the book of d.j. posner featuring Pearl Bailey

I have been fortunate to connect with so many of you this year. Thank you for the love and nourishment that you have extended me. I am most thankful for the influences I have had; the teachers and scholars that I have followed that have helped mold my view so I could be more easily heard. I have found that through these associations, the more I look the more I find. It is wonderful to obtain that kind of fulfillment.

I used to dance in the dark with strangers. Those days are behind me. The lights are now on and they are LED and bright! This illumination bathes me and by that it seeps down into my soul. I have sought this year to report on kind people because I believe in celebrating those of great mind and heart. The spread of kindness is not just a motto, it is a way of life and I am very grateful to have the desire planted in me to do this very important work.

Here we are at year’s end, and the end of another decade. I want to take this opportunity to speak directly to you.

Husbands – Grasp this…you are the one she chose. When she chose you, she left her independent life and melded hers into yours. Treat her as your Queen. Always elevate her as she is the one who is responsible for your heart.

Wives – He carries the weight of the family on his shoulders. Keep him in arms reach and provide a neck rub when he is tense. Be sure he always has comfortable shoes to stand in.

Children – Listen intently to your adults. Turn away from scoff and scorn, instead turn to encouraging words. Don’t be in such a hurry; take the time to savor each and every accomplishment and goal. What is ‘now’ will fade away each night you lay your head down to sleep. Take time to learn every day.

Friends – Reach back when hands are extended. Accept warmth and transfer it to those you encounter next. The old adage ‘Pay It Forward’ is not merely an expression, it is a call to action, and the doings that result will resonate.

The generations that follow us are facing the terrifying issue of climate change. We are counting on them to do better than we did. They have a long road ahead without a clear and concise game plan. I say to them, for every bruise and bump you receive in your quest to improve the world entrusted to us, may your methods and strategies be well-won and fruitful. Keep striving, and if you have to leave a footprint, leave one of love and kindness.

In closing these reflections, I would like to share these words: twice this week someone told me that by their association with me, I had made them a better person. I was so humbled by these expressions of goodness. If I was, indeed, the one who bettered the path of a fellow human then I am filled with gratitude for that means this movement we have started together is working, and one by one we will all grow in our humanity.

Whenever a writer puts a pen to paper it is always with the hope of reaching a kindred audience; either we write to inform, persuade, or just simply to share. Everyone has a story, thank you for following along through mine.

I spent the early morning hours looking back over the past twelve months of 2019. I like the sentiment it stirred in my heart and soul.

In my world, our family near and far all gathered to witness the wedding of our girl child, and by that union we received another son. And by receiving a new son, we were blessed in receiving his family who are wonderful people steeped fully in faith and who carry joy in their hearts. What a wonderful feeling of peace to know our gal will be loved and protected through this new union.

2019 also brought news of a new child to be born into our extended family. This child, much awaited for, will be the one to make first-time grandparents out of our best friends. We are so happy for them and can’t wait to enjoy the ride through all the anticipation that comes from this upcoming blessed event.

This year our one and only grandchild turned double digits in age. Both her physical growth as well as her personal growth measured leaps and bounds beyond that of her calendar age. What a miracle to witness this new-age champion take her flight.

In 2019, there were also some losses we had to bear. We lost a family member too young, which in turn crumbled the remaining attached family members. Many prayers have been offered to help this family unit heal from this untimely death.

Also this year, our extended family lost two beloved canine members, one expected, one not. The grief of losing a pet is heart-wrenching event, and where it often leads to the opening of another door, it is still an unbearable loss when it occurs.

I have found that as the Professor and I age, we have slowed down, but are nowhere near the ‘out for the count’! We have structured our new normal to include spending a little more time doing the things that strengthen us . This effort required finding a balance; we persevered and were successful. Hard work is not just something applied to a full-time career; it follows you all of the days of your life.

So in closing, please know that I have been busy this week drafting my New Year publication. 2019 marks the 22th year where I have sent these musings out to you, my readers. I am hopeful this year that my writings will inspire and propel you into 2020. I am also hopeful that the coming new year finds us presented with many opportunities to make the world a better place.

Now, isn’t that a wonderful thought?

It is the forced downtime that comes in the days following the holiday rush that gives me a chance to do better. There is a line from my first book, Cerebrations, that goes…”When I come home to the farm, I find how beautiful it is to do nothing, and then rest afterwards.” That statement, borrowed from an age-old Spanish proverb, holds so much truth. We spend so much time caught up in trying to make the holidays perfect, we forget the peace that is supposed to be found in the season of Advent.

His Highness, the Dalai Lama, reminds us to find the quiet in order to open our hearts and minds to receive positive light. I hold this truth to be authentic. Having a compassionate mind leads to the creation of a happy atmosphere, and that fosters a warm-heartedness within ourselves. I have made it a resolution as we close this year to promote these human values and warm-heartedness in myself and those around me.

After all, I was born lucky – the least I can do is spread my gratitude!

Have a pretty mind, a pretty heart and a pretty soul.

This life is not about showing a beautiful face to the world, it’s about showing a beautiful mind. By keeping alluring thoughts in your mind, sweet words will roll out of your beautiful mouth, and you and all around you, will smile.

Life is not about having a small waistline, but instead about making small gestures. Take time daily to think about small ways to make another’s life a little easier. A small waistline won’t count, but a small gesture will.

These days on earth are not about building a rich bank account either. They are about cultivating a rich soul. To enrich your soul, look for ways to feed another – whether their hunger is from a needed meal or a just thirst for comfort. Put another’s wellbeing before your own and by doing so your soul’s bank account will be overflowing with riches!

And finally, this journey should not be spent in efforts to stay young, but in staying loyal. Loyalty and honesty are by far the most intrinsic traits that one can possess. Loyalty is more than a word; it is a way of life.

---

I am not a rich person financially, but I am in mind and soul. I have so much energy and strength, and I can do a lot of things that make me, and I think my fans, quite happy. When everything else is gone, my soul’s music alone shall live on.

Reggae artist, Burning Spear

I came across this photo the other day and was immediately transported back to the first days of retirement down here on the island. I find the picture charming but also very illuminating to what is ‘going on’ down on that beach today.

The photo is from 2009. You can see the authentic untouched vibe of this special seashore that I like to refer to as ‘Little Beach’. We discovered this piece-of-heaven when we moved into our villa just one and half blocks away. The Professor and I have watched many a sunset, swam with the manatees, toasted to birthdays, and caught up with family, neighbors and friends – all while sitting on that beach, it is truly a sanctuary.

The 2nd photo is of the same beach but made a bit glamorous by the wealthy California girl who built a huge house on the property adjacent to the beach. She was a character and brought colorful characters into the script of the neighborhood. No disrespect there.

But today is a much different scene. Cali Gold Girl has since moved on and Mid-West Tyrant Bee Atch Woman has moved in and … gasp… has put up ropes and pillars right down to the water’s edge claiming the beach AS HERS! What? I can’t even… Such contemptuous conduct.

I am dumbfounded for the first time in a long time. I cannot fathom why anyone would act in that manner. Or would take an aggressive action like that meant to prevent anyone from enjoying the splendor of such a magnificent creation. I don’t care what creed you follow, I am almost certain that there isn’t one of them that would welcome that kind of behavior.

It breaks my heart that money, greed and power have permeated my Little Beach. It was a place of peace. Over the years, I have spoken to many a native of these parts, ones who grew up on the beach, and they have all concurred this beach to be a special almost sacred place.

I don’t know what’s next, I guess we will just have to wait and see what the Universe has in store.