Running behind my condo in Rhode Island is a great river.
Morning, noon and night, the river’s flow is constant. Whether it is raining, snowing, sleeting or the sun is shining, the undulations in the river are generally within a very small range. In fact, the consistency of the river is the very reason this city exists; mills and factories were erected all along the river to harness its constant and reliable power. The river isn’t temperamental, and is relatively unfazed and unaffected by the externals.
I aspire to have the same consistency of temperament and spirit as displayed by the river.
When I was younger, my happiness levels and sense of peace were greatly affected by my circumstances. If I judged the situation to be bad, my internals would fall into turmoil. If, on the other hand, I judged the situation to be good, my internals would rejoice. It was like riding a roller coaster over which I had no control.
Today, I do my best to take control and responsibility for my reactions. Instead of placing judgments on my experiences, I do my best to practice acceptance. I let things be. If I want tomorrow to be different, I work towards creating that reality – but, I always try to accept the now. Like the great river behind my home, my undulations are relatively minimal.
However, every now and then, after a prolonged rain storm, the river occasionally overflows. Back in 1955, it destroyed all but three of the city’s bridges and closed some 31 mills. Two people died. We all have our days. 
November 5, 2009 at 12:00 pm
Davey,
Daily I look forward to reading your blog. what you have to say always, in some way, inspires me and rings true in my heart.
November 5, 2009 at 12:03 pm
Hi Davey.
As always I enjoyed your wise words. And the picture looks great.
Kisses
November 5, 2009 at 12:11 pm
You make a true point– it is how we choose to react that determines our happiness and success in life. You can be miserable in a bad situation or you can make the best of what you have.
November 5, 2009 at 12:44 pm
As always your blog is inspirational and true for those wishing to try and lead a calmer and better life thaks for the beautiful words of wisdom !
November 5, 2009 at 1:05 pm
great post… i like you beign realistic in the last part of it
you keep surprising me… i discovered your videos and blog recently, and since then i check it out everyday 
I wish you all best on your way,
M.
November 5, 2009 at 2:52 pm
“Et au milieu coule une rivière”
(A river runs through it)
I don’t know why but I’ve always loved this title but life isn’t always a long and quiet river and sometime you do your best to keep your head out of water!
I never let things be ; I prefer to paddle!
bye,
ps: your picture is a bit askew!
November 5, 2009 at 10:43 pm
I never noticed the picture being askew until I read your message. It’s a beautiful picture. Funny how the eye filters out facts like that. I really like Davey’s photos.
November 6, 2009 at 1:40 am
It wasn’t a reproach but a kind observation.
I like his pictures too but David, you should have
taken both buildings instead of one
to show how many factories there were along the river!
bye,
November 6, 2009 at 8:26 pm
I should have chosen my words more carefully. I did not intend to suggest that your comment was reproachful. I thought it was an excellent observation. I am very sorry Eric.
November 5, 2009 at 6:55 pm
Let’s hope the picture is askew, otherwise history may be repeating itself.
Love the daily posts.
November 5, 2009 at 8:09 pm
The mighty Blackstone – Birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution.
November 5, 2009 at 9:47 pm
Where I am from, the rivers around here freeze during the winter. The river is thus phased and affected by its externals. It does not have a choice to maintain its consent flow.
November 5, 2009 at 10:37 pm
I live in California but was born in New England and lived my first few years by the Merrimack River in New Hampshire. Your picture reminds me of where I was born. I still miss it. There is something about a gently flowing river that calms the soul and reminds us of our place in the world. Thanks for the post.
November 6, 2009 at 2:17 am
I guess this story lets you know that althou throu the year the river was constant an external force caused to go out of his course. I would say that just like that one cant remain constan but in that case would be if things are become overwhelming like the rain, one should take action, and deal with that situation. In the case of Rhode Island their course of action is rebuld. In a personal level would be to check what do we have available to move forward. We all can start again, and there is something good coming out of the flood. Whether it is a physical or emotional flood we can all make it better and survive the rain.
Believe & Smile… Siempre Sonrie!!!
November 6, 2009 at 7:00 pm
….. yeah maybe ,,,, yawn
November 7, 2009 at 12:01 am
I hope you don’t want to have a consistency of humor as a river like the amazon river. kkkkk
Ps:I was just kidding. I loved what you sayd about the river and the consistecy of temperament that you want to have.
kisses
November 7, 2009 at 7:19 am
Just like the river, we all have our days. And that is what causes us to respect the river for the force that it is. Thus we should respect each other.
November 7, 2009 at 11:05 am
I like your conclusion
November 7, 2009 at 12:35 pm
I live in iowa and when they collect the harvest and the leaves start to change you can feel it all around you. The changing of seasons is something i can feel with all my senses, and sometimes ill go outside at sunset with a blanket and start to cry, not because im sad but because nature is so beautiful and i have friends and family who love and support me. Even if im gay!
November 10, 2009 at 1:50 am
That looks like it’s in either Pawtucket or Cranston.
That said, you don’t sound like a RI’er. I should know, I’m a Providence denizen, more specifically a person and partner living on the western side of Federal Hill.
January 22, 2010 at 12:32 pm
Hello
I live in RI. I found your website through a YouTube video. I truly appreciate mostly everything you say and I find your advise very comforting. I just want to say thank you~
Truly,
Katie