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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
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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 Good day to one and all. It’s the time of year, especially in academic circles, when many who contemplate retiring from formal work choose to “push the button”. Congratulations to all new retirees! Enjoy this season of immense opportunities. Here is a brief tribute to celebrate you and your distinguished service...  Happy day to you...
Recently, a friend posted (in a group-chat) an illustration of a janitor inside a human head, with the caption “The MOST difficult cleaning”. This spawned robust conversation among members, with contributions such as:
The Good Book reminds us that we should use the filter of, and focus on, what’s true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and commendable (Phil 4:8). This little thought was coined as I reflected: Clear mind Clearer vision Complete freedom And in relation to my own mind, it leads me to wonder: what is my most urgent and important spring-cleaning need? #freedom #mentalhealth #wellness Greetings...
Today, I reflect on the blessing of friendship, with a simple thanks to all my friends. Here's a short composition in your honour. Good cheers... THE LOVE BETWEEN US by David A. McAdam My esteemed friend of umpteen years / There’s one key thing I desire of thee As time allows our paths to cross / That thy heart will stay smiling at me Oh, that we won’t take for granted / Life’s finite moments which lie ahead And lose ourselves to the mundane / But seize each day, with wisdom, instead Yes, leaning into wiser ways / Let us keep alive our first love’s flame And by its light, our eyes kept bright / We shall see its circling thoughts the same We find in love, all we seek for / Our great life-preserver through the years Never withholding goodliness / While guiding us across new frontiers Hear soft notes playing on the winds / Calling us to keep our friendship strong Love, the source and rhythm of life / Binds us together for ages long #friends #love #community Greetings…
Last Saturday, I attended the “Poured Poetry” night at Poured Coffee on the Danforth in Toronto. Many thanks to the organizers. The evening included a writing mini-workshop and an open mic session in which I was privileged to share two original poems, and to hear other pre-selected poets’ writings. Returning to the workshop, it was simply wonderful to see the enthusiastic attendees respond to timed writing prompts (e.g., In this season, my inhale or my exhale will….), and to listen to the raw compositions from volunteer readers. It’s always interesting to witness the diversity in style and substance from different minds to the same prompts - attesting to the varieties in the human experience. I was also reminded of a simple truth: each of us has the ability to write creatively. Below is a related poem which I recorded some time ago. Good cheers as you write… POETIC BIRTH ON RECORD by David A. McAdam A timely capture of inspiration That moves From heart to head Head to hand Hand to page Sensitive to the reality that Inspiration lies in unexpected places And a new poem sees the light of day #creativewriting #poetry #poems  Happy day to you...
This past week included at least three consecutive days of rainfall in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). This got me thinking about various ways in which life shifted with the prolonged downpour, and spawned questions such as these: How best do I take advantage of life’s different seasons and varied offerings? How do I remain positive, especially in trying or unusual situations? In times of fair and tumultuous weather, what might I learn about life, and about myself? Through conversations, I was reminded how perspectives and perceptions can vary regarding a single stimulus or event. For instance, to the farmer or the gardener, the rain was a treat. For others, not quite so. The generous rainfall also made me think about the need for moderation, even in perceived good times. And I am left with this ponderation: How do I better learn to see beauty not just after the rain, but during the downpour? In whatever I face or whomever I meet, what might be the attendant potential or promise? With an open, adaptable spirit, we make the best of what comes our way, having gratitude foremost in our hearts. Good cheers. #rainyweather #hope #vision |
