November 20, 2022
Good morning my friends. I hope you are doing well and enjoying life. It’s crazy how fast this year has flown by! Thanksgiving is only four days from now and Christmas is a mere month away. This past Thursday, November 17th, I celebrated my 42nd anniversary of being sworn in as a Police Officer with the Los Angeles Department. I had the honor to work alongside many incredible humans, including law enforcement personnel (both sworn and non-sworn). Together we made a positive impact in our corner of the planet. We shared difficult struggles, heartache and sadness. Humanity isn’t always kind or respectful. Every day we dealt with the evil that exists in our world. Through it all we maintained our professionalism and integrity. I pray our successes were many. My heart will forever bare the scares from the torture, trauma and death witnessed. I pray for the many innocent victims and all those who share these memories. I retired from the LAPD after a nearly 34-year career. I can’t believe I’ve already been retired for eight years. The 17th also marked my three-year anniversary since I began posting my blog, sundaymorningwithjohn.com. It’s amazing how much I’ve shared, matured, learned, developed and grown over these years. I know I can’t slow or stop time, although there are days I’d like too try. As I get older, it seems like the days speed by so much quicker. The best I can do is savor every moment as much as possible. I remain happy, positive and grateful for life. It is truly a gift to be cherished with each new sunrise.
America will celebrate Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 24th. It’s an American tradition, established so we may share our thanks and gratitude for all the benefits of living in our beautiful nation. We reside in a country with an overabundance of everything; yet some people aren’t satisfied with what they have. We have food, water, shelter and possessions that make life easier (or that’s what we’d like to believe). The best part of living in the USA is our freedom. Our independence is a privilege we can enjoy every day. For me, it’s not about what I have, but who I have in my life that’s most important. It’s time to be grateful for life my friends. There are nations around the globe that share similar rights and freedoms. There are other countries that have very little, yet seem to be happy and content. Then there are lands ruled by dictators or governments that control every aspect of life. These nations have no freedoms or choices. The populations suffer while the ruling class live in wealth and dominance. It breaks my heart to see these innocent people being tortured and killed, so an evil ideology can be sustained. This is all about manipulation and control. Don’t envy others, feel like you’re missing out or allow ego to override kindness and respect. Life is a gift. It’s your individual responsibility to make your life what you want. Hard work, perseverance and dedication to strive for what you want always pays off. You are never too old to dream new dreams, set new goals or achieve what you desire. Which country would you like to live in? A land of independence and freedom; or one of control, manipulation and slavery? I believe the answer is a simple choice. Don’t be misguided by some leaders who are attempting to divide our nation. These unscrupulous individuals only seek to increase their own power, control and wealth. Like evil rulers, I doubt they have America’s best interest at heart.
Our nation, the world and all people continue to deal with struggles around the globe. I ask you to put aside the issues that impede your daily progress, so you may find inner peace to give “thanks” today (especially this week) and through the holidays. Whatever it is that affects your life in a negative way; whether here in our country, on the planet, or in your home; life can be altered or changed in a positive manner. You may think it all sounds too easy, but when it comes to life, it can be as easy or difficult as we make it. I made the choice to create a better, happier and more positive filled life. I learned when I change my thoughts, I can change my life. I made the conscience decision to alter my perspective and attitude; how I view myself and the world around me. I start each morning with gratitude and happiness for being blessed with another day on this planet. I ask you to make time every day to be grateful for all you have. The holiday season holds many special memories for me, both good and not so pleasant. Each morning when I wake up to the new day, I thank God for another opportunity to shine. Giving thanks and being grateful begins with our personal happiness. We are each responsible to make our own happiness. It doesn’t come from other people, possessions or things. Happiness is created and generated from within each of us. If you aren’t happy; for whatever the reason; whether it pertains to a relationship, job or anything else, it’s up to you to alter or change your perception. Happiness changed my life.
Life is made up of experiences and adventures that create memories. Good or bad, these thoughts will be eternal in our mind. Allow them to add to the happiness you already know or share together with others. Don’t dwell on the past or the sad times. Instead, focus your energy on the present and build a bright future filled with bliss. This doesn’t mean life will be perfect, but hopefully it will make dealing with the difficult events easier. When I changed my thoughts and perceptions, it opened my life to a new positive existence. My values and beliefs; in God, the universe and myself, all serve to increase my physical, mental and spiritual strength. Be strong enough to weather any storm, large or small. Adversity can be easily dispelled with knowledge and truth. The self-discoveries I made about myself, once my heart and soul were free and open, were really quite amazing! It was like unearthing a long-buried relic that had been hidden away for far too long. My feelings of being closed and constricted have been transformed from darkness into the light of day.
We all have a past to reconcile. Dig deep, do your shadow work, recognize and take ownership for all that occurred in your life. Be open, honest and truthful with yourself about who you were then, where you want to be now and what direction the future will take you. Leave the past behind; as you enjoy the present and move forward into a happier future. When I was slapped in the face with my past, I realized I needed assistance to open my heart and soul. I’ve been working hard each day to ensure I’m no longer closed off to living life with passion and emotion. My inner work continues, not because I want to be better than others, but only to be the best possible version of me. I begin each day with happiness and positivity, because life is an amazing gift. I opened my heart and soul to the universe and a new path emerged. The energy I felt charged and empowered my entire being. I love walking barefoot on the beach; so, I can feel and experience my connection to the earth’s energy. This incredible connection heals my spirit and energizes my soul. It’s one of the many benefits of enjoying nature. We are all connected by energy, the universe and God. Don’t hinder or attempt to alter this incredible process with ego or negativity. Rid your mind of these thoughts. There may be ups, downs or hurdles to cross in life, but good things happen when we allow them. Treasure and enjoy the coexistence of living. I’m grateful for each new sunrise and the opportunity to shine bright. I place my faith and trust in God, then I allow the universe to guide my journey. Enjoy a blessed a beautiful Sunday and Thanksgiving my friends. Fill each day with happiness, gratitude and love. 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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