Philosophy On Life
RANDOM THOUGHTS TO FOSTER CONTEMPLATION
“There are three kinds of men. The one that learns by reading. The few who learn by observation. The rest of them have to pee on the electric fence for themselves.”
Will Rogers
How true are those words?
I had a reader once refer to me as the modern day Will Rogers. Flattering of course, and who among us does not like their ego stroked from time to time? I am not immune to the therapeutic benefits of a kind word now and then, but seriously, Will Rogers? The man was a giant in the fields of common sense and homespun philosophy, whereas I am just a guy who has been pissing on electric fences most of his life. I eventually learned my lessons, but man oh man, was it ever painful along the way.
Still, I have learned lessons, and I have, during my travels, picked up some truths that I believe cannot be denied. I thought I would share some of those truths with you now, so kick off your shoes, get comfortable on the couch, and allow me to share with you some random thoughts about life. If you get bored you can leave anytime you want; you didn’t pay admission and you won’t be quizzed at the end.
WE HAVE RESPONSIBILITIES
We may never understand life! We could very easily die before we have that AH-HA moment in our lives, before the light bulb goes off overhead and all the mysteries become crystal clear.
However, that does not relieve us of the responsibility to be compassionate and kind to others. It does not relieve us of the responsibility to live with courage and generosity. It does not relieve us of the responsibility to be humane in our treatment of our fellow man.
Understanding life is not a pre-requisite for happiness; being a loving spirit, however, is.
We are all responsibile
- Social Issues: I Am Responsible!
As members of the human race, we are all responsible when we face injustice. It can be no other way if we are to call this a free and equal society.
THE NATURE OF CHANGE
Biologically speaking, mankind has a limited capacity for change. We will only become so tall as a race. Our brains will always be limited in their growth by the size of our heads.
However, spiritually, mankind has an unlimited capacity. Every once in awhile, a human being comes along who seems to transcend everything that came before. They have “found the secret,” and they embody everything that man can be. My aunt was one of those people, and I’m sure some of you know someone as well. My aunt was spiritually at peace. She was never angered, never worried, never vexed and never anxious. She was, simply, at a higher level of spiritual growth than anyone I have personally known, and it was a wonder to see.
That kind of spiritual growth is in all of us; the only restraints upon us are those we control.
PAIN AND MISERY
There is no escaping pain. Whether it be physical or emotional, it is a part of the human experience.
However, misery is a choice! Some will argue with this, and perhaps it is a matter of definition, but for my money, misery is an option that is available to us each and every day, as is the absence of misery.
One can be physically crippled and in daily pain, and yet not be miserable. I have seen it! I had a student born with spina bifida and yes, she had pain, and no, she was not miserable. She was, and is, in fact, a constant source of inspiration and positive vibes for those who know her.
Wallowing in self-pity might be justified, but it is certainly not necessary.
THE WONDER OF HOPE
Hope is unique to the human species. It is completely unrelated to the dynamics of evolution or the necessities of our race. It cannot be quantified and yet is responsible for enormous acts of selfless generosity.
Hope is the ignition switch that tosses aside seemingly insurmountable obstacles and starts the human engine once again as it travels forward. There is no logic associated with it; there is no diagram of it; still, it is as essential to being human as anything we possess.
DETERMINATION
Never underestimate the power of a small group of determined people; for that matter, never underestimate the power of one determined human being.
You have all heard the stories of a mother lifting a car off of her trapped child. Our history is littered with accounts of small groups that have brought about incredible change.
Were they extraordinary people with gifts and powers far beyond those of normal men and women, or were they ordinary people with extraordinary determination?
Some words about humility
- http://www.cyberrecovery.net/forums/showthread.php?t=729
HUMILITY PLAQUE - famous plaque that sat on Dr. Bob's desk Alcohol Addiction - Alcoholism Recovery
THE ETERNAL BATTLE WITHIN
It occurs in each of us daily, unless we are so un-enlightened as to appear catatonic. I am speaking of the battle between ego and humility, and each of us is the battlefield where the spoils of war can be measured by the amount of true happiness in our lives.
The more my ego asserts myself, the more my life has wandered from its true purpose. The more my humility asserts itself, the closer I am to that quiet place inside of myself where I am at peace.
It is our battle and ours alone. No one else controls our ego, and when our days on this planet are coming to an end, we will be able to look back over the landscape of our lives and determine which of those two opposing forces won.
IMPROVE YOUR VISION
See the whole board! I had a friend who once tried to teach me the game of chess. He continually told me that I needed to see the whole board, that I could not become so enamored with one move that I forgot what was happening on the rest of the board….and he was right!
There is a big world out there, and I am but one small piece making one small move at a time. Existence as we know it will continue unabated after I am gone; I will have been but a blip on the radar screen of life. I need to remember that from time to time. I need to gain that perspective.
THE BURDEN, AND GIFT, WE ALL SHARE
John Donne understood this when he said that no man is an island. We are not an isolated biological creature that has no contact with other life forms. We do not exist in a vacuum; every single one of our actions has a consequence.
Donne also stated that each man’s death diminishes us, and I believe that to be true. We are all linked together, the perfect example of the Butterfly Effect, seemingly random and disconnected beings affecting each other with each action that we take.
The only question that remains, then, is will we be a positive or negative influence on others. We can be the messengers of hope and the carriers of empathy and compassion, or we can choose to add to the darkness that is always on the periphery of life. It is our choice!
The subject is love
THE ULTIMATE GOAL
There is nothing more important in life than love. Nothing! Love yourself and love others, and you will have attained the pinnacle of your existence.
What are we without love? Nothing more than a random genetic accident, a simple matter of one sperm, one cell, coming together and then 74.6 years of emptiness. Love is the secret ingredient that transforms a bland recipe into a gourmet meal, and we can all use it if we choose.
As a character in my novel says often, love alters reality!
Love conquers loneliness. Love conquers fear. Love conquers selfishness and greed, and love makes it possible to enjoy life despite whatever hardships may befall us.
And once again, it is our choice!
WILL ROGERS I AM NOT
No, I am not Will Rogers, nor do I want to be. I am Bill Holland, a simple man with simple needs, who has grown tired of peeing on electric fences. Hopefully some of these thoughts will steer you away from the high voltage signs and allow you to take a gentler path than the one I followed.
I will continue to speak the truth as I know it, and I will continue to strive to reach a higher level of consciousness in the time I have remaining. Hopefully, when my days have ended, my death will have diminished others, for that is as it should be.
I wish for all of you compassion, and empathy, and a higher awareness, but most of all, I wish for you love.
2012 William D. Holland (aka billybuc)
Comments
Beautiful message and so very true. I kept hearing The Beatles, "All You Need Is Love", while reading and that song always spoke to me and so too does your article here. Thanks seriously once again for being just you!!
Can I just call you "The Sage of HubPages?" I LOVE these hubs on philosophy and ways of thinking. So few people want to delve into the deeper questions, yet you're comfortable there to the point in which you are happy and eager to share your knowledge with others. That's a blessing to us all! Thank you, as always, for sharing yourself with us.
So many truths here I don't know where to begin. I hope no one gets electrocuted on the fence. Speaking of the fence many of us spend a long time on the fence neither here nor there. Last nite we had dinner with some friends..so wrapped up in physical objects and the word from most of them was always "I" So much wisdom here I am going to have to bookmark this and reread it. Life is a series of lessons and some take lots of repetition to learn. Anyway as I am rambling on Just wanted to say this is one of your very best today.
Yes, you are Bill Hollalnd and your life and life experiences have brought you here with your "Roger's like wisdom" and your "down home humor" with a tinge of George Carlin.
"...spiritually, mankind has an unlimited capacity"...it is that hope that keeps mankind going! "There is no escaping pain" something we learn early in life but if we are lucky we learn how to deal with it.
I could go on Bill, but anyone reading this wonderful hub gets the picture!
Voted up, useful, awesome, and interesting.
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Awww, Janine, you are so sweet. Thank you....turns out the Beatles knew what they were talking about. :)
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rmcleve.....thank you and I'm laughing too. I picture a sage being like 105 years old living in a cave in Tibet. :) Seriously, thank you for your comment; if anything I have learned helps someone else then I am grateful.
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Carol, thank you! There are some hubs I just write because, and then there are those that mean a great deal to me....this was one of the latter, so I appreciate you saying you thought it was special.
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Thank you Mary! These truths seem self-evident, and yet so many people have forgotten them. Anyway, they work for me. :) I really do appreciate you, Mary!
Very enlightening Bill. Ego vs. humility, that eternal battle from within. Your words are sinking in, and taking a new direction. This philosophy increases with the years, knowing that we are just a millisecond in the plan of the whole universe. Enjoyed thoroughly Bill!
Lovely words Bill. I thought I had heard or read every one of Will Rogers quotes but the one about peeing on an electric fence is new to me. Good thinking and writing my friend.
Yes, we battle with our egos all the time. We need to be humble....yet, we need to be good to ourselves too. So it's striking the correct balance. Hey, yours and Will Rogers names stem from William....something to think about!! Have a happy yuletide and keep sharing...and I share this too!
Those old electric fences did a good job of teaching you my friend. That old school of hard knocks has been the college of my choice throughout my life. There is no greater teacher. The beauty comes as you have so simply stated is in choosing how to handle the challenges we face. To face one's self in the mirror and like what you see is huge. To understand our own mortality is huge. To be comfortable in your skin is huge. To achieve these things puts one well on the path to spiritual awareness and peace, a place where love flows freely. Good job my friend. Sending love your way.
beautiful words, Bill.
I believe that IF I can make a difference to any one person in my community, then the journey is going in the right direction. Fortunately, you have made a difference to many so, no peeing on the fences, my friend cause the cycle of life will continue from the ones who have been touched by your philosophy.
Cheers!
Thank you for publishing this wonderful Hub. It is full of goodness and truth.
I am curious how you define "injustice."
And what do you mean by an "equal society?"
James
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Joseph, just doing my thing this morning. I can only do so many frugal hubs and then I'm called back to my true love in writing. :) Thanks buddy!
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rfmoran, thank you, and I love that quote. So very true!
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Thank you Michelle! Humility is the key; once ego takes over we have serious problems in life. Will and William....that is about all we have in common. LOL
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Linda, I think you and I both got discounts at the School of Hard Knocks. :) One thing I'll say for both of us....we eventually did learn. I don't know about you, but I plan on learning a little faster in the future, without the aid of the electric fence. LOL love to you too my kindred spirit.
Of course none of us are perfect. But recovering from that is part of the good things we can do in our lives. I have a quote, sorry I use it a lot. " Scars may show us where we have been, but they do not dictate where we are going" Heard it on a TV show, but for some reason, it meant a lot to me.
Voted up.
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Ruchira, kind words and I will try real hard to stay away from fences. Thank you!
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James, thank you! My use of injustice has nothing to do with the legal system or a set of laws....I'm speaking of justice at the most basic level, where we are all equal as human beings and should be treated humanely.
This is so true as always my friend.
I liked the quote about peeing on the electirc fence too.I had never heard it before.
Anyway thanks for another great hub which leaves much food for thought.Here's to so many more to follow.
Have a wonderful day.
Eddy.
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Thank you Eddy! I came across the quote the other day; I had no heard it either but I love it.
I hope you are having a fabulous day my friend. Sending love and hugs your way.
billy
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Michele, that quote now means a lot to me. I love it and no, those scars do not dictate my life and they never will. Thank you my friend!
This was wonderful William, the philosophy of life is not an easy subject to tackle specially when the concept of each to his own is so fluid. Amidst minds are some dwellers and some actors even few still are thinkers and in this age i believe we need more thinkers. For people to think before they act.
People have become rather impatient, may it be at work or in other aspects of life; so much so that their lives may go in a continuous monotonous circle without them even ever realising it.
Excellent hub! The kind that motivates.....I think we need more of this attitude in todays society...
the words "spiritually, mankind has an unlimited capacity" are my favorite...we all gotta tap into that area, and grow!
Up and awsome!
Chris
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Thank you Chris....grow indeed! We have a lot of growing to do. :) I appreciate your visit.
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Qudsia, I agree completely. Impatient...hurry, hurry, hurry....a dog chasing its tail without a purpose for it. Slow down, think....feel....breathe....live.
Thank you!
I loved your thoughts on pain and misery. As I read, I thought of my Grandma, Faye Shuken, and how she was probably the most physically burdened woman I've ever seen, due to her incredibly debilitating rheumatoid arthritis.
Just looking at her was painful. Confined to a wheelchair and completely dependent on others to survive, I saw her wince in pain many times throughout my childhood, but I never heard her complain about anything or anyone.
No complaints. No critcisms. Just smiles and kind words for everybody. When every bone and joint in her body was screaming, "MISERY!" my Grandma's mind calmly whispered, "Joy."
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Chris, for me it was my aunt Lois. She died from a heart condition that had her in a wheelchair for the last ten years of her life. She knew she was going to die young, and yet you have never seen a more serene and angelic human being. Remarkable really!
aloha my friend,
bill
Norman Vincent Peale wrote a book called "The Power of Positive Thinking." The book is and was light years ahead of its time. It appears that you have your own book on the subject. Bravo!
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Deb, Mr. Peale was one of my first mentors....thank you for your kind words my friend.
I admit I am not perfect and your hub give me a great inspiration.
Thank you for this - how easy it is to lose faith in oneself and others when the going is tough -right now love and hope and determination are my mantra.
You have a beautiful philosophy on life, minus the pee, of course! Just kidding, it was a great hub. Your writing quality is almost poetic in nature and every thing you state is just a simple truth. I appreciate you sharing.
Wonderful message Bill. You're making our lives better one Hub at a time so keep them coming. We do get wiser with age, don't we?
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Quoteslover, I am happy if what I wrote was an inspiration. Thank you!
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Travmaj, that is a pretty darn good mantra. :) Thank you!
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Melissa, thank you! I'll try to leave the pee reference out of the next hub!
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Bill, we do indeed; slow going sometimes but we do finally learn. Thank you my friend!
A very and entirely true hub. Up, Useful, Awesome, Interesting, and shared with followers and on social networking sites.
Very interesting Billy! I have actually witnessed a mother showing incredible strength to save her toddler who climbed into the drivers seat and put the car into drive. She tried to open the drivers side door to get to her baby, and fell under the car tires, and jumped right back up and pulled her child out of the car. Then she of course fell from the pain, but she was determined to save her child, and she did. It was amazing. Anyway, great hub as always! Voting up and sharing !
I am going to start calling you Will Rogers :) hehe, no we enjoy you as Bill and for your caring tone that emerges in each hub. Wonderful messages and happy to vote up.
Beautiful! I have been thinking a lot about the power of unconditional love and your comments about love really resonated with me. I have young children so the power of love is perhaps particularly apparent with them, but we all need it, at every age!
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B.....good to see you my friend, and thank you for the kind words and sharing. Much-appreciated!
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Nora, we are capable of incredible things for sure. Who knows until we are put to the test?
Thank you young lady; it's always nice having you visit.
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Thanks Christy! I'll let you call me Will if you want to, but nobody else. :)
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twoseven, we most definitely all need it. There may be some who say that is ridiculous, but I don't believe it.
Thank you!
Your words ring so true for me. I could have stopped trying the day my husband took his life in a state of drunkin remorse. I refuse to give up although i have been tempted to drink away my pain. I know i have to stay strong for my son. Thank you Bill. You are a life saver in so many ways..
Profound, thank you! I'm going to go out on a limb here, probably more than I should type in a comment box here on HP. I feel some strong connection when I read anything I've read that you have published here. No worries, I am happily married also, lol. Anyway could be the "alcoholic" mentality but there is something that makes me feel connected to you somehow. I have in fact battled with drinking my entire life, learned many lessons "peeing on the electric fence" and gone back and forth between abstaining and "controlling" my behavior throughout my entire life. So although maybe a bit off track I have a question. I have always felt that I am "different" because I could control the alcohol enough to maintain the illusion of not having a problem. Now following multiple neck surgeries and a wealth of hardware I am on enough morphine that this resolves the alcohol issue as I can't drink very much at all without risking serious detriment to my health. I have many close friends I met in AA, in fact maybe the only true friends but somehow I'm still missing something and as strange as this sounds think you might somehow have the answer?
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Ruby.....I don't even know what to say to all of that. I am reminded that we all have an effect on others....for me, I'm always surprised when someone tells me that my words are important to them. You gave me confirmation tonight my dear friend, and if I have given you comfort, then I am grateful. Thank you!
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David, I am impressed with your honesty and openness. I was in and out of AA for fourteen years before it finally stuck for me. I am not about to say they are the only answer because I do not believe that....but I do believe we have to come to terms with who we are, and what we are as a human being. Do I have answers for you? If so, fantastic. If I can help in any way, fantastic! I couldn't have made it without a hand of help reaching out to me....I'll be that hand if you want me to be. You can email me at holland1145@yahoo.com if you ever feel the need to do so. :) Thank you David!
I love your philosophical hubs, Bill. This is an impressive article that is filled with many wise and very meaningful statements. Thank you very much for sharing your thoughts.
Thank you for this.
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Thank you, Martin!
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Alicia, I'm so glad you like them; this is the kind of writing I prefer. It doesn't make much money but it feeds my writer's soul. :)
Great article. Your thoughts come from deep awareness of life. When we go through difficult situations, our character develops. I can see you as a new person who is strong in values and whose priorities are right. Most of us tend to go through our life in daze and straighten up when crisis hits. You are wise and good to share your wisdom with us. Thanks for the wonderful article.
Oh, I think Will Rogers is a perfect analogy! Wish I had thought of that :-) Thanks for sharing your wisdom, Bill, I know from what you've written that it was hard-earned, which makes it all the more worthy.
Thank you, Mr. Holland, that was wonderful. I try to implement these truths in my day-to-day living. Some days are better than others, but I still keep rolling along.
Wishing you the same.
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Ruchi, I had to almost die before I came out of my daze. Now I am aware and alive, and if my thoughts help anyone else then I am happy. Thank you!
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Thank you Louisa! Hard-earned indeed, and not soon forgotten. :)
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Phoenix, indeed, some day are better than others. I just keep moving forward and learn with each day. Thank you!
Well, friend Bill, you have done it again. People are what they make of themselves. Have you ever known people who were not happy unless they were miserable – and making everyone around them miserable, too? It is very difficult to always live in the spiritual. Sometimes I have to stop and remind myself to rise above the physical and look to the spiritual. I don’t want to create any more Karmas, you know.
You mentioned people’s brains could not grow any bigger because they were limited to the size of their heads. I dunno, some people’s brains are located where they sit, and they have mighty big bottoms. (Sorry, I know you are serious, but I just had to say that! Life has played so many tricks on me that I can't take it seriously anymore.)
Loved the Will Rogers’ quote. That’s one I haven’t seen before, although peeing on an electric fence is as big a joke in the south as the Snipe Hunt. BTW, were you ever conned into sticking your tongue to a metal pole in freezing weather?
Billy - I think this hub is summed up rather well by the many members who step forward to increase your H.O.W. movement. No better example of the butterfly effect.
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Beckie, I agree totally. The response has been incredible and very heartwarming; now to continue the movement.
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MizB, you would be a dangerous person for me to meet. We would laugh so hard our ribs might break. :) No, I never stuck my tongue on a frozen pole, although it is a bit surprising that I never did considering some of the other lunatic things I did. LOL Yes, brains in butts....that movement seems to be growing. Sorry for the pun and yes, it was intentional.
Thank you my friend; you brought a smile to my face this morning, and that is a gift.
I suppose I should get with the program here and say something seriously profound and inspirational.
Nah.....not today. I'm duly moved and in agreement with your slant on life, as usual....but I must tell you, Will Rogers got that idea from me! I always would tell my boys to make sure they go potty before going out to play......OR just stay away from the electrical fences!! Obviously your Mom neglected to mention this to you......poor billy.
I too am impressed and quite thrilled at the H.O.W. participation and growth!!......I've got a rough draft started on my letter to my NY Senators in Congress.....only the first letter. Reading up on writing to Congress successfully, it's important to keep one main cause/issue per letter. Looks like I'll be writing right into 2014!! Peace and POWER..............UP+++
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Paula, I haven't done the research yet, but I know there is a very strict guideline for writing to Senators and Congressman, if you plan on it being read. :) Now there is a hub in itself....how to write to your congressmen and actually have it read! Go ahead, I'll let you do that hub. :)
We didn't have electric fences in the city thank God, or I wouldn't be walking right now. I had to go to the country to get my pissing done. :)
Thanks buddy!
See the whole board! This is a statement that should be pinned everywhere. We must open our eyes to the whole scenario, don't focus on just one area -- expand your mind and thoughts. Love it!
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Dianna, don't you just love that phrase? We need to understand our place in a big world; we are just one piece, and whatever we do affects hundreds if not thousands of others. :) Thank you as always!
You said you had been Pissing on fences most of your life....so how do you know good old Will did not do so too?
When you choose to put your stuff in the wind, you may find that some day you look up quotes, and find one by you listed there. You never know
. We want to be who we are for sure...there is no one else like the original ....be that good or bad. John Donne is one of my favorites and I have used that quote of his....no man is an island myself...I did several research papers on him in college...he nailed that....
and love is the key, isn't it after all??
Choosing how we live this life, how we walk this walk, definitely impacts each of us. And you keep your voice loud and strong, Bill. We need this voice. Sending Angels your way....:) ps
Oh, I think I was the one who compared you to Will Rogers but I did not compare YOU to him but the truisms you share in your writing. Anyway sorry if it bothered you.
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Oh no, PS, it didn't bother me at all. It was flattering as a matter of fact. I have a hard time with flattering gifts like that; I never see myself in the same rosy light that others see me. :) Not sure why that is but I still have time to figure it all out. :) Thank you my dear; the angels are always appreciated....greatly!
Bill, this hub is powerful but I'm beginning to worry about the weight you are putting on your shoulders. Maybe you should step back and learn that game of chess for a bit. We all need to empty out when we become too full of burden and I sense you becoming full. You are doing your part as one man who sends a message to help heal this world, but it will kill you if you don't take a step back from time to time and breathe. Don't become a Josh who can no longer deal with all that is put on his shoulders.
I love you with all my heart. We are all on your side, but you cannot put the world's problems on your shoulders. You are God's tool, for sure, but you need to maintain the good of you in addition to bleeding for the good of the world.
I love you with all my heart. Please hear my message.
Love,
Sha
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Awww, Sha, don't you worry now...I'm okay! I have a lot still left in the tank my dear friend.
What did you see in this hub that has you so worried? I thought this was one of my tamer hubs. LOL
Truly, I appreciate you greatly, and I love you too; don't worry about me. I'll take a deep breath this weekend while we are putting up decorations and the tree. :)
love,
bill
I saw the tone. You went from talking about simple aspects of life to opening your thoughts wider than they began. I see your crusade taking hold of you and you need to control it so as not to let it envelop you and keep you from seeing the needs of those who are right in front of your face. Take a breath my friend and step back a few feet. Live for you and Bev and your son for a while, then resume the crusade. It will still be there, trust me!
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Thanks for caring, Sha! I'm okay; I see what you are talking about, and I'll step back....a bit. :)
I love you with all my heart, my friend. I don't want to see you burn out, as so many others have. You can't fix the world in a day and you can't spend each day trying to fix the world. It's Christmas. Cry for those who are deprived, but don't make those you love cry because they feel deprived of you. It's ok to pay attention to yourself and your family. God told me so!
Shauna - What a great soul you are. It explains the friendship connection between Billy and yourself. To caring individuals looking out for each other.
You are both awesome.
Fireflies to you Shauna and rainbows for Billy.
XXOOXXOO Beckie
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Beckie, Sha is great for sure. And I'll take as many rainbows as you can send my way. Thank you dear!
love,
billy
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Sha, no worries my dear. Bev sees quite a bit of me; she works more than I do I think. :) There is no deprivation in our household, but thank you for worrying.
love,
bill
Another wonderful write up I enjoyed reading this Hub voted up!!!
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DDE, again you are here. Thank you so much and I'm glad you found value in this hub.
I must say that I see you growing every day. Keep it positive and you will be fine.
Some great wisdom here Bill....many thanks from a guy who has come across many electric fences at the time that nature calls:-))
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Nancy, thank you. I can't imagine not growing. :)
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Valley, I know of which you speak. :) Thank you Sir!
Very inspirational and food for thought. I echo many of these sentiments as well, Bill. Up and beautiful.
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Rajan, I have no doubt that you echo these thoughts. You are, after all, a good man. :) Thank you friend.
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