One Year ago - I was asked to leave a school I fell madly in love with - and it most certainly became my bliss while I was there. The reasons to my leaving are another story -- but within that story comes another ...... Happy New Year first of all. I hope you lived Gratefully this past month. I sure did :)
Last January. I went back to my school one afternoon for a meeting. This meeting was with a higher up within the office. I was still dealing with leaving School and wanted to see if it was the right thing to do or not - so I went for a meeting -- and When I arrived, I was greeted - and then asked a specific question. (A question to which I am curious if you have asked)
"Why do you spell your name with a lower case "p", and an uppercase "J"?
She began to say she noticed it in an email of mine and assumed it was a typo until she recieved a followup email of mine with the same signature.
I never knew why. But - I am a thinker - and looking at my life - and my insecurities - and obsessive behaviors and habits - I came up with this.
All things Good in my life, have come in "J's". They hold me up. They keep me strong.
There will be a moment in my life when I fall. When I reach for help - silently - but most definitely searching. And a "J" grips my hand, and lifts me up. Up to safety.
As I read a blog tonight - the writer ended with quickly writing (in 90 seconds) what he was thankful for over the last 10 years. What sprouted in his thoughts initially.
Though I wont do that just yet - I will however - in 90 seconds, respond to you with the "J's"
that have held me up - which have held Patrick up.
Jesus - No other thought is stronger. I am a man of Faith. I don't consider myself anything - denomination or religion, but pJ - a best friend of Jesus, my God.
Jordan - 21 and a half years of friendship. To quote Elton John - "I can't really Explain it. I haven't got the words." But he's been there.
Jason Mraz - People often tease me at the many occasion I quote/sing/mention Jason Mraz - but at a time where I was beginning something new - where I was searching for something new - he was introduced to me. Through my long drive sing-a-longs - I have found my singing voice through him - and my voice of Gratitude. --- People often tell me I am blinded when it comes to his music. But while people get scared off by his sexual lust for life - they miss out on his love for the human race and his compassion for the human race and his efforts of Gratitude to everyone and anyone. - Let's not judge a book by it's cover shall we?
I also find myself being easily attracted to acoustic rock and Jazz music -- and while I drift into bliss of music - I'd like to graciously make note of -- Jack Johnson -- John Mayer -- Jamie Cullum -- John Foreman -- Joshua Radin -- The musical "Jersey Boys" -- and most importantly --- John Lennon.
I was blessed this Holiday season with being able to travel into the City of New York - and say Hello to John at both his Memorial and his old home.
I am grateful for "J" -- it has done me well as a name - and as a friend. What are you Grateful for this year?
Cheers to a Very Merry New Year! -- I pray you are blessed - Like I have been. Thanks for the read ;)
-pJ
