Future – Page 4 – One Lifetime Blog

October 14, 2014October 14, 2014

keep our hands on the rudder and learn to live in the here and now.

There are times when I feel like I’m on a boat floating down a turbulent stream. The Present rapidly turning into the past and the future always being the present. By the time I get a chance to glance at the shore line beside me it’s already behind me and what is ahead goes by me too fast for me to enjoy. We travel through time in one direction and at a pretty good speed. Though it may seem too fast at times I have learned to cherish the moment at hand far more than the moments gone or yet to be had.

There are times I look backward too long and miss the present and I find myself missing the wondrous things the present had in store for me. Other times I had looked too far ahead and found my course had been altered by the streams current. I have learned to cherish the moment at hand and focus on today and keep my hand on the rudder at all times. I no longer linger in the past nor do I worry about the future like I used to. I still plan for the future and remember the lessons of the past though. I just don’t let them get in the way of living my life or experiencing the here and now.

We all are time travelers, Traveling through the present into the future at a pretty good pace. We must keep our hands on the rudder and learn to live in the here and now. Worry not about the future it will become what we make of it in the present and worry not of the past for it has long been gone.

Raymond Barbier

October 4, 2014October 4, 2014

Get back on the Track

Sometimes I think we all get too wrapped up in our own lives and the problems we are facing. We get to the point we become self-defeating and we become stuck in a loop. We can not go forward because we are too focused on what is behind us and what might be far ahead of us. Our focus should be on the moment before us and the past needs to be left behind us. Living in the past keeps one from moving forward and/or growing mentally,emotionally and spiritually.

When we get in such a place in our lives we become like a model train that got off the tracks, we get stuck in one place spinning our wheels. So in times like these we need to get back on the track and moving forward. There is so many reasons why we could become derailed in life and only a few ways to get back on the track. Forgiveness of others and yourself is one of the important steps, usually we get stuck in the past due to mistakes by ourselves or others and until we can let go of those mistakes and forgive the one that had committed it that we stay derailed and motionless..Understanding is one of the keys to forgiveness, if you try to see things from the other persons perspective and try to mentally envision yourself in their shoes you may get a glimpse into the reasons why they did what they did.

We all are human, we all make poor choices and most of us go through times in our lives we become bitter and allow hate to control our actions. We all have those moments of weakness and times when we act before we think.. Each and every one of us have problems, burdens and stresses within our life, no one is without stumbling blocks or bad days. Try to remember that when you are faced with either yourself or another that is being angry, hateful or spiteful. Life isn’t easy for most of us so we tend to get lost in our pain and forget that there is so much more to enjoy in life.

The hardest conflicts to resolve are the ones where one or more parties value their pride above all else. Pride is but a stumbling block in the way of diplomacy and conflict resolution.

Ray Barbier .

September 22, 2014September 22, 2014

get caught at the crossroads

With each day that dawns a new adventure begins, the lifelong journey continues as we open our eyes. our mind and souls full or battle scars and the memories of those we have met along the way. The many triumphs and failures we have experienced along the way helped sculpt us into who we are today. Some of us learn from our experiences and move forward and others get caught at the crossroads living in their past mistakes.

We must focus on the path immediately in front of us not the path behind us nor too far ahead. We must live in the now, the past is gone and the future has not yet come to pass. We should learn by our past mistakes, grieve over them as we commit them and let them go.We should plan for the future but focus on the present. If we focus too much on the future we become blind to the gifts and wonders before us in the present.

With each days close we approach our time to rest and to reflect upon the day we just lived. Our adventures and our journey comes to a temporary stop. We now rest till the next day and adventure begins.

Raymond Barbier

July 10, 2014July 10, 2014

Random thoughts–Thursday July 7th 2014

We go through our lives believing it’s the opinion of others that dictates our worth. This is but an illusion, though the opinions of others can either hurt us or bolster our self-image they are not what makes us who we are nor does it set our worth in life. Our worth is based upon our actions, words, thoughts and how we chose to live our life and treat others as well. The opinion that we have about ourselves is far more important and has the greatest impact upon both our self-worth and who we are truly deep within.

It is your life and your life is your own story, you are the lead role and if you’re a hero, villain or just another face in the crowd is decided by your actions, words and thoughts. You are the author of your own story and you alone chose the path you will follow in life. You have the choice to take control of your life or let your life be decided by circumstance and the will of others.

Ray Barbier

June 24, 2014June 24, 2014

Random Thoughts- Tue 6/24/14

Humanity’s greatest enemies are fear, hatred, greed,selfishness and apathy. Each of them pose an equal threat alone and a far greater threat if combined. Unfortunately usually where one of them appear the rest will arrive shortly after. We should not allow ourselves to fall prey to those weaknesses within ourselves. No one is immune nor is there anyone whom hasn’t experienced one if not all of those terrible attributes of being human.

Being they are a part of human nature we may not eradicate them from our world or species, but we can keep them in check with such things as wisdom, compassion, understanding and unconditional love. To change the world one must start with changing themselves. Those things that threaten humanity’s survival and peace are found in each and every one of us. But so are the things that make our survival. Within each of us there is the potential for great good as well as great evil.

Where humanity goes and if we as a species will survive and thrive is solely up to each of us individually as well as a whole. Change within ourselves is the first step and to bring about change in the world as a whole is the next step. We must learn to live with one another and embrace each others differences be they cultural, physical, spiritual or just philosophical in nature. Once we accept and embrace the truth that each person is unique and has the right to be an individual in thought as well as in belief then change will begin on a global scale. But we must always embrace compassion, love and understanding in order bring about a truly positive change as well as embrace the spirit of coöperation.

If we all focus on the important goal of species survival and learn to achieve such through peace and coöperation then humanity would become an unstoppable force for good.

June 17, 2014June 17, 2014

Radom Thoughts on Tuesday 6/17/2014

Anything and almost everything worthwhile takes time and effort to obtain. There is no such thing as a quick fix or at least one that is permanent or truly effective. When it comes to life we seems to seek out the easiest path to follow and leave ourselves wondering why our life isn’t how we want it to be. Well taking the path of least resistance usually leaves one wanting and lacking in their life. The reason we wind up wanting or lacking is we were being followers and being such we were left the crumbs left behind by those ahead of us.

To follow is fine if you don’t mind being left behind or constantly changing direction every time a leader does or a new leader comes by. It’s best to lead your own life, we are meant to be our own navigators in life. Plus if you are going to pay for mistakes or reap rewards from them, wouldn’t you rather do so because you chose the path that lead you there and not because you followed someone blindly out of convenience?

Don’t get me wrong there will be times you will follow because you happen to share the same path, just never follow blindly, always be aware of the course as well as the destination. Take charge of your own life and take responsibility for the choices you make. And always remember nothing is for free, there is always a price to pay and that even if you follow you are responsible for the path your taking.

June 11, 2014June 11, 2014

Random Thoughts – Wednesday 6-11-2014

Each morning I awake is but another chance to change myself, my surroundings and the world I live in. The question is, am I going to make any changes in my life and/or world or am I going to remain just an observer of my life. Inactivity and lack of motivation in one’s life leaves them stagnant and without any inner growth. The comfort zone we tend to enjoy is but an obstacle in the way of our self-development. Though we tend to believe other people affect our moods, metal state and the outcome of our day the truth is they only can if we allow them too. For we are solely responsible and able to enact change within ourselves. We can be influenced by outside sources but only if we choose to allow such.

Sometimes I think we all spend too much time worrying about what others think about us and not enough about what we think about ourselves. How and what we think about ourselves is what shapes our lives and is also is one of the driving forces behind shaping our ever-changing future. So will you choose to stay in your comfort zone watching your life pass you by and rely on the opinions of others to define who you are or will you take the reins and make changes in your life? The choice has always been your own far as how you live and how you feel. The future is yours to make and yours to master.

You are the Navigator or your own life, never allow others to change your course without deep examination of their motivation and the destination.

Ray Barbier

June 4, 2014June 4, 2014

Without the initial spark we will never see a flame.

Once I had a person say they wished they could change the world, though that is an admirable goal it is one most would find impossible to carry out. Though it seems like something that is near impossible there is always a possibility one person can change the world or at least the way the world thinks. We have seen in history great statesman, politicians , religious leaders and visionaries make considerable changes in the world and in the minds of the people.

One voice can make a difference, all change starts within ourselves and then it radiates outward towards all around us. How we act, react and what we say has a large impact on our world even if it’s in a small way or localized area. If that one voice inspires others to join in then change begins to expand and can enact a change globally.

In a nut shell it takes someone to start a movement for change in order for change to come about. Without the initial spark we will never see a flame. Become what you believe we all should be like, live by example and then others will follow suit. To preach of a peaceful world or life but be in turmoil yourself is self-defeating. Lead and live by example and make change happen if not in the world at least in your part of it. Be an agent of change and not an inactive bystander in life.

This world needs more free thinkers, visionaries and promoters of peace and compassion.

Raymond Barbier

May 30, 2014May 30, 2014

far easier to ignore and be blind

So many people in need in our world and so little reason they should be. There is plenty of food and clean water to go around if it isn’t wasted. I think we as a society have grown somewhat complacent and believe our governments are responsible for the well-being of those in need. The fact is each and every one of us are responsible for the wellbeing of ourselves and others. Very little would we have to sacrifice to make another persons life better. Sometimes its just a conversation, an opportunity to provide for themselves or just a simple meal for someone who is hungry. Though throwing money at a problem may treat the symptom but it does not cure the disease.

Even though there are those that take advantage of the system per se, many are truly willing to work and be a productive part of society. Those whom take advantage of the system should be rooted out and those willing to better themselves should become the main focus. Far as those unable to work or take care of themselves , they are the responsibility of the community in whole. Some of those in need could be trained and put in charge of taking care of those whom need assistance and others trained to be better suited for a new career as well.

There are so many of us whom can lend a helping hand to our brothers and sisters who don’t and others decide to turn a blind eye to the truth all around them. Its far easier to ignore and be blind to the suffering of others than face the truth of how many are in need right here in our own country as well in all the nations of the world.We all need to wake up and open our eyes to the needs of our brothers and sisters. If we all just gave 5 minutes each a day to help others it would change a lot, imagine if we all gave an hour. Just remember it only takes one bad decision or major life event to turn your happy and secure life into a homeless and hungry one.

We all are brothers and sisters in this lifetime we live, we don’t always have to agree or even get along. We just need to have compassion, love and understanding towards each other and even ourselves.

Raymond Barbier

May 24, 2014May 24, 2014

Saturday morning thoughts 5/24/14

Sometimes I believe we get so wrapped up in the thought “what is there in it for me” we tend to forget what is in it for the greater good. It’s only natural to want to take care of your own needs and wants, but we must learn to put the needs of everyone at the same level of priority as our own. I mean we must look at ourselves in such a way that we realize that as an individual we are not the center of the universe.

All life is precious, from the single cell organisms to the most complex multi celled life form. Here on earth almost everything has life in it or on its surface. Life looms everywhere and its such a miracle and wondrous thing to behold. We are all apart of this miraculous thing called life and we all share the same home which we call earth. No species should be looked upon as lesser for all life forms have their purpose here. We human beings have the biggest influence on the environment and the world we live in. We can change our environment to suit our wants and needs unlike any other creäture before us. With such power and abilities we should be more responsible for our actions and take on the role of caretakers or this precious resource called planet earth and all the life upon it

Earth was a gift to us, we are the ones whom can destroy it or restore it. The choice is ours far as how we treat our home and all the other life forms that we share it with. How we choose to treat our home will decide the fate of our children and their children’s children.

Ray Barbier