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You begin by using your imagination! Also, your brain has a delete button. But anyway, next don’t reinforce the “junk” messages. Remember the saying “let it go in one ear and out the other” It works. We seem to retain what we respond/react to. So whether you say “I hate this” or “I love that” you’re still giving it space. So be neutral and let it pass. Don’t build on it. Then just like a laxative, fill your mind with something foreign. Imagine things that send you on a scavenger hunt for more things you’ve never heard of. Today, I was writing a post for The Thriving Writer and I decided I needed 1 word to describe a concept... So I “bing-ed” it and found there is such a thing as a Enigmatologist. There’s only 1 who actually has a degree in puzzle creation and he created his own degree that was conferred upon him in 1974 from the University of Indiana. From my one small quest - I learned that It’s possible to create your own undergraduate degree in something like puzzlemaking AND allegedly be the only one in the world -to use it. He currently works at the New York Times as a crossword puzzle editor. That’s just a few examples - but thank you! You’ve given me a topic for next week’s blog post. Also refrain from “commentary”...instead take a concept in a whole new direction. For example; “The Bible is scientifically Accurate” Instead of commenting on the topic directly in an attempt to refute or cosign the claims - we expand the topic. For example we return to @Chevdove post where we began to speculate about quantum mechanics - time travel and the possiblity of passing through walls. This is how you perform a brain cleanse...😊

Most Christians believe they must proselytize, save souls. This of course is where the problems invariably arise. It is human nature I guess... I shared to see what others thought. That is an interesting idea. Is that like a colon cleanse. Where you purge your system and don't take in any more garbage for a few days? If so, how does one purge one's brain; what is the mental version of a laxative 😉

@Mel Hopkins @Troy @Del The ideas you expressed in your posts on this thread were so stimulating and enlightening and profound that i express my gratitude to you all for doing my thinking for me. Obviously i agree with what you say. (i think there a correlation between my being able to acknowledge this and the fact that Pioneer has not injected his comments) You have all on occasion, indicated that my perspective on a subject has grounded you. But this time you deserve the kudos for creating a seat for me in the outside of the box arena. My final thought on the subject is that religion is a force that captivates and robs you of your freedom to develop your own divinity. The only ones empowered by it are the leaders who preach it. Truth is an orphan that everyone wants to adopt. i just finished doing my income tax. Because my pensions are not taxed enough, i usually end up owing money. i could remedy this by requesting that the IRS take more money out, but i've just opted to make up the diference when i file. I do my taxes on-line for free courtesy of the Federal Government, my former employer, and it's a fairly simple process, especially since i don't itemize and i have complete health insurance coverage that i can afford. I'd have to lie to get money back and I don't want to rock the boat. Typically I pay back about $1,250.00. This year, thanks to Trump's tax break, i owed $935.00. Big deal. But i'm not complaining, For some reason, this doesn't affect my bottom line in any way. I say this to say that i am somehow nestled in a niche that keeps me under the radar. Nothing that goes on in this world, so far, has an impact on my life. On all levels of my existence, i do as i please and manage to escape major repercussions or consequences. All of my complaints result from my dismay over what other people are doing to other people in the realm of politics. All around me the world is in disarray and America in unrest. But i am just a spectator. From time to time i shift into a dimension where i am taunted by mischievous forces, but as much as this can vex me i find it to be a intriguing phenomenon that introduces me to a invisible world full of wonderment and untapped power. Life, if nothing else, is a fascinating challenge.

And how did that complaining work for you? 45 is sitting in the oval office signing his executive orders, gutting federal offices and stacking the federal benches with conservative judges... A brain cleanse is not about dumbing yourself down. It’s about clearing your mind to use it to benefit yourself and others. For example, you mentioned “teaching” made you better at building your website. That’s a win for you and your students. Arguing with google - didn’t stop them from changing their algorithm - but it did cause you to connect with your audience in more meaningful ways. It’s not a quick fix but you’re building a viable community in addition to the drive-bys despite google, Mr. Troy “featured in Rupert Murdoch’s Wall Street Journal” Johnson. And that’s the goal of a clear mind. You are more effective at transmitting a message that connects with your audience. Arguing the obvious reinforces the message in both the sender and the receiver. Instead, consider not paying attention to 45’s antics. And instead following and talking about the EOs and bills he signs - especially the ones that take an emotional toll. Pay attention to what the federal courts overturn and share that info. Follow net neutrality and make it easy for others to understand; follow the federal tax laws - and use those as talking points. You were in finance -use your knowledge and make the 5-year-old in us understand about the tax laws. The tax reform has to be awful for w-2 employees. In comparison, there are a lot of expense write offs for self-employed and business owners. Bread & butter, pocketbook issues, and education costs seem to resonate with people. Showing people how to fish - is far more effective than saying “eating pork is bad for you”.

Really useful articles. There are Watchers and Doers.

It's not my parking space. I am parked in the garage. Why ask why?

I would say that starting on Sunday or Monday he will be around more. Either that or over the next day or so you seem more determined to meet up. He seems like a strong character with original ideas. And he doesn't care what people think. Was he involved in education?. I also did you have a mutual friend who was a social butterfly. Maybe a bit talkative but not as concerned with deep thinking. She may be instrumental in the two of you meeting. Plus he is stimulating . He has always been a live wire. He takes the lead but and he treats you as an equal. Although this has gotten on your nerves in the past. In that he doesn't compromise. Actually you both probably have done this. He makes you think and he stokes your imagination. Plus he has spark.

Chicago just officially acknowledged one of its favorite adopted daughters.