Tuesday, April 10, 2012

i is for island


as in “no man is an island” the thought provoking quote of john donne---

but is this true---

there may be some truth to it or in reality none--

you probably know people that have no thought, how their actions affect another--

and if they are not aware then who is to argue the existence of the affect----if a tree falls in the forest........

are we our brother's keeper—certainly not many people think so or act so----

i realize there are always exceptions to any thought or belief, but for the most part, as cynical as it may sound, i believe people do very little that does not relate back to themselves---

we may want to be about something greater than our little world, but how often do we simply plan to do it one day some day----when things get better----when things settle down—when ---when ----never

“no man is an island”------some are and have no vote in the matter---no voice -no hope---at least not yet

not until that one man takes action, an action revealing our capacity to feel-our desire to give, not because we can—not because it's the right thing to do---not even because it makes us feel good----but purely because it's instinct----

55 comments:

  1. Very thought-provoking post. That "one day, some day" is all too true. We tend to live for today and think that the future has an infinite amount of time, but we couldn't be any more wrong.

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  2. so true shelley--our time is now huh--thanks:)

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  3. Great post! I often tie that island concept into my writing - for me, it takes a village. Actually more like a metropolis.

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  4. we are intertwined, influencing each other whether we like it or not!

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  5. "One day, some day" -- so true. Putting things off, sometimes even important things, is a habit I'm working on destroying.

    And yes--we're all in this together. :)

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  6. we all do it don't we---thanks dana for reading!

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  7. Interesting theme going here and I totally agree with you; we do seem to live "me" oriented at times. Another blog I was on this morning had "I" for individuality, saying all have talents/gifts to use to help the village so to speak (our communities, etc). I think we all need the reminder to get out there and just not think it is all about us but reach out to help others, etc. Wise words to share :)

    betty

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  8. sounds like an interesting post---thanks corgi :)

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  9. Today's thoughts are tomorrow's action, if only...

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  10. I am such a procrastinator and find it is sometimes easier to put things off, avoid situations. Nice post

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  11. Interesting thoughts on the matter, Lynn. It's not a good idea to isolate yourself totally (trying to be an island unto oneself).

    Enjoyed your post. Thanks for the visit to mine!

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  12. thanks, i agree totally and thanks again, i too enjoyed yours!

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  13. Great post. Makes me ponder all the things I want to do for others. Luckily, I do the things I can when I'm able. It's important to know people care.

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    1. that is wonderful how you do the things when you are able--i think that's the key!

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  14. As writers we are somewhat isolated, aren't we? But through our writing and networking we can make a difference to others. My experience with the A-Z Challenge and the plethora of amazing posts full of inspiration, advice and encouragement is just one way I can develop.

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  15. I don't think I'll ever do well on island by myself:) I enjoy company way too much--even in my writing.
    Nutschell
    www.thewritingnut.com
    Happy A-Zing!

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  16. No man should be an island, that is unseemly.

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  17. Oh I love that quote! and a wonderful post as well. I don't like being an island. I like to beckon the ships and boats and yatch to the shore and gather around the fire and tell stories. this way I always have someone to talk to, and vice versa, therefore linking with others. Who knows what the future brings?

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  18. wonderful scene you have set in my mind cecilia--thanks!

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  19. We are connected, even if we can't see the ties that bind us together. Goo stuff!

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    1. thanks tmw--i tried to follow you--guess i have to set up a google? or are you more private?

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  20. That does happen. You hear about it sometimes in the news. A man jumps into the river to save a drowning child, not his child, a stranger. You see it when people stop to help another. It does happen.

    Although, I was reminded of a Friends episode where Phoebe was trying to be selfless, but even in her giving, she was rewarded with a good feeling about herself.

    Play off the Page

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    1. that is so right mary, you do hear about exactly what i was referring to, sometimes----haha i think i remember that episode---thanks for commenting!

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  21. Nice post. While I believe in being caring and kind towards others because that's part of my nature, I've grown more cautious through the years about dealing with those who are purely takers and not givers. Hope that makes sense.

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    1. i know what you mean--people certainly can burn ya---it's hard to open up--thanks for you comments cynthia :)

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  22. I know a lot of people who are genuinely kind, generous, and empathetic. They do the right thing because it's the right thing, not for any personal gain.

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    1. i am sure they do exist---and i too do know a few :)

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  23. Actions do reveal a lot about a person.

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  24. As a teacher, it's so difficult to get this across to young people.

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    1. i know i took it into a little different direction

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  25. I feel pretty much on an island these days..

    --Damyanti, Co-host A to Z Challenge April 2012

    Twitter: @AprilA2Z
    #atozchallenge

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  26. sorry---things will change, they always do

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  27. Great post Lynn. You don't have to go out of your way to help people. Even the littlest things matter to someone. A kind word, a smile. You just never know what will be that something that matters to someone.

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    1. so true, a smile or just listening to someone, might meet their need--thanks!

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  28. I always fantasized about living on an island and reducing my need to be so constantly in contact with others but I have realized over time that my tendency to implode is exactly what I need to be conscious of and to work with.

    No more island mind for me.

    I like thought provoking posts like this. Thanks.

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    Replies
    1. thanks, i am so glad you read and commented - i dream that sometimes also!

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  29. And yet, many of us still dream of breaking all those connections and moving to our own little island...at least for a couple of weeks. :D

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  30. lovely post

    do check out my letters at GAC a-z

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