Saturday, December 28, 2024 @ 12:48 MST / 14:48 EST - Sunday, December 29, 2024 @ 13:42 MST / 15:42 EST
Story.
What is a story?
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a story can be both "an account of incidents or facts": true; or "a fictional narrative," "a widely circulated rumor," a "lie": false.
One of the most valuable items I learned in my graduate studies is the ability to hold multiple truths simultaneously: ambivalence.
We are constantly looking at the world, events, people, plants, places, animals, fungi, rocks, clocks, blocks, things, ideas through our own perspective. Our lens will differ from that of the person sitting next to us on the plane.
One incident can be perceived and interpreted in radically different ways by multiple people.
And then.
There are manipulators of fact. Those who intentionally twist and play with truths like life is their chess board and they are the wizard in charge of the pitiful pieces. Surreptitiously making ostensibly innocuous moves to hide an insidious nature. Hubris.
There are many things I wish that I could say about this song, the sentiment and the story behind it. Stories. Some untold. Some unknown.
Like all of my songs, I leave its truth in your hands.
Consider the following while listening and reflecting.
Loyalty to people will get you nowhere in life.
The most charming of people can manipulate many. Easily. It is all a game to them.
Pay attention to patterns. Patterns matter more than words. More than actions. More than charm and more than bonds of blood and friendship.
Stay true to a mission. A cause. Choose that cause over people, and the people in your life will fall into place. When that cause has lost its meaning: do not be afraid to reevaluate and find a new purpose.
Do not be afraid to be alone. Ironically, loneliness often leads to community. Loneliness is loveliness. People who are attached to their besties often forget what it is like to rely solely on oneself, and therefore community. Because none of us can rely only on ourselves in the end. We are all reliant upon each other, ideally for the success of us all.
Look for the misfits. Find that person who is sitting by themself at a gathering. Say hi. Be awkward! Invite them over for coffee or tea or snacks or a movie night. Ask them again. Sometimes some people need to be asked multiple times to ensure they -- we -- actually are wanted and you are not just trying to be polite.
Do not underestimate the value of a good movie movie night with good people and good popcorn (Jolly Time has been my favorite lately) and nonalcoholic beverages. A good time does not have to cost a lot of money or make anyone feel uncomfortable. Sometimes a good clean night of fun like we are kids again is needed for us all. (Legit, can you tell I have been watching Dawson's Creek lately?)
Be kind to your neighbor. Like literally. How many of you actually know the names of your neighbors. Do you say hello to them? Would you ask them for a cup of sugar or give them some butter if they needed it? Be good to your neighbor and make conversation with strangers.
Humility. You are no better than anyone else. I am no better than anyone else. I am no better than anything else. I recently watched a clip of an anthropologist explaining the utter egocentrism in most humans believing that we are the "best" or "most intelligent beings" or "end result" of evolution. Guess what. We are still evolving. And Mother Nature may smite us all tomorrow. Nothing is a given.
To those who have taken me in, created space to feel like home for this weary soul, especially in recent years... thank you. I will not forget you.
To anyone who has an Elizabeth out there, this song is for you. As much as it is for all the Elizabeths themselves. ♥️
To end this year or begin the next one, kindly consider making a donation or volunteering your time to any of the following organizations if you have the means to do so:
Center Against Sexual and Family Violence
La Posada Home
Borderland Rainbow Center
Dartmouth Cancer Center
There are people within our communities who could use our help, and these are but a few organizations that are making a difference daily.
If you know of an organization that is doing great things in your community and deserves recognition, please leave their information in the comments. Let us spread some positivity to end this year and ring in the new year. 🎊
Cheers and blessings to you all.
That's the closest thing to a prayer that I can muster to end this year.
Oh Elizabeth, if you only knew the hell that I've been through
What could be worse than what is true?
Elizabeth... there are many things I wish that I could say
One day it might feel safe
Elizabeth, my hope for you is that you carry yourself high
Let your conscience be your guide. ✨
You'll get closer to fine.
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