BE A WINNER

In a world of people, all of whom are different in their own unique ways, the reality is there is precious little that truly separates us. This isn't an examination of the 6 degrees of separation, it's a simple reality check after six decades of acquiring knowledge of basic human behavior.

We all have different likes and dislikes, different hobbies and different jobs, but when it comes to what we all REALLY want, are we all that different?

Each of us wants to be loved, respected, held closely, and told that we are important.

Even as we have our own unique ways of expressing these feelings, the reality is, without those things we feel lost, alone and sometimes even desperate. This is true for both men and women, even if you choose to ignore it or deny it. We ALL want the same thing.

The Romantic in me enjoys dancing in the kitchen, cooking together, and quiet times just pressing into one another (not necessarily physically) for the comfort and support such closeness brings.

Humanity was never intended to be left alone. Whether you're a believer or not, this story of human helpmates is played out in the first book of the Bible, Genesis. God made a man, and then created woman as a helpmate.

And history shows that we've had many thousands of years arguing over that single word, helpmate.

Looking back over my life, I'm not at all sure who was helping who in my relationships. We each did the things that we were gifted to do. My personal belief is that while there is ample evidence that society itself, particularly Corporate Society, treats women on an uneven playing field, the reality is men suffer from the lack of equality at home.

Simply put, there is no way a man will ever be equal to a woman, nor a woman equal to a man. Women are superior beings in virtually every way that it's possible to measure. 

While those of us of the male persuasion can sometimes have an ability to be "in touch" with our "female" side, women are born with the unique ability to understand men right out of the gate. They may "question" some of our more idiotic behavior from time to time, but trust me, there isn't a woman alive who doesn't have your number after a short period of time, and I don't mean your phone number. In the time it takes for us to ask for her phone number, she's got us all figured out.

This is all well and good, and in all transparency, I kind of like being "figured out," but where it sometimes goes off the rails in when a woman makes up her mind to "change" a man. Unless she's talking about his diapers, it's probably not going to happen. This also, according to my personal research, works the other way.

PEOPLE, in general, have to change themselves. Outside influences MAY bring change to the point of discovery, but the DESIRE to change one's self is what will ultimately drive change in that person. As much as someone may try, without the desire to make a personal change, it simply will not happen.

As a member of the class "human," I can tell you that I've spent some time in retrospection as well as introspection. I can tell you that I've changed myself from time to time, adjusting as I believe is required and I can also tell you that there have been times when need for a change was pointed out by others. Those "data points" have been met with everything from, "huh, go figure, get out of here (NO, REALLY, get out of here) and I think you're right." 

We've ALL been there, every single one of us and if you feel you have not, then you're either in deep denial or a fool. Either way, it's entirely conceivable that I don't need to know you.

Life requires change, adjustment, adaptation and a desire to overcome obstacles, fight the good fight and to never give up. Only in the final act of "giving up" is there failure.

If you're out there and you're still in it to win it, male or female, God love ya! I'm keeping you all in my prayers.

If you've given up, I'd like to encourage you to pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and get back on the horse and ride. You may have been thrown, but that doesn't mean it's over.

Get up and ride.