Author: Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

☆°▪︎ THE CANDLES STILL BURN (FOR BETTER OR WORSE) ▪︎°☆

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

Is

.

i

t

.

better

.

o

r

.

worse

.

t

o

.

move

beyond

.

t

h

e

.

hurt ?

–

–

–

.

.

.

Is

.

i

t

.

better

.

o

r

.

worse

.

t

o

.

blend

.

w

i

t

h

.

the

blur ?

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

even

though

.

I

.

have

learned

.

t

o

.

lean

.

a

n

d

.

merge

.

i

n

t

o

.

the

twists

.

a

n

d

.

turns . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

c

a

n

.

still

hear

.

t

h

o

s

e

.

words . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

–

–

–

places

where

.

t

h

e

.

candles

.

s

t

i

l

l

.

burn . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

c

a

n

.

still

feel

.

t

h

a

t

.

urge . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

–

–

–

places

where

.

t

h

e

.

candles

.

s

t

i

l

l

.

burn . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

c

a

n

.

still

remember

.

t

h

a

t

.

allure . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

–

–

–

places

where

.

t

h

e

.

candles

.

s

t

i

l

l

.

burn . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ in

places

.

where

.

t

h

e

.

candles

.

s

t

i

l

l

.

burn . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Another

yearn . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Another

turn . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Another

hurt . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Another

blur . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Another

better . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Another

worse . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

–

–

–

places

where

.

t

h

e

.

candles

.

s

t

i

l

l

.

burn . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ in

places

.

where

.

t

h

e

.

candles

.

s

t

i

l

l

.

burn.

Reflection: This was a forgotten, but powerful romantic-themed poem that I wrote back in November of 2020 where the affected party struggles to move beyond relationship(s) of the past – because there are certain memories where “the candles still burn,” and select present day encounters which spark those memories and make them continue coming alive. Even when the affected party gets into new relationships, he or she still gets haunted and taunted by the past.

I played the wonderful gem of a song “Deacon Blues” by Steely Dan in the background to create the “moodset” for the poem. If you listen to the song at low volume while reading this poem, you might better get the “feel” of it.

☆°▪︎ THE ADVENTUROUS TYPE ▪︎°☆

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

I

am

just

–

a

n

–

adventurous

kind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

who

does

–

n

o

t

–

like

–

t

h

e

–

boring

–

a

n

d

–

dry . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

do

–

n

o

t

–

like

–

t

h

e

–

boring

–

a

n

d

–

dry . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

that

–

w

a

s

–

the

high

–

o

f

–

my

last

life . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ that

.

w

a

s

.

the

high

–

o

f

–

the

last

time.

Reflection: This was a reflective-themed poem I wrote in reflection of a post I saw on social media from someone stating: “I hate boring and dry” as a note for the next person he/she would want to have a relationship with. Those words struck a chord and poetic rhythm with me and I then proceeded to write this simple, short poem. 

☆°▪︎ THE DANCING REIGN (LOST IN THE TRACE) ▪︎°☆

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

I

.

s

a

w

.

today

–

–

just

.

a

.

trace

.

o

f

.

that

–

–

faraway

place . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

.

s

a

w

.

just

.

a

.

trace

.

o

f

.

that

–

–

faraway

place,

–

–

baked

.

i

n

t

o

.

a

.

laced,

–

–

cinnamon

glaze . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

now,

nothing

.

c

a

n

.

replace

.

t

h

a

t

.

tantalizing

taste . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

nothing

.

c

a

n

.

replace

.

t

h

a

t

.

chronic

crave . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ no,

nothing

.

c

a

n

.

replace . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

n

o

r

–

–

–

take

away . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Nothing

.

c

a

n

.

replace,

.

.

n

o

r

.

.

take

away

.

t

h

e

.

memory

.

o

f

.

the

dancing

–

–

reign

.

o

f

.

yesterdays,

–

–

lost

in

.

t

h

e

.

grace . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

lost

in

.

t

h

e

.

haze . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

lost

in

.

t

h

e

.

careless

plays . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

yesterdays

–

–

lost

in

.

t

h

e

.

grace . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

lost

in

.

t

h

e

.

haze . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

lost

in

.

t

h

e

.

careless

plays

.

o

f

.

distant

days . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ distant

days

–

–

lost

.

i

n

.

careless

plays

–

–

again,

.

a

n

d

.

again,

.

a

n

d

.

again,

.

a

n

d

.

again,

.

a

n

d

.

again . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

s

a

w

.

today

–

–

just

.

a

.

trace

.

o

f

.

that

–

–

faraway

place . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

s

a

w

.

today

–

–

just

.

a

.

trace

.

o

f

.

that

–

–

faraway

place . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

s

a

w

.

today

–

–

just

.

a

.

trace

.

o

f

.

that

–

–

faraway

place . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

baked

.

i

n

t

o

.

a

.

laced,

–

–

cinnamon

glaze . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ it

.

w

a

s

.

baked

.

i

n

t

o

.

a

.

laced,

–

–

cinnamon

glaze . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

now,

nothing

.

c

a

n

.

replace

.

t

h

a

t

.

tantalizing

taste . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

nothing

.

c

a

n

.

replace

.

t

h

a

t

.

chronic

crave.

Reflection: This was a forgotten but powerful personal struggle-themed poem where the affected party struggles with the torturous tease and tantalizing aspects of an addiction/compulsion he or she is seeking to permanently overcome. I played the wonderful gem of a song “Jumbo Jet” by Shout Out Louds in the background to create the “moodset” for the poem. If you listen to the song at low volume while reading this poem, you might better get the “feel” of it.

☆°▪︎ WANDERING AIMLESSLY (A STREAM OF MAYBES) ▪︎°☆

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

A

stream

.

o

f

.

maybes

–

–

wanders

aimlessly . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

seeking

promise

.

a

n

d

.

possibility . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ seeking

promise

.

a

n

d

.

possibility . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

day,

–

–

after

day,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

week,

–

–

after

week . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

play,

–

–

after

play,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

street,

–

–

after

street . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

That

one’s

.

t

o

o
.

green,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

that

one

.

t

o

o

.

peach . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

That

one’s

.

t

o

o

.

salty,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

that

one

.

t

o

o

.

sweet . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

everything

.

i

s

.

either

–

–

out

.

o

f

.

reach,

.

.

o

r

.

.

in

between . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ out

.

o

f

.

reach,

.

.

o

r

.

.

in

between,

.

f

o

r

.

maybe . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Maybe

wanders

aimlessly . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

seeking

promise

.

a

n

d

.

possibility . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ seeking

promise

.

a

n

d

.

possibility . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

day,

–

–

after

day,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

week,

–

–

after

week . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

play,

–

–

after

play,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

street,

–

–

after

street . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

dream,

–

–

after

dream,

–

–

after

dream,

–

–

after

dream,

–

–

after

dream . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

each,

.

a

n

d

.

all,

.

a

n

d

.

every,

–

–

racing

ahead . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ racing

ahead

.

a

t

.

such

speed . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

s

–

–

–

to

be

–

–

forever

out

.

o

f

.

reach . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ to

be

–

–

forever

out

.

o

f

.

reach . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

far

beyond

empty . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ far

beyond

.

t

h

e

.

bankruptcies,

–

–

fed

.

b

y

.

the

hopes

.

a

n

d

.

dreams

.

o

f

.

those

attempting

.

t

o

.

cash

out

–

–

their

fantasies . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

those

attempting

.

t

o

.

cash

out

–

–

their

wandering

streams . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ their

wandering

streams

.

o

f

.

maybe.

Reflection: This was a popular personal struggle-themed poem that I wrote back in November of 2020 where the affected party is scattered by having too many possibilities and too little focus to be able to capitalize on much of any of them. I heard a song that sounded like it had lyrics that said “maybe drives” and liked the use of the word in that context – so that idea helped create the poem.

☆°▪︎ THE SEA OF SADNESS (A MEMORY SO GREEN) ▪︎°☆

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

The

sadness

.

o

f

.

the

sea

.

i

s

.

all

around

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

khaki

.

i

s

.

the

color

.

o

f

.

the

memory . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

  ~ the

memory

.

o

f

.

all

that

.

w

a

s

.

once

.

s

o

.

free

.

a

n

d

.

green . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

  ~ of

.

a

l

l

.

that

.

w

a

s

.

once

.

s

o

.

free

.

a

n

d

.

green

.

.

i

n

.

.

the

spring . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

  ~ so

free

.

a

n

d

.

green

.

.

i

n

.

.

the

spring . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

was

.

t

h

e

.

all

.

a

n

d

.

everything

.

o

f

.

what

we

–

–

thought

we

–

–

could

be . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

  ~ of

what

we

–

–

thought

we

–

–

could

be . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

now

only

–

–

echoes

know

–

–

how

.

i

t

.

truly

feels

.

t

o

.

let

go . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Only

echoes

know . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Only

echoes

know . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Only

echoes

know . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

how

.

i

t

.

feels

.

t

o

.

let

go . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

The

sadness

.

o

f

.

the

sea

.

i

s

.

all

around

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

The

sadness

.

o

f

.

the

sea

.

i

s

.

all

around

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

The

sadness

.

o

f

.

the

sea

.

i

s

.

all

around
me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

khaki

.

i

s

.

the

color

.

o

f

.

the

memory,

.

o

f

.

all

that

.

w

a

s

.

once

.

s

o

.

free

.

a

n

d

.

green . . .

–

–

.

.

.

  ~ of

.

a

l

l

.

that

.

w

a

s

.

once

.

s

o

.

free

.

a

n

d

.

green

.

.

i

n

.

.

the

spring.

Reflection: This was a popular, reflective-themed poem I wrote back in October of 2020. The contemplator looks back on a free-wheeling freedom that is no longer present in his/her life.

I used the song “Diamonds and Rust” by Joan Baez which I played in the background at low volume to create the “moodset” for the poem. The song really seemed to fit. If you listen to the song at low volume while reading this poem, you might better get the “feel” of it.

☆°▪︎ THE BURNING URGE (AND THE BLUR) ▪︎°☆

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

The

nighttime

.

s

k

y

.

opens

.

i

t

s

.

eyes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

The

nighttime

.

s

k

y

.

opens

.

i

t

s

.

eyes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

o

–

–

–

dream

desires

.

a

n

d

.

sweet

delights . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

it

.

w

i

l

l

.

only

.

b

e

.

a

.

little

while . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ it

.

w

i

l

l

.

only

.

b

e

.

a

.

little

while . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

before

this,

.

a

n

d

.

all,

.

a

n

d

.

everything,

–

–

comes

alive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ before

everything

.

comes

alive

.

tonight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ reaching

far,

.

a

n

d

.

wide,

.

a

n

d

.

deep,

.

a

n

d

.

high . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ reaching

far,

.

a

n

d

.

wide,

.

a

n

d

.

deep,

.

a

n

d

.

high . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

pouring

.

a

.

fine,

–

–

divine

wine

.

o

f

.

starshine

.

a

l

l

.

across

.

t

h

e

.

twilight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

by,

.

a

n

d

.

by,

.

a

n

d

.

by . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ dream

desires

.

a

n

d

.

sweet

delights

–

–

racing

’round

.

a

n

d

.

’round . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

side

.

b

y

.

side . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

moment

.

b

y

.

moment . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

mile

.

b

y

.

mile . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

There

.

c

a

n

.

never

.

b

e

.

enough . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ no,

there

.

c

a

n

.

never

.

b

e

.

enough . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

because

.

dream

desires

.

a

n

d

.

sweet

delights

.

never

.

g

o

.

out

.

o

f

.

style . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ no,

.

t

h

e

y

.

never

.

g

o

.

out

.

o

f

.

style . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ calling

.

a

l

l

.

night,

–

–

every

night . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

again,

.

a

n

d

.

again,

.

a

n

d

.

again,

.

a

n

d

.

again,

.

a

n

d

.

again . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ every

moment

.

racing

against

.

t

h

e

.

haze,

.

o

f

.

a

.

haze,

.

o

f

.

a

.

haze . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ racing

against

.

t

h

e

.

haze,

.

o

f

.

a

.

haze,

.

o

f

.

a

.

haze . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

–

–

–

the

vague

.

rush

.

o

f

.

speedways,

–

–

chasing

.

t

h

e

.

faraways . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ chasing

.

t

h

e

.

faraways

.

t

h

a

t

.

still

remain . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

collect

.

t

h

e

.

days,

.

u

p

o

n

.

days,

.

u

p

o

n

.

days . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

yesterdays . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ yesterdays

.

w

h

i

c

h

.

yearn

.

a

n

d

.

merge

.

i

n

t

o

.

the

burn

.

o

f

.

the

urge . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ they

merge

.

i

n

t

o

.

the

burn

.

o

f

.

the

urge . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

blur . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

The

nighttime

.

s

k

y

.

opens

.

i

t

s

.

eyes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

The

nighttime

.

s

k

y

.

opens

.

i

t

s

.

eyes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

The

nighttime

.

s

k

y

.

opens

.

i

t

s

.

eyes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

o

–

–

–

dream

desires

.

a

n

d

.

sweet

delights . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

time,

–

–

after

time,

–

–

after

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

mile,

–

–

after

mile,

–

–

after

mile . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

collecting

.

t

h

e

.

days,

.

u

p

o

n

.

days,

.

u

p

o

n

.

days . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

yesterdays

.

w

h

i

c

h

.

yearn

.

a

n

d

.

merge

.

i

n

t

o

.

the

burn . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ they

merge

.

i

n

t

o

.

the

burn

.

o

f

.

the

urge . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

blur.

Reflection: This was a personal struggle-themed poem that I wrote back in October of 2020 where the affected party becomes addicted to the whirlwind excesses of the disco age – and the days and nights get consumed into a blur. I played the songs “Boogie Nights” by Heatwave and “Love to Love You, Baby” by Donna Summer in the background to create the “moodset” for the poem. If you listen to these songs at low volume while reading this poem, you might better get the “feel” of it. I first drafted an initial poem to the Donna Summer song, drafted a separate poem to the Heatwave song, and then merged the two poems together playing the Heatwave song for the remainder of the process.

HAPPINESS/SUCCESS TIP: GET IN THE PRACTICE OF ENGAGING IN PRODUCTIVE INTERACTIONS WITH OTHERS INSTEAD OF NONPRODUCTIVE ONES

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

Here’s a Happiness/Success Tip which can be helpful not only in your work, but also in your life outside of work: Get in the practice of engaging in productive interactions with others instead of nonproductive ones. This involves not only verbal discussions but also communications via social media and other forms of communication.

A good first step in doing this involves evaluating the interactional/conversational environment before engaging to ensure the setting is constructive and that it’s a convenient time for everyone involved. The only productive interactions/conversations to have with people are those which are done in good faith in which each of the parties are feeling positive and are interested, curious, open, truly want to listen, and desire to explore, investigate, gather information, learn something new, improve relationships, or gain a different perspective or a new understanding.

Engaging in interactions/conversations with argumentative people or those who are emotionally charged, not feeling their best, or enjoy provoking emotional responses are usually not very productive. So, in those situations, it is probably better to wait until the circumstances are such that they can be productive. Otherwise, they can just create a lot of negative energy without accomplishing much.

Always take a soft approach, be respectful, and ask permission of those you wish to interact or converse with. So, instead of saying something like: “We need to talk now!” and cornering or invading a person’s space and using the time as an emotional dumping ground, ask something like:”Can we talk about ‘X’,” or “Is now a good time to talk?” If the interaction/conversation involves sharing worries or fears, do so without blaming those you are having the discussion with.

The above are some of the reasons that self-care is so very important so that you always show up presenting your “best self.” And here’s a post I wrote about this: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/how-to-defeat…/

The above ideas were formulated from an inspirational podcast I listened to today on the Good Life Project which featured Alex Jamieson and Bob Grower as guests: https://www.goodlifeproject.com/…/alex-jamieson-bob…/

This and other happiness and self-improvement related tips are provided throughout my self-help oriented books: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/published-books-and-life-coaching-services/ 

#selfimprovement #selfhelp #selfdevelopment #intention #fulfillment #success #inspiration #happiness #relationships

☆°▪︎ THE DISTANCE (LOVE IS LOVE) ▪︎°☆

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

I

search

.

t

h

e

–

.

alleys

.

a

n

d

.

skid

row

–

–

streets

.

t

h

a

t

.

scream,

.

a

n

d

.

bleed,

.

a

n

d

.

soundly

defeat . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

even

though

–

–

I

know

.

y

o

u

.

would

never

–

–

travel

.

t

h

e

s

e

.

alleys

.

a

n

d

.

streets

.

f

o

r

.

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

love

.

i

s

.

love

–

–

a

n

d

–

–

offers

.

n

o

.

in-betweens . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

love

.

i

s

.

love

–

–

–

.

.

.

~ it

moves

.

w

i

t

h

.

steady

ease . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

through

even

.

t

h

e

.

snow

.

a

n

d

.

sleet . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

now

I

know . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

~ yes,

now

–

–

I

know . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

w

i

l

l

.

travel

.

a

n

y

.

road . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

carry

.

a

n

y

.

load . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

~ I

.

w

i

l

l

.

carry

.

a

n

y

.

load . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

love,

.

i

s

.

love,

.

i

s

.

love,

.

i

s

.

love . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

~ it

has

.

a

.

reach . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

offers

.

n

o

.

in-betweens . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

~ it

simply

feeds

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

n

–

–

–

memories . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

~ it

simply

feeds

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

n

–

–

–

memories . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

how

things

–

–

used

.

t

o

.

be . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

how

things

–

–

used

.

t

o

.

be . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

~ yes,

love,

.

i

s

.

love,

.

i

s

.

love . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

~ it

simply

feeds

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

n

–

–

–

memories . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

glimmers

.

a

n

d

.

glows . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

i

t

h

–

–

–

even

.

t

h

e

.

palest

.

o

f

.

hope . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

i

t

h

–

–

–

even

.

t

h

e

.

palest

.

o

f

.

hope . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

that

I

.

c

a

n

.

find

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

~ that

I

.

c

a

n

.

find

you

–

–

out

there . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

someway . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

somewhere . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

someday . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

along

.

t

h

a

t

.

raw

.

a

n

d

.

rugged

road . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

~ that

I

.

c

a

n

.

find

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

~ that

I

.

c

a

n

.

find

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

along

.

t

h

a

t

.

raw

.

a

n

d

.

rugged

road . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

somehow

bring

.

y

o

u

.

home.

Reflection:  This poem was written in reflection of those we deeply love but who tend to struggle in life. We might strongly believe in them and see great potential, and would do anything to help them to find a more positive path – because we know they could do well in life if they could only find the path.

I used the wonderful song “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother” by The Hollies to play repeatedly in the background at low volume as the “moodset” for the poem. If you listen to the song at low volume while reading this poem, you might better get the “feel” of it.

HAPPINESS/SUCCESS TIP: INSTEAD OF FINDING WAYS TO LIVE WITH STRESS AND NEGATIVITY, CHANGE THE THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIORS WHICH LEAD TO IT

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

Here’s a happiness/success tip which can make you feel much better about yourself and your life for months, years, and decades to come. Instead of looking for ways to live with stress, anxiety, and other forms of negativity, ask yourself what thoughts and behaviors you engage in which lead to these kinds of negative experiences and make adjustments accordingly.

Most people seek help for living the way they currently do instead of seeking ideas, assistance, and support for how they might stop living in this fashion. And that is key. So, always seek healthy ways to change the thinking, behaviors, or emotions which create the negativities you experience in life instead of trying to manage or numb them.

As a life coach, I frequently tell people that anytime we experience negativity in life, we are the creator. But that is good news because if we are the creator, then we can always do something about it to make things better. So, it’s a good practice, anytime you experience stress and negativity in life, to ask yourself: “How am I creating this stress and negativity?” And then take steps to make things better.

In some cases, you might falsely conclude that someone else is creating your negativity. For example, there might be someone who doesn’t treat you very well, who only seems to come around when he or she wants something, who always takes but never gives, who never respects or appreciates you, or who talks down to you. And, even though it might seem justified and appropriate to associate your experience of negativity to this other person, a more empowering way to look at it is this: The true reason you are experiencing this negativity is because you are creating it.

“How could I possibly be creating this negativity?” you might ask. Well, in situations such as the above, you might be creating this negativity because you thought the person was different (or better) than he or she truly is, ignored the warning signs, and/or invested time, energy, and resources due to your false impressions. And when this happens, it can be natural to feel angry, disappointed, hurt, and sad. However, the true reason you are feeling this way is not because of the other person. It is because you expected this other person to be different from who he or she truly is. And it hurts when we come to the realization that we have been wrong about someone. Especially, someone we might have greatly loved, respected, and trusted.

However, once you gain the understanding that you are the one who is creating this negativity, you can move towards making things better. Because, armed with your new awareness, you can now create distance from the associated person, learn from the experience so that you become a better judge of character and become more selective of who you associate with in the future, and/or get into the practice of making only small investments in time, energy, and/or resources until you are able to better confirm whether there truly is mutual love, respect, trust, and appreciation before being willing to give more.

So, anytime you experience stress and negativity in life, get into the practice of asking yourself: “How am I creating this stress and negativity?” And then take steps to make things better.

Some of the ways to make healthier changes in life include actively engaging in self-care, making yourself a priority, setting and enforcing boundaries, and living in accordance with your values. And here’s one post I wrote for doing that: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/happiness-tip-make-yourself-a-priority-by-giving-everything-the-attention-it-deserves-and-nothing-more/

And here’s a another post I wrote about the many ways to actively employ self-care: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/how-to-defeat-any-distress-without-dope-drinks-drugs-debt-or-doctors/

And lastly, here’s a post I wrote about taking action: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/happiness-tip-live-with-a-sense-of-hope-but-dont-rely-on-it/

This and other happiness tips and topics are provided throughout my self-help, happiness, and investment oriented books: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/published-books-and-life-coaching-services/

#selfimprovement #selfhelp #selfdevelopment #intention #success #inspiration #happiness #peace #mindfulness

☆°▪︎ IN THE DAYS OF DANCING (AND DREAMING) ▪︎°☆

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

In

.

t

h

e

.

days

.

o

f

.

dancing . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

in

.

t

h

e

.

days

.

o

f

.

dreaming . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

everything

.

came

.

s

o

.

easily . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

everything

.

came

.

s

o

.

easily . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ everything

.

s

o

.

easy,

–

–

in

.

t

h

e

.

days

.

o

f

.

dancing . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

in

.

t

h

e

.

days

.

o

f

.

dreaming . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Instant

cash

.

a

n

d

.

instant

success . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Instant

flash

.

a

n

d

.

instant

press . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Instant

begins

.

a

n

d

.

instant

ends . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Instant

sex

.

a

n

d

.

instant

regrets . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

s

a

w

.

you

.

o

n

c

e

.

by

.

t

h

e

.

sea,

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

then

.

i

t

.

was

.

you

.

a

n

d

.

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

then

.

i

t

.

was

.

we . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

then

.

i

t

.

was

.

three . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ yes,

then

.

i

t

.

was

.

three . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

might

.

h

a

v

e

.

been

.

t

h

e

.

daring

.

a

n

d

.

dazzling

fantasy . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ it

might

.

h

a

v

e

.

been . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

might

.

h

a

v

e

.

been

.

t

h

e

.

tease

.

o

f

.

drugs

.

a

n

d

.

drink . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ it

might

.

h

a

v

e

.

been . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

now

.

i

t

.

seems . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ yes,

now

.

i

t

.

seems

we’re

.

merely

drifting . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ we’re

.

merely

drifting . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

no

longer

.

sailing . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ we’re

drifting . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

no

longer

.

sailing . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

h

e

–

–

–

days

.

o

f

.

dancing

.

a

n

d

.

dreaming . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ yes,

now

.

i

t

.

seems

.

we’re

drifting . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

no

longer

.

sailing . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

h

e

–

–

–

days

.

o

f

.

dancing

.

a

n

d

.

dreaming . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

r

–

–

–

has

.

t

h

a

t

.

ship

.

o

n

c

e

.

boldly

steaming,

–

–

–

.

.

.

only

.

b

e

e

n

.

fleeting . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ only

.

b

e

e

n

.

fleeting . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

slowly

sinking.

Reflection: This was a romantic-themed poem I wrote back in September of 2020 where the contemplator looks back on the early days of a present relationship and ponders where the magic, dance, and dream had gone – and whether he/she will ever be able to bring it back or experience such days again. I played the wonderful gem of a song “Different Now” by Chastity Belt in the background to create the “moodset” for the poem. If you listen to the song at low volume while reading this poem, you might better get the “feel” of it.