SOAPBOX of the week: til death do us part

“It’s not that I’m afraid of death, I just don’t want to be there when it happens.”     – Woody Allen, actor and director

Death and taxes.  The only two surefire things in life. Though some Vegas regulars and sports fanatics may preach differently.  And while Uncle Sam keeps us whining and strategizing about the latter, our fear-filled culture grants only mumbled tones of “passing-on”, in private settings and intimate moments.  Funny thing, though, is that unlike taxes, we cannot evade death.  At some point reality face-jams us with the irrefutable fact that we’re all immortal.  And the more fear the passing of time, it seems to tick even faster, scooping away youth and presumed opportunity.  Be it old age, a fluke accident, or valiant yet failed fight, we’ll all exit stage left at some time and in some fashion.  Of course, you can choose to personify its coming via the grip of the Grim Reaper or the loving embrace of the grace of God.  Of course, you can avoid the topic in the safety of blissful ignorance.  Or you can invite the comedy, celebration and conversation about the, literally, life-changing event of death.  It might just add more humor, appreciation, understanding, and life to your life.

Copyright 2000-2009 by Kimberlie Dykeman
Pure Soapbox available nationwide online and where books are sold.
A portion of the proceeds of all book sales is donated to
LIVESTRONG.

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SOAPBOX of the week: reflection resurrection

 “Hindsight is 20/20.”     – Anonymous

No doubt, someone’s Mom coined this phrase…and she deserves to wear “The Crown of Common Sense”!  But whoever first shared this golden nugget of wisdom with you probably saw you stomp on it in youthful rebellion.  And yet a jillion times you’ve caught yourself shaking your foolish head, wishing you’d listened to your gut, screaming “Yes”, “No”, or “RUN!”  Well, that which doesn’t kill ya, only makes you stronger.  So, review your past, rethink your future, and refresh your promise to finding and following the truth within.  Tough to swallow?  Well, probably.  But remember, Mom’s always right.

Copyright 2000-2009 by Kimberlie Dykeman
Pure Soapbox available nationwide online and where books are sold.
A portion of the proceeds of all book sales is donated to
LIVESTRONG.

SOAPBOX of the week: relentless pursuit of purpose

   “It is really important for each one of us to validate our existence.  You have to become aware that there is something beyond the meat-and-potatoes reality.”     – Carlos Santana, musician

Why are you here?  What are you doing while you are here?  How about: where are you even looking for such enlightenment?  Be honest.  Do you seek confirmation from the umpteen activities, things and possessions you’re buried in?  Or stake all truth in kudos from friends or mere coworkers?  Sounds crazy, huh?  So don’t.  Instead, look within, to discover within, and let the nourishment of answers out.   What are your beliefs?  When do you feel happiest?  What do you want to accomplish?  Yup, this is the tough stuff.  But once grounded in who you are, the search for why you’re here ain’t so difficult.  Find your purpose and reel it in with fervor.  Then take your seat at a royal table set for one and enjoy the faire.

Copyright 2000-2009 by Kimberlie Dykeman
Pure Soapbox available nationwide online and where books are sold.
A portion of the proceeds of all book sales is donated to
LIVESTRONG.

SOAPBOX of the week: rejecting rejection

  “Never take “no” from someone who can’t say yes.”     – Anonymous

So…you wonder, “What’s his deal?!”  The guy who stamps an echoing NO on everything.  Who agrees to disagree.  Nothing can break this guy down.  Not even a good bottle of scotch.  That said, no brilliant gameplan or persuasive speech you deliver will make him flinch.  NO is his way of life.  But it’s not about him.  It’s about you.  And it’s up to you to decipher whether he revels in it, or is simply petrified to look beyond it.   But have faith that YES is buried in there somewhere.  So, whether you choose to stand firm and crusade for your cause …or plot a path over, under, around or straight through this barricade of No’s …you’ve got to adapt to get what you need.  Dig in …or dig around…but definitely dig up a YES!

Copyright 2000-2009 by Kimberlie Dykeman
Pure Soapbox available nationwide online and where books are sold.
A portion of the proceeds of all book sales is donated to
LIVESTRONG.

SOAPBOX of the week: LIFE takes LOVE

“If you just blow a little love into it, it’ll fly right up into the stratosphere.”     – Steven Tyler, musical artist and performer

So, you’ve mixed up a recipe …but it tastes like something’s missing.  So you fuss ‘til you ruin it, lure someone else to fix, pitch it and try something else entirely, or just give up.  Overkill it or abandon it, right?  Now, what if I told you that recipe ain’t just for Mom’s meatloaf…but for all of your life’s nourishing concoctions and confections, like your friendships, family, business, health, home…heck even your wardrobe!  And what if I told you that the special ingredient missing in your flailing formula might just be, simply, LOVE.  Your enthusiasm to create, cultivate, and confetti is truly irreplaceable.  And adding a tablespoon or truckload might just breathe life into an unfulfilling relationship, boring event, unappealing exercise routine or unstimulating job.    Point is, folks, whether it’s marriage or Mom’s prized meatloaf, remember why you put on the chef’s hat in the first place and pour your heart into the mix.   

 Copyright 2000-2009 by Kimberlie Dykeman
Pure Soapbox available nationwide online and where books are sold.
A portion of the proceeds of all book sales is donated to
LIVESTRONG.

SOAPBOX of the week: seek the naked truth

     “Know the truth and the truth shall set you free.”     – The Bible

Funny thing about the truth.  It can never lose its original properties, never be dismantled or destroyed.  IT simply is.  Transparent in nature, it hides nothing but can be hidden with but a word, and is oftentimes manipulated for one’s own benefit.  Therein lies the problem, for fear and temptation are powerful motivators.  Whether you’re the unassuming recipient or the panicked deliverer, fibs, facades, fallacies and infidelities alike will all weave the same tangled web.  And freedom can only be obtained by releasing the energy of honesty.  Create a positive future by seeking authenticity in all who surround you…More importantly, choose respect for yourself by unabashedly standing in truth.  Reveal its power and revel in the liberation it returns.

Copyright 2000-2009 by Kimberlie Dykeman
Pure Soapbox available nationwide online and where books are sold.
A portion of the proceeds of all book sales is donated to
LIVESTRONG.