Common Sense

Did you ever wonder what would happen if you closed your eyes while driving your car through the city? Did you ever wonder what would happen if you stepped in front of a moving train? Did you ever wonder what would happen if you jumped off a ten story building? The answer to all these questions is an Obvious and Deafening, NO.

Then why do you wonder what would happen if you had no time for the one you love? Why would you wonder what would happen if you pushed your kids away? Why would you wonder what would happen when you tried to find happiness in a place where there is none?

As before, all these answers seem Obvious, Therefore acting surprised at the outcome is foolish. All these answers are just purely “Common Sense”, right? Of course they are, but remember that one thing “Common Sense” is not, is Common. For answers to these types of questions, simply look inside and you will see the answer should in deed be “Common Sense”. If the answer is not there, maybe the “Common Sense” thing to do is to find the answer before you act.

~David Ritter

Finding Friends

We have often heard something like; “you pick your friends, but family is picked for you”. Family is certainly something we are “gifted” with and it can sometimes be a struggle to understand if the stork was drunk or simply lost. Good or bad, we spend most of our lives trying to be part of our family and be accepted as equal. Some days and some people are certainly more difficult than others. Either way, because they are our family, we almost always keep trying.

However, do we really pick our friends either? True friendship, is shared, without jealousy, control and insecurity and is very rare indeed. I would suggest that those that profess to have a large circle of friends and several BFF’s as they are now referred, simply have many close acquaintances, with similar interest. Each of those acquaintances, having different needs, wants and limitations that are not always in your best interest.

It is probably safe to say that if you look at your circle of “friends”, it is not you that picked them, but maybe, they that picked you. Remember that if your light burns bright and your music is heard, people will look to you, to light THEIR path. Having acquaintances and people to interact with and spend time with, and sharing interests with, is a wonderful thing that should be encouraged. However, knowing each relationship for what it is and seeing its limitations and boundaries is critical for self-care.

FRIENDS, like family, we do not pick, we simply have to find where the Universe has put them. If you are truly blessed, you may find you have more than one FRIEND. You do not have to have a spouse, partner or lover to have a FRIEND, but your spouse, partner or ,lover should always be a FRIEND. Friends, like life partners, must be willing to accept your changes and growth. Without that willingness from each, the friendship can not endure. Look at each friendship closely and remember that they like you, have and will continue to grow and change.

As you look at all those changes ask yourself; “Have you been FRIENDS a long time, or a long time ago you were FRIENDS”? A FRIEND gives and shares without judgment or selfish motives and demands the same in return. Take the time to find where the Universe has put your FRIEND.

~David Ritter

The Journey

As we travel on our journey for enlightenment and salvation it is only natural that we want to include those we love on that journey. Unfortunately, the choice to make that journey is a solitary one. The Universe provides the time and place for all of us to begin anew and it actually offers this opportunity several times throughout our lives. The decision to start that journey lies solely within each of us. My time to see and begin life anew will always be different than even that of my closest companion and love.

When my journey started, I wanted to show everyone that there were other options to life, that can bring happiness and joy unlike any other. Unfortunately, until the time comes when someone is open to changes within themselves and finds the willingness to except their own shortcomings, all you will find is a blank stare and deaf ears. The Universe wrote the complete story of our lives, eons ago and that story can not be changed. What we often fail to realize is that WE do not know that story. The story includes changes and choices and mistakes and successes that we have yet to know.

We must realize that just because the Universe knows our destiny, WE do not. We can, at any time change our mind, our path, our dreams and, whatever we choose is exactly how and when it was supposed to be. Your destiny is written in stone, however there is no “cliff” notes for the story and no peaking ahead. Let go of the fear and be who you feel inside. Today a surgeon, tomorrow a missionary, today an Olympic runner, tomorrow a participant in the wheelchair Olympics. Today’s happiness is not always tomorrows joy. Live your life everyday with only one thought; “What makes me a better person for myself”.

There are those gifted souls that know and see what it is that brings the joy and happiness of the Universe to bear. Those that refuse to turn away from the passions they feel and the efforts and sacrifices to achieve them. See the signs, make the choices and you will have untold bounty in this life and the next.

~David Ritter

Finding Your Never-Never Land

We all remember the wondrous and adventurous children’s story “Peter Pan.” The story of Peter, leader of the “lost boys”, who could fly, never grew old, lived in the magical Never-Never Land and was friend to a fairy. Peter befriended Wendy and her brothers one night who had grown up never seeing and believing in their dreams or imaginations, something we are told very young to forget and just follow everyone else through life.

Peter showed them, how to believe in dreams and themselves and to travel with with him to Never-Never Land. This was not heaven, it was a wondrous place that also had fear, anxiety and confusion. After all, an arm-hooked pirate and a clock carrying crocodile can be pretty scary. However, it was dream and imagination that allowed the children to fly, belief that saved the fairy and the crocodile that got the pirate.

Remember today, that you can overcome your arm-hooked pirates and clock carrying crocs and soar to great heights if you simply Believe in yourself. With Belief all things are possible and all dreams can become reality. It is time to find your Never-Never Land.

David Ritter

Believe

Most of the victories and defeats to challenges we face, are determined before we even make our attempts. Our own fears and doubts can be far more challenging than any outside force. If we let, self doubt or others tell us all the things we can not do, we will simply do nothing. The fact is, we can achieve far more than we can imagine, if we first allow ourselves to BELIEVE. Failure, is predetermined whenever we allow others, inabilities and doubts to become our own. You know your heart and soul like no other, do not let those who do not have your courage and strength distract you, from all you are destined to be. Believing in yourself is the first and most important victory for you to achieve.

Remember, that each of us is priceless and hold within our hearts and souls the ability and power to make life more beautiful for ourselves and others. Those that attempt to keep us from believing this, should be left with your smile as you pass them by.

~Dave

All I Want

For many, this time of year is a time of frustration, stress, anxiety and fear, instead of happiness and joy. We worry about finding the perfect gift, where will we find the money, how will we find the time and should we use skim milk for the egg nog.

I realized as I started the stress cycle again ,this year, that there is no “thing”, that I want. That is not to say, that there is nothing I desire. What I desire this year more than ever, is people. I want my whole family to set judgments and opinions aside and embrace the joy of just having each other. I want to share a meal and laugh like we did so long ago. I want to spend my time, with those I love and am so blessed to have. I want find, the one perfect gift, for each of my kids that causes them to say, “daddy, will you play this with me”? I want to spend all day decorating and cooking with the ones I love, and laugh about the lights that won’t light and the bread pudding that burned.

What I want most, is that none of it ends on December 26th, or ever. Resolutions and change don’t have to wait until January 1st. Everyday is the right day to start over.

Blessings,
Dave

Thanks and Giving

Thanksgiving time is upon us once again. Let us remember that this is not only a time for “Thanks” to family and those true friends that will always be a part of your life, whether near or far. This is also a time for “Giving” to those whose needs are greater than yours. Take the time to thank those who have supported you, in your journey and make the time to give to those whose journeys have been derailed. We all have an angel, that deserves our thanks and we should all give that same spirit to those still searching for their angels. Many times the “Thanks” and the “Giving” are much closer than you realize.

Peace & Joy,
Dave

Friend

We have often heard something like; “you pick your friends, but family is picked for us”. Family is certainly something we are “gifted” with and it can sometimes be a struggle to understand if the stork was drunk or simply lost. Good or bad, we spend most of our lives trying to be part of our family and be accepted as equal. Some day’s and some people are certainly more difficult than others. Either way, because they are our family, we almost always keep trying.

However, do we really pick our friends either? True friendship, is shared, without jealousy, control and insecurity and is very rare indeed. I would suggest that those that profess to have a large circle of friends and several BFF’s as they are now referred, simply have many close acquaintances with similar interest. Each of those acquaintances having different needs, wants and limitations and not always in your best interest. Read more

Life’s challenges

Life is filled with an abundance of challenges and struggles. Whether it’s crazy at work, the kids are screaming, the cancer is spreading or the Bill’s have lost another game, it is all just one of life’s many challenges to overcome. As you face these challenges, know that you are never alone, even if  and when you feel you are. Life’s challenges are like rivers and streams we must cross. Before you dive in alone, climb on board the boat waiting to help you cross.

Life is meant to be shared, both in challenges and victories.

~David

Choices in Time

I have often talked about the infinity of time and the finite time we have. The thought that all that has happened and all that is and will ever happen is in fact, happening at this very instance. If that theory holds, the future is happening right now. That theory ties with those that believe destiny is already written at birth and is read throughout life.

This theory, is not about giving up on choice, only that the Universe has already seen the movie. All the choices are still yours, as are the successes and failures to come. You can simply stop second guessing all your choices and believe that the ones you make are right for you. Remember too, that the choice you made may not be understood until the end of the movie.

Believe
GM JMB

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