Post No. 146: For The Year 2012 — My Posting Sabbatical, Part 2

(Image by Paul Whiting)

WARNING: THIS POST HAS CONTENT THAT MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!

"Me, Myself and I..." Part 2
(Continued from 'Me, Myself and I...' Part 1)

I am completing my year-long writing posting sabbatical while I work on "me."

Specifically, I am having my teeth fixed after having not taken care of them for a while, when I was really sick a few years ago! So, I decided to spend a year on a "writing posting sabbatical." That is, I am not posting anything—except for my posting sabbatical writing—while I am getting all of my dental work done...

-Paul Whiting
(a.k.a., Small All White in the Forest)
"I am no barrier to its sun; the light and I are as one!"

My Poetic Notes:

The reason that I wrote this posting sabbatical writing can be summed up with the following statement: "I am having my teeth fixed after having not taken care of them for a while, when I was really sick a few years ago! So, I decided to spend a year...not posting anything—except for my posting sabbatical writing—while I am getting all of my dental work done."

By the way, when I originally published this post, I accidentally called it a "Writing Sabbatical," because I was confused!

So, I eventually realized my mistake and corrected it by calling this post a "Posting Sabbatical," since I was taking time away from 'posting' (in order to have my teeth fixed over the year 2012), rather than taking time away from 'writing,' like I had mistakenly thought!

And this posting sabbatical writing was also published on my "Poet, Artist and Philosopher" blog (please see the hyperlink below for the blog), since I feel that the message in this writing applies to the message I am trying to convey through "Poet, Artist and Philosopher."

This posting sabbatical writing was written in Portland, Oregon.

-Paulee

https://poetartistandphilosopher.blogspot.com

My Posting Sabbatical Writing for Part 2 in Date Order:

My Writing About Your Soul's Résumé: Your Karma is your soul's résumé. –Paul Whiting (written July 1st, 2012 and revised July 24th, 2022)

My Writing About Prudes And Rape: I think that there is a really strong correlation between those who are "prudish" in their nature (which I also believe is basically the same situation as those who do not find themselves sexually attractive) and those who say it is "okay" to commit sexual assault! Additionally, I truly think that rapists buy into this horrible and ridiculous premise since they believe that God has some kind of "plan for rape" (as they will sometimes even say themselves) which translates to mean that they have every right in the world to commit sexual assault in order to "Cash In On God's Guarantee" that they get to have sex by force as a reward for having achieved "Being In God's Good Graces The Right Way!" And that is why I honestly think that rapists seriously believe that they are wholly deserving of being able to commit sexual assault. –Paul Whiting (written July 1st, 2012, revised April 14th, 2015, revised September 21st, 2015, revised April 20th, 2022, revised April 21st, 2022 and revised September 1st, 2022)

My Writing About God and Everybody: "God, I love everybody! Everybody, I love God!" –Paul Whiting (July 3rd, 2012)

My Writing About Mitt Romney's Tax Returns: "I think the really obvious reason that Mitt Romney has refused to release his tax returns is because he is hiding the fact that he has been avoiding U.S. taxes by investing millions in offshore tax havens." –Paul Whiting (July 3rd, 2012)

My Writing About the 4th of July: "Please join me in celebrating the 4th of July by making a donation to the charity of your choice that supports the those who serve our country! For, the men and women of the United States Armed Forces protect and uphold our freedom each and every day." –Paul Whiting (July 4th, 2012)

My Writing About "Friends and Enemas": "Keep your friends close and your enemas closer! LOL" –Paul Whiting (July 8th, 2012)

My Writing About Self-Love Being The Greatest Problem And The Greatest Solution: I believe that "The Greatest Problem In Life" is Creating Self-Love. And I believe, as well, that Creating Self-Love is also "The Greatest Solution In Life." –Paul Whiting (written July 19th, 2012 and revised August 24th, 2022)

My Writing on the Tragedy in Colorado: "Americans seriously need to rethink our collective 'vigilante mentality' with regard to solving our problems, or expressing our emotions! How many more shootings do we need before we finally realize that gun violence has no place in a free society? For, any free society that allows guns to be placed in the hands of emotionally unstable people isn't really free." –Paul Whiting (July 20th, 2012)

My Writing About "Manscaping Parties": "I think that there should be such a thing as 'Manscaping Parties' where guys can get together and they can help each other out to 'Manscape' in those really difficult-to-reach areas, such as a hairy back! Plus, they can also share 'Manscaping Tips' and 'Manscaping Products' too!" –Paul Whiting (July 21st, 2012)

My Writing About The Republican Party's "War On America": Sometimes I truly think that the Republican Party is literally conducting a "War On America!" All they seem to want to do is disenfranchise, marginalize, get rid of—and even kill outright—anyone who is NOT one of them! –Paul Whiting (written July 23rd, 2012, revised November 21st, 2015 and revised September 7th, 2022)

My Writing About My 'Mormon' Upbringing: Although I honestly do consider myself to be a "Recovering Mormon," one of the many Valuable Values that I learned in my upbringing in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints ("The Mormon Church"), through their enduring Pioneering Spirit, is the ability to prepare my own home-cooked meals! Because I know how to prepare my own home-made food, I have a really wonderful day-to-day sense of independence for which I am very grateful for my "Mormon" upbringing. –Paul Whiting (written July 24th, 2012, revised October 7th, 2022 and revised September 12th, 2023)

My Writing About President Obama: "President Barack Obama truly stands for 'We the People' and not just simply 'We the Privileged.'" –Paul Whiting (July 24th, 2012)

The New and Improved "Look for the Union Label" Song:

Look for the Union Label,
When you are buying for your kids, or your spouse!
Remember, somewhere, our quality's showing and
Our wages are going to feed the kids and run the house...
We always work hard, but who's complaining?
Thanks to the Unions, we're paying our way!
So, always look for the Union Label... It says,
"We Proudly Made It, Right Here In The USA!"

–Paul Whiting (written July 25th, 2012 and revised September 2nd, 2013)

My Writing About LIBOR-gate: "With regard to 'LIBOR-gate,' I could not have stated this any better myself: 'End the Banking Culture of Impunity: Investigate, Prosecute and Incarcerate.'" –Paul Whiting (written July 28th, 2012 and revised May 31st, 2022)

My Haiku About the Love of God:

The Love of God is You

You are God's Own Love!
For, the Love of God is You!
So, Become God's Love!

–Paul Whiting (July 30th, 2012)

My Model Regarding Universal Self-Love:

The Universal Self-Love Model
(Or, "Insourcing In A Void")

Hard work and honesty creates direct cause and effect, which creates predictability and control, and that creates Self-Identity and Self-Love, both of which are Insourcing In A Void, and that is the basis of Universal Self-Love!

–Paul Whiting (written July 31st, 2012, revised March 20th, 2015, revised April 14th, 2015 and revised August 24th, 2022)

My Writing About President Obama's 51st Birthday: "There are 'fifty-one-derful' reasons to wish you a happy birthday, Mr. President!" –Paul Whiting (August 4th, 2012)

My Other Writing About President Obama's 51st Birthday: "Please join me in celebrating President Obama's 51st birthday by making a donation to Obama for America!" –Paul Whiting (August 4th, 2012)

My Additional Writing About President Obama: "I truly believe that Barack Hussein Obama is the 'Greatest American President' since Franklin Delano Roosevelt." –Paul Whiting (August 4th, 2012)

My Writing on the Tragedy in Wisconsin: "Americans seriously need to let go of our collective 'cowboy mentality' with regard to the way we treat other human beings! It's almost like way too many Americans simply see each other as just another easy target in the proverbial buffalo herd and (thanks to America's gun laws) everyone has got their own rifle..." –Paul Whiting (August 5th, 2012)

My Writing About Beautiful Souls: "To behold a beautiful body is really wonderful! But to behold a beautiful soul is even more wonderful!" –Paul Whiting (written August 6th, 2012 and revised October 17th, 2015)

My Writing About The "Caterpillar, Cocoon And Butterfly" Meaning Of Life: I truly believe that—metaphorically speaking—we are all meant to start out as "The Caterpillar" by only consuming knowledge! And then, we are all meant to 'go within,' so to speak, by creating "The Cocoon" in order to transform ourselves through our consumed knowledge! And then, we are all meant to emerge as "The Butterfly" in order to share our transformed knowledge! And, finally, each "Emerged Butterfly" is meant to encourage each "Consuming Caterpillar" to 'go within,' as well, in order to transform themselves and to become "The Butterfly" also! –Paul Whiting (written August 9th, 2012, revised June 1st, 2022 and revised October 1st, 2022)

My Writing About Obama and Biden in 2012: "In 2012, it's forward that we're all stridin' with Obama and Biden!" –Paul Whiting (August 17th, 2012)

My Writing About Republicans Supporting Rape And Incest Through Anti-Abortion Legislation: I truly think that it is blatantly clear that Republicans support both incest and rape by making abortions in those cases illegal. –Paul Whiting (written August 21st, 2012 and revised September 7th, 2022)

My Writing About How Way Too Many Republicans Are Latent Incestuous Rapists: I honestly believe that way too many Republicans are latent incestuous rapists due to the really obvious indicator that they wish to make abortions illegal in cases of both rape and incest. –Paul Whiting (written August 22nd, 2012 and revised September 7th, 2022)

My Writing About Self-Loving and Self-Loathing: Self-Love is the Pinnacle Of Love and all other forms of love stem from Self-Love. And, in contrast, Self-Loathing is the Pinnacle Of Loathing and all other forms of loathing stem from Self-Loathing. –Paul Whiting (written August 21st, 2012, revised April 14th, 2015 and revised August 24th, 2022)

My Writing About Why I am a Democrat: "I am a Democrat for the very simple reason that the Democratic Party genuinely stands for what I truly believe in and that is 'the simple principle that in America, hard work should pay off, responsibility should be rewarded, and each one of us should be able to go as far as our talent and drive take us,' which is a quote from The 2012 Democratic National Party Platform." –Paul Whiting (written September 4th, 2012 and revised April 14th, 2015)

My Writing About Each And Every Soul Being On A Path To Becoming God: I honestly believe that—quite literally—each and every soul is on a path to becoming God. –Paul Whiting (written September 6th, 2012 and revised August 3rd, 2022)

My Writing About "A Day of Silence and Reflection": "In honor of all of the lives lost during—as well as all of those devastatingly affected by—'The Attacks of September 11th, 2001' (and in honor all of the lives lost, and all of those affected, since that time), I feel like September 10th should be 'A Day of Silence and Reflection,' so that our 'One Nation Under God' can reflect on how just much that we can affect each other as human beings and—more importantly—the way that we chose to affect each other as human beings! And, also, I really feel that 'We the People of the United States' specifically need to reflect on how much that America needs to simply grow up and leave the proverbial sandbox behind..." –Paul Whiting (September 10th, 2012)

My Writing About "The September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance": "For those like myself who prefer to 'Volunteer Financially' for the September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance, please join me in making a donation to the participating organization of your choice in order to support the efforts of those who are Paying Tribute Through Service!" –Paul Whiting (September 11th, 2012)

My Writing About Listening to Mozart's Requiem on September 11th: "On this anniversary of September 11th, I decided to listen to Mozart's Requiem Mass in D minor as a way to express my feelings over the events of 2001." –Paul Whiting (September 11th, 2012)

My Writing About Republicans And Lies: Way too often it seems like there are way too many Republicans who seem like they have never met a lie that they didn't like! –Paul Whiting (written September 12th, 2012 and September 7th, 2022)

My Writing About Public Libraries Being Used for Church on Sunday: "I seriously think that public libraries should really be used for church on sunday, since they have a lot of books to read about the wonder and mystery of God and the Universe—in comparison to the churches themselves, which usually only seem to have one book to read..." –Paul Whiting (September 12th, 2012)

My Writing About the Attack on the American Embassy in Libya: "With regard to the attack on the American Embassy in Libya, I could not have stated this any better myself: 'as long as there are those who would take innocent life in the name of God, the world will never know a true and lasting peace,' which is a quote by Secretary of State Hilary Clinton discussing the death of the U.S. Ambassador to Libya, Christopher Stevens." –Paul Whiting (written September 12th, 2012, revised April 14th, 2015 and September 21st, 2015)

My Writing About Women Earning 23 Cents Less Than Men: "The Census confirmed that women working full time year round continued to be paid only 77 cents for every dollar paid to their male counterparts! Women workers are NOT worth 23 cents less than men! So, in addition to signing a petition urging my Members of Congress to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act, I also made a $10.23 donation in order to support this critical issue and to also symbolically give all women workers the extra 23 cents that they are due!" –Paul Whiting (written September 13th, 2012 and revised October 17th, 2015)

My Writing About Voter Fraud: It seems like the only criminals that we need to be concerned about committing voter fraud are the Republicans through their attempts in multiple states to enact voter suppression laws. –Paul Whiting (written September 14th, 2012 and revised September 7th, 2022)

My Writing About Self-Identity: It's no one else's job to be you on your behalf. –Paul Whiting (written September 20th, 2012, revised April 14th, 2015 and revised August 24th, 2022)

My (Belated) Writing About the One Year Anniversary of the Repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell": "I am so very grateful to be able to say that, one year (and one day!) ago, the United States of America at-long-long-last made it legal for gay men and women to openly and proudly serve their country in the United States Military!" –Paul Whiting (September 21st, 2012)

My Writing About The Republican War On Women's Rights: I am a gay male who is voting Democrat for President, Senate and Congress! And I approve this message. –Paul Whiting (written September 26th, 2012, revised April 14th, 2015 and revised September 7th, 2022)

My Writing About the Most Important Relationship in Life: "The most important relationship in life is the relationship that you have with yourself! For, relationships with others may come and go, but your relationship with yourself is eternal." –Paul Whiting (September 26th, 2012)

My Writing About The Policy Of Honesty In The Kingdom Of God: In the Kingdom of God, honesty is not only the Best Policy, honesty is the Only Policy. –Paul Whiting (written September 29th, 2012 and revised September 12th, 2023)

My Writing About The Republican "Fact-Checker Free" Presidential Campaign: SARCASM WARNING: I am voting Republican because I am not going to let my life be dictated by fact checking, or arithmetic, or honesty, or common sense. –Paul Whiting (written September 30th, 2012, revised June 11th, 2022 and revised September 7th, 2022)

My Writing About "The Two Faces of Mitt": "The Mittens Has Two Faces!" –Paul Whiting (October 1st, 2012)

My Writing About the Republican Vice Presidential Candidate: "Four words: Paul 'Ayn Rand' Ryan!" –Paul Whiting (written October 2nd, 2012 and revised April 14th, 2015)

My Writing About the First Presidential Debate: "I really don't think that Mitt realizes the power of having effectively treated a Totally Infamous American Icon—such as Sesame Street's Big Bird—like a sitting duck! I guess that Mitt is, apparently, looking to save Americans from the 'horrors' of borrowing from China by defunding the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). So yeah, I bet that he really does like Big Bird... Mitt likes Bird Bird under glass with a nice, crisp salad." –Paul Whiting (written October 3rd, 2012 and revised April 14th, 2015)

My Writing About Supporting Walmart's Striking Workers: "I stand in solidarity with and totally support Walmart's striking workers." –Paul Whiting (October 8th, 2012)

My Writing About Breast Cancer Awareness Month: "Please join me in supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month by making a donation to a participating charity and/or by making 'Pink Ribbon Purchases' in stores, or online." –Paul Whiting (October 15th, 2012)

My Writing About Women Voting: They are women: hear them roar! –Paul Whiting (written October 17th, 2012 and revised November 8th, 2022)

My Writing About Blog Action Day 2012: "'The Power of We' is the power to be the change that you wish to see in the world." –Paul Whiting (October 19th, 2012)

My Writing About "Who Let the Billboards Out?": "Right after I learned about Clear Channel putting up 'Voter Fraud is a Felony' billboards in Black and Latino neighborhoods in Ohio and Wisconsin, I decided to look up Clear Channel on the Internet and I subsequently found out that Clear Channel is owned by Bain Capital! So, obviously, the connection between these Clear Channel billboards, Bain Capital and Mitt ('Who-Let-the-Dogs-Out?') Romney is blatantly, um, clear!" –Paul Whiting (October 21st, 2012)

My Writing About the Final Presidential Debate: "With regard to Mitt Romney's 'the-1%-is-the-only-precent' and, so, 'say-whatever-it-takes-to-win' ('Etch-A-Sketch') campaign, I could not have said this any better myself: 'Governor, when it comes to our foreign policy you seem to want the policies of the 1980s, just like you want to import the social policies of the 1950s and the economic policies in the 1920s,' which is a quote by President Obama during the final presidential debate." –Paul Whiting (written October 22nd, 2012 revised April 14th, 2015 and revised May 31st, 2022)

My Writing About the Attitude of "Never Leave Someone Behind" vs. "Judge Others and Throw Them Away": "There is an attitude in the United States Military that you should never leave someone behind! And this stands in complete contrast to the attitude held by many Conservative Thinkers, which is to judge others and then throw them away." –Paul Whiting (October 25th, 2012)

My Writing About How I Vote: When I vote, I typically consider the recommendations of various organizations, news publications, as well as election 'political mailers' and, then, I decide whose recommendations for, or against, each candidate or ballot measure make the most sense. Plus, I usually always vote for Democrats. And that's how democracy rolls in this house! –Paul Whiting (written October 28th, 2012 and revised November 8th, 2022)

My Writing About "God's Plan For Rape": I truly believe that God's only "plan for rape" is to literally eradicate rape from all of existence! And I truly feel that it is "God's Plan" to end all rape through each and every soul expressing "Self-Love" instead. For, I honestly think that it is "God's Plan" to eliminate the actual need to commit sexual assault by way of each and every soul expressing "Self-Love," instead—rather than anyone ever forcing themselves upon others in an ungodly way. –Paul Whiting (written October 27th, 2012, revised April 14th, 2015, revised August 24th, 2022 and revised September 1st, 2022)

My Writing About Hurricane Sandy (or, "The Frankenstorm"): "In order to assist all of those adversely affected by Hurricane Sandy (or, 'The Frankenstorm'), please join me and donate to the charity of your choice! Plus, also please join me and 'Connect the Dots between Extreme Weather and Climate Change,' which is a quote from leading environmental activist organization 350.org." –Paul Whiting (written October 29th, 2012, revised April 14th, 2015 and September 21st, 2015)

My Writing About the Proverbial Snake and Rat: "There is nothing more threatening to the proverbial snake than a courageous and defiant rat!" –Paul Whiting (October 30th, 2012)

My Writing About Climate Change: "I'd like to teach the world to think in perfect harmony." –Paul Whiting (October 30th, 2012)

My Haiku About Autumn Leaves:

Each autumn leaf is
a work of art, as painted
by the hand of God!

–Paul Whiting (November 3rd, 2012)

My Writing About the 2012 Election: "There is a God!" –Paul Whiting (November 6th, 2012)

My Writing About Donating To Veterans' Charities On Veterans Day (for 2012): Please join me in honoring the brave men and women of the U.S. Military by making a donation to the veterans' charities of your choice to express thanks to and give support for Our Veterans. –Paul Whiting (written November 11th, 2012, revised June 15th, 2022 and revised November 11th, 2022)

My Writing About "The True Servants of God": "I truly believe that all of those souls who feel Truly Blessed in Their Lives by God and who also try to Help Others in the World are 'The True Servants of God!' For, they authentically 'Walk the Talk' of Us All being Our Brother's and Sister's Keepers." –Paul Whiting (November 15th, 2012)

My Writing About Thanksgiving (for 2012): I am so very grateful to live in "The Land Of The Free And The Home Of The Brave!" –Paul Whiting (written November 22nd, 2012 and revised November 24th, 2022)

My Writing About Black Friday 2012: "Although I did not attend the 'Action in Solidarity with Striking Walmart Workers' at my local Walmart on this Black Friday, as I had planned to do, I did manage, however, to contribute to OUR Walmart (Organization United for Respect at Walmart) in order to demonstrate that I stand in solidarity with and totally support Walmart's striking workers." –Paul Whiting (written November 23rd, 2012, revised April 14th, 2015 and revised May 31st, 2022)

My Writing About Chocolate and Child Slavery: "I am a frequent consumer of chocolate and 'Chocolate and Child Slavery: An Abolitionist’s Guide' changed my chocolate-buying habits overnight! I will no longer support companies who are known to use slave-produced chocolate, which includes M&M Mars, Hershey's, Kraft (including Cadbury, Nabisco, Toblerone), Nestlé, General Mills (including Häagen Dazs), Lindt and Sprungli (including Ghirardelli), Unilever (including Breyer’s Ice Cream and Ben & Jerry’s), Godiva and any other companies who use slave labor! Instead, I will be supporting companies that sell slave-free chocolate, which includes Divine Chocolate, Equal Exchange. Endangered Species Chocolate, AlterEco, Camino Cocoa, Cloud Nine/Tropical Source Coffee-Tea-Etc., Dagoba Organic Chocolate, Deans Beans, El Rey, Frontier Cooperative, Green and Black's Health by Chocolate, Malagasy, Rapunzel, Sweet Earth Chocolates, Terra Nostra Organic, Theo Chocolate, Whole Foods (Private Label), Vital Choice and any other companies that sell slave-free chocolate!" –Paul Whiting (November 25th, 2012)

My Writing About the Potential 2013 Tax Increase for the Middle Class: "As a single, gay man (who is also on SSDI, due to being HIV-positive), I can only imagine how much that an average middle-class family would be impacted by seeing their taxes go up by $2,200! And, yet, because of my living situation (of being on a limited monthly income), my sympathies truly go out to all of those middle-class families who may have to deal with potentially paying $183.33 more per month, due to this 2013 tax increase." –Paul Whiting (November 28th, 2012)

My Writing About God's Will for Women: "I truly believe that God's will for women is the women's will for themselves! And I also truly believe that all women's bodies and all of their health choices are to be controlled by the women and *only* by the women." –Paul Whiting (November 30th, 2012)

My Writing About the New York City Fast Food Workers Strike: "I stand in solidarity with the New York City Fast Food Workers Strike!" –Paul Whiting (November 30th, 2012)

My Writing About the State of Florida's 'Shoot First' Law: "Americans seriously need to stop using deadly force (via 'Stand Your Ground,' or 'Shoot First' Laws, such as the one in Florida) as a form of conflict resolution and/or self-protection, whenever some armed individual feels (quote end quote) 'threatened' by someone." –Paul Whiting (November 30th, 2012)

My Writing About "The Meaning Of Life For All Of Us Deities" (Or, "The Meaning Of Life For All Of Us 'IOUs Of Void Energy!'"): "We, The Deities" are meant to purposefully make calculated mistakes and, then, we are meant to correct those same mistakes: in other words, that is how Karma works! That way, "We, The Deities" can test how a particular aspect of Quantum Mechanics works by purposefully making calculated mistakes with regard to that particular aspect—and, then, we can correct those same mistakes! And, therefore, that is also how "We, The Deities," or "All The Souls That Exist In A Void"—who are basically "IOUs Of Void Energy" (that is, "Individual Operating Units Of Void Energy")—can learn how to Self-Identify and experience how to transform Our Deified Potential In A Void from "The Mere Possibility of Something Happening" into, quite literally, "Everything That Exists!" –Paul Whiting (written December 1st, 2012, revised March 20th, 2015, revised April 14th, 2015, revised September 21st, 2015, revised August 24th, 2022 and revised October 1st, 2022)

My Writing About St. Nicholas Day: Please join me this December 6th by celebrating St. Nicholas Day—since "he had a reputation for secret gift-giving, such as putting coins in the shoes of those who left them out for him, and thus became the model for Santa Claus"—by contributing to the charitable causes of your choice and 'Give The Gift Of Charity' this Holiday Season! –Paul Whiting (written December 6th, 2012, revised December 6th, 2022 and revised December 24th, 2022)

My Haiku for December 12th, 2012:

A Haiku for 12/12/12

Twelve days to give gifts!
Twelve is the month when Christ lives!
Twelve feels like Christmas!

–Paul Whiting (December 12th, 2012)

My Writing About the "Global Day of Solidarity" for Walmart Workers: "I stand in solidarity with Walmart's workers and their unions in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, South Africa, United Kingdom, Zambia and the United States, who are joining together for a 'Global Day of Solidarity' to demand change at Walmart through the UNI Walmart Global Union Alliance!" –Paul Whiting (December 14th, 2012)

My Writing on the Tragedy in Connecticut: "Americans seriously need to rethink all of our collective gun laws! From the ease with which guns can be purchased to the 'Stand Your Ground' Laws (or, 'Shoot First' Laws), America has become a veritable shooting gallery, complete with live targets." –Paul Whiting (December 14th, 2012)

My Writing About How Helping Others Naturally Helps You To Consume Less, Since You Feel Fulfilled From 'The Inside Out': When you give to others (while still taking care of your own needs!) and/or when you help others (while still taking care of your own needs!) and/or when you take the time and effort to genuinely consider how your lifestyle choices impact the lives of others—including people, animals, insects, plants and the environment as a whole—and you strive to make the very best choices that are possible for both you and every other being that is being affected by all of the choices that you make, it helps you to feel good on the inside! And, therefore, you will naturally consume less, since you feel fulfilled from 'the inside out' (rather than feeling fulfilled from 'the outside in'), thereby reducing your 'footprint,' so to speak, on the environment and society as a whole! –Paul Whiting (written December 19th, 2012 and revised December 24th, 2022)

My Writing About Honoring the Bangladesh Fire Victims by Calling on Walmart to Improve Safety Standards in Their Supply Chain: "Recently, 112 people died in a Bangladeshi factory fire producing goods for Walmart. Walmart must take responsibility, make amends, and act to prevent future tragedies! For, Walmart's profit-at-any cost business model can no longer be tolerated! And so, in Honor of the Bangladesh Fire Victims, I support the 'Prayer Vigil for Walmart Supply Chain Workers' around the country on December 22nd. Plus, I have also signed the petition 'Ensure Basic Safety and Human Rights of Workers,' calling on Walmart to improve safety standards in their supply chain." –Paul Whiting (December 22nd, 2012)

My Writing About Including The Charitable Causes Of Your Choice In Your Holiday Gift-Giving: Please join me this Holiday Season by including the charitable causes of your choice in your Holiday Gift-Giving and celebrate "The True Meaning Of Christmas" by giving to those in need—just like the Three Wise Men gave to the Christ Child who was in need! –Paul Whiting (written December 25th, 2012, revised December 24th, 2022 and revised December 26th, 2022)

My One and Only Joke About a Hound Dog that Walks into a Dry (Non-Alcoholic) Bar: "So, this hound dog walks into a dry bar and he says to the bartender, 'I have just gotta have a little something to wet my whistle, bartender, because I have been out hunting—like a dog—all day long! And I simply cannot seem to catch a rabbit! I mean, it has gotten so bad that I have been crying all the time! Maybe, I just need a friend, or something. I'm not sure...' And the bartender—who looks strangely like Elvis Presley—says to the hound dog, 'I'm really sorry, but I can't serve you anything, let alone be a friend to you!' And the hound dog looks at the bartender, with his big, puppy-dog eyes and says, 'Okay, but may I at least ask you why not?' And the bartender replies, 'Cause, you ain't nothing but a hound dog, crying all the time! Well, you ain't never caught a rabbit and you ain't no friend of mine...'" –Paul Whiting (written December 27th, 2012 and revised February 6th, 2016)

This "Small All White in the Forest" Post No. 146 was edited on November 1st, 2023.

"Prose is using all of the words that are necessary in order to describe all that is necessary to describe." –Paul Whiting [June 1st, 2022]

"Poetry is using the fewest words possible in order to describe all that is possible to describe." –Paul Whiting [June 1st, 2022]

Post No. 145: For The Year 2012 — My Posting Sabbatical, Part 1

(Image by Paul Whiting)

WARNING: THIS POST HAS CONTENT THAT MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!

"Me, Myself and I..." Part 1
(Continues as 'Me, Myself and I...' Part 2)

I am taking a year-long writing posting sabbatical while I work on "me."

Specifically, I am having my teeth fixed after having not taken care of them for a while, when I was really sick a few years ago! So, I decided to spend a year on a "writing posting sabbatical." That is, I am not posting anything—except for my posting sabbatical writing—while I am getting all of my dental work done.

-Paul Whiting
(a.k.a., Small All White in the Forest)
"I am no barrier to its sun; the light and I are as one!"

My Poetic Notes:

The reason that I wrote this posting sabbatical writing can be summed up with the following statement: "I am having my teeth fixed after having not taken care of them for a while, when I was really sick a few years ago! So, I decided to spend a year...not posting anything—except for my posting sabbatical writing—while I am getting all of my dental work done."

By the way, when I originally published this post, I accidentally called it a "Writing Sabbatical," because I was confused!

So, I eventually realized my mistake and corrected it by calling this post a "Posting Sabbatical," since I was taking time away from 'posting' (in order to have my teeth fixed over the year 2012), rather than taking time away from 'writing,' like I had mistakenly thought!

And this posting sabbatical writing was also published on my "Poet, Artist and Philosopher" blog (please see the hyperlink below for the blog), since I feel that the message in this writing applies to the message I am trying to convey through "Poet, Artist and Philosopher."

This posting sabbatical writing was written in Portland, Oregon.

-Paulee

https://poetartistandphilosopher.blogspot.com

My Posting Sabbatical Writing for Part 1 in Date Order:

My Writing About A Blame-Free Life: My goal is to create a blame-free life for myself and for everyone else around me! –Paul Whiting (written January 2nd, 2012 and revised September 1st, 2022)

My Writing About Self-Love Being A Difficult Thing To Create: Self-Love is a difficult thing to create, because it is not something that you can just imitate. –Paul Whiting (written January 4th, 2012, revised August 23rd, 2022 and revised August 24th, 2022)

My Writing About The Problem With Succeeding In Life: The problem with succeeding in life is not based upon not making mistakes; the problem with succeeding in life is not correcting the mistakes that you make. –Paul Whiting (written January 4th, 2012 and revised July 23rd, 2022)

My Writing About Finding True Love Within Yourself: The phrase "You Need To Find True Love" is a fairytale fantasy! And seeking external validation is an outer locus of control or, as I call it, "Outside-Of-Yourselfness." Therefore, you cannot find "True Love" outside of yourself, since there is nothing outside of yourself except for yourself. For, you are independent in a void forever, because you are the energy of a void as a soul, which is why you can only "Be The True Love Within Yourself." –Paul Whiting (written January 11th, 2012, revised March 20th, 2015, revised February 14th, 2022 and revised August 23rd, 2022)

My Writing About True Love Never Being Free: True Love is never free! For, All Of Creation is based on an economy. Therefore, you have to pay for everything—including True Love—through being in touch with your feelings, a lot of personal change and hard work to make an authentic living, along with emotional transparency, prudent compromise and, of course, honest money. –Paul Whiting (written January 11th, 2012 and revised August 23rd, 2022)

My Writing About Every Single Soul: Every single soul is a success story waiting to happen! –Paul Whiting (written January 19th, 2012 and revised July 23rd, 2022)

My Writing About 'The Great Flaw' In The System Of Life: If your goal is to fix "The Great Flaw" in the System Of Life, please feel free to fix yourself in order to do so. –Paul Whiting (written February 7th, 2012 and revised October 6th, 2022)

My Writing About God Being A Humble Servant: God is not a proud master; God is a humble servant. –Paul Whiting (written February 11th, 2012 and revised October 4th, 2022)

My Writing About God Being Everything: "God is the ground beneath our feet! God is the air that we breath! God is the food that we eat! For, God is everything!" –Paul Whiting (February 12th, 2012)

My Writing About Self-Loving Romance: I am practicing "Self-Loving Romance" (for example, buying myself chocolates for Valentine's Day, then taking myself out for a romantic dinner) as part of my philosophy that "True Love is Never Free" and should be paid for through being in touch with your feelings, a lot of personal change and hard work to make an authentic living, along with emotional transparency, prudent compromise and, of course, honest money. –Paul Whiting (written February 14th, 2012 and revised August 23rd, 2022)

My Writing About God Being A Perfect Karmic Mirror: I feel like it is really important to "Think About Whatever You Are Thinking About" in order to be more proactively in contact with "Your Subconscious Self," which I truly believe is God in the form of a "Perfect Karmic Mirror" through which God is always reflecting "Your Karmic Consciousness." –Paul Whiting (written February 19th, 2012 and revised July 24th, 2022)

My Writing About Integrity Coming From Within: Integrity comes from within! For, you must first be totally honest with yourself in order to be totally honest with others. –Paul Whiting (written February 27th, 2012 and revised July 31st, 2022)

My Writing About God's Possibilities and Hope: "God is a Flood of Possibilities in an Ocean of Hope!" –Paul Whiting (March 8th, 2012)

My Writing About The Republican War On Women: My main point on the Republican "War on Women" is that if what the Republicans want all of these women to be required to go through was, instead, happening to their own penises, you can bet that God, Jesus The Christ—and even The Devil himself—would all be vehemently against it! –Paul Whiting (written March 22nd, 2012 and revised September 7th, 2022)

My Writing About God's Miracle—The Universe: God literally embodies everything all around us—and even through us—in order to Create Life. And so, the Universe itself is God's Miracle! –Paul Whiting (written March 22nd, 2012 and revised August 24th, 2022)

My Writing About God's Unconditional Love: God's love for us is totally unconditional, because God is a constantly-changing, multidimensional field of energy, in the form of The Universe, which is continuously-fluctuating. And God totally loves us through the ever-changing possibilities of reflecting whatever we are expressing individually, and collectively, as souls within God's Universe! –Paul Whiting (written March 23rd, 2012 and revised August 24th, 2022)

My Writing About Trayvon Martin's Tragic Death: "For Trayvon Martin's loved ones, there is no justice and no peace until George Zimmerman is held totally accountable for Trayvon's tragic death—so that Trayvon's loved ones may know justice and know peace." –Paul Whiting (March 26th, 2012)

My Writing About My Definition Of Negative Karma: As far as my definition of "Negative Karma" goes, I honestly feel that, no matter how you intended it, "a threat is a threat is a threat..." In other words, in "My Philosophical Book Of Life," I truly believe that if you simply intended to give someone flowers, in some kind of negative way (even if you did so just in your own mind), then you essentially created Negative Karma. –Paul Whiting (written March 27th, 2012 and revised July 24th, 2022)

My Writing About How We Are Exactly The Same Kind Of Creative Energy Consciousness As 'The One,' Who Is The Very First Soul: We are all Gods and/or Goddesses! In other words, we are exactly the same kind of creative energy consciousness as very first God and/or Goddess, whom I call 'The One.' And I honestly feel that The One is an androgynous female. In other words, The One is the very first soul, or the very first creative consciousnesses of a void, and She is an 'all-powerful female consciousness with strong male attributes.' Therefore, we are also the very same energy consciousness as The One. Phrased another way, we are all the energy of a void and we are all Gods and/or Goddesses! –Paul Whiting (written March 27th, 2012, revised March 20th, 2015, revised June 2nd, 2015, revised September 19th, 2021, revised January 31st, 2022 and revised December 21st, 2022)

My Writing About All Of Us Playing The Fool: At one time or another, we all play the fool! For, whatever is true about life is whatever is true for you (in other words, 'perception is reality'), because our beliefs are our truth, since Our Subconscious Self—or God—is an Absolutely Perfect Mirror and is simply reflecting our true beliefs. –Paul Whiting (written April 1st, 2012 and revised April 1st, 2022 and revised September 1st, 2022)

My Writing About Every Single Being Deserving to be Loved: "Every single being deserves to be totally and completely love—even if we, personally, do not believe that they do." –Paul Whiting (April 7th, 2012)

My Writing About Most Religion Being an Ass-Kissing System: "With all due respect to Jesus the Christ (whom I personally do believe actually was God Incarnate) most religion in the world is a basically a system of ass kissing supported by people who wish to bribe not God, but themselves instead! And they celebrate 'God's Chosen Bribery System' based upon their own false perception that God accepts bribes in order to attain Heaven, rather than based upon the perception that God only accepts honesty, hard work, humility and charity in the world in order to achieve Heaven." –Paul Whiting (April 8th, 2012)

My One and Only Joke About Mitt Romney: "When Jesus the Christ was quoted in The Bible as saying 'it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God (Matthew 19:24),' I honestly believe that—at the time—He must have been thinking about Mitt Romney!" –Paul Whiting (April 11th, 2012)

My One and Only Joke About Little Miss Muffet: "What did Little Miss Muffet, as she sat on her tuffet, say to that dreadful spider (who dared to sit down beside her) as she was eating her curds and whey? She said to that terrible spider (who dared to sit down beside her) 'Please get out of my whey!" –Paul Whiting (written April 16th, 2012 and revised May 31st, 2022)

My Writing About "The Arc Of The Moral Universe" Quote By Theodore Parker (Which Was Made Famous By Martin Luther King, Jr.): There is a really wonderful quote by Theodore Parker (which was made famous by Martin Luther King, Jr. in his sermon on March 31, 1968) that states the following: "The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice." And I think that is an absolutely perfect description of Karma. –Paul Whiting (written April 19th, 2012 and revised July 24th, 2022)

My Writing About a Man's Home and a Man's Soul: "A man's home may be his castle, but it is only a man's soul that is his kingdom." –Paul Whiting (April 20th, 2012)

My Writing About Learning How to Celebrate the Mundane: "Learn how to 'Celebrate the Mundane!' In other words, enjoy the everyday things of life (like day-to-day work, food preparation, bill paying, house cleaning, etc.) that make everyday living possible! For, contained within the gentle stillness of a totally honest and humble life 'True Peace' may be truly found." –Paul Whiting (April 21st, 2012)

My Philosophy on an Ideal Culture of "Male Change-and-Display":

1. Same-sex sexual bonding being a culturally-acceptable alternative to opposite-sex sexual bonding and procreation;

2. Male grooming, or "Manscaping" as part of regular "Male Change-and-Display";

3. Males being allowed to be nude (in both public and private settings) in order to be able to show their "Male Display";

4. And females dressing however they darn-well please (in both public and private settings)! Because it is the males in nature who are meant impress the females (through "Male Change-and-Display"), in order to attract females for bonding sexually, as well as for procreating, rather than the other way around!

–Paul Whiting (written April 21st, 2012,revised November 24th, 2015 and revised May 31st, 2022)

My Writing About Earth Day (for 2012): Please join me in 'Going Green on Earth Day' by making a charitable donation to the environmental cause of your choice! –Paul Whiting (written April 22, 2012 and revised April 22nd, 2024)

My One And Only Pick-Up Line About The Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) That I Have Due To Being Slutty In My Gay Youth: I have HIV, Herpes and also HPV, so I guess that means that I am the 'Catch of the Day' depending upon what you might catch! LOL –Paul Whiting (written April 22nd, 2012 and revised October 6th, 2022)

My Writing About Conservative Thinkers Having A Difficult Time Embracing The Theory Of Evolution: I think the reason that Conservative Thinkers have such a difficult time embracing the obvious truth that evolution is the actual process by which God created life on planet Earth is due to the fact that evolution completely negates their own magicalized belief system that "God Created The Entire Universe In Exactly Seven Days!" And it is that very same belief system which allows those same Conservative Thinkers to consciously dismiss their own need to evolve. –Paul Whiting (written April 25th, 2012, revised October 18th, 2015, revised November 24th, 2015 and revised September 7th, 2022)

My Writing About Citizens United vs. United Citizens: "If a law known as 'Citizens United' can assert that 'Corporations are People' in order to allow independent political expenditures by corporations and unions, then why can't there be another law called 'United Citizens,' which asserts that 'People are Corporations' in order to allow ordinary citizens to receive million-dollar government subsidies, and then be able to pay absolutely zero taxes, and then to also receive million-dollar tax refunds on top of that?" –Paul Whiting (written April 26th, 2012 and revised October 18th, 2015)

My One and Only Joke About Alimony: What did the divorcée in Texas say to her ex-husband? 'Remember the alimony!'" –Paul Whiting (written April 29th, 2012 and revised October 18th, 2015)

My One and Only Joke About 70's Rock Music: "What did the father vulture say to his prodigal son vulture (who had just returned, after trying to become a vegetarian) when the son asked what he and his father would be eating for their next meal? 'Carrion, my wayward son!'" –Paul Whiting (April 30th, 2012)

My Writing About Being A Recovering Blame-A-Holic: Sometimes, I truly feel like I am a recovering "Blame-A-Holic," so to speak, because I honestly feel that I need to keep a constant watch over my negative thoughts in order to not start placing blame upon others whenever I get stressed out! It is practically a full-time job, but I always try to "pull back" blaming thoughts, in my own mind, whenever I have them. And, then, I also try to re-think those negative, blaming thoughts in a positive, responsible way! For, I truly do believe that even simply thinking negative thoughts creates Negative Karma. –Paul Whiting (written May 1st, 2012 and revised September 1st, 2022)

My Writing About Republican Conservative Thinkers Trying To Get Rid Of Liberal Thinkers: I seriously think that Republican Conservative Thinkers are all trying to—literally—pull us back in time to the Dark Ages where they seem to exist, so that they can finally get rid of all the Liberal Thinkers! It is almost like they are trying to "marginalize everyone to death," who isn't one of their own kind, in the hopes that Jesus The Christ will finally show up for "The Rapture" and save all of them from all of the terrible people who are NOT Conservative Thinkers! –Paul Whiting (written May 2nd, 2012, revised November 24th, 2015 and revised September 7th, 2022)

My Writing About an Employee's Right to Freely Join a Union: "I am totally in support of any employee's right to freely join a labor union (without any forced unionism, of course!) because of the many valuable benefits that are offered to labor union members, not to mention the fact that labor unions have a long and proud history of winning many victories on behalf of all employees." –Paul Whiting (May 6th, 2012)

My Writing About the United States Presidency Being a Couple: "I truly believe that the U.S. Presidency should be a married couple, who are totally in love with each other—and who have also dealt with raising their own children—so that all of the legal and presidential-type decisions in the United States can include the proper legal opinion of the U.S. President's spouse, in the same way that it happens each and every day in the real world! And that way, all of those real-world decisions that are decided each and every day by the U.S. Presidency would be legally, and properly, coed." –Paul Whiting (written May 9th, 2012 and revised October 18th, 2015)

My Writing About Churches Being Community Health Centers: "I truly think that all churches worldwide should all be converted into community health centers during the weekdays when they are not in use! That way, church goers can exercise with their fellow believers and also share really healthy foods with their fellow exercise participants, in order to create a truly supportive, community-type atmosphere for getting in shape and staying in shape!" –Paul Whiting (May 9th, 2012)

My Writing About Mother's Day: "In honor of Mother's Day, I made charitable donations to both social and environmental causes in support of all mothers everywhere and in support of Mother Earth too!" –Paul Whiting (May 13th, 2012)

My Writing About Every Day Being Mother's Day: "I wonder how women would be treated in the United States of America if each and every day was legally celebrated as Mother's Day!" –Paul Whiting (May 13th, 2012)

My Writing About Hope Floats vs. Hope Votes: "Have you heard of a film called 'Hope Floats?' Well, on this Primary Election Day in 2012, I believe that 'Hope Votes!'" –Paul Whiting (May 15th, 2012)

My One and Only Joke About Boy Scouts: "What did one Boy Scout say to another Boy Scout who had fewer merit badges than he did? 'Don't hate me because I'm dutiful...'" –Paul Whiting (written May 16th, 2012 and revised May 31st, 2022)

My Writing About God Making Us Correct Our Own Mistakes: Mistakes are God's Gift For Our Survival! For, God made every single one of us imperfect beings, so that we would all know how to correct our own mistakes: because knowing how to correct our own mistakes is what gives us the ability to change—and the ability to change is what gives us the power to adapt to our environment! Therefore, God's Gift For Our Survival is our ability to correct our own mistakes and, subsequently, to be more adaptable to our environment. –Paul Whiting (written May 17th, 2012, revised September 19th, 2021 and revised July 23rd, 2022)

My Writing About Armed Forces Day: On patriotic holidays, such as Armed Forces Day, I truly enjoy listening to music that celebrates the heroic service of all the men and women in the United States Military (both past and present) who are the real reason that America is "The Land Of The Free And The Home Of The Brave!" And I also truly enjoy showing my appreciation for those who are heroically serving in the United States Military, each and every day, by making donations to charitable organizations that Support Our Troops! –Paul Whiting (written May 19th, 2012, revised May 31st, 2022 and revised August 16th, 2022)

My Writing About Classical Piano Music Playing and Rain Falling: "It amazes me just how graceful and well-coordinated that the sound of the rain falling and the sound of classical piano music playing are together." –Paul Whiting (May 21st, 2012)

The Cornerstones of a 'New Renaissance' Education:

1. Reading and Writing (Written Communication Skills)
2. Speech and Debate (Oral Communication Skills)
3. World History (The Past is the Key to the Future)
4. Math and Science (The Structure of Everything)
5. Medicine and First Aid (Physical Healing Skills)
6. Psychology and Psychiatry (Human Psyche Skills)
7. Religion and Spirituality (Psyche Healing Skills)
8. Political Activism and Legal Savvy (Civic Duty Skills)
9. Diplomacy and Defense (Conflict Resolution Skills)
10. Survival Preparedness (Part of Self-Caring Skills)
11. Meaningful Work (Part of Self-Caring Skills)
12. Sex and Personal Care (Part of Self-Caring Skills)
13. Exercise and Sports (Part of Self-Caring Skills)
14. Home Economics (Part of Self-Caring Skills)
15. Music and Theater (Creative Expressive Skills)
16. Art and Crafts (Creative Decorative Skills)
17. Architecture (Design/Construction Skills)
18. Home Improvement (Remodel/Repair Skills)
19. Machinery Mechanics (Vehicle/Equipment Skills)
20. Technology Mechanics (Computer Science Skills)

–Paul Whiting (May 24th, 2012)

My Writing About the "Passionate Attitudes" of All of God's Creatures Great and Small: "I truly feel that All of God's Creatures Great and Small seem to all have extraordinarily passionate attitudes with regard to each other, which are exhibited in many different ways! Additionally, all of us seem to exhibit three, basic different types of 'Passionate Attitude,' which essentially are: 1) Passionately Angry and/or Aggressive; 2) Passionately Loving and/or Nurturing; and 3) Passionately Indifferent and/or Impartial." –Paul Whiting (May 24th, 2012)

My One and Only Joke About Invading Conquerors: "What did the really casual invading conqueror say to the people of the country that he had just invaded and conquered? 'Succumb as you are!'" –Paul Whiting (written May 25th, 2012 and revised October 18th, 2015)

My Writing About Competitive Sports Courses vs. Self-Defense Courses in American Education: "Isn't it interesting that the American education system enthusiastically promotes competitive sports, but it doesn't seem to emphasize self-defense courses at all? So, what does that tell you about the attitude of our culture with regard to the cheer-leaded promotion of competitive sports at the same time that neither non-competitive sports, nor self-defense courses, are promoted in the same ways, nor with the same unbridled enthusiasm!" –Paul Whiting (May 26th, 2012)

My Writing About "God's Computer": I truly do believe that when "God Created The Heavens And The Earth" that what God actually created was a "Super Computer" in the form of God embodying—quite literally—as the entire Universe! And that is why I also believe that God is literally all around us—and that God is literally contained within all of us too—in the form of the entire Universe, which is what constitutes "God's Computer." Plus, I truly do believe that God is also Our Subconscious Self in the form of an Absolutely Perfect Mirror, who is continuously reflecting All Of Our Karma throughout All Of Our Lifetimes! And because God is Our Subconscious Self, that is how, and why, prayer works—since prayer is simply a form of direct communication with God! Thus, I truly do believe that we are all "Independent Operating Units" (or, "IOUs") contained within God's Computer—and that is why God is literally all around us! And that is also why God is literally contained within all of us! And that is also why "We Are All One With God!" –Paul Whiting (written May 26th, 2012, revised November 24th, 2015 and revised July 24th, 2022)

My Writing About Obama and Biden in 2012: "Because of President Obama's many progressive achievements, America is moving forward again! So, let us all proclaim it loud and proud for Obama and Biden in 2012 that 'Yes, We Can—Again!'" –Paul Whiting (May 27th, 2012)

My Writing About IAVA's National Moment Of Silence: For Memorial Day 2012, I participated in the IAVA (Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America) national moment of silence for the all of Americans who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan since September 11th, 2001, in order to remember and honor their lives, their legacies and their last full measure of devotion for our country. And I also listened to patriotic music that celebrates the heroic sacrifice of all the men and women in the United States Military (both past and present), whose selfless dedication made it possible for American to become free and to remain free! –Paul Whiting (written May 28th, 2012, revised May 30th, 2022, revised July 19th, 2022 and revised January 31st, 2023)

My Writing About Becoming Our Own Hero: "These days, it really seems like a lot of people are waiting for some kind of 'Hero' to come along and save them, if the need should ever arise! I say, however, that we should all become much more like the United States Military—in our own heroic thinking—and actually become 'The Hero' for which we are all waiting!" –Paul Whiting (May 28th, 2012)

Summary of My Life Philosophies:

1. Always plan ahead and follow through: In other words, "Always be prepared."

2. Always be well organized: In other words, "A place for everything and everything in its place."

3. If you are going to do a job, always do it correctly; or, redo the job until it is done correctly: In other words, "Do it right the first time—or do it as many times as necessary, until it is right."

4. If you are going to do a job correctly, it may as well be aesthetically pleasing also: In other words, "Make beautiful whatever is dutiful."

5. Clean as you go, and try to maintain a guest-ready clean at all times, as much as possible: In other words, "Cleanliness is next to Godliness."

6. Frugally grocery shop like a bargain guru—and prepare your own meals—as much as possible: In other words, "Be your own personal chef."

7. Recycle, reduce and reuse: In other words, "Love Mother Earth."

8. Always pay your bills on time: In other words, "Be credit worthy."

9. Be as independent as possible, but don't be too afraid to ask for help. And also be as charitable as possible, but don't be too proud to receive charity: In other words, "If possible, give charity. If needed, accept charity."

10. Always ask for clarification. And try to use 'reflective listening' in order to verify that you've clearly understood whatever is being communicated to you: In other words, "Don't assume, always verify."

11. Always listen to your body, by way of your feelings, and trust your 'gut instincts': In other words, "The body never lies."

12. Always feel your feelings: In other words, "Don't bury your feelings, or cover them up." Always feel your feelings and express your feelings responsibly.

13. Always take responsibility for all of your feelings: In other words, "Don't place blame." And always feel your feelings and express your feelings responsibly.

14. Always express your feelings appropriately: In other words, "Learn how to control yourself." And always feel your feelings and express your feelings responsibly.

15. Always be totally honest in the world and totally hard working also: In other words, "Have a wonderful work ethic."

16. And don't stop at only being totally honest in the world—be totally transparent in the world also: In other words, "Honesty is always the best policy."

17. Always be civic-minded: In other words, "Be a good citizen."

18. Do not fear making mistakes: In other words, "If you do make mistakes, strive to correct the mistakes that you make."

19. Ask a lot of questions about everything that you ever begin to question—by way of your feelings, or your 'gut instincts': In other words, "Question authority," or question anything that you ever get a 'funny feeling' about.

20. Face your fears, as much as you possibly can: In other words, "If you face your fears, you will erase your fears..."

21. Devote your life to logistics (or, "the detailed coordination of complex operations"), so that you can have a sense of well being, due to all of your needs always being met through your own efforts: In other words, "Whatever is dutiful is beautiful."

–Paul Whiting (written May 31st, 2012, revised November 20th, 2015, revised October 24th, 2021, revised July 11th, 2022 and revised July 22nd, 2022)

My Writing About Being a "Parable-ist": "I often think of myself as a being a sort of 'Parable-ist,' so to speak! In other words, I really enjoy creating parables in order to describe particular states of being—such as love or envy, peace or discord—in order to explain that particular state of being to someone else in a way that makes sense to them." –Paul Whiting (June 3rd, 2012)

My Writing About Classical Music: "I find that playing Classical Music really puts me in a 'Classical Mood' and I genuinely feel uplifted!" –Paul Whiting (June 4th, 2012)

My Writing About Reducing My Carbon Emissions: I am working toward the goal of becoming "Cooler and Smarter" by reducing my carbon emissions through the process of doing the following: (1) signing up for 100% renewable electricity; (2) using rechargeable batteries; (3) using LED light bulbs; and (4) no longer consuming animal products, due to the environmental impact of raising animals for food. –Paul Whiting (written June 4th, 2012, revised April 14, 2015, revised November 24th, 2015 and revised July 18th, 2022)

My Letter to the State of Florida Task Force on Citizens Safety and Protection regarding Florida's "Shoot First" Law:

To Whom It May Concern,

Vigilante justice is no justice at all! Therefore, when you tell someone with a loaded gun to "Shoot first and ask questions later," you are basically licensing the right for them to practice unbridled vigilante justice!

George Zimmerman allegedly shot an unarmed Trayvon Martin because he felt "threatened" by Trayvon. But the question arises as to what George was actually threatened by...

...Was it Trayvon's candy? Was it Trayvon's iced tea? Was it Trayvon's hoodie? Or was it Trayvon's dark skin?

Thusly, George Zimmerman may have 'wrongly interpreted' the State of Florida's "Shoot First" law to mean "Shoot first (if you are threatened by someone's candy, iced tea, hoodie and dark skin), then ask questions later!"

For, any free society that supports unimpeded vigilante justice, also supports unimpeded violence, as well! And, therefore, that society is no longer free.

Sincerely,

–Paul Whiting (June 7th, 2012)

My Writing About Micromanaging Your Karma: In my own personal belief system, it is prudent to learn how to "Micromanage Your Karma," so to speak. And you do this by always "Thinking About Whatever You Are Thinking About" in order to become "Highly Self-Aware" of whatever it is that you are thinking about at a Subconscious Level—that is, at the level of your consciousness where I believe that God truly exists as a "Perfect Karmic Mirror." For, I honestly do believe that the "Subconscious Self" truly is God. –Paul Whiting (written June 10th, 2012 and revised July 24th, 2022)

My Writing About Creating My Way Out of Hell: "Sometimes, I truly feel like I created my way out of Hell and lived to tell the tale!" –Paul Whiting (June 10th, 2012)

My Writing About the Union on the American Flag Always Facing Toward the Left: "While I was preparing to host a Phone Bank (or, a 'Fun Bank!') at my studio apartment for President Obama's grassroots campaign 'Organizing for America,' I realized that the American flag is always supposed to have the union facing towards the left—always! And that really makes me think that the Founding Fathers of Our Country were sending the loud and clear message that America is meant to lean toward being liberal, to lean toward being 'Truly Democratic,' and to lean toward being more like the Democratic Party's 'Justice for All,' rather than the Republican Party's 'Justice for Just Us!'" –Paul Whiting (written June 11th, 2012 and revised November 24th, 2015)

My Writing About Father's Day: "In honor of Father's Day, I made a charitable donation to a cause that I feel really strongly about in support of fathers everywhere, the NRDC (National Resources Defense Council) Green Gift of 'Driving America Green." –Paul Whiting (written June 17th, 2012 and revised October 18th, 2015)

My Writing About My Two New Chosen Names: "If I were a magical being, I would call myself 'Broom Hilda' because I am a decorating wizard who loves to clean! And if I were a Greek God, I would call myself 'Promiscuous' for reasons that I won't go into... LOL" –Paul Whiting (June 18th, 2012)

My Writing About Romantic Songs in Foreign Languages: "I love songs that are sung in foreign languages—especially the romantic ones—because you may not know what the singer is talking about, but you know exactly what they mean!" –Paul Whiting (June 21st, 2012)

My Writing About the Supreme Court Upholding the Affordable Care Act: "I celebrated the Supreme Court's decision to uphold 'Obamacare' (The Affordable Care Act) by donating to organizations who support President Obama and the Democrat Party in 2012, for I feel that they truly represent 'We, the People!'" –Paul Whiting (June 28th, 2012)

My Writing About God Allowing Us To Make Any And All Mistakes: I think that God allows us to make any and all mistakes that we want—even to the point of allowing us to completely obliterate ourselves and everyone else around us—in order to simply to prove to us that we all have the freedom to make any choice that we wish to make! However, we are also allowed to deal with the consequences of all of those same choices in order to learn the incredibly important lesson of "Be Careful What You Wish For!" –Paul Whiting (written June 29th, 2012, revised March 20th, 2015, September 21st, 2015, November 24th, 2015 and revised July 23rd, 2022)

This "Small All White in the Forest" Post No. 145 was edited on April 22nd, 2024.

"Prose is using all of the words that are necessary in order to describe all that is necessary to describe." –Paul Whiting [June 1st, 2022]

"Poetry is using the fewest words possible in order to describe all that is possible to describe." –Paul Whiting [June 1st, 2022]