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 This
web site is being redeveloped...
...and I'm busy, so it could take a while.
While you're waiting, go read a book or something... anything, just as long as it doesn't require some kind of
consumer electronic gizmo. Stand up from the computer, get out, and actually do something... and try leaving both the iPod and cell phone
at home, for once. I promise you won't burst into flame or anything...
no matter how much you might
actually deserve it.
Go take a walk, preferably in a place that's truly beautiful... or in the rain, maybe. But take it kinda' slow...
leisurely like. Bother to actually notice what's around you. Marvel at something, for
goodness sake! Don't be so jaded. And make a concerted effort, along the way, to say "hello" and "how are you,
today" to people... then watch for the stunned look on their faces.
Or go find a lake, stream, river or some other body of water; sit next to it... and just listen. Or how 'bout a
park? Most of us have wonderful city or county parks all around us, yet we never actually use them. Go find one... preferably with a nice bench beneath
a mighty oak or a weeping willow. So what if a pigeon poops on your shoulder...
it'll wash out. Feed a duck. Try to coax a squirrel to take a peanut from your hand. Shake your head in disbelief
at all the people who won't pick-up after their dogs like the signs tell them to. Notice the sounds of children playing in the distance;
or of a small crowd of spectators cheering a well-hit softball. Let the sight of an elderly couple walking hand-in-hand
bring a little smile to your face. Smell the air. Be grateful for the moment.
Or go to church, maybe. Hey... there's a novel idea! Don't be afraid. Not all church-going Christians are extremist, bible-thumping,
right wing nutjobs, you know. Find a church that hasn't lost
its collective mind; that doesn't require you to check yours at the
door, and start going. You may actually be surprised how edifying it can be if you'll just give
it half a chance.
Or how about going out and helping someone who really and truly needs it. They're everywhere, you know. You can't throw a rock,
anymore, without hitting one... not that you should actually do
anything like that, mind you. But you're smart, right? It shouldn't be too hard to find someone who could use a helping
hand or a little encouragement in life. Go stand at a soup kitchen serving table, handing-out coffee, milk and
juice for a lousy hour or two on Saturdays. Or volunteer yourself and your gas-guzzling pickup truck or SUV to
a food pantry on Tuesday afternoons. If your town has a homeless shelter or rescue mission, give 'em a call and
ask if they need anything. Heck, you've probably got stuff in your basement or garage that they could actually
put to good use, somehow. And heaven forbid you could send 'em a check for twenty lousy bucks, while your at it. It doesn't take much, you know. Don't be so self-absorbed.
One way or the other, stand up from this stupid computer and go do something in
real life... before it finally dawns on you just how much time
you've wasted with your hand on that mouse.
Life's short. This ain't no damned dress rehearsal.
Get out there... and try not to screw
it up, will ya'? |
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