What Influences Your Choices

I am one of those persons who sometimes wonders about the choices that people make. I am not one to judge or pry but sometimes as you observe, one tends to wonder. I have made some life choices as well as situations have pushed me to make certain choices. In addition, some decisions are made because of a sequence of unrelated events or coincidences. Whether we think it is fate, destiny or it's all unrelated, is irrelevant.

I chose not to eat meat because I learned about my family's health history. I stopped chemically treating my hair because the chemicals made it fall out. I live in the BVI because the opportunity presented itself. I write poetry because I was encouraged to do so in a class. Looking back, I never considered myself poetic. I decided to become a writer because I saw an opportunity and I decided to build on it.

My present job - from my perspective, is all a coincidence that works well for me. I like challenges and I am happy to take it on. So for me, I learn, I apply and I live. I don't know what the formula is for other people but like I said earlier, I do wonder. When I see persons making what I call bad decisions, I wonder if my brain works differently to theirs. Even in the most recent elections in the BVI, I am still wondering what some of the candidates were thinking!

I grew in a strict household and there are certain things that I will just not do. There are certain decisions that are influenced by my upbringing, my morals and by the example I want to set for my children. I am sometimes happy to be the one who will stand aside and not follow the crowd.

So that's me - what influences your choices?

Ribbon

POEM: A Journey of Thoughts

I watch a horse's stride,
a mother carrying her baby at her side;
even as clouds on their journey collide
and in the highest branches
where the birds abide.
It can be as simple as a ferry boat ride
or a good friend in whom I can confide,
because you can't keep all
your feelings bottled up inside.
So I arise, although I sometimes cry
and sometimes wish for wings to fly,
let me pause and sigh.....
It's not every action that needs a reply.
It's time we decide to let certain things fly
because on your journey,
it'll never be as easy as pie
and sometimes you have to be bold and not shy,
then lift your eyes to the sky
because there are some feelings
that you cannot deny.
So take your journey
with your head held high
and know that there are tough choices
that only you can decide.

Ribbon

Our Differing Views

Everybody has different views. That's the norm. However, it is not reasonable to be upset with me for mine or for me to be upset with you for yours. I especially cannot deal with persons who just have these offset views and will not admit that they are wrong. If there is a rule or law that is passed in an institution or something that is commonly understood and agreed, you are not correct if you go against the norm.

For example, if my children's school states in the dress code that students should wear yellow shirts, how can I send my children to school with orange or green shirts? I like to talk about 'common sense' but it really is not common.

As spring goes into summer, I see people's personal agendas being shuffled out into public forums. Have we lost the sense of the big picture? People are talking about rules that have been in place for years and research reflects that these rules are no different to those in effect in other jurisdictions - close and far.

Interpretation and perception can differ; however, when the rule or law is clearly written, there should be no question. I support that we have our opinions but I will reiterate that I will not stand by or for nonsense. We can agree not to agree with the law or rule - but that's not our fight in every case. Look at your role and act as you ought to.

Ribbon

A Poppy Show Moment

I like things that make me laugh. I look for funny movies and happy songs. As I write this, I'm listening to a plethora of Phil Collins songs which may not all have a happy message but provide pleasant and easy listening. I had many laughs today and some were because of words thrown out. Humor helped the situations to be dealt with.

In the VI, we have a phrase we use - "poppy show". I don't know the origin of this colloquialism but we usually refer to it someone who is being laughed at and not laughed with based on a behavior they have exhibited. It could also be someone who is trying to get laughs. I have been a "poppy show" before because sometimes you just have to ease the tension.

Today had a combination of both and this is good for me because throughout the tension and trials of day, I was able to exercise my facial muscles. Sometimes, you just have to take a moment for a laugh.

Ribbon

Bob Marley's Birthday 2015

Bob Marley 2015

"Confrontation" is inevitable
but sometimes it takes a kinda "Rastaman Vibration"
to be able to understand "Survival"
But I really don't want to be "Waiting in Vain"
because there is "So Much Trouble in the World"
and we need to "Wake Up and Live"
In this "Concrete Jungle", "Them Belly Full"
but we know we hungry for knowledge
and "Positive Vibration" needs to be at the forefront
You have to know when too
"Get Up Stand Up"
because everybody has "So Much Things Say"
but you have to pick and choose
and our "Guiltyness" needs to rest on our conscience
but We all have "One Love"
and that is all we need

© Linette Rabsatt for Bob Marley 2015

Revenge vs Karma

How far would you go to take revenge? Is is really worth it? Sometimes you just have to let karma do its job. We focus so much on the petty issues rather than focusing on how we can improve ourselves or build teamwork. Everybody continues to want change but can't deal with it when it comes. You might attempt revenge and then it backfires on you. The person that you despise will move on and continue living. They may even sue you for some behavior or action that you take.

I would say it is better to change your focus than to change your address to a cell at the local jail. Let karma do its job.

Ribbon

Shine-I- I Got It Bad Official Music Video 2013