April 10, 2022
Good morning my friends. I hope you are doing well and enjoying life. Christian religions around the globe celebrate Palm Sunday today. It commemorates Jesus entering Jerusalem, while people greeted him by waving palm branches. Today, also marks the beginning of Holy week. Next Sunday celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and Easter. I was raised Catholic, but haven’t been a church going person for many years. I believe in God and life after death. My beliefs are strong and deeply rooted in my faith. I consider myself more spiritual today than ever. I’m grateful for each new day of life and the opportunities it brings. I am open to other religious teachings and beliefs. Jewish tradition commemorates Passover beginning on Friday. Other religious celebrations vary, based on their doctrines. Religions, and peoples, across the planet call Him by different names. My interruption, when I look deeper, is that we’re all united under one God. I’m not asking you to believe, or to share my thoughts or views of God or religion. That is your individual choice. I am merely asking you to keep your heart and soul open to all the possibilities. The universe holds incredible energy, power and unsolved wonders. I’ve made my own discoveries, during my many years on this earth. Take the time to release your fears and live in the present. Happiness and love are created within each of us. Life doesn’t have to be perfect to be wonderful.
Let’s face facts; life will never be absolutely “perfect.” We all deal with various issues and struggles throughout our time on this planet. Life is only as wonderful as we view it in our own mind. Our attitudes, thoughts and perceptions dictate how we see the world around us; including people, places and things. I believe life is meant to be lived, as is, each and every day. Dwelling on the past serves no beneficial purpose, other than to create more negativity. Worrying about the future only brings more anxiety and stress. I do my best to remain focused on the present, while working to make my dreams reality. True perfection isn’t possible, so why waste time attempting to change or manipulate it into something it isn’t. I spent far too much time attempting to control aspects of life; my own and others around me. All that wasted time and foolishness achieved nothing, got me nowhere and ruined some amazing relationships along the way. Don’t let your ego, stubbornness or fear sabotage your life, dreams or relationships. When negative thoughts creep into your mind, the divisive behavior has the ability to destroy dreams or the beautiful things that make life amazing. Living in the present, gratitude and the gift of life, is my perfection. I’m grateful and happy for each new day and the opportunities it holds for me to be the best human I can be.
I realize no place (people or life) will ever be perfect. I loved living at the beach; and being within a short walk was amazing. The weather (along the San Clemente coast) was by far the best part of California. Having the ocean so close, that I could smell and feel it, was incredible. It was my place of solitude and reflection. I became disillusioned with California; politics, crime, cost of living, traffic and just junk. I believed a drastic change was needed to alter the direction of my life. At the time, moving away seemed like the best option. The feeling that I could no longer stay was overwhelming. I left many amazing friends and love in that beautiful place. My mind was telling me to go, and that it would make everything better. I didn’t want to wait or hinder the journey of anyone else. My path to discover who I am and what I need to do, became an obsession. The darkness and negativity, that had been buried deep inside me for far too long, needed to be expelled completely. Sometimes the journey to self-discovery can lead us down a twisted, but incredible path. My road has been filled with emotions, both good and bad. I had feelings that needed to be felt, uncovered, exposed and expressed. The experience has brought me across the country, while my heart and soul remain deeply connected to the west coast. Sixty-eight years in and around the same area bonds you to many places, things and people; including love. I left many of these fabulous beings behind to pursue my meaning of life.
Under the rubble of my childhood, and over half my life in law enforcement, the search for the “real” John was only mine to pursue and reveal. If I could find the root of my issues, it would release me from unjustly blaming others, or the circumstances around my life or relationships, for my heartache. The mind is an incredible machine. It can create amazing things, both fabricated and real. When we believe in our own abilities, the brain has the potential to energize us for feats of magic. It also has the power to do us harm. When we leave our mind to its own devices, it can spin untrue narratives within itself. Negative thoughts, if allowed to run unchecked, can lead us down a different (and sometimes destructive) path. When I became aware of what my past thoughts and patterns were doing to my present, it became evident how the unchecked chaos drove me in a downward spiral. When I sought clarity and solace in my life, and controlled the negative rampage occurring in my mind, my life took a new direction. I recognized the importance of positive thinking. No longer do I dwell on the past or allow negativity to interfere with my present. My thoughts focus on today and what’s most important; family, friends, happiness and love. My life is clear, powerful and energized with each new breath.
Every day on earth is a great day. I have the power and control to ensure my time on this planet is wonderful. You have the same power. It’s just one thought away and it’s all your own to alter for goodness. Change your attitude and perspective to see the positive in all things. Life has a way of throwing negativity at us. It’s our choice how we perceive and respond to it. Leave your anger and fears behind; just like the past. Make the decision to act in kindness and love. These simple acts have incredible strength for you; mentally, physically and spiritually. You, and the world, will be a better for it. Remember, life doesn’t have to be perfect to be wonderful. Follow your dreams. They know the way.
Please tune in and join me again next Sunday for more! The puzzle of life is always changing. Change can lead to amazing opportunities. Together, let’s be healthy and strong; mentally, physically and spiritually!
Thanks for your love and support! Embrace Life! Be sure to get outside and enjoy nature!
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