November 18-B, 2022

**Rangeley Lake Sunset 01 Oil Paint Rendered — Rangeley, Maine**

Ease of functioning
is what I want.
Just give me that,
and get out of my way.

I don't know why it is so hard.
Everything about it is hard.
It is hard being me.

You know what I'm talking about
as it pertains to you.

It is not easy being you.

Why not?

Why aren't we all helping each other
be who we are?

A little compassion and kindness
goes a long way.

Start dispensing compassion and kindness--
and never, ever ask,
"When is it going to be MY turn?"

Just dispense a little compassion and kindness
to yourself.
Get off your own back.
Grant yourself a little peace,
a little slack,
along with the compassion and kindness.

We only need a whiff.
Just a memory.
A faint recollection.

Somebody being kind to us,
reminding us of someone being kind to us,
breaks the spell,
picks us up,
like a smile and a wink
from across the room.

–0–

Published by jimwdollar

I'm retired, and still finding my way--but now, I don't have to pretend that I know what I'm doing. I retired after 40.5 years as a minister in the Presbyterian Church USA, serving churches in Louisiana, Mississippi and North Carolina. I graduated from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, in Austin, Texas, and Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana. My wife, Judy, and I have three daughters and five granddaughters within about twenty minutes from where we live--and are enjoying our retirement as much as we have ever enjoyed anything. View more posts