"DERECK'S RULES TO LIVE BY" An Awesome Friend! My BFF, D.

Kindred and All Relations,

I wish to introduce you to a very dear friend of mine, my Brotha D. I share something now I have not shared with Derek. He has been in my thoughts for weeks over the most recent past. I pray and contemplate good and positive medicine to and for both Derek and is dear wife, my friend Erika. Ohh dude, if only you two knew! Ha! Life move along and we still keep one anotha in the mind of the next! Sounds to me as if you all may be Kinfolk to me.

Thank you Derek, for reaching out and Honoring me with your kind and brotherly encouraging powerful words and Rules. Which seem as if you and I were picked out of how-ever-ever-many Folks you and I know, who know each other, and them us...

...as it has been meant to be. D., I have been the fortunate one in Our Path's Crossing. You have taught me so much - from the very beginning. Here we are today, years later.

I love you and you already knew that. I love your beautiful wife, my friend, and you already knew this...

...I have had ceremony for you and Mama Erika today. What a wonderful day it was to have ceremony on my East yard! Much love and good energy on the SSDI. Feel all better brother.

Much love, peace and more peace,

me and all of I

...as it was written...

How's my favorite Mario/mustafa/Monty/Water Buffalo ??

Mario, I have been thinking a lot about you lately, and also writing down of memoir type articles and notes on life for myself and my close friends including my "Derek's Rules To Live By" pasted below. Sorry we never got to meet up the other week, but I am doing well, walking with a cane now and getting used to doing things without bending the leg. I collect my thoughts like you do on your blog and these rules started to come together for me over the last few years with all my health issues. You know that you and I are two of the few people that are blessed enough to see the positives through hardship. Erika and I are doing our best as I am waiting for SSDI now in the final stages of decision, but we have made due and been thankful for what we have, such as each other. I know you and Brenda can relate. Please enjoy reading my "Rules to Live By" that I have put together over my ordeal.

Please remember you and yours are always in our prayers and you can call if you ever need anything. Hit me back!

Brotha D

DEREK'S RULES TO LIVE BY:

1) Use clichés sparingly.

They can be clever, but some should be only broken out for humor or emphasis. People like new, creative, and original banter and writing! Although copying is a compliment, copies of copies are never as sharp as the originals.

2) Be aware of others in your surroundings.

The people that are around us in day to day life need not control what we do, it is essential that we take their presence into consideration. Is someone around you handicapped? Is someone around you, friend or not, in need of help or kindness? Take into account that everyone else in your surroundings should also be aware of you. How would you like to be considered in this instance? The golden rule, the idea of status quo, and quid pro quo are excellent guidelines here, but remember rule #1!

3) Walk like you drive: follow similar rules.

In large crowds, just for sake of ease and maximum efficiency, try to walk on the same side as the flow of foot traffic. Europe is an amazing continent but we do not need to sporadically recreate the “driving on the other side of the street” phenomenon.

4) Always try to help a friend in need.

They are your friend for a reason. If you are not willing to do whatever you can when they are in need, do not refer to them as friends. In this case consider if the other person would help you. This should not be the motivation to help, but may be a good yardstick by which to measure. Maybe some of your “acquaintances” are truly friends and vice versa.

5) Believe in yourself, no matter what.

You will be amazed at what is possible when you know you can achieve something, not just wonder if you can achieve it. Sometimes you may be the only one that believes in you, in which case this is more important than ever.

6) Do what you love…and love what you do.

This is often a cliché (refer to rule #1) referring to one’s vocation, but it should be applied to more aspects of one’s life. Your hobbies and leisure activities both individually and in a group setting should be things you love.

7) Laugh often.

Although this is the shortest rule in the list it may be one of the most important. Laughter has proven positive effects on the body and mind. However if it is not real, do not laugh just because. Seek out people and things that make you laugh for real. A second part to this rule is a continuation, make others laugh often too.

8) Always try to see the glass half full…and consider free refills.

It will not do you one bit of good to see the negative in a situation. If a negative outlook is possible in a situation, use it as a learning experience or opportunity. Remember when the glass is half full; you are that much closer to a free refill!

9) Remain calm, even when it seems hopeless.

In a seemingly hopeless situation, remember to take deep breaths and apply rule #8. Remaining calm will assist you in turning these apparent hopeless situations into avenues of growth and opportunity if you can keep your head on straight.

10) Be weird whenever you have the chance!

Consider the thought that if you are not weird you are dull. Do not fear or even consider what others may think. The people that are important to you will see your weird actions as inspiration to apply rules #7 and #8.

11) Love your friends, no matter who they are!

We often leave the word love out of our vocabularies when it comes to friends, but it is important to love them for who and what they are. Your best friends and family do the same for you with a “no matter what” attitude. This is also a further reflection on rule #4.

12) Take an occasional risk.

The occasional (safe) risk can be highly motivating and rewarding. You will not be successful with positive results in every risk endeavored, but if you never take any you will never see the highly inspirational rewards to these situations.

13) Try to have a little fun each day...it's important!

This is a further development to rule #7. (Remember how important #7 is.) Each day can have its fun, and some days it will seem to be difficult to have a little fun, but this is when the importance to do so can be even more rewarding.

14) Remember to tell those you love “I love you”.

Those close to you may have every confidence that you love them but hearing “I love you” may be that one little thing that lets them have a smile that day or fill them with a great feeling just from hearing that reassurance.

15) Express yourself creatively

This may take one of any number of forms, whether it is writing, drawing, cooking, reading, daydreaming, etc. How you do it is not important, but that you accomplish is a little each day is important. Think about the creative expression part of your brain as its own little muscle, and then try to be a body builder.

16) Share with your friends.

Whether it is sharing talents, activities, possessions, or thoughts is not what is important here. The simple act of sharing something with a friend or loved one will come around to help you substantially. Considering what you will get in return for sharing with a friend should never cross your mind. Remember rule #4.

17) There is always someone who loves you more than you know.

In addition to previously stated rules regarding friends, this one adds the element of surprise. There maybe someone waiting to prove they are more than just acquaintances. These surprises can be some of the best and may lead to a friendship that is exceptional.

18) Seize the Moment!

The Carpe Diem phrase of seize the day is also good, but seizing the moment can be even more important. In addition to talking the occasional safe risk, be willing to act for something you believe in at a moment’s notice. A situation where you decide to seize the moment may never happen again, and you will be glad you did.

19) Indulge in the things you truly love… in moderation.

Although some things we love may have negative effects in excess, we do not need to shy away from these things altogether, provided they are safe. Whether it is food, activities, experiences, or the like, denying ourselves these things completely can break rules #6, #7, #8, #13, and # 18.