Out There…There Ain’t No Pot of Gold and Damn Few Rainbows
…Exactly!!
By C. Sean Clancy
The Hang Dogs …a rockabilly band from Texas that I discovered a few years back...sing "Out There ain’t all you read about. I could not agree more. How many of us know people who are searching for their own personal pot of gold…with their eyes? Here’s the catch…it’s not "out there" and I don’t say this because I am pessimistic or because I’m a doomsayer (boy I like that word). Doomsayer…it belongs in the movies. Now back to real life. Yes, the reason that I take exception to the searching Out There approach that many people take is because I’ve learned that the real rainbows as well as sunshine and yes even Shangri-La’s are all "IN THERE". The reason people don’t see them is because they insist on using their eyes, ears, or even taste buds. Now playing at the Theatre of the Heart…pleasure and satisfaction comes from within. And p.s. we all have it…the question is do we know how to find it, and the use it, and then encourage it to stick around? We are so fortunate here in America, we have a high level of literacy, we have the ability to live in safety, with clean air, clean water, and the freedom to do with our time what we wish, WHOA…. I can hear all the naysayers now (close cousin to the doomsayers)… "But we have terrorism, pollution, jobs moving off-shore, and corporate greed". Yes we do. How many of us come face to face with what’s wrong in our country or our world on a day by day, hour by hour basis?
I challenge you to compare your answer to that question with the answer to some of these. How often do you wake-up someplace safe and warm (or cool in the summer)? How often do you eat when you are hungry and drink when you are thirsty? How often do your breathe freely (without even thinking)? OK, now that we have a few things in perspective…What can you create in your life? Here’s a few hints…don’t turn on the TV, don’t go on-line, and don’t buy a magazine. Rather I encourage you to take a walk on the beach, in the woods, or down to a funky little coffee shop. Check in with your self or if you dare…check into your personal Shangri-La. It’s in there. Start by making a list of all the things that you’re grateful for. Health, hair, eye color, spouse, mom, you’re your ability to read and learn, today’s weather…you get the idea. Some people I know do this every morning…CAN YOU IMAGINE?
By now you ought to be feeling pretty good…I mean GOOOOOD !!! At the risk of make a leading statement…I bet if you tried you could close your eyes and imagine a Rainbow. I love the simplicity of the Hangdogs and the way they look at life. Believe it or not life is meant to be simple… oh, and enjoyable. Beginning the day by choosing this philosophy can make it so…for you. Remember; you’ve checked-in to your own personal; Shangri-La. You get to choose the weather, the amenities, and what is on the menu for that day.
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