Tai Chi and other Philosophies

Tai chi teaches that physical action should only be used as a final resort. Somehow I wonder if life uses this motto, or if there is a cosmic being out there that just likes to give unsuspecting individuals a sucker punch to the gut just to remind them that the cosmic plan is not always what they think it is. Mind, that same said being would also be the one that gives us all the blessings and unexpected joy that we experience, too.

While many have different philosophical and religious beliefs to me, I am grateful for my Christian upbringing for creating in me an ability to look beyond the immediate and see opportunities, even when wallowing in, what can be, the trauma of the present. Sure, life can send some sucker punches down, but in doing so it strengthens my resilience and ability (although this can often take a while) to learn from events. As the saying goes "What doesn't kill you will make you stronger." To the best of my knowledge, I'm not the walking dead, but I can sure handle situations that even I don't expect to be exposed to.

As those of you who know me better than others, some will also know that I accept death as part of the cycle of life - one of those less desirable parts, but an essential that must be dealt with tact, patience and acceptance. After all, I don't think our world could cope with an immortal and ever increasing population, nor do I think that the world could handle an immortal version of me.

So, every now and then, I am reminded that I am not the script writer in the play of life, just one of the minions ad libbing as required, so that I don't completely lose my part.

The Serenity prayer (God, Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. ~ Reinhold Niebuhr) is in some ways cliched, but eternally true. Whatever your belief system may be, I wish you the strength to be able to maintain it as well.

Friends - AKA Cluedo

You don't always get to chose your friends. In fact, I have found that quite often I don't get the choice. They just stuck and suddenly it's years later and you're introducing them to others with " This is my friend..." while wondering "How in the world did that happen?"

My friends have taught me a lot more about dealing with others than even those who are supposed to know the "way". Lessons include: Laugh at Yourself 101 followed by Yes, You are Allowed to be an Idiot 102 and Don't Be Down Yourself Up 103. They have taught me that no, I am not the most important person in the world, that there are things more important than stuff, I am not the only friend in the world and that others are affected by their actions, just as much, in some cases even more than I am. They have also taught me to accept people warts and all - after all - not everyone has had the same experiences as I have benefited, prioritise not just tasks, but holistic time. They have also taught me to love my family as they are, not what I expect them to be.

My friends have shown me grace, ignored my faults, told me to get a grip, told me to pull myself together, laughed at my stupidity, made me act stupidly, accepted me for who I am and let them know when I am peeving them off and to change my ways unless I wanted a head smacking. They have broadened my horizons, laughed with me, cried with me, bitched with me, embarrassed me, let me embarrass them and experienced life with me. They have yelled at me, grounded me, laughed at me and given their time for me. They have also been willing (?) participants in consuming my gastronomical experiments, of which I have not killed any of them yet.

My friends are like "Cluedo" - Who did what, where, when and with whom?

Thank you to all my friends for whatever you have done for me. (Just ask what it is if you don't already know your influence.)

HELP!

I don’t usually do this type of electronic announement, but something has been weighing on my mind recently and you can help me, either directly or indirectly.

The trigger for this is that in the last three months I have had two very good friends, both around my age (specifically both less than 45), diagnosed with aggressive types of cancers, one being final stage melanoma. I also have a third friend who has the responsibility of assisting her mother through treatment of another aggressive tumour. Yeah, that really sucks, excuse the vernacular, but it is worst for the individuals who have the cancer itself.

There are three things I would like you to give serious consideration to.

The first thing is to sponsor or join a Relay for Life team. Details for the one that I am doing, if you would like to support me or the team, are as below. Once you’ve done, or at least thought about this, LET OTHERS KNOW. (Let me know too if you’re doing something – it will make my day. I am not holding anyone to it though.)

http://www.relayforlife.org.au/

Hit the Sponsor (a team or individual) button on the right hand side

Select Australian Capital Territory as the State

Select 2012 as the Relay year

Go from there

(I am registered as Robin Armitage and the team is called FADS.)

The second thing, of which if it does not apply to you directly I want you to discuss the concept with your family for your situation. DON’T GIVE ME STUFF for Christmas or my birthday. I have lots of stuff and even some of that stuff I don’t know what to do with. INSTEAD make a donation of $2.00 or more (in your own name – so you can also get the tax benefits) to one of the following organisations:

Heart Foundation http://www.heartfoundation.org.au

Cancer Council http://www.cancercouncil.com.au

Diabetes Australia http://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/

Guide and Assistance Dogs http://www.assistancedogs.org.au/donate.php

I have chosen these four as they are generic (aside from the last) and their research results can help people all around the world, not just those in a specific area. They also provide support for family and friends.

(If you, or your family, choose to do this option it would be great to hear from you.)

Finally the third thing, and I am not the best at this. Let those you love know that you love them and how/why they are important that they are to you and why they are important to you. DO IT NOW. Hearing or reading the words that we often take for granted that someone else knows can change their lives for the better and make a person’s day better. From person experience, I know tomorrow can be too late.

Okay, so that it off my chest. I hope you all have a happy, safe and blessed 2012.

PS If I manage to get off my butt I may even remember to provide updates - ROFL!