True freedom is found when we let go of whatever holds us back
This includes unneeded stuff.
True freedom is letting go of trying to control everything and everyone
The only thing you have control over is your reaction to the world around you
Let others live their life, grow, and learn from their mistakes in their own time
It’s not your responsibility to heal or save others
Lead by example
With Aloha, Johnny
I will do my best
To not gossip
To not judge
To not be violent with my speech or actions
Society is made up of individuals like you & I
My changing our-self
We in fact change the world
With Aloha,
Johnny Hoffman
Why do we only appreciate places, people, and pets when they are near their end?
Or worst off when they are already gone..
We know logically that all things must come to an end.
A sunrise will turn to sunset, leading to a new day.
Everything & everyone has a shelf life.
Could we feel Impermanence emotionally instead of purely logically?
Most run around ungrateful for life.
That life SHOULD be a certain way.
Instead of embracing the uncertainty.
And being grateful for what they have.
Many live as if they will never die.
Only to never truly live.
What if we could live each day knowing that our life and everything/everyone will end?
Would we cherish even the worst of pain?
Knowing that life itself is precious.
Gratitude is the antidote to anger & resentment.
Being mindful of the impermanence of life is key to enjoying what we have today.
Starting today we can build a better life for ourselves & the world around us.
With Aloha,
Johnny
This poem is inspired by Kid Cudi’s song “Lovin’ Me” off Man on the Moon III: The Chosen One
Hell & heaven live within us
The inner voice that tells us that we aren’t good enough
Strong enough
Pretty enough
That we aren’t worth love
The seeds of self-hatred sprout into suffering
Only self compassion can lead us out of the dark
Into the light of peace & love
Self love being key to humanities transformation into a more peaceful species
If we don’t love ourself
If we can’t show compassion to ourself
How can we share love & compassion with others?
With Aloha,
Johnny
Link to “Lovin’ Me” by Kid Cudi
Every decision is either motivated by love or fear.
If we choose love, we will build a life we love.
If we choose fear, we will build a life we fear.
Each decision, big or small is important.
Choose love.
Question society
Question your culture
Question your thoughts & behavior
Your diet
Your values
Your opinions, beliefs, and habits
Question if this is truly who you are
Or what you were taught by others
Life is too short to live it blindly
Not questioning what we have been told
Question everything, including yourself
Is this what I truly believe from logical evidence?
By love?
Or is it driven by greed, hatred, or fear?
The Ferris Wheel of life
Enjoy the views
The sounds
Bask in awe of life
As you turn slowly
Aging
Growing
Ever-changing
Embrace your childlike curiosity
As you notice all the details of nature
Outside & within you
Beauty found everywhere
Love unconditionally
For everything & everyone is impermanent
Enjoy each day alive
Knowing it won’t last forever
The ride will end for you & I
Allowing others to enjoy the ride
Without death, there is no life
Embrace both
A drifter
A vagabond
Never commiting long term to a job
A relationship or location
This is how I choose to live my one life for now
For the open road is welcoming
New people
New experiences
The journey along the windy path into the unknown
Adventures with new friends
New places to explore
Discovering who you are through the adversity of uncertainty
The uncomfortable decisions you have to make that push you to be better
Never stagnating in one spot
Not decaying & mold from staying still too long
I’ll embrace this journey as a vagabond for now
Not knowing where life will take me
I have a dream
That one day our fellow earthlings will not be exploited
Whether it be for taste, fashion, science or sport
I have a dream that no mother cows will have their calves stolen from them and sold to veal farmers
Exploited for their milk, cheese, butter, and yogurt
Used & abused they are then sent to the slaughter house
I have a dream that no animal will have to live a life of suffering & pain
No animal used for leather or wool
A life is worth more then a fashion statement
I have a dream that no dogs, cats, monkeys, etc will be forced to suffer for science
Forcefully injected with chemicals, drugs, & radiation
I have a dream that no whale, dolphin, seal, or fish will be dragged out of the ocean for fun or food
I have a dream
That all circuses, zoos, slaughter houses, fisheries, and all forms of animal exploitation will come to an end
That humanity will wake up to the suffering of their fellow earthlings
To see them as sentient beings who need our protection
Not things to be exploited for our taste or entertainment
All beings want freedom
Animals suffer just life you & I
Please do your own research
Watch documentaries like “earthlings” or “dominion” and you will see what I have seen
We together can change this world into a more compassionate & peaceful world
This dream of mine will not happen today nor tomorrow
Not even in my lifetime
But the mere fact that I & many others care gives me hope
That maybe one day this dream will come true
For now I will do what I can to help alleviate suffering in this world
Earthlings Documentary:
I won’t change you
I won’t judge you
I won’t argue with you
I’ll stay in my own lane
For life is too short for me to focus my energy on others
Telling them what they should or shouldn’t do
My work will be to accept all as they are
For I’m no god nor tyrant
No dictator or ruler
My path is mine to walk
No one can walk it for me
And I can not force you to change
Grow & change in your own time
Or not!
Who am I to judge?
I have plenty to work on
Much growth to be had
Any energy spent on you would be wasted
For my life is my message
If others follow
That’s great
If they don’t
That’s fine too!
I’ll stay in my own lane
