Some questions are tricky in that in that by asking them, you miss the answer. This a morning soliloquy toying with some thoughts on the nature of curiosity and the duality of it’s benefit, whatever that is supposed to mean. Sometimes we just go with the flow and see what comes out. Here is an example of that.

I only know my grandfather through the stories my mother would tell me. On this day in particular she recalled every memory she could muster up of him, fondly recanting in detail what she could still envision of him. These memories, all of which are from before she would turn 8. This is what I learned about mi abuelo Bartalo Padilla.

A reflection on an encounter.

A guilty pleasure of mine is indulging in videos or stories of people who are openly racist getting justice delivered to them, often in the form of losing their jobs and in certain circumstances having violence brought again them. I can’t say that this is a healthy outlook or something I’m proud of. I’m challenging myself to have more compassion towards them because in my own way, in past, I too held bigoted beliefs. Through education, and exposure to the arts, comedy, theater and individuals who held more progressive beliefs I was delivered from my faulty thinking. As it’s said, familiarity breeds empathy. To hold hate or resent towards an entire group of people even if they are racist or bigoted does not contribute to a solution. When we wish hate on others, do we not bring about more hate unto ourselves? I’m seeking a more civil productive answer, to rid myself of my hate and ignorance. How can we move the needle forward in our culture and find more common ground? How can we foster love and unity. I’m curious to hear what you think and wonder if you share these sentiments?

I finally let some stuff go. It’s not rational but I felt reservations up until the point where I tossed that shit down the shoot. It was a heavy feeling but I actually do feel lighter and look forward to letting more stuff go. Wow I have this large empty suitcase which I can put winter clothes in to free up closet space or give away as a blessing to someone. Progress.

It’s time for me to get rid of some shit. Over the years I’ve carried a tendency to hold on to items senselessly. This has accumulated into multiple boxes and suitcases as well as about 10 shoes boxes stacked up in my walk in closet. In my effort to declutter and beginning my path toward being a more tidy and minimalistic person I’ll need help. Comment at me on Instagram @Josephmichaels if you identify with this or have found ways to become more tidy or minimalistic yourself. Over the next few episodes I’ll share my progress with you.

Back Pain

I just took my first step to being debt-free and wanted to document and share this with you. Share with me your success stories, or where you’re at with this journey.

Today I mourn with the rest of the world.

A personal reflection. This is a raw moment of what was going on in my mind during this moment of clarity, these seconds of bliss. Elicited by the scenery and an openness to a calling of nature within me that I responded to.