The soul remains timeless, even as the years leave their mark; it’s a gentle nudge to live fully in the moments we have.
Sometimes, I feel like the same wide-eyed child I once was, full of curiosity and wonder about the world. My memories feel so vivid—chasing fireflies at twilight, dreaming of adventures, and imagining a life full of endless possibilities. In those moments, I forget how much time has passed.
But then I catch my reflection in the mirror, and the lines on my face, the gray in my hair, and the weight of years remind me of life’s fleeting nature. It’s a jarring contrast, to feel timeless inside while seeing the evidence of time’s passage outside. Yet, it’s also a poignant reminder to cherish the present and hold on to the spark of that child within me, even as the mirror tells a different story.
"This morning, during my usual 'wake and bake' session, I spread some cream cheese on my bagel, sipped my coffee, and took a toke. As I gazed at the bagel, I wondered if I could write a story about it. And so, Through the Bagel Holewas born."
What happens when the first thing we do in the morning is grab our smartphones, and we continue using them throughout the day, even during routine tasks like making coffee or watching TV?
Addiction to smartphones is becoming an increasingly prevalent issue in modern society, as many individuals find themselves drawn to their devices from the moment they wake up until they fall asleep. This constant engagement with phones can be a form of escapism, where people seek refuge from stress, loneliness, or boredom by immersing themselves in the endless cycle of notifications, social media, and entertainment.
Over time, this behavior can develop into an addiction, with individuals relying on their phones to feel connected or distracted, often at the cost of face-to-face interactions and real-world responsibilities. The addictive nature of smartphones lies in their ability to offer immediate gratification and continuous stimulation, which can make it difficult for users to disengage.
Breaking free from this addiction requires conscious effort, such as setting boundaries on screen time and finding alternative activities that promote genuine connection and mental well-being.
Aging has a way of smacking you upside the head with life’s cruel sense of humor. Remember laughing your ass off at the “Help, I’ve fallen, and I can’t get up” commercial?
Yeah, real knee-slapper—until you’re the one who ends up on the floor and suddenly it’s a whole damn production to get back up. You’re groaning, swearing, and questioning your life choices, all while wondering how the hell this became your reality.
Aging isn’t just a plot twist; it’s a full-on prank from the universe, reminding you that gravity is undefeated and your body’s warranty expired years ago.
I struggle with accepting things at face value, often feeling compelled to search for deeper meaning in everything I see and do. It’s as if every experience or encounter must hold a lesson, a hidden truth waiting to be uncovered.
Yet, life has a way of humbling this pursuit. There are moments when no matter how hard I look for answers or reasons, none exist—or if they do, they remain beyond my grasp. In these moments, I am reminded that life doesn’t always offer neat explanations or satisfying conclusions.
In the search for deeper meaning, wisdom is found in accepting life's uncertainties.
Sometimes, things just are, existing without justification or meaning, and accepting that can bring a sense of peace in an otherwise chaotic world.
"Not every sunrise comes with answers—some simply remind us to embrace the beauty of what is, without needing to understand why."
Life’s unpredictable nature often challenges our expectations of fairness, revealing that not everything unfolds as we hope or believe it should.
After 70 years of witnessing life’s twists and turns, I have learned that many experiences lie beyond our control, and fairness is not always part of the equation.
Dwelling on injustices only deepens frustration, while resilience offers a path forward. When life deals an unfair hand, focusing on how we respond—by adapting, enduring, and finding meaning—becomes far more valuable than questioning why things happened as they did. Strength lies not in demanding fairness but in standing tall when it falters.
"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it."
Aristotle’s quote points to the importance of being open-minded and willing to consider different ideas without automatically agreeing with them. Being able to listen to and think about new perspectives, even if they challenge what we believe, is a sign of real understanding and growth.
It helps us learn more, see things from other points of view, and avoid becoming too rigid in our thinking. When we entertain ideas without accepting them right away, we become better at problem-solving and having meaningful conversations.
In the end, Aristotle reminds us that being wise isn’t about always being sure, but about being open to the complexity of the world.
Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.
Here Aristotle’s assertion, "Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom," highlights the foundational role of self-awareness in personal growth and understanding the world. To truly know oneself means to confront strengths and weaknesses with honesty, recognize values and passions, and understand the motivations that drive decisions.
This self-awareness not only nurtures humility but also equips individuals with clarity to navigate life's complexities, fostering better relationships and more thoughtful choices. Wisdom emerges when this self-knowledge is combined with an empathetic understanding of others, creating a balanced perspective that transcends superficial judgments.
In essence, the journey inward is a prerequisite for meaningful growth outward.
I used to feel like my inner self and outer appearance didn’t align, but that’s no longer the case. Now, I feel that who I am, inside and out, fits naturally with my DNA. I don’t think it’s me that needs to change—I think the way we define 'man' and 'woman' needs to evolve.
To me, being a man isn’t about biology, it’s about expressing masculinity, and being a woman is about expressing femininity.
It’s not about what body someone was born into but how they carry themselves and how they feel most authentic.
I believe masculinity and femininity belong to anyone, and they shouldn’t be tied so tightly to sex at birth.
Man, back in the early 70s, WMMR was one the station to catch a buzz and just float away, you know?
I’d light up, let the smoke curl around me, and tune into the smooth sounds of the station playing all that killer album rock. It was like they knew exactly what we wanted—those deep tracks, the ones that never made it to the mainstream, but they spoke to us, man.
The DJs, too, had that cool vibe, just chatting about the music, but not over it, like we were all on the same wavelength, sharing in the mellow experience. There was something about it, like the station got us, and I’d just lay back, lose track of time, and let the music take me on a trip.
WMMR in its early years, which played a mix of alternative and progressive rock, which was known for supporting local and alternative music, particularly during the 1970s
There was WYSP too, a fierce competitor to WMMR, delivering its own mix of hard-hitting rock and alternative tunes with an edgy, rebellious vibe that captured the city’s spirit. WXPN deserves to be mentioned for its eclectic mix of music, including folk, rock, and alternative.
All offered the perfect soundtrack for chilling out, letting go of everything, and just vibing in the moment.
People sometimes comment on how creative I am. Being born transgender gave me a unique edge in developing creativity.
Creativity can be both inherent and learned. Some people might have a natural inclination toward creative thinking, but creativity is also a skill that can be developed through practice and even experience.
Throughout my life, I essentially had to create the person I am today, which involved constantly reshaping and redefining my identity. This process was much like erasing my autobiography and rewriting it as fiction, where I had to embrace transformation, adapt to challenges, and think in unconventional ways.
The journey of navigating my identity required me to explore different perspectives and imagine new possibilities, which naturally nurtured my creative abilities.
It’s through this constant reimagining of myself that I developed a deeper understanding of the fluidity of identity, which in turn expanded my capacity for creative thinking and expression.
"Social judgment and PTSD have a way of carving deep wells of sorrow, and sometimes, it's from those very depths that creativity painfully emerges."
- A transgender poet’s search for self, unfolds through the fragmented verses of their writing, revealing the power of transformation and creativity born from struggle.
The Mirror's Reflection
The soul remains timeless, even as the years leave their mark; it’s a gentle nudge to live fully in the moments we have.
Sometimes, I feel like the same wide-eyed child I once was, full of curiosity and wonder about the world. My memories feel so vivid—chasing fireflies at twilight, dreaming of adventures, and imagining a life full of endless possibilities. In those moments, I forget how much time has passed.
But then I catch my reflection in the mirror, and the lines on my face, the gray in my hair, and the weight of years remind me of life’s fleeting nature. It’s a jarring contrast, to feel timeless inside while seeing the evidence of time’s passage outside. Yet, it’s also a poignant reminder to cherish the present and hold on to the spark of that child within me, even as the mirror tells a different story.
Inside, I still feel like that child of old,
Chasing fireflies, with dreams untold.
But the mirror speaks, a silent guide,
Showing years that time cannot hide.
Though the past is gone, its spark remains,
A timeless soul, despite the stains.
"This morning, during my usual 'wake and bake' session, I spread some cream cheese on my bagel, sipped my coffee, and took a toke. As I gazed at the bagel, I wondered if I could write a story about it. And so, Through the Bagel Hole was born."
Swallowed by the Feed
What happens when the first thing we do in the morning is grab our smartphones, and we continue using them throughout the day, even during routine tasks like making coffee or watching TV?
Addiction to smartphones is becoming an increasingly prevalent issue in modern society, as many individuals find themselves drawn to their devices from the moment they wake up until they fall asleep. This constant engagement with phones can be a form of escapism, where people seek refuge from stress, loneliness, or boredom by immersing themselves in the endless cycle of notifications, social media, and entertainment.
Over time, this behavior can develop into an addiction, with individuals relying on their phones to feel connected or distracted, often at the cost of face-to-face interactions and real-world responsibilities. The addictive nature of smartphones lies in their ability to offer immediate gratification and continuous stimulation, which can make it difficult for users to disengage.
Breaking free from this addiction requires conscious effort, such as setting boundaries on screen time and finding alternative activities that promote genuine connection and mental well-being.
Help, I’m Aging, and I Can’t Stop!
Aging has a way of smacking you upside the head with life’s cruel sense of humor. Remember laughing your ass off at the “Help, I’ve fallen, and I can’t get up” commercial?
Yeah, real knee-slapper—until you’re the one who ends up on the floor and suddenly it’s a whole damn production to get back up. You’re groaning, swearing, and questioning your life choices, all while wondering how the hell this became your reality.
Aging isn’t just a plot twist; it’s a full-on prank from the universe, reminding you that gravity is undefeated and your body’s warranty expired years ago.
When Life Just Is
A Lesson in Acceptance
I struggle with accepting things at face value, often feeling compelled to search for deeper meaning in everything I see and do. It’s as if every experience or encounter must hold a lesson, a hidden truth waiting to be uncovered.
Yet, life has a way of humbling this pursuit. There are moments when no matter how hard I look for answers or reasons, none exist—or if they do, they remain beyond my grasp. In these moments, I am reminded that life doesn’t always offer neat explanations or satisfying conclusions.
In the search for deeper meaning, wisdom is found in accepting life's uncertainties.
Sometimes, things just are, existing without justification or meaning, and accepting that can bring a sense of peace in an otherwise chaotic world.
"Not every sunrise comes with answers—some simply remind us to embrace the beauty of what is, without needing to understand why."
Weathering Life’s Storms
Embracing Resilience in an Unpredictable Life.
Life’s unpredictable nature often challenges our expectations of fairness, revealing that not everything unfolds as we hope or believe it should.
After 70 years of witnessing life’s twists and turns, I have learned that many experiences lie beyond our control, and fairness is not always part of the equation.
Dwelling on injustices only deepens frustration, while resilience offers a path forward. When life deals an unfair hand, focusing on how we respond—by adapting, enduring, and finding meaning—becomes far more valuable than questioning why things happened as they did. Strength lies not in demanding fairness but in standing tall when it falters.
Aristotle’s quote points to the importance of being open-minded and willing to consider different ideas without automatically agreeing with them. Being able to listen to and think about new perspectives, even if they challenge what we believe, is a sign of real understanding and growth.
It helps us learn more, see things from other points of view, and avoid becoming too rigid in our thinking. When we entertain ideas without accepting them right away, we become better at problem-solving and having meaningful conversations.
In the end, Aristotle reminds us that being wise isn’t about always being sure, but about being open to the complexity of the world.
Here Aristotle’s assertion, "Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom," highlights the foundational role of self-awareness in personal growth and understanding the world. To truly know oneself means to confront strengths and weaknesses with honesty, recognize values and passions, and understand the motivations that drive decisions.
This self-awareness not only nurtures humility but also equips individuals with clarity to navigate life's complexities, fostering better relationships and more thoughtful choices. Wisdom emerges when this self-knowledge is combined with an empathetic understanding of others, creating a balanced perspective that transcends superficial judgments.
In essence, the journey inward is a prerequisite for meaningful growth outward.
My Authentic Identity
I used to feel like my inner self and outer appearance didn’t align, but that’s no longer the case. Now, I feel that who I am, inside and out, fits naturally with my DNA. I don’t think it’s me that needs to change—I think the way we define 'man' and 'woman' needs to evolve.
To me, being a man isn’t about biology, it’s about expressing masculinity, and being a woman is about expressing femininity.
It’s not about what body someone was born into but how they carry themselves and how they feel most authentic.
I believe masculinity and femininity belong to anyone, and they shouldn’t be tied so tightly to sex at birth.
Related Essay: 𝐑𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫: 𝐀 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 Facebook Page no log-in needed
Mellow Memories: A 70s Radio Experience
Man, back in the early 70s, WMMR was one the station to catch a buzz and just float away, you know?
I’d light up, let the smoke curl around me, and tune into the smooth sounds of the station playing all that killer album rock. It was like they knew exactly what we wanted—those deep tracks, the ones that never made it to the mainstream, but they spoke to us, man.
The DJs, too, had that cool vibe, just chatting about the music, but not over it, like we were all on the same wavelength, sharing in the mellow experience. There was something about it, like the station got us, and I’d just lay back, lose track of time, and let the music take me on a trip.
WMMR in its early years, which played a mix of alternative and progressive rock, which was known for supporting local and alternative music, particularly during the 1970s
There was WYSP too, a fierce competitor to WMMR, delivering its own mix of hard-hitting rock and alternative tunes with an edgy, rebellious vibe that captured the city’s spirit. WXPN deserves to be mentioned for its eclectic mix of music, including folk, rock, and alternative.
All offered the perfect soundtrack for chilling out, letting go of everything, and just vibing in the moment.
Remember this commercial...
Autobiography to Fiction
How My Journey Shaped My Creativity
People sometimes comment on how creative I am. Being born transgender gave me a unique edge in developing creativity.
Creativity can be both inherent and learned. Some people might have a natural inclination toward creative thinking, but creativity is also a skill that can be developed through practice and even experience.
Throughout my life, I essentially had to create the person I am today, which involved constantly reshaping and redefining my identity. This process was much like erasing my autobiography and rewriting it as fiction, where I had to embrace transformation, adapt to challenges, and think in unconventional ways.
The journey of navigating my identity required me to explore different perspectives and imagine new possibilities, which naturally nurtured my creative abilities.
It’s through this constant reimagining of myself that I developed a deeper understanding of the fluidity of identity, which in turn expanded my capacity for creative thinking and expression.
"Social judgment and PTSD have a way of carving deep wells of sorrow, and sometimes, it's from those very depths that creativity painfully emerges."
Related Short Story: Shifting Pages
- A transgender poet’s search for self, unfolds through the fragmented verses of their writing, revealing the power of transformation and creativity born from struggle.