Author: Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

☆°▪︎ LOST IN THE LACK (AND NO TURNING BACK) ▪︎°☆

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

First

with

.

t

h

e

.

thirst,

.

.

b

u

t

.

.

last

with

.

t

h

e

.

crash . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

e

.

.

.

were

lost

.

i

n

.

the

lack,

.

w

i

t

h

.

no

turning

back . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ we

.

w

e

r

e

.

lost

.

i

n

.

the

lack,

.

w

i

t

h

.

no

turning

back . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

So

high

.

o

n

.

the

blast . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

So

afraid

.

i

t

.

would

.

n

o

t

.

last . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

that

day,

–

–

after

night,

–

–

after

day . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

we

raced . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

raced . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

raced . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

raced . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

along

.

t

h

o

s

e

.

tracks . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

hot,

.

a

n

d

.

hard,

.

a

n

d

.

fast,

.

a

n

d

.

far . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

clickety

clack,

–

–

clickety

clack,

–

–

all

along

–

–

those

tracks . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

clickety

clack,

–

–

clickety

clack,

–

–

further,

–

–

deeper

.

i

n

t

o

.

the

black . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

now . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ yes,

now . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

i

t

h

–

–

–

all

.

t

h

e

.

sins,

–

–

vices,

.

a

n

d

.

excesses

–

–

we’ve

had,

.

.

I

.

.

w

a

s

.

thinking

.

w

e

.

might

.

t

u

r

n

.

back . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

.

w

a

s

.

hoping

.

w

e

.

might

.

t

u

r

n

.

back . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

instead

.

o

f

.

waking

again,

.

n

o

t

.

knowing

where

–

–

we’re

at,

–

–

lost

.

a

n

d

.

alone,

.

a

n

d

.

sinking

.

i

n

.

the

lack . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ sinking

.

i

n

.

the

lack . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

.

f

a

l

l

i

n

g

.

.

.

through

.

t

h

e

.

cracks . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ yes,

sinking

.

i

n

.

the

lack . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

.

f

a

l

l

i

n

g

.

.

.

through

.

t

h

e

.

cracks . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ sinking

.

i

n

.

the

lack . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

not

turning

back . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ not

turning

back

.

t

o

.

all

.

a

n

d

.

that,

–

–

which

smiled

.

i

n

.

the

past . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ not

turning

back

.

t

o

.

all

.

a

n

d

.

that,

.

a

n

d

.

the

warmth

.

o

n

c

e

.

had . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Not

turning

back . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Not

turning

back . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

s

–

–

–

those

youthful

.

d

a

y

s

.

begin

.

t

o

.

age

.

a

n

d

.

shade . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

age

.

a

n

d

.

shade . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

age

.

a

n

d

.

shade . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

age

.

a

n

d

.

shade . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

gray . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

nothing

feels

.

s

o

.

bad . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

so

empty . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

so

sad . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

s

–

–

–

that,

–

–

when

.

a

l

l

.

which

blossomed

–

–

dies

.

i

n

.

the

past . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ looking

back

.

t

o

.

all

.

o

n

c

e

.

had . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ yes,

nothing

feels

.

s

o

.

bad

.

t

h

a

n

.

looking

back

.

t

o

.

all

.

o

n

c

e

.

had . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ looking

back

.

t

o

.

all

.

o

n

c

e

.

had

.

i

n

.

that

dimming,

–

–

dying

past,

–

–

when

.

w

e

.

came

.

o

n

.

too

hot . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

too

hard . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

too

far . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

too

fast . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ riding

high

.

o

n

.

that

blast . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ riding

high

.

o

n

.

that

blast . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

First

with

.

t

h

e

.

thirst,

.

.

b

u

t

.

.

last

with

.

t

h

e

.

crash . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

First

with

.

t

h

e

.

thirst,

.

.

b

u

t

.

.

last

with

.

t

h

e

.

crash . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

First

with

.

t

h

e

.

thirst,

.

.

b

u

t

.

.

last

with

.

t

h

e

.

crash . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ yes,

last

.

w

i

t

h

.

the

crash,

–

–

aged

faces

aghast . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ aged

faces

aghast

–

–

against

.

t

h

e

.

glass . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

alas . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ yes,

alas . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

every

passing

warm,

.

a

n

d

.

glossy

flash

.

f

a

l

l

s

.

flat . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

turns

bland

.

a

n

d

.

black . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

turns

bland

.

a

n

d

.

black . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

blast

–

–

standing

.

a

t

.

half-mast . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

now . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ yes,

now . . .

–

–

–

.

.

. 

a

t

–

–

–

last . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

clickety

clack,

–

–

clickety

clack,

–

–

there’s

.

n

o

.

turning

back.

Reflection: This was a forgotten but moving personal struggle-themed poem I wrote back in September of 2019 as a warning to be cautious when engaging in vices and excesses which might end up consuming a life. So many people start out experimenting, being adventurous, and having “fun,” only to find themselves immersed and trapped in a darkness they can never escape. I played the wonderful acoustic version of the song “Cowgirl in the Sand” by Neil Young (from the “Four Way Street” album) 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.

This poem was initially born from a favorite lyric: “after all the sin we’ve had, I was hoping that we’d turn bad” from the Neil Young song: “Cowgirl in the Sand” – which I changed to “with all the sins, vices, and excesses we’ve had, I was thinking we might turn back.” The rest of the poem pretty much wrote itself from that starting point.

HAPPINESS TIP: DON’T GET SO HUNG UP ON PURPOSE… THIS IS WHAT TRULY MATTERS

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

Here’s a Happiness Tip which might be helpful for some of you out there: Don’t get so hung up on having a purpose. There is something which matters so much more than that.

Frequently, as a life coach, when I give a talk to a group or meet someone for the very first time I will ask: “What is the most important life question?” Almost every time I ask this, someone responds with: “What is my purpose?” I then typically initiate what usually amounts to a lively discussion. I’ll ask questions like: “What does it mean to have a purpose and, more importantly, what does that mean for you?” and “Your purpose – according to what or who?” and “How would you go about finding your purpose?” and “How will you know when you’ve found your purpose?” and “Is your purpose static and limited to one thing – it being that ‘purpose’ is a singular word?” and so on.

The reason I like to initiate these kinds of discussions is because people frequently use common words and expressions – such as “purpose” or “passion” – without knowing what they truly mean for them. And if they don’t have a clear and specific meaning or how it might apply for themselves, as individuals, how do words and expressions like these help? Well, they don’t.

Many people I have coached in the past, experience a sense of anxiety, frustration, or gloom when other people seem to have some sense of purpose but they do not know, themselves, what their specific purpose is. But I always tell them to just let it go. That just because some people seem to live with a sense of purpose, not everybody does. And that’s okay.

Now, if you are one of those people who feel there is no way under heaven you will ever be happy until you have a specifically defined purpose, well, I’ve got good news for you. By the end of this post you will know exactly what your purpose is. How do I know this? Because I’m going to give it to you. Happy? Good. Keep reading.

There are some people out there who feel they know what their life purpose is and actively live it. And while I encourage and applaud them on the one hand, on the other I can’t help but wonder if their lives might have more zest, fulfillment, pizzazz, meaning, and completeness if they did not limit themselves to that one, singular purpose in life. That is, does it really make sense for an entire life to focus on one thing and might there be something more? You better believe there might. So, I encourage even those who believe they have found their purpose to both actively engage in new experiences and perform exploration all along the way. Because you never know what other interests and passions you might discover in life – some of which might be more rewarding than, well, the original purpose you thought was truly yours and elected to actively pursue.

I had an excellent conversation with a young man a few months ago who had planned to leave his job and go live in a foreign country for a lengthy period of time. He spent years saving money and over a year planning for this event and performing the coordination needed to make it happen. But as the date of his departure approached, he began to feel uneasy. So, we had a lengthy discussion about that and, in summary, what his uneasiness came down to was that he did not feel he had a purpose for the journey. So, I gave him one. I told him his purpose was exploration. He was moving to a foreign country to not only explore the culture and new experiences but also to explore himself. And he was opening himself up to new possibilities. New possibilities which could drive and direct his future and blossom into something so spectacular that it creates a lifetime full of warmth, passion, joy, excitement, and exhilaration. And what a wonderful life that would be! Needless to say, after our discussion, he felt much better about things and started getting excited about the adventure to come.

So, don’t get so hung up on having a purpose. Not everybody has one and not everybody finds “it” after years and years of searching. What truly matters is that you live a happy life, engage in new experiences, and perform some exploration all along the way. If you do, you might discover interests and passions you never knew you had. So, explore, experience, and keep exploring and experiencing, Because, as far as I’m concerned, exploration and experience are key ways to “spice up” your life.

So, now that you have read this, if you still feel you absolutely must have a purpose, well, just like the young man above, I will give you one: Your purpose is to live a happy life – including all and everything that means for you. Period.

For me that means living a colorful, exciting, multi-dimensional life by creating a dynamic, ever-changing life experience so full of warmth, joy, variety, color, wonder, sunshine, excitement, and exhilaration that much later in life I will reflect, smile, and marvel at all my life had contained and become. And I think that would be a wonderful place for everyone to get to.

Another part of the above, for me, involves inspiring others to live happy, rich, and rewarding lives. I hope I have and that some of you will be inspired to make some of the same choices I have because I would like nothing more than for you, all, and everyone to have this fantastic, spectacular experience.

So, yeah. Okay. Don’t talk to me about singular words such as purpose. Your life can be so much more than that. And it needs to be.

Simply live, explore, experience, and be happy. Because happiness matters. Not only does it benefit you but it benefits everyone and everything that surrounds you and all you come in contact with. Happier people create brighter surroundings, warmer and deeper connections with others, and more positive experiences. So, happiness is all that truly matters. And here is a four step process on how you can live increasingly happier that works each and every time.

Now that I have discussed the topic of “purpose” in detail, I imagine you have come to the realization that “purpose” is not the answer to my opening question: “What is the most important life question?” You are correct. “What is?” you might ask. Well, that is the topic of a different post. You can search for it here.

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

HAPPINESS TIP: EXPEND TIME AND ENERGY ON THAT WHICH OFFERS VALUE TO YOU AND LITTLE TO NONE ON THAT WHICH DOES NOT

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

Here’s a Happiness Tip which might be helpful to some of you out there: Be very mindful of how you use your time and energy. Expend most of your time and energy on that which truly offers value to you and little to none on anything which does not. This goes for the activities you engage in, the work you perform, the people in your life, and the information and media content you expose yourself to.

For example, one of the time and energy depleters in life I commonly come across – when helping others as a life coach – involves people. If there are people who do not value you or add value to your life, then do not waste another precious moment until they do (if ever). It’s just wasted energy. Nothing you do will do anything for them until they learn to value and appreciate you or add value in some fashion.

So, clear the clutter and focus on that and those which add value to your life. You will be much happier and live a rich and rewarding life if you do because you will have the time and energy to expend on that and those which truly matter instead of being consumed by that and those which don’t. So, clear that clutter. And clear it often.

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/

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

☆°▪︎ FUTURE DAYS BEHIND ▪︎°☆

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

There

once

.

w

a

s

.

a

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

when

.

w

e

.

could

love

–

–

without

lying . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

hold

–

–

without

hiding . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ there

once

.

w

a

s

.

a

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

There

once

.

w

a

s

.

a

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

when

.

w

e

.

could

talk

–

–

without

trying . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

lay

side

.

b

y

.

side

–

–

without

crying . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ there

once

.

w

a

s

.

a

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

now

eyes

.

g

a

z

e

.

into

eyes,

–

–

which

disguise

.

b

u

t

.

no

longer

ignite . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ they

.

n

o

.

longer

ignite,

.

a

n

d

.

no

longer

prize,

.

o

r

.

burn

.

w

i

t

h

.

pride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ they

.

n

o

.

longer

prize,

.

o

r

.

burn

.

w

i

t

h

.

pride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

goodbyes

.

n

o

.

longer

hurt,

.

o

r

.

even

blur . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ they

.

n

o

.

longer

hurt,

.

o

r

.

even

blur . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

those

future

.

d

a

y

s

.

which

.

o

n

c

e

.

shined

.

s

u

c

h

.

promise,

–

–

excitement,

.

a

n

d

.

delight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

danced

.

s

o

.

blissfully

.

a

n

d

.

wondrously

.

w

i

d

e

.

across

.

t

h

e

.

warming,

–

– 

hope-filled

skies . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

n

o

–

–

–

longer

prize,

.

o

r

.

burn

.

w

i

t

h

.

pride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ those

future

.

d

a

y

s

.

which

.

o

n

c

e

.

shined

.

s

o

.

boundlessly

bright,

–

–

begin

.

t

o

.

dim

.

i

n

t

o

.

the

dismal

–

–

days

.

o

f

.

behind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

dim . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

dim . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

dim . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

t

o

–

–

–

the

dismal

–

–

days

.

o

f

.

behind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

mile,

–

–

after

mile,

–

–

after

mile . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

night,

–

–

after

night,
–

–

after

night . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

until

even

.

t

h

e

.

good

times

.

n

o

.

longer

smile . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ until

even

.

t

h

e

.

good

times

.

n

o

.

longer

smile . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

There

once

.

w

a

s

.

a

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

now, 

they

.

n

o

.

longer

smile . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

.

n

o

.

longer

smile . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

.

n

o

.

longer

smile . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

.

n

o

.

longer

smile . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

falling

further . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

further . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

further

behind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ further

behind

.

t

h

o

s

e

.

times,

–

–

when

.

w

e

.

could

–

–

love

without

lying . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

hold

without

hiding . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

talk

without

trying . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ those

times

–

–

which

shined

.

s

o

.

wondrously

wide,

.

a

n

d

.

boundlessly

bright . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

across

eternal

skies

.

o

f

.

bliss,

–

–

hope,

.

a

n

d

.

delight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

only

.

t

o

.

dim . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

only

.

t

o

.

dim . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

only

.

t

o

.

dim . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ only

.

t

o

.

dim,

–

–

decline,

–

–

dither,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

die.

Reflection: This was a forgotten romantic-themed poem I wrote back in September of 2019 where the contemplator looks back on a dying present-day romance that was once full of beauty, wonder, magic, and delight – and ponders how things ended up to the point where there is not only no love between them, but they don’t even like, want, or respect each other anymore. Most likely it was the collection of little things all along the way. I played the wonderful song “Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye” by Luke Bryan 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 SWIRLING HAZE . . . THE THUNDERING GRAY . . . (I WADE INTO THE REPLAY) ▪︎°☆

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

The

haunting

remains

.

i

n

.

this

place . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

somewhere

.

i

n

.

that

–

–

swirling

haze

.

o

f

.
mere

moments

–

–

swept

away,

.

t

w

o

.

shadows

swayed,

–

–

embraced,

.

a

n

d

.

merged

into

.

t

h

e

.

gray . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

c

a

n

.

almost

recall

.

a

.

trace

.

o

f

.

that

elegance

.

a

n

d

.

grace . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

c

a

n

.

almost

perceive

.

t

h

e

.

change,

.

a

n

d

.

the

paling

.

o

f

.

the

page . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

c

a

n

.

almost

–

–

still

experience

.

t

h

a

t

.

hurricane

.

o

f

.

wind,

–

–

rain,

.

a

n

d

.

crashing

waves . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

thundering

again,

.

a

n

d

.

again,

.

a

n

d

.

again,

.

a

n

d

.

again . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

wave,

–

–

after

wave,

–

–

after

wave,

–

–

after

wave . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

tossing,

.

a

n

d

.

tumbling,

.

a

n

d

.

turning

us

–

–

up

.

a

n

d

.

down . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

round

.

a

n

d

.

round . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

inside

out

.

a

n

d

.

upside

down . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Every

night

.

f

o

r

.

us

.

i

t

.

came . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Every

night

.

f

o

r

.

us

.

i

t

.

raged . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

awake

today,

.

a

n

d

.

call

your

name . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

call,

.

a

n

d

.

I

call,

.

a

n

d

.

I

call,

.

a

n

d

.

I

call . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

only

silence

.

a

n

d

.

space

are

.

a

l

l

.

that

reign . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

~ all

.

t

h

a

t

.

reign

.

i

n

.

this

place . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

the

haunting

remains . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

the

haunting

remains . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

the

haunting

remains . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

it

feels

.

l

i

k

e

.

I’m

lost

.

i

n

.

a

maze

–

–

full

.

o

f

.

shade . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

day,

–

–

after

day,

–

–

after

day,

–

–

after

day . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

entertain

.

a

.

vague

parade

.

o

f

.

yesterdays

which

–

–

always

stay

.

t

h

e

.

same . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

I

don’t

–

–

want

it

.

t

o

.

end . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

~ I

don’t

–

–

want

it

.

t

o

.

end

.

t

h

i

s

.

way . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

I

close

.

m

y

.

eyes,

.

a

n

d

.

wade . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

close

.

m

y

.

eyes,

.

a

n

d

.

wade . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

close

.

m

y

.

eyes,

.

a

n

d

.

wade . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

t

o

–

–

–

the

replay . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

wade . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

t

o

–

–

–

the

swirling

haze . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

wade . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

t

o

–

–

–

the

thundering

gray . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

wade . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

t

o

–

–

–

the

hurricane

.

o

f

.

wind,

–

–

rain,

–

a

n

d

–

crashing

waves . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

because

that

.

i

s

.

the

only

way

–

–

I

can

erase

.

o

r

.

ease

the

pain . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

~ that

.

i

s

.

the

only

way

–

–

I

can

make

–

–

the

haunting

.

g

o

.

away . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

I

close

.

m

y

.

eyes

.

a

n

d

.

wade . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

I

close

.

m

y

.

eyes

.

a

n

d

.

wade . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

I

close

.

m

y

.

eyes

.

a

n

d

.

wade . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

~ I

wade . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

t

o

–

–

–

the

replay.

Reflection:

This poem largely reflects looking back on a one-of-a-kind, whirlwind romance that happened in the past – and is something most of us have probably experienced in our lives. However, the haunting memory becomes painful when we compare it to where we are and what we have in our life today, but we just want to relive that memory one more time . . . and then again . . . and then again . . . and then again . . . even though we know it’s not good or healthy for us. And we hold on to a pale hope that we might find something like that again and be smart enough to hold on to it and not let it go the next time.

This poem was greatly inspired by the Dierks Bentley song, “Black.” I played this song repeatedly in the background at low volume to create the “moodset” for the poem. If you listen to this song at low volume while reading this poem, you might better get the “feel” of it.

☆°▪︎ BURNING THE CURVE ▪︎°☆

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

You

might

.

h

a

v

e

.

heard

.

t

h

a

t

.

I

.

burn

.

t

h

e

.

curve . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

burn

.

t

h

e

.

curve,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

blur . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

burn

.

t

h

e

.

curve,

–

–

when

.

t

h

e

.

turn

.

i

s

.

unsure . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

burn

.

t

h

e

.

curve,

–

–

when

.

h

u

r

t

.

becomes

.

t

h

e

.

cure . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ when

.

h

u

r

t

.

becomes

.

t

h

e

.

cure . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

burn

.

t

h

e

.

curve . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

burn

.

t

h

e

.

curve . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

burn

.

t

h

e

.

curve . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

anything

observed,

–

–

might

truly

.

b

e

.

worse . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

r

–

–

–

deserve

.

m

o

r

e

.

worth

.

t

h

a

n

.

wants,

–

–

whispers,

.

o

r

.

words . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

there

.

a

r

e

.

times,

–

–

when

.

a

detour

–

–

better

serves,

.

.

t

h

a

n

.

.

a

yield

.

o

r

.

a

merge . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

before

.

y

o

u

.

surrender . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ surrender

.

t

o

.

the

urge . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

consider

.

w

h

a

t

.

you’ve

heard,

.

a

n

d

.

learn . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

I

burn

.

i

t

.

baby,

–

–

burn . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

burn

.

t

h

e

.

curve . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

blur.

Reflection: This was a personal struggle-themed poem I wrote back in August of 2019 where the affected party frequently lives on the edge of life – and slows down for no one. And we’re left to wonder where he or she might end up. I played the wonderful song “The Only Thing” by Zola Blood 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 poem was born from the lyric: “fast on the curve” (actually the words were “resting on a curve” but I had not realized that) – I changed that tiny phrase to “burning the curve,” and the rest of the poem wrote itself from that.

HAPPINESS TIP: LOVE, REVERE, AND APPRECIATE ALL THAT HAS BEEN LOANED TO YOU – FOR ALL OF YOUR DAYS – BY THE MOST GRACIOUS OF GIVERS

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

Here’s a Happiness Tip which summarizes my basic philosophy on life and how I choose to live on a day-to-day basis: Love, value, revere and appreciate all and everything which has been loaned to you, for all of your days, by the most gracious of givers – God, the universe, the Creator, or whatever it is you believe in.

If you live in this fashion and take special care of the universe (and all of it’s wonderful creations), it will take care of you. I have such a blessed and beautiful life. And the way I’ve been living it is probably a big reason why. So love, value, revere, and appreciate everything in your life and live with a sense of magic and wonder. If you do, you might be amazed at how wonderful and beautiful your life becomes.

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

HAPPINESS TIP: ENSURE ANY IMBALANCE IN LIFE IS INTENTIONAL AND TEMPORARY

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

Here’s a Happiness Tip regarding making sure that any periods of imbalance experienced in life are: (1) intentional, and (2) temporary in nature.

I must say I’ve been pretty impressed by the youth of today. So many seem so determined, so driven. It reminds me a lot of some of the older and past generations. I just hope they achieve what they are seeking without burning themselves out.

I always encourage some sense of balance but communicate that temporary imbalance is okay so long as it is intentional (and not habitual) and that you: (1) know what you really, really want and are working towards this, and (2) have a clearly defined exit so that you can then get back to leading a more balanced life. Otherwise, you might fall into the trap of working your life away and wake up one day pondering what happened to your life and find yourself haunted by all you had not done or experienced in life as well as any missed opportunities. Don’t do this to yourself.

Make balance a priority in your life. Because, focus and temporary imbalance might allow you to achieve specific goals in life but living with a sense of balance will ensure that you live a rich and rewarding life overall. Balance offers variety, stamina, warmth, color, excitement, inspiration, enjoyment, satisfaction, fulfillment, and overall happiness and allows one to recognize and capitalize on the synergies and opportunities in life – many of which may not be directly related to specific goals. So, always try to keep this in mind by making sure that any periods of imbalance in your life are truly intentional (and not habitual) and temporary in nature so you can get back to living a balanced life for much of the time.

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

☆°▪︎ YESTERDAYS ABLAZE ▪︎°☆

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

What

can

you

.

d

o

.

when

life 

becomes

.

t

o

o

.

late

.

f

o

r

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ when

.

y

o

u

.

awake

.

t

o

.

find

.

a

.

strange

face

–

–

that

.

h

a

s

. 

aged

.

i

n

.

a

place,

–

–

with

.

y

o

u

r

.

yesterdays

ablaze . . .

–

–

–

 ~ with

.

y

o

u

r

.

yesterdays

ablaze

.

i

n

.

what

could

.

h

a

v

e

.

been

–

–

better

days

.

h

a

d

.

you

realized

.

t

h

e

.

truth . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

truth

.

t

h

a

t

.

all,

.

a

n

d

.

each.

.

a

n

d

.

everything

.

y

o

u

.

once

owned,

.

n

o

w

.

owns

you . . .

–

–

–

 ~ they

.

n

o

w

.

own

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

consume

.

y

o

u

r

.

youth,

–

–

burning,

–

–

burning

blue . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

now . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ yes,

now . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

it’s

.

t

o

o

.

late

.

f

o

r

.

change . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

it’s

.

t

o

o

.

late

.

t

o

.

make

things

.

g

o

.

your

way . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

because

.

i

t

.

would

.

n

o

t

.

matter . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ it

would

.

n

o

t

.

matter

–

–

anyway . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

– 

all

.

t

h

a

t

.

once

mattered

.

n

o

w

.

lies

.

i

n

.

tatters . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

r

–

–

–

has

.

b

e

e

n

.

consumed

.

b

y

.

flame,

–

–

leaving

.

o

n

l

y

.

gray

.

a

s

h

.

remains . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Too

late . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Too

late . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Far

.

t

o

o

.

late

.

f

o

r

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

because

.

y

o

u

.

are

old . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ yes,

.

y

o

u

.

are

old . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

the

days

.

a

r

e

.

new.

Reflection: This was a forgotten personal struggle-themed poem I wrote back in August of 2019 where the contemplator looks back on a life that has somehow consumed his or her entire youth without any awareness – for the contemplator now is old, but “the days are new.” I played the wonderful song “The Fatal Gift” by Emily Haines 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 MANY SIDES OF GOODBYE ▪︎°☆

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

Another

goodbye

–

–

blurs

.

m

y

.

eyesight,

.

.

b

u

t

.

.

still

I

realize,

–

–

it

.

i

s

.

just

.

f

o

r

.

a

.

little

while . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ it

.

i

s

.

just

.

f

o

r

.

a

.

while . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

although

.

n

o

t

.

side

.

b

y

.

side . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

n

o

–

–

–

part

.

o

f

.

you

.

c

a

n

.

be

erased

.

b

y

.

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ nothing

.

c

a

n

.

be

erased

.

b

y

.

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

because

there

.

a

r

e

.

many

sides . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

many,

–

–

many

sides

.

.

o

f

.

.

goodbye . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

There

.

a

r

e

.

sides

.

t

h

a

t

.

die . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

sides

.

t

h

a

t

.

try . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

sides

.

t

h

a

t

.

know

–

–

how

.

t

o

.

lie . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

There

.

a

r

e

.

sides

. 

t

h

a

t

.

hide . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

sides

.

t

h

a

t

.

take

flight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

sides

.

t

h

a

t

.

know

.

n

o

t

.

why . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

I

.

do

.

n

o

t

.

mind,

–

–

being

blinded

.

b

y

.

every

–

–

gray

line

.

a

n

d

.

each

shaded,

–

–

chaotic

design

.

o

f

.

goodbye . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

because

.

I

.

a

m

.

one

.

t

o

.

realize

–

–

they

add . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ they

add

.

t

o

.

all

.

t

h

a

t

. 

was . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

is . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

will

be

.

i

n

.

life . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

memories

.

c

a

n

.

always

.

b

e

.

kind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

there’s

.

n

o

.

cause

.

t

o

.

cry,

–

–

when

.

y

o

u

.

realize,

–

–

there’s

.

s

o

.

many

reasons

.

t

o

.

smile . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ there’s

just

.

s

o

.

many

reasons

.

t

o

.

smile,

.

a

n

d

.

forward

drive,

.

a

n

d

.

glimmer

.

a

n

d

.

glide,

–

–

upon

those

–

–

warming

lights,

–

–

which

burned

.

s

o

.

bright . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

because

.

o

n

c

e

.

upon

a

time,

–

–

together

.

w

e

.

smiled,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

were

part

.

o

f

.

a

life . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

that

starshine

–

–

which

beams

.

s

o

.

bright . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

makes

.

o

n

e

.

feel

.

s

o

.

alive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ that

starshine

.

w

h

i

c

h

.

added

.

s

u

c

h

.

shimmer,

.

a

n

d

.

hope,

.

a

n

d

.

love,

.

a

n

d

.

fire,

.

a

n

d

.

color,

.

a

n

d

.

charm . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

a

.

bold

brilliance

.

t

o

.

life . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

partly

came

.

f

r

o

m

.

each,

.

a

n

d

.

all,

.

a

n

d

.

every

.

p

a

s

t

.

goodbye . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ every

.

p

a

s

t

.

goodbye,

–

–

which

might

.

h

a

v

e

.

otherwise,

–

–

forever

made

.

u

s

.

cry . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

until

.

t

h

e

.

day

.

w

e

.

came

.

t

o

.

realize,

.

i

t

.

is

.

w

e

.

who

decide

–

–

which

parts

.

t

o

.

polish

.

a

n

d

.

prize . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

which

parts

.

t

o

.

bury,

.

a

n

d

.

leave

behind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ which

parts

.

o

f

.

each,

.

a

n

d

.

all,

.

a

n

d

.

every

–

–

goodbye

.

t

o

.

forward

.

i

n

.

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

understand

that

.

i

s

.

why . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

you

. 

a

r

e

.

you,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

I

.

a

m

.

I . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

for

that . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ yes,

.

f

o

r

.

that . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

e

–

–

–

can

smile,

.

a

n

d

.

dance,

.

a

n

d

.

shine,

.

a

n

d

.

realize . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

t

–

–

–

all

brought

.

u

s

.

to

who,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

why,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

where

.

w

e

.

are

right

.

n

o

w

.

in

life . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

whether

–

–

goodbye

.

f

o

r

.

now,

.

o

r

.

goodbye

–

–

forever . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

each

.

a

n

d

.

every

–

–

goodbye

.

c

a

n

.

add

a

warmth

.

t

o

.

our

shine,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

a

sparkle

.

t

o

.

our

eye . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

So

yes,

–

–

another

goodbye

–

–

might

blur

.

m

y

.

eyesight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

there

.

a

r

e

. 

many

sides . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

many,

–

–

many

sides

.

o

f

.

goodbye.

Reflection: This was a forgotten inspirational/hope-themed poem I wrote back in August of 2019 to help people deal with the “goodbyes” in their lives by understanding that every experience no matter how lengthy, how short, how large, how small, how powerful, or how subtle adds to the living collage that becomes who we are at any given point in time. And we result from all of those contributing parts and pieces. So, get into the practice of cherishing, loving, and appreciating all of that throughout your life. A favorite Dr. Suess quote comes to mind here: “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” So, do this if you can. I played the wonderful gem of a song “Nihilist Abyss” by Emily Haines 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.