Wow! It's been over 4 years since last I've blogged. 4. Whole. Years. So much has happened in that time, yet it has all flown by -- er, more like knocked me over in the form of a juggernaut; one stuffed to the gills with personal growth, a greater knowledge of self and wisdom. DEFINITELY a shit load of wisdom. I could give a rundown, but I won't. Let's go with a more truncated version, okay?

As that juggernaut barreled in the other direction (after knocking me smooth over, crushing my spine), a little jewel fell from one of its pockets. I picked it up and decided to keep it. It's been with me a while now and I NEVER leave home without it.

Receive and process people (and situations) for who (and what) they are - not for who (or what) you want them to be. Go back and read that again, please. This time, read it aloud.  Breathe it in. Exhale. Let it roll off your tongue. What does this mean to you? Let me explain what it means to me and how it has facilitated an abundance of peace in my life.


If you were to tell me, "L.T., I'm a thief. I pick people's pockets whenever I ride the subway. I steal all of the free pens that they leave in the bank lobby - every. single. one. I steal whatever isn't nailed down because I'm a fucking klepto and I've been one for as long as I can remember". Okay, I've mentally processed the fact that you are a thief. I get it. I may not agree with it, but I get it. What's next? Do I launch a diatribe against thievery? Lecture you on how it's just wrong? Pray for you? A combination of all three, perhaps - while hoping one of them works? Fuck no. As much as I wish you weren't "that way", I must accept that this is the reality that has presented itself. I have already received you. I must now process you accordingly.You totally would not be someone I would call on if, let's say, I was headed out of town and needed someone to house sit for me. Why in Gator's last dance would I trust you to not make off with everything I've worked so hard for? I've scratched you off my list of people I can rely on - and in doing so, I get to enjoy my 55' TV, my laptop and a few other treasured items a little while longer. No police reports (or ass kickings) required.

This approach to  life, ladies and gents, is how I have attained (and manage to maintain) my zen. I don't approach ANYTHING armed with a fist full of "coulda, woulda, shoulda's". I receive it for exactly what it is/appears to be at the very moment it presents itself. Set aside your heart, emotions (and in some cases, even your religion) for just a second when a new job/friend/relationship presents itself. Examine the facts from a totally cerebral point of view. Strip away every layer. Touch, taste, hear, smell and see it for what it is. Let go of what you "think" or "feel" it should be. There is no worse feeling than that gut punch of accepting a reality in hindsight - after it has cost you something (in some cases, cost you everything). It was more than likely something you couldn't afford to part with.

Til next time, y'all.

L.T.