A Poem: Kindness and Caring

To be kind and to care

Is a gift I try to share,

It is difficult at times

To forgive others of their crimes.

My heart is big, brimming with love,

I come in peace, I fly the white dove,

I choose to be kind and nice

To both men and mice.

Some mistake my kindness

To be a great weakness,

Some think my sharing

Is something so daring.

These are my choices

To stand up for unheard voices,

This is who I am,

I wash myself in the blood of the lamb.

There is a joy in giving,

Service is the purpose for us living,

People fear giving,

For they often fear living.

Sometimes we become selfish

After being hurt by those who are devilish,

We close the doors to our heart

Keeping us apart.

There are those who take advantage of my kindness,

Often rendering in my mind and heart a huge mess,

I hope they learn and grow someday

Or else I fear their future is dark and grey.

Letting go of our egos

Loving our foes,

Are what religious books preach

For some these goals are so hard to reach.

I warn those who hurt me,

That I will give them a chance or will let them just be,

Cutting all ties,

I will not deal with lies.

I do not have swords or guns

And about me and my heart you may make fun,

I may be struck down,

But on my face you will never find a frown.

I'm not perfect, for I do falter,

But my shortcomings I always try and alter,

I try hard to keep my word,

I try to not let my anger be spurred.

My strength lies in my heart,

Which is wide as an ocean, and warm as a hearth,

My strength lies in my mind,

I realize to be sharing, caring and kind.

Breathe.

Utterly Grateful

I had a breakdown recently, while talking to my sister on the phone. We live, make mistakes, worry and learn. This time I lost my handle on my stress management. My sister has been helping me, although younger, she does have some sweet sort of wisdom and understanding in her, a simplistic approach to solving problems and dealing with people, attitudes and relationships. With her help and the support of my loved ones i am able to cope, and get back on track.

In the process my sister got me to join her "gratitude list" where we all list what we are grateful for each day. This is just my list from today:

Today I am Grateful for:

My Life
The ability to analyze
Ability to prioritize
Ability to bare great responsibility for so many, yet so few...
Stress for it keeps me on my toes and reminds me to want to eventually achieve homeostasis
The actions of others that lead me to be wiser yet guarded

My sister for letting me share my joys and sorrows ... for being my light in the night, yet shinning just right!

Health and my ability to take control and make myself well

My friends that support me and are reliable (Shelby, Anna, Ryan, Rohitesh, Deana, Keith, Mun, Becks, Mandy...)

My humble abode that truly serves as my melting ground

The extensive support and encouragement I get from my parents, uncle, sister

My wonderful boyfriend for being loving, understanding, helpful but most of all being such a solace and supportive

Alice for sending me sweet emails
Lingling for the Chinese green tea
Abby for protecting me from the big bad wolves, and teaching me
Delbert for being such an awesome plant manager and working with me
Team Work
Cooperation
Motivated attitudes from fellow employees
Singing to people on their voice-mails
Letting go!

This gratitude list for helping me count my blessings even though it seems so dark for so long. I see the light in my life, and nurture the tiny flame!