A few thoughts

Posted: Tuesday, May 26, 2009 by Travis Cody in
32

These thoughts have been rolling around in my head.

My way isn't necessarily your way. And your way isn't necessarily my way. And it's ok.

I like TACOs, but I realize that not everyone does. Some people may never have eaten a TACO before. And it's ok.

I may like or dislike something and have my reasons for it. But that doesn't mean I'm right or wrong about it, nor does it mean that I know for certain that the thing is good or bad.

I actively search for and express the positive in a thing, rather than be distracted by and focused on the negative. I prefer the phrase "I will always remember" to "I will never forget".

I try to be kind. I think kindness is a strength.

I love. I think loving is a strength.

See the banner at the top of my blog? I firmly believe in diversity and that it need not be divisive.

I want to learn something every day.

We spent Memorial Day with friends. We grilled outdoors. We listened to music. We played some games. We had great conversation. We came home and watched the Lakers. And none of that kept us from honoring the memory of those who's sense of duty led them down the path of ultimate sacrifice in service to country. We honor them in the way that seems best to us. And I hope you did as well. No better and no worse, just each to his own way.

32 comments:

  1. Desert Songbird says:
    26 May, 2009 00:09

    Amen, my friend. Amen.

  1. Anonymous says:
    26 May, 2009 00:49

    I love tacos as well. My favorite I must say. Excellent post Trav. It is so good to be with family and friends and especially on a day that we have so many to be grateful to and honor what they and their families have done and sacrificed for us.

  1. Unknown says:
    26 May, 2009 03:49

    Your true friends love you for who you are and will never judge. And you never need explain yourself to them.

    :hugs:

  1. Anndi says:
    26 May, 2009 04:54

    Dana said it well... you don't need to explain yourself to true friends.

    And I think enjoying the company of friends is a wonderful way to honour the sacrifice made by those that have served.

  1. Akelamalu says:
    26 May, 2009 05:10

    The human race is very diverse and that's a good thing. If we were all the same life would be very boring wouldn't it. Each to their own I say, as long as it doesn't hurt anyone else. :)
    Great post Trav. x

  1. Jeni says:
    26 May, 2009 06:29

    And, I think you succeed quite well with that attitude too! I had pretty much the kind of Memorial Day weekend that you were hoping everyone could have -family, good food, and great fellowship of all of us able to be together for a little while!

  1. Noe Noe Girl...A Queen of all Trades. says:
    26 May, 2009 07:17

    I love tacos! Thanks for your thoughts. We had a great Memorial Day too!

  1. Anonymous says:
    26 May, 2009 07:18

    I am a 'glass is half-full' person myself, Trav.

  1. Ivanhoe says:
    26 May, 2009 08:09

    I don't eat tacos and it's okay :o)
    But I love chicken quesadillas, as long as they do not have jalapenos. Cannot do the spicy thing ;o)

  1. Julia Phillips Smith says:
    26 May, 2009 08:58

    'I prefer the phrase "I will always remember" to "I will never forget".' - What a wonderful way to convey your outlook, Travis.

  1. Charles Gramlich says:
    26 May, 2009 09:44

    Excellent thoughts. I agree wholeheartedly.

  1. Vinny "Bond" Marini says:
    26 May, 2009 10:42

    I guess 'true' friends never need an explanation. It is those who promise friendship and then demand acceptance in their way that that always need the explanation.

    Great way to spend a day and you are so correct that honoring those who served is an individual event.

    I love tacos...

  1. Cherie says:
    26 May, 2009 11:26

    I can't think of a better way of honoring those who laid down their lives to protect our freedoms than spending quality time with friends and family. There may be other ways but none better. :)

  1. Travis Cody says:
    26 May, 2009 17:28

    Songbird: And I yet I find that the small minded still can't figure these things out.

    Thom: TACOs rock almost as much as CAKE.

    Dana: It seems that it should be that way.

    Ann: We thought so. It's good to see you out and about.

    Akelamalu: If we were all the same, I suspect we would still have trouble finding our common ground sometimes. It seems in our nature to be contrary.

    Jeni: It's a good way to spend time.

    NNG: TACOs are awesome!

    Barb: I like to find the positive in things. It's more fun.

    Ivanhoe: Oh I don't do spicy either. And we definitely have detente on the chicken quesadillas, as long as there are no onions on my piece.

    Julia: "Always" and "never" are basically the same. It's just that "always" feels more active and hopeful to me.

    Charles: Just kind a felt like I wanted to re-state my philosophy. It's been awhile since I did.

    V: We're just not all the same.

    Cherie: Well said.

  1. Linda says:
    26 May, 2009 17:43

    I really like chicken tacos when I can get 'em!

    Very well said, I think that people have forgotten how to agree to disagree in a lot of things; they seem to think that if you don't agree with them then you are wrong rather than simply holding a different opinion.

    As for holidays like Memorial Day, as long as one remembers the true meaning behind the holiday and recognizes the fact that it is thanks to the fallen men and women whose day it is that we have such a holiday where we can grill hot dogs, attend parades, or watch ball games then it's all good.

    When we have a holiday that requires us all to sit in sackcloth and ashes then we can do that, in the meantime - celebrate it as you will and don't worry about what others may or may not think. Your heart will tell you what's right and that's all that matters.

  1. katherine. says:
    26 May, 2009 17:43

    I agree with everything you said...

  1. Kanani says:
    26 May, 2009 20:35

    Well, I hope you had tacos at your barbecue! I think it's fine to have a BBQ on Memorial Day. I don't think everyone has to go to the cemetery, but some do. (I did, in fact, I spoke with the General, but as you know, that's just my thing).

    My ultimate holiday would have been to do the above AND go to a bbq. But, I didn't sleep well all weekend, and was pretty tired. I just napped in the afternoon, then had an enjoyable day watching TV and shuffling around the house.

  1. Raven says:
    26 May, 2009 21:07

    Nicely said.

    I don't understand the penchant for divisiveness and in most areas of life I'm very good at not being judgmental. Alas, in recent years I have totally fallen off the virtue wagon in the realm of political discussion. I like Obama's "we can disagree without being disagreeable." Fortunately, most of my venom is directed at my television and not a live human beings. Glad you had a good Memorial Day.

  1. Southern (in)Sanity says:
    26 May, 2009 21:49

    Those are some outstanding thoughts you've had "rolling" around, Travis.

  1. j says:
    26 May, 2009 22:10

    Tacos = YUM!

    Well said Travis. You lead by example my friend.

  1. Mimi Lenox says:
    27 May, 2009 08:35

    Excellent points. I so agree. Celebrations with friends on Memorial Day should take nothing away from the meaning of the day. We are, after all, enjoying our freedoms. Small-minded judgmental folks will disagree,but then again, they disagree with everything.

    I'll have a taco with mild sauce please..

  1. david mcmahon says:
    27 May, 2009 19:06

    You're right, Trav. Kindness is one of a human's greatest strengths because it shows many facets of a personality to be admired.

  1. maryt/theteach says:
    28 May, 2009 12:58

    Excellent post Travis! I agree with you 100% even though I'm against war in all it's forms...

  1. TopChamp says:
    28 May, 2009 13:25

    You speak the truth, Trav!! I wonder where it came from though?

  1. TopChamp says:
    28 May, 2009 13:29

    Having said that I appreciate the reminder as I am not always as positive as I could be.

  1. Anonymous says:
    29 May, 2009 03:47

    Well done: We should all aspire to at least some of your positives.

  1. Jeni says:
    29 May, 2009 06:11

    I have returned! With congratulations on being awarded a Post of the Day by David! Woo Hoo and Yippy Skippy! Great choice on David's part in my opinion.

  1. katherine. says:
    29 May, 2009 07:25

    like jeni...coming back to say congrats for the the authorblog award!

  1. Cheffie-Mom says:
    29 May, 2009 13:46

    Hi, I came over from authorblog. Congrats on the Post of the Day Award!

  1. Travis Cody says:
    29 May, 2009 17:55

    Linda: You and I are definitely in agreement on this issue.

    Katherine: Thanks.

    Kanani: And that was exactly my point. What seems best to each person.

    Raven: It can be very difficult to halt at simple disagreement.

    Southern: Thanks.

    Jennifer: I do try.

    Mimi: That is where my tolerance is most tested...with small minded people.

    David: Nicely put.

    Mary: You are one of the most open minded and tolerant people I know.

    TC: Just sometimes I want to reiterate some personal philosophies. And being positive takes effort.

    Moanie & Cheffie: Thanks for stopping by and welcome!

    Jeni & Katherine: Thanks!

  1. Chris says:
    29 May, 2009 23:03

    Very well said. I was one of many who got here through the Authorblog Portal. Great thought . . . simple, yet poignant.

  1. Anonymous says:
    31 May, 2009 20:55

    Very well written- a lot of truths.

    Taco's are the greatest things ever.

    Found you through authorblog.

Post a Comment