Making a difference is something that we all want to do, especially if we benefit from that change or those changes. For once change is implemented. that change will take a  life of its own. The thought usually occurs in a block of time, when we’ve either been inspired through an experience that jolts us into the reality of a situation that is not quite what we expected, in fact maybe a little disturbing. Sometimes we have a subtle reaction. An awakening–  something a little off, a little askew feeling a need to do something, address and correct hopefully, maybe if possible. Did we wait too long? Whatever our doubts or concerns there needs to be an understanding of what is happening to us and around us. What are the ramifications of these events that catch us off guard, having to adjust or acclimate even eventually accept? Right or wrong. Time will tell. But, shouldn’t we have been better informed? Or would even that make a difference, when we’ve become too apathetic, complacent, or too weary to face this seemingly impossible quest?

Nothing is impossible when we know what is at stake. Or what is known from the losses, when we just accept our plight in this life. Unfortunately, it’s not just our life. But, the lives of others and our future generations to come. That is when we realize we all need to take some part, no matter how small, to recognize the importance of making that healthier and a better difference to provide and promote the best outcome for everyone. Our numbers are getting greater, which makes it more important to be better organized, do and get it right. We cannot afford to haphazardly orchestrate these elaborate plans that drain and strain emotionally, physically, and financially without knowing the cost or the loss. Or the sacrifices in the process. Some will win. Others will lose. Can we accept that mentality? Nothing of worth or value will come from broken promises, shattered dreams, or the regret of sacrificing too many. We have become a dysfunctional and corrupt society. Yet, we continue without looking back. Not wanting to know, or see, or be reminded of our part. What have we learned when past mistakes continue without a thought or care? Even recklessly, carelessly so determined to complete the mission of despair and repair.  

So, what kind of difference do we want? Are we so impressed with the numbers that it becomes our main focus? We put our trust in man. Our leaders. Depending on the monetary outcome of the game plan, scheme or agenda. Oh, but agendas are kept in the dark, in the vault until their time to expose is right or ripe for those who we let control. Hmm, what can we do? What have we done to intercede, possibly? But, probably more so we should have intercepted before getting entrenched and can no longer break free of our doubts and fears. 

We begin with knowing ourselves. Our capabilities and our limitations too. Embracing the power of knowledge we need in life–and sharing that knowledge or information with those who want to know and expand their dreams into realities. Surprise others and yourself with wonder and fulfillment. We have been given extraordinary gifts to help and guide us through this life. But, we have to know that we have to be and stay healthy physically, mentally, and emotionally. And, especially, “our spirituality” keeps us connected to our Higher Power– will help us through those difficult times. Then we know we are never alone. Whatever we do, we do for the greater good of all. 

Yesterday as I was writing this series on making a difference–left me struggling with the perplexities and complexities of this life. What is getting in the way of not understanding these problems? When in reality, these same problems are staring us in the face, taunting us as so many times before. Look what we can do? And get away with it! Can you believe the obvious problems continue as once before? What is happening to us? Are we so incapable that we no longer trust our instincts or judgment? We let others lead us as a ringleader to do his or her bidding. We are so impressed with big money lurking in the background in every transaction and in every way that we have finally lost our common sense, our way, even our direction. We have forgotten our real reason and purpose in pursuit of the impossible and are not recognizable any longer. For we are told and formed too early what we are to do–as a form of brainwashing. Instilled in us, no longer free to be. 

We’ve let marketing and marketers influence our decisions even our lives for a price. We are inundated with advertisements and advertising–we can’t escape–in our homes and workplace, on the highways and byways disruptive and sometimes unnerving, demanding their attention and invitation. To the Land of More. And, not enough.

Not enough time. Never enough money for that is the impetus in today’s world. We just got over the worst of the pandemic, along with protests erupting from the neglects of the past–never addressed. Never given a break, a reprieve, or the time to reflect on the possibilities that might lay ahead. Was that the plan? Once again all the demands and expectations, regardless of the experiences or giving a thought to the cause and effect. We got through, worn and tattered and somewhat battered. Some more than others. But, what did it matter? What lessons did we take home to learn and teach about awareness? Awareness and responsibilities that come with life. Are we so busy, saturated with too much stuff, information in all directions, our lives disrupted once more? To pick up the pieces and try and figure it all out. We were given this time during the pandemic–regroup our thoughts, regain our sensibility, and recognize the importance and value of life, our family, the community here and there. Abroad. Why can’t we do what is right for all and not just for a select few, who never cared but use the funds to dare? That is not a good enough reason. For they never knew their real reason and purpose–or have forgotten. So, it is time to wake up, look around to see what needs to be done. Discovering a better way, united in purpose, and knowing there is a better way.

We are coming to the end of a most tumultuous year. We all should be a little more wary, cautious and attentive, concerned hopefully a little savvier too–for surely, we have learned some hard lessons. But, have we? Right now it’s looking very questionable, somewhat speculative, disappointing, and rather bleak. For what have we learned? And, how do we learn when inundated with sensationalism, extremism, and traumatized one too many times? Repeating over and over the atrocities until we are beyond understanding–leaving us all weary and filled with doubt. Everyone has a tipping point. From the brightest light to the darkest point. What have we learned when we return? What have we to offer or share to brighten their day or lighten their load of incumbency or labor? 

Our gift of life is born for a reason and purpose becoming more clearly known through time and experiences. We are to learn not to repeat the mistakes of the past that harmed and brought us down. Sometimes physically and emotionally also when too much is at stake– mentally too. Then, of course, finances follow. Some have way too much and have lost their way. Many, who have lost too much and led astray, searching for answers in all the wrong places. Even putting our trust and faith in leaders who are flawed with the love of power and money–and that’s all. For their goal is to achieve the unreachable dream or a goal that consumes forgetting to take care of. Take care of their spiritual needs, or their families’ needs. But, rely on others to take up the slack for a meager wage for the day. But what about the future?  The future of our children, society, our environment is at risk when we neglect, use and abuse. Too many reach for the stars, the galaxies to explore, and in the frenzied search for their glory and gratification that feed the inflated ego. Meanwhile, not aware of the extravagant waste perpetuated in the claim to fame and fortune. Again, no one questions.

We opened the gates and started the race. When we should have stopped in our tracks before going further in pursuit of those reckless and costly ventures. The egos wouldn’t allow that. Because in a weakened state no one can be at their best. For too long, between the rampant pandemic and the simmering protests violently erupted. Finally forcing the long-awaited attention. But, the atrocity continued even after the worst. The storming of The White House will forever be a blight on our democracy, unspeakable at a time we all had been through so much. I know we still don’t want to relive that period. We needed to process and restore. But, that did not happen. Until, we get to the root of the problem and face the music, and understand the cause and effect. We live in a world that is monetary-driven. That will always be the downfall of any civilized country. Taking risks and rewarding the risk-takers even in their fall to disgrace. How will we learn or how will they learn “what is right and what is wrong” when the rewards are great for those who take. And, there is no accountability in their designer rules. And, that is known, but should not be accepted. That was then. This is now. The time to address and correct to learn a better and humane way–a quality of life possible to aspire and achieve.

We all have a tipping point. One that we strive toward– looking and moving forward. The other when we’ve had enough, done enough, and wise enough to stop the process and readjust. Or question ourselves should or if we go any further what are the ramifications. Are the risks too high or too costly? We all should know and take part in progress. Then we build confidence and our skills, our choices too.  There is a better way when we are united in purpose. We have created a disconnect and the divide gets wider, losing our reason and purpose and lost to each other. What we experienced in these past few years was growing evidence of what was needed. But were we listening, seeing, or even feeling? Or were we in shock, weary, and fearful to respond or think appropriately at that time? For the profit gained for those who could and would plunder forward without a thought. We are given this time to awaken our conscience, restore the brokenness, share our thoughts and ideas that inspire and can bring healing, rebuilding our trust and vision of unity for the good of all. We can grow in our abilities when we know ourselves, our limitations, and our desire to rise above situations where we feel the need to take action. We ask for guidance then we are Spirit-driven.

When I learned that my rent would be raised 11%, I questioned–Why so high, especially in these times of uncertainty and struggles.  I was told, to pay expenses. Well, “We all have expenses.” But, who gets more of that percentage? I was puzzled. I needed to know more so I would know my money was going for the right reason and purpose. Well, we have investors, shareholders that have invested their money and they want a return for their money or investment. My thoughts of the investment firm that used and abused my trust and the loss of my financial future. I learned this after the collapse of our economy in 2008. That is when the government bailed these financial institutions out. At the taxpayers’ expense. The thought of giving the hundreds of millions back never occurred to them. They became wealthier than ever before. The realization that they could do this so casually and get away without giving the money back was shocking. I felt physically ill from that and this experience. For years I tried to get my money returned. But their teams were trained well and part of the deception and payoff. In desperation, we will do what is needed to provide a home with stability. And now, I see and hear a repeat of the recklessness learned in the financial sector and so casually accepted without a thought. What have we learned? What do our schools and lofty universities teach–when morally unacceptable. When is enough? When the love of money prevails in Corporate America, the millions, billions, and trillions still are not enough. But is incomprehensible to the majority that has too little. Now, the solution to everything–is to pour huge sums into their unfounded ventures. But that is not the solution. That is just laziness or carelessness. not wanting to get involved or exposed to the part or role they played in the failures. But they were always well rewarded. So, when I was told my rent could be raised as much as they wanted, 25%, 50% even more. I didn’t want to be part of their plan. I made my decision to leave, move at one of the worst times. You don’t want to move to go into the holidays or when winter is at its worst. But, I did. 

I would have been paying over four thousand dollars in rent at a time when I was trying to recoup my losses from the corporate financial predators. I paid too much rent in the beginning. Because I agreed to pay the original amount.  A year later, they felt I would be the one that could afford to pay more. I paid too much and lost too much. But not this time. It is about setting acceptable precedents and standards. This is another example of cause and effect. Without knowing the root of the problem, never addressed or understood in importance.  Eventually, ignored, out of sight, and out of mind.  Those involved become invincible in their arrogance,  unreachable and unapproachable. They will never learn, but continue to repeat the same mistakes without regret or having to be accountable. And the dysfunction grows for those who gave the helping hand are indebted for a price rendered. The financial corporate giants had a huge helping hand via the taxpayers. They trusted and were at the mercy of whoever and whatever outcome devised. We have to look at the big picture. What needs to be done, to rectify the damages caused by the erosion of funds as well as our conscience. That means we all can make a difference when we are responsible and know we are to be held accountable in the court of law of the land–but more so from our Higher Power will prevail. God has given us the gift of life. What we do with His Gift–is our Gift to God. Let’s make it lasting, and meaningful for all.  

We try to make a difference–a better difference. One that doesn’t add more complications to an already faster-changing world.  That we can’t keep up with the pace or take time to process what will work or will create more problems, becoming problematic. At the time, it seemed like a great idea. What got in the way of these great ideas was the determination through marketing and huge profits made for themselves and control through planned obsolescence. Their plan worked, but it was not well thought out. It became more about greed and profit and the ego too. We started outsourcing our best products. Until nowhere to be found. Substituted for inferior products mass-produced that would have to be replaced after seven or ten years. We created a huge waste of plastics and mechanical parts no longer needed or used–for people were taught to want the latest new gadget, plastic big screen, washing machines and more– everything needed in the home and workplace too. Consumption erupted. Doesn’t sound good. And it’s not. During this time, we were also outsourcing our brightest people. Encouraging an adventure in travel, exciting and exotic places to work and to live. Creating another physical disconnect. But again marketing came into play, what all could be gained but never really thought about the loss or the resulting growing problems. Our egos, either super inflated, turned frail for not wanting to admit this might be too big, not the right time– a big mistake. But, the investments into these ventures including the marketing was too great to turn back but go further and take the gamble no one would notice or question. 

You know, we all were groomed, desensitized, trusting, blindsided. We are all pretty smart but not recognized.

But the scientist “although mad or went mad” colluded with the banker, the marketer–I say marketeers or racketeers–all for the love of fame and fortune. Our conscience plays a part, we want to be known as knowledgeable, capable, deserving, and worth it all. But, when we build our house, or product on shaky ground or poor planning or inferior ingredients or components to cut back on expenses. It shows. Sometimes alarmingly, sometimes immediately but usually over time, gradually through something like Global warming–warning. Again it is the money put in, their reputation or ego. The mind is a beautiful wonderful gift. But when clouded with doubt we need to question, But, when we don’t want to know, see or feel the effects we turn to a pill, a drink of this or that. We want to numb ourselves, remove ourselves from the memories of our part in the mistakes that continue to haunt us. Now, it seems–we are encouraged to take that little pill–not to feel. Or that little drink during the day or throughout the day. Perfectly acceptable until others notice the worrisome changes. The mind is a beautiful gift. To go along with our mind is our conscience giving the essence of our being, recognizing when right or wrong or going off course. We have all our senses–sight, smell, taste, touch, our feelings, our likes or dislikes, using our senses and intuitiveness as a guide. We need to be and stay healthy in mind, body, and spirit. Our spirituality helps us through difficult times and guides us throughout life. Don’t discount your spirituality because you feel you have it all. Be thankful. For we never stop learning. We are to use our gifts for the good of all, not just for-profit and pride. We need to take care. Not just care about ourselves, but help others along the way. We want to be and give the best of ourselves for others to follow on course.

We are nearing the end of 2021. Right now, I am temporarily renting a friend’s house for a few months, taking time to process my situation and my funds. The mailman left a nice-sized flier at the door–small houses for sale. At one time, these homes would go for under one hundred thousand dollars. Now asking 300,000 to 700,000. Unbelievable, But that is what happens when deregulations let greed dictate and take over for the love of money. When the economy collapsed and the government used all the necessities in life to profit. I had heard that certain big companies were buying these homes to control the market. And, of course, to profit. I also learned renters could raise their rent ridiculously high. I feel that corporate greed is out of control when knowing no boundaries or ethics. Accountability no longer exists.

Well, I moved when my rent was raised too high. And, learned houses were skyrocketing in their price. So, I was fortunate to be able to rent this temporary home. Since we are coming to 2022 I’ve learned so much, more than I wanted to. But, one noticeable realization in this move was the difference in having a landline telephone and now dependent on my mobile phone. Certainly made my life more complicated. And, I’ve had my cell phone for years. But just for necessity when I travel. Now, these mobile phones do too much, want it or not. Do people watch movies on their phones? I have been pondering this plight, now a conundrum for quite a while. But since I always had a landline as my main phone, I never pursued this as a real problem. Until they stopped making phone books. You could find any kind of information and you had real operators if needed. Not robotic. 

The phone book, do you remember? Even had a directory to locations from businesses, to government. You name it, the phone book had it. Even had a map attached. How good is that? Seemed everybody couldn’t wait to get their cellphone, Eye phone, or is it an iPhone? just call it a mobile phone.  Constant changes and new features too. Everyone wants the latest and greatest. But, like everything, the price kept going up. Higher than any landline. Well, when I moved, I could have had my landline with the same number also–but the owner of this house was Grandfathered in and was afraid she would lose her grandfather. Rather, the rate she originally was given. There are all kinds of ploys in this life to keep the customer and keep them happy. I’m still not sure about that grandfather. Not having a landline was harder on me than I thought. I’m not used to being attached to any phone. I like my independence. I don’t like that little phone talking to me, directing me–many times to the wrong places. Ringing or buzzing when I’m driving, trying to get my attention. When I want to keep my eyes on the road. And my hands on the wheel. I miss getting home–picking up the phone and getting my messages. It’s like a greeting and I can converse on my own time.

I do have a solution. But we need to work together. It’s called collaboration, but, working together in unity. As a team. Same goal, providing the best product that would keep the costs down, customer and consumer happy or happier for they have a choice or have both. Like I usually do, and will again once I’m settled. The telephone company and the mobile, cell, or iPhone whatever it likes to be called–can design a cool style landline that can sit atop your favorite table or desk even installed on the wall. Now, that is cool. Landlines can be cordless too, you know. The mobile phone and landlines will work together to provide the best service, customer service too, and bring back the phone book while you’re at it. Believe me, You will feel better about yourself. For setting standards by working together. Very cost-efficient. Call me if you need some help or more ideas. Believe me, this is just the beginning. You can be the beginning of making a difference in the corporate world. What do you think?

We are only human. We make mistakes. It is only when we admit those mistakes can we understand the importance of learning. Knowing. The biggest truth we have forgotten or never really talked about is our faith in our Heavenly Father, our Creator of life, and our Savior–Who so loved this world He Gave us His Only Son to save us. God has given us gifts of mind, body and soul and so much more. We are to take care of His Gifts to us. Then we can truly be deserving and thankful. Making a Difference starts with a solid foundation of Gratitude, Love for all on this earth to take precious care of. Then we can Love like Jesus. Let’s make a better Difference in thanks.

Patti zona