Did you know that smiling is one of the happiest things to do?
The smallest crack of the lips can brighten someone's day in ways that you nor I could ever know. Pretty great invention, huh? Just imagine the simplicity behind the act of smiling, and then picture the wonders it can do to encourage the heart. Yes, it may involve taking a small step out of your comfort zone, but it is far beyond worth it to take that chance in order to make someone's heart a little warmer, or their day a little less stressful.
I love smiling.
So uplifting. So simple. So lovely.
Give it a shot sometime.
- Michael Stephen
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Monday, December 14, 2009
"Pain.. (Part II)" [ 12 | 17 | 2009 ]
Alright. We have the substance, pain.
It’s here and it will always be here regardless of where we are, who we are, or what path our life ends up taking us. Pain is present and it is real, whether it be the loss of a loved one, the poignant yet bitter reminisce of a broken heart, or even the slip of paper resulting in a stinging sensation that bites your nerve to the core. Pain is a reality, and as stated in [Part I] we, as humans, have been blessed with a breathtaking and intricate system of life that brings to our attention nearly every sensation, both the pleasant and the unpleasant.
As a side note, although the subject of the inevitability of pain (refer to [Part I]) merits further attention, I shall refrain from digging deeper for now. Also, if you have read this far, then you perhaps might see some sense in what I have said, or at least are still interested to some extent. If this is true, then I believe it is fair to assume that you agree with what I have to say, and so I will speak now as though this were the case.
It is safe to say that we have now come close to coming to terms with the fact that pain is inevitable. It is here and [always] will be. Now how must we deal with it? What are we to do? Pain is difficult, and if I have to deal with it, then how should I deal with it?
As is true for eliminating pain, there is no right way of dealing with pain either.
However, one word has changed my entire outlook on pain and that word is perspective.
"Perspective: The faculty of seeing all the relevant data in a meaningful relationship. A mental view or prospect." - Dictionary.com
Dealing with pain through personal perspective has seemed to progress consistently through a series of steps that I had not intentionally implemented in my own lifestyle, but had observed over time, not only in the way I respond to pain, but also in the lives of others who seem to have a fair grasp on it. The progression looks somewhat similar to this.
It’s here and it will always be here regardless of where we are, who we are, or what path our life ends up taking us. Pain is present and it is real, whether it be the loss of a loved one, the poignant yet bitter reminisce of a broken heart, or even the slip of paper resulting in a stinging sensation that bites your nerve to the core. Pain is a reality, and as stated in [Part I] we, as humans, have been blessed with a breathtaking and intricate system of life that brings to our attention nearly every sensation, both the pleasant and the unpleasant.
As a side note, although the subject of the inevitability of pain (refer to [Part I]) merits further attention, I shall refrain from digging deeper for now. Also, if you have read this far, then you perhaps might see some sense in what I have said, or at least are still interested to some extent. If this is true, then I believe it is fair to assume that you agree with what I have to say, and so I will speak now as though this were the case.
It is safe to say that we have now come close to coming to terms with the fact that pain is inevitable. It is here and [always] will be. Now how must we deal with it? What are we to do? Pain is difficult, and if I have to deal with it, then how should I deal with it?
As is true for eliminating pain, there is no right way of dealing with pain either.
However, one word has changed my entire outlook on pain and that word is perspective.
"Perspective: The faculty of seeing all the relevant data in a meaningful relationship. A mental view or prospect." - Dictionary.com
Dealing with pain through personal perspective has seemed to progress consistently through a series of steps that I had not intentionally implemented in my own lifestyle, but had observed over time, not only in the way I respond to pain, but also in the lives of others who seem to have a fair grasp on it. The progression looks somewhat similar to this.
- Pain is real and unavoidable.
- ^ It is alright that this is how it has to be ^
- ^ It could always be worse than my current situation ^
- And ^ It is going to be okay in the end ^
Each of these bullet points deals in absolutes. Meaning this:
- Pain is [always] real and [always] unavoidable.
- ^ It is [always] alright that this is how it has to be ^
- ^ It could always be worse than my current situation ^
- And ^ It is [always] going to be okay in the end ^
You may be thinking, "How dare he make such blanket statements about such a sensitive topic! After all, he is barely eighteen years of age and has hardly any life experience yet. He has no concept of what pain really is." And if you are one of the people thinking this, then I ask you to do one thing.
Keep reading.
I too recognize that I am young of age and still have much to learn yet, however, I remind you that these few collections of my words are only my humble thoughts and opinions. I do not confess to know everything. I do not have all the answers. And whether you agree or disagree is for you to decide. But if one person hears what I has to say and understands their own life, and their own struggles, and their own pain more clearly, even in the smallest way, then I will have succeeded in my intentions in writing this.
Carrying on.
After recognizing the veracity of each of the above statements, I realized in my mind that pain was not such a pressing issue after all. There is nothing that I can do about it happening (1), and that's okay (2). Somehow, despite my miserable condition, it can always be worse (3). And in the end, everything will be alright (4).
"Everything will be alright."
It was in this statement that I recognized how misleading this can be. Everything will be alright. Then will the pain always go away? The answer is no. Pain may not ever leave you. In fact, the majority of my direct thoughts involved with this progression stemmed from a time when I was dealing with pain that was caused by someone else, either intentionally or unintentionally.
And the hurt and ache that accompanies that has a mysterious and perplexing way of lingering in my life.
Someone has caused me pain. It's alright, because pain is inevitable (1), and I am content with that (2). Although I am suffering, there are some ways in which it could still be even more hurtful, and I am thankful that this is not the case (3). And it's going to be alright in the end (4)..
But I do not feel alright. It's here, and I realize that, but how can it all be alright when I still feel pain?
It hurts still. Now what?
Pain.
Perspective..
Keep reading.
I too recognize that I am young of age and still have much to learn yet, however, I remind you that these few collections of my words are only my humble thoughts and opinions. I do not confess to know everything. I do not have all the answers. And whether you agree or disagree is for you to decide. But if one person hears what I has to say and understands their own life, and their own struggles, and their own pain more clearly, even in the smallest way, then I will have succeeded in my intentions in writing this.
Carrying on.
After recognizing the veracity of each of the above statements, I realized in my mind that pain was not such a pressing issue after all. There is nothing that I can do about it happening (1), and that's okay (2). Somehow, despite my miserable condition, it can always be worse (3). And in the end, everything will be alright (4).
"Everything will be alright."
It was in this statement that I recognized how misleading this can be. Everything will be alright. Then will the pain always go away? The answer is no. Pain may not ever leave you. In fact, the majority of my direct thoughts involved with this progression stemmed from a time when I was dealing with pain that was caused by someone else, either intentionally or unintentionally.
And the hurt and ache that accompanies that has a mysterious and perplexing way of lingering in my life.
Someone has caused me pain. It's alright, because pain is inevitable (1), and I am content with that (2). Although I am suffering, there are some ways in which it could still be even more hurtful, and I am thankful that this is not the case (3). And it's going to be alright in the end (4)..
But I do not feel alright. It's here, and I realize that, but how can it all be alright when I still feel pain?
It hurts still. Now what?
Pain.
Perspective..
There is one piece missing [ .. continued in Part III ].
- Michael Stephen
"Pain.. (Part I)" [ 12 | 13 | 2009 ]
So as time and life pass me by like the snow blowing across Minnesota 52, a thought passed through, and caused me to realize a few things about pain and suffering. Part of the outlook comes from my own experiences and how I've tried to deal with pain in the past. And some of my thoughts come from outside sources. Books, conversation, input, advice, etc.
However, I do not claim to have all the answers. I have not read hundreds of books on pain, I have not gotten a doctorates degree in psychology, nor have I even begun to grasp the extent of the depth of such an emotion as pain. However, I have thought much about the subject, and here are some jumbled thoughts that I present humbly. Take it for what it's worth;
My opinion.
"I have found that pain is inevitable." - Michael Smith (lol)
You can’t run away from it. There is no possible way to live a life without it. Sad, but true, and after thinking it through, this makes reasonable sense in my mind. But as the series of thoughts began to sound of in my head, questions also arose. What are we to do then? How are we to deal with it? Is there one right way eliminate pain?
Well, there exists no "right" way of eliminating pain, because that is quite impossible, in my own experience of trying. But the answer to that particular question lies in the question. The only way to deal with pain is to do just that: deal with it. To cope. To make due. It sounds unfair, because it is, to a certain extent. But humans weren't made to be without pain. Tough luck, right?
Not so much.
Pain is a reality, and we are paying the ruthless price of being blessed with such an incredible life support system that alerts us to nearly every sensation, whether good or bad, mental or physical, emotional or spiritual. Yet does this mean that we should just ignore it and let it affect our lives while we act like it doesn't exist? By no means, silly! Dealing with pain begins with confronting it.
Face your fears.
You can do it.
Now let's dig deeper [ .. continued in part II ].
- Michael Stephen
However, I do not claim to have all the answers. I have not read hundreds of books on pain, I have not gotten a doctorates degree in psychology, nor have I even begun to grasp the extent of the depth of such an emotion as pain. However, I have thought much about the subject, and here are some jumbled thoughts that I present humbly. Take it for what it's worth;
My opinion.
"I have found that pain is inevitable." - Michael Smith (lol)
You can’t run away from it. There is no possible way to live a life without it. Sad, but true, and after thinking it through, this makes reasonable sense in my mind. But as the series of thoughts began to sound of in my head, questions also arose. What are we to do then? How are we to deal with it? Is there one right way eliminate pain?
Well, there exists no "right" way of eliminating pain, because that is quite impossible, in my own experience of trying. But the answer to that particular question lies in the question. The only way to deal with pain is to do just that: deal with it. To cope. To make due. It sounds unfair, because it is, to a certain extent. But humans weren't made to be without pain. Tough luck, right?
Not so much.
Pain is a reality, and we are paying the ruthless price of being blessed with such an incredible life support system that alerts us to nearly every sensation, whether good or bad, mental or physical, emotional or spiritual. Yet does this mean that we should just ignore it and let it affect our lives while we act like it doesn't exist? By no means, silly! Dealing with pain begins with confronting it.
Face your fears.
You can do it.
Now let's dig deeper [ .. continued in part II ].
- Michael Stephen
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
"When I come home.." [ 12 | 8 | 2009 ]
Her name is Nancy and she's beautiful.
Myrtle green with barely tinted windows, I named her after my mom's mom. She lives in Virginia Beach and is six years of age. My dear brother (I miss him alot) is taking proper care of her, but I miss her and the other things on Rosaer Court. The labyrinth of Rosaer roads in Fairfield starts playing in my mind like the music of a distant movie.
It's home to me and my family: David, Daniel, Mom, Dad, and Holly! I'll see them all soon, but it's been quite a while. I've been sad and happy nearly every day, remembering their smiles.. It was my place of dwelling for many years plus some tears, and witnessed me grow in more ways than one. Through short hair and long, mom and dad had a bed for me and a fridge full of food, while 616 quietly enjoyed my company and ancestors before me too.
Back to Nancy.
She's seen Princess Anne road several million times, en route to the house of chicken sales. Grandpa helped make her my own back in the day, and she's heard me sing more than anyone alive. But what I always say, because it's been true since the first day we were together, is that
My faith in her is so strong, and I hope she'll be there when I come home.
When I come home.
- Michael Stephen
Myrtle green with barely tinted windows, I named her after my mom's mom. She lives in Virginia Beach and is six years of age. My dear brother (I miss him alot) is taking proper care of her, but I miss her and the other things on Rosaer Court. The labyrinth of Rosaer roads in Fairfield starts playing in my mind like the music of a distant movie.
It's home to me and my family: David, Daniel, Mom, Dad, and Holly! I'll see them all soon, but it's been quite a while. I've been sad and happy nearly every day, remembering their smiles.. It was my place of dwelling for many years plus some tears, and witnessed me grow in more ways than one. Through short hair and long, mom and dad had a bed for me and a fridge full of food, while 616 quietly enjoyed my company and ancestors before me too.
Back to Nancy.
She's seen Princess Anne road several million times, en route to the house of chicken sales. Grandpa helped make her my own back in the day, and she's heard me sing more than anyone alive. But what I always say, because it's been true since the first day we were together, is that
I'll always be hers, even when she's not by my side.
My faith in her is so strong, and I hope she'll be there when I come home.
When I come home.
- Michael Stephen
Sunday, December 6, 2009
"Find comfort." [ 12 | 6 | 2009 ]
When you get to the point of not caring anymore, you are probably about as low as you can get.
But there is always one more level beyond that.
And despite that, God is always in control.
- Michael Stephen
But there is always one more level beyond that.
And despite that, God is always in control.
- Michael Stephen
Friday, December 4, 2009
"Air Minus Oxygen." [ 12 | 4 | 2009 ]
I'm simple. I have two personalities really. And each has a mind of it's own. Yet both have the same story to tell. Cobalt skies and melancholy storms clashed in a frantic search for freedom. No place could hold their angst but those teary eyes.
I sensed the worry through miles of silenced air. Something isn't right. What's on your mind? Following the same pattern, my hesitent heartbeat echoes yours.
Months pass.
Rampant anger
Question mark.
The world caves in. Humans shouldn't be doing this. Against each other, we're still the same. Created by the same Maker. Ordained by equal Master. Curtains of blackness. Poignant Moon. Bittersweet Bliss. Your tempestuous stare is all that remains. Across the country, fragile love, just run free.
And when all else fails
Remember me.
- Michael Stephen
I sensed the worry through miles of silenced air. Something isn't right. What's on your mind? Following the same pattern, my hesitent heartbeat echoes yours.
Months pass.
Rampant anger
Question mark.
The world caves in. Humans shouldn't be doing this. Against each other, we're still the same. Created by the same Maker. Ordained by equal Master. Curtains of blackness. Poignant Moon. Bittersweet Bliss. Your tempestuous stare is all that remains. Across the country, fragile love, just run free.
And when all else fails
Remember me.
- Michael Stephen
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
"Grace is sufficiency.." [ 12 | 2 | 2009 ]
Grace is high and low.
When it started to feel like December, I got stranded on the side of the road. As if I could forget those years. Is it my heart or is it him? Working around me, through me, in me. Is there anybody out there who can understand? I'm getting farther from home, but closer to him.
Grace is sufficiency. And I'm done searching, I was lost and he found me. And I apologize, but you have to understand.
I'll never be the same.
- Michael Stephen
When it started to feel like December, I got stranded on the side of the road. As if I could forget those years. Is it my heart or is it him? Working around me, through me, in me. Is there anybody out there who can understand? I'm getting farther from home, but closer to him.
Grace is sufficiency. And I'm done searching, I was lost and he found me. And I apologize, but you have to understand.
I'll never be the same.
- Michael Stephen
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
"So blessed.." [ 12 | 1 | 2009 ]
The time is 11:30 and I'm beginning to drift, but before I fall asleep, I glance out the window at the snow and the mist. I see the moon through the clouds, and I thank you for your gifts. I mention each and every one, counting my blessings. And among them is something called mercy; something neverending.
It makes me smile despite the cold.
So gracious.
So blessed.
This could never get old.
- Michael Stephen
It makes me smile despite the cold.
So gracious.
So blessed.
This could never get old.
- Michael Stephen
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