Life's Journey

Fair day, all.

For many of you,' 'tis the season' has taken on a new meaning this year. I have received stacks of e-mail regarding numerous life circumstances that leads me to re-address the topic of life, but more in depth, rather than in general terms. Those situations range from hurricane victims' circumstances to loss of: loved ones through death or divorce; careers and jobs; self-worth, and so on. And I believe that certain related, extenuating circumstances bears the need to re-visit the topic of life.

'Tis my mantra to take what life offers, or takes from one, and deal with it, accordingly. For some, there are times when dealing, accordingly, seems well nigh impossible. As most everyone knows, certain situations can either blindside one or even creep upon one, so that a given situation becomes overwhelming. Nothing new in either of those situations, unless it comes home to roost. We have all heard of such hapstance, and the majority of us either ignore it, as it happens to another, or comment upon how we would handle the situation if in another's shoes. 'Tis human nature to act in either manner, yet, when it happens on a personal level; takes on gigantic proportions, one realizes how ignorant one's former thoughts toward another have been.

One oft seeks help from a stranger, for, again, 'tis human nature to attempt to disguise one's angst for perceived failures, or things of a personal nature, from those closest to one. To hide or disguise feelings, emotions, and needs, begs the question: Why would one not seek help and support from family, friends, clergy; the normal channels one is grounded in? Most often, 'tis pride which prevents one accessing those channels, other times 'tis the desire for a quick fix. In some cases one is without that support system and scrambles to find someone who will hear them out and help them sort through the situation. Then there are those who simply attempt to shoulder their situation, alone.

Either of the above scenarios compounds the problem to the extent that one finds him/her self mired in ever increasing problems, and eventually one becomes overwhelmed. Add in the coming of a holiday season that is meant to be a joyous time, and the burden grows heavier upon one's shoulders. As the saying goes, 'been there, done that'; as many of us have. Many who have overcome their burdens in one form or fashion are wont to look down upon those who do no', or can no', succeed; without knowledge of the intricacies of the other's situation. And therin lies another reason for one's reticence in seeking help close to home.

First, none of us has the right to judge another, merely on face value, nor to liken another's situation to one's own. Some of the visitors to this blog have even gone so far as to refer to a particular e-mail answer I've posted and ridiculed the person who e-mailed questions. Unkindness in any form or fashion is the bane of humanity and those who engage in it are generally those types who consider themselves above reproach. To those I say, unkindness will return to you and you will find yourself on the receiving end of what you dish out. To the rest of you, I bid you take care in thought, word, and deed, for 'tis no' unkindness and contempt which will serve you well in the after-life.

Humanity is what 'tis, and each of us must endeavor to overcome our own weaknesses and penchants for judging others. Those less fortunate, regardless of race, creed, financial background, or situation, who seek help and guidance are as deserving of the same as the rest of us. 'Tis an ages old problem, looking down on those one considers no' of one's own circle, and is a personal failing each of us must work to overcome.

As expected, I have received e-mail from those who say they are thoroughly sick of hearing about hurricane victims' problems, and other's problems or personal thoughts and beliefs on a variety of topics discussed here. To you, I say, this venue is no' a forum geared to your personal satisfaction. Further, 'tis but a stroke of the finger required to disengage from this blog and I bid you, feel free to do so. Otherwise, understand that any messages posted here are considered of value for the one seeking information, and/or a learning tool or entertainment, as the situations warrant, for the rest who visit. Do no' waste your time, or mine, with your mean-spirited griping and grumbling for you only open your thoughts and show your ignorance. Enough said regarding that matter?

As you all know, we, here at the Lair, welcome all well-intentioned visitors to our blog. 'Tis no a forum meant to rival nor appear as a 'Dear Abbey' type forum. If you are new to our blog, you are welcome to access the archives and there you will gain some insight into what we are about. For the most part, we deal with things of an uncommon nature, but there are times when we touch upon very ordinary things when we believe it will serve a good purpose; simple as that. And so I continue with the topic of life.

'Tis a gift, that; life. Certainly there comes a time when many do no' feel as if they are gifted to walk this plane. Some feel they have valid reasoning to feel so, while others simply make wrong choices. Then there are those who seem to lead a charmed existence, where it appears they have all they could possibly ask for. Truth be known, no one person is charmed; free from life's twists and turns. 'Tis destiny which opens the doors of choice to each and everyone; even one born to poverty; one failed by disease; and those who suddenly feel as though a rug has been swept from beneath their feet. And what about those who come into this world without the means to care for themselves? Those situations are a whole other topic, for they are angels in waiting.

But for the rest of humanity, regardless of one's circumstances, one is born with the tools to better one's self. With a mind, a heart, and a soul, all of us have the neccessary means to achieve our destiny. True, there are circumstances that make it more difficult for some than others, but the difficulty factor is only a hurdle one must find one's way over, or around. Some will make every effort, others will simply blame their circumstances and choose to wallow in their misery. Key, here, is choice. We have those to make and for the better or worse, 'tis one's own choices which determine one's fate. One might wonder about the children who fall victim to adult's choices. Their's is a far more difficult challenge to be sure, but who has no' heard about or seen the seemingly lost child who manages to find his/her way out of a terrible situation?

Again, 'tis the mind, heart, and soul of humanity which provides for opportunity, and 'tis the person who refuses to remain down who manages to choose to better, self. One has access to many, valuable, if no' perfect, opportunities for which to help one make his/her way through life. Who among us has no' heard of a successful individual who rose from poverty and despair to become a pillar of the community; to achieve seemingly impossible heights? What is there about them which makes them successful? The stout heart of the lion, the mind which refuses to lie dormant, and the soul which refuses to be damned for wasting any opportunity to fulfill one's destiny.

In my years of struggling through life, I have been blessed to observe, sometimes meet, such individuals; thus, I know what I speak of is fact. I have observed young ones, who seemed to have no viable opportunity to rise above their station in life, thumb their noses at the lack of parental guidance; lack of finances and the nicer things in life; ignore insults to their person; and overcome youthful mistakes, to become all that they can possibly be. I have watched adults who have overcome costly choices they formerly made, and found their true paths in life. 'Tis the ones who give up on life who travel wrong paths destined to failure. 'Tis those who invite all which befalls them which, consequently, are the springboards which lead others of us to judgement; our own failing.

So before you judge whom you consider lost and no' worthy of kindness, take care you do no' add to the burden of one who may well rise to extraordinary heights, and shame you for your harsh judgement. No one of us 'chooses' our birth situation, so does it no' stand that each of us has the right to find our true path, without interference and negativity from those who feel themselves better for their station in life? Humanity is both blessing and curse, and 'tis up to each individual capable of making informed choices to accept the blessing and revile the curse. Privilege, in any form or fashion, is most oft one's downfall. See that yours does no' lead you down the wrong path. Blessed My You Be, Dream Teller.