Summertime Thunderstorms

4:14 PM CST in McKinney, Texas on July 9, 2016 and it's roughly 80 degrees out, windy, thundering, cloudy and dark. I can see sheets of rain about a mile away, just across the open field and tollway directly in front of my balcony, facing South, towards the more developed metroplex. Views like this are what I appreciate most about living in this apartment and the view of storms from this 2nd floor balcony are a storm watchers dream. 

Nature does what it does, and everything is intentful, natural and purposeful. The seasons change, the rain falls, the wind blows, the tornadoes come, the sun shines, the moon flows through its magical cycles, the ocean waves rise and fall, the temperatures fluctuate day after day, hour after hour. Everything has a purpose, has its place, knows its role and makes the most of life without fighting it. 

Why do we fight what we are? Why do we feel the need to fight what we are? Why do we feel the need to make others feel like they need to fight what they are? Albert Einstein wrote, "Everyone is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid."

Everyone is unique, talented, gifted, special and has their own set of skills and experiences unique to their life. We can't duplicate this, nor is it our place to judge or assume the worst of, because it is different. We have no idea what it's like to be in their shoes, to live their struggles, to know their internal dialogue. Kindness, respect, admiration, benefit of the doubt, a blank canvas ... treat everyone with the same level of respect. Your mom, your boss, your waiter, your neighbor, your fellow humans in traffic, the loud family behind you in line, police officers, your mechanic, strangers, friends, family, co-workers, your significant other, everyone. It's amazing the ease of experience through life you'll have if you assume the good in people and not the worst. Release your anger with a manner that works for you. Playing music, dancing, painting, singing, showering, swimming, running, window shopping, reading, playing with your children, browsing Instagram ... whatever the outlet is that works for you, make it a habit that does the job.

Live Good, Live Well