Life In A Bubble

It isn't possible, realistic or even responsible, but sometimes I wish I could live life in a "bubble."

In my bubble there wouldn't be any CNN, or FOX or any other news channel.  There wouldn't be a "right" or a "left", a "liberal" or a "conservative" in the bubble.  The bubble would have lots of positive expressions, great weather and no negativity!  The bubble would have lots of happy children respecting their parents, getting good grades in school and being "kids."

I know, there is no bubble, but that doesn't mean I can not wish for one.  The world has become ever so negative since the expansion of "social media."  I know that isn't the only problem, but the anonymity of talking "trash" to others who you don't have to see face to face, has definitely exacerbated the problem.  I am constantly shocked by the way people talk to one another on Facebook and other social sites.  I am also shocked by the mass disrespect of persons in authority; whether it be the President of the United States, or the local Police.  The recent assassinations of law enforcement officers has sickened me, and made me wonder just how much worse it can get.

One summer in 1984 I spent six weeks sailing the Bahamas on a 37 foot catamaran with a friend.  There was no TV, no regular radio (just weather warnings) and no newspaper.  It was an amazing time.  Living off the fish we caught and/or bought from locals and the groceries we brought along or bought at small islands was refreshing.  Cooking out on deck.  Not having refrigeration.  Catching a lot of our own food.  Wow!  I was ready to go home and sell my home and move aboard.  It was amazing.

I have gotten more and more likely to watch exclusively the Hallmark Channels, because of their G rated programming.  I am more and more careful what books I buy and movies I see.  I grew up in a small town in Maryland in a time where there was no social media, only a couple news channels, and neighbors actually talked to each other!  If you had laundry on the line and it began to rain, a neighbor would take your clothes in for you...because you didn't have to lock the doors.  You didn't hear about 15 murders, robberies and home invasions every time you turned on the TV.  The TV was actually about "entertainment."  There were shows which made you laugh and cry.  There was Ed Sullivan, Howdy Doody and Captain Kangaroo.

Two years ago, we moved to Ogden, Utah.  I must say it is much more like living in the sixties than where we moved from. There is a definite "small town" feel here.  People speak to one another on the street.  In the summer there are Monday movies shown in the local outdoor amphitheater.  There is a Saturday Farmer's Market in the downtown park.  Oh, there is some crime, but much less than most other places I have lived.  I am praying that doesn't change.

I can't actually live in a "bubble," but I can turn off the TV, read books, or when I listen to the TV choose not to watch those things which sew negativity and hate in my spirit.  Maybe we all need to watch a little less.  Oh, I know there are some who will say that you need to be "educated" to vote, but I don't believe that what the media is feeding us these days is actually "educating" us on what the politicians actually believe.  There is so much division and hate speak that no one really seems to be listening to what is actually important anymore.  I want to see politicians put their thoughts down in writing.  I want to stop the hate speak and negativity and have people share open, civil communication again.

Do you think it's possible? Or, have we gone so far over the edge that there is no turning back?
I certainly hope not.

PEACE, LOVE & JOY

Looking For The Balcony People

Beautiful photo isn't it?  Sometimes it is easy to look out across a beautiful view and inhale in all the positive "vibes" it provides.

Sometimes it is harder.  Many years ago when I was going through some really difficult times, Someone recommended a little book to me called,  "Balcony People" by Joyce Landorf Heatherly.  It was very enlightening and uplifting.  I still highly recommend it

We need to learn how to "disengage" from those people who are constantly pulling us down..down from the heights and into the basement.  "Balcony people" are the cheerleaders in your daily life.  They are the ones who are there, no matter what the circumstances, lifting us up and cheering us on and encouraging.

The recent suicide of Robins Williams hit me, and I am sure a lot of others, particularly hard.  It seemed he was a man who literally had "everything."  At least it seemed that way.  But all the time he was haunted by his own "demons."  He had money, fame, power and family.  He had an amazing way of bringing laughter and smiles to the whole world, and yet - inside where no one could see - he had great sorrow...unfathomable sorrow.  Why?  No one really knows.  Perhaps we are actually inhabited at times by "demons" - sneaky little devils who rob us of pleasure and joy.  No amount of pills or counseling seems to help some people.

But I think what distresses me even more, are those crappy (for lack of a better word) "Basement People" who are constantly trying to put others down and steal their joy.  What is it with some of these? Some are just bound and determined to inflict misery wherever they go.  Sometimes it is because they are absolutely miserable within their own skins and want the rest of the world to join them there.  In some cases, it seems these people actually enjoy trying to create "drama" and make others suffer from the wake!

Beware the Basement People! Run for your life!  Dump the "Negative Nellies" now!  Scratch them out of you address book and delete them from your Social Media.  Life is short people, and can be a joyous, tumultuous roller coaster ride.  There should be times of great joy and there will be times of great sorrow.    Look for those people who will accompany you on the ride! Looks for those who will stand by your side when time are fun and when times are rough.  No one needs someone else to drag them even lower when things are on the tough side.  No one needs this kind of "friend" or even "family."  Disengage from them...forget them and move on...family or not!  I truly do believe that unless you have experienced some sadness in your life, it will not be possible to experience the extreme joy that living can bring.  Sometimes it is through the tough times that we learn and grow the most.  Learn to embrace those times and move on.

If you are suffering from depression, then please please see a counselor or physician.  Sometimes there are true chemical causes for depression that can be ameliorated by medication.  But, sometimes it is just a matter of "refocusing" on life.  Sometimes it is a matter of getting rid of those "Basement People" and finding more "Balcony People."

Learn to look at life through the eyes of your "inner child" again.  Splash in the puddles on a rainy day (not when it is thundering however!), float around a pool, lake or ocean on a small inner tube,  look up at the clouds and see "people" and "animals."  Really take the time to look at the beauty around you.  Enjoy the laughter of babies and children.  Live, really live while you have the time!

PEACE, LOVE & JOY