dream of the Founding Fathers and the reasoning behind the Constitution. Politics can be boring for many, but if you look at it from a perspective of efforts being made to create a better future, it becomes more meaningful.

I can’t help but wonder if Lin’s play about Hamilton was meant to be. Was it a dandelion seed floating in the air waiting to be captured by the right person who was able to use their God-given talents and abilities to shed light on a subject that is needed at this time. I truly believe, Hamilton, arrived at the right time and in the right place. NY – where would be a better place to perform such a play?

Dream big, hope for more, and aim to fulfil your desires – who knows, right now could be your time to create something that will make for a better future.

~ I hope this inspires you

The Perfect Role

Seeing the trailer for Tom Hank’s new movie where he portrays Mr. Rogers, was truly nostalgic. To say, “I am looking forward to seeing it,” is an understatement. He is the perfect actor for this role.

It made me wonder, if there was a movie about my life, who would play me? Perhaps the more important question to ask is, would the movie be worth watching?

From day to day as I go about my routines, running errands and performing tasks, I may overcome minor obstacles, but ultimately my days are governed around my own needs. What would our world be like if everyone spent their working hours purposely trying to be effective in the world. That’s what Mr. Rogers did.

When the market crashed in 1929 everyone was desperate. Workers needed money and businesses needed buyers. Everyone went that extra mile hoping to be of value to others. Manufacturers made products meant to last and workers proudly put all their energy into their work. As the economy gained some footing, peoples’ future grew more secure. Has ease and comfort robbed us from our need to make a valuable effort?

Mr. Rogers focused on his neighbours. I recently learned the word neighbour in ancient Jewish text meant ‘the person close to you’. The stranger behind us at the check out, the cashier ringing in our groceries and the person climbing in the car parked next to ours. These are the neighbours Mr. Rogers cared about; the people who crossed his path. I am going to try to make it a habit to acknowledge my neighbours as I go about my day, and I will begin by acknowledging you. Thank you for taking the time to read this.

~ I hope this inspires you neighbour

Diplomacy

Diplomacy is the management of relations between nations. It involves skill; the ability to handle affairs without raising hostility. It takes effort, and a great deal of discipline. [Yelling, name-calling or stating a false accusation is not being diplomatic]

Vindictive behaviour, is a targeted attack with pure vengeance. It happens every time one purposefully inflicts harm on another or prevents someone from achieving their goal. [A bully who takes your lunch won nothing – they simply stole your food]

Governance without diplomacy demonstrated within its own walls that allows vindictive behaviour to be excused or over-looked is opening a door to dictatorship.

Diplomacy used to be common, sadly, it is so rare today that people are surprised when they see it. But that is what makes it so powerful.

One spark of admiration can raise the standard. One can witness diplomacy and be inspired to follow suit. Diplomacy is self-respect and moral judgement in action.

I hope this inspires you

What Is Truth?

Motive, intention, reason, excuse(s) are all wrapped up in what each of us calls Truth. The truth is; it is what it is. No excuse can justify it, and no tears can erase it. Cold I know, but cold hard truth always shows itself while our emotions try to avoid it.

We all have a project to finish, or something we have set aside for later; a room to clean up or paperwork to fill out. We can find someone or something to blame, but the truth is; nothing will change until we accept what is. This involves changing the way we look at it. Emotions keep us stuck, but facts can help us see the bigger picture. It’s not finished – period. It doesn’t matter who, when, where, what or how ~ all that matters is a simple equation; the effort we put in will equal the result. No effort, no result. If we have a ‘that’s good enough’ attitude, then the result will be just that ~ not good enough. If we take shortcuts, it’s almost a guarantee it will fall short. If we try to put the burden on someone else then we won’t be able to feel the satisfaction of achieving our goal. [And we know they won’t do it the way we want!]

The cold winter months can be debilitating for some, making it hard to get motivated. But there is an advantage in being trapped in doors – it gives us time to work on those projects. I am going to take a few minutes every day to work on my project – I’m going to make it a habit – turn it into a regiment always remembering that I am doing this for me – it is something I have always wanted – because if I don’t start now – when will I start? Let’s hope we can all set aside our excuses and face the simple truth ~ it is what it is. [But each day I can make it just a little bit better!]

I hope this inspires you