May 22, 2022
Good morning my friends. I hope you are doing well and enjoying life. Yesterday, Saturday May 21st, our nation celebrated Armed Forces Day. I hope you took the time to thank a soldier serving in our military. This holiday honors all our military troops and personnel (from all branches of service), that are currently serving our nation. Don’t confuse this day with Veterans Day or Memorial Day (as some people tend to do). Each of these unique holidays serves a specific purpose and recognizes an institution all their own. Please don’t lump all of our military personnel (presently serving our nation) in with our veterans or our deceased soldiers. It’s not correct; and for me, it’s just disrespectful to all our nation’s heroes. Our service members, military and their immediate families deserve so much more respect and gratitude than they receive. These holidays were established to memorialize and honor our troops; past, present and those no longer with us. There are some individuals who think these holidays were created for their personal enjoyment. It’s time our nation (and our population) re-learn the meaning of some important holidays in our country; along with how to honor the individuals associated with them. Call me “old fashioned,” but I believe in manners, respect, honor and loyalty. We need to bring these simple traits back into wide spread existence and use. I say, “Yes, please” and “thank you” to that. Let’s show a little more compassion and love! I know you can do it.
I believe LOVE can and does conquer all. Some individuals may think of me as “romantic” because of this statement, but that doesn’t bother me. I’d much rather be a lover and a dreamer, than anything else right now. I’m a true believer in the power and the energy this word possesses; along with its emotional fervor. It always makes my heart happy knowing what a strong emotional feeling love can create. I can honestly say, I never really gave love much thought in the past. I knew it existed, but it has taken me far too long to appreciate it’s amazing value and meaning. I’ve cried tears of sorrow for loved ones; family, friends, co-workers and pets; that were taken from this earth far too soon. I’ve known and felt sadness and heartache, that accompanies these and other experiences. I’ve held back my tears for far too long (or hidden them in private); thinking I was showing my strength or manliness. All I did, was to reveal my own weakness. True strength and power are found by allowing my emotions to flow freely. Opening my heart and revealing my vulnerability is where being a man takes new shape. I have no doubt many men have shared this feeling, or have been caught in the silly dichotomy of it all. I suppose the real question is, “Are you willing to admit and show your strength, or are you destined to be weak?” Being a man (or a human) is difficult enough as it is; especially now. Don’t be fearful to show your true feelings and emotions. When you open your heart and soul to love, it will set you free.
It’s time we re-connect with the meaning of the word L-O-V-E. A little understanding, kindness and love go a long way. Peace, joy, compassion and happiness all spring forward when you inject any of these virtues into your life. Love has the ability to bring the greatest rewards and pleasures. In recent years, I’ve written several poems about love. They express my emotions with the love I experience, have lost and continue to seek. I never imagined I’d be writing poetry; (or admitting and sharing my emotions with the world), but here I am, open and sharing. Since retiring (nearly eight years ago) from a long career in law enforcement; my heart, mind and spirit have opened in ways I never thought possible. I’ve been told in the past that I lacked emotion and passion, in various forms. I agree that this was true to some degree. Opening up my heart and soul was extremely difficult; especially in close “love” relationships. My childhood influenced that behavior, while my career reinforced the demand that I hold these feelings in and not share them outwardly. I’ve learned that this process couldn’t have been more wrong or harmful. Suppressing or withholding these human expressions is a natural and a pure part of our existence. I’m discovering a new wealth of passion deep inside my soul. It needs to be expressed, set free and shared. I’m happy for my new opportunity; to live an expressive, passionate and loving life. I have an opinion to share and a voice to be heard. I have a lifetime of love to give.
It’s interesting how age, maturity, experience and knowledge have altered and changed my priorities in life. Things I considered important years ago are no longer a concern now. What I value most in life are my family, friends and the interpersonal connections with amazing individuals. Happiness and love have enormous value over possessions and wealth. I’d much rather share amazing experiences and adventures with people I love, than nearly anything on this planet. I’m not hiding or running away anymore. I’m here, standing my ground, firmly planted in the present, seeking your love. I’m grateful and thankful every day for life and the new opportunities to thrive. Don’t waste time on accumulating more stuff. Build connections, relationships, friendships and love. These are the important things in life, and they matter the most. There’s an old proverb that says, “The secret to living well; eat half, walk double, laugh triple and love without measure.” If you believe in your own power, anything is possible. All you have to do is open yourself (heart, mind and soul), to the possibilities. Like all good things, it takes work and effort to achieve greatness. Things don’t just happen by sitting on your rear doing nothing. We have the ability to make this world a better place. Think of all the lives we can change; bringing happiness and love to all. My friends, life can be easy, simple and joy filled if we allow it. Be happy with yourself and love your life. I’m grateful for each new sunrise and happy for another chance to live. My intention is to share a forever kind of love with an amazing partner. It’s a magical, special kind of love that never ends. This is the best kind of love worth having; the forever kind. Love always wins. 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!
sundaymorningwithjohn.com 