The following paragraph is the concluding one in a book where a Grandfather is describing his Grandson’s perseverence in overcoming his difficulties in becoming proficient in a cherished Family activity. The lesson offered is invaluable to all of us, but especially so to the development of our Children.
“This is the greatest lesson a child can learn. It is the greatest lesson anyone can learn. It has been the greatest lesson I have learned: if you persevere, stick with it, work at it, you have a real opportunity to achieve something. Sure, there will be storms along the way. And you might not reach your goal right away. But if you do your best and keep a true compass, you’ll get there.”
The book is “True Compass”, the memoir by the now deceased Senator Edward M. Kennedy. It is interesting to note that in all that happened in this public figure’s life and all the well known people he knew, his final two pages concerning his life were about his Son and Grandson.
Thanks for sharing your time with me—till next time, stay “Zykis Safe.”
December offers a myriad of events and complexities in our lives. It is a chocked full month. It is a time of year that also offers us some of life’s most rewarding opportunities and possibilities. The experiences we give and receive are usually a direct result of our ability to keep it simple and stay in balance. December is such an awesome time to attain your proper perspective and practice Being In The Moment!
As you develop your own philosophy of life that guides you through your days and that you share with your Family and Friends, here is a major portion of my formula that I would like to share with you. First, wake up Grateful(to be alive, be who you are, and have what you have)! Second, be Open(all is possible, each new day can be a better day and you can be a better person)! Third, Eckhart Tolle suggests in his writings that there are three modalities that you must possess to Be In The Moment. They are Acceptance(complete and total), Enjoyment, and Enthusiasm(literally meaning- thanking God for life). He further suggests that all else is Ego(to be eliminated). In addition, Eckhart advises that you vacate JAR(a short abbreviation a friend of mine created), which represents being judgemental, being attached, and being resistant. Fourth, and finally, we return to the beginning of our day when we first wake up, and after being Grateful and Open, we can reflect on the following thought from the Tao Te Ching by Lao-tzu — “Remind yourself daily that there is no way to happiness; rather, Happiness is the Way!”
Hoping all of you are In The Moment — In Your Moments of Your Life! Wishing all of you the Healthiest and Happiest of Holidays!
Thanks for sharing your time with me — till next time, stay “ZYKIS SAFE!”
by Mark Brodkin on November 27, 2010
in Abuse,Amber Alert,Education,Family,Laws,Megan's Law,Missing,News,Parenting,Positive Stories,Predator,Psychology
It is somewhat ironic that on “Black Friday” I am writing about a “black subject” that is haunting for all responsible, caring and loving Parents. There seems to be a growing number of demented and despicable people that want to harm Children. It is impossible to fathom how a human being can possess the capacity to kidnap a Child. The entire rash of these Child abuse crimes make decent people feel nauseous and, to a certain degree, helpless. We cannot afford to accept a feeling of helplessness—this lack of confidence that we can do something to control this danger is inexcusable adult behavior! Parents and Authorities must be totally vigilant every moment!
The specific case that caused me to write this article is the Elizabeth Smart kidnapping that occurred in Utah some years ago. The television show that piqued my interest was Anderson Cooper’s 360(CNN) and his recent interview of John Walsh(noted Child Safety Activist). The details of this case sadly begin with a lack of a thorough investigation, by Elizabeth’s Parents(as well meaning as they were trying to be to a fellow human being), of a newly introduced individual(the eventual kidnapper) into their Children’s and Family’s lives. The lack of a complete profile was one of the unintentional factors that led to an unimaginable and tragic sequence of events — resulting in a nightmare living experience for, most of all, a beautiful young girl, Elizabeth Smart and her Family.
John Walsh went on to describe how Elizabeth’s Parents have been taking wonderful care of Elizabeth since her return by the Police. The Smarts have protected Elizabeth from the media and ensured her having the opportunity to heal. John also pointed out how well Elizabeth and her Parents had protected the prosecution of this case so justice could be done. This has not been the standard in most cases of this nature. Walsh further commented how impressed he was with Lois and Ed Smart. But, most of all, the knowledgeable Walsh saved his highest praise for Elizabeth . He described her as one of the most remarkable individuals he had ever known. He expressed his total admiration for her courage, her composure, her grace, her style, her patience and her ability to forgive(all concerned, including herself) and move forward.
John Walsh saved his harshest criticism for the selfish and self aggrandizing media. He told of the media’s complete disregard for the well being of any victim—of this victim! They only want to be first with a story, no matter what harm it may cause to an individual, a Family, or a prosecution.
Elizabeth Smart is the “silver lining’ in this story. She exhibits so many qualities, at such a young age, of a true hero. Elizabeth is a shining example of the best ingredients of the human spirit. We honor you, Elizabeth Smart, and wish you an ensuing life of health, happiness, and peace!
Thanks for sharing your time with me—till the next time, stay “ZYKIS SAFE!”
It is a wonderful day to be alive — every day is a wonderful day to be alive!
The Art of Thanksgiving is Thanksliving. It is gratitude in action. It is applying Albert Schweitzer’s philosophy: “In gratitude for your own good fortune you must render in return some sacrifice of your life for other life.”
“It is thanking God(or being thankful-(mb)) for the gift of life by living it triumphantly.
It is thanking God(or being thankful) for your talents and abilities by accepting them as obligations to be invested for the common good.
It is thanking God(or being thankful) for all that men and women have done for you by doing things for others.
It is thanking God(or being thankful) for opportunities by accepting them as a challenge to achievement.
It is thanking God(or being thankful) for happiness by striving to make others happy.
It is thanking God(or being thankful) for beauty by helping to make the world more beautiful.
It is thanking God(or being thankful) for inspiration by trying to be an inspiration to others.
It is thanking God(or being thankful) for health and strength by the care and reverence you show your body.
It is thanking God(or being thankful) for the creative ideas that enrich life by adding your own creative contributions to human progress.
It is thanking God(or being thankful) for each new day by living it to the fullest.
It is thanking God(or being thankful) by giving hands, arms, legs, and voice to your thankful spirit.
It is adding to your prayers(thoughts(mb)) of thanksgiving, acts of thanksliving.”
Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
Thanks for sharing your time with me — till next time. stay “ZYKIS SAFE!”
The older I get (a fortunate circumstance in itself) the more it seems I reflect on my philosophy of life. Even though I have never lacked for confidence in this journey we call life, I have come to share the following thoughts with my Family, Friends, and acquaintances (including you today). The two things I have learned the most in my years of living is, first, how much I do not know and, second (probably the most enlightening), is how much I can’t explain! The first has only served to increase my thirst for more knowledge and experiences. The second has consistently developed and increased my Faith!
This subject of Faith leads us directly to the subjects of God, Religion, beliefs (or lack there of), theories, and an almost endless array of concepts. This Faith aspect of the human experience has such a prominent effect on our lives and that of our Families. It permeates all of our attitudes and forms the philosophical base I referred to earlier in this writing.
As Thanksgiving (our purely American Holiday) approaches, it will quickly be followed by assorted Religious Holidays that fill our lives with great joy, but in some cases, anxiety and sadness. These Holidays enable us to share celebration and Love with each other. They also present us an opportunity to engage each other in thought and conversation, while we search for greater meaning to our lives together.
We are aware, no matter what our beliefs, that the best of life begins with being grateful! In our Family, God is present. Due to our diversified ecumenical nature in our Family, there are some nuanced differentiations, but God is our Faith. I have personally come to believe that whatever works (while not hurting other people) to move you forward through this journey of life is a good thing. In order for people to respect who and what you are, you need to respect who and what they are.
As we (my Family and I) wish you a Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Holidays to follow, leading you all to the very best New Year — we would like to invite you and your Family to share with us your thoughts and comments on this fascinating subject. We will be looking forward to hearing from you. May you and yours be blessed!
Thanks for sharing your time with me — till the next time, stay “ZYKIS SAFE!”
