Christmas and New Year
2014
The Meaning of Life ( End of Year Reflection )
Xiomara J. Pages December 24, 2013
The Meaning of Life ( End of Year Reflection )
Xiomara J. Pages December 24, 2013
Again , Christmas, and another year is coming .... 2014...!
Christmas, Hannukah , Kwanzaa ... the goal is celebration of love , friendship, and family, with the presence of a Creator , a God , even with friends who claim to be atheists, because love has no name . Different times and eras, different customs, different cultures , generations , other ways of living and seeing life, these differences change the meaning of it.
Where did the time go , I asked and someone answered me, that time does not go, we are
the ones going , because time is
eternal.
We communicate with each other through devices and accessories : cell
phones, computers , texts , voicemails , we have already surpassed the
complaints of yesteryear with the new radio and television. However, I keep
wondering if we have progressed in this business of communicating with each
other. Sometimes , with so many ways to
do this, we still do not answer the call or the text of a
mother, neither we know how a child really feels,
if he/she is happy or sad, if your friend needs you with urgency ... if we can help someone
ill or in need of a pat or a hug , because we have created such a busy and
stress-filled life, that the most important things are forgotten. And " what is
important is invisible to the eye " said Antoine De Saint -Exupery
, in its small but famous book " The
Little Prince . "
Christmas for
Christians, means the birth of a baby Jesus (who is God made -man ) , to live a life
like ours but with a meaning, to die
crucified to save us from evil, and to
revive so that good succeed . Others, still await the coming
of a Messiah as Christians did , to accomplish the same mission. And many others think that there is not one
life, but many re- incarnations , and that every life is a purification of the
above , to be a better person yet.
What is the meaning of life? ... Do you ever wonder ? ... All of us at what point or another, have asked this question , especially when we are going through hard times , because when everything goes well, we forget that we are mortal . Some people respond that they better don't delve into this question, because there is ' no sense. ' Others experience it as something bad , that has to be justified with a thousand reasons, because it really has no explanation. Some people only see as a simple punishment, whether it is being born , or everything that happens in their lives.
What is the meaning of life? ... Do you ever wonder ? ... All of us at what point or another, have asked this question , especially when we are going through hard times , because when everything goes well, we forget that we are mortal . Some people respond that they better don't delve into this question, because there is ' no sense. ' Others experience it as something bad , that has to be justified with a thousand reasons, because it really has no explanation. Some people only see as a simple punishment, whether it is being born , or everything that happens in their lives.
To make sense of life , has been an ongoing task
in the history of mankind, in all fields : philosophical, scientific ,
psychological, theological / religious , and the answers are the product of each culture and ideology, of each civilization and belief. We are the product of what we live .
What our grandparents thought and believed no longer goes with our lives and the lives of our children and grandchildren, are a lot further from our way. It also depends on whether we are rich or poor, whether we are black or white; if you 're Anglo or Latino , African , Middle Eastern or Asian ; depends, of course on the age , gender, lifestyle , we have chosen to live . A sick or blind person, cannot see life the same way that a healthy person with eyes can.
Our way of living affects our happiness , our consciousness. From there we create our values , ethics , good and evil, to believe or not believe in God, life after death, or the existence of the soul. The meaning of life is linked therefore to our conception of it , and the way so rushed currently living , and we eat fast, drive a car at high speed, beings slaves to the clock, between avenues and highways prone to catastrophe at any point... often living beyond the means we have , pressured by finances , staying just a short time to really LIVE .... and all that, produces stress, and stress gets you sick , and kills. All this makes us very impatient and moody beings , who cannot wait in order to achieve a goal , after much effort , as it was in our grandparents' time . And in conclusion, we live life quickly , and neither we wonder why we are here and if you find meaning .
We must learn to live a little more slowly, to discover beautiful things , that in the rush, escape us . I'm not where I was , although essentially I continue to have the same basis of yesteryear. I decided again and again each year to choose to be a little happier , and to require less to keep on living ..... not to obtain happiness , for that does not exist, but ... to live and provide others , and to myself , happy moments.
Life, thanks to the God I know , and to the attitude I have chosen, has failed to embitter me, despite the many sorrows and difficulties , diseases and losses of all kinds, I've endured in over six decades . I have given up , as I always say , the that victim role, and do not hold grudges and hatreds that only lead nowhere but to occupy a space that can be best filled with love and kindness . I laugh a lot, that is very healthy, and I combine tears of sadness and joy in the everyday struggle . I have insisted in Living . That's why, I stopped to pick up a duckling, dying in a parking lot and put it next to his mother , and stay next to the Mother Duck , until he died .... or photograph about 70 birds bathing happily in a puddle of water after the rain , or stay inside my car, admiring a sunset or full moon, or watching a couple of pigeons in love on the electric line in the street. I'm still writing , gathering artists and writers at home every month, to support art and culture, so that we all develop our potential and reach our ideals and dreams.
There are many poor and sick children , marginalized and unemployed persons , which may very well be that same Jesus, we love and want to celebrate. There are forgotten elderly in nursing homes , there are many homeless wanderers , and still many of us are always questioning whether they need the money they ask for, or not. It is so difficult for us, to give love and support , when it is better to fill our hearts of generosity and simply offer what we can , and let God make the judgments . But we have not learned to live with the freedom to live ... Yes to live and to follow our own dreams ... We only live to watch other people's lives, to criticize , harass, prosecute , convict , and in many cases, slander them, instead of living our own.
Life has more meaning than we see . It makes no sense if you live without goals. Take an interest in others, not to criticize , but to know, to love , and to help them.
Perform a task, something meaningful , that stays for future generations. Make a difference , leave a legacy , you will be helping not only others but yourself . It is the best investment we can make , you'll become a much better human being. You will be an example for many , perhaps for someone who did not have the example of a good father or a good mother, or for those who lacked a figure to guide them .
Perhaps your way of life , helps others to live theirs ... I know ... this year , unknowingly, I was able to avoid that a friend commits suicide. That gave more meaning to my life than any material gift. Because my love and support to her, and her way to see me, made it happen, and I gave her the most precious gift, the gift of life, and I didn't know until later.
I have shared anecdotes , stories from other media with all of you, throughout the year , on my walls and blogs, telling you how can we go on becoming gradually real and genuine human beings ( as someone said , a better version of ourselves) searching for happy moments not only for ourselves but with, and for others as well.
What our grandparents thought and believed no longer goes with our lives and the lives of our children and grandchildren, are a lot further from our way. It also depends on whether we are rich or poor, whether we are black or white; if you 're Anglo or Latino , African , Middle Eastern or Asian ; depends, of course on the age , gender, lifestyle , we have chosen to live . A sick or blind person, cannot see life the same way that a healthy person with eyes can.
Our way of living affects our happiness , our consciousness. From there we create our values , ethics , good and evil, to believe or not believe in God, life after death, or the existence of the soul. The meaning of life is linked therefore to our conception of it , and the way so rushed currently living , and we eat fast, drive a car at high speed, beings slaves to the clock, between avenues and highways prone to catastrophe at any point... often living beyond the means we have , pressured by finances , staying just a short time to really LIVE .... and all that, produces stress, and stress gets you sick , and kills. All this makes us very impatient and moody beings , who cannot wait in order to achieve a goal , after much effort , as it was in our grandparents' time . And in conclusion, we live life quickly , and neither we wonder why we are here and if you find meaning .
We must learn to live a little more slowly, to discover beautiful things , that in the rush, escape us . I'm not where I was , although essentially I continue to have the same basis of yesteryear. I decided again and again each year to choose to be a little happier , and to require less to keep on living ..... not to obtain happiness , for that does not exist, but ... to live and provide others , and to myself , happy moments.
Life, thanks to the God I know , and to the attitude I have chosen, has failed to embitter me, despite the many sorrows and difficulties , diseases and losses of all kinds, I've endured in over six decades . I have given up , as I always say , the that victim role, and do not hold grudges and hatreds that only lead nowhere but to occupy a space that can be best filled with love and kindness . I laugh a lot, that is very healthy, and I combine tears of sadness and joy in the everyday struggle . I have insisted in Living . That's why, I stopped to pick up a duckling, dying in a parking lot and put it next to his mother , and stay next to the Mother Duck , until he died .... or photograph about 70 birds bathing happily in a puddle of water after the rain , or stay inside my car, admiring a sunset or full moon, or watching a couple of pigeons in love on the electric line in the street. I'm still writing , gathering artists and writers at home every month, to support art and culture, so that we all develop our potential and reach our ideals and dreams.
There are many poor and sick children , marginalized and unemployed persons , which may very well be that same Jesus, we love and want to celebrate. There are forgotten elderly in nursing homes , there are many homeless wanderers , and still many of us are always questioning whether they need the money they ask for, or not. It is so difficult for us, to give love and support , when it is better to fill our hearts of generosity and simply offer what we can , and let God make the judgments . But we have not learned to live with the freedom to live ... Yes to live and to follow our own dreams ... We only live to watch other people's lives, to criticize , harass, prosecute , convict , and in many cases, slander them, instead of living our own.
Life has more meaning than we see . It makes no sense if you live without goals. Take an interest in others, not to criticize , but to know, to love , and to help them.
Perform a task, something meaningful , that stays for future generations. Make a difference , leave a legacy , you will be helping not only others but yourself . It is the best investment we can make , you'll become a much better human being. You will be an example for many , perhaps for someone who did not have the example of a good father or a good mother, or for those who lacked a figure to guide them .
Perhaps your way of life , helps others to live theirs ... I know ... this year , unknowingly, I was able to avoid that a friend commits suicide. That gave more meaning to my life than any material gift. Because my love and support to her, and her way to see me, made it happen, and I gave her the most precious gift, the gift of life, and I didn't know until later.
I have shared anecdotes , stories from other media with all of you, throughout the year , on my walls and blogs, telling you how can we go on becoming gradually real and genuine human beings ( as someone said , a better version of ourselves) searching for happy moments not only for ourselves but with, and for others as well.
Living unafraid to forgive or ask forgiveness. Without hesitation , even if it's a stranger, as I did giving FREE HUGS amid a shopping mall, although I have been criticized. To share feelings , pictures , stories , without much fear of the world.
All of you, with your notes and comments , cards and letters , calls and physical hugs, have given more meaning to my life, my work , my beliefs, and therefore , you have given them to daughter, since the better I feel, I communicate that to her in her sickbed . Let's create and live our own destiny, and to feel a greater joy in living and to let others live .
Sometimes we blame ourselves for the choices we made in life, and even with the passing of time , we are still sorry . I know because I have. But maybe all we have lived , made us the way we are today. Sometimes we let these elections or other circumstances beyond our control , mark us for the rest of our lives. We may, if not erase them totally , try to eliminate the damage , we have to try . In my case , I turn to the help of that God I know , and so far , it has gone well.
I continue my quest to live fully, despite many obstacles , that some of you know. Surviving, always looking for the best, the happiest , the most human , the most loving in everything in my life , or I will die trying , but will never quit.
For this we
have to evolve , continue to feed the inner child . I recently read about a
group of children in a school, who launched to the air dozens of balloons with
a note to Santa Claus tied to them before throwing them flying. A balloon exploded in the air and the note came down where a farmer was working. This person via
Facebook, could locate the 8-year
old girl , and grant the
requested gifts.
We must make others happy , whenever we can ... And without a doubt , if we have offended or hurt someone, we must rectify . Unfortunately, this is mistakenly taken for a weakness , when it is one of the strongest qualities possessed by a human being.
We must also seek wisdom , not only of the mind but of the heart . Knowing all that we can possible learn, extending our conception of the world , no limits , to accommodate everyone, since there is a lot of ignorance . That way, we can overcome suffering, and love others more freely . And indeed, we will avoid diseases like Cancer or Alzheimer's , since our mind is always occupied in expanding itself.
You have to search and search, to find . Do not stick to unnecessary things. So I empty my closets , I sell clothes and shoes on Garage Sales , during times of financial need, or have donated generously to those who have nothing to wear or pass shortcomings due to disasters such as a hurricane or an earthquake. I have stopped eating at times, to provide for another ... yet , many friends have come to bring me help in times of scarcity and difficulty. That is, find a reason to live , to keep the balance between reality and what we can achieve within that reality , with a full mental state of calm and peace . This manages to provide us with a healthy body and mind.
We have to create our world, not fail to be objective , but to create our own heaven, our own paradise, where we do good things, leaving a mark that will benefit others. Whenever we can , deliver more than what we get , skip the sufferings, our own and those of others ; be fair, confront what is not good or fair ; let's share what we have , to be generous , contributing to the lives of others not only material t hings, but those of the spirit.
We must make others happy , whenever we can ... And without a doubt , if we have offended or hurt someone, we must rectify . Unfortunately, this is mistakenly taken for a weakness , when it is one of the strongest qualities possessed by a human being.
We must also seek wisdom , not only of the mind but of the heart . Knowing all that we can possible learn, extending our conception of the world , no limits , to accommodate everyone, since there is a lot of ignorance . That way, we can overcome suffering, and love others more freely . And indeed, we will avoid diseases like Cancer or Alzheimer's , since our mind is always occupied in expanding itself.
You have to search and search, to find . Do not stick to unnecessary things. So I empty my closets , I sell clothes and shoes on Garage Sales , during times of financial need, or have donated generously to those who have nothing to wear or pass shortcomings due to disasters such as a hurricane or an earthquake. I have stopped eating at times, to provide for another ... yet , many friends have come to bring me help in times of scarcity and difficulty. That is, find a reason to live , to keep the balance between reality and what we can achieve within that reality , with a full mental state of calm and peace . This manages to provide us with a healthy body and mind.
We have to create our world, not fail to be objective , but to create our own heaven, our own paradise, where we do good things, leaving a mark that will benefit others. Whenever we can , deliver more than what we get , skip the sufferings, our own and those of others ; be fair, confront what is not good or fair ; let's share what we have , to be generous , contributing to the lives of others not only material t hings, but those of the spirit.
Teach others to
help themselves also . If we have
greater financial resources , we can help many more people achieve their goals
, but do not create parasites,
teach them to fend for themselves
. Not only give them fish but teach them
to fish .
Being honest and responsible , loving God if you are a believer , knowing even more about Him, each day , especially in your dealings with others , and if you're not a believer, respect those who do , showing your greatness , and acceptance.
Every person who comes into our lives , transforms it ; each human being we touch, touches us . Do not be lazy to the pain of others. Be compassionate, but do not exploit suffering. Look and learn to be happy. Sometimes we cannot help a person who cannot or will not help himself . Then let her/him go. That's why I deleted phone numbers from my mobile phone, people who are no longer in my life; I have erased or deleted some of those called 'friends' on Facebook , and I let go of things and situations , people, who have nothing to do with me . However, I pray for all of them and I even rejoice if they continue on with their own dreams and adventures. This is not only good , but it is also healthy ... we are all important to a greater or lesser degree.
Do not fear the tears and the feelings of love and friendship. Sometimes you fear being hurt , and walk away, or lock yourself when life is made of laughter and tears. You cannot avoid life, even if you want it, because you are a human. Search for beauty, the arts , literature . If you have talent and art..then, create, invent , and share . Make plans , find someone to help you , made them happen. Eat, drink , enjoy with friends and family. Have a pet and learns from it. Watch and learn with Nature ... plants , animals , the earth and stones , the colors that God gives us in each landscape, that not even the most famous and ancient artist have been able to emulate.
Do what you got to do sometimes, to improve your life or that of others , but do not despair , and remember ... there will always be injustice , abuse, and pain; rich and poor, good and evil; corrupt and lying politicians ; shootings and assaults; discrimination in every way ; hypocritical SOB religious , envious people ; murderers of bodies and dreams; but do not forget there are also sunsets, kisses and lovers ; children laughing and playing , very spiritual beings who sacrifice everything for the welfare of others ; mothers who love and give their life for her kids , sick people facing long sufferings are doomed, and still manage abundance of smiles and love ; jails full of lost men , but also imprisoned regretful and even innocent ones ; there is much more good than bad , after all .
Life , my friends, it makes sense ... but you have to give it, yourself ... I had to struggle and still suffer much, but I have forgiven and I have apologized ; I have succeeded and failed; I have been betrayed and I have been loved; I have understood and sometimes I have been unkind ; I ' ve cried and I've been alone, I have laughed of myself a lot , and I crashed sometimes , but I knew how to get up. I could have done so much more , and I didn't. Other times , I did too much .
I know , I know what is the meaning of my life: to love and to build , not to destroy or hate ... despite everything, and whatever they say . So I invite you to the destination where I am going , my dear ones .... Life is a mystery to live, not a problem to solve ..... I'm accompanied by the God I know.... and that goal , my destiny is:
'Live , Live , Live .... that Life is a Banquet ' (* )
and most people , not knowing how to live , are dying of starvation.. lol.
(* ) Words of actress Rosalind Russell in the film ' Auntie Mame , ' 1958.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85pJXaiXOBU
Being honest and responsible , loving God if you are a believer , knowing even more about Him, each day , especially in your dealings with others , and if you're not a believer, respect those who do , showing your greatness , and acceptance.
Every person who comes into our lives , transforms it ; each human being we touch, touches us . Do not be lazy to the pain of others. Be compassionate, but do not exploit suffering. Look and learn to be happy. Sometimes we cannot help a person who cannot or will not help himself . Then let her/him go. That's why I deleted phone numbers from my mobile phone, people who are no longer in my life; I have erased or deleted some of those called 'friends' on Facebook , and I let go of things and situations , people, who have nothing to do with me . However, I pray for all of them and I even rejoice if they continue on with their own dreams and adventures. This is not only good , but it is also healthy ... we are all important to a greater or lesser degree.
Do not fear the tears and the feelings of love and friendship. Sometimes you fear being hurt , and walk away, or lock yourself when life is made of laughter and tears. You cannot avoid life, even if you want it, because you are a human. Search for beauty, the arts , literature . If you have talent and art..then, create, invent , and share . Make plans , find someone to help you , made them happen. Eat, drink , enjoy with friends and family. Have a pet and learns from it. Watch and learn with Nature ... plants , animals , the earth and stones , the colors that God gives us in each landscape, that not even the most famous and ancient artist have been able to emulate.
Do what you got to do sometimes, to improve your life or that of others , but do not despair , and remember ... there will always be injustice , abuse, and pain; rich and poor, good and evil; corrupt and lying politicians ; shootings and assaults; discrimination in every way ; hypocritical SOB religious , envious people ; murderers of bodies and dreams; but do not forget there are also sunsets, kisses and lovers ; children laughing and playing , very spiritual beings who sacrifice everything for the welfare of others ; mothers who love and give their life for her kids , sick people facing long sufferings are doomed, and still manage abundance of smiles and love ; jails full of lost men , but also imprisoned regretful and even innocent ones ; there is much more good than bad , after all .
Life , my friends, it makes sense ... but you have to give it, yourself ... I had to struggle and still suffer much, but I have forgiven and I have apologized ; I have succeeded and failed; I have been betrayed and I have been loved; I have understood and sometimes I have been unkind ; I ' ve cried and I've been alone, I have laughed of myself a lot , and I crashed sometimes , but I knew how to get up. I could have done so much more , and I didn't. Other times , I did too much .
I know , I know what is the meaning of my life: to love and to build , not to destroy or hate ... despite everything, and whatever they say . So I invite you to the destination where I am going , my dear ones .... Life is a mystery to live, not a problem to solve ..... I'm accompanied by the God I know.... and that goal , my destiny is:
'Live , Live , Live .... that Life is a Banquet ' (* )
and most people , not knowing how to live , are dying of starvation.. lol.
(* ) Words of actress Rosalind Russell in the film ' Auntie Mame , ' 1958.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85pJXaiXOBU
