Category: Our Choices and Thoughts

It’s 2021 !

We are now past the year of 2020 and I feel many people have a changed perspective about their lives and how to go about living them in this new year . Several things have changed in my life, how about yours?

As we leave 2020 and have learned to despise a virus, having to wear masks and be fearful, had left many without proper food, water or shelter nor the ability to earn a living; this has had many people tense, upset, confused and in despair. However, now there’s a vaccine to fight the virus, food being shared and other needs being taken care of and many new remote options for learning a skill and earning money.

As we come into a new year, this moment calls for a brief reflection. To recall all the hurdles and struggles we all overcame. It has been one of the most unsure and unstable year for most of us, with all the drama, trauma, obstacles and tough times. We have all went through something, that has either left us sad, scarred or bruised. Yet, we may have gotten a new insight about ourselves and in how to be more patient, resourceful and resilient.

We had experienced a social tragedy which questioned our humanity and morality, degraded decency, victimized many vulnerable people and made us more concerned with our own mortality. As we gather our thoughts, recalling our experiences and all of what is good, just and right; 2021 has begun.

Now calling out for us to be more conscientious socially, spiritually, culturally, caring more about our health and to respond to the past and future issues that may jeopardize many things in our world. As we can use this time now, to see more clear, in the need to take care of our world and the needs as they arise and to be aware of; what really is the real importance and what matters most to us, the process and paths we must take to protect it all and the opportunities to use to put it in action.

We all have our lists and ideas of how and what needs are to be addressed:

Some could be about our climate or the air and waterways in cleaning them up and keeping them clean. Others have concerns about farmers and slaughter houses, over breeding, inhumane treatment and killing of animals, chemicals and unhealthy substances and additives to our foods and what we ingest. There has been concerns about our healthcare industries, our government, our laws and rights, our law enforcement and the handling of any political or racial disputes in general. The more remotely active things became there has been concerns with children getting proper education and even children being bullied online because of their appearance. Many essential workers without jobs and may have became Ubers, Lyft, Doordash and Eat-street drivers (tipping is essential). There’s also concerns with Native Americans that live on reservations in having food, water, proper sanitizers and of those whom live in countries that don’t have proper facilities to refrigerate the Covid 19 vaccine. These are just a highlighted few….

To wrap it up, We took a pause in our lives, we re-defined our values and our priorities, we re-evaluated our definition of success, we took advantage of technology and made it work for us and we realized that planning is important, but kindness, compassion, empathy, spirituality, immunity and resilience are crucial.

Let’s all have a great New Year!

C .Star. V

Have You Started Yet?

It’s seems as though each year we all have more and more we do, want to get done and are kept so busy, at least for most of us..

Time passes by so quickly and often it feels as though, there’s never enough time to do ‘all’ the things we would like to or even need to each day. We can’t seem to get everything done, since it feels as though there’s so much to cram into one day. Then as time passes and if we didn’t get everything we wanted to get done, we may not have properly prioritized or didn’t use time wisely.

Even though we may not want to waste time as, “Time is like money, money is like time” and when we seem to have less of either one, our options start running out”.

Sometimes it’s like a funneling effect as time escapes us. We could start losing our optimism, our positiveness, our outlook and we may start to become very pessimistic. We may even start disliking things around us, even people around us …We begin to lose our focus, our gratitude, our purpose, we start to second-guess ourselves and all of what we may want or wanted.

This can happen, even if you have been doing okay all along. Why?

Mainly because we go through some events or happenings several times. Possibly, until we learn how to get through them and past them, even if they were paths to keep on or not go through again. Although, we may have even got over them, moved on and have been successful or accomplished something (maybe not as much as we wanted to as of yet), but we at least made it through, as we keep looking forward to the next day, next event, next encounter, next experience as it will all be valuable and worth something.

Though we still may find ourselves struggling over again…..struggling with ourselves, our ideas, thoughts and etc. If this happens and when it does, don’t get upset or sad, it is a just a re-check. Re-checking to make sure you keep in control of your life..Making sure you are not repeating your mistakes or having misunderstandings about something and may need another view of it or a second opinion. Seek positive-purposeful advice.

So keep Working ‘at’ something, ‘on’ something or ‘at’ somewhere, in order to get other plans to take flight . Greatness can take time (even learning happiness, takes time) think of all the things that get better  only within time) good opportunities, good careers, expensive beverages..you get the picture!!

Just make sure you come up for air while you are grinding away, take notice where you are going, make sure you have a plan of some kind to keep focused on, even if it has to change a bit. Often, one plan will led us into another one, but that’s ok , as long as it is working out and keeps you going towards your goals and purpose. Get involved with others that have positive-purposeful attitudes and the same goals and interests.

Not all of us will become doctor’s, lawyers, teachers, celebrities and etc.. there is a reason and purpose for all of that and a purpose and reason for each one of us.

Learn a skill, possibly one in helping others. Which can be something that, will even help you have income. No matter how insignificant it might seem to you, there is a greatness in everything..

“Those whom can see ahead of themselves while on the bumpy road, have a better chance of making it through”. Be kind and cheerful no matter what you are working at or working for, good attitudes are terrific virtues and are eventually noticed, rewarded and then duplicated. Our health, mental attitude and coping skills, are concerns we need to continually work upon, for without these we compromise all the quality in our lives….

“Give yourself more Reasons, less Excuses”.

C .Star. V

Any New Year, Starting Out

It’s a new year, let’s realize about starting out…

One of the single most important aspects of enjoying life, is of course making better choices and using our energies in an efficient way. It’s also in not having to be overly worried about things that will either, stress us out all the time or in keep us all, in such a rush.

So how do we keep from being overly worried, stressed out and in a rush?

Well, along with learning to prioritize, using time management tips and focusing on being purposeful, living within ones means and making the most out of the time given, is a start.

Most successful people will tell you these few words : “Well, when I started out”

Yes they all “Started Out”, they started somewhere, by doing things they were willing to do; even if they may not have liked it or doing it. However, they also didn’t just wake up and were placed in the place that made them great or successful .. Even those whom have inherited great things, have to be willing to do and learn what they need to do and do it well, otherwise they risk losing it all.

“Things don’t go well and stay well if not taken the time and efforts to keep them going well”. It’s in the efforts, in the interest of purposeful, in the information required and learned and in the actions. As in the saying; with great power comes great responsibility .

Those who feel the need for much, will often need to handle much. Those who can be happy with less, will feel less burdened.

The best thing to do, is make efforts in starting out, it can be the “Starting Out” of anything or at any level (keep it positive) and for youths (as everyone should already) start, figuring out the stability and security in your life, in what you are going to do or ‘learn to do’ to make an income and create a supportive purposeful-self . So, you’ll be able to pay for the roof over your head, transportation to get you around and healthy foods to keep you feeling good. Once those are in place, you will have less to worry about and can concentrate on the next things needed and then, other things wanted

I did say less worry, but not less work or less things to worry about. Although keeping ones priorities straight, boundaries set and proper attitudes in place will help.

If you don’t start to figure out your income, manage your finances, your shelter, and your lifestyle for yourself , while you’re young or ‘get these things started’ for yourself, by the time you are middle aged it will be a lingering plight and then you will have created more stress and worry…

“No one has the ability to turn back time, so don’t waste more time trying to.” Just start to learn things and do things for yourself that will give you a purpose and will be useful to you, even for later (this goes for any age). Your future self , will thank you.

… Use Your Time Wisely…

Happy New Year!!!

C . Star V.

The Effect and Affect of our Lives.

I have written previously on this blog about the choices we make, as well as the good’s, bad’s, right and wrongs. Yet, when speaking about the outcomes from our choices and decisions, whether it turns out good, right, wrong or bad; it is only ‘us’ that will be truly able to determine this for ourselves. We have the ability ‘to put or place’ the experience, the moments or the what-evers, ‘wherever-or-however’s-the way we-choose’ (ahh again another choice).

Ya’ see, we can allow it to consume us or not to consume us and as well , how we relate it to us in whichever way chosen. We can adjust it within ourselves, even the levels in which we will let it upset us or not. This will be, all in how we convey it, within and to ourselves (and to others). This all will be determined by us.

Yes, in how we allow it to ‘effect us’ and ‘affect us’. That is why, sometimes we will run across people that may have experienced some of the same things as ourselves and some will feel the same way as we do and others may choose to feel differently. Now, I did say ‘they choose to feel differently’ because well, we can choose.

Think for a moment of something that you have experienced, whether it was either good or bad. If it was good, will you want to remember it? How will you use this experience? How has it helped you? Will you share it to help others?

If it was not so good or bad, will you want to remember it? How will you use this experience? How has it effected or affected you?  Will you use the experience, share the lesson or forgive to forget it? or will you harbor it like a collection of something you have no use for and allow it to use up time and space (in your life and in this case, your mind). Will you allow it to be added to your collective negative thoughts, just waiting to explode, make you feel like a victim at every situation in your life and hinder you from enjoyment and progress?

Time waits for no one, (very famous saying) and a true statement because it’s time consuming and useless to harbor negative feelings. There’s no period of time in your life that will wait and stand-still as you hold onto sad thoughts, bad feelings, or anything of the such. You have the power, for it to ‘not have a negative effect or affect upon you’. It may take some key lessons, such as forgiveness, courage, integrity and possibly a bit of prayers and education, but you are the gatekeeper with the keys, use those keys…

C .Star. V

Really No Good or Bad

Some of my past posts have been about choices, the wrongs, rights, goods and bad’s and well, morally or lawfully ; yes there is a wrong and a right..

However, basically there is no good or bad, when it involves our choices, but only choices we will deal with. You see, when we choose things and it put us in paths of being around, involved in/with or doing things and if it ends up being a bad thing (even ingesting wrong things), then we just are are dealing with what we have chosen..

If things begin to really go haywire, it’s not that we have to accept our choices and drown in our mistakes..we can right the wrongs.. Unfortunately, this may be easier said than done. However the first step is to realize our wrongdoings or the wrongdoings of others and forgive ourselves and others. Then, coming to an understanding of why we may have made that choice in the first place and it’s OK if we might’ve made a wrong decision or wrong choice and it may be possible to be corrected or have things be turned around.

However, sometimes it’s just not right to continue on with those choices because in some instances, trying to make things right is not always going to be right or work-out the way you want, (unless being forgiven or an apology, is all that is needed). For the times where things just won’t be turned around .. the key here is realizing for starters; is it morally or lawfully right or wrong and what makes it so..and why it will or will not be turned around into something good. Which, this now will turn into another choice-often called ‘a decision’ and these types of choices are usually made from what efforts we are willing to put forth from there.

Yet, it isn’t always right to try to keep in a wrong situation, trying to make it right either, it just depends (on what it actually is) and before making a major decision, we should reach out and talk about it (to those who really care about us or get professional opinion or advice) because sometimes, it’s just learning how to cope or make a better choice and what we should and should not do or we may have to just forgive ourselves and any others involved and move on from it and cope with it the best we can.

C .Star. V

Our Brain and Thinking

The human animal once had smaller brains, but over time the brain developed and became much larger and with this, humans were able to be deeper thinkers and ones to make better judgment and decisions. The fact that the human diet had something to do with the evolution of our ‘bigger brains’, has us believing that eating healthier has its benefits.

As well, it is important what we input into our minds and the things we expose ourselves to, what we choose to watch, read and think. Most of us humans, have similar choices and decisions to make in our lives. However, there are many factors that are different, such as, age, monetary factor , environment and experiences.  The ‘Generation Gap’ of yester-years used to signify the overall differences in people of different ages and often this has and can cause misunderstanding, confusing and otherwise disagreements upon issues and topics among those of different age generations..

Such as, of a person in their 40’s and a person whom may be only 19 years old. If asked both, the same question about something (random nothing even specific) their answers will only reflect what they may ‘only’ really know within that point of their life and this can also be applied to their behavior and actions. Since the 2 different minds/brains will not only comprehend and perceive things in which they know and this could be quite different and view even the same things much differently. So, these differences can have us, constantly misunderstanding each other.

At one part of our lives and in developing, we may think and feel a certain way and then at another time or part of our life we may feel and view things differently and often we use the term “Mature” when a person copes well or understands more for their age. Yet, we will only know, what it is that we either have learned, experienced or can envision and of course, what we have evolved up to . Which many a times, may not be reflected or used (by a mature person) when they are handling a situation and become angered, frustrated and even disappointed. Whether it be the person coping with themself or helping another person in need of coping with themself.

We can also witness a sad partaking in inconsideration of others in people of all ages and this can make anyone feel upset and could cause additional harassment, ridicule, bulling and abuse of a person, child or animal; for someone if any age just ‘not knowing’, not understanding or not comprehending something that should not “Automatically be expected to know”.

Yet, most of us humans should already be aware that “Not one of us inhabiting on this planet can possibly know everything about everything” and should not take offensive towards others (even their pets), for not knowing something or how to do something and cause hurt and abuse to others (even innocent animals). As this can become a dilemma if not dealt with correctly.

One simple example of the ‘not knowing’ could be a parent bringing a child or children to doctors office, it’s usually a long wait. If they do not think to prepare to bring a bag with books, crayons, drawing pads or age appropriate toys, games and other needs such as, snacks, diapers bottles what ever they may need to cope, handle and take care of child while they wait, dilemmas can arise. Another example is, going into a store with a child or any place, where if the child is not told ahead of time what is expected of them and how to behave and what will be the reward or consequence, then what do parents expect?

None of us come born with instructions and surely none of us are born knowing everything . “Especially everything we will need to know, for every instance in our lives”. It will need to be taught, shown or experienced before we do. That’s why Parents and pet owners especially need to understand this because pets and children are great responsibilities and it takes much effort, care and learning the know how’s, plus coping skills, to create a more pleasant experience. Being aware that if it isn’t shown ‘how to’ and ‘not to ‘and ‘what to do’, then don’t expect it to be known and then punish unjustly, if not. Using our brain capacity and development is much needed here. We not only need to fill our minds with the appropriate things, but use them more appropriately and beneficially ( for the sake of our own self and others).

Although, most humans lack appropriate coping skills and these are well needed, but often must be learned and unless we have been properly shown or taught some valued lessons and some of these coping skills, many dilemmas can arise. Subsequently, people of all ages may have learned how to do many things and even to to cope well, but don’t necessarily use their knowledge to the best of their ability either, because they just don’t want to or don’t always have the energy to. There is massive amounts of information on how to get help, learn to cope with others and in educating oneself . Plus we are typically social beings and there are people (chose wisely) all around us that are willing to help others.

Meanwhile use your energy wisely, ask questions, learn all you can about coping and preparing yourself for the events and happenings and be learn interested in doing and knowing better for ourselves, one another, our children, the animals and nature inhabitants of our planet and our planet itself…

C .Star. V

Out of Under a Grey Cloud

As the Choices we make will be bring us on different paths in our life, some will bring us into the light of positive outcomes and some may end-up leading us into the dark. While in this process (of our thoughts and intuitions of making choices and decisions), we often hear others express to us; that we may use our heart, head or gut when making choices and decisions.

However, most of it will depend upon our intent and purpose for choosing, but in doing so it all goes back to what we are making our choice or decision upon and how we will carry it out, deal with it and how we will allow it to relate to us.

Many-a-times, we then spend our lives trying to make decisions in changing or correcting them and this can have us feeling overwhelmed. Our lives can seem to become all-encompassing and trying constantly, to get out from under a grey cloud. Especially, when we have chaos, confusion, disappointment, defeat, turmoil, unhappiness or stress that sets-in and we often use our energies up; just trying to correct or change things. All this begins to create an imbalance.

In this imbalanced state can lead into being a not so good-thing. Since, living day-to-day is a multifaceted act and trying continuously to get past our troubles (that have already been created), can cause our perceptions of things begin to shift and this often creates even more chaos, fear an imbalance.

All of this is governed by our will (free-will), which creates a force of energy that becomes an unstoppable action, which produces results. Either way, the result is a force that could allow us to attain our goals, our deepest desires or to just choose what we are going to wear or eat on a daily basis or choosing things we may regret.

As humans, we often can be very stubborn, arrogant and persistent upon thinking, we know more than anyone else about what’s best for ourselves and therefore we do everything we can to try to force our-will into existence. Yet, when we are not on the right track and don’t find the sufficient way to balance the energies out, the universe will be right there to balance it all out for us ( one example, is karma).

Most of us will just ignore this fact, which is why most people struggle in/with life so much. “Meanwhile, we can get so busy trying to live a life we think we want, instead of being responsible for the one we already have chosen”. Yet, whatever it is that has or has not worked out for us, we must realize, all of us have been given a task here on earth and we could be creating additional chores that need to be finished, all in order to keep us balanced. If it has not had the outcomes the way we wanted, it may never unless we take steps to change our attitudes in what we are doing and in what we are having to do to change it and finish our tasks.

This way, not to be destined to what we have chosen insufficiently. In order to do this and steer ourselves out of the darkness, we need to only see that all of us, must keep a balance (of Physical and Spiritual) and need to take positive actions in order to move past our past, away from the negative and direct ourselves accordingly. Some of the best forms of this positive action (or energy) comes from, forgiveness, random acts of kindness, better judgment and educating oneself. So to be creating a force more powerful than you can imagine.

C .Star. V

Good vs Bad Choices

How are we really supposed to decipher between good and bad choices? Besides the obvious of knowing right from wrong and of what we have been taught or witnessed out of outcomes and observations. We can also use the 10 commandments as a set of 10 good ‘common sense rules’ and we can use our own senses. Some people call it using our heads, hearts or gut feelings. Others may call it being mindful or being aware. It doesn’t matter what we call it, but using it properly when we need to, is what counts.

At one time or another, we envision how we want things in our life to be or how we imagine them, in our own minds to be. I say imagine because often we have an unrealistic perception of what it is or how things really need to be. Even in the efforts it takes, in order to have what it is that we desire or want in our lives. This can disappoint, frustrate and cause chaos in many of our lives. How many times, do we want something, such as, a relationship, marriage, a pet, raising children, a certain job or lifestyle or even just good health, but our lives don’t seem to turn out how we envisioned or imagined it to be? We hear of many people, children and pets abused, neglected and others stricken with illnesses and diseased.

It seems as though our society rushes to make choices or decisions without really understanding, preparing or realizing the whole picture. Many people make choices because of what others do or what others say to do, or what they feel they should do. Once a choice is made, it is often too late to undo it. However, there really isn’t a bad choice (well, unless it’s one that is against those 10 common sense rules, stated above) and depending on which one, will depend upon the Karma we will deal with in coping with it. However, making good choices vs making bad choices starts with learning to have good intent that runs parallel with it’s purpose.

The good news is, if our choices (doesn’t happen to turn out good), were made with good intent; we will be able to adjust the purpose to end-up parallel with the intent. *Example, we wanted a pet, choose to get one, the intent was to have a furry-friend, to have fun with, and to love and one that will love us back. Yet, the pet isn’t obedient, feels like too much of a responsibility, causes chaos, stress and unpleasantness.

So instead of the happy and pleasant outcome, the purpose is not seeming to run parallel with the intent. However, in taking the steps to learn tips and get advice on putting the pet and yourself upon a schedule, along with being patient with and understanding the pets feelings these efforts help . As well as, realizing what the pets needs are and making the efforts to make things right. From this, it will end-up with a successful purpose, which will now be parallel with the intent; which was to have a furry-friend, to have fun with and to love and one that will love us back.

In choosing and making good decisions, (in any situation) we must first research, evaluate and prepare ourselves for the true whole picture and responsibilities, not just the one imagined in our minds or to fill our time or the needs only felt in our hearts.

C . Star V.

Our Choices Have Value

“Our choices make up our world”

How do we learn right from wrong? How are we all suppose to know exactly what to do, when to do it, where to do it at and with whom? Our lives seem to bring us confusion, disappointment, hurt, pain, struggles and stress, as we figure it all out. Meanwhile, we wonder what we are here for in this world as we are trying to just survive.

There really is no one answer that fits it all, but we all need to understand just how important and monumental our choices in life can be and more importantly, is how we allow them to affect us.

Our lives start as infants, then toddlers, then pre-teens, teens, young adults, then older adults, as seniors and then as an elder. Our world has been filled with more and more people, this means more and more opinions, views and choices. Often we, misinterpret one another because of the lack of, ‘wanting to understand’ or care about one another’s feelings, struggles or needs.  Along with, living in a society that doesn’t realizes the need to teach our children coping and ‘every-day’ living skills. We then are left dealing with a society of adults, whom already don’t know how to cope well with every-day life, either.

We may be steered into a way of life that may not be realistic, nor have allowed us to have learned how to cope with the basics in life. Then, we may end-up being mistreated or misunderstood and with each passing day we may not be as grateful and happy as we could be.

We all continue to use our free-will to choose and do what we feel that we want to or can do. Yet, there’s so much more then just the physical aspect of our lives and what we can only see, that controls our outcomes and our choices. 

It is the energies put forth in our choices and decisions we make, that create our life and this, creates our world.  So, until we learn how to become more aware of our spiritual factors, we as humans will make our share of blunders, uh-oh’s and mistakes.

Yet, by finding solutions to educate ourselves so not to be misunderstood and in taking the responsibility of wrong choices, we can be creating good outcomes, regardless. Meanwhile, asking for forgiveness, forgiving ourselves and others and then moving on from whatever it is bothering us. This will give value to our lives.

Now that might sound a bit strange “To value our mistakes”, but after all those were our choices. In doing so, it will bring forth growth, strength and the ability to make better choices in our lives.

C .Star. V