Merry Christmas

Posted on November 30, 2016 by positivelyjohn

There: I said it! In an article going out to the public I uttered a politically incorrect taboo. I’m told that the  incoming leadership of the good old U S of A is going to make it acceptable once again to be politically incorrect.

So this Christmas will we see more charitable giving? Should I expect to see more Baby Jesus in mangers on front lawns than blow up Winnie the Pooh with a red hat.download I’m not going to hold my breath though. I don’t believe the leader ever dictated what the people would espouse. I see that it was the other way around.

Many believed that the Mayan calendar ending on 12/21/2012 prophesied the end of the world. We all know it did not end. Some in spiritual circles, lament that 2012 was “ The beginning of the end”, where there would be a separation of good and evil, a widening gap between those that reflect  unity, charity, togetherness and love, with those that seek self-centered isolationism, instant gratification, decadence, depravity, self indulgence and debauchery. This disparity would give rise to conflict, with the strongest emerging the victor and reshaping the fabric of society. I believe we are living through that now.

You see, leaders did not decide what society would accept: societies loudest cries gave birth to leaders that are a reflection of their desires. Just as a pendulum swings equal distance in both directions; the leadership change to the polar opposite of what it was should have been predictable. download-1 The swing of the pendulum is so accurate that it is the basis of measuring time. As time marches on, so  will the opposing forces switch places.

The “left” have been vocal, evangelical in nature, and intolerant for a long time while the right remained politely silent not wanting to cause trouble, minding their own business quietly hoping for change one day. Things went too far left and the right woke up, banded together and took back the lead. Any changes born out of this reversal will not be the product of those “in charge” but of those that ushered in the change.

SO; will it be OK to say Merry Christmas in a place of business this year without being accused of offending? Perhaps! But then, will racial slurs, segregation and biases born of fear and ignorance also be OK? Ah, there’s the rub.  Moderation and common sense must be employed with this changing of the guard. In order to have an effective, lasting change, without just having the pendulum swing to and fro endlessly, compromise must be reached. So for those that won, do not condemn those that opposed you. For those that lost, realize you made your own bed, by pushing too far in one direction. For peace on earth, good will toward men to reign supreme as the December 25th birthday is to commemorate, we all must look for common ground, compromise and unity.  Instead of choosing sides, choose compromise!images

Merry Christmas, & Happy New Year!

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Lemonade Nation

Posted on November 6, 2016 by positivelyjohn

I’ve learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems: life goes on and it can be better tomorrow!”~ Maya Angelou

Today is Sunday November 6th 2016. About 60 hours from now, the result of the most controversial year in this country ( in my life) will be in. No matter what; 1/2 the country will be disappointed, angry and perhaps disgusted. While this past year has been the most divisive and nasty I have lived through, it is not the worst we have seen as a nation.
Starting Wednesday November 9th, we must put our differences aside and begin the healing process. There is no way either side of the recent controversy will benefit from their victory if the opposing side continues the fight.
While I will never advocate giving up, or dismissing what you believe in, I will suggest finding a way to work with what we’ve got.lemonade
Each side must continue to work towards their respective agendas, but do so without the vitriol and animus.
With anger and resentment there will be no peace. Only through acceptance and compromise will we heal.
Our differences have always been with us as a nation, but for decades, we functioned within them with relative acceptance and civility. I have no idea how common decency disappeared this cycle, but without it, we will degenerate into a nation of anger and resentment. The rule of law will evaporate and chaos will ensue
WE ARE BETTER THAN THAT!
Please do not allow the political machine run a stake through the very heart of our resilience.
The USA is a nation of the people, not ruled by the politicians. Whomever your choice was, winner or loser, you still have a voice. Violence and lawlessness will never bring about change, only compromise and unity can do that.
The machine has torn us apart. We must bring ourselves back together.
Follow your hearts, not your heads.
The Journey IS the Destination!

GOD BLESS THE USA!

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NO SURPRISES HERE!

Posted on October 30, 2016 by positivelyjohn

“ The Devil doesn’t come dressed in a Red Cape, and Pointy Horns, he comes disguised as everything you’ve ever wished for”~ Anonymous

images

That being said takes us to the greatest warning we could ever have:

BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR, YOU MAY GET IT!

I will do my best to remain politically neutral in my writing as I respect that we all have different views based upon our situation and perception. I can however mention that this US Presidential election has been a demonstration of how low the state of American politics, leadership, and civic will has descended.

There are those that strongly advocate for personal responsibility and autonomy, wishing to be left alone to create their own lives through their personal efforts, minimizing Gov’t involvement. Then there are those that believe the Gov’t should be empowered to intervene in all aspects of life to ensure fairness and equanimity. There are serious flaws in both camps. That is not the underlying problem though. The real issue is decades of apathy. The assumption that everything is OK just as it is, I don’t need to get involved, someone else will take care of it: leave me out of it! Well. We all know about ASSUMPTIONS, and the “ Everybody thinks somebody else, will so no one does” paradigm take over.

2012 US presidential voter turnout was 54.9%. In clearer terms, 45.1% of eligible voters, allowed the direction of their lives to be determined by people they don’t even know. So the wish to have someone else take care of things has come true. DO YOU LIKE WHAT YOU’VE GOTTEN? Now, being an individual of strong will, there is a large segment of the population I wish would not vote, namely those that are not aligned with my position, but that is not my argument today. We have 2 candidates that are practically hated, both with serious flaws and questionable character. We have riots and fighting in the streets. There is real animosity between parties, and the opposing views are as polar opposite as ever before in American History. We can only blame ourselves.

Anyone that has ever read anything I write understands that I strongly believe we create out own reality through our thoughts, beliefs, focus and concentration. In short, there are no victim: what e are getting is what we created.

If we sit on the side lines lamenting how bad it is and point the irresponsible finger of blame, we will be powerless to change it. Only by owing the creation will we be able to have an impact on it!

I see thousands, hundreds of thousand of posts, videos, news reports and opinions on the state of this country. Will I see a voter turnout to match that? Or is everyone just talk!

Be responsible! Create your own reality. Be relevant, not just white noise.

VOTE!

THE JOURNEY IS THE DESTINATION

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LEAD, FOLLOW, OR GET OF THE WAY!

Posted on August 13, 2016 by positivelyjohn

Leadership is a huge buzz word these days. in business, politics, religion and even social and familial environments, everyone relies on THE LEADER. Contrary to popular understanding, leaders cannot be elected, appointed, promoted or assigned. We very well may portend to do do just that, but we can all see the disaster that unfold when those without the penchant to lead are thrust into those spots.

I believe that leadership is a natural evolution of life that is the by product of experience and confidence.  One cannot decide one day that they will be the leader of ( such & such). They can, but if they do not posses the wisdom and confidence required for the task, no one will follow them. An elected, appointed, promoted or self decided leader can don the chapeau of ” head honcho” at anytime.  Without the respect and support of those they wish to lead, they are are worthless as row boat without oars, destined to drift aimlessly     wherever the current will take them, alone and confused.

A true leader is one who suddenly realizes that they are being followed. Many great political, business and social leaders, hold the title, and position, while utilizing the wisdom of advisers, mentors, and experts to allow them to feign leadership. They are actually the the conduit through which the true leaders lead with anonymity. We should not be fooled by these faces of falsity.

BIKEMLEADIn a motorcycle group, club, or gang, the body naturally is drawn to the one that projects the most knowledge, experience and strength. So too in the wilds of nature. WOLF LEADNo posers in power is the natural theme of the wild. Lead, follow or get out of the way.

As a young man myself, (arrogant punk actually) I thought I knew it all. I was hell bent on not following anyone. You guessed it; messed up my life big time. Missed opportunities, blown chances, and poor choices. As soon as the reality of my aimless, oar less drift was apparent, I decided to follow. This meant seeking out those with wisdom, absorbing every word, deed and action, the assimilating into my core. As time passed, my reliance on leaders lessened, my confidence grew, and all of a sudden, I noticed people following me. I never made a decision, was elected, appointed, or assigned the responsibility, but in a flash, I was out front.

It has been over 10 years now that I have noticed that there are many situation where I just automatically take charge. Some call that controlling, or manipulative, others arrogant, yet some say that is the trait of a leader. Who knows which of them are correct? Not I! I do however feel that when we have the confidence in our resolve and knowledge, it is our responsibility to take charge. The masses will decide whether we deserve to be leading or not. If there is a crowd behind you; you are a leader. If you are chasing the crowd, you are a follower. When you are spinning aimlessly like windows vista with a weak internet connection, you need to get out of the way.

In reality, we are all leaders at somethings, and followers at others. Even great leaders will lead by example when they choose to follow. Showing others that respecting wisdom, and following those that know, is a demonstration of humility and wisdom in itself. Followers lead by teaching others how to follow.

All of this is an inside job. Each of us evolves from follower to leader on many fronts. I am brought to think of:

Ecclesiastes, chapter 3, verses 1-8:

“For everything there is a season, and
a time for every matter under heaven:
a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up
what is planted;
a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to
build up;
a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
a time to throw away stones, and a
time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to
refrain from embracing;
a time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to
throw away;
a time to tear, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to
speak;
a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war, and a time for peace.”

and a time to lead,  a time to follow, and time to move the f–k outta the way!

The Journey IS the DESTINATION

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Doing your “FAIR” share

Posted on August 13, 2016 by positivelyjohn

Fair: Agreeing to what is thought to be right or acceptable.

For those of us insane enough to be closely following the Presidential Election and all of  side shows; we have certainly heard the term “Fair Share” bandied about. In inasmuch as we are all on this spinning circling sphere trying to survive together, it seems that fairness would be a sociological imperative. So let us take a look at what’s fair.

  • The most successful of society providing for the least.
  • The most successful of society providing for the majority of society
  • Everyone pitching in 5 wise to care for the least successful
  • Every man for himself
  • The most successful taking advantage of the least
  • The least successful taking advantage of the most
  • Everyone taking advantage of the most successful
  • Everyone reaping the benefit of their own contribution in kind.

This taking care of, or providing for that I speak of can encompass everything from funding necessary government expenses, funding government waste, assisting those with challenged conditions beyond their own making, covering for those that have destroyed their own ability to care for themselves through apathy, lack of responsibility and laziness and supporting all government programming whether agreed with or not.

There is another form of taking care of which I will not incorporate into this dispute, and that is the one that naturally unfolds when productive responsible individuals make their contribution to society.

1st Corinthians 12 tells us all about “Fair Share”

4 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them.5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6 There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.

This bold yet basic message informs us that we have each been endowed with a special (talent, passion, ability, or understanding) that is vital in the successful expansion of the Universe, ( the physical presentation of God “In Form” information). All parts of the body, ( foot ,hand, spleen, Thoracic Vertebrae #4, and even images (1)intestinal bacteria) all have an important part to play to ensure the healthy function of “The Body”. In the same manner, we each have a responsibility to use our gifts for the betterment of the whole of experience. Like puzzle pieces on the board, or patches on a quilt, many parts make up the 1 WHOLE.

With this in mind, I would assume that “fair Share” meant using your gifts to the best of your ability. Those that tend to judge, seem to weigh outward appearance of financial success, against the masses, and vilify those that display excess.Somehow, they have “more than their fair share” and need to have it taken from them and ” redistributed”.. These advocates for redistribution cannot possibly understand what is fair, and what is not. The design of this dance we call life is such that true success is measured by peace of mind, happiness and joy. This success is related to our inner understanding that we are using our gifts unselfishly. There are those that present financial wealth outwardly, yet live in constant fear and grief, while others may appear to have noting, yet have joy beyond our understanding. The process polices itself. There is no need for intervention.

On another note, the so called billionaires that the masses have such vitriol over, and wish to rape for all their wares, contribute way more than anyone cares to admit. If an individual has used his ability to dream, design, lead, manage, leverage, and create, many large businesses, employing thousands, well:

  • They all have prosperous lives
  • They all in turn impact others
  • They spend their $$ and are taxed
  • They donate to causes and help others.

So you can see that that “rich businessman” aside from the enormous amount of tax $$ his company and he personally pays, makes a contribution to the well being of mankind exponentially more than he receives in remuneration. We don’t even know if his wealth affords him the joy that his offering to “The Whole” is entitled too. With half of society condemning him, and the other half trying to take his outward wealth, how is it possible to sit back and be proud of yourself?

Now the very worst part of this “fairness paradigm” is the affect it has on those that we are told deserve our compassion. We have all seen the signs in sate parks about not feeding the wildlife as they become dependent; well, when we “take care of” those that we believe are entitled to our benefaction, we rob them of the very opportunity to use their spiritual gifts in a contributory manner beneficial for the “Whole”. Once one ceases to contribute, they have no vehicle to feel the joy related to ” being all that you can be” Purpose and meaning stripped away, life becomes about a pointless struggle to survive.

So you see, by trying to determine that those that “have” do their “Fair Share” by taking from them, and rendering the masses useless and powerless, we are robbing humanity of the very impetus needed to experience love & joy.WE CANNOT DECIDE, FAIR, NOR CAN WE TAKE MORE FROM OTHERS TO MAKE UP FOR OUR OWN SHORTCOMINGS.ANY ATTEMPT TO ALTER THE NATURAL STATE OF THINGS ALWAYS BACKFIRES.

For me, today, I will defer to: Galatians 6:7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.

What goes around, comes around, That is FAIR SHARE!

 

The Journey IS the DESTINATION!

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Love the one you’re with!

Posted on July 6, 2016 by positivelyjohn

They say: The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry. In other words, most situations never play out as we had intended them. This year, (for the second year in a row) my wife and I took the ride to Americade with another couple. Last year, we had a blast. There are a ton of great roads in the Adirondacks to Cruise. Lakes, rivers, mountains and beautiful little towns with tasty eats dot the mountainous terrain. There is no shortage of great riding while at the Americade. The key to having a blast is not to expect anything to go as planned, and make the best of whatever goes down.

With the advent of global positioning satellite technology, one would never expect to get lost. GPS only works, if you don’t think you know better. In NY, you can be travelling SW on a road that reads, 2N, or heading east on 9n. Then all of a sudden, roads converge, and then fork. Now you’re travelling SE on a northbound road, knowing that you need to head NW, so; you do the smart thing, and turn around, even if the GPS keeps screaming at you not to. Bottom line: after an hour of travelling in the wrong direction, you decide to turn back. Those of us that love planning, and expect our day to unfold as we intended, could feel the day was ruined. However, if you are enjoying the ride, it doesn’t really matter; does it? Love the ride your on, and the trip will be a blast. Make the most of wherever you end up. We discovered new little watering holes that we would not have found had my  plans worked out as written.

rainThe 2 hours home in the pouring rain were a nightmare. After I got home tough, I realized that my mortal fear of getting caught in a downpour was unfounded. I have a new skill. My father always told me that things work out for the best in the end, not to be to concerned about outcomes if I want to enjoy my life. Truer words were never spoken.

The big event of this century is the 2016 Presidential election. I know I am emotionally, physically, financially, sexually, psychologically and perhaps even digestionally tied to an outcome: ( as are many of us). There is no doubt that millions of us will be sorely disappointed if our candidate does not get in. I for one am in fear for our great nation. Today’s lesson though:” LOVE THE ONE YOU’RE WITH”, will be the most critical philosophy we as a nation will have to employ once the outcome is clear. Whatever happens, we can all survive as long as we are determined to make the best of wherever we end up! Make lemonade out of the proverbial lemon!lemons

POSITIVELY SPEAKING: LOVE THE ONE YOU’RE WITH!

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DID I DO THIS?

Posted on June 4, 2016 by positivelyjohn

Individually, and collectively: WE ONLY GET WHAT WE WANT, (OR ALLOW).

WE ALLOWThe divisiveness, separation and vitriolic animosity between (what we are portending to perceive as) political ideologies has devolved to it’s lowest point since the revolutionary and civil wars here in the grand ole US of A.
We are all standing at our windows looking out at the mayhem in horror with claims of “Them, they, etc. Of course is it not us, I or me, no never!

The spiritual truth of existence is that: If I am experiencing it; I created it!
We each may not have actually gone around stirring the pot, and been the catalyst for the violence and hatred, but we certainly did nothing to mitigate it.
How many times did we each plan to show positive influences and held back. That is tantamount to self betrayal. When we betray our own sense of integrity, we stand in expectation of repercussion. The climate in the American streets today is the Law of Attraction diligently serving up the fruits of our expectations.

” Evil will prevail when good men do nothing”~ Edmund Burke
” Evil Triumphs when good men do nothing” ~ Thomas Jefferson

Way too many of us have recognized for many years now that the rising ire of the lowest among us, ignorant, easily influenced and  self deceived “do gooders” that have digested the fallacious message of governmental mommy hood, would ban together in an attempt to undermine personal responsibility and fight for the right to be led and controlled.
The violence we see today is that manifestation of our self betrayal. We cannot refuse to act upon our insights and expect them to remain. Our refusal to listen to the voice that warned us, was 1 betrayal too far!images (1)

The GOOD PEOPLE CAN NO LONGER WATCH FROM THE WINDOW.
Be an example of what you believe. Let your light shine.

Action is necessary for creation. Those that have been comfortable with the conditions of their experience, have failed to take the required actions to maintain them. There are creators, and those that live within their creations. The creators are losing control through inactivity, as those that have lived within the creations are now begining to act. The creators owe it to them to provide a more stable experience. Do not allow the lower energy to rise!

DO SOMETHING POSITIVE TODAY!

The Journey IS the Destination!

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1st Things 1st: My Journey with The Law of Attraction

Posted on May 28, 2016 by positivelyjohn
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What do YOU SEE?

Posted on April 2, 2016 by positivelyjohn

 

Ni Mar A Shiltcar Bhitear, is Gaelic for “Things are not as they appear”. I have that phrase tattooed on my right forearm.  I believe fully that everything, ( EVERY-THING) we know, or lusionbelieve we know to be true, is only true to US as we are the ones believing it. Two people can view the same scene, ride the road, be exposed to the same situation or condition, and come away with varying ideas of what they encountered.  Perspective is the operative word. We all have it. Call it opinion, attitude, point of view or slant, but there are as many interpretations of EVERYTHING as there are people. These perspectives are both a blessing & a curse ( according to who you are speaking too!)

I am partial to 60’s & 70’s muscle cars, Chevy preferably, but a hot Mopar can get me exited too. A car show with lots of them, big blowers, loud pipes, burnouts, and exotic paint will have me claiming “Great Show”. While others, selectively more traditional, may be turned of by the noise, and modifications preferring the more classic, restored stock models from the 30’s and 40’s.

I ride a bagger now, bluebut prefer cruisers. For shows; customs of all red1kinds get my adrenaline flowing. Many of my friends prefer to see vintage only, (they bore me to tears).

The point is we all believe differently, and we see, (and judge what we see) to that which matches our belief.

I am a strong advocate for diversity. The more variety, the broader the spectrum of colors, the greater opportunity there will be for beauty. The downside is; when a large group needs to come together and coalesce around an ideal to have a consensus, this diversity, these perspectives, create animosity, anger and even vitriolic rectitude of cataclysmic proportions. ” What the heck is he talkin’ bout’ you might say”?, Yes, the 2016 race for leader of the free world.

There is no way I am going to espouse my personal opinions, but suffice it to say I have many, all I will say today is that whether Liberal Democrat, Conservative Republican. or Loony Tune;  way, way too many people are looking at what is being presented and reacting according to preconceived notions without stopping to get the facts, and weigh the evidence. I’m 57, ( 58 in a few weeks) and have never seen a political race that highlighted everything BUT the issues, and is weighed in, scrutinized, and highlighted by everyone EXCEPT THOSE WHO KNOW.

There are protests being perpetrated  by paid protesters and college age people that can’t tell you why they are angry. There are insiders, outsiders, career politicians, business people,Socialist, Conservatives, Republicans & Democrats that do not represent the ideals they are running under. The media is directing the narrative and the voters heads are spinning. What are we going to do? It seems no matter the outcome, it will not be in the best interest of the collective population. Perspective has run amuck, and we are losing reason & logic.

As I have written a myriad of times, it is imperative that we never compromise our true self to run with the pack, or be accepted by a group. The only thing that will save this republic is for all of us to look within to that small voice that we hear when everything else is silent, and be true to that.  How do YOU wish to live? What do YOU think is right? Once you can reconcile that: listen to what they say, filter out the BULL S–T and look for the words that resonate with your true self. Counsel those youngsters you know to do the same. Then, and only then, we can all pick a side and passionately support it. Fighting for, or against something we know nothing about because the group we run with has conditioned us to see  darkness when the light shines, will be the downfall of us all.

We used to fear “Big Brother”, but now, that boogie man has planted erroneous perspective in the minds of the uninformed, and is stealing our authenticity without us even realizing it. They see what they have been told to see, and have no true perspective of their own,lus

The truth is inside YOU! Look for it, listen for it, “Go For It!

The Journey IS the Destination.

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Look Ahead

Posted on March 6, 2016 by positivelyjohn

header 6As we travel the road of life, there will be many distractions. We always have the choice to keep our eyes trained on our direction, or allow the distractions to alter our experience. This is a matter of choice, not something that is beyond our control.

We all have goals, desires, needs, plans or at least an understanding of what we would like our lives to be like. No one ever consciously choses financial hardship, sickness, discord, and calamity, but it seems those conditions find most of us.  We live amid a reality that has been created through a collective collaboration of belief. All that exists is what we  allow to occupy our minds. What we witness along the side of the road, is the creations others have placed there. As we are all aware, if we drive down the street, looking from side to side, we end up in a ditch. However, if we keep our eyes fixed upon OUR PATH, we tend to travel along safely. Such is true in life.

Keep your eyes trained on the path of your own choosing, ignore the detours that will divert you, and your journey will be one of your own design.

There are no victims: We all have choice.

The Journey I the Destination.

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