Positive Political Perspective

Recently as I watch our nations politics consume television I found myself frustrated and slightly astounded. Just a few nights ago current candidates running for the nomination were asked what they would be doing that particular Saturday night if they weren't running for President. Comedians found endless jokes about how made up answers seemed to reveal how detached political officials are from the common man. This amused me, as if these high paid, all be it funny comedians have any more right to pretend they can relate to the common man. They mock the full wallets of candidates when I am sure their TV contracts and life styles would show they aren't worried about their next meal either. Sadly, I can't help but observe that these famous faces do more to determine our vote for the future leader of this great nation than research and education. The answer that was assumed to be accepted by us, the common man, was watching football. Now I'm sure that is what a good chunk of people were doing that night as well. I also think it would be safe to bet that an even bigger chunk were working thankless jobs, taking care of children, worrying about how to pay bills, caring for sick or elderly loved ones, and of course those many forgotten who are working either at home or abroad to protect, serve and defend this nation. So I don't know about you but I don't care what our future leader would be doing if he weren't running for president, I want to know that if he is president he will spend his Saturday nights like the rest of us, working though it might seem thanklessly to figure out how the bills are going to be paid, to see that the sick, elderly and needy are taken care of or given the opportunity to care of themselves and that he will continue to protect,serve and defend those who have sworn to do the same under his leadership.

Eat, Drink And Be Merry.... Not So Much

So I was thinking about the old adage, "Eat drink and be merry for tomorrow we die". I've never been fond of it and I finally realized why. Maybe it is the start of a new year that fills the air with possibilities, or looking at my little ones and the adventures they have had in their lives and the adventures still to come. Perhaps it is just hearing everyone discuss their battles with their healthier New Years resolutions. What ever the cause I realised that I don't like the phrase because it is so negative. I know it's original meaning but I would like to reflect on it as it would apply to us today. All too often we may find moments in our lives we need to escape from, a kind of vacation in a minute scenario if you will. We have all been there, your sad, stressed, lonely, tired, discouraged or what ever and for a brief quick moment you need to escape and find the energy to move forward. That is when it happens, you reach for something that won't improve things it will just give you a quick escape with only more discouragement when you return from that "vacation in a minute". Perhaps you are like me and you reach for something sweet to help you stay awake, or perhaps you seek for something that comes with a greater negative consequence after it has been partaken of. Why do we do this to our selves, eat, drink and seek false happiness because we want to avoid any difficult experiences we may be facing in turn only complicating our circumstances further. So here is what I propose, lets change the expression. Instead of " eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we die", lets change it to, (and you fill in the blanks)" ___________, __________ and __________ for today we live". For example: find knowledge, peace and joy for today we live. I'm curious what would you say how would you fill in the blanks to make this a positive mantra for your life? I would love to hear so don't be shy and respond. *Remember we all have a voice and you deserve to have yours heard.