Inspirational Song Analysis: Early in the Morning by Charlie Wilson, Lonnie Simmons and Rudy Taylor

When Harlan Howard was asked to describe what makes good, honest music, especially in country and folk, he replied "three chords and the truth." This is also true for rhythm and blues, also known as R&B. Relatable music serenades your heart and mind: the heart feels the emotions and the mind interprets the message. Inspirational music encourages positive change. At a recent gathering, a DJ played "Early in the Morning" written by Charlie Wilson, Lonnie Simmons and Rudy Taylor, originally recorded by The Gap Band. Even though I had heard the song several times, this time I really listened to the lyrics and discovered a powerful message about acceptance, letting go and moving on. Let's discuss....

#Earlyinthemorning #GapBand

Book Review: 10th Anniversary Edition: Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes

 

Shonda Rhimes is a prolific television screenwriter, producer and founder of Shondaland, her production company. Highly rated Shondaland produced shows include How to Get Away with Murder, The Residence, Scandal, Bridgerton and others. When I heard that Rhimes was coming to my city to promote the 10th Anniversary of her Year of Yes memoir, I didn't think twice before buying a ticket. Let's discuss.....

Choices and Consequences - Red Pill vs Blue Pill - Choose Wisely

 

The Matrix poster - Courtesy of Wikipedia

Recently, I attended an exciting football game. One team had a choice to either kick a field goal for three points or run the football through the end zone for two points. Usually, a team with similar options would go for the field goal. So, it was shocking to me, and others, when the team went for the run. The team didn't score and eventually lost the game.  This event inspired me to think about our life choices and consequences. With every choice we make, there is a corresponding consequence.  Like Neo in The Matrix, every day we make life altering choices, so choose wisely.  Let's discuss...

A Reflection on Dr. Maya Angelou's Timeless Wisdom, "When people show you who they are believe them."

                                              Dr. Maya Angelou in 1993, Wikipedia

Dr. Maya Angelou (April 4, 1928-May 28, 2014) was an American memoirist, poet and civil rights activist. Her memoir, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1969) tells of her life up until the age of 17 and earned her international acclaim. She wrote seven autobiographies and several books of poetry.  Dr. Angelou also earned several honorary degrees. She recited her poem, "On the Pulse of the Morning" (1993) at the first inauguration of President Bill Clinton. Her wisdom is highly respected, and her poems are frequently recited at poetry readings and graduations. Her quote, "When people show you who they are believe them" is very popular and one of my favorite quotes. Why? Let's discuss....

Poetry Fridays: Ode to Forgiveness

 

Forgiveness image courtesy of www.PickPik.com

May 3, 2024

Poetry Fridays. Today's theme is forgiveness

Ruminating: Why we can't stop thinking about negative thoughts?

Last night, I watched New Year’s Eve festivities on television. At midnight, the revelers cheered on the hope and possibilities of a new year. January 1 on the calendar is a sign of a new beginning. At the same time, it’s possible for our bodies to live in the present moment while our minds are in a different time zone. The past and the present can emotionally coexist. Last year was full of new beginnings and endings of my various stories. Some of them happy, while others were heartbreaking.  As I reflect on an eventful 2019, I thought about an ancient story about looking backwards. When leaving a city, Lot and his family were told, “look not behind thee…But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.” Perhaps, this story warns us of the consequences of constantly ruminating about the past.  Let’s discuss….

This Jungian Life: A Podcast You Should Know

My friend Mae habitually procrastinates. If Mae has a Friday deadline to complete a task, she will start working on Thursday night. At one time in your life, you probably experienced procrastination directly or indirectly. What causes the propensity to put off into the future, what can be completed in the present?  Is it due to a lack of self-control? Laziness? Not caring? Apathy? As I pondered these questions, I coincidentally discovered This Jungian Life, a podcast which brings a psychological perspective to important issues in life, according to their introduction. From their episode on procrastination, I learned about causes for the tendency to procrastinate, and strategies used to overcome the habit. Let’s talk about it…

Why You Should Write Personal Mission, Vision and Values Statements

Most decisions are truly ours to make, but the decision-making process may be stressful because we cannot always predict the consequences. What criteria can we use to help us select the best choices for our lives? One way is to write and implement personal mission, vision and values statements. Really?  Let's go on a journey....