December 2023’s Poem of the month has a slightly different take on the subjects of giving and receiving. And, the way I understand it, the two are not that far apart.

Growing up, I was taught that “giving” was the proper thing to do. “Receiving” was not brought up in the discussion. So, it became easier and more comfortable for me to give to others than it was to receive from them. Finding the right words to say “thanks” was always awkward.

Then one day, it occurred to me that being a gracious receiver could actually be interpreted as a form of giving…

To give another person the opportunity to show kindness and affection for you opens your vulnerability and exposes your true “human” side… the “real” you.

Please enjoy the poem, “Receiving.”

And remember, whatever the question, love is always the answer…

RECEIVING

Somehow we’re taught that learning to give
Is more important than learning to receive.
So, from childhood on we practice the art of giving,
Assuming that always giving is a goal to achieve.

Yes, a generous spirit along with the gift
Is a goal that’s worthy of one’s pursuing;
Though it’s a one-direction move of a gift or good wishes,
And the act and direction could be up for reviewing.

Gracious acceptance is an art unto itself
And is seldom, if ever, cultivated.
Accepting gifts can be much harder than giving —
You’re allowing another to show how much you are appreciated.

And, in receiving the gift, you’re allowing another
To know the joy of giving with an open heart.
It’s a lovely, unending cycle that knows no end,
And you have the joy of knowing you have played your part.

According to C. C. Miller, “Hugging is the truest form
Of giving and receiving” at the same time.
You’re “getting” and “giving” all at once, and
The feeling you get is nothing short of sublime.

A few people I know who live by the “Glass Half Empty” philosophy are beginning (some are continuing) to lament the fact that they can’t do the things they used to do when they were younger! 

[What? Are their brains locked in “programs" that don’t allow for upgrades or changes to what they can and cannot do?]

There’s only one answer to this situation and it’s summed up in a few words: 

“IF YOU CAN’T DO SOMETHING, DO WHAT YOU CAN!”

The November 2023 Poem Of The Month is called “Age Has Opportunities.” I believe it might have a message for those who are stuck in their comparative past; and also for those who can use encouragement to approach life with new enthusiasm, courage, and openness to joy.

Love yourself in the process.  

Remember, whatever the question, Love is always the answer.

AGE HAS OPPORTUNITIES

There’s an old Irish saying on the subject of aging;
It’s simple and straightforward, I’m sure you’ll agree.
“You’re not as young as you once were,
And you’re not as old as you’re going to be.”

In the continuum between your youth and old age
A lot of “stuff” has happened that has made you pliable;
Some good, some bad; some painful some joyful;
Some life-changing and some life-stealing, but all mostly memorable

No matter your age, the years ahead are yours to win.
You cannot let anything stand in your way!
The greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young.
The ideas you internalized in your youth do not go away!

True aging only happens to people who lose the lust
For getting better, for improving the people they are.
They’ve lost their natural curiosity about their world.
They’re motivated by nothing in particular.

So, as soon as you feel too old to do something,
DO IT! Surprise yourself and those around!
You prove yourself wrong, and you certainly surprise others.
Your quality of life will become quite profound!

Aging is an amazing process by which you’re becoming
The person you always were meant to be.
Getting older can be compared to climbing a mountain:
You may get a little out of breath, but the view is extraordinary!

Age may wrinkle the face, but lack of enthusiasm
Will wrinkle the soul. It’s a fact!!!
Remember, wrinkles only go where the smiles have been.
Joy on your face has the greatest impact.

Sooner or later, in one’s life, the existential questions begin to pop up in our conscious minds… like, “Why was I born?” “What is the meaning of life?” “Where did I come from (before birth) and where am I going (after death)?” … and many more… for instance, “What is my purpose?”

I certainly don’t have any finite answers that would necessarily quiet your mind, or work for you — but it’s a treat to share comments on some of the esoteric thoughts that pop up every now and then for me.

Perhaps the answers to some of these kinds of questions will come to us, and perhaps they won’t… but for me, at this time, I am consciously working on simply “being where my feet are.” 

That’s the best I can do, for now…

Please enjoy the October 2023 Poem of the Month, entitled “Meaning.”

And, remember, “Whatever the question, Love is always the answer.

MEANING

What is the meaning of the word “meaning?”
Where does it measure on the scale of understanding?
The definition of meaning must depend upon who is searching;
So, agreement about “meaning” is elusive, notwithstanding.

Plato defines man as “a being in search of meaning,”
And many people I know could be defined that way.
The searches play out in as many ways as there are people.
They each formulate their search on their own pathway.

It is also believed that people are not really looking for meaning,
But for the experience of being alive on this earth.
Joseph Campbell suggests this… So is meaning a by-product
Of a successful discovery of one’s own self-worth?

The meaning of life is not to be discovered only
After death in some hidden mysterious realm.
It is found by eating fruit from the Tree of Life;
By sailing (living) fully and creatively. You’re at the helm!