just another ex-jazz-musician/proto-rapper/Jersey-Irish-poet-actor/print-junkie/film-raptor/beat-hipster-"white Negro"-rhapsodizer/ex-hippie-punk-'60s-radical-organizer's take on all things cultural, political, spiritual & aggrandizing
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
THIS OLD QUOTE SEEMS APPROPRIATE AGAIN
"The trick is in what one emphasizes...We either make ourselves miserable, or we make ourselves strong. The amount of work is the same." —Don Juan (from Journey to Ixtlan)
I listened to friends & family of the NJ mall shooter, a 19 year old boy, who took his own life, say they knew he had a drug problem but weren't aware he was so troubled. Those of us who for whatever reason (genes, upbringing, support system, faith...) are able make ourselves stronger, must be more sensitive to that friend, family member or stranger who may be suffering. It can be the most subtle sign-or no sign at all. I've learned to never assume things are fine- it's always best to genuinely ask and listen. It's easier for some people to get stronger. I try to remember that, and offer whatever I can. Worst case scenario: being called a pain in the ass or crazy for talking to strangers. Best case scenario: saving a life.
I listened to friends & family of the NJ mall shooter, a 19 year old boy, who took his own life, say they knew he had a drug problem but weren't aware he was so troubled. Those of us who for whatever reason (genes, upbringing, support system, faith...) are able make ourselves stronger, must be more sensitive to that friend, family member or stranger who may be suffering. It can be the most subtle sign-or no sign at all. I've learned to never assume things are fine- it's always best to genuinely ask and listen. It's easier for some people to get stronger. I try to remember that, and offer whatever I can. Worst case scenario: being called a pain in the ass or crazy for talking to strangers. Best case scenario: saving a life.
ReplyDeleteBless you Jen.
ReplyDeletebless both of you
ReplyDeleteI just got blessed by two of my blessings. You guys make me smile.
ReplyDeleteRobert-
שאלוהים יברך אותך
& Michael-
Go mbeannaí Dia duit