Never try and defend yourself against a narcissist. They already know you’re right, they just want you to go crazy trying to prove it!
-Paper Quotes
Don’t waste your time, energy, or money on things and people not worthy of your gifts, talents, or truth. I’ve said before that I will no longer entertain what doesn’t honor my truth, and I still stand by that.
Crazy, ignorance, and insanity are what they are. No matter how you slice it and try to make sense of these elements, they won’t look or feel better. Protect your mind, body, and spirit at all costs. Don’t fall for their booby traps!
On that note, have the most productive and awesome week, my friends! 🤗
As we reflect on what we can do to continue to let our light illuminate wherever we are and be as peaceful and loving as we can be, we do it. We work with what we have and don’t need a lot of money to do it with, if any money at all. We show our compassionate and encouraging side of the human spirit that the forces of evil cannot outshine or destroy.
When I heard about the Buddhist Monks’ Walk for Peace, the 120-day, 2,300-mile journey by Buddhist monks — with their loyal dog, Aloka — walking from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C. to raise awareness of peace, loving kindness, and compassion across America, I cried. I pray that when they reach Washington, D.C., their message throughout their journey does not fall on deaf ears, but will emit the light of love shared by compassionate and humble hearts.
They came through our neighboring city in North Carolina yesterday, and as I watched how people of diverse faiths, creeds, and colors came out to greet them, bring gifts and water to give them, that tugged at my heartstrings like nothing I’ve seen in a long, long time. This 2,300-mile pilgrimage is not an easy journey, but their unselfish commitment and purpose bring me great joy, and hope to witness this. So very encouraging and inspiring to me.
What kind of light are we? Do we flicker or do we brighten everything around us when we walk into a room? I was reminded that even a small flame can be strong and bright in the depths of darkness, as we cannot allow negativity, like dark rain clouds, to dim our radiance.
Here is a news clip from Georgia when the Buddhhist Monks passed through Atlanta. Of course, they have moved on further up the highway towards their destination as of this day. If they can travel this many miles on foot with a smile on their faces, then doggone it, I know I too, can do something to make a positive difference, no matter how small it may be! Peace, love, and blessings to you all!
Have you ever put a lot of pressure on yourself to perform certain tasks that you weren’t paid to do or had to do, but you still did them anyway? Honey, count me in because I was caught in that trap of self-imposed stress for a long time too. Sometimes we can be so hard on ourselves to do certain things when we do not need to, and end up blowing a mental gasket.
We press ourselves to do things that, whether we realize it or not, even if we enjoy the competition, we create unnecessary stress that we may not even be aware of. I fell into a self-imposed trap that triggered an embedded competitiveness, which started out as an exciting prompt/goal for self-improvement. Eventually, that became lackluster and burned me out (I could see ashes falling off of me as I walked). It finally dawned on me that I didn’t even realize I was competing, and with who?
Let me share a few examples of what I mean. I typically do a good deal of reading, and for years, I would get on certain book forums to set my goal of how many books I plan to read for the year. At first, it helped me intensify my reading time, so I would push myself so hard to meet this challenge when I really didn’t have to. See, reading is already a habit for me. But I had to stop making this challenge a necessity just to prove what I could do. Comfortably finishing one book a month, based on the number of pages, is fine with me at this point. It’s as simple as that. I managed to turn what was a relaxing pastime into a stress-induced activity! Or was that an orchestrated ploy by the site?
Another example, while learning a new language online, was the not-so-subtle competition the site prompted. This particular site would show those who were accelerating by leaps and bounds on their leaderboard. I failed to see that the pace I was already at helped me to accomplish and absorb my lesson for that day. But I began pushing myself to do more lessons so that my score would be higher than some of the others on the leaderboard. I was determined not fall into the program’s demolition zone. But, it finally hit me that just as long as I learn at a comfortable pace, that’s fine with me. I don’t need to compete with others who probably already know the language anyway. Besides, this is merely a self-help project for me, and I’m not getting paid for that.
Of course, there are numerous writing challenges that I pressure myself to do. While I enjoy some of the challenges, I finally asked myself why the added pressure, just to say I wrote something to post online? Even as the administrator of this blog, I had to take a step back from posting something every day, sweating with an accelerated heartbeat about falling behind with my posts. Who cares, right? I am simply grateful for the friends I met and am meeting on this platform, and that is a fringe benefit for me.
Oh, and let’s not even talk about how digital games can lasso you in for the addictive kill. I engage occasionally in online word puzzle games, and they know how to use their leaderboards to draw you in to compete with other players, even if you remain anonymous. Yep, they egg you on and rope you into their madness of the game. So, I decided that if I am in a waiting room, I will have a book with me to read instead of playing on my phone. Gotta look smart, right?
I delight in learning something new and consistently look for rewarding activities that I may enjoy doing, which is a win-win for me. But first, I have taken many things off my calendar so I can embark on things that will help me grow spiritually, mentally, educationally, and emotionally. But when an extracurricular activity you enjoy starts to send you into a tailspin of overdrive, where it seems more like a chore, and it isn’t as enjoyable as it once was, then this is when we need to take a break, step back, and release the unnecessary pressure.
Just when you think things couldn’t possibly get worse, whoomp, there it is. Last week was another week that sent so many level-headed people into a spiral of disbelief and the always questionable ‘WTF’ around the world. This post is to simply debrief, connect, encourage, and not be anxiety-ridden.
We are no longer scratching our heads because we are beyond the point of bewilderment, shock, and utter anger. It seems as if we are waiting for the other foolish shoe to drop, and history shows that many other shoes will drop. But to add more salt to the wound, there are folks in some prominent positions justifying their own acts of terrorism and violence as self-defense. Crazy? Nope, this is pure evil, divisiveness, fraud, intentional, and many acts of deception, all rolled up into one, as I’ve never seen in my life. Just imagine the atrocities we didn’t hear about, and that in itself is simply mind-blowing.
I won’t insult my blog to name these individuals and leaders because they know exactly who they are, and so do we. I won’t give these jokers the prominence of keyword recognition. Dignity encompasses the following principles (per search engine results), which these so-called leaders lack:
Value the Uniqueness of Every Individual: Recognizing and appreciating each person’s specific background, preferences, and personality.
Uphold Responsibility to Shape Care: Ensuring care and support are tailored to the individual’s needs and preferences, not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Value Meaningful Communication: Using clear, respectful, and empathetic communication to understand and connect with the person.
Recognize Dignity in Personal Care: Handling intimate care with utmost respect, privacy, and sensitivity.
Recognize the Importance of Surroundings: Creating environments that are comfortable, familiar, and support an individual’s sense of self and dignity.
Value Dignity-Promoting Workplace Cultures: Fostering environments where dignity is actively promoted and supported by everyone.
Challenge Care That Reduces Dignity: Having the knowledge and willingness to question and stop any practices that are demeaning or inappropriate.
Their actions are despicable, as the lives of so many people are being destroyed like a badge of honor, with zero concern about human life. Yet, we refuse to give them the permission to make us feel anxious, fearful, worthless, hateful, or withdrawn.
As I reflected on the horror of the things I took away from the news, a commercial came on later with a familiar jingle that reminded me to let this little light of mine shine. No matter what’s going on, be still and let your little light shine all around the world. 🕯🌎🕯 We cannot and will not allow the darkness of this world to snuff out our light of love, joy, compassion, and hope.
“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”
-Nelson Mandela
Age ain’t nothin’ but a number is as true as true can get. Whenever you feel like you’ve been dealt some impossible cards to play, look at your deck of cards and play the hand that you are holding. Even if you don’t win now, you may have to shuffle your deck to try some different books in your next deck.
In the midst of the negative noise we are inundated with these days, I am sharing something positive, especially good news that many of us were probably not aware of.
I learned about 80-year-old Natalie Grabow, who became the oldest woman to ever finish the grueling, 140.6-mile Ironman World Championship triathlon that was held in Kona, Hawaii, last year. Yep, you read right, 80 years old! A standard for women older than 80 has never been set for Ironman because there have not been any finishers.
The Kona Standard (and the IRONMAN 70.3 Standard for IRONMAN 70.3) is not a cutoff time. It is a global benchmark that is used to assess the relative performance of athletes across age groups and gender. The athletes who perform the best in a race relative to their age-group standard will rank higher in the qualifying system.
The oldest finisher of an Ironman World Championship remains Hiromu Inada, who was 85 when he finished in 2018. Still, Grabow’s time placed third, and she is among women ages 60-64, and faster than a dozen women three decades younger.
But on top of her achievements, this octogenarian didn’t allow being a caretaker for her husband slow her down or thwart her ambition. She is quite a SHE-ro!
Don’t just be inspired, but be an inspiration to others, no matter how small or big it may be. Consistency and dedication are key superpowers in our toolbox of ambition.
Thank you for reading about the inspiration and incredible determination of Natalie Grabow. I love stories like hers because they show how ordinary people can make some extraordinary strides!
“Courage does not always roar, sometimes it’s the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, I will try again tomorrow.”
One’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses. (Luke 12:15c)
I was reading a few articles recently spotlighting the top 400 people/families who are the richest/wealthiest (in terms of money/assets) in America. I was once one of the biggest fans of watching ‘Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous,’ hosted by Robin Leach in the 80s. I loved watching this show to get ideas that I could possibly mimic in my home decorating projects on a much more affordable scale. Now, such shows sicken me to my stomach when I look at people frivolously paying millions of dollars just for lavish bragging rights.
Now, mind you, in my articles past and present on this topic, I don’t have an axe to grind with people possessing millions or even billions of dollars in their net worth. This is not a “Hate Millionaires/Billionaires Bashing Campaign.” It’s the appearance of an insane money grab to acquire more, more, more, that seems untouchable and incomprehensible. The abundance and power of more than enough in such a power play is what rattles me. I know that they have a way of skirting around paying taxes while capitalizing on fringe benefits, but why not let some of us in on the secret so we can get around paying taxes on things we’ve already paid taxes for? Even the lottery winner has taxes taken out of their winnings before they get what is left. Plus, they will still have to pay income taxes on their next tax return.
As I continued to read a few articles, I was more disturbed by what so many of these rich people aren’t doing. One article noted that while this graduating class of billionaires grew in net worth and clawed their way above other moguls on the list, they were not, nor are they planning to give/donate to charitable causes. They are holding on to their precious money (what’s mine is mine, too bad for you; end of story), and are without shame, grabbing for more regardless of who they step on to get it. Oh, the continued rise and syndrome of ‘me, myself, and I’ that we are witnessing.
Is this life of Riley living really the recipe for greater happiness and a bigger financial portfolio? Or is this power/money grab a facade that drives them into greater depths of selfishness, greed, and moral depletion?
Fewer donors and shrinking financial support systems seem to widen the gap of financial stress and insecurities. This is not about people being lazy and not working hard or wanting to get a job. Last year, more hard-working people lost their jobs due to major government cuts, establishment closings, and low unliveable wages, with nowhere to turn and no place to go. There are so many people left in financial poverty that penetrates all sectors of their lives, and it seems like those who should care don’t care at all.
We are called to share freely what we can, with what we have, and to make sure those in need have what they need, regardless of how little we have to give. I see so many people who don’t have a lot themselves, reach out to unselfishly share something they can give when they see people in need. These people are not doing it for fanfare, but as a simple act of kindness.
The unfair stereotyping towards the have-nots seems to be the megaphone message that an unbelievable number of people buy into. If folks say they are so religious and are allegedly living in line with God’s (Allah, Jehovah) principles, but embracing the more-is-more attitude for themselves, something is wrong, and they are clearly not reading the room of reality correctly, but merely fooling themselves. How much suffering do people need to see, just to practice some manner of heartfelt humanity and humility; that’s if they are paying attention at all?
Luke 12:48b, “For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required.”
Bullies have been around for as long as time itself, and many of them are upping the ante to make their actions more emboldened by what they say, more offensive, piercing, and damning. Their self-inflicted, inflammatory hearts are obviously filled with distaste and hate, primarily pointed at themselves, and sadly, they don’t even realize it. Still, they try to spew and dump their dysfunction on others.
Many of these people see others they don’t agree with as violent thugs and vermin, when they are the ones who clearly exhibit such unsavory character. I see evidence of such gunslinging verbiage when I read some vile attacks with ‘no merit’ in a few replies on many online comment sections. I often wonder what people are thinking when they say some of the most hostile and prejudiced things to start a fight about, against people they know nothing about. One need not condemn these individuals, because they have already done that to themselves.
We must be mindful of the foolishness that tries to disguise itself as sanity. While I am, and we are aware of such tactics, we cannot allow our spirits to entertain such nonsense. As an adult, playing childish, manipulative, and toxic games is not a part of my character. I know how I was brought up and how to treat people, even those who didn’t respect or treat me with simple common decency. But that’s okay, because their words and behavior are a mirror image of them, not me.
Sadly, some individuals really don’t care how offensive, poisonous, and painfully degrading their words can try to pierce through the hearts of others, and not even blink an eye. Yet, these very individuals who clearly allow disputable lies to flow so easily from their mouths look for an adoring audience and fan base to support and perpetrate their toxic fumes.
We love people, family, or friends, but some of their offensive and extremist behaviors or beliefs are difficult to tolerate. Yet, we don’t have to ingest such toxicity, nor entertain such abnormalities, unless you willingly invite it into your mind, body, and spirit. For me and for a while now, I no longer entertain at my table what doesn’t honor my truth because ain’t nobody got time for that!
Sometimes You Just Have to Pause
Begin your day energized with gratitude Some things will run smoothly Some things will be a little bumpy Some things you can do nothing about Pause through your day and breathe in gratitude. Some people will try to drive you crazy Some people will try to break you for selfish reasons Some people will try to steal your joy End your day celebrating with peace, courage, and gratitude.
Well, here we are beginning our journey to the mountaintop of a new year, a new month, and a new day. Each year has its share of gains and losses, and 2025 was not short of or immune to such life-changing events.
As we celebrate this newness of life, let’s keep our focus on destiny’s path for us. On this path, we may not know what’s ahead, but as we pay attention to the road signs along the highway we travel, we will learn to make the necessary plans and adjustments when and where needed.
There are many things to anticipate and fear But we need not be anxious in this new year This month, this time, in every way Wishing everyone born this month, a Happy Birthday!
To all our family and friends celebrating a birthday in January, may this new beginning be rewarded with hope, joy, love, peace, productivity, possibilities, and greater achievements, using the opportunities that lie before us.
In high school, some people used to say, “Shit Happens, and then You Die!” But Au contraire, “Life Happens, and then You Live!” I am delighted, albeit long overdue, to share this review for my friend Cindy Georgakas’s book, Celebrating Poetry.
Celebrating Poetry, by Cindy Georgakas, is a liberating collection of poems that complements her companion guide,Re-Create & Celebrate. Cindy shows, not only tells us, how we can accept and build on our imperfections by taking our sphere of self-awareness to another personal and reflective level.
I think Cindy’s chapter “Step 3: Ignite Insight” gels so well with our intuitive spirit.
We are like sponges and absorb people’s emotions, moods, feelings, thoughts, both verbally and non-verbally, consciously and unconsciously. Not only that, but it also matters what we say to ourselves because our brain stores everything. If we don’t continue to create a new mantra or dialogue with ourselves, we won’t be able to access insight, which is why it’s crucial we spend time in quiet introspection, reading, breathing, moving, writing, meditating, listening to music etc., every day.
I too, share an ambivert personality as Cindy does, which she noted in her poem “Social.” All of the poems in this book are splashed with life-changing experiences. I also love “I Can’t Wait to See You, but I’ve Changed.” This poem connects and hits home because all of us change, whether we like it or not. The poems in Celebrating Poetry are too numerous to pick one or two favorites. All of them resonate with a passion for words, along with many stories to tell through these pragmatic verses of timely experiences.
Be sure to get your copy ofCelebrating Poetryif you haven’t done so already. Also, be sure to stop by Cindy’s blog,“Unique Times” and give our energizer G’mama a shoutout!
This has been a busy year, and of course, I am behind in my posts and books due to other, more pressing projects. I couldn’t, however, let this year end without posting one of my long-overdue good reads that has been sitting in the queue for months. My apologies to trE Loadholt (A Cornered Gurl), author of the book, Séduire: Serial Tales & Flash Fiction.
Now, on to the review!
Séduire: Serial Tales & Flash Fiction is indeed a seductive and creative blend of reality woven into the crevices of the author’s imagination. Tremaine “trE” Loadholt delves into the depths of interpersonal experiences that are vividly depicted in her collection of flash fiction and short stories. trE, administrator of her website A Cornered Gurl and blogsite on this platform with the same title, offers servings of stories to entice your literary appetite.
One heartbreaking story that struck me to the core was “Phara.” This ten-year-old little girl becomes a sister and a mother at the hands of her demented father. Loadholt inserts this excerpt,
“Little girls know not of their place in their families, let alone the world. Who will speak up for them when they cannot speak for themselves? Who will honor them when nights are long and days are heavy with woes? Where is the comfort? Who wants to save them? No one ever volunteers.”
Loadholt explores the life and times of events that we can connect to in one form or another. Her collection reminds us of what it means to be observant, to hold fast to dreams, and to be a catalyst of compassion, love, support, and encouragement for others, no matter what demographic they come from. Click on trE’s book image and get your copy of Séduire: Serial Tales & Flash Fiction if you haven’t already! This is truly an emotional hike on the mountainside. Thanks for being our tour guide trE!
From Behind the Pen 