When Lean on Me first came out, I have to admit, I did not make a connection between the title and the film. I just saw crazy Joe with his baseball bat and his chains on the doors. I thought he had a funny way of showing his love and appreciation - firing folks and cursing out kids. Now, able to think a little clearer and more critically, I can see how his love was meant to lift some up - to sift the undesirable attitudes out and to focus only on the positive. In this letter, I would like to point out that the undesired attitudes are the ones we need to focus on the most. It brings me to the point that it is now more important than ever for all of us to lean upon each other for support.
Times are hard. And quite honestly, we need each other. Too often, on the TV, in the news, there are images of us tearing each other down. We make judgements on each other's mistakes. We talk all about us and never actually listen. The truth is, people need to be encouraged, inspired, and listened to. I honestly believe that the energy that is put into tearing people down can be used better if were used solely to uplift. Just think about the maginitude of effect that someone who has showered you with encouragement has had upon you. This show of love doesn't have to be over the top. It can be, "Hey, you look great!" or " What have you been up to?" or "I just wanted to stop by and say hi." or it can be a simple smile.
It doesn't cost anything to be nice. It is free. (We are in a recession.) Even when you know people hate your guts, be nice. Speak. Say hello. Smile. Choose the route of encouragement. You never know the emotional bagage that people are lugging around with them. You just might help to lighten the load.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Roses Do Grow From Concrete
I have a passion for writing, but am so mired in my day-to-day routine, I rarely write. Work, home sleep are my typical daily events. So, as I sit here in the hospital room with my son, bored, I realize there is no better time than the present. My topics will fluctuate, but my theme of roses growing from concrete will remain the same. There is no better way to describe my life journey.
Today's topic will be "Defining the Dream". When I was a little girl, I would spend quite a bit of time dreaming what my life would be like in the future. I dreamed about my wedding day (although the face of my husband never did appear,I dreamed the day down to the detail), which member of New Edition ( Ralph T.) I would marry and how I would never be like my parents (During my teenage years, I deemed them tyrants. I no longer think this). No different than I was then, I still do this, only my dreams are much more complex and detailed. They often deal with work and my goals and aspirations as a parent versus my carnal wants.
I started to wonder if there was a science to this. Did the dreams mean any thing other than my deep desires?Was it a sign of what I was to receive in the future? I began writing down the portions of my dreams that I deeply desired. What I realized after I wrote down many of my dreams is that they ALL became true at some point. This leads me to question every last reader - How badly do you want it? How badly are you willing to work to get to what it is you desire?
Some of the dreams I had were frivolous. They held little meaning and they didn't weigh on my as some of my other desires. But the ones that I wanted badly, the ones I wrote down and reflected upon from time to time came to fruition. I am reminded of my pastor saying to me that what you concentrate upon is what will grow - so concentrate only on the positive
My encouragement for all of those who will choose to read this blog is to define your dreams. Write down what you truly desire. (Now just to offer a caveat to this, I have written down "win the lottery" over and over and it has not happened yet. but if you write it and you win, please share with me.) What have you been wanting to do, but have been putting off every chance you get? Put Twitter and Facebook on hold long enough to pick up a pen and paper and write down your dreams. You will be surprised what it is you actually want.
My Best for Your Promising Future -
Today's topic will be "Defining the Dream". When I was a little girl, I would spend quite a bit of time dreaming what my life would be like in the future. I dreamed about my wedding day (although the face of my husband never did appear,I dreamed the day down to the detail), which member of New Edition ( Ralph T.) I would marry and how I would never be like my parents (During my teenage years, I deemed them tyrants. I no longer think this). No different than I was then, I still do this, only my dreams are much more complex and detailed. They often deal with work and my goals and aspirations as a parent versus my carnal wants.
I started to wonder if there was a science to this. Did the dreams mean any thing other than my deep desires?Was it a sign of what I was to receive in the future? I began writing down the portions of my dreams that I deeply desired. What I realized after I wrote down many of my dreams is that they ALL became true at some point. This leads me to question every last reader - How badly do you want it? How badly are you willing to work to get to what it is you desire?
Some of the dreams I had were frivolous. They held little meaning and they didn't weigh on my as some of my other desires. But the ones that I wanted badly, the ones I wrote down and reflected upon from time to time came to fruition. I am reminded of my pastor saying to me that what you concentrate upon is what will grow - so concentrate only on the positive
My encouragement for all of those who will choose to read this blog is to define your dreams. Write down what you truly desire. (Now just to offer a caveat to this, I have written down "win the lottery" over and over and it has not happened yet. but if you write it and you win, please share with me.) What have you been wanting to do, but have been putting off every chance you get? Put Twitter and Facebook on hold long enough to pick up a pen and paper and write down your dreams. You will be surprised what it is you actually want.
My Best for Your Promising Future -
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