Food For Thought... vol IV

I often times get asked what it is that propels me to write. I suppose people might be looking for my Muse of sorts. Truthfully I dont necessarily have a particular Muse. I use my experiences in life and my personal journeys to explain what I need and attempt to transcribe such things in a manner that are understandable to the masses. Sometimes it is hard but, I know that there is someone out there that might get benefit from reading. Im not trying to say that Im Gods gift to the written world, and I never will, but I can say that Im a guy thats not affraid to feel and today I feel as if words work better when they inspire action.

We as people need to consider eachother more, we need to feel inspired through the negative actions of others and attempt to turn those negative actions in to positive results.

It is quite obvious that the state of the nation is in dissaray. Our unemployment rate is skyrocketing, the realestate market is in the toilet, the economy is worsening by the day, and the national confidence is way down. If you ask the government, they will tell you that all of this is alost over, but in truth I cant see it. I might be tainted by the liberal media, but honestly, I also read the reports, watch the DOW, and recognize my parents retirement funds are worth what the were over 15 years ago. I think its fair to assume that nothing is getting better at this point, and I should just learn to deal with it.

I have actually learned through these tough times that there is something wonderful out there though. I have stopped obsessing over everything. Ive stopped obsessing over money, material items, status, and percieved notoriety. I have taken this opportunity to learn about others, to learn about the little things in life that really make us who we are. I have taken the time to appreciate people for who they are. I have learned that a little bit of your time can go a long way with a complete stranger, as the small things you may do for them will be returned to you three fold at a later time. You may even find a friend. A good friend, someone that you can count on and talk to.

For the past several months I have been doing many things that require just a small bit of time to make someone smile. On a lazy afternoon, you can sometimes find me playing my guitar and singing on the DC Mall. I always have a great time, and it seems the the kids walking through are the biggest fans. I have no problem passing my strings over if someone else wants to play and I always love to hear the young children singing along. Sometimes they drop a little change, and sometimes they dont, but thats not really the reason that I do it. I go out and play to watch, learn, and take home with me one of the greatest feelings in the world. I feel for those moments I helped bring a smile to someones face, and in return they do the same for me.

Another of those feelings come from working, when time allows, in a local soup kitchen in South East. Truthfully I have met some of the nicest people there. Quite a few have held white collar jobs and are finding out the hardest possible way that there are no jobs available for them. It saddens me when I see someone that used to be full of life and vigor, and now can barely look someone in the eye because of their shame. If you ever want to see unity, walk in to a soup kitchen in the mid afternoon. People helping eachother and actually caring for one another. It is one of the most inspiring feelings in my life. I have learned much from these people, and will carry lessons from them for as long as I will remember. There may be a time when I find myself having to be a client of such a place, and in that i will be greatful for its existance. Not to mention the non-judgemental personalities that welcome you in and actually care about you and your wellbeing.

All this being said please know that it is in no way an attempt to toot my own horn, but more of an example of what I use as a muse. So i suppose it was quite a detailed answer as to why I write what I do. I like to experience life from all aspects and the only way to do that is to actually get out and live. We take a look at those that may be down on their luck, and need a little bit of compassion. Far too many times in our lives we bypass all that may affect us in an attempt to live a perfect little life with no inclusion. (That is of course unless you live in Southern Maryland where drama seems to be all inclusive... lol) I just know that if I was down on my luck it would be nice to have someone say something encouraging, toss me a quater, or hand me a cheeseburger. I also know the feeling that one gets when you have the opportunity to do that and that little action brings in to perspective what life is really about.

Life to me is about loving, living, and feeling, about having hope and giving hope. Life is about attempting to make the world a better place in whatever capacity you can. Life is about knowing that there are people that care for you and may not even know you. Life is about Humanity!

My muse is life and the simple actions that make life better for all, its the people that I saw in court a few days ago, its being with my girlfriend, its all of you. So in short... Thank you all for being my muse and giving me a reason to write.

Be good to eachother, and learn to let go of the negatives in life. Make your life better by helping those that need it, and show compassion, its a gift that will be returned to you one day!

Peace to you all, thank you for reading!