Our Real Enemy

February 25, 2016February 25, 2016 / Penny L Howe / Leave a comment

“A child understands fear and the hurt and hate it brings.” – Nadine Gordimer

FEAR

So obvious when one really considers. After all, fear is the true opposite of love, not hate. Hate doesn’t happen unless fear is already there first, inside one’s mind.

Fear manifests in many forms: Fear of the unknown, fear of the different, fear of the future, fear of the past, fear of bullies, fear of being thought different from, fear of …. the list is endless and once fear exists, it is all too easy for an entire host of negative emotions to become fear’s companions and they do.

Recognize this: A sense of feeling less than, or do you recognize perhaps these fellow companions of fear; separating yourself from some by going with the crowd to be accepted (even if you disagree with what the crowd is saying or doing) or prejudice, disdain, scorn, hate, becoming superior to overcome insecurity, being dismissive and probably the worse one of all – indifference. You know, that comfortable place where you dwell because it’s safe (or so you believe).

If you are alive there truly is no such thing as safe. There are however amazing opportunities to thrive in an unsafe world made so by the “fear factor”. Believing in yourself is one. Caring for others is another. There is a tangible strength in a community of caring & sharing, loving people. Power brokers use fear as a weapon, often used to separate people – one from the other – and they do it well. They always have … because it works. History records this fact for those who would see.

In our world of today Fear is alive and well and running rampant around the planet and power brokers are still utilizing this weapon skillfully and to an advantage.

Is there anything one can do to change this? This is a question we each must answer for ourselves. Will we be ruled and influenced by fear? Or step out of the fear induced society of today and become our own person, guided by the richness of love that can become disused and lay dormant in the hearts of mankind.

I say once again that in a community of caring, sharing and loving people, whether the community be your immediate neighborhood or one spanning a country or even our entire planet there is no fear that cannot be conquered where love is the ruling state of (well) being.

~ Penny

What do we do next? We bloggers, We artists, We people …

October 22, 2013October 22, 2013 / Penny L Howe / 33 Comments

In the digital world of today … how do we not just survive but thrive?

It’s Tuesday, so what do we know today? We know we have things we have to do – And we know we have things we want to do – We know there is some information we want or need to know more about – and far more information that we don’t have a clue about (what-so-ever, except it’s messing us up a lot) because it’s too much to deal with (emotionally speaking). And “way” too much of the information is negative, isn’t it (TMI- Right?) But, there you go, the above sums things up nicely, I believe.

So what do we do next?

First, understand the nature of the online world; behind the scenes what is going on. Here’s the truth – Many (almost all) corporate/government entities are “crowd sourcing” (gathering information) to create digital profiles. In a nutshell finding out all about you. You’ve made it possible. You’re one of the hundreds of millions online exposing yourself through many little data bytes circulating the airwaves.

And the “Big Boys” of the planet want to know all about you either as a consumer (to potentially buy their product) or as a citizen of their country (How you feel about your country, the issues, your concerns the politicians, etc. Research that will help them raise money and/or potentially influence you to get your vote OR making sure you aren’t doing something subversive, detrimental to your country’s well being.)

Like it or not that is what’s going on, right now. Data collecting of a volume inconceivable for most of us to imagine and each entity (depending on the quality of their “industry cloud capability”) is efficiently organizing the data into a variety of profiles for current or future reference. Is it the big brother era? Well sort of. But we’ve made ourselves willing partners in this intrusive aspect of the online experience, whether we know it or not!

Meanwhile you’re busy doing your own gathering of information, gathering as a citizen and a consumer yourself. So how do you handle all of this information and your awareness of everyone else’s information gathering.

Short of something really bad happening (meteor strike, large solar flare, etc.) all this data is going to continue to be gathered (and much of it circulated). Just a fact and there will be lots of “talk” because that’s what talk shows (in all media – News programs, etc.) do – and much of it is negative because “viewership” (that’s you) goes up when they (talk show hosts and their “expert” guests) talk about ‘what’s wrong’.

So the talk shows are going to talk about all sorts of never-ending stuff that will complicate you life and view of things (if you listen too much) even more. But let’s forget that for right now and get back to you and where you are.

Turn your computer off and think about your goals, needs, wants and desires. Consider how you might achieve them. View online connections as “how” they may help you. Be specific here. Everyone is giving “advice”, suggestions and in many cases “selling something”. So your main focus should be why you’re on line.

To be Entertained
To Find out information on a subject
To Buy something
To Sell something
Socially connect with other people
Promote Yourselves (through various social networks)
Use any combination of the first six reasons you’re online to assist you in accomplishing your own goals

So where you go next is to make a plan of action to more effectively use your connectivity. Arrange the above reasons and allot a time period (yes – a little discipline is required here).

If you’re a student researching – stick to getting the info. before you “game play” or check out the latest trending YouTube video.
If you’re an artist, search for “like minded” creative individuals who will help you nourish your creative goals.
If you’re selling something, learn about your perspective customers. And how to reach them (online and off).
if you’re a professional in an industry and are job searching, focus on those companies and their background so you’re well informed about the company and their goals before you submit a resume! And yes they will be using the internet to check “you out” this process can take many months – so be prepared for this one.
If you’re buying something (take the extra time to check out the source before your purchase – be a smart consumer.)
If you want to be entertained – go for it, there’s all sorts of fascinating things waiting to be viewed/listened to – out there.
and if you just want to “hang”, be social with others, start a blog, join Facebook, learn how to Tweet or find a social media platform that fills this need.

But don’t forget your offline world. Organize your time so your online time has a sense to it with very specific timelines.

The most important thing to do with your online world of connectivity is to stay in command of both the offline and online you. You need to stay in control of the amount of “data” your mind allows entry to. Integrate this brave new world of communication so it works for you on your adventures through life … not against you!

Have a great day,

~ Penny

Survival, Love, Purpose ~ I gotta get me some of that!

August 22, 2013 / Penny L Howe / 22 Comments

Depending on where you are in life, those three words express your “motivators”! That which is most likely to “call you to action!”

Survival
Love
Purpose

Really! It’s what it comes down to!

If someone bangs on the door of your house and says “your house is on fire” I guarantee you you’re going to move fast to remove yourself from the danger.

Once you’ve got the survival thing down pat (breathing, eating, shelter, safe from harm) in general terms, love is the next greatest motivator. Same scenario someone banging on your door, your first thoughts survival, your second thoughts if you do not live alone, save those you love!

And finally, the third motivator – Purpose. This is actually, for most of us humans the big boy of the three. The reason we (each day) get out of bed and want to live our lives. Our own special purpose (“I have a special purpose?” a quote by Steve Martin from the movie The Jerk, if you haven’t watched it, you should, it’s very funny).

The waters get muddied here. Life is hard and confusing and scary and hurtful (See items 1 and 2). So how on earth can we keep our purpose constant and thriving and alive – So (regardless of what comes) we are centered and balanced – so we want to keep achieving over and above survival – so we can truly live – looking forward to the next day?

Survival instincts keep us physically alive! Loving others and all things living, keeps us emotionally aware and creates a purpose to improve our ability to not just survive but to thrive. This means taking some risks, loving unconditionally and accepting that change and hardships will occur. You just keep on loving.

Watch children, they start out loving all things (except green vegetables) until life experiences begin to slow them down – that’s the muddying I was speaking about!

But that same original energy and vitality is still available, inside you, right now! Reassess how you feel about things. Look for passion (In your creativity, Rearrange how you view things. Pick something you “love” doing. Renew yourself by reaching out. You are so needed!

“Survival + Unconditional Love = Your Purpose! A key mathematical equation!

Consider this post PURPOSE, banging on your door! You have so much to live for, far beyond just survival and it’s waiting just outside your door!

Have a great day,

~ Penny