City Slickers Part 2

Ok, Ok, stop with sending the money.  I now have several million in Monopoly money.  Darn, I should have specified US currency only.  Oh well, wasn't that good of an idea anyway.  Jane wanted to edit that out.   So this is my take on what that "one thing" was that Curly was talking about. I know it might mean different things to different people and interpretation is open to speculation, but this is my take.

     The one thing is "YOU".  Wow sounds kind of egotistical or narcissistic.  But believe me, it is not, unless used inappropriately.  You are the ONLY thing you have control over in this journey we are on.  You have no control over anything or anyone else.  So what is the only thing you can effect that will have a positive or negative impact on the people, places or things?  YOU.

     Now that you realize you CAN'T change that annoying friend or your nagging spouse, you need to focus on yourself.  So the important thing is how you can change and what you want to become.  We are a blank canvas when we are born.  As we grow and progress we obtain many attachments and may obtain bad habits from friends, family, and parents.   Now, don't go blaming them for your bad habits, they may have been raised by the same people with the same issues.  We need to begin repainting our own canvas when we realize that we can or need  to have a positive influence on the people, animals and enviroment on this earth.

When YOU decide to repaint your canvas, then it gets interesting.  You begin a journey; a journey to paradise.  The journey may be difficult and long, it may be unsuccessful.  It may take many tries to find your path.  It may take you into your sixties, seventies or eighties to realize the importance of making yourself happy. You can not have a positive influence on others and this earth without first having a positive influence on yourself. Period.  If you paint yourself as a compassionate, kind, supporting, loving and happy person, you will start to see the world in technicolor.  Days will be brighter, the sky bluer, trees greener.  And every person you meet will become closer, friendlier and you will feel a need to take an interst in them. 
    



Jane and I painting our canvas.

All those other illusions of success, power, money, cars, suits, one hundred dollar haircuts, all the ego boosters, will slowly melt from the forefront to the back burner.  I am not saying societal goals are all bad and that we should not work toward these.  I am saying they need to be placed in their proper priority,  Also, if you chase these societal goals with your new goal of being a better, nicer and happier person and a person that makes it a better place for those around you, then your life will be full and happy, successful and blessed.  Nameste. 

PS  Back to City Slickers,  I think Curly actually meant "family" as the ONE thing.  But you can't be a positive influence on your family unless you repaint your canvas and make it a priority in your life.