Hey All.
Well, our friends in Boston have breathed a huge sigh of relief, and toasted the efforts of their local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies in apprehending the surviving accused terrorist who attacked the marathon. No further attacks anytime soon, we hope.
So now what happens? The legal issues. Will he be tried for murder under state law in Massachusetts, which does not have the death penalty? Or will the US Attorney General charge him with capital murder, which by definition, carries the death penalty? Will this exception to the Miranda warnings stand up in Court if challenged by the public defender? Or will his all-too-important statements be excluded from evidence? Or will the proper authorities realize the risk of this overconfident maneuver, wait until Tsarnaev regains consciousness, and read him his rights just as a CYA move? Or better yet, will they deem him an enemy combatant and ship him off to Gitmo?
This is why we have police, this is why we have courts, and this is why we have at least two overlapping justice systems. Let's leave the second guessing to the pundits and prognosticators, and trust that they'll figure it out so we don't need to deal.
But what about the rest of us? I think we've already seen what to do next.
(1) Remember the victims and their families. Whether it's buying a shirt to show support, running in a race to acknowledge them, or just plain posting inspirational messages on your feed, just show them that they matter more than any extremist, miscreant, or gangster.
(2) Remember that life matters, just like we all did after 9/11. It's not a guarantee, it's a gift. Although we all have laws and standards to live by, we also have free will. Unfortunately, free will is sometimes used to accept hatred and anger, and to commit unspeakable acts because of them. But it's no excuse to avoid living life just because there's a risk that someone will take it from us. Rather, it's even more of a reason to live, and live even better. Nobody, not the FBI, CIA, TSA, DHS, or ICE can ever stop this from happening. But we can still live anyway, and live with greater purpose.
In fact, what better reason is there to live, than with the knowledge that our death could happen 20 years from now, or tomorrow? I apologize in advance for the thoughts this hypo may generate, but what if you or I were lost in that bombing? Granted, the media would grant you a brief, but sincere-sounding epitaph. And they may take a few tearful statements from your loved ones. But wouldn't it be better if you knew, just for yourself, that you were living life the best way you knew how, When The Hour Comes? Wouldn't it be satisfying, at least for your loved ones if not just for you, that you died doing what you loved? Instead of postponing it because the other daily crapola got in the way?
(3) Let Love Trump Anger. This one I'm borrowing from a good friend of mine. This friend has recently become a fan of this blog, and has reviewed some of my posts dealing with anger. This friend acknowledged that anger sometimes stays with us longer than necessary, and believed that some anger stays with us permanently, no matter what we do about it. However, this friend believed that the best possible way to keep anger at bay is to let it be trumped by love.
That doesn't mean we should all bake cookies and send them to this miscreant while the feds grill him. It does mean that we do the same thing we did after 9/11, and use this as a chance to heal. Act a little friendlier to total strangers, maybe -- if you're in NYC, give up your seat on the subway to someone else, and pay it forward. Or if elsewhere, drop a quarter in someone else's parking meter. Maybe even strike up a conversation with a total stranger at the DMV. And even now, when at least one playoff series pits New York against Boston, taper off the anti-chowder rhetoric and show a little respect and understanding.
Smile at people. Pay a few compliments. Be less rigid. Know what to sweat and what to let go -- I mean really know this.
There's no reason to forgive this Chechen extremist, whether he was brainwashed or not. But there is a reason to live like it matters, and to enjoy life by letting our righteous anger be pre-empted by good old-fashioned happiness with life.
That's all from here -- and thanks to that friend of mine who gave me a little reminder. :)
This blog is meant for the advancement, redemption, and self actualization of those who have not been taught how to properly manage their emotions, and have suffered due to this lack of information. While we in no way defend those who have harmed us, we also do not make ourselves triggered and manipulated by people and things we cannot control. Through the application of the Eight Pillars, we can move forward and become the strong, unflappable, respectable people we were meant to be.
Showing posts with label support. Show all posts
Showing posts with label support. Show all posts
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Two Races
Good Evening All!
Those of us on the Eastern Seaboard have now battened down our hatches for the second hurricane in two years. However, as I write, there are no gale-force winds, driving rain, or gigantic hailstones. Call it reverse Murphy's Law -- when you're Prepared to the teeth for something, it either does not happen or is revealed to be non-threatening. It's when you're NOT prepared for it that it bites you in the haunches! Either way, I've stocked up for a storm, and have been assured that the MTA subways have been shut down until further notice. We await news of its reopening . . . .
Next week, we'll be treated to two races. One is crucial for the athlete in all of us, and one is even more crucial to the future of our country.
A week from today, I will have completed my 7th NYC Marathon. Unlike other years, when I've trained with a group in Central Park two nights a week and once every weekend, I've gone it alone. I used the official 20-week NYRR training program and used it with the MapMyRun app on my phone.
While there may be those who think social media has gone too far, enabling us to track our very movements at any time, I respectfully disagreed. Every time I've posted my training results, even when I thought I wasn't at my best, there was always somebody giving me a thumbs-up. It's just a little blip on a screen, a rendering of someone's name, a small helping of bits and bytes, but it's a good thing to see.
Our sport thrives on encouragement and positive reinforcement. It is through these constant reminders that mere novices are able to gain enough strength and speed to transform their bodies in ways not thought possible. It is also through these constant reminders that those who may already have some experience in this sport can still rise to yet another level. So to all my friends, family, acquaintances, confidantes, and otherwise important people, I'd like to thank you in advance for all the likes and comments. You helped me raise my game this year, and I hope to convert that into a PR next week.
Aaaaand then there's that other race, which will end two days after the fun one. Yes, the 2012 Presidential Election will finally be delivered to us, the voters, to elect our leaders as can only be done in a democratic republic such as ours. It's not a day heralded by parades and fireworks, but it is the most important American holiday, second only to Thanksgiving. In other parts of the world, even to this day, criticism is squashed, dissent is eliminated, and opposition results in death or torture. Yet here in America, our forebears granted to us the right to select our leaders to govern as we see best, and to elect new leaders if those initially elected cannot succeed. Or, on the other hand, where the applicable constitution or charter allows, we can re-elect those leaders who have succeeded.
This election will go down in history as one of the most high-conflict, polarizing, and downright ugly elections ever seen. It pitted two opposite visions of America against each other, and exposed some damning weaknesses on both sides, leading many to lose confidence in the system I praised above. And through the magic of social media, it has pitted these opposing visions of America against each other with fire and venom not seen since the 1860's (this is meant for dramatic effect, I'm sure there were other eras with more conflict, I just don't leave myself enough editing time to be sure).
But when the final ballot is tabulated, a winner is declared, and a loser concedes, I can only hope that we turn our thoughts to a united America. I can only hope that those who support the winning candidate can limit their celebrations to one day following the election, and then a little bit more on Inauguration Day, and then turn their attention to the fulfillment of all campaign promises and/or logical and cogent explanations as to why they cannot be fulfilled, and what can be done instead. I can also hope that those who support the losing candidate can graciously put their angry rhetoric to the side and focus on what can still be done to ensure that their interests can still be represented with respect and civility towards our democratically-elected leader.
Shocking as it may seem, it's actually easier to run 26.2 miles than it is for us as Americans to set differences aside for the sake of our national interests. Maybe we could learn from this election how sticking to party lines and engaging in groupthink prevents our nation from moving forward, and make more attempts to avoid this four years from now.
That's my peace, all. My thoughts and prayers are for the continued safety of everyone who may be in Hurricane Sandy's path. Stay safe!
Those of us on the Eastern Seaboard have now battened down our hatches for the second hurricane in two years. However, as I write, there are no gale-force winds, driving rain, or gigantic hailstones. Call it reverse Murphy's Law -- when you're Prepared to the teeth for something, it either does not happen or is revealed to be non-threatening. It's when you're NOT prepared for it that it bites you in the haunches! Either way, I've stocked up for a storm, and have been assured that the MTA subways have been shut down until further notice. We await news of its reopening . . . .
Next week, we'll be treated to two races. One is crucial for the athlete in all of us, and one is even more crucial to the future of our country.
A week from today, I will have completed my 7th NYC Marathon. Unlike other years, when I've trained with a group in Central Park two nights a week and once every weekend, I've gone it alone. I used the official 20-week NYRR training program and used it with the MapMyRun app on my phone.
While there may be those who think social media has gone too far, enabling us to track our very movements at any time, I respectfully disagreed. Every time I've posted my training results, even when I thought I wasn't at my best, there was always somebody giving me a thumbs-up. It's just a little blip on a screen, a rendering of someone's name, a small helping of bits and bytes, but it's a good thing to see.
Our sport thrives on encouragement and positive reinforcement. It is through these constant reminders that mere novices are able to gain enough strength and speed to transform their bodies in ways not thought possible. It is also through these constant reminders that those who may already have some experience in this sport can still rise to yet another level. So to all my friends, family, acquaintances, confidantes, and otherwise important people, I'd like to thank you in advance for all the likes and comments. You helped me raise my game this year, and I hope to convert that into a PR next week.
Aaaaand then there's that other race, which will end two days after the fun one. Yes, the 2012 Presidential Election will finally be delivered to us, the voters, to elect our leaders as can only be done in a democratic republic such as ours. It's not a day heralded by parades and fireworks, but it is the most important American holiday, second only to Thanksgiving. In other parts of the world, even to this day, criticism is squashed, dissent is eliminated, and opposition results in death or torture. Yet here in America, our forebears granted to us the right to select our leaders to govern as we see best, and to elect new leaders if those initially elected cannot succeed. Or, on the other hand, where the applicable constitution or charter allows, we can re-elect those leaders who have succeeded.
This election will go down in history as one of the most high-conflict, polarizing, and downright ugly elections ever seen. It pitted two opposite visions of America against each other, and exposed some damning weaknesses on both sides, leading many to lose confidence in the system I praised above. And through the magic of social media, it has pitted these opposing visions of America against each other with fire and venom not seen since the 1860's (this is meant for dramatic effect, I'm sure there were other eras with more conflict, I just don't leave myself enough editing time to be sure).
But when the final ballot is tabulated, a winner is declared, and a loser concedes, I can only hope that we turn our thoughts to a united America. I can only hope that those who support the winning candidate can limit their celebrations to one day following the election, and then a little bit more on Inauguration Day, and then turn their attention to the fulfillment of all campaign promises and/or logical and cogent explanations as to why they cannot be fulfilled, and what can be done instead. I can also hope that those who support the losing candidate can graciously put their angry rhetoric to the side and focus on what can still be done to ensure that their interests can still be represented with respect and civility towards our democratically-elected leader.
Shocking as it may seem, it's actually easier to run 26.2 miles than it is for us as Americans to set differences aside for the sake of our national interests. Maybe we could learn from this election how sticking to party lines and engaging in groupthink prevents our nation from moving forward, and make more attempts to avoid this four years from now.
That's my peace, all. My thoughts and prayers are for the continued safety of everyone who may be in Hurricane Sandy's path. Stay safe!
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Mother's Day
Good Evening, All:
For my Mother's Day post, I think it only fitting to re-post (and where necessary, edit) what I posted on New Day last year. I dedicate it not only to my own Mom, but to all the Moms I've met in my travels.
Today, most Americans celebrated a day to honor all mothers. For some, this included breakfast in bed, going out to brunch, or gathering at a family member's house. I'd like to take this time to honor my own mother.
My mom ran a tight ship. She expected homework done every night, even if she had to make us do it. She expected rooms to be clean, even if she had to make us clean them. Most importantly, she expected us to behave according to a "higher standard."
That meant even if every other kid in school had a toy gun, I wouldn't have one. Even if every other kid watched a certain show on TV that she didn't approve of, I wouldn't watch it. And most importantly, even if every other kid had a smart mouth, or had an attitude, and acted like they could get away with whatever they wanted, I couldn't -- because THERE WAS NO GETTING AWAY WITH ANYTHING!
Our family was raised before the era of time-outs, and during a time when children did not make the rules. Rather, it was the PARENTS who made the rules, and the children who learned to follow the rules, and not to break, or else suffer consequences!
I credit my mother with substantial success in that department -- she raised a son who did very well in school, and went on to become a lawyer. She also raised a daughter who knew how to see right through people, how to show compassion to children who needed it most, and how to coach others to their peak physical form. NEITHER of whom failed out of school, broke the law, or expected things to be handed to them because they felt entitled.
I am not a parent, but I know that the essence of parenting is to give children roots and wings. Mom gave us both of those for sure -- we learned that we could always turn to her for advice (and we still do), and that we could grow up and advance as adults, achieving anything we chose to achieve.
Thanks, Mom. I know it meant putting up with a lot of nonsense from us, because children are known to do that. Heck, we still do that a little bit as adults, too. But you had the tenacity, the patience, the endurance, and the patience to raise two damn fine people!
And now the update for this year: My Mom is due an extra bit of gratitude because she helped me through a few tough experiences with some no-nonsense advice and her unwavering support. This year, more than ever, she has been someone I could turn to for anything, and I'll never take it for granted.
Mom, you're the best, and don't you forget it!
For my Mother's Day post, I think it only fitting to re-post (and where necessary, edit) what I posted on New Day last year. I dedicate it not only to my own Mom, but to all the Moms I've met in my travels.
Today, most Americans celebrated a day to honor all mothers. For some, this included breakfast in bed, going out to brunch, or gathering at a family member's house. I'd like to take this time to honor my own mother.
My mom ran a tight ship. She expected homework done every night, even if she had to make us do it. She expected rooms to be clean, even if she had to make us clean them. Most importantly, she expected us to behave according to a "higher standard."
That meant even if every other kid in school had a toy gun, I wouldn't have one. Even if every other kid watched a certain show on TV that she didn't approve of, I wouldn't watch it. And most importantly, even if every other kid had a smart mouth, or had an attitude, and acted like they could get away with whatever they wanted, I couldn't -- because THERE WAS NO GETTING AWAY WITH ANYTHING!
Our family was raised before the era of time-outs, and during a time when children did not make the rules. Rather, it was the PARENTS who made the rules, and the children who learned to follow the rules, and not to break, or else suffer consequences!
I credit my mother with substantial success in that department -- she raised a son who did very well in school, and went on to become a lawyer. She also raised a daughter who knew how to see right through people, how to show compassion to children who needed it most, and how to coach others to their peak physical form. NEITHER of whom failed out of school, broke the law, or expected things to be handed to them because they felt entitled.
I am not a parent, but I know that the essence of parenting is to give children roots and wings. Mom gave us both of those for sure -- we learned that we could always turn to her for advice (and we still do), and that we could grow up and advance as adults, achieving anything we chose to achieve.
Thanks, Mom. I know it meant putting up with a lot of nonsense from us, because children are known to do that. Heck, we still do that a little bit as adults, too. But you had the tenacity, the patience, the endurance, and the patience to raise two damn fine people!
And now the update for this year: My Mom is due an extra bit of gratitude because she helped me through a few tough experiences with some no-nonsense advice and her unwavering support. This year, more than ever, she has been someone I could turn to for anything, and I'll never take it for granted.
Mom, you're the best, and don't you forget it!
Sunday, January 15, 2012
You Deserve A Break!
Hi all -- now that all four football playoff games are done, and the Golden Globes are on, now's a good time to update the old blog!
It takes a certain amount of work to elevate yourself to new levels. Accepting the Four Pillars, eliminating the parasites, saboteurs, and gangsters from your lives, and increasing your self-esteem are not as easy as our friends in the "I don't care" crowd would have us believe. So what do we do when we're swamped? Take a BREAK.
Last week, I had a break of sorts. It was one I'd planned months before in order to run the Disney Marathon. Away from my normal routine, I visited my parents down in Florida, went to Orlando for all three of us to enjoy the marathon, and was treated to a little extra rest and relaxation. Once again, I thank my mom & dad for all their support! Not only did I use that weekend to compete in that marathon, I also used it for a little extra peace and introspection.
And this past weekend, I took another break. I had a week off from running, and treated myself to a mini-junk food binge! I'm not sure if the editors of Runner's World would agree, but most coaches will tell you that your body definitely needs to rest before you start running regularly again. And so I have! Of course, something tells me that by next week, that'll change.
The best thing about my breaks -- reconnecting with family. Our past can only be our past, we can't live in it, and we can't go home again. Even so, maintaining long-term relationships, especially with blood relatives, can still give us greater insight into who we are at present, and where we're going. Your immediate family still knows you better than anyone else, and has the best perspective into the path you're taking, and can always advise you in the most supportive way. You can still trust them more than anyone else. So long as you remain true to them, they'll always stay true to you.
So I'd like to thank my folks for inviting me into your home recently. I can assure you that those visits won't be the last. The time I've spent with you has been rejuvenating, and I recommend the same to all my readers, to the extent it's possible to do so, no matter how young or how old you may be. Through reunification and reflection with the family you grew up with, you're able to gain strength from the original source of life. In doing so, you're able to rejoin the world stronger, more mature, and significantly wiser.
And it doesn't hurt to remind them, and yourselves, that:
I EXIST. I MATTER. I BELONG. I DESERVE.
Feel free to comment!
It takes a certain amount of work to elevate yourself to new levels. Accepting the Four Pillars, eliminating the parasites, saboteurs, and gangsters from your lives, and increasing your self-esteem are not as easy as our friends in the "I don't care" crowd would have us believe. So what do we do when we're swamped? Take a BREAK.
Last week, I had a break of sorts. It was one I'd planned months before in order to run the Disney Marathon. Away from my normal routine, I visited my parents down in Florida, went to Orlando for all three of us to enjoy the marathon, and was treated to a little extra rest and relaxation. Once again, I thank my mom & dad for all their support! Not only did I use that weekend to compete in that marathon, I also used it for a little extra peace and introspection.
And this past weekend, I took another break. I had a week off from running, and treated myself to a mini-junk food binge! I'm not sure if the editors of Runner's World would agree, but most coaches will tell you that your body definitely needs to rest before you start running regularly again. And so I have! Of course, something tells me that by next week, that'll change.
The best thing about my breaks -- reconnecting with family. Our past can only be our past, we can't live in it, and we can't go home again. Even so, maintaining long-term relationships, especially with blood relatives, can still give us greater insight into who we are at present, and where we're going. Your immediate family still knows you better than anyone else, and has the best perspective into the path you're taking, and can always advise you in the most supportive way. You can still trust them more than anyone else. So long as you remain true to them, they'll always stay true to you.
So I'd like to thank my folks for inviting me into your home recently. I can assure you that those visits won't be the last. The time I've spent with you has been rejuvenating, and I recommend the same to all my readers, to the extent it's possible to do so, no matter how young or how old you may be. Through reunification and reflection with the family you grew up with, you're able to gain strength from the original source of life. In doing so, you're able to rejoin the world stronger, more mature, and significantly wiser.
And it doesn't hurt to remind them, and yourselves, that:
I EXIST. I MATTER. I BELONG. I DESERVE.
Feel free to comment!
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