The Search for New Energy

Dear Beloved Blog Readers,

I am really happy today.

We are definitely in a cold winter so it is easy to get down about things. I have been down but now I am committed to staying open and energized in my search for self love and life purpose. I am not sad anymore because I keep finding people who are struggling with the same problems I am. Oh how wonderful to wallow in self pity rather than the pity of others.

I am ecstatic about two trips I have recently done.

The first was to Montpelier, Vermont where I had a nice long talk with a group of AmeriCorps VISTAs who are just starting the second halves of their terms which are with a variety of organizations that work with vulnerable populations. I am one vulnerable person for sure but I know every person in the world has unprotected parts. It is nice when the time comes that allows a group of people to share who they are inside and what their struggles are. We had that on Friday and it was a delight.

I shared these words:

A month ago I turned 50 and stepped into the second half of my life. I know most of you here are about to step into the second halves of your AmeriCorps service stints. Oh, how happy I am to give you some advice from my vantage point.

I have to say that the excitement of something new is over. More present is the need to make something meaningful out of life and your experience here.

What are we going to do to address this?

Well, let’s hear some scenarios and goals.

And their experiences and commitments to finding new energy were what pushed me into my second half with joy and laughter.

I am very thankful to Robyn for providing this opportunity to address my winter blues with a room of brilliant souls.

Oh, yes, I do have words of advice for you dear friends.

The wise hawk says “The days are opening for us all.  So be ready to follow your dreams.”

Please smile.

Fondly,

Mark

The Articulate Heart

The Agent of Future Days Happy and Hopeful

Dear Beloved Blog Readers,

It has been a sad few days for me. I sometimes worry about the future and what will happen to me. I think I am not alone in this so I feel less alone when it happens. Under that thought lies hope and community. Oh, I am working through not knowing some key things.  So happiness is returning.

I am interested in changing the world with my unique perspective gained from years of watching others. I have often noticed that openness is essential to human connection but people hide behind their fears.

I hide behind my fears too but a lot of people don’t know that because they see me as incapable of holding complex emotional thoughts and impulses. I am actually a pretty complicated guy. Oh, not in a scary way.

I am on a unique path which was given to me by the celestial bodies. As I move forward in learning how to be myself and fit into society I am happy to know you are aware of my attempt to live a good life.

I just ran into Paul Schnabel at Muddy Waters. I love that guy. I feel so seen by him. I want to ask him to feel good about his upcoming show and I will feel good about my future.

The power of love in friendship is strong. When it is present in my life I can say that I am joyfully looking at the future. You very much can count on watching me continue to blossom.

I am going to leave you with this piece of advice.

You are beautiful. Enjoy Valentine’s Day.

Fondly,

Mark

The Humanist

Wacky Men on Words and Loving

Dear Beloved Blog Readers,

I want to let you know that I so love that you read this blog. It is one of the few opportunities I have to talk totally truly and it is the waste of my gift of gab that angers me most.

I am dearly aware of my shortcomings these days. Often I rise above them but I know it is imperative that I work through them and make peace with them. I will be stronger and able to declare more truthfully my belief that love is a good thing and will win.

Really excited that last week I had a great interview with Jernigan Pontiac for my TV show “The Uttering Mind”. Jernigan was an awesome guy to gab with. I joyfully hope you will take a look at it.

Oh, I also want to let you know that I am now half a century young. I made this toast at the wild wonderful party my family threw for me. Here it is.

Dear friends and family, Thank you for coming to my party! It is lovely to see you all here and I hope you all have a fabulous time kicking up your heels and filling your bellies. Let’s make a toast properly to each one of us loving ourselves completely, making new and exciting discoveries and really kind relationships. Cheers! Let’s live long and prosper.”

I am on a roll to finding who I am and I know you all are too.

Let’s hear it for life and the pursuit of purpose and happiness.

Fondly,

Mark

The Funny Man who is Your Friend