THEY ARE TALKING CHANGE: DOES THAT MEAN PEACE AND LOVE?

My Brothers Keeper

The love of my creator has truly been manifested in my life. I recently, have been able to fulfill some of the plans I made, to spend time with the people I love; after suffering from a recent ailment. It began immediately after returning from the hospital and being able to be with my family again. It continued, when I was able to return to work and resume my career.

I recalled the event of being able to spend time together with my son, in the sports part of this blog. It turned out to be, more of an event than our previously planned outing that I missed. We had an opportunity to meet a former Knick player, get an autographed jersey and see the shoot around from some really great seats.

2008 is getting even better. I recently went out with my best friend (brother) and his wife and family; along with my wife and family. We saw a movie and went out to dinner. The movie turned out to be about second chances. It really was about fifth, six, and seventh chances. Spending time with my brother and his family was truly special. We are brothers who have a lifetime of memories together. We have spent time together on many occasions. However, being able to get together again and to continue our relationship was very endearing to me. It also, was about having second chances.

The funny thing is if you did not know us, and observed us from afar. On most occasions, you would think that we really did not get along very well. We would argue after having won a game of cards, basketball, pokeno, or anything else, you may think of. We were/are very competitive at anything, we were involved in. However, no matter the argument, even after being angry with each other; I never can recall a time when I did not love him as much as I loved anyone.

I felt a need to write this article, at this time, because brotherly love seems to be such a rare commodity during this day and age. We all remember the story of Cain and Abel. They were two brothers; one killed the other because one was jealous of the other. I believe the world would be at peace, if we as brothers and sisters, could get beyond our differences, jealousness and feelings of inadequacies. I learned at a young age, that if you want something in this world, you have to work for it. The life I lived was never easy; I worked hard all my life.

The one thing I knew was never lacking, as I grew older was the Love. I knew if we were ever short of sugar, or oil, my mother added love. I knew if I fought with my sister or brother, I knew in my heart I still had love. Now as an “adult” with a wife, and children; I have my “occasional” disagreements with my wife, family and friends. But, my experiences have made me wise. We will always have disagreements with family, friends and enemies. And we all may face times of anger or resentments. But, no matter what problem you face, the answer to the question that Cain posed to our creator; which was 'Am I my Brothers Keeper'? The answer should be, Yes.

We all have to remember that forgiveness is not only a blessing to the receiver. It is also, the balm that heals the giver. We are not always the best judge of who is wrong or right. I have argued with my brother on many occasions, if the basketball was outside of the foul line or not. We argued many times whether it was a ball or a strike. We argued many times. We disagreed, we said our peace; and then we kept it moving.

I am blessed that we remain friends, as well as family all these years. I have learned some lessons from our past. I hope the reader of this article, will take away from it, just one thing they may recall from their past or present situations, involving family or relationships they have. Try to remember, to be the one, “who is the keeper of the Inn”. Be the one that makes the peace, others will learn from your example.



Poet’s Corner

It was the way they played themselves that caused the reaction in my heart,
Don’t act like you’re a player, Until you study for the part.

You thought you were the One, the apple of my eye,
It seems as though you were, Until you made me have to cry.

Your innocence betrays the character of your heart,
It’s the darkness of your soul that is tearing me apart,

You called my name; I responded and felt a need in your voice,
I took a second to remember, you made a critical choice,
My mind could not shake, the tugging in my heart,
Your voice again, and again, now the feelings start.

Should I cleanse my heart forever, should I give it one last chance?
Only time will reveal, If my heart will take a stance.

I cannot take the emotional turbulence, of your love without end,
It may be better to be your advisor, your supporter, your friend.
The ending won’t be easy, the pain to much to bear.
But my heart cannot contain, the silent screams of one more tear.
Brad



BLOG TALK

The gift of love was my best present this past holiday season. God has truly blessed my life. That is not to say that I have not met many challenges, and have many to face coming into the New Year. I have been enlightened however, with the wisdom and experiences that only comes from adversity and the creator. Some people feel as though their problems will be solved, “once they get their money right”. Some feel as though their problems will end if they find, ‘Mr. or Mrs. Right!’ I believe the answer comes in the way we show our love!

I believe that many of us don’t take that time to remember that we help ourselves, when we take the time to remember the needs of others. We live in a society were we want everything here and now. We believe in taking care of number one, in today’s society. I believe in a God that gives us more than enough. He will not leave his children without the things we need, and of our good desires. However, he is not a wasteful God.

The creator blesses us with abundance, so that we can be a blessing to each other. We should be good stewards of the blessings that we receive. By, giving back, whether its time, money or wisdom, this reveals the purpose of our prosperity. The creator is wonderful, and never ceases to amaze me. I wonder all the time, why? I ponder the reasons for the many difficulties and challenges I face. He gives me the answer. He says seek me, search for me I am that treasure you seek. He has been a wealth of wisdom, knowledge and joy.

We seem to be living in a time where you will hear many people talk about Change. They are looking for Hope! Many are hoping that our future is heading towards that better tomorrow. The question is ‘how will we get there’? Will it be every man and women for themselves, or will we go hand in hand.

There has been a lot of discussion about this topic, in many aspects of how we live as a society. Should there be a universal health plan that takes care of all of us? Or should we only worry about whether our family is covered. Is an education a right! Or a privilege for those who can afford it.

These questions and many more like it will have to be answered by the choices we make in the upcoming presidential election. How will we proceed? Will every decision be tempered with the faith and love that comes from the example of the loving creator, that most Americans believe in; or will our decisions have dollars sense, as its bottom line?




A PEACEFUL PLACE TO BE

I cannot judge unless I walk a mile in their shoes!

I may have to be the one to make the peace, and swallow my pride!

The universe is not exacting it gives everything the space it needs!

My time is short but my acts of love will last forever!

Love never fails!

VOTE & ELECT A LEADER- CHANGE THE FACE OF POLITICS IN AMERICA

VOTE FOR PRESIDENT: THE 2008 PRIMARY

HILLARY OR BARACK -CAST YOUR VOTE- McCAIN or ROMNEY

WE HAVE A RACE, And you will make the decision. The time for super sizing your vote is coming near. Super Tuesdays are upon us and everyone is making there pitch. Barack has scored a key endorsement from them unions in Nevada. Meanwhile, Hillary has momentum after winning in New Hampshire. John McCain has new life and Romney hopes silver will turn gold. We even hear that Bloomberg is getting that old itch again, her denies it. Well, what are the chances that America gets the leader we all want to make America, that place people dream of.

Will Barack's health care package give coverage to all Americans. Will Hillary secure the homes of middle class Americans caught in the Wall street home loan fiasco. Will McCain secure the borders and make the land free, at home and aboard. Will Romney employ every citizen who seeks gainful employment. WE dream of an America that reminds us of the good ole days, except for, the inequality, discrimination, segregation, distrust, and partisan politics. You know how we thought it was.

Today, we are looking for an America that fits the true billing, fair and honest, and respected by all. Hope is in the offing for this change, and the candidates are all talking change. Some have changed their positions and others have just found some. There are candidates such as Ron Paul defending themselves from charges of racism (stemming from his newsletter) that had hateful articles about African Americans. And others defending there religious beliefs, like Romney (many believing aspects of the Mormon faith being controversial).

Americans are looking closely at the candidates during this election. People feel as though this election is very important and the choices made will be crucial. The choices are indeed very interesting and will provide us with a candidate that will have to take a stance that will, not only lead America; But, will shape the global politics into the upcoming decade. What does the future hold, war or peace? Will there be a politic of distrust and antagonisms or will the world strike a peaceful accord.

The choice will be up to us. We have a lot on the line this time, and America will have to live good or bad with its choices. The time for contemplation is upon us and we cannot afford to, just roll the dice. Well, the exception being Nevada. However, with recent events in the state, Nevada may know more than most, how important a strong leader will be needed, should calamity strike, and government assistance is needed. Yes, even in Nevada, we believe nothing will be taking for chance, we just don't know who will be beating the odds.

Brads Beat Blog: Presidential Election 2008
A Political Perspective on Americas Future

The future on American politics changed in Iowa, with Sen. Barack Obamas win in the states political caucus. The turnout of America’s youth sent a signal that a change in the political landscape may be afoot. We saw a record turnout in Iowa voters. We saw a “red” state vote democratic. We saw women voters defying pundit’s predictions, and white voters choosing to support the only African American candidate in the Presidential campaign this season, with a real chance of being elected.

The Audacity of Hope! We seem to be tired of the some old business as usual in American politics. There is a new message in the air. No more lock step party politics. We want people who will do what we want them to do. The country has seemed to be this collection of cookie cut outs until Iowa 2008. We have the hope that people are voting their beliefs. Its seems most polls would predict this outcome.

Americans want us out of Iraq. They want a country that provides health care. They want their children educated. They want a country that cares about the environment. We want a government accountable to the people and the ideals we care about. This is something most candidates seem to express concern about, as the presidential race speeds into high gear.

The republican winner in Iowa Gov. Mike Hucklebee has stated on several occasions that people are tired of feeling as though, they are being ruled by a King instead of being lead by a servant. This sediment is popular in our culture presently. Gov. Hucklebee says the country seems to do something to us, before it does something for us. Most Americans expect our leaders to be working for us and not beholding to any special interests. We are truly looking for an outsider.

The American base is changing its political roots, from democrats and republicans; and seems to be more independent in their thinking. On many occasions it seems to be hard to tell them apart anyway. The country seems to have their eyes on everybody and the candidate who brings the perspectives and ideals that promote ‘ALL’ of America’s interest most likely will prevail. The most unique paradigm in this equation is that there are no predispositions in what shape, race, gender or fashion that this candidate will emerge from.

The country is making progress in a big way! If Iowa is a snapshot of the current political currents in the nation presently. The politics of old simply will not do. People want a new vision for America! that still needs to be clearly defined by the people and the candidates. Our hopes seem to be high. Let us now find the way to make this great eagle rise into the stratosphere that most of us see America as being. The leaders of humanitarian giving. Caring for the world and the people in it. Respected by our neighbors and respectful to our creator.
The race for next president of America is said to be the most important election in a generation. It may be. Many people believe if we don’t fix the environmental problems we now face, that the effects of global warming will be irreversible. It is thought that if we don’t alleviate the debt ordinary Americans face, that an economic collapse is emanate. There is a health care crisis. There is a need to develop and educate the next generation of scientist, doctors and engineers. The future is upon us. We need to make the most of our opportunities today.



BLOG TALK

The President and the House of Congress will America be on track. It seems like things did not change too much after the last election. Americans elected the Democratic Congress with an agenda to end the war in Iraq. The Democrats have yet to succeed in producing much change in the president’s war strategy. They have indicated that it is due to the Republicans in the Senate in which that have a slight majority. If the results are different in the next election that hope to have more support to pass legislation to promote their agenda.

The hope is that all parties can coalesce around a policy that comports with the desire of America’s electorate. The country has found its way into a dilemma that all parties seem to have qualms with. The rationale for us being there has changed on numerous occasions and the end seems far from some time that’s expeditious. The countries resources could surely be spent in a more productive effort. The time for cooperation and mutual determinations has passed us by.

The next president and both houses of congress need to be on the same page after this election. It seems like so much is at stake and need to be accomplished, during the next few years. The president and the house should not arrive at the type of gridlock, which prevents the effective and efficient development of policies, which America is in desperate need of.


IN SERVICE TO A KING

The month of January is a time when many of us remember a great American leader, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It seems fitting to take this moment to give praise and honor to such a courage and inspirational man. On the heels of the historic win that Sen. Obama had in Iowa, it is not without a struggle that we achieve the dream of mutual respect and cooperation. The assassins shot that took a great leader from us 40 years ago this week, did not take away the dream that was realized by Sen. Obama days earlier. The only African American candidate competing in the democratic primary/ caucus in Iowa won. With the state’s population being 93% white most people were unsure if a black man could actually win in a state with such a small minority electorate. The answer was something Dr. King’s protege the Rev. Jesse Jackson must have said when he heard of the election results. “KEEP HOPE ALIVE”

I believe it should be our goal, in service to the great legacy that Dr. King left behind; that we keep his ideals and vision for a free and just America alive. We should not become complacent in our commitment for standards and equality that we want for ourselves and that of our children. We must always remember his vision of equality and that we are yet to achieve it as a society. We must realize that it is not only questionable, if America is ready to elect a black man; many are unsure if we Americans will elect a white women.

Dr. King had the hope that our strengths would be our diversity. It was not just a dream, but a vision of love that would overcome the darkness of hate and discrimination. Our ideals and our humanity must super cede those who would do us harm. It is by our example, which the world will learn. If we can demonstrate freedom and equality here, how could we be planting the seeds of enduring freedom around this world?

Let us keep our hopes and our dreams alive. We must remember to keep a heart and to remember the struggles that people, have endured to gain acceptance and equality. The road ahead is still rough and laden with uncharted twist and turns. However, it is with much thanks and gladness that we had, the great Rev. Dr Martin Luther King, to pave the way, and make straight the path, that gives the dreamers a vision of what this world could truly be, if we give peace and love a chance.


THE POETS CORNER

I thought I might lose my soul if I said nothing; I have always been a fighter and have stood my ground.
There have been so many messages in my mind, to stop battling every injustice, you have so many responsibilities you must meet; but still my heart pounds.

They question my resolve and are unsure of my actions,
The hell with them, they will not take my passion.

I love my struggle, and the wisdom of my creator, Imagine if it was all so easy?
What would I have learned?
How could my passions burn!

I love my spiritual position, when the enemies attack, I expand my wings, and I climb beyond their reach, under the Mornings Glorious Star,
They are waiting for me’ I heard “There You Are”

They whispered rise a little higher, And fly within there sight, I want them to see your wings, In the Glory of Our Light.
Brad




CLUB NEW YORK

The New York Knicks, I still love them. Make some shots though, and fans don’t blame Isaiah, he has not missed a shot this season. I missed taking my son to our first basketball game together, last year when I got sick. I had tickets to see the Dallas Maverick’s game, so my wife took him instead. The Knicks lost but they enjoyed their first game together.

I have since recovered and was able to take him to the game a couple of days ago against the Sacramento Kings. They lost but I enjoyed my night with my son, we really bonded. I prayed that we would have that time together. I believe you had other stories, just like this in Madison Square Garden that night. Thanks New York Knicks, for making the game do what it do. Now, make some more shots!

New York Giants- Good luck Sunday

That’s sports!

POETS CORNER

The time has come for remembrance, respect and honor. A king was born and a hope was seen. It was more of a vision, a message and dream.

The day of change and renewed spirits are heard from across the land; We need a purpose and a vision to keep us walking hand in hand'

life's journey a step a choice, a trust; It was more women like Ms. Parks and Movements on a bus; Oh, how we miss them now, leaders of worlds;

An example for freedom and from which a new wind twirls, Across the land a new wind is felt. As emotions are shown and old criticisms melt.

Alas, Alas I hear the sparrow sing, its reminds me of Jazz, But with that New Jack Swing; He may unite the country and most of the earth, Let us treasure the day of his coming birth..............

Brad

A PEACEFUL THOUGHT

LET US MEND SOME FENCES. AND GIVE OUR HUMANITY A CHANCE. TRY TO WALK A MILE IN SOMEONE ELSE'S SHOE. WHAT DOES IT FEEL LIKE. DO YOU WANT SOMEONE TO CONSIDER YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES? WE MUST BE WILLING TO DO THE SAME. PEACE

THE BEST YEAR EVER

I am looking forward to 2008. The past year was full of many challenges. There were times when I thought it was too much to handle. My spirit has since been re-awakened, it has a lot to do with helping others. I had many reasons to feel self-pity and doubt in myself. However, I know that the challenges I face have been met by many others.

I feel blessed in the fact that I was able to recover and have been able to assist in bring resources to the aid of others, who are facing similar and more distressful challenges than I have. I believe my optimism comes from the deep abiding faith I have in my creator. I know that I have a lot of maturing to do in many areas. and know that my spiritual growth continues. However, I know that the future will hold whatever I will desire it to be.

I know that 2008 will be great! When I reflect on the society we live in, and how many problems we face as a people. I realize that we each must try to make a difference in making this better. We really don't have much time to sulk, gloat, worry, or stress. We all must be in the business of making repairs. The miracle most of us are waiting for has its seed firmly planted within our grasp. We must be about the process of making the ground (us) a good place for it to grow.

I am learning that I must spend my time again as I have in the past, helping others. We seem to minimize our impact on events in our society, and don't realize the implications of,' what would have happened if I didn't get involved'? We all have to see the greater vision of what will happen if we do? Together, I believe we can make 2008 "the best year ever".

The universe is seeking your attention may it greet you with wealth, happiness, health and a sense of purpose that will spill over into the life of all you encounter, bringing blessing to them as well as you!

Be Blessed. Brad

2008: SOLUTIONS, PLANS & A NEW LOOK ON LIFE

Goals for 2008 ...

The New Year is coming and people are making their New Years resolutions for 2008. We all seem to have the same ones. I am going to lose weight. I will call this person and try to mend fences. I will make an effort to get along better with coworkers. I will spend more time doing things with love ones. The list goes on. However, we never seem to accomplish all the goals, we set out to achieve. This year has got to be better! So here is my plan.

The first part has to be self examination. Do I make a conscious effort to follow my goals? Do I really apply my self to accomplishing the goals I have set? What are the best strategies? In order to even give myself a fighting chance this year, I realize that my strategy must be in place. Having to face, the realization that we are living in an instant gratification society; where, We want our burger now! We want our tickets now! We want a taxi now! A change in mind set is the first piece of the puzzle. Goals are just those goals. The more meaningful ones don’t occur overnight. The ones that do should serve as proof that, we can accomplish them.

We need to write down our goals and leave them in conspicuous places, so that when we get dressed for work, or to take the children to school, we come across a note reminding us to complete that project, we keep putting off. We must take stock of ourselves and ask; is it really the other person that is causing me not to call, or has my ego gotten so big that I can’t say, I am sorry, even when I am right. Is the person worth it? We know, many times we feel worst, not having reconciled our differences. Schedule a time to have that conversion. The beginning of the Fix IT process begins with valuing you.

Start your day by treating yourself well. After having spent time shopping for everyone else this holiday, take time to buy yourself something special for your office or home. List the things you do well, and keep the list in a place where you come cross it often. Find ways to improve on the things in your list. You will find that over time you will gradually accomplish every goal you have listed. Time heals all wounds. You just have to remember to apply the proper treatments. So give yourself a 2008 assessment, make your list, and don’t bury it until 2009. Good Luck!

HOLIDAY CHEER LETTING YOUR GUARD DOWN

The holiday season is here. It is time for crowed malls, seasonal scams and the buyer should beware. During this season many of us are more on guard then ever. Are the malls safe? Are the toys safe? Are we getting what we are paying for? It is easy for one to go about this holiday season with their guard on code red and never stopping to smell the pine cones.With a skittish economy and questionable manufacturing practices many have come down with some serious holiday blues this season. However, we must remember the reason for the season. This should be the time when we remember those, who have not been as fortunate, as those who can afford to make their traditional holiday travels, to Macy's and elsewhere. We must remember to stop and encourage people when we can.Hold the door open or buy someone a cup of hot chocolate. This is a time when we must not forget our spirit. It has never really been the snow or ribbons and bows that made the holiday. It is truly the spirit of giving which causes us to become the beings we aspired to be, as we toiled all year long. May you find true peace and happiness this holiday, and remember to let your guard down a little. You may make someone’s season a joyful and memorable one, without even knowing it. It just may be you. Enjoy the holiday season. And have a prosperous new year...

MAKING THE RETURN EASY: Welcome Them Home With Pride!

How will the American veterans be welcomed home? Everybody seemed to have an opinion about whether America should be fighting a war in Iraq. It is surely unnerving to be a solider at this time, while doing a job that 70 percent of Americans feel you should not be doing. It was not long ago in this country that soldiers were protested when returning home from war.A recent statistic indicated that 200,000 former soldiers were homeless in America. Mostly, from the Vietnam era, some were serving recently in Iraq.

Whether, for or against it, one thing is clear, most Americans feel like our young soldiers, have been placed in a circumstance that was not of their own choosing. The question is will they receive the type of services they will require once they return home?It was a shame when it was discovered, that their medical convalescence was not up to acceptable standards in some Washington based medical facilities. Many Americans believe we should do better.

When the decisions are made regarding funding the war during the next session of congress. Congress should make sure we invest as much resources in preparing for their return, as we do in funding the war effort. They will deserve the education, health care and housing that all Americans do, we should have that opportunity available for them, when they return.

MAKING A PERSONAL CHOICE: OPRAH'S

TODAY OPRAH MADE A CHOICE! The presidential race is in full swing and people are making their feelings known. On a cold December day in Iowa, Oprah made her decision. Mr. Obama was her choice. The question is will many of her fans, (many of whom fit the profile of Hillary's base voters) follow. For Oprah it seems like the choice could not be clearer Mr. Obama is her man.

It seems surprising to many that Mrs. Clinton was not her choice since she is the quintessential woman's leader in America, on many issues. However, to summarize her quote as best as possible, when you strip us down, removing gender, race, and all that comes with it. We are Americans. This ideal is refreshing to hear. We are Americans! For all those who look forward to our country being the respected world leader it was, not so long ago. This statement has resonance for many. Somewhere along the way, many Americans have felt like, America is on the decline. It is going to take strong leadership going forward. Like many voters, Oprah had to decide; who she feel is best for the job, as we will all do in 2008. It is stated by many that this decision may be the most important selection in a generation. By the looks of it, it will be the most complex.

Today, we have a very diverse field of candidates, (at least in the democratic race) that holds a real possibility of giving us our first women or minority president ever. Maybe, this is why you saw Oprah make her first presidential endorsement. The time for leadership has come and America has to be able to make very real choices about her future.
It looks like many are saying; we have to get this one right! We are facing many social and financial turning points in the coming years that will impact many American families and will dramatically affect their way of living. The gap between the have and have nots has been increasing sharply over the years.

This season’s debates will be very important in determining how these issues will be addressed by the candidates. Politics as usual just won't do. We need a change in direction that includes everyone.This seems to be what was missing. We need all interested parties sitting around the table together this year. America's health, education, safety, soldiers and children need to be cared for. Most Americans already believe everybody but the little guy has been feasting at the table. The 2008 presidential race seems to be getting more interesting everyday. Let’s see how the congress responds to all these issues after the Holiday recess.

BLOG TALK

Well the New Year is almost upon us. There will be much to consider. Which direction is the country going? Who will be our leader? Will I be able to afford my mortgage payment? Will I be able to afford my health care needs? These are just a few of the questions; people will be looking for the answer to. There is great trepidation in the current outlook for these answers at present. However, we cannot discount the resolve of the American people.

We have faced hard times before. The important thing is that during these tough times, we must not forget to keep our hearts. We have always been a compassionate people. The talk nowadays seems to be we must hold on to what we got. We should not trust our neighbors. Hopefully, in this Christmas season we keep our spirit alive. We must approach these coming years with the same innovative spirit that has kept us leaders in good will towards humanity. It is my wish that, 2008 brings in a time of good will and prosperity, for all of us facing times of uncertainty.

May 2008 bring you health, prosperity and a year of spiritual blessing too numerous to measure.

PARENTS CORNER:

I have recently learned something new. There are many times when we as parents intercede in our children’s affairs when we should just let them work out their differences amongst themselves. Although, we may like to think so, we will not be able to work out our children’s problems for them, for the rest of their lives.

Most times, the mediation we provide is short lived. The concept of 'less is more' is sometimes very helpful, when dealing with issues, around sibling rivalries. I have noticed that, when the compromise is initiated amongst the warring parties, the peace last substantially longer. This may actually give you the peace you need, for the hour before the next treaty needs to be negotiated.

Holiday Precautions

Although, we don't want to lose our holiday spirit, we must be careful out there this season.

▪ Be aware of your surroundings.

▪ Know where your love ones are, and how they are doing.

▪ Make that extra call or visit, it may really be appreciated.

▪ Don't drink and drive.

A PEACEFUL THOUGHT

May the season bring peace and love to all that seek it, May the gift of love find its way to your heart, Let the joy of laughter invade your peace, And may the smiles thereafter never depart...Give someone a call you never planned to speak to, Give someone some praise you think they don't deserve, Let your ego be humbled and your tone be meek, So that voices unheard can be encouraged to speak...
Have your memory be short of problems unresolved, a place your faith in higher powers that they will be solved, Give yourself a chance to let your emotions free, So that love can find you where ever you may be...

LAUGHING AWAY THE HOLIDAY BLUES

Sometimes laughing is the best medicine, when trying to unwind. After a long day in the office, or being driven to your wits end by your children, spouse, bills or extrinsic holiday expenses. It never pays to end the day, with built up anxieties, which will cause you to grey earlier than expected. When the stress starts to build, I start to smile. I have noticed how much better I feel and others, (not always right away); when I begin to get calmer and sedated, when hearing information related to their personal anxieties. I always try and look for a moment when I can smile or laugh; it really has a calming effect on the person you are in dialog with, most times.

I never want to give anyone the impression that I do not have genuine concern regarding the issues they are raising. However, sometimes I have to gage the validity of the present drama. To say that some people are overly dramatic nowadays can go without saying. People always find it hardest to laugh at themselves. We all at times take ourselves too seriously. Most of us have no problem laughing, at the expense of others. Let someone make light our dilemmas, and were ready to fight.

A friend recently sent me an email which stated many truisms. Amongst them was a statement saying worry is a wasted emotion (to paraphrase). Worry never softens the blow or removes the burdens. The bills still seem to come either way. I always feel better after hearing how much I owe, how little time, I have to complete something, or seeing the kid’s complete Christmas list portfolio, when I laugh. The blues seem to fade away.

So this holiday, don’t be so blue. Dust off that old Jerry Lewis or Martin Lawrence DVD and laugh. Go see a show that will make you smile. Filter all your responses with an occasional smile, it just may be contagious. If nothing else, you will feel better for it.

Smile and the world smiles back at you. I hope (smile).