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Bright Shining Star |
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01/01/2005 |
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Original Story in Presidio Sentinel - VOL. 5, NO. 1, January 2005
Written By: Patty L. Brooks
In the midst of darkness, we can be a beam of light. In the midst of despair, we can be a ray of hope.
Over this Christmas season I heard and received many messages and words of goodwill. All of them were meaningful and thoughtful. However, the two that really caught my attention and got me to ponder their meaning are those that are presented above, especially when they were followed by the question, "What will we do to help humankind in 2005 and throughout our lives"?
A question, such as this, should cause us all to think about what we say and do, and our actions with the people that we come in contact with every single day of our lives. Its definitely forced me to look within and to consider the impact that my actions, and reactions, have on other people.
Ironically, Im reminded of a movie I saw this past year called "What the Bleep Do We Know!?" Its a film about physics, and how our actions and reactions are a cause of positive and/or negative results, consequences and energy. This movie, I will emphasize, requires an open mind and the ability to "think outside the box". And, in order to appreciate its full meaning, you must also be willing to look within, and ask the question, "What am I doing to bring about positive results?"
Like the messages that I heard over the Christmas season, the movie emphasized the power of positive energy and the synergy that is a result of this action. Just as one good deed leads to another, encouragement, kind thoughts and actions can multipy.
Yes, I know, the world isnt perfect, and neither are the beings that inhabit it. However, despite our misfortunes, setbacks, flaws, weaknesses and shortcomings, we can be a means of creating something very special for humankind. But, to accomplish this, we must eliminate the issues, and the agendas that impede our ability to realize what are the possibilities... the potential.
Which brings me to an experience over this past year and a half, being a spectator, observer, and participant of the Paseo Project in Mission Hills, which is to develop the block that is centered among the streets of Goldfinch, Falcon, Fort Stockton and Washington. When I first learned of this project I made it my responsibility to make calls, take notes and gather information. As a Mission Hills homeowner and business owner, I felt it my duty and obligation to get involved. So, I did.
By doing this, by inserting positve energy to participate, I was given the opportunity to listen, learn, and contribute... and then to experience the results of this action. I got to see many members of the community (residents and business owners) share their comments and concerns, and to "roll up their sleeves" and create their vision for this block that is the entrance to Mission Hills. The result was very gratifying. Positive synergy that came about through sharing of information (including the communities and developers needs and wants), discussion and compromise which eventually led to a proposed development that has now been approved by the majority of the community and by the various city planning groups and review committees.
Unfortunately, Ive also seen what happens when anger and emotions override peoples ability to think logically and for the good of the community at large. Ive also seen examples of how information is distorted to serve an end. Ive experienced individuals unwilling to listen and compromise.
If we want to assume the role of a leader, then we must "rise to the occasion" and act with logic, intelligence and dignity. Otherwise, we defeat our purpose and cause. We must remember that our actions and attitudes, negative and positive, have consequences. Those consequences, respectably, will also either help or hurt humankind.
With that thought I will conclude by saying that the world isnt about buildings and structures, its about the people that inhabit it. and I ask, "What are we doing to help humankind in 2005 and throughout our lives"?
Im going to do my part. I hope you will too.
Happy New Year! |
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