Pursuing Your Passion.

Today, I encouraged someone on one of the forums tom pursue her passion for writing. It has taken me may years to believe that I could make an impact writing. Now I'm working on a chapbook of poems.  

I always told my son to find someone that he really loves then pursue it as a life work. He loves video games and wants to design them. How many people are really doing something that they love? Everything isn't about money, prestige or power. It is about making an impact on others around you. I have been writing since I was sixteen. I have read my work before audiences. If my work impacts one person, I'm happy. 

Pursue something that you really love. I am a radio show host on the internet and a poet. Nearing retirement I am at the point of doing activities that I love. This is a message I share with people, especially the young. Chinese philosopher Confucius stated: Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life. 

This is so true.

Pause For Thought

Many opponents label the passage of bills for transgender rights as a 'bathroom bill'. They stoke fear into uninformed people that allowing transgender people to use public accommodations will endanger the children and women. Well,  these people shouldn't talk.

How come the military is sweeping over 20,000 rape cases under the rug? How come lawmakers have a hard time protecting women from discrimination, abuse, and exploitation?  Recently, a transgender woman was denied the use of a dressing room because the owner felt the customers would be uncomfortable. I saw through that ruse! SHE was the one who was uncomfortable. 

I'm not about changing people's perceptions because that up to the individual. I have and will speak out about their hypocrisy and lies. I wish that I could stand in front of these people and have them tell me why we are not worthy of the same rights as everyone else. I wouldn't tolerate the smug arrogance some of them have. People who know me know when push comes to shove, I'll tangle with anybody-and I don't care who they are. 

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Homage To Mother

As we pay homage to the mothers and the women who have influenced our lives, I have been reflecting on where life has brought me thus far. Mom had a big  influence on my direction in life. 

With her encouragement I was able to have the confidence to tackle difficult tasks. In times of difficulty she handled things with a grace that amazed me. It was this example that helped shaped for me the struggles I would encounter. What I remember most is the hospitality she showed to those who were lonely, depressed, or needed encouragement. It's probably the reason that encouraging others is one mission I have in life.     

My wife shared with me of a conversation she and mom had about my love of flowers and the color pink. I sometimes wonder if she knew that I would transition to Gennee? As we honor all mothers, let's remember that they brought us into the world. Maybe some of you didn't have the best upbringing or relationship with your mothers but remember you wouldn't be here either. Let Mothers Day be a day of rejoicing, remembrance and reflection.

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY! 

The Beginning

It was about this time eight years that I first began to question my gender. It was the beginning of a quest that would lead me in a totally different direction. I would later discover how different.

I have been of the belief that life can take us into directions we didn't plan or seek. My emotional site was one of confusion. Here I was in my mid fifties and questioning if I was the person that I was supposed to me. The troubles began a few years earlier when I had this desire to 'break out'. The question was break out to what? I had no idea I had no clue what was trouble. That answer would be forthcoming in a few weeks.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has exceeded our humanity.


~Albert Einstein

Losing The Soul

Yesterday I was out with a friend at a flea market. We During one of our conversations we discussed how many neighborhoods are changing. Gentrification is surely changing the way the city looks.Condos, upscale restaurants with overpriced food., banks and drugstores on every corner. Being lost is the mom-and-pop businesses that gave life and personality to a neighborhood.

Everywhere I go, rows of store fronts sitting like empty sepulchers. I am for improving the neighborhood but does everything have to be so sterile? Neighborhoods are becoming less diverse and much more expensive. Everybody looks the same, thinks the same, and live in the same shallow environment. I have not lived in certain places because of this. I like personality and diversity, something that's being lost every day.

I am a lover of the arts, theater, film, and museums. I have long lamented that the average person cannot see a Broadway play because it is cost prohibitive. Seems that the almighty dollar by the greed landlords and developers trump whatever the community has in mind. Kind of sad.  Yes, the neighborhood may look shiny and slick but what does it mean if there is no soul there? If I want to find empty shells, I'll go to the seashore. At least they are beautiful and unique.

Being Authentic

One of the aspects of my life is to be as authentic as I can. When I made the the decision to be open about being transgender, in took into consideration that there would be opposition to the visibility transgender people are getting. I'm pleased that transgender people are taking more control of their situations.

While I haven't encountered any physical attacks, I'm aware that it could happen. I'm not afraid, just aware. The risk one takes by being who they are many. Then again that's what makes life worth living. Over two years ago, I started writing poetry. I started not to prove myself to others but to challenge myself. I have a much better understanding of this genre and the people who write poetry. I have written over a hundred poems. 

Being vulnerable can bring rewards as well as risks. One of the rewards is discovering that you can do things that you never thought you could. It was like that with poetry and now it's advocating for justice causes. I enjoy the moment that I'm in. Stopping to smell the roses keeps me in tune with life.