In 1939 Judy Garland and The Wizard of Oz made this line famous. Lions and Tigers, and Bears, oh my! Since then, these words have been hijacked repeatedly for a variety of reasons. First, I'd like to say the following has little to do with my previous drug use. In all of my life, I've … Continue reading Lions, And Tigers, And Bears!
Tag: Words are powerful
Maybe you've heard or said, "anything so difficult isn't meant to be?" Or, possibly, "everything just fell into place?" Whether we're talking about a complicated project or something as basic as driving to the local supermarket, when things don't go as planned, it's natural for people to blook for an explanation and ask questions. Questions … Continue reading Universal Synchronicity [To Be Or Not To Be]
Much like everyone, my life has been a rollercoaster of good, bad, pain, love, loss, birth, death, coping, and recovery. Recovery and preparation for what's coming next. Everything we survive prepares us for something else. Well, that's the idea, anyway. Once again, I don't believe my pain is special. Simply put, it's my pain. One … Continue reading Restarting The Journals
Prelude: It's important to remember that I wrote this more than 18 months ago. The experience took place several years before that time. Yes, I realize this piece may sound . . . a little odd. 😊 Part II Recap: Even if I had known what was going to happen, I could not have prepared … Continue reading Journals [Embracing The Universe Part III, Choosing Ignorance Over Crazy]
Re-posted From August, 2020. As a child, my mother [single parent] implied that all things were possible. Nothing was off the table, and from a young age, I endorsed the fantastic as validated reality. All of that changed during my twenties when I became a professional and started wearing a tie. Suddenly, I decided that … Continue reading Journals [Embracing The Universe Part II Speaking The Words]
Re-posted From August, 2020 When everything is stripped away from someone's life, the individual has but few options. By [everything], I'm referring to losing it all, and having little or no money and resources besides a couple of changes of clothes, and a pack of worldly possessions. A little more than five years ago I … Continue reading Journals [Embracing The Universe Part I]
If we live a life of truth and reality, nobody can hurt our feelings. If we're already aware of our personal issues and shortcomings, nobody can hurt our feelings. If we've already owned all of our shit, then there are no surprises. Joseph Shanklin January 2, 2022
I have so much to be thankful for; if I begin making a list, I'll be late for dinner. The shortlist: I thank God and my sobriety for everything. I hope and pray all of you to have a fantastic holiday. Thank you all for helping me read and write my way through the past … Continue reading Happy Thanksgiving 2021
Following four years of drug use, I sobered up 28 months ago. Shortly after cleaning up, I began writing. I fell in love with writing instantly, swearing myself to her for life. Oh yes, for myself [Writing] is a woman. How else could I explain such an intimate relationship? Fortunately, my wife has witnessed the … Continue reading What’s Next?
More than 20 years ago, my wife and I traveled to New Orleans to celebrate our Wedding Anniversary. Located on Bourbon Street is a small shop called [Madame Marie Laveau's House of Voodoo]. Marie Laveau is famous throughout Louisiana. During our first visit to The House of Voodoo, we decided to have our palms read. … Continue reading Past, Present, Future
ShankJoeJoe 