Assuming an Identity in the New Year

/ inkspeare

I have to become before I become. As I wrote a few things that I want to accomplish this year, the thought crossed my mind. I may develop a detail plan, but it truly does not mean anything unless I start modeling behavior, acting as the person I want to become in order to achieve the target goal. I have to become, in my mind and in my doing, the person I want to eventually become. To illustrate, I will use a simple example, a common goal that most people set – to save x amount of money by a certain day. In order to do that, I have to act as a saver. I have to become/model the behavior of a saver, a person who saves money. I have to act/be what I want to become in order to achieve what I want to achieve. That is just a simple example, but depending on how many layers a goal might have, that will determine how many identities I might have to assume in order to make it real.

As a writer, writing characters, identities, personality traits … become second nature. Eventually, by repeating a specific behavior that is required to achieve a specific result/outcome will become second nature as well. Just as a character grows and develops throughout the pages of a story, so do we, when we model what we want to become. With each layer, each modeled behavior, we grow from one initial step to the next, and so on, just as a character grows/evolves from chapter to chapter or a series.

Depending on the complexity of a goal, that is how many identities one might have to assume. Going back to the example of saving money, I will evolve it to a few more layers, let’s say, saving x amount (first layer) to pay debt (second layer) in order to build wealth (third layer) for a safer future (fourth layer). There are a few layers on this financial goal.

Goal layers – Identity/behavior

Saving money = Saver

Debt free = Frugal person/conscientious of spending

Build wealth = Spend less than you earn/Financially literate

Safer future = Wealth manager/manage money wisely

In each level of progress, a new identity emerges that the previous identity will support; it all interrelates and works together, but without “acting out the part,” without becoming or modeling the appropriate behavior, nothing will happen. Many times, we become overwhelmed by looking at the outcome first, but in reality, it is much manageable and real when we just look at the first step/ the first behavior, and let it evolve from there.

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:2 (NKJV)

“And have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him.” Colossians 3:10 (NKJV)

Photo by M.A.D.

Of Plans and Works

/ inkspeare
Photo by M.A.D.

A new year represents a fresh start for many of us. We evaluate the previous year, check a few boxes, and set new goals. Sometimes, we are disappointed because we did not accomplish as much as we wanted to in the previous year; other times, we are satisfied with our performance. For others, it represents a challenge because they can already identify the areas of struggle ahead.

Whether dread or inspiration, when we look at the new year, one thing that we can always count on is hope. Hope for a better year. Each day represents a blank canvas. We might have to deal with a few smudges here and there, but as long as we keep hope we can paint a new picture or add some color to the one we are painting.

When we feel hopeless it is as if we are covered in darkness. One cannot see the light; one cannot see the colors. Setting goals and planning is good; however, there are times when despite careful planning and hard work, things don’t go our way, or at first glance they don’t seem to go as expected. Add to that a few years of hard work, determination and no results, and it can break your spirit, and burn you out. If you have experienced it, you know well what I mean.

At one point or another, we all will experience setbacks, disappointments, heartache, hopelessness, and brokenness, to various degrees. It is how we view/react during those times that will determine our comeback and the length of time we stay in the shadows.

“I sought the Lord and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4

It is good to set goals and to plan. To get somewhere there must be a destination and a map.

“Commit your works to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” Proverbs 16:3

My best wishes for the year ahead.

Best of Wishes

/ inkspeare

It is a windy and rainy day; I love days like this one. I can see leaves falling and hear the wind, as the raindrops hit the window glass. There is a mystifying and peaceful feeling about it, very serene. I feel tucked-in, secure inside, the warmth of home. I guess nature mimics that feeling, because all critters do the same; they are nestled in their habitats. On days like this one, one can help it but reminisce and hope for the promises of the new year. Soon, the holidays will be here and gone, and we are left with the expectation of a brand-new year, a fresh opportunity to do better, but in reality, every brand-new day is just that, a gift, a new opportunity. Whether to keep on going, to start over, or simply, be grateful for what is, it is a blessed gift. Some people say, “what matters is this moment;” but I think that what matters is what I do with this moment; we all have to live it, one way or another.

When we cease to exist, moments do not matter anymore; it all blends into eternity. I guess where we’ll spend it matters. Challenges come and go, dreams do as well. We live and give meaning and purpose to our living or we strive looking for it. If we find it, we count ourselves lucky, blessed; if we don’t, we search all our life, or feel cursed, not knowing that the mere act of living has purpose in itself, if we dare to see. Life reveals itself. It reveals its miracles every single day, and all of it in the midst of our challenges and blessings. The breath of the Creator is in every one of us. Every time that we open our eyes to receive the blessing of another day is reason enough, purpose in itself, to make the best of what we are given. Life will never be perfect, and there will always be challenges, ups and downs, the unexpected, and the undesirable, but with it, also the human God-given capacity to dream, to hope, to love, and to feel every second of our experience here, until we come home.

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

“May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord shine his face upon you and be gracious to you; may the Lord lift up his face upon you and give you peace.” Numbers 6: 24-26

Wishing you a very merry Christmas, a happy holiday season, and a blessed new year.

Have I Loved Enough?

/ inkspeare
Photo by M.A.D.

As the holiday season approaches, and nature prepares for a deep sleep, I reminisce about the year and mentally review what transcurred, blessings and challenges considered. I cannot help but feel a sense of gratitude and humility, hope as well. Reviewing these events brings me a sense of grounding, but I also think of what I could have done better. I realize that at times, I should extend a bit of kindness to myself as to others. The hopeful outlook and anticipation of the new year set the stage for receiving what will be, whether challenging or not. One thing I ask myself is, have I loved enough this year? I realize the answer to that question will always be, “you can love more.” That is true for everyone. We can always extend our kindness and love more, each time being more understanding of others and less judgmental. Over the years, I have understood that I must strive to love everyone, whether I agree or disagree with their lifestyle or life choices.

God loves everyone the same, and I am not better in His eyes than another of His children. Yes, He doesn’t love me more. The same love He has for me, He has for the drug addict, the prostitute, the murderer, the rapist, the witch or the devil worshipper. In His eyes, they are also His children, and He wants them to come home to Him. His arms are always open for the ones who ask for forgiveness. Once I “understood” the immensity of His love for all His creation, I learned another dimension of love and kindness, one that is not so quick to judge, one of humility and understanding. It is under that humble approach that I ask myself, “Have I loved enough this year?”

Love and Light

Never Faithless

/ inkspeare

It is with a heavy heart that I write today. My thoughts and prayers have revolved around the issue that is pressing on the heart of the residents of Chatham and Pittsylvania County, VA. It took us by surprise, concealed by a non-disclosure clause on a real estate transaction, the sale of 2200 acres of agricultural land that surrounds our small community. The proposed rezoning of the land from residential and agricultural to heavy Industrial hit our hearts, minds, and souls as a venomous spear at high speed. The company called Balico LLC wants to build a monstrosity of a project that will have severe repercussions in our little farming community. Here is a picture of a flier that shows you the immensity of this project, a heresy, an abomination in my honest opinion. The area in red that surrounds all tax parcels in our community is where an enormous gas-powered power plant (300 mw site) that will be powered directly by the Mountain Valley Pipeline that crosses our area will exist. Besides the 3.5 GW power plant, the project also proposes a switchyard, a wastewater treatment facility, and a substation (in 13 acres reserved for those), but also 84 large data centers (numbers keep changing between 70-84 depending on the news source, whether70 or 84, it is one too many) that will each one measure 394,000 sf by 40 feet tall approximately. This will all be built around our community, some residents having it next door, while others, like me, will be smacked right in the center of it, surrounded by it on all sides. Mitsubishi turbines will be used according to the developer. I think the power plant will also include 9 gigantic towers that will expel smoke into the air. As you can see in the map, hell is colored in red. The developer thinks that this project will benefit the community and provide many jobs, which I doubt because it will mostly be run by computers. The construction of this monstrosity will take around 10 years or so of disruption to this community, the pain before the pain.

Proposed site for gas-powered power plant and data centers.

By now, you realize how threatened our way of life is, and around here, we like our way of life very much. Many of us moved here for the beauty of the area, the fresh air, and all the blessings the land offers. Many residents have lived here all their lives and have no desire to move anywhere else, while others who have moved away at some point, have returned home. Our home is being threatened by the greed of heartless companies and overseas investors who try to sell benefits and financial prosperity to peaceful communities like ours, all lies, and deceit covered in the stench coming out of their deep pockets. Large numbers of residents continue to oppose this abomination, making their voices and sentiment in various meetings and posting signs in their homes and roads. For now, the developer pulled out the project, only to send another proposal right away.

Sign posted on our road.
Signs like these “adorn” our community now.

This proposed project will affect our community in many ways. The destruction of our land, the pollution of our fresh air and water. Our water and soil will be disturbed and polluted. Two main creeks are in the path of this project. We depend on our water wells. The dependance on public water will hurt the pockets of many residents on a fixed income, certainly another bill that they don’t need. The natural beauty of our countryside will be destroyed. Our real estate values will plummet. Our flora and fauna will be displaced and threatened (so much for Chatham being a bona fide bird sanctuary). There will be sound pollution, for what I understand by the research of our community residents, equivalent to the decibels of a constant running vacuum cleaner. Imagine having that 24/7 in your ears. Our dark skies adorned by stars will be hidden by the light pollution emanating from such a large site. Our farming land will be slowly poisoned. Our health will suffer. Our community will suffer, because no one in their right mind will want to come and live here or even visit the poison pit that Chatham will become (so much for the plans of our town’s revitalization project). And at worst, the imminent threat of eminent domain. Only time will tell the price that we will pay by welcoming this in our town. The losses will certainly be greater than the “benefits.” This project is suitable for another area that is not as rural/farmed, and residential as this one. It truly doesn’t belong here. It hurts more than it benefits a community of people who deeply love their home and country. All over the United States, our farmers are being disrespected by companies/investors who only care about the health of their bank accounts. Next time you are sitting to have dinner at home, think how important these farmers are. Whoever controls the land, controls your food, and by default, your livelihood, and ultimately, your freedom. These data centers are popping everywhere, with disregard of suitability of location, and that is the important issue.

If you would like to help our fight, you can sign a petition https://www.change.org/p/prevent-the-construction-of-the-proposed-power-plant-and-data-centers-in-chatham-va

Your prayers for our community will be appreciated very much.

Never faithless.

Lovely Autumn

/ inkspeare

We are starting to see more colors around here; we are at the border between Virginia and North Carolina, rural at its best, in my opinion. For nature lovers, the area is bliss, not so much for city lovers or lovers of entertainment; everything is far away. But there is magic in this season, in the air, and in the beauty of the natural surroundings. I have decorated the outdoors with nature’s offerings to receive the season.

Oh, the loveliness (Photo by M.A.D.)
Find the bird. Not sure why my phone took this picture of my backyard like this; looks like a painting. (Photo by M.A.D.)
Certainly, the tiniest frog around here; it is as big as that bolt. I relocated her to a nicer place in the garden. I love frogs. (Photo by M.A.D.)

Gourds, hydrangea cuts, and mums.

Photo by M.A.D.
Photo by M.A.D.
Photo by M.A.D.
Photo by M.A.D.
Photo by M.A.D.
Photo by M.A.D.

Hope you enjoy the pics.

Love and Light.

It is the Little Things

/ inkspeare
Photo by M.A.D.

It is the little things that make life sweet. If we only waited for the big things, the big successes, the big surprises, or the extraordinary things to be present, living would not be as sweet and meaningful. The little things that we sometimes fail to notice or take for granted, usually in the pursuit of something bigger, are the ones that take our breath away when we are present enough in living to notice them. An unexpected bloom in winter, the sunray illuminating the face of a child, the play of light and shadow in the woods at dusk … these are countless, unlimited moments that sweeten one’s day, when we care to notice. A big achievement brings joy, and a sense of pride and satisfaction, but it is the little things that remain after the big moment has passed. It is these little things and moments in life what refreshes a weary soul, sweetens a hectic day, and appease a restless spirit.

Love and Light

On Politics and Elections

/ inkspeare

Although this post pertains to people in the United States of America, some of its content might be applied broadly. On November the 5th the voice of many Americans will be heard as they cast their votes. Some of us have voted earlier and anxiously await the moment when our next president is elected. On this topic, and many more, there is great division in this country of ours (key word, ours). “Ours” because no matter who wins or not, we are one people, and most of us truly love this country. The day we stop loving it, we will stop casting our collective vote. This is the topic for today.

Many Americans will not vote on this election for many reasons, but one that I have heard is that they don’t like any of the candidates. Although some people vote for a party, many others desire a “perfect match” between party and candidate, a tall order in this election. There are no perfect candidates; there are no perfect people, just candidates, just people. Both candidates are flawed, both have good characteristics as well. We cannot expect them to “save” us, but the one thing we can do is cast our vote for the candidate that aligns with our values the closest, whatever those values happen to be. We are created with free will by the Creator of it all, the One who loves all His creation.

When in doubt, if hesitant, make a list of the major points/issues that each of the candidates have on their agenda for the country. Vote on the issues that are important to you and the ones that align with your beliefs/values. Focus on the issues, not so much the candidate. Whoever our president might be, he or she will not be perfect, far from it; however, you would have served your country by casting your vote of truth. Vote for love of country.