You Can't Afford the Luxury of a Negative Thought is one of my favourite books of all time. There are so many poignant points packed into each page, here is just one.
On page 181, Peter advises us to Write Down the Good. Keep a journal...the good things you have to be grateful for each day, and the good that you do for others.
This one piece of advice has transformed my everyday life in so many ways. Here's the real challenge, at least for me! Write down a list ESPECIALLY when you're down, angry, stressed. It's so easy to be thankful when our days unfold before us like ruby roses. But on darker days, this depression buster really works for me. I always tell myself five things down a day since it's much more manageable. Then I find that it's easy to keep going! When I ride in a car, along with my friends, I ask them what five things they are grateful for on that day. At first, they wanted to clobber me for being such a well-spring of bubbling positivity. I also noticed it took forever for them to come up with things. But not anymore.
Since I hope I walk the walk, here is my list for today. It's a little bit verbose. :)
1. Riding my bicycle last night, underneath the glowing moon..riding down that huge hill at 30 mph, felt like I had wings.
2. Peter's Mom's phone call. Whenever she calls, it's a combination of Spring/Summer/Fall, all rolled into one. I leave out Winter because she's never cold.
3. Calling up the corporate headquarters of a company to commend a couple of their employees, and even the woman who answered the phone. :)
4. The fact that in this horrid economy, I have a job, a good one, that I get to do, my music, and I can help to help peoples' days brighten a little.
5. The pizza that Andy made, it was so scrumptious! MMMMM!
6. Ran a marathon on Sunday! :) Even when doctors told me I couldn't!
7. The support I get from my online friends
So what is your list? Feel free to share if you'd like :) Or just jot it down to yourself. Either way, try it, and I hope it works for you as well as it has for me!
Thank you Peter McWilliams!
note: "You Can't Afford the Luxury of a Negative Thought" is still available, in print, and AWESOME! :)
my blog dedicated to Peter McWilliams
Friday, September 24, 2010
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Guest Blogger: J. Charles: Musings on Peter's Poetry, from "Come Love With Me and Be My Life" (part 1)
I admit, I'm a little perplexed that Peter didn't give any of his poems titles. So I will just refer to page numbers instead. This will be my first installment about "Come Love with Me and Be My Life, The Complete Romantic Poetry of Peter McWilliams." This book is still in print & available.
Page 1
He seems to be anticipating love, asking the question: "How will it happen?" Peter speaks of "pre-pairing." Clever play on words. I think sometimes you just have to let it happen.
Page 4
The poem below, reads like a "come-on" of sorts, at a first meeting. The very last line of the poem is "What's your name?"
"Someday we are going to be lovers.
Maybe married.
At the very least, an affair.
What's your name?
Page 5
"I am not a total stranger, I am a perfect stranger." That really does seem like a line (LOL!)
Page 6
This poem seems to be about the first love of Peter's life, perhaps.
Page 7
Seems to be Peter's playful musings about what someone says.."I feel an affinity for you" rather than to say "I love you." The last line adds, "On the first date." Who says "I love you" on the first date? Hmmmmmmm???
Page 8
This poem speaks of unrequited love and sadness. Though the last line was "All I got was this poem, which I wanted to be / a happy one."
I really like Peter's Poetry because it's so thought provoking.
Page 10
He questions whether he was meant to be alone. "Is there / someone / in the darkness / asking / the same question?" That seems to be asking, "Where's my soulmate?" :-)
Page 11
Risk and Positivity and positivity in taking risk when sometimes we approach risk with fear and trepidation. Expanding comfort zones!!
Page 12
Self doubt. "AM I TOO MUCH FOR YOU or too little?"
Page 13
Sounds like Peter's being lifted out of depression by a good friend. Sounds like quite a friend to have.
So many of these poems are very personal in nature, as if he's simply talking to the object of his affection.
Page 14
"What's a kiss between friends? / What is a friend between kisses?"
Clever word play. Perhaps friends with benefits? :)
Page 15
"Want me /and let me know/ you do"
The height of directness.
All his poetry seems to get directly to the point to what he's trying to say, some just sound clever in their word play. In the final analysis Peter's poems to me, are entertaining and provocative.
More later.
Page 1
He seems to be anticipating love, asking the question: "How will it happen?" Peter speaks of "pre-pairing." Clever play on words. I think sometimes you just have to let it happen.
Page 4
The poem below, reads like a "come-on" of sorts, at a first meeting. The very last line of the poem is "What's your name?"
"Someday we are going to be lovers.
Maybe married.
At the very least, an affair.
What's your name?
Page 5
"I am not a total stranger, I am a perfect stranger." That really does seem like a line (LOL!)
Page 6
This poem seems to be about the first love of Peter's life, perhaps.
Page 7
Seems to be Peter's playful musings about what someone says.."I feel an affinity for you" rather than to say "I love you." The last line adds, "On the first date." Who says "I love you" on the first date? Hmmmmmmm???
Page 8
This poem speaks of unrequited love and sadness. Though the last line was "All I got was this poem, which I wanted to be / a happy one."
I really like Peter's Poetry because it's so thought provoking.
Page 10
He questions whether he was meant to be alone. "Is there / someone / in the darkness / asking / the same question?" That seems to be asking, "Where's my soulmate?" :-)
Page 11
Risk and Positivity and positivity in taking risk when sometimes we approach risk with fear and trepidation. Expanding comfort zones!!
Page 12
Self doubt. "AM I TOO MUCH FOR YOU or too little?"
Page 13
Sounds like Peter's being lifted out of depression by a good friend. Sounds like quite a friend to have.
So many of these poems are very personal in nature, as if he's simply talking to the object of his affection.
Page 14
"What's a kiss between friends? / What is a friend between kisses?"
Clever word play. Perhaps friends with benefits? :)
Page 15
"Want me /and let me know/ you do"
The height of directness.
All his poetry seems to get directly to the point to what he's trying to say, some just sound clever in their word play. In the final analysis Peter's poems to me, are entertaining and provocative.
More later.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
"Faithing", Peter, and me
Peter's books are amazing, but how can I read while I drive?
(I've seen people try to read while driving, and believe me, it's unsafe and quite cringe-worthy to watch!)
I found a soothing solution. Lately I have been listening to "You Can't Afford the Luxury of a Negative Thought" on CD. Peter's quiet confidence has a way of numbing my nerves while the traffic traps me like the tentacles of an octopus!
It's impossible to list all the things I love about this CD series in just one blog. One of Peter's concepts really clicked with me yesterday, and I'd love to share it with you.
Peter calls it faithing. This Peterism describes taking things in stride, knowing that everything will turn out for the best.
I used to live my life frozen in fear. I seemed to do the opposite thing: I always imagined the worst possible scenario happening. When that scenario didn't, I felt relieved, but the relief was fleeting. I'd go on thinking negative, destructive thoughts.
Like so many other Peterisms, I wanted to apply what he taught, not just listen to him spout a string of pretty words.
So, last night, I arrived at a brand new venue where no one had heard me perform my music before.
I set up my musical equipment and no one was there. I noticed I began to think negative thoughts. (This is huge in and of itself-I used to think negatively and not even notice when I did!) I stopped myself, and began faithing. I closed my eyes, and I imagined people being drawn to th strains of my voice. I imagined seats being filled. I imagined a splendid experience.
Surely enough, as I faithed, faithed and faithed some more, the audience appeared like spring roses. They were supportive, attentive and really got what I had to say..(or should I say, sing?) I embraced every single positive thing about this evening: my being alive and healthy. The moon hovering above; the lanterns flickering, couples cuddling, and me, faithing..
(I've seen people try to read while driving, and believe me, it's unsafe and quite cringe-worthy to watch!)
I found a soothing solution. Lately I have been listening to "You Can't Afford the Luxury of a Negative Thought" on CD. Peter's quiet confidence has a way of numbing my nerves while the traffic traps me like the tentacles of an octopus!
It's impossible to list all the things I love about this CD series in just one blog. One of Peter's concepts really clicked with me yesterday, and I'd love to share it with you.
Peter calls it faithing. This Peterism describes taking things in stride, knowing that everything will turn out for the best.
I used to live my life frozen in fear. I seemed to do the opposite thing: I always imagined the worst possible scenario happening. When that scenario didn't, I felt relieved, but the relief was fleeting. I'd go on thinking negative, destructive thoughts.
Like so many other Peterisms, I wanted to apply what he taught, not just listen to him spout a string of pretty words.
So, last night, I arrived at a brand new venue where no one had heard me perform my music before.
I set up my musical equipment and no one was there. I noticed I began to think negative thoughts. (This is huge in and of itself-I used to think negatively and not even notice when I did!) I stopped myself, and began faithing. I closed my eyes, and I imagined people being drawn to th strains of my voice. I imagined seats being filled. I imagined a splendid experience.
Surely enough, as I faithed, faithed and faithed some more, the audience appeared like spring roses. They were supportive, attentive and really got what I had to say..(or should I say, sing?) I embraced every single positive thing about this evening: my being alive and healthy. The moon hovering above; the lanterns flickering, couples cuddling, and me, faithing..
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
via Peter's Page on Myspace: Update for those Interested ;)
September 14, 2010 - Tuesday
 |  Current mood: ecstatic Category: Blogging Hope everyone is in strong spirits and doing well. Here are some answers to some questions I've been asked. Q: How is the video tribute for Peter coming along and why can't I view it yet? A: In the process of hopefully being able to use some real live video footage of Peter speaking, in between still shots. Not as easy as it sounds- Remember, this video will have a song accompanying it. There are only a few spaces where this might work. And, I need to find the right footage to do this. I am in the process of getting a VHS tape of Peter's 1989 interview (thanks Mary!!) put onto DVD. I am hoping the videographer can come up with some footage that works. I am also waiting to hear back from a major news network which carried several interviews of Peter. I do hope to obtain their permission! I was able to view one of the interviews (thanks again Mary!) and saw Peter's sparkling sense of humor. Fortunately my videographer, (who does NOT want credit, God knows why, he deserves it!) is open to my ideas. :) He is so amazing. He's with Getty Images. He comes with loads of experience, and a heart of gold too! Q: If the song for Peter is recorded, why can't we hear this now? Why do we have to wait til the video is done? A: I have shared my recording with Peter's Mom and a very tiny group of people (I can count on one hand). The reason I don't go "public" with it yet is because my close friends tell me, it will have far more impact for people to hear the song along with viewing the video. Q: You own petermcwilliams.org now, so why does the site still look the same? A: Yes, it's true, I recently purchased petermcwilliams.org from the former site owner who had it for many years. The reason you don't see any changes yet is because I am working very hard on designing a new site. It's not ready to be published live to the web yet, but I am making some serious headway. I want everything at least close to being done, before you see it. Q: How many sites do you run now for Peter? A: www.myspace.com/petermcwilliamstribute www.petermcwilliamstribute.blogspot.com www.facebook.com/petermcwilliamstribute www.youtube.com/WeRememberPeter People wonder why I devote so much of my time to all things Peter? The answer lies in how dramatically my life has changed for the better, thanks to Peter. I love him and want everyone I meet to know how truly amazing he was and still is. :) Time well spent.... :) |
Friday, September 10, 2010
The Acquisition of PeterMcWilliams.org
Announcing that I have obtained the URL for petermcwilliams.org.
I am in the process of giving the site some much needed updates.
This process will take some time as I am trying my hand at web design. :)
I appreciate all the work that the former site owner did but I must respectfully forge forward.
All for Peter's memory, honor and legacy. Because after all,
I love Peter!
I am in the process of giving the site some much needed updates.
This process will take some time as I am trying my hand at web design. :)
I appreciate all the work that the former site owner did but I must respectfully forge forward.
All for Peter's memory, honor and legacy. Because after all,
I love Peter!
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Peter's View on Society wanting Us to be a Certain Way..and my own reflections
"Please understand that I am not against family, marriage, children, or even romance. I am merely against the idea that we should all be herded into that mode of relating when there are viable, satisfying alternatives" ~ Peter McWilliams
First I'd like to give props to my new friend Bob Stevens for landing this quote in my lap this morning. I was so inspired by this quote I just had to write my reflections about it here.
Everyday and in every little way I am learning something new about what Peter said or did. It's a wondrous discovery.
This quote in particular speaks to me. In fact, it roars!
Society expects that we fit into some neat little shiny box complete with a brilliant bow on top, wrapped up neatly, and sized-up neatly. The 2.2. kids. The two car garage. The house on the hill with the gleaming white picket fence. Medicinal marijuana? Forget about that! Finding natural cures for depression? Why on earth would you want to take them when there are so many wonderful drugs out there with such wonderful side effects (she said, sardonically). You're gay? Well...it's okay for you to have a "union" but "marriage?" Let's save that for the straights. You're fully expected to be a heterosexual living in a very heterosexual world. Oh, you're overweight? Well we need to get you to Jenny Craig immediately! You can't love yourself unless you're a size 4!
As a young, single woman, I am often barraged by the question,"So when will you settle down and find a nice man?" People are very uncomfortable with my telling them I am single by choice. Believe me, for the longest time I felt I wasn't "okay" unless I felt something romantic.
Forget about the part where I tell people I don't want to have kids. They can't understand I am just not a "kid" person. When I see a baby, I run the opposite direction. I don't "dote" on kids. People don't like to hear that from a woman because all women are supposed to be nurturing and motherly. I am motherly towards the homeless, senior citizens and animals. I am just not motherly with kids. Not every woman is, and it's about time society accepts that. I feel it's not selfish to choose not to have kids-I feel it's selfish to have kids and then not want them. There's nothing wrong with women who dote on kids, and are super moms, etc. But please don't look down on me because I'm not like you!
This quote from Peter stirs my soul's insides. His soothing voice speaks to me, telling me I am all right, and I am beautiful, just the way I am. Boxes are for Christmas gifts, not for people to made to be forced inside and suffocate.
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