 Good day to you…
Relationships are among the most vital elements of our humanity. They are foundational to societal, organizational, and personal health. Indeed, it is via sound relationships (in community) that we truly live. These thoughts are echoed in the poem below. As well, here are some related, reflective questions: What might be your current definition of ‘community'? How best do we cultivate sustainable, impactful communities? What are some ways in which you and I can contribute to community-building? All the best. COMMUNITY There’s comfort in community This truth is very plain to see We’ll find in mutuality Utmost strength as was meant to be Reflecting on community We’re not made to do life alone In communal care, souls grow well And lasting success is made known The cords of love for fragile life Are most mighty when intertwined And form a tight-knit safety net With all secure, none left behind The whole is greater than the parts And with partition walls removed There’s added wisdom in the group And understanding is improved We learn true collaboration In the spirit of unity As we humbly give of ourselves Care defines our identity Being found in relationship Ever delights our hearts the most Outside of true community We will merely exist as ghosts When we guard each other’s welfare Then each soul enjoys its fulness Within the human family Peace is wrought through togetherness David McAdam - ©2025 www.davidmcadam.ca
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Hello and happy day…
Today, I turn my thoughts again to 'friendship'. Wise friends are among life’s greatest gifts. With time, I am learning to appreciate this fact more fully. I am thankful for friends who share in life as loyal supporters, and with honesty and humility, challenge and encourage my personal growth and betterment. (One such friendship gesture is captured in the poem below.) I am also more mindful of the importance of taking the opportunity to say: “thank you for being a friend.” TIMELY QUESTIONS The timely questions that you pose They verily challenge me To think about the here and now As well as my destiny I owe to you great gratitude For truth ever sets me free And with your nudging, my dear friend I find greater clarity David McAdam - © 2025 www.davidmcadam.ca Greetings…
At times we may find ourselves to be overly focused or routinely busy. In the process, we proverbially risk missing the forest for the trees, or bypass golden opportunities to stop and smell the roses, or to simply breathe deeply. In this regard, it is important to be optimally mindful and present, and to support others accordingly. Here’s a poem that describes a personal experience from a couple years ago, and how I was routed by words from a sage. Good cheers to you. A VISIT TO THE GARDEN CENTER It’s late Spring And with the sudden, prolonged heatwave now ended I took my first trip of the season To a garden center just up the street I was surprised at the late afternoon busyness It seemed that, like myself Folks had awaited cooler temperatures To transact their purchase and planting While in the extended check-out line As a courtesy, I texted home: “Hi, long line-up here”, with a smiley emoji at the end The prompt response I received: “Enjoy! It’s a chance to make a new friend” David McAdam © 2025 #focus #wisdom #relationships  Greetings….
In times like these with great uncertainties and lots of unknowns, we push ahead with grit and optimism, recognizing that with challenges come opportunities. And we remind ourselves that we have what it takes to do well! Indeed, collectively, we can thrive! So how do we make the best of contemporary life to ensure positivity now, and for a future with a sustainable legacy? Below is a short piece on this theme. All the best as you continue on your journey; or by way of Jamaican parlance, may you “walk good.” TRAVERSING THE UNKNOWN Traversing the unknown requires at the very least Humility, acceptance, grace, mercy, wisdom, and intentness These ever help us stand fast as things around us shift and evolve Even in the discomfort and pain of change Everlastingly, we can find hope and overcoming love David McAdam ©2025 - davidmcadam.ca Greetings…
Here’s hoping you are taking advantage of all the good things that summer affords. Writing reversible poems is quite challenging and takes composing to a different level. In this historic week, with the theme of emancipation, freedom, and equality, I humbly share the following work in progress (to be read forward, then line by line in reverse). All the best as you continue to do your part in advancing full emancipation, and by extension, the welfare of all humanity. TREATMENT REVERSIBLE I hate the way you’ve treated me I can never say I respect you In all our dealings You failed to regard us as equals And at no time have Shown care and concern for my well-being You have In your unorthodox ways Determined To look down on, and subject me to second-class status Not once have you sought To acknowledge the gross injustice inherent in the socio-political system Albeit, you dare Inflict serious, ongoing damage Living out and upholding the status quo I can testify that Things will only get better When the vile power structure changes David McAdam - davidmcdam.ca Greetings…
Today brings a simple reminder, in the name of health and wellness. It can’t be overstated that we must remain wise and discerning, and show courage in saying 'no', when it is the right thing to do. All the best as you wrap up the month of July. Here’s to you…. SAY ‘NO’ Dear Friend, say ‘no’ to temptations That result in ruinous ends Say ‘no’ to negativity That hopeless pessimism sends Say ‘no’ to idle words or speech And to meaningless platitudes Say ‘no’ to acts of selfishness And unfair thoughts and attitudes Say ‘no’ to social pressures, and Other traps that will hold you back Like close-mindedness and conceit That just lead down a dead-end track And to things that are untimely Or aren’t designed for you somehow A kind, honest way to respond Is to politely say ‘not now’ David McAdam - © 2025 - davidmcadam.ca #courage #wisdom #restraint Happy day... I trust that the summertime is treating you fine. In brief, as we navigate these differently difficult days (with varied opportunities), I offer to you the poem below. All the best as you continue to be a beneficiary and conduit of hope. The world needs you! MAKE GOOD OF HOPE Dear friend, look up and ponder this truth In the darkest hour of deepest need Faith comes with a timely reminder Of hope’s revolutionary creed See, hope is the driver and desire To be excited for a new day And there make the best of everything That this earthly life may send our way Indeed, hope is the expectation Of positivity up ahead Which imparts strength to our very bones And dismisses all worry and dread Hope’s promise bears comfort in troubles So, selfhood stays intact as it should Then unfailing love reveals to us That everything will work out for good Aye, hope will never abandon us No matter the conditions we face Hope sustains us and makes bright our path As we strive in life’s challenging race Friend, tap into hope’s deep reservoir And listen to its positive voice Take heart from how faithful hope has been Through all things giving cause to rejoice Find peace and confidence in hope Which buoys our spirits to the end Yes, hope brings purpose and freedom, so Let’s be prisoners of hope, my friend David A. McAdam - davidmcadam.ca Hello and happy day...
We live in a world that is being overrun by disinformation, misinformation, fake news, et cetera. At times it seems like there is an ominous threat to truth (the reality of goodness, intrinsic to sound character). As part of my musings, I offer a ‘potpourri' of truth-statements below… Which one(s) resonate the most with you? In addition, as far as truth is concerned, how might we best navigate a world that is trending in a questionable direction? What are some ways in which we might (individually and collectively) help shift the dial towards a reality more securely grounded in truth? 1. As we debate the broad issues of life, we aim not for theatre but for truth 2. Speak your truth quietly. Resist any urge to prove that you are right 3. Truth penetrates deeply to soften hard places, and smooth rough edges 4. I am humble enough to receive from others, including their deposit of truth into my life 5. Truth sets free. Still, its proclamation and preservation is not without cost 6. It takes naked eyes to see the naked truth 7. The words of the wise sustain goodness and truth 8. It’s amazing the many truthful subtleties we can hear when we take a moment, in stillness, to quiet ourselves 9. Truth once spoken is irrevocable 10. Uphold truth and justice, and peace will invariably follow you Good cheers.  Good day. I trust you are well, and are finding joy in the pleasures of summer. In early June, I experienced three funerals within a nine-day period. Among other things, this prompted me to contemplate again the fragility and transience of life, and indeed, my own mortality. As I mourn the passing of personal friends, I am also struck by heartbreaking catastrophes currently in the news, including the horrific loss of lives in the Texan floods… And in tribute, I share the poem below. To you who presently walk this valley of grief: blessed shalom!  Greetings...
One of the most rewarding things in life is to pursue and achieve a challenging goal. Among other things, the process generally forges or strengthens:
Looking back at the experience, if you could change something, what might that be? What did you learn about yourself in the process? What did or will your celebration entail? Today, I salute you. As well, I offer a special shout out to all graduates of formal educational programs. Congratulations to each and everyone on your success! All the best going forward. #graduation #perseverance #success |
