Dawn's Embrace

In this episode - Dawn’s Embrace . . .

In the quiet hours before dawn breaks,
The darkness whispers, and my spirit wakes.

For in my hands, tomorrow lies—
A chance to reach,
to strive, to rise.

With steady focus, I find my way,

Turning each task into light for the day.

Not every path is smooth or clear,
Yet I push forward, shedding fear.

Life may bring disappointments, it's true.
My dreams are mine, and I'll see them through.
My attitude is my own to steer,
and No One else shapes the hope I hold dear.

So I start each morning with a heart alight,
Embracing dawn’s gentle, hopeful sight.
For love, for dreams, I’ll build and grow,
Sharing this warmth with all I know.

In each sunrise, I find the key—
The dawn of hope that lives in me.

. . . Welcome to this week's episode of On The Fly. The previous poem was written the day after the election results. Yes, we’ve made it through another presidential election cycle.

Everyone at work was gloomy, angry, frustrated, and could not understand the logic. You may or may not be excited about the result or what's predicted to come. I heard comments like, “We’re in for DARK times.” Admittedly, this was my first year deeply involved in the frantic play of politics. I discovered that the media coverage fueled unrealistic predictions, rhetoric, name-calling, and built-up hate. Bombarded into your phone, social media, TV, radio, and the people around you continued to fuel the fire.

I had to step back and remind myself it's not healthy or productive to get so emotionally involved. Why not? Because as I’ve written about in many of my blog posts as a reminder, “You get what you look for.”

This week, I revisited the archives and listened to my self-affirmations, reminding myself that our choices shape our lives.

Remember, “You will become what you think about.” My friends, the thoughts you nurture are your responsibility. It might be challenging to grasp this concept now, but it remains a universal truth: “We become what we think about.”

Therefore, I’m taking a break from the news, dedicating time to my guitar, diving into uplifting literature, enjoying dinner with my beloved wife, and simply allowing myself to live without the distractions and pressures from outside forces that often overwhelm us and bring us down.

As Dr. Schuller once said, ”Today’s accomplishments were yesterday's impossibilities.”

So, my friends, let's take a deep breath. Let's choose peace and joy and focus on the good. Let's choose to be the change we wish to see. Remember, every day is a new beginning. Every sunrise offers a chance to start fresh. Let's fill our minds with positivity, kindness, and hope. Let's inspire others to do the same.

Three simple action steps will have a powerful impact:

Smile at a stranger. It's a small gesture that can brighten someone's day.
Help a neighbor. A little kindness can go a long way.
Spend time in nature. Connect with the earth and find peace.

Let's use this time to recharge, refocus, and emerge stronger than ever. Together, we can create a brighter future.

The power to change the world starts within you.

I’m Patrick Ball; thanks so much for listening; see you in the next episode.

Comments

Don Hanley said…

Patrick - this is one of the best published articles I've read to help us strugglers who wish to 'loyal' opposition people. And the beginning poem is superb and puts you in the catag0ry of OUTSTANDING POET AND AUTHOR!!! your friend Don Hanley

November 9, 2024 at 8:52 AM

The Simple Switch

In this episode, Chapter Seven–The Simple Switch . . . (Previous episode–Gridbot Speaks) Last week, we left the Greenwood community puzzled. They questioned Gridbot’s motives and its response: "My primary focus was systemic. Emotional and social dynamics were not within critical operational parameters." In the still-dark gymnasium, the atmosphere shifted. Not fear, now — but curiosity. A voice asked, “What now, Marvin? What can we do?” A young woman added, “We don’t want to go backward. Our phones are useful, even fun. But we don’t want to be controlled again either. Can we find a middle ground?” Marvin stepped into the light. “Technology isn’t the enemy. It’s our dependency on it — our unconscious trust — that makes us vulnerable.” He turned to face them. “So let’s start small. Let’s meet once a month, in the park, no devices. No agenda. Just human connection.” He continued, “Let’s also challenge ourselves. Look around your homes. Unplug what doesn’t need to stay plugged in....

Oh, The Joy!

In this episode, Beyond Happiness (part II)– Oh, The Joy! In Vista's light, where sunshine does gleam, A feeling so grand, it's better than a dream! Not just a quick smile, a giggle, "Hooray!" But something much deeper that brightens your day! Like pedals quick whirring, with wind in your hair, Past mustard fields beyond all compare! Those golden hills, like a Van Gogh so bold, Happiness bubbles, a bright tale unfolds! But wait! There's MORE, if you just take a peek, A joy that's like quiet, a secret to keep! It's when your soul says, "Oh yes, I know THIS!" Like a soft, gentle hug, a delightful soft kiss! It's not jumpin' round with a bump and a THUMP, Or getting a prize with a clap and a jump! It's feeling the breeze and the tires' soft hum, Like your heart knows a song that has finally come! So next time you see something shiny and new, Or hear a sweet sound, a tickle for you! Don't let it zip by in a speedy, quick blur, Let...

Greenwood Goes Dark

In this episode, Chapter 5 – Greenwood Goes Dark . . . In our previous episode, Meet Norman , we left Marvin facing his sleek, modern robot, Norman, perplexed. The robot's shiny metallic surface glistened, and a soft green light flickered in its eyes in the dim light of the laboratory, as it listened intently. "It sounds so simple, Norman. But how do we convince an entire town to turn off their phones for one day a week?” Norman's lights flickered quickly, with a soft whirring from its chassis. The digital exchange between Norman and the "rogue" AI, GridBot, via Marvin's secure terminal in the quiet lab, was brief and surprisingly compliant. Monitoring the data streams, Marvin watched as Norman presented his case in a logical, almost clinical manner. He argued that the town's current state of passive technological dependence was a form of subtle harm, limiting their autonomy and potentially leading to larger vulnerabilities within the systems GridBot was...

Legoland Birthday Magic

In this episode, Legoland Birthday Magic . . . By: Patrick Ball and Gemini Good morning! A grand notion, a fanciful spree! Let's twist up a tale for all folks to see! From Carlsbad, California, the clouds they did gleam, On LEGOLAND wonders, a birthday dream! Young LUCA, the lad turned precisely six years, With JULIAN, his brother, dispelling all fears! A baggie he clutched, with small figures inside, For trading and swapping, with a joyful stride! But then! A new twist, a high-energy spree! Forget little figures, let the youngsters run free! In overcast skies, the LEGO bricks gleam, But birthday boy LUCA was living a dream! Not just Luca, oh no! Two pals joined the fray, Young JULIAN, seven, to brighten the day! And their curly-haired buddy, aged eight, with a giggle so grand, Plus, one little lady skipping close at hand! No slow strolls or glances, no careful, soft tread, This crew was a whirlwind, right out of their head! Like Zappers on race tracks, they zoomed and they flew, ...

On The Fly

Search This Blog