Important things

There are so many things in life that are not important. We continually obsess over the most trivial of matters. Try as we may, no one can choose what is relevant.

People who care put their opinions to the side. They realize no two people will agree on everything. Good and evil are not determined by a committee.

What we like is personal to us, and others might not share our interests. Quality is not subjective. However, perspectives are such by nature.

Those who love power have a deep desire for control. Other people are merely a resource. Hypocritically, they deem themselves essential.

You can stand for something without trampling everyone else. There are things in life worth fighting for. Yet, they do not exist between our ears.

Doing good is important... being right is not. One will improve everything, and the other is the height of vanity. The distinction is not a matter of opinion.

Spreading good cheer

Christmas is the most hectic time of the year. There are gifts to buy, cards to write and food to prepare. If we do not slow down, it will pass us by.

Holiday happiness is all around. People smile at their neighbors and greet those they do not know. Carolers proceed from house to house, spreading good cheer.

We cannot let the things we need to do keep us from experiencing the joy of the season. It comes but once a year. Let us savor this time while it lasts.

Getting ready for the day can be quite an ordeal. But there are moments in between which should not be missed. Otherwise, the occasion has lost its meaning.

Look into the eyes of a child to recapture the excitement of days gone by. Everything is fun and frolic. Though adults, we have not grown out of this.

Spread love and joy both far and wide. Keep a warm heart for the cold days to come. Never forget the way it feels to open your eyes on Christmas Day.

Setting goals

To achieve anything in life, it is wise to set goals. Determine what you intend to do, and the steps necessary to be successful. Those who fly blind tend to crash.

Keep it simple if you want to see results. Being unrealistic means the dream will not exist outside of you. The fantasy always pales next to an actual experience.

When doing anything, it helps to have a plan. However, you need to adapt to changing circumstances. There is no formula for success, but there are guidelines.

If you can give up, then do so before starting. The shame is in not finishing what you have begun. If the whole heart is not in it, expect to only reach halfway.

Those who are successful make the best examples. Use what they did to plot your course. If you cannot follow the same steps, they can still serve as inspiration.

It takes awhile to get moving, and then you will pick up speed. Just keep pouring all of your energy into the task. Soon you will be racing to your destination.

Rising above

Worrying does not make anything better. Instead, it makes a bad situation seem even worse. By focusing on what is going wrong, you neglect what is going right.

It is easy to imagine a molehill into a mountain. Just give your fear free reign, and it will run amok. But things tend not to be as bad as they might appear.

Even when things look grim, worry will paint you into a quagmire. The energy will be lacking to soldier on. And you will succumb to your own despair.

A real tragedy cuts deeper than our anxiety. Things will never feel as bad as we think they are. Still, actual pain has substance which makes its existence clear.

Putting on a happy face is fake. Still, you can refuse to contribute to your miserable state. Let the fear stand in the corner, while it shouts its dire predictions.

Bad things will come and we must be ready. Good things will come and we must cherish them. Bringing yourself down will only prevent you from rising above.

Something simple

Doing good does not require some big, grandiose gesture.. There are ways to help that do not cost a thing. Do something simple, and you will have much to show.

It is the little things which make a big difference. When someone is hurting, just a few kind words can do wonders. It means so much to know someone cares.

A friendly chat can raise a person's spirits. Think of all the words we waste on a daily basis. Imagine these syllables being used not to hurt but to heal.

We all have talents which can be used for good. But we must be concerned for others and not just ourselves. Light focused on oneself is blinding.

There are those who will not appreciate what you do. It is best to stop doing things for them. All of your efforts could be better spent on the ones who can be helped.

Our time here is limited. None of us are guaranteed to see another day. Be a blessing and let the wicked curse as they may, for a little good goes a long way.

Giving thanks

Those who are not thankful do not deserve what they have. If you take things for granted, the day will come when they no longer are. And you will suffer their loss.

Some people are a blessing. They make life a little easier just by doing what they do. You know they care, and it is easy to care about them in return.

Others will challenge you. Their purpose is to test your resolve and bring out the best in response. Some become better, and there are those who will make you better.

Be grateful for your family. With all their faults, you share a connection with these people. They are the reason you did not come into this world alone.

Give thanks for your livelihood. It could all be gone tomorrow, and you would be forced to start all over. For now, it is the reason there is food on the table.

For these and so many other things we should give thanks. Remember those who must do without. Being entitled to nothing, we should be grateful for everything.

Agreeing to disagree

People put a lot of stock in agreement. It seems the only thing they can agree on is that everyone must agree. This cannot happen, because we are not robots.

Evil is not caring when you should. Far from being a thing, it is simply a lack of something. And those who lack demand that others agree with them.

Everyone has a right to be wrong. As long as no one gets hurt, this is not a problem. Forcing agreement is the spiritual essence of a thing called control.

Throughout history, people have attempted to force what they believe on others. Much blood has been shed to these ends. In the retaining of power, there are no scruples.

What good is it to have power if you are not going to make things better? Someone will arise to take it away. And you will be left with the nothing you made.

Difference comes from being different. It is not something to be extolled, but recognized. Whether people agree or not, it does not mean they cannot be friends.

A brighter tomorrow

There is a lot of evil in this world, but there is also a lot of good. To deny either would be dishonest. Regardless of what transpires, we determine the outcome.

Those who care will make this a better place. The rest will tear down all that we hold dear. But there is no darkness that does not flee in the presence of light.

The future is uncertain, because our decisions are what make it. So, it is in our hands to build or bring to ruin. When all hangs in the balance, there is nowhere to run.

It is not the world that is important, but the people in it. What can be done, must be done while the sun is shining. When the light is gone, darkness will consume all.

Hope is a fragile thing, easily lost if placed in the wrong hands. But the good you see is all the evidence needed. So long as one light shines, it is not over.

Fan the flames into a cleansing fire and you will see how bright this world can be. Darkness will recede into the corners. And we will awake to a brighter tomorrow.

Unexpected collisions

Friendships require a great deal of care. Just like snowflakes, no two individuals are exactly alike. The differences should never be allowed to create division.

It is easy to hurt someone without even intending to. This world is a chaotic place, and emotions can be quite volatile. Some unexpected collisions are inevitable.

The bonds are only as strong as the people involved. If you let go, the other party just might drift away. So, it is important to never lose sight of what makes you friends.

When a human being is hurting, it shakes up their whole world. They cannot concentrate on anything else. As a result, they can become quite distant.

But distance is a relative concept, so far and close are a matter of perspective. Though the journey is long, the destination can be reached. It just takes time.

If you care enough, there is nothing that can stand in your way. The world itself is merely a steppingstone. For what matters should not be left behind.

Fear for fun

Being afraid can be fun, so long as there is no real danger to face. When the mind plays tricks, it can be quite comedic. When it is over, a few chuckles will be had.

As children, we put on costumes to get some candy. Sometimes, the parents put a lot of imagination into what is worn. And they parade us around to show it off. 

When we grow up, it is the houses that are decorated for all to see. Costumes are worn at parties to celebrate the season. It is a good time to put your cares aside.

Scary movies will be watched one after another. We can enjoy fake violence with no remorse. It is a break from the real kind we see plastered all over the news.

Imaginations run wild with the deep dark possibilities. As long as no one gets hurt, a fun time is had by all. Just pure exhilaration until the final bell tolls.

Afterwards, we have memories to look fondly upon. Those who become desensitized were not very sensitive to begin with. And then we wait for another year to pass.

From the ashes

What do you do when your whole world has been pulled out from under you? Everything you worked for has gone up in smoke. Yet, life still stirs among the ashes.

These things do not determine who we are. Instead, we make them what they are. In the absence of a human heart, the entire world is a lot of wasted space.

But there is life after loss, and every diversion is an opportunity. The game is only over when you stop playing. Otherwise, there is still a chance to win.

The shortest distance between two points is a straight line. But life is full of twists and turns. For the obstacles we face are real and difficult to overcome.

Patience and perseverance are like waves continually beating against the shore. Solid stone will eventually give way. And what impedes will do so no longer.

Like the fiery mythological bird, we can rise again. Our strength has increased and we are wiser for the experience. We go on, leaving the shackles behind.

Full of surprises

People are full of surprises, though not always the pleasant kind. Just when you think they cannot stoop lower, they do. And things are worse for it.

Others will show an unexpected level of caring. They will look out for someone, even when no one is looking. And that is when you know it is real.

We should hope for the best, but prepare for the worst. Those who care will shine no matter the circumstance. It is the wicked who demand to be trusted.

There is a lot of evil in this world, but just a little good keeps it all in check. Because evil is merely nothing where something should be. Good has substance.

The rain falls on everyone. It can be a refreshing shower, or a depressing downpour. Attitude is the difference between a sunny day and a miserable outing.

Those who make a difference are not even aware of it. They are just being who they really are. And that is the most pleasant surprise there is.

Moment of truth

There are times when you must do something, but do not know what. Lives could hang in the balance. It is better to be wrong, than to do nothing.

To be afraid is to be human. The world is a great big dangerous place. If we wait until we know everything, all we care about will be lost.

For every action, there is someone to question it. The world is perishing due to neglect. Yet, there are plenty who criticize from the safety of the sidelines.

It is not easy to be the one who steps into the fray. You are sure to take a few beatings along the way. But to turn and run is to forsake what is most dear.

We cannot prepare for every eventuality. Instead, we must be ready to do what is required. Have a plan of action, and adapt to the unexpected.

No one knows what they will do until the moment is upon them. Only then do you find out who you truly are. Some will rise to the challenge, while others fall in despair.

Breaking the chains

People are often slaves to their desires. When what you want has you, there is a problem. Things will not improve, so long as we grovel before these idols.

You can become addicted to anything. The only way to free yourself is to break the chains entirely. Being consumed reduces a person to a pile of ashes.

Human beings must overcome their vices. Or else they will be overcome by them. What seems perfectly harmless may conceal a deadly sting.

What we want is not the issue. We should be concerned that we want it more than we should. Think of what lengths one would go to get what they desire.

And when the goal is attained, there is no satisfaction. Because the fruit of lust does not fill the heart. Instead, you wind up with less than you had.

Our spirits can guide our wills to do good. But only when we have a purity of purpose. The tail does not wag the dog: we are responsible for what we become.

Thoughts roam free

Imaginative people are easily inspired. This world is not so dark they cannot see the light in it. There are always frontiers just waiting to be explored.

Opening our eyes reveals a world of possibilities. It is up to us to make the most of them. Otherwise, they will be left to lie like dreams unfulfilled.

Inspiration inevitably leads to action. Such energies cannot remain bottled up inside. Whenever you least expect, that is when they will spring forth.

Using such power requires an understanding of just where it should go. Chaos is not a good game plan. In the end, it leads to destruction.

If channeled properly, inspiration can give birth to great things. It has enhanced our lives immensely. Things improve when you imagine better.

Evil cannot reign while thoughts roam free. Beware of those who would stifle creativity. This a direct assault on the heart, and all else will follow.

Fear itself

Being frightened can be fun. By recognizing our mortality we come to appreciate what it means to be alive. We breathe a sigh of relief having survived an imaginary fate.

Real fear cannot be so easily enjoyed. If someone truly means you harm, it becomes a matter of life and death. No one is guaranteed to walk away, nor even to crawl.

We are threatened by forces, both natural and otherwise.  Sometimes, all you can do is hope to survive. But no one is assured to live another day.

Fear can break us down if we let it. We cannot stop being afraid, but we can face that which gives us pause. Once confronted, it tends to cower away.

If the fear will not leave, it must be beaten. Reign in your rogue anxieties, for they only represent what could be. Ultimately, we have a hand in how things turn out.

Fear itself is among our most dangerous of foes. Those who give in have given themselves up to it. Darkness can only win if we extinguish the light.

A fruitless pursuit

If a person gets everything they want, they will not be satisfied. The gaining of possessions cannot make one moment better. Such things are only good for taking up space.

That which we have is not ours to hold. When we leave the world, we can take none of it with us. To live one's life in a fruitless pursuit is to have wasted every day.

There is nothing wrong with enjoying what you have. But never let it gain possession of you. It is shameful for that which lacks life to consume those who live.

When recreation requires too much effort, it becomes work. Relaxation fades, and frustration sets in. The moment of rest becomes nothing more than a fantasy.

What is the purpose of stressing ourselves out in the vain hope of respite? Let that which is outside take care of itself. It is you who are in need of a break.

Live while the breath of life is in you. Leave all the trappings to ensnare the fools. That which can be left behind, was but a hindrance all along.

High expectations

A hypocrite holds other people to a standard to which they will not hold themselves. It is easy to point fingers. Still, such things do come back around.

There is nothing wrong with decrying evil in the world. But you must first deal with what you find inside. Otherwise, no one will hear what you have to say.

High expectations are the burden of the good. Someone who claims better must prove it by their actions. Once credibility is lost, it may never be regained.

Evil people are not expected to be anything else. They live and die, wondering why others do not care. Such have no concern for the woes of those around them.

If you do good, it will come back to haunt you. People will expect a level of perfection heretofore unseen. Self-righteousness leads to self-aggrandizement.

It is always best to lead by example. Why follow someone who does not know where they are going? Only the ones who shine could ever light the way.

Creating a monster

Give one person power over another, and you have created a monster. If one can hurt others, they will. So, you should never give them the chance.

Rights are used to justify all wrongs. When someone has a right, we are expected to accept it. The concerns of the proposed victim are not even considered. 

Only when someone can do whatever they want, can you know who they truly are. Most will take advantage of the situation. The few remaining are the ones who care.

To the abuser, what they do is for retaliation. They were hurt, so somebody else must suffer. Guilt and innocence are irrelevant in matters of vengeance.

Those who treat others badly are asking to receive the same. Do not waste your time trying to get through to them. Banging your head against a wall will only make you dizzy.

Power is a fickle thing, always seeking a new master. The mighty are left to choke on the dust they kicked up. Still, there are many more tyrants waiting in the wings.

Give and take

The hardest thing to resist is temptation. What you want may seem like a good idea, but people could get hurt. Those who care concern themselves with the consequences.

We live in a world where one can have just about all their heart desires. There is a word for desire that sacrifices others: lust. And in the end, it will leave you with nothing.

Love is about giving instead of taking. If only what you want is considered, then the other person is merely a prop. It is shameful to treat anyone as a thing and not a person.

Even if your interest is not wrong, does that make it right? That which does not make things better is not worth doing. Leave it for those whose goal is to go nowhere.

Doing the right thing requires little more than a bit of discipline. Lust actively seeks to devour others. If you care, such a notion will be discarded like the trash it is.

Love is a beautiful thing, bringing people together. Lust cheapens what otherwise could last a lifetime. Two hearts beating as one, now that is quite tempting.

Lighting a candle

Doing good will not always feel good. People who help others often suffer for it. Still it is always better to light a candle, than to complain about the darkness.

There will be those who need you when you are weary. Caring can be an exhausting proposition. It is not for those who cannot do without their creature comforts.

People will test your kindly disposition. Will you rise to the occasion? Or shall you fall into selfishness, and bask in a meaningless existence.

A life of safety helps no one. There are risks, but they are not worth mentioning when souls are at stake. Make things better, or stick to the sidelines.

Those who care do not do what they wish, but what they must. It is not required to give up yourself. But the focus should be towards the outside, where you are needed.

Easy is for the weak, and not for the good. True strength must be tested to find its worth. It is not shameful to fall, so long as you give the fight of your life.

Quality counts

Quality is more important than quantity. It is better to have one gold nugget, than a whole pile of useless rocks. What can be done, should be done while the sun is shining.

A gift of time need not be excessive. A few minutes spent with the ones you love are better than hours spent alone. You will have more to show and someone to share it with.

Progress is not measured in giant leaps, but small steps. It matters not how long it takes to reach the goal. So long as you are moving towards it, the outcome is virtually assured.

Life moves us swiftly downstream. Sometimes, there is not an hour to be found. But such things are made of minutes, and often the best we can do is to savor each one.

Something of quality moves slower, because it has more weight behind it. That which is cheap and easy flashes right past. And we remember it for the little it was worth.

Put your heart into that one thing, and you will be surprised at its longevity. People are moved by the craftsmanship displayed. After all, who can forget the unforgettable?

Truly happy

Happiness comes from within. No one can teach you how to be it, nor can they dissuade one from sinking into self-pity. It is up to the individual to determine they will be happy.

There are plenty of challenges for those with a sunny disposition. The depressed will test you with their pessimism. The despairing will vex you with their cynicism.

Just because you are happy, it does not mean everything will work out. It does not prevent bad things from happening. It means no matter how bad it gets you will not let it get you down.

The wicked can never be truly happy. There is nothing within to be satisfied with. Their every day is spent hammering nails into what will eventually become their coffin.

Strive to make things better for yourself and others. Contentment should always be a temporary state. When one obstacle has been overcome, set your sights on the next.

Misery within cannot be indefinitely contained. Eventually, it will spill forth when you least expect it. Happiness is too good not to share, so spread it around both far and wide.

What is best

That which is best is not based on anyone's opinion. To determine the value of an action, ask yourself will things be made better or worse for it? Then, the truth shall be revealed.

Everyone likes to imagine they are good. Even reprobates can convince themselves of the righteousness of their cause. Lies have a way of becoming beliefs.

When what you do chiefly benefits you, there is something wrong with it. If public opinion is in your favor, you should beware. They have expectations for being so agreeable.

It is best to put the concerns of others before your own. Do not decide for yourself what another person needs. If you care, these things will fall into place.

Deal with your own problems first. Those who cannot help themselves cannot help anyone else. Instead, their excess baggage will drag others down.

Strive to be a blessing to everyone you meet. If they prove unworthy, it is their failing and not yours. Kick the dust off your feet and continue the quest for fertile ground.

Right and wrong

People are obsessed with being right. Good and evil are not based on anyone's opinion. Those who really care see righteousness for what it really is: pride.

It is not enough to be correct. Others must stand corrected and bow before the superior intellect. Shining the spotlight on oneself only reveals one's imperfections.

Someone can be both right and wrong at the same time. What is said may be true, but attitude can ruin the whole thing. Remember the fingers pointing back at you.

Proclaiming one's rights is even more annoying. Good things do not come to those who whine. One can stand up for themselves without putting others down.

What good is it to know better when worse is done? You cannot help anyone by just sitting on your high horse. The fertile ground is down below.

Right and wrong are irrelevant. Do what is best and you will always do the right thing. The finger that points is in no position to be a helping hand.

A shared illusion

Those who know more than others tend to use this as a weapon. As if the mere accumulation of information has any relevance. Knowledge is worthless without application.

To know something means you can be held accountable. Pleading ignorance of that which you know is a dicey proposition. Your only hope is that others do not find out.

Information is bought and sold. People will even kill to learn the most well-guarded secrets. In the end, the lust for knowledge is merely a play for power.

What you do not know can hurt you. So it is imperative to be as informed as possible. But always be willing to admit there are things of which you are not aware.

Knowledge is all in your head. And the power that comes from such things is merely a shared illusion. When learning is eschewed, its might is rendered impotent.

Use what you know to make things better. Do not become conceited in your own understanding. For the pride you cling to will fall prey to a single revelation.

Lust for power

Power is the ability to cause the suffering of another. It is constantly abused, and rarely used for anything of worth. Those who care have no love for such things.

People have a longing to control others. That is why peace will never last. As soon as one ceases hostilities, another seizes the opportunity to strike.

Bending someone to your will is the mark of a tyrant. There are those who break under the pressure. Still others will fight back only to become the thing they hate.

To the victor go the ashes that remain. The lust for control leaves only destruction in its wake. That which was prized becomes hollow and worthless.

In beating evil, you must conquer your own desires. What you want will always be used against you. Those who are satisfied cannot be bought at any price.

If you control a thing, you own it. The fruits of your lust become a grievous burden. You might gain the world, but it will be at the loss of your soul.

Creativity

     The desire to create is among the most sublime yearnings of man. Life is what it is, but the creative can use such humble materials to make something amazing. Those who lack imagination will produce little. But with the spark of creativity, we can fashion worlds and people them with exciting and eccentric personalities.

     Destruction requires very little in the way of skill, and certainly nothing in the way of inspiration. Brute beasts can make a mess. Such behavior is usually in the form of a fit. Desire was unfulfilled, and frustration led to devastation. Others must suffer for the inconvenience of one.

     To create, you must pour heart and soul into your endeavors.  A single idea ignites a creative blaze. Suddenly, you are swept up in the desire to see this thing to its fruition. The more you make, the more care will be put in every single facet of the work. Those who imagine are always trying to envision better.

     Reality creeps into every fantasy. It is best to make that which is realistic without the dullness of the mundane. We all know what it is like to live in this world. It takes no creativity to copy it. Instead, you take that which is real and smooth off the rough edges. Add interest, and it becomes interesting.

     To create a real world, you must fill it with real people. They should be beyond the ordinary, without being outrageous. Put them in real situations and watch them adapt and overcome. Such work is believable, and becomes compelling. You can understand and feel for what the characters are going through.

     There comes a point when they are no longer creations. They live and breathe on the page. You know their names and see through their eyes. Some of them will be friends and others enemies. The emotional roller coaster starts and you willingly go along for the ride.

     It is not necessary to create an entire world. Sometimes, just a picture will do. Drawing takes the real and makes it something more. A painting adds color to the mix, and inspiration brings the work to life. Sculpture gives dimension, lifting the image from the page.

     Even words can used in different ways. Poetry targets the best words, so that what is produced is brief and meaningful. Prose takes words on a journey, painting a picture in the mind's eye. Songs put words to sound, inspiring feelings.

     The sounds can be music of themselves. We can feel an array of emotions through the arrangement of notes into chords and the movement thereof. The beating of the drum provides rhythm to the melody. Other instruments provide the harmony, which moves the piece to its resolution.

     No matter the medium, a modicum of inspiration is required. The spark within is what starts the whole thing. It can be an idea or the attempt to capture a feel. Its essence is energy, and it fuels all that is to come.

     Dreams can become reality. The greatest inventions of our time came from the desire for better. Someone took that desire and ran with it, giving us a world of possibilities.

     Reality must be recognized to be overcome. We cannot hope to achieve greatness without facing the trials. Those who are easily discouraged need not make the attempt. Stay where it is safe and warm. Those who create will be assailed by those who seek to destroy.

     The purpose of fantasy is to inspire us to do better in the here and now. To do so, we must be better. Or else our creations will be stained by our failings. For that is the danger in making a world: it will reflect its creator.

     There is a responsibility inherent in creation. If you lie, it will be found out. And your deceit will become public record. If people like your work, they will begin to scrutinize it, and the flaws inherent in its construction will be revealed.

     Creativity is born of love. Every child should have a parent who loves them. That which is made should have a loving craftsman, as well. Otherwise, there is no spark to light the fire. Everything becomes cold, and hearts grow numb.

     An idea is a little thing. Of itself, it is inconsequential. But if you feed it, things begin to happen. Your heart will determine the results, whether for good or ill. With the destructive, all is brought to ruin. Those who build fill the land with their creations.

      Physically, we are born of dirt and water. Imagination touches the spirit, imparting the desire to fashion worlds. Nourish your creativity and it will bring forth fruit. Pour all of your energies into whatever you do. It is fuel for the fire that death might not quench.

A better life

Life only gets better if you do something about it. By itself it is a miserable affair, full of sadness and disappointment. We must face this if we ever hope to overcome it.

People live and die and the world moves on as if they had never been. Only those who make a name for themselves are remembered. Whether for good or ill, they live on.

It is not enough to exist. You must overcome mere existence to have any form of longevity. Otherwise, entropy will bring all your achievements to naught.

The world does not care, so it is incumbent upon us to do so. Life will go on until death intervenes. It is what we do with the time we have that will make all the difference.

By being better, we can lift ourselves from the mediocrity of subsistence. We can encourage others to realize their potential. Nothing we imagine is truly out of reach.

Live like tomorrow will never come. None of us are guaranteed to see another sunrise. But by caring we can start a fire, which will continue to burn long after we are gone.

Going somewhere

People want someone to follow. But what if that person has no idea where they are going? History is filled with those who followed blind leaders right over the cliff.

Just because an individual is more knowledgeable, does not mean they are wise. Knowing is amassing information. Wisdom is applying what you have learned.

Life does not come with a map. Through experience you learn what works and what does not. If anyone claims to be a guide, be concerned where they are taking you.

Before going anywhere, you should focus on the destination. If you will not be better for the journey, it is best to stay home. Otherwise, you might not like where you end up.

Some spiritual landmarks are tried and true. The more you care, the clearer the path becomes. A good moral compass will always point in the right direction.

Do not expect it to be easy to get where you are going. It is normal to stumble along the way. Often, to reach the mountains you must go through the valleys.

Digging deep

Things that require the most work are among the most rewarding. They give you a genuine sense of accomplishment. The effort expended will be manifested in the final product.

The easier something is, the less it tends to mean. Digging deep is not required, so there is very little depth in what was done. Such thrills are here today and tomorrow they are gone.

You may dread the labor that will be required. But it is swallowed up in the satisfaction of a job well done. Making is better than taking, just as working beats shirking.

Lazy people only have what others make. They live to consume, producing only an accumulation of waste. Then, they wonder why their entire existence is spent unfulfilled.

When you begin something, see it through. That which is partially done should never have been attempted. Now it is just a pile of clutter for someone else to remove.

Focus all of your energies on the task at hand. If you hold back in the slightest, there will always be a lack. It is best to lament that you could not do more. 

The truth hurts

The truth hurts... that is what it does. But lying to oneself is merely a desperate attempt to stave off the inevitable. You cannot deal with a problem by pretending it does not exist.

Lying to others is born of an agenda. Liars expect to get something from their deceit. Even if the sole fruits of their endeavors is to feel good about themselves.

It is easy to become entangled in your own lies. Eventually, one might even believe they can fly. However, the sudden impact brings reality swiftly home.

This world is not what we would like it to be. By being honest with ourselves, we can take real steps to make it better. Lies are like promises one knows will be broken.

Truth does not bring joy, but it does inspire one to action. Things cannot be left as miserable as they are. There is no shame in pressing onward, when the alternative is acceptance.

Honesty is not popular, but it is the only way to make actual progress. It hurts the eyes, but quickens the heartbeat. Improvement only comes when we refuse to stay the same.

Trusting souls

You  cannot believe everything you hear. Those with agendas are just waiting for a trusting soul to happen by. It does not take long to convince the gullible of most anything.

Be wary of those who make emotional appeals. Real problems are rarely solved by throwing money at them. In most cases, you are just lining someone else's pockets.

The ones who cry loudest should be the least trusted. Such behavior is meant to elicit a response. Your best interests will tend to be that which most benefits them.

Those who really care will not try to manipulate you. They will cheer the good and rebuke the evil. Be ready to listen, even when they say what you would rather not hear.

The most insidious lies have the sweetest sound. Heat the water gradually, and the creature does not know it is being cooked. They season with deceit and baste with praise.

Desires are the strings used to make you dance. Want for nothing and they have no control. When the frustration comes out, their true forms will be revealed.

Good things happen

Good things happen, though in smaller measure. Being few and far between, it behooves us to savor every last morsel. Especially, since it could all be gone tomorrow.

We live for these moments, and look forward to the next. Life is full of misery, but it is the little things we must cherish. In the end, they are what is important.

The daily drudgery comes and goes, but we will remember what made us smile. Despite what evoked such mirth, we treasure it. When the days grow cold, we cling to that warmth.

People try to take away the joy of others. If they were to succeed, the world would be as wretched as they. Protect what you love, lest the enemy snatch it from you.

There is nothing wrong with being happy. A smile can chase all the bad things away. When they are gone, you will see just how bright the world can be.

Laughter is indeed the best medicine. Enjoyment is infectious: it spreads to any who will receive it. Drink it in deep, and your every step will be a lighter one.

Face painting

To believe in someone is to put them on a pedestal. From such lofty heights, they can only fall. Do not expect them to solve the problems you alone must face.

It is wrong to expect others to live up to your expectations. If you have standards, it is all well and good. But we should never burden another with making our dreams come true.

Those who care will make things happen. Belief is not necessary, and can be a detriment. Once you no longer live up to what is expected, you will experience a precipitous drop.

People have a hard time separating what they want from what is good. We must take care of our ourselves, but do not expect any praise for it. You have merely done what was required.

Caring for others means your desires are not considered. The selfish paint their face over everything. And to be sure, their only concerns are for themselves.

One can benefit from another's example without fitting that person with a burdensome yoke. Do what you must. And leave others to do what only they can.

Real results

People concern themselves with notions that are too big for them. They are applauded for their intentions, even though the problem still exists. Real results grow closer to home.

Helping one person is hard enough. Saving the world is next to impossible. Actually achieving a goal should be celebrated, not letting one's reach exceed their grasp.

You will not be praised for doing the little things. Since there is no fanfare, they will not be noticed. Still, it is better to believe in nothing, than to believe in something and have nothing to show for it.

The praise of man is a fickle thing. One day they give you their love, the next you must take their hate. Neither one is worth living for, and certainly not worth going to one's death.

You can make things better, just by being better. Toss all the grandiose notions in the garbage can. Those you see will benefit more than the ones you may never set eyes upon.

We are surrounded by real people with real problems. Helping them is a goal that can actually be achieved. The rest is professing to care about others when the only concern is yourself.

Trial and error

When you stumble, it can be hard to get moving again. Nothing is the same as it was, and you must adapt to a new way of doing things. Though not impossible, it is frustrating.

The tendency is to fall back into old habits. But they are what led you to fall in the first place. If they did not profit you  before, do not expect them to become profitable.

Having shed such notions, you will be surprised at how useless they really were. Why did you cling to them for so long? Not only can you go on, but they were actually holding you back.

An individual must set their own course. No one can tell you what to do, nor can they do it for you. Everyone's experience is different, so there is no formula for success.

What they can tell you is what not to do. Although, you have probably figured that out through trial and error. Still, those who do not learn from their mistakes are doomed to repeat them.

The ones who wish to progress will not be deterred. Stumbling is just a part of the journey. You have learned to make your steps sure, and now are headed in the right direction.

Broken vessels

The very essence of evil is a lack of substance. It is nothing where there should be something. Redemption is not about changing, but becoming the person you were meant to be.

People strive to control others in a desperate attempt to control their world. They succeed only in stifling what they do not like. Pretty soon, even they will have trouble breathing.

No two humans think, talk or act alike. So, expecting them to agree is foolish and presumptuous. Caring makes things better, and the opinions of man are merely obstacles to enlightenment.

The solution to all life's problems is really quite simple: care more. That means taking action to deal with your problems. Excuses just mean the vessel will keep on leaking.

Those who demand change do not intend to look within. Instead, they wish to bend others to their will. If they succeed, all will be the worse for it.

Broken vessels cannot hold water. Until all the gaps are sealed, nothing is accomplished. Do not be concerned about the evils you see until you can face your own reflection.

What is said

Talking is overrated. Any attempt at a serious discussion so quickly devolves into an argument, where the point is lost and the object is merely to win. Winning triumphs over enlightenment every time.

People use their words to hurt others. Quite often the victims are not even in on the conversation, though they are the topic. If you have nothing good to say, it is best to say nothing.

Words are often used to entice and ensnare. You can feel the poison dripping from every syllable. But since people hear only what they want, they are easily entrapped and subdued.

Do not be quick to believe what is said. The most blatant deceit wears quite an alluring disguise. Those who pluck the heartstrings, tend to play the most mournful of tunes.

An honest person will simply say what they must. If an argument ensues, it was not of their design. Not saying the right thing can be just as disastrous as uttering the wrong one.

Words are used to communicate. If they cause only misery, they were born of a miserable soul. Silence is golden, especially when the alternative brings everything to ruin.

The evil within

Why is it so hard to conquer your demons? Probably because you have made friends with them. Evil does not present itself in all its repulsiveness, but in the form you most desire.

People make excuses for their failings, because they have already excused themselves. So, they rationalize everything which should be shunned. Then, they continue to do what they already wanted.

To progress, you must learn to deny yourself. If nothing good is born of it, then nothing good will come of it. Toss it in the garbage bin and spare it not even a backward glance.

This can be extremely difficult, because the evil resides within. You will cling to it, because it is all you ever wanted. And like a bad rash, it refuses to go away.

To be successful, you must come to reject it entirely. Evil is merely an absence of caring. Fill the holes in your soul and wickedness will have no place to lay its head.

When it is gone, seal all the entrances. Remember your failure and take steps to prevent a repeat performance. Anyone can fall, but it takes great courage to rise again.

Cycle of dependence

It is always best to want for nothing. That which is desired, can easily become a snare. The entrapped have no say in their affairs, they are merely left to the whims of others.

A person must provide for their own needs. Or else, someone will come along who has their own designs. Then, you become a means to fulfilling their ends.

If you cannot take care of yourself, you cannot take care of anyone else. If you have nothing, then your means to give are limited. Safeguard what little you possess.

This a harsh world, with more takers than givers. That is why you should not leave your fate in the hands of another. Pick yourself up and carry on.

Humans are social creatures, so it is easy to fall into a cycle of dependence. Just remember, what is given can be taken away. You will miss what you had when it is gone.

It is wrong to expect another to bear your burden. Helping others does not mean to do it for them. Instead, show them by your example that a person can stand on their own two feet.

Dead weight

There a lot of things in life that are simply dead weight. Pride will drag you down quicker than you can get a last gasp. One moment you are on the surface, and then you hit bottom.

The problem with thinking highly of yourself is that it is all in your head. If this ever gets out, it will be in the form of flatulence. Ah, the intoxicating aroma of crashing spirits!

Achievement is its own reward, and no fanfare is necessary. Do what you do because you love to do it. Be who you are, because you are a real person and not some painted doll.

Nothing is new, so no one will be impressed by your pomp. We have all seen and smelled it before. If you sow better, then you might be deserving of the praise you so desperately seek.

People do not learn, because the problem is within. They believe their own press, with the fake articles and gratuitous close-ups. Such will try hard to convince themselves the smile is real.

Those who are lifted up shall fall. Their remains will lie scattered as a lesson to the rest. Praise is transitory and not given freely, for there is a price to be paid and it is inflated indeed.

Alone in a crowd

Those who care will be there. No matter how far away, they will find a way to bridge the gulf that lies between. It is just a step across the expanse, for spirit knows no distance.

Enemies could not be farther apart. No matter how close they are physically, inside is a chasm that cannot be crossed. The wicked spend their lives in solitary confinement.

Loneliness comes from a lack of caring. Isolation sets in, and the person becomes a thing. They wander through the multitudes, alone in the crowd.

It is a cruel fate to be left to the mercy of one's thoughts. There is a desire to burn all bridges until one truly becomes an island. The point will come when no one can get in.

People are what they are, for better or worse. One can live among them or die alone. Never let what irritates you about a person ruin the enjoyment of your time with them.

The lonely must seek out those that care. Despite appearances, they still exist. Such will not be what is expected nor even what is hoped, but they just might be what you need.

Negative and positive

Good things happen when you least expect it. Dwelling upon the negative is easy, but that which is positive gives us energy to go on. Otherwise, the world would drain us dry.

People readily complain and are rarely grateful. Anyone can talk about their problems and you will listen to see if they are worse than yours. Alas, misery is without a ranking system.

If things are going good for someone, others will be jealous. They will invent every reason in the world to hate that person. And if you lie to yourself long enough, you start believing it.

One must do better to be better. Tearing others down does nothing to build you up. No matter how long you stand at the top of a cliff it will not make you taller.

Inflated egos are just waiting for the intrusion of a pin. In the ensuing explosion, illusions are shattered. All that remains will be the fragments of one's pride.

Rejoice with the joyful and grieve for the sad. Do not let your own state of affairs affect how you treat others. After all, what you desire has no bearing on what you deserve.

Sweet, soothing words

Be wary of those who claim to care. If someone really does, they will not try to convince you . Instead, they will do what they do and it will be difficult to deny what is proven by their actions.

People speak sweet, soothing words to deceive and disarm. Do not be confused by the smiles they wear. Or you will not see the knife as it approaches your back.

There are those who look like they are up to something. And it has nothing to do with the common good. Instead, their eyes are on the prize, waiting for the next fool to fall in the trap.

An honest person will rarely say what you want to hear. Liars are quick with the praise, laying it on thick. The water warms slowly, until the gullible are cooked.

If it sounds too good to be true, it is. Keep your eyes open and you will see the trap before stepping into it. Pay attention, and you will hear the betrayal in the tone of their voice.

When someone butters you up, they intend to make a meal. The worst thing for a liar is to be found out. Then, what you will find is how swiftly they depart.

Promises, promises

There are few things more useless than a promise. Those who get results do not bother to give assurances. The people who promise, tend not to follow through.

If someone is untrustworthy, it is best not to depend on them for anything. Do not expect their word to have any substance. The assurance they give, is merely a false hope of delivery.

People are quick to say and slow to do. Their word could not bind a puddle. So, expecting anything to come of their protestations is a long ride to nowhere.

If someone says they have changed, expect them to change back. Such do not stray from their former habits. They will return to what they were all along.

Something that is real needs no fanfare. Those determined to convince lack evidence of their claims. So, they throw words about to distract and deceive.

When light shines, darkness flees. What a person does will tell you who they are. It is telling when showing is the preference for proving. 

Loud and clear

Speak softly, and people might not hear you. Sometimes, you must raise your voice to be heard. If you are direct and succinct, there is a good chance of getting your point across.

Why use a lot of words, when just a few will do? The essence of poetry is to use the right words. So it is with what is spoken: brevity is the soul of wit.

It is essential to speak clearly. Leave too much room for interpretation, and what is heard will not even resemble what was said. Still, they will hold you to their assumptions.

Often you must lift your voice over the din of the masses. They can ignore you only if you let them. A shout will be heard, while a whisper just passes by.

One need not be obnoxious to be seen. A negative reaction can be more harmful than a total lack of response. Those who wish to make a point, must have one to make.

Wisdom is lost in the clamor of the foolish. It must be loud and clear to be heard at all. You must gain their attention, before they will hear what you will say.

Something most precious

What a person loves, they will fight for. Biting and scratching cannot be ruled out in a contest of desire. Such a personal thing can be used for good or ill.

That which you love takes on elevated importance. Other things become diminished in your eyes. Time is precious, and you earnestly wish to spend it doing what you love.

Those you love are held dear. If they are in trouble, you will defend them.  No matter how troubling, they will always have a place in your heart.

Crimes of passion are the worst kind. Stymied desire begins to boil, and the resulting rage can be terrifying indeed. Possessiveness will squeeze the life out of any relationship.

Caring means not making excuses to get what you want. Matters of the heart should be handled with care. Things become unbalanced when there is more taking than giving.

Love is a wonderful thing when the self does not rear its ugly head. There is warmth to be found in a loving embrace. It is something most precious when hearts beat as one.

Expect the unexpected

Life can change in a moment, so one should always expect the unexpected. That which we thought would last, can be brutally snatched away. And it is up to us to soldier on.

A single incident might drastically alter your entire existence. Cherish the present, before it is past. No matter how good the times, they could always end.

Those who take care, are better prepared for eventualities. They know not to rest on their laurels. For that which is celebrated today, could be vilified tomorrow.

Be ever vigilant. For evil is a restless beast always seeking a victim. It thinks nothing of tearing the heart from another, since it does not have one of its own.

It takes courage to stand in the face of this madness. There is no shame in failing when you have given your all. Death is merely a change of perspective.

What is within cannot be taken, only surrendered. The talons of greed reach just so far. Fight to ensure what you love is not lost to the whims of the world.

Making things happen

If a person cares, you will see it in their actions. Talk is cheap, and people indulge in it far too readily. Actions are all that is important, and will tell what words cannot.

Is it better to talk about helping, or do something about it? One is passive and the other is active. Almost as if they believe making funny sounds come from their lips can do anything.

You can tell more about a person by what they do, than what they say. Words are a means to communicate. But without action, there is no substance to what is said.

People often say one thing and do another. Only that which is demonstrated is so. What is intended means nothing, until you take the unreal and give it form.

It is possible to make things happen, if you do more than you say. What is told should be the recounting of what is done. Otherwise it is just air between the ears.

We live in a world where words are the weapon of choice. But winning such a battle is a hollow victory. In the end, you have nothing to show but hot air freely expended.

Those that can

Those that can, do; the rest never cease to complain. They seem to think vehemence is a substitute for substance. If they were busy doing, there would be no time to whine.

Like little children, so many vociferate about the unfairness of their situation. They will not lift a finger to help themselves. Yet, they feel the world is beholden to them.

They expect a lot for their nothing. If they were gone tomorrow, who would miss them? Think of the peace and quiet that would follow their passing.

What is up to you... is up to you. We came into this life the same way, and can bring nothing with us when we go. The worth of our existence is judged by what we did with the time we had.

Life is not, never has been, and never will be fair. You get out what you put into it. If you want things to get better, there is a great deal of work to be done.

By saying you cannot do something, you have already admitted defeat. Remember all things are possible. But it requires maximum effort to achieve optimal results.

No worse enemy

There is no worse enemy than oneself. No matter how many battles are won on the outside, it means nothing if you cannot conquer your own demons. The first step is to recognize that you are the problem.

Whatever a person does is right to them. When confronted with their faults, they will rationalize such things as personality traits. And then, they will proceed to defend that which should be condemned.

It is nigh impossible to improve what has already been accepted. Instead, you will turn on those who took issue with it. For the real desire is not to face yourself, but to face down your critics.

People are overly critical, so you cannot always believe what they say. But if nothing good comes from what you are doing, then you should stop doing it. Self-discipline negates the need for correction.

Those full of advice, tend to be the last ones to take it. They will point fingers at everyone else. It is easier to tell someone else what to do, than it is to look at yourself.

If you are going the wrong way, you have but to turn around. Do not look back, for you may like what you see. Just keep going, and leave your failings in the dust far behind.

Balancing act

Creative juices must flow, but without balance they will go everywhere. Constraint is unnecessary, they must merely be focused to be effective. Recklessness is not freedom, it is chaos.

That which is done with heart is never haphazard. While not everything is planned, nothing is arbitrary. There is a goal, no matter how far it strays from the beaten path.

Keeping an open mind, does not mean letting everything spill out. You must understand the rules and appreciate them, before deciding to break them. Tear down only in preparation to build.

We live in a world where standards have been tossed by the wayside. Without form, everything falls to ruin. If everyone speaks at the same time, no one will be heard.

Balance what you want with what you need. Those who neglect their responsibilities think they can outrun the wind. But these things have a way of catching up with you.

Without flow, everything grinds to a halt. That which is not balanced, tips over and makes a mess. Both are required to keep things moving in a positive direction.