Good heavens, man. I consistently make the mistake of listening to others to hear my own opinion. It’s like I never cared about what they had to say, always listening for my viewpoint within theirs.

I know I’m not the only one who makes this mistake. It’s all too common, and yet awfully inexcusable. Remember: Just because it’s commonplace, does not mean it’s worth perpetuating. We must– absolutely must remember the golden rule in our communication. Strive to understand your connections, not to simply build an agreement on a topic.

I read something interesting about President Abraham Lincoln of the United States. Did you know, there was a time when he would write furious letters, practically crushing people he had quarrel with, but never send or sign them? This was to lay his emotions out before himself, review them, and still find a place for respectful discourse. What an incredible man, building poise while still venting all that righteous anger that would build up inside.

Then, I suppose I count myself blessed to have a space where I can lay it all out here. All that while sharing the lessons I’m learning and the places I’m going. I hope you’re getting as much out of these regular publications as I am, dear reader. Of course, as always, I hope you have a wonderful day. Lastly, here’s a piece I recently wrote, just for you.

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Mistakes We Make

Like a kettle up the top
They mistake me for the pot
It’s easy

I lose my way a lot
Feet falling off the plot
We’re soaking

Life’s a ditch when we think too much
But I don’t itch when you fix my cuts
My dear

Lighting up curtains with kerosene
Fending off times I’d find it obscene
(Idiot)

Never could frame the faces I’d been
Tagging the walls that witness my sin
But I can’t tell what I’ve got to win

I couldn’t regret with everything left
The figures we skate while holding our breath
Like a hurricane we fade
With only chaos in our wake

Who gave me the blood I don’t own
Silver I’d found in satin we’d sown
Bring it up to an eight
Hope they don’t appear too late

Morph it to something everyone likes
The levels I’d beaten couldn’t suffice
So my interests need change
I pump a poison to my veins

Sicken to my guts and pardon shame
I know they’re all maggots chasing my name
But even a monster could fall apart sometimes
And even this monster would need to sleep sometimes