Everyday, I remind myself of the people I wish I could save. Family members, friends, complete strangers, all just in need of a little help. It might be financial, or maybe just a bit of emotional stability to help them make it through the day. I wish I could wipe away all their tears. I wish I could make the struggle less severe.
I offer what I can. Kind words, a smile, some kernel of hope, that I'm hoping will plant a seed inside them, so that something beautiful blooms. I give money to those who need it when I can, and try to offer a positive outlook on life. It might not erase the pain, but struggle is a solitary enough place without feeling bad about it.
At times, I get down on myself. I haven't even managed to save me, and yet I have all these bold aspirations involving others. But I remind myself of the power of will, which keeps my desire to help intact.
Currently, someone I really care about is badly in need. It hurts that I can only offer sympathy through my words. I wish I could do so much more. I wish I had the power to fix the situation. If she's reading this, I want her to know these things. That if she needs me, I'll be there. That distance, the past, time, nor money, hold no influence over my willingness to help her. I hope she knows that if I could heal this world, she's at the top of the list of the people I'd save.
It is painful to watch good people suffer. But if enough of us act, we can mend that pain. Help somebody, even if it's only by letting them know that you are with them.
Marcus Jamison, the Rare Poet
Monday, August 1, 2011
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Speaking Our Fears
Recently, I read an empowering statement that maybe my soul has always known, but just needed a little prodding to find its way back to. We all fear things. No, that's not what I read, just a bit of common knowledge that will always hold true. Some of the things we fear are large in scale, such as death and loneliness. Other fears seem minuscule in comparison, like snakes, spiders, and public speaking. But there is a universal truth to all fears. They are only as powerful as we make them.
Right now, take a moment and digest this statement.
This is an amazing concept when put into practice with everyday living. When thinking about it like that, being afraid seems a bit trivial at best. Most people want to try new things, but are often afraid of failure. But think about it logically. Even if you fail, will you end up any worse off than where you are right now? If the answer is no, then you really should have tried it by now.
Even fears of those intangible things such as death or being alone are not so great when examined closely. Everybody dies. It's not a pleasant thing to think about, but if you spend all your time fearing death, you lose the beauty of living. And then, you die anyway. Being alone should be a moment to delve into yourself, not something that leaves you crippled and saddened. And the reality is, nobody has to be alone. They just fear it so much that it drives people away. Even if you're awkward, ugly, stupid, or whatever other negative thing you've imagined about yourself, the world is full of other awkward, ugly, stupid people who'll embrace you, if you only look around.
I've decided that fear is a waste of time. True, it serves a purpose (like protecting us from dangerous situations that we know we should avoid), but it should never have the power to make you stagnant. If fear is stopping you from doing anything, try this little exercise. List every one of your fears, as silly as they may sound. Write them out on a piece of paper. Read that list aloud. And then remind yourself that these things only have as much power as you let them have.
Here is a list of my fears.
1. Death
2. Failure
3. Constantly hurting people I love
4. Never becoming the writer I want to be
5. Rejection
6. Couldn't think of anything else, but wanted to have a 6
And now, I've thought about it carefully. I know I'm going to die, but that doesn't mean I'm planning for it tomorrow. I don't think I really fear dying, more so than dying, and feeling unfulfilled, like there's still much I have yet to accomplish. But perhaps by trying my best to enjoy this life to the fullest, I'll do those things along the way.
And failure?!? I've already failed plenty of times. You'd think I'd be over it by now.
I think the people in my life who I love, also love me back. This mutual relationship helps to ease the brunt of the pain caused when we hurt each other. Plus, I'm trying to be the type of person who never hurts anyone intentionally, and apologizes when he accidentally does. A work in progress, but I'm getting there.
As far as rejection, I've come to realize that people are either going to accept you, or think that you're really strange. At least, that's how it is with me. So I embrace that and don't let it get me down.
So, there you have it. I've processed my fears and they don't seem nearly as powerful anymore. Hopefully you'll release the power of your fears as well.
Becoming happier people is definitely dependent upon it.
Marcus Jamison, the Rare Poet
Right now, take a moment and digest this statement.
The things we fear are only ever as powerful as we make them.
This is an amazing concept when put into practice with everyday living. When thinking about it like that, being afraid seems a bit trivial at best. Most people want to try new things, but are often afraid of failure. But think about it logically. Even if you fail, will you end up any worse off than where you are right now? If the answer is no, then you really should have tried it by now.
Even fears of those intangible things such as death or being alone are not so great when examined closely. Everybody dies. It's not a pleasant thing to think about, but if you spend all your time fearing death, you lose the beauty of living. And then, you die anyway. Being alone should be a moment to delve into yourself, not something that leaves you crippled and saddened. And the reality is, nobody has to be alone. They just fear it so much that it drives people away. Even if you're awkward, ugly, stupid, or whatever other negative thing you've imagined about yourself, the world is full of other awkward, ugly, stupid people who'll embrace you, if you only look around.
I've decided that fear is a waste of time. True, it serves a purpose (like protecting us from dangerous situations that we know we should avoid), but it should never have the power to make you stagnant. If fear is stopping you from doing anything, try this little exercise. List every one of your fears, as silly as they may sound. Write them out on a piece of paper. Read that list aloud. And then remind yourself that these things only have as much power as you let them have.
Here is a list of my fears.
1. Death
2. Failure
3. Constantly hurting people I love
4. Never becoming the writer I want to be
5. Rejection
6. Couldn't think of anything else, but wanted to have a 6
And now, I've thought about it carefully. I know I'm going to die, but that doesn't mean I'm planning for it tomorrow. I don't think I really fear dying, more so than dying, and feeling unfulfilled, like there's still much I have yet to accomplish. But perhaps by trying my best to enjoy this life to the fullest, I'll do those things along the way.
And failure?!? I've already failed plenty of times. You'd think I'd be over it by now.
I think the people in my life who I love, also love me back. This mutual relationship helps to ease the brunt of the pain caused when we hurt each other. Plus, I'm trying to be the type of person who never hurts anyone intentionally, and apologizes when he accidentally does. A work in progress, but I'm getting there.
As far as rejection, I've come to realize that people are either going to accept you, or think that you're really strange. At least, that's how it is with me. So I embrace that and don't let it get me down.
So, there you have it. I've processed my fears and they don't seem nearly as powerful anymore. Hopefully you'll release the power of your fears as well.
Becoming happier people is definitely dependent upon it.
Marcus Jamison, the Rare Poet
Mental Escape #5
Okay, this isn't exactly a mental escape. Just going there with my twin.
But Union Station can be fun. Plus there's a
Barnes & Noble....now that sounds
like an escape!
Marcus Jamison, the Rare Poet
The Occasional Crazy Rare Quote # 12
An idea is salvation by imagination--- Frank Lloyd Wright
Which is why I keep thinking. One day, I know it'll save me.
Marcus Jamison, the Rare Poet
Friday, July 29, 2011
A Grand Collection of Strangers
What do we learn about the people we come across everyday? We interact with a multitude most seconds throughout the day, and yet that interaction is minimal, at best. How much does it take to say a quick "Hello" or to greet the person walking past you with a little bit more than some cheap smile that seems pasted on for the occasion?
We are a grand collection of strangers, and yet we wonder where the humanity has gone.
I was born and raised in the South, an area of the United States that has now come to be as well known for its prevailing hospitality and charm, as it once was known for prejudice and pain. If this area can, at least on the surface, embrace a sort of innate camaraderie for the fellow man, why does it seem so hard elsewhere. I am new to the DC area, but quickly learning that people here do not speak. While there are flashes of the Southern "Hello"s and "Good morning"s that I've grown accustomed to, they are few and far between. Most people move to the beat of anonymity, as if it were the very tune blasting from the headphones crammed into most peoples ears. Ears that refuse to listen. Maybe because they've grown accustomed to most people never saying anything.
It just strikes me as odd, that as I sit here typing this, at a patio table, in a very public place, very few of the 50 or so people who have passed me have offered up more than a curious passing glance. Eye contact leads to either an awkward smile or that ill-tempered look just short of annoyance. And issuing a "Good morning" usually gets a muffled one in return, if you're lucky. Usually, it is ignored.
Maybe I'm just an idealist. But I remember people being a bit more friendly. I remember a time when, not so long ago, people were at least willing to communicate.
Most days, unless my mood is overly effected by some life issue that I find it too difficult to ignore, I try to at least speak to one stranger. Engage them in a conversation that may or may not brighten both our days, but definitely can't hurt. Why? Because I don't ever want to lose the humanity in me. And often, it's these conversations with strangers that reminds me just how connected we all really are.
Don't become just another person lost in the collection. Ask the next person you see how their day is going. You might be surprised what you discover.
Marcus Jamison, the Rare Poet
We are a grand collection of strangers, and yet we wonder where the humanity has gone.
I was born and raised in the South, an area of the United States that has now come to be as well known for its prevailing hospitality and charm, as it once was known for prejudice and pain. If this area can, at least on the surface, embrace a sort of innate camaraderie for the fellow man, why does it seem so hard elsewhere. I am new to the DC area, but quickly learning that people here do not speak. While there are flashes of the Southern "Hello"s and "Good morning"s that I've grown accustomed to, they are few and far between. Most people move to the beat of anonymity, as if it were the very tune blasting from the headphones crammed into most peoples ears. Ears that refuse to listen. Maybe because they've grown accustomed to most people never saying anything.
It just strikes me as odd, that as I sit here typing this, at a patio table, in a very public place, very few of the 50 or so people who have passed me have offered up more than a curious passing glance. Eye contact leads to either an awkward smile or that ill-tempered look just short of annoyance. And issuing a "Good morning" usually gets a muffled one in return, if you're lucky. Usually, it is ignored.
Maybe I'm just an idealist. But I remember people being a bit more friendly. I remember a time when, not so long ago, people were at least willing to communicate.
Most days, unless my mood is overly effected by some life issue that I find it too difficult to ignore, I try to at least speak to one stranger. Engage them in a conversation that may or may not brighten both our days, but definitely can't hurt. Why? Because I don't ever want to lose the humanity in me. And often, it's these conversations with strangers that reminds me just how connected we all really are.
Don't become just another person lost in the collection. Ask the next person you see how their day is going. You might be surprised what you discover.
Marcus Jamison, the Rare Poet
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