Lately, I’ve been thrown under the bus enough that I can safely say that I know the color of every traveler’s underwear from here to Albuquerque.  But last week some of my own privacy was invaded and I refuse to be thrown under the bus with something I can control.  So here are my priorities.

First, my Higher Power, whom I call Love and Peace.  If you receive an e-mail from me, many times I’ll sign it “Love and Peace.”  Though I will admit that many guys just get the “peace” part.  It is my way of hoping my Higher Power’s “love and peace” is bestowed on you.

Second is me! After Love and Peace, if I don’t take care of myself, I’m useless to everyone else.

Third is my family.  At times I need to remind myself how important they are to me.

Fourth, sadly, is my job.  I say “sadly” because this is who drives the bus.  But I need this job.  It provides a roof over my head and gives me the ability to dream of change.  This place is kind of like a high school melodrama.  It has its various cliques.  The hierarchy is perceived by which clique you belong too.  But the true power comes from secrets.  For awhile, I tried to fit in, but like any good high school drama, this lead to others insecurity and jealously.  So I gave up.  It is now a place where I shut-up, do my job to the best of my ability and go home.  I don’t even have the luxury of being able to confide with anyone there – trust is gone.

Fifth, I share the unrewarding experiences of my job because it leads to this priority, which I call “My Passions.”  This comes from many various sources.  My website being one.  My newspaper column.  This newsletter.  Works on other websites and the works of my third book.  And also my passion includes participation in AA and my “Freedom Seekers” group.  This is my nirvana.  And as unrewarding as my job has become, it has increased my need to get my rewards, my self-worth, self-respect, and fulfillment from my passions.  This is my haven.  My website has been a joy to create and expand and watch an audience be built.  This is the one priority that I will not allow myself to be thrown under the bus.

Lastly, are my friends.  Without Love and Peace, my family, and my passions, I wouldn’t want any friends.

As a human being, I believe the worst thing we do to another is take them for granted.  It throws their value, worth, and their own Oneness out the window.  They become your slave and servant.  There is not much I can do about that with my job.  But with my passions I can.

Recently I receive a letter from a chairman of a group about starting a club.  They were given my name by a third party.  I told this third party awhile back that, at this time, I don’t have the time or energy, to make another commitment.  I wrote this chairman back and said that I never suggested a new group and had no interest in participating in one at this time.

So folks, one more time in writing, I’ll say that my time is stretched pretty thin.  I refuse to throw myself under the bus.  I do not appreciate my name being thrown around to different clubs or organizations as a “go to person.”  And at this time, I will not endorse or comment on any of these groups or clubs or lend my name to any of these groups or organizations.   

Please accept than when I say “no” I mean “no.”  As Barack Obama said at the Democratic Convention – ENOUGH!

©11142008DaveHarm