Top Favorite Blog Posts

• Long distance intimacy Long distance intimacy

  • From: Anita
  • Description:

    I often receive questions about relationships from other women. Being from Italy, the land of passion, my reputation as a Latin lover at times precedes my reputation as writer. Recently, an anonymous reader I will call Jane asked me if I had tips to stay intimate with a partner during long absences and in her particular case deployments.

    I started responding to Jane and realized that the answer was harder than what I thought. For starters, this topic can be embarrassing for the writer and the reader. I know you don’t want to know specifics of my sex life, and probably don’t especially want to share yours. But being too broad and dispensing advice that is obvious doesn’t work either. Intimacy is a crucial part of any relationship and we should work on it by communicating and being honest, but what exactly does this mean when it comes to the physical part of intimacy, in the context of long absences?

    I’m not reducing intimacy to sex. Intimacy is much more than physical closeness, it includes the emotional, mental, and the visceral desire to be with another person. Open communication and honesty go a long way when we only have phone calls and emails. But my experience has been that the scale is tipped toward all other aspects of intimacy and that when it comes time to talk about sex, people turn purple and start talking in generalities.

    It’s embarrassing. Women in particular have a hard time discussing sex and admitting that they miss it – which doesn’t mean that one should go out and look for it elsewhere. But it does mean that acknowledging our physical frustration can help bring us closer to our partner and strengthen other areas of our relationship. Personally, I have ignored this aspect of my marriage on more than one occasion when my husband was gone. I didn’t know what to say or how to share my thoughts with him. I loved him and he loved me, but should I send him a steamy letter about our sex life or suggest that I can take care of my needs on my own while he’s gone? (There I said it, now you don’t have to feel badly about thinking it!).

    When I started hinting at things or being upfront about these issues, my husband and I got much closer.

    The best thing that I can say to my friend Jane is that if she wants to be intimate with her husband while he is apart, she needs to find out what intimacy means to her personally. Is it sharing a fantasy, is it a steamy letter or code words on the phone? Is it buying special toys while her loved one is gone and telling him about it? Or is it much less steamy, a heart and sweet words letter?

    I can’t give Jane the answers. But I can say that sex within the context of a loving relationship needs to be acknowledged and that oftentimes, for men especially, it validates their emotional needs.

    Absence is never easy. But with a little attention to each other’s needs, it can, as the expression goes, make the heart grow fonder.

  • Blog post
  • 10 months ago
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• BEING PROUD BEING PROUD

  • From: dstone
  • Description:

    I'm ROUD! Being proud is not a bad thing, at least NOT THIS ROUD. All of us have gifts of mind, body or spirit. I think that one understanding of PROUD is the feeling WHEN we give the best we have from the highest we know.

    In order to have that feeling, however, in a sustained way is to sensitize our selves outside of ourselves in our everyday encounters so that our ability to SEE and RESPOND to the NEEDS of others is obvious. Remember the feeling..... when you gave someone something unselfishly, and expected no reward? That's the feeling I'm talking about when I say PROUD.

    We, individually can be PROUD of whatever we have to give and give it. That gift may be lending a listening ear, a soft word of comfort, assisting someone in peril, an agreement for some one's cause, money, or a simple smile that lifts spirits....including yours. The usual residual is that others will follow. We make ourselves PROUD when we do that.

    The Courage Community, it seems to me, offers a conduit for us to make ourselves PROUD as we join this community and interact with one another to lift the spirits and tend the physical and emotional needs of our service men & women as they have made themselves PROUD in giving unselfishly for all of us and each other.

    I am PROUD that Carlana takes this approach with the Courage Community. No one is limited by their disabilities whether they lost a limb from an IRD, or had an accident that has altered the way they live. Carlana's upbeat personification that "I am not defined by my disability" stretches to all of us and demands a response to LIVING the best we know.

    The Courage Community offers us that opportunity of LIVING and being PROUD as it challenges us as we look to those service men & women who have given so much for each of us so that we can be fulfilled and PROUD of what we have to give. Let's go and make PROUD.

  • Blog post
  • 2 years ago
  • Favorite count: 1
  • Views: 384

• A little bit about me A little bit about me

  • From: Former member
  • Description:

    Before my husband enlisted in the army, we were two neo-hippies living in Montana, loving the mountains and breathing the air. He had been in the Reserves for years, and his contract was up, so we married, headed out to Montana, and never looked back.

    We started looking forward not too long after we moved to Montana. 9/11 was just a year earlier, and David still felt a pull to be in the army. So, he enlisted, we headed toward a military life, and six years later, we are a family of four, getting ready to move to another base and another town.

    Sometimes I do want to scream at someone, especially after two deployments, a year of OCS school, and another deployment on the horizon, but it really wouldn't do any good. He gets angry too, but that pull to serve still burns inside him. And my love for him burns inside me. So, we try to make the best of it and move on. Really, what else can we do?

    In order to deal with the deployments and the times we miss each other, I wrote a book called, The Day After He Left for Iraq. It explains how I dealt with a deployment and how we continue to work and live within the army lifestyle, and our marriage.

    There never is an easy way to be apart for a year and then thrown back together. It really doesn't get any easier no matter how many times they leave. But, what I hope to always remember is that day I married him. The love we share. The kids we adore. And the promises we made to each other. Sure, another deployment will nearly break us. But, until there is no way to hear his voice, touch him again, or read his words on paper, there will always be a way for him to come home to me. And there will always be a way for me to find myself back in his arms. I have to believe that.

  • Blog post
  • 2 years ago
  • Favorite count: 1
  • Views: 381

• "Ride for Courage '09 - Days o "Ride for Courage '09 - Days of Summer - Survival

  • From: Carlana
  • Description:

    <!-- @page { margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } -->

    Next coupla days were spent riding through the blazin' ass 120 degree heat of the Arizona and California desert - packin ice bags down any open cranny we could find on our leathered-up torsos and extremities. Upon departure from one truck stop, I went from a 34 D to a rock-hard, 42 DDD - but moments later, those triple D's drooped like my grandma's as the ice quickly melted into warm H2O.in the desert heat, i learned quickly that a bra packed with ice packs doesn't hold up like silicone implants!
    
    As we made it closer to home, I charged like a quarterhorse racing towards the barn... home to my baby's arms - better for the wear... and STILL comin down from the oh so surreal experience.
    

     

  • Blog post
  • 11 months ago
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• Ride for Courage '09: Jane Ride for Courage '09: Jane

  • From: CCadmin
  • Description:

    This us Jane. She is a cancer survivor and her husband has been diagnosed with a brain tumor. Jane need us all to pull together and help her find the COURAGE to triumph in this struggle. I snagged a hug from Jane when I met her just before leaving Mesquite. Jane has been working at Virgin River Hotel & Casino for 11 years. She's not giving up but we all need to show our support.

    Please hear this and other stories from the road on Ride for Courage '09.  --Carlana

  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
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  • Views: 305

• Ride for Courage- Day 1 Part I Ride for Courage- Day 1 Part I

  • From: Carlana
  • Description:

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    Day 1

    Part I

     

    We all managed to meet up the early morning of August 16, 2009 for the 1000 plus trek to the Colorado Rockies from Southern California. There was Debbie, the ringleader,

    Debbie was unquestionably the ring-leader, tassels flowing from her crimson suede jacket as she leaded the posse. And her Harley, adorned with Debbie's signature style -Tricked out with fishtail pipes - down to the leather tassels blowing in the wind. Debbie is a force to be reckoned with. She rides, speaks, acts, with such confidence and complete jurisdiction that you don't dare question it. She's honest and unapologetic for the person she is and the life she leads. Debbie is a caretaker by nature, - she's earned her stripes and proven her unwavering commitment to those whom she's coddled under her protective wing.

    She's got a story of personal ownership, integrity and unshakable self-esteem. Debbie prides herself on her individuality and personal statements. Her character and demeanor mock that of the unique trait of her dressing and style of communication. She's there to make sure everyone is taken care of. No guessing when it comes to her. That's for damn sure. You don't mess with Debbie. A force to be reckoned with. this woman has undoubtedly found her right of passage... and taken it on the road. In less that 6years, Debbie has logged over 110,000 miles on her bike. And she's just getting started.

     

    Eldonna AKA "pinkbikerchic" - master of her domain. very feminine yet badass. great combo. she's a retired Master Sgt in the AirForce - need i say more???

    Then there was the ever so confident and quiet, Syl _ who rides a "Naked Ducati" - to be perfectly honest, i was anticipating a naked chick on a Ducati... oh boy. did i have a lot to learn. Sylvia, to me, is silent strength. a woman who is unbreakable, unstoppable, and knows no boundaries. a woman after my own heart. if only i could tap into her "quiet sense of strength" AND even moreso, lack of ego. -she's in it for the personal payoff. i truly believe there is a lot to be said for that. it defines courage. absolute peaceful resolve. in a way, i resent her for that, but even moreso, ADMIRE her and want to learn from her. it hits you "spot on" the minute you meet her. this bitch ain't no victim!!!

     

    i believe fate brought Darlene and me together. I met Darlene literally 5 days before we left. julia dillon and i were hangin out at Starbucks in Los Feliz. I was out telling everyone i knew about the ride, asking to join us on CourageCommunity.org - Ride for Courage - and that's when we met. she doesn't ride but was at a major crossroads in her life. Fate brought us together. Darlene, though not a biker, yearned for some adventure in her life and within 5 minutes of us meeting one another, expressed a desire to join the cause. and come Sunday, the 16th, she showed up at our front door, ready to go... looking more like she was ready for a photo shoot than a 1000-mile cross-country trek on, riding "bitch" on my trike. Darn, this girl's got guts cuz this was the first long cross country trek i'd EVER participated in. BUT NOW I:VE CAUGHT THE BUG!!!

     

     

    Not bad company. AND THIS JUST MARKED THE BEGINNING!

     

     

     

     

  • Blog post
  • 11 months ago
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• or Courage- Day 10- Trip Home or Courage- Day 10- Trip Home Part II

  • From: Carlana
  • Description:

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    TRIP HOME

    DAY 11

    PART II

     

     

    So the next morning, I got up early,and went over to see if Bob was working. I also wanted to have them look over the trike to make sure everything was in good shape for our upcoming trip through the dry desert heat. Sure enough, Bob (who I found out is actually the service manager) was working and even though I hadn't scheduled an appointment, they took her right in and gave her the once-over ... even gave her a bath! And, they wouldn't accept a thing for it. All “on the house” Bob said. I swear, you meet the nicest people on the road and in the biker community. I mean, I had only met Bob that one time, and visited with him for an hour on our way one week before. Seeing him again was like running into an old friend. We just clicked.

     

    While Bob and the guys in the shop were checkin' on “Destiny,” I hung out indoors, talking to some of the others who worked there. I was downing lots of water... staying hydrated is critical when you're riding in extreme temperatures. I met a chick, Lynda, who works in “motorclothes.” I told her how excited I was about our upcoming trip through Moab. I'd never been there. Pat had told me, “gotta stop at Eddie McStiff's” – he said. Lynda seconded that. Lynda was very familiar with the area as she has ridden through Moab countless times. With pen and paper in hand, she began jotting down the most beautiful routes and more hotspots to check out along the way. What a doll.

  • Blog post
  • 11 months ago
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• Hello Hello

  • From: ReggieCake
  • Description:

    I just found this website after reading about it in "Thunderpress" magazine.  It was so exciting to hear and watch Carlanas' excitement about riding.  I know how she feels and share her love for riding.  I am also in a chair, but only for the past 2 years.  Life has turned into a challange everyday, dealing with all the obsticals.  I look forward to talking to others and finding strength from them and helping those that I can help.  Please feel free to contact me.  I don't know how all this works, but hope to learn and in the process meet and share with others that are fighting battles, those that have won theirs and those who, like me, are still fighting.

  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
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  • Views: 241
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• PLEASE COMMENT: How do you le PLEASE COMMENT: How do you let this go??????

  • From: Mike
  • Description:

    I was asked what did I bring home from Iraq?

    What did I bring home? .........Let me tell you I was raised as a
    catholic....I truly believe.....without a doubt, .on my mothers grave,,,
    ...I saw the eyes of satan over there. I saw true hate and anger and rage in
    Iraq! It found its way into me.... I watched a 10 year old boy
    walk onto a public bus and as I watched him walking to the rear of the
    bus.....he detonated himself! 16 innocent people died that day !

  • Blog post
  • 2 years ago
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  • Views: 1404

• Iraqi Vets who have lost... to Iraqi Vets who have lost... to Tony (iCe)

  • From: Mike
  • Description:

    I have started this group for Iraqi Veterans...... (Military Veterans and Contractors)
    

    " j0k3r" "iCe"
    

    I have toured Iraq as a PSD team leader for a Private Contractor. My name is j0k3r , I lost iCe.

    So I wish to dedicate this group to those Iraqi Vets who have lost...In honor of Tony Thompson

    . For now this is all I can say.....

    I will work on this blog!
    

  • Blog post
  • 2 years ago
  • Favorite count: 0
  • Views: 665

• The headaches get worse The headaches get worse

  • From: Mike
  • Description:

    This is what runs through my head 24/7 because one of my men got killed! And I let it happen! I hate this f*&%$ing life! This is my punishment for letting him die! .........the bitch of it all is that this is just one of 7 friends who were KIA.

  • Blog post
  • 2 years ago
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• A little bit more about who I A little bit more about who I am

  • From: Mike
  • Description:

    Just

    one reason why.......
    
    I was one of four Americans contracted as a PSD (Protective Security Detail) member for a Private Security Company in Iraq. I lived in what they call the "Red Zone". (This is one of those areas in Iraq that is not under direct control of the US Military......it is where the bad guys live!) I have conducted over 640 missions. Travelled from as far south as Najaf to as far north as Kurdistan and from Baghdad to as far west as Abu Kamal, Syria. I have seen, done, and watched things that I wish I never did. I have been blown up 7 times, ambushed by an insurgent group of at least 150 insurgents that was controlled by Muqtada al-Sadr and formed after Abu Musab al-Zarqawi was killed. And I was almost captured during that ambush. I have 3 confirmed kills by the US Military and the R.O.C. and lost 6 team mates....one of which was American who took my place on my mission while I was away. I fought Insurgents in gun fights side by side with the US Military.

    
    When I returned home to America...I was either thrown to the curb, or I would get pathetic bullshit lines like...." I know what you're going through" as they pat you on the shoulder; or "You need to get over this and put it past you" with their stern approach; or they try to compare their pathetic life with what we experienced in Iraq..... Or, this is the best.... "Did you kill anyone”, they will ask with a fill of excitement as though they were asking if you won something at a carnival.
    The problem with the contractors.....is that, “We” too, answered the call from our great President to fight for our flag, our freedom, and our country.”We" served our country in the same manner as our US Military troops. "We" fought side by side with them. A lot of us even saw more combat then the US Military troops...

    
    YET;

    "We" returned home to a country who wants nothing to do with us!! "We" returned home to a country that will NOT acknowledge us for what we did. "We" returned home to a country who won't even say "Thank You"!! "We" returned home to a country that is not ours anymore...... "We" returned home to a place that treats us like a plague, a cancer and all because they feel we made enough money to take care of these life long issues ourselves....!!

    
    So now the money is gone and my own country who I thought I was doing right by, who I fought for, now will do nothing to help me with my headaches, my outburst of crying for no reason, my nightmares, my flashbacks, my mood swings, my depression, my skin rashes, my lesions and growths on my legs, or my symptoms of PTSD all stemming from IRAQ.....any yet as a US Military troop, All of my medications, all of my appointments and treatments and not to mention my Mortgage and my bills, etc., etc. are all being worked into every political agenda, major companies are giving Military troops all kinds of help.

    So now when a contractor who toured Iraq sees all the compassion given to the US Military, all the open arms....and the assistance given to them, the pain and hurt intensify.... and he turns to a negative solution. Then maybe, because nobody will help him and he can't afford help on his own.....maybe then this contractor will ease the pain himself and self medicate, or start drinking all hours of the day; now with this comes the physical abuse to his loved ones, The mental abuse that causes his wife to call 911 because the contractor just went on a rampage and then when the police arrive they draw tasers and guns on him. The contractor then feels so hopeless that he enters his life of crime and either OD’s, commits suicide, goes to jail or gets killed.

    
    You see. It wasn't about the money.... It was about, "Honor", "Valor", "Cohesion", "Unity", "Loyalty" It was, for me at least....A responsibility to my country to serve side by side with the worlds finest Military. I voluntarily gave up everything for my country and without question.....And now feel as though I don't belong here anymore.....I feel like I am not wanted in this country.

    
    Now, as for the money: The money has been gone to take care of my responsibilities on the home front (my children, my wife and my bills )before I even came back home!!!
    The pain will never go away!

    The men and women who fought in Iraq will always be dear in my heart. I will always honor them. No matter whether a Military Troop or a Contractor......You will always be my family.
    

  • Blog post
  • 2 years ago
  • Favorite count: 0
  • Views: 539

• I guess trying to cope I guess trying to cope

  • From: Mike
  • Description:

    I just got diagnosed with PTSD.... I don't know how to feel about that.  My doctor tells me that he would like me to get a CAT Scan because while I was in Iraq, I was blown up 6 times and 2 of those times my vehicle rolled over. Then on a seperate mission,  I got a concusion from slaming my forehead into an inch and a half thick bullet proof windshield.  He wants a CAT scan because there could be a possibility that I may have TBI.   

    I somewhat feel a little relieved because It would explain my vision and memory lose at times.  I still get the headaches and major mood swings and I get all teary eyed once and awhile...  I wish.....I could understand more.  I still notice that people walk on egg shells when I am around and that bothers me. 

    Thank you for allowing me to vent here.   I feel like your my family.

     

  • Blog post
  • 2 years ago
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• The Hollow Man The Hollow Man

  • From: Mike
  • Description:

    I am told that I am ruined for life! That Iraq changed me so bad, that I am nothing more then a hollow shell of the man I once was.

  • Blog post
  • 2 years ago
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  • Views: 518
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• Pain Clinic Pain Clinic

  • From: squirtsnapper
  • Description:

    Pain Clinic USA

    The management of chronic pain has long been a necessity for many patients, whether the pain stems from a previous injury, disease, underlying health condition, or any other source. The fact of the matter is that when a patient has constant or consistent pain, it must be treated in the safest and most efficient way possible.
    
    There are no universally accepted classifications of pain management techniques in the medical field. Instead, pain management techniques are roughly organized by how invasive they are. Some techniques, such as physical therapy, are considered entirely non-invasive and do not inherently involve the use of any pain medications. Other pain management techniques, such as pain medications (including pain rubs, salves, and lotions), are purely pharmacologic in nature, meaning that they only involve the use of medication. Still other techniques fall into more than one category, such as pain management injections, which invasively introduce pain medication into the body.
    
    There are multiple over-the-counter (non-prescription) and prescription medications that can be helpful in relieving pain. Careful attention to pain management is a critical component of a patient’s eventual recovery and rehabilitation (if that is seen as possible), as acute or chronic pain can lead to depression, difficulty sleeping, and difficulty exercising and stretching, all of which in turn can exacerbate and prolong your pain.
    
    Some of the most common medications for chronic and acute pain management are:

    • Acetaminophen and Aspirin
    • Narcotic Pain Medications (Hydrocodone, Oxycodone, Vicodin, Percocet, Oxycontin, Roxycontin)
    • Muscle Relaxants (Soma, Flexeril)

    
    
    Our pain management centers and mobile pain management physicians are dedicated to assisting you in managing your chronic pain. We have physicians in all 50 states to perform physical, face-to-face visits with you and get an idea of what your pain management needs and goals are, and design a pain management plan to fit your individual needs.
    
    

    Contact our pain management physicians today for a same-day appointment in your city!

  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
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• losing this battle losing this battle

  • From: Mike
  • Description:

    Very "uptight" and restless... lots of anger, sleeplessness, drinking heavy and anxiety....part of me wishes that I had died over there ........ Instead.....

    I had to come home to nothing but freaking problems!

    I want to go back so the pain will go away.

    I hate this life

  • Blog post
  • 2 years ago
  • Favorite count: 0
  • Views: 509

• Monday was really bad for me.. Monday was really bad for me.........

  • From: Mike
  • Description:

    Monday was really bad for me, I had another nightmare and had a outburst of anger/rage on Tuesday. I feel like my soul is gone... I feel like there is nothing inside! I am hating life right now.

  • Blog post
  • 2 years ago
  • Favorite count: 0
  • Views: 496
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• I feel like giving up I feel like giving up

  • From: Mike
  • Description:

    I went to Iraq for two reasons......

    1. To make the money to buy my two stepsons a house....a place to call home.  Because their biological father was a dead beat and their grandparents always spoiled them.....I felt unwanted. i feel unwanted.  They never had anything of their own and I was never able to give them anything....

    2. To give my wife a break and not work for a year.  My wife is  is 34 years old, legally deaf with only one hearing aid that is 15 years old and broken.  She has Graves disease. She has had a partial hysterectomy. She is in constant physical pain and a handful of other medical problems associated with the absence of her thyroid.. She was married once before to an extremely physically abusive man....She had to call 911 several times to escape violent behavior from this guy.   She works hard and long hours and most of the time in physical pain.

    I come home and my world turns upside down...... I was turned down by unemployment and welfare when I first came home....and I was denied by the VA because I did not go to Iraq with a Military unit.   I have spent the last 19 Months....struggling with this....I wish I could turn the clock back .....I am losing this. The battle is getting harder and harder to fight...I have been getting meaner and meaner to those I love.  I literally lost all of my friends. my family is afraid of me.  And now I am on the street....The headaches are still here, the nightmares are still here.    

    I eventually did get a job at 11.55 hour.... I work almost 60 hours a week and still falling behind on a 2000.00 monthly mortgage payment that I am about a year behind on.  When I sleep....I have been sleeping in my car because nobody wants to deal with me.......I am losing everything. I feel like I have lost everything.  And my decision to go back to Iraq is out of fear that my 2 stepsons will lose their home.......and I cannot let that happen.  I will not let that happen.........  

    I know that I am rambling.........but I am really hurting and I cant have my two stepsons afraid of me....because I love them more then life itself.    

  • Blog post
  • 2 years ago
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  • Views: 485
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• The Power of Play Gets Hired b The Power of Play Gets Hired by the US Army!

  • From: The_Power_of_Play
  • Description:

    As we were sitting in the office of the command's clinical psychologist at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, I had a moment that made me giggle out loud. And what I said to the clinical psychologist who was part of the team that brought us in, was, "So what you're saying is that basically, it was a snowball's chance in hell that The Power of Play and the US Army would be here working together...with Richard and I sitting in front of you."
    
    And she said, "Yep. That's about right. You are the snowball, Rahla, and this is hell!"
    
    Wow! From our initial "read-ahead" white paper (which was a new term for us) back in December, 2007, to yesterday's acknowledgment from the Colonel who was the other part of the team who hired us, we are now taking a deep breath to share with you what a unique, powerful, creative, laughter filled, exhausting, miraculous journey this intersection in the history of The Power of Play and The Power of Play Approach has been.
    
    Our goal is to work with returning veterans who are suffering with the suddenly broken life that PTSD, deep brain trauma and the amputation of limbs brings. We know The Power of Play Approach works, because of our experience in the 1980's with veterans from another war - the Vietnam war.
    
    At that time we were working at a support center for homeless and mentally ill adults in Santa Monica, called Step Up On Second. One day a couple of Vietnam veterans showed up in my class. One, in particular, was hesitant to participate. On the spot I began an exercise that has become a staple in The Power of Play repertoire of games. I asked him to tell a true story from his life that had something to do with a pair of shoes. His story was inspiring, poignant and wonderful. He told of how he had been a Rhodes Scholar and was on his way to Oxford, when he went to Paris for a short holiday. He found a pair of shoes in a small shop that made him feel like a king when he put them on. He blew his holiday budget to buy the shoes, but they were worth it.
    
    The smile and openness of this man who moments before had been closed off and shut down, told me that something important had happened. Soon other vets were showing up in my class. The reason? They said they heard they could tell their stories there. They also said that my class was one of the few places where they could laugh and enjoy some humor, instead of the usual gripe and complain sessions that they were used to.
    
    Now, with a new war and a new wave - make that tidal wave - of veterans returning, I know we have an important job to do. Our Approach helps people discover or rediscover their creativity, authenticity and natural sense of humor. That practice has health benefits that science is now validating. But more importantly, I believe our fun and easy methods bring people - whether they be dealing with cancer, chronic illness or deep brain trauma - to a familiar place within themselves that they may have forgotten about. It is kind of like going through your old junk drawer and finding some treasure you haven't thought about in decades. You are reminded of who you were then, with all the feelings of excitement and anticipation that each adventure in life brings. It is almost like meeting an old friend on the street. Only the old friend is you!

  • Blog post
  • 2 years ago
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• A Sunset Philosphy A Sunset Philosphy

  • From: CROSSROADS
  • Description:

    <!-- @page { margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } -->

     

    
    

    Admittedly, I'm a control freak!  My daddy sent me this beautiful photo which he took as the sun set in Anna Maria Island where my parents live.

    Attached to the phenomenal picture of the awe-inspring sunset was this important message:

    A Sunset Philosophy

    (adopted from Dr. Carl Rogers)

     

    "I have come to think that one of the most satisfying experiences I know and also one of the most growth promoting experiences for the other person is just fully appreciate this individual in the same way I appreciate a sunset.

     

    People are just as wonderful sunsets if I can just let them be. In fact, perhaps the reason we can truly appreciate a sunset is that we cannot control it. When I look at a sunset as I did the other evening, I don't find myself saying, 'Soften the orange a little on the right hand corner, and put on a bit more purple along the base, and use a little more pink in the cloud color.' I don't do that. I don't try to control the sunset. I watch it with all as it unfolds.

     

    I like myself best when I can experience my staff member, my son, my daughter, in the same way, appreciating the unfolding of a life... A person who is loved appreciatively, not possessively, blooms, and develops his own unique self. The person who loves non-possessively is himself enriched."

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