Robert N. Franz's Blog, page 8
May 28, 2015
Faith: Spiritual & Religious versus Biosocial & Scientific
For many reasons -- we value all:
Whereas women and men's brains may be more similar than previously thought the structure of their bodies is vastly different. Women are made for 'nurturing' and men -- who in ancient times were more warrior-like -- have been made to be more 'protecting'. The Stigma of the Mentally Ill: Bob Does Everything Backwards
[Please check book link: amzn.to/1R1Oayq]
Even in current Chinese society it is hoped more so that a boy will be born into the family than a girl. Apparently a potential 'protector' is desired over a 'nurturer' because of the over seeing watch power the younger male would have in the responsibility for the care of the older couple. The girls -- who are 'given' to other families in marriage -- are meant for raising new children and making an early home. The young men therefore would be the primary caretakers of the parents in their old age. All of this begs the question of whether society's norms [religion] or social biology [science] brings the values for how mankind cares for individuals.
Values are present in both religion and science. The question is whether which one -- religious or scientific thought -- is more convincing. Perhaps they both could even work in tandem.
In religion we can be scientific because it means that we can study, qualify and quantify to the point that science serves religion. Basic science may be used as a tool by religion.
Consider the friar Gregor Johann Mendel's patient studies of peas in his monastery garden. ["Experiments in Plant Hybridization"(1865)]. Through his early work the study of heredity and genetics had begun. In this case Mendel's theories did not challenge religious thought. We should note that most people knew a little about genetics to begin with -- family members could look similar and also have similar mannerisms and traits. Mendel's laborious work then did explain the other anomalies and differences within families. Soon after his death he was known as "The Founder of the Science of Genetics" -- a title that could only come posthumously because others had to analyze all of his life's work. In this case religion used science and it benefited many.
On the other hand look at how the church treated Galileo Galilei (1600's) when they felt that he purported that 'man was not the center of the universe'. See: "Sidereus Nuncius" and "Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief World Systems". The church as state had him locked up and degraded. Religious egotists did much harm not only by promulgating that man 'owns the earth' but that man is not really part of the earth. It took years for the brilliant Galileo to recover to any degree to write more science literature.
The examples of Mendel and Galileo are different but they bring up a train of thought that can be quite disturbing. It does not matter if one is religious OR scientific if one believes that we are here just to use the earth. Simply put, were we just put on this earth by some entity just to plunder and rape? Or are we here to meld in and add to life?
Look further:
See our atmospheric chemicals we put into the stratosphere. Before this time some scientists had claimed that if we could get away with the spewing of chemicals into our airspace then it certainly could be done safely. But now almost all scientists admit that we really do not know the science of the skies as we should and caution should be observed before we keep pumping molecules into the air.
This is one case where we 'lumber' onward perhaps haphazardly plundering our atmosphere. We have got to know that mankind acted first by burning blackness into the sky before seeing what would happen. This occurred back when man first learned how to use fire. Don't you think that we should know more about the constituents of our air at this time? Or at least respect them? Either we have failed to study our air, or our 'science' has failed us.
All peoples and countries basically share our 'Air'. Densely populated countries, richly industrialized countries and poorer agriculturally concentrated ones all use the same 'Air'. A Christian Monarchy like Britain, a Muslim Iran, a Jewish Israel, a Communist Russia and China, a Hindu (& other faithed) India, an Existential U.S.A. and so many more fine countries share the 'Air' -- either good 'Air' or bad -- either healthy or unhealthy. We all must agree on this!!
Personally I want you to consider what I believe. I believe in slow growth with thoughtful discipline including knowledge that comes from both science and religion. Change must come from conservative thought. Action can only be taken when we know what to do and what the consequences will be. This means that we must move with cautious strength.
Finally, realize that 'Air' is always in the state of change -- or state of flux. It is like ectoderm is to the body -- it covers the earth and changes as it is effected. If we were to inhabit the moon or Mars we would have to set up machines or mechanisms where basic chemicals would generate oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, and carbon combinations so that we could have gasses and water to live on. Slowly as the atmosphere changes -- we continue to learn form earth's 'Air'!
Good science can only come in totality when we look at the complete world. In our garden we must place our feet only on firm stepping stones. Our progress is determined by educated theory.
Yours in faith,
Robert N. Franz
See: amazon.com/author/rf3rd
Whereas women and men's brains may be more similar than previously thought the structure of their bodies is vastly different. Women are made for 'nurturing' and men -- who in ancient times were more warrior-like -- have been made to be more 'protecting'. The Stigma of the Mentally Ill: Bob Does Everything Backwards
[Please check book link: amzn.to/1R1Oayq]Even in current Chinese society it is hoped more so that a boy will be born into the family than a girl. Apparently a potential 'protector' is desired over a 'nurturer' because of the over seeing watch power the younger male would have in the responsibility for the care of the older couple. The girls -- who are 'given' to other families in marriage -- are meant for raising new children and making an early home. The young men therefore would be the primary caretakers of the parents in their old age. All of this begs the question of whether society's norms [religion] or social biology [science] brings the values for how mankind cares for individuals.
Values are present in both religion and science. The question is whether which one -- religious or scientific thought -- is more convincing. Perhaps they both could even work in tandem.
In religion we can be scientific because it means that we can study, qualify and quantify to the point that science serves religion. Basic science may be used as a tool by religion.
Consider the friar Gregor Johann Mendel's patient studies of peas in his monastery garden. ["Experiments in Plant Hybridization"(1865)]. Through his early work the study of heredity and genetics had begun. In this case Mendel's theories did not challenge religious thought. We should note that most people knew a little about genetics to begin with -- family members could look similar and also have similar mannerisms and traits. Mendel's laborious work then did explain the other anomalies and differences within families. Soon after his death he was known as "The Founder of the Science of Genetics" -- a title that could only come posthumously because others had to analyze all of his life's work. In this case religion used science and it benefited many.
On the other hand look at how the church treated Galileo Galilei (1600's) when they felt that he purported that 'man was not the center of the universe'. See: "Sidereus Nuncius" and "Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief World Systems". The church as state had him locked up and degraded. Religious egotists did much harm not only by promulgating that man 'owns the earth' but that man is not really part of the earth. It took years for the brilliant Galileo to recover to any degree to write more science literature.
The examples of Mendel and Galileo are different but they bring up a train of thought that can be quite disturbing. It does not matter if one is religious OR scientific if one believes that we are here just to use the earth. Simply put, were we just put on this earth by some entity just to plunder and rape? Or are we here to meld in and add to life?
Look further:
See our atmospheric chemicals we put into the stratosphere. Before this time some scientists had claimed that if we could get away with the spewing of chemicals into our airspace then it certainly could be done safely. But now almost all scientists admit that we really do not know the science of the skies as we should and caution should be observed before we keep pumping molecules into the air.
This is one case where we 'lumber' onward perhaps haphazardly plundering our atmosphere. We have got to know that mankind acted first by burning blackness into the sky before seeing what would happen. This occurred back when man first learned how to use fire. Don't you think that we should know more about the constituents of our air at this time? Or at least respect them? Either we have failed to study our air, or our 'science' has failed us.
All peoples and countries basically share our 'Air'. Densely populated countries, richly industrialized countries and poorer agriculturally concentrated ones all use the same 'Air'. A Christian Monarchy like Britain, a Muslim Iran, a Jewish Israel, a Communist Russia and China, a Hindu (& other faithed) India, an Existential U.S.A. and so many more fine countries share the 'Air' -- either good 'Air' or bad -- either healthy or unhealthy. We all must agree on this!!
Personally I want you to consider what I believe. I believe in slow growth with thoughtful discipline including knowledge that comes from both science and religion. Change must come from conservative thought. Action can only be taken when we know what to do and what the consequences will be. This means that we must move with cautious strength.
Finally, realize that 'Air' is always in the state of change -- or state of flux. It is like ectoderm is to the body -- it covers the earth and changes as it is effected. If we were to inhabit the moon or Mars we would have to set up machines or mechanisms where basic chemicals would generate oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, and carbon combinations so that we could have gasses and water to live on. Slowly as the atmosphere changes -- we continue to learn form earth's 'Air'!
Good science can only come in totality when we look at the complete world. In our garden we must place our feet only on firm stepping stones. Our progress is determined by educated theory.
Yours in faith,
Robert N. Franz
See: amazon.com/author/rf3rd
April 30, 2015
Psychiatry & Sex: Some Know More Than Me
The reason I wrote my book was to show the pitfalls of the mental health system. Granted -- I had been violently raped and I needed to talk to some people -- but psychiatric treatment sucked me into decades of dependency.
This 'care' wasn't needed, instead I should have been talking to the legal system for justice. I was screwed. Even the clergy did not or could not help because so many of them had similar sexual injustices thrown at them as well. In short, I had no one to help me.
Right now I am not depressed -- but challenged. I have now published a book -- The Stigma of the Mentally Ill: Bob Does Everything Backwards
yet, I have needed to edit it some more and put detail into it to make sure that readers know that I was sexually, mentally, emotionally and physically screwed. The results of my life still will be shown -- I can and will help others in need.
Luckily I did keep some spiritual ballast. Much as I have wanted to harm people -- I will not murdered anyone. Thank God that spirituality and morals did not completely leave me. I could have killed someone out of anger. When I am able I will edit the book and make a print version of it. Someone vulnerable can and should benefit.
I like what I am doing -- being busy brings me strength. Looking for work and editing my book at the same time helps me greatly. There is no room for depression. My gratitude list includes twelve people who have influenced my non-drinking and non-using life. Heck, I even quit smoking for at least fifteen years. Why go back?
God has given me strength as well as bestowed on me some grace and fortitude. I do have thanks. Functioning well is my norm.
Friends can jostle me now as I am beginning the process of "loosening up". It is difficult to begin to be 'lighthearted' but I feel that it is necessary. My seriousness needs to be released as compadres or compatriots may allowably 'kid' me some more.
Truly it is important to laugh at oneself -- the heart in my chest feels more relaxed already. God would rather have me ad lib than rehearse my lines. If I cannot remember my part then I'll just have to 'wing it'.
I hate to admit it but there are some people who know more about therapy than I do and there are others who may know more about sex -- but dammit I know what they did to me. It's not going to happen again if I can help it -- to anyone! [See book link: amzn.to/1R1Oayq]
Once again -- May God be praised.
Sincerely,
Robert N. Franz
This 'care' wasn't needed, instead I should have been talking to the legal system for justice. I was screwed. Even the clergy did not or could not help because so many of them had similar sexual injustices thrown at them as well. In short, I had no one to help me.
Right now I am not depressed -- but challenged. I have now published a book -- The Stigma of the Mentally Ill: Bob Does Everything Backwards
yet, I have needed to edit it some more and put detail into it to make sure that readers know that I was sexually, mentally, emotionally and physically screwed. The results of my life still will be shown -- I can and will help others in need.Luckily I did keep some spiritual ballast. Much as I have wanted to harm people -- I will not murdered anyone. Thank God that spirituality and morals did not completely leave me. I could have killed someone out of anger. When I am able I will edit the book and make a print version of it. Someone vulnerable can and should benefit.
I like what I am doing -- being busy brings me strength. Looking for work and editing my book at the same time helps me greatly. There is no room for depression. My gratitude list includes twelve people who have influenced my non-drinking and non-using life. Heck, I even quit smoking for at least fifteen years. Why go back?
God has given me strength as well as bestowed on me some grace and fortitude. I do have thanks. Functioning well is my norm.
Friends can jostle me now as I am beginning the process of "loosening up". It is difficult to begin to be 'lighthearted' but I feel that it is necessary. My seriousness needs to be released as compadres or compatriots may allowably 'kid' me some more.
Truly it is important to laugh at oneself -- the heart in my chest feels more relaxed already. God would rather have me ad lib than rehearse my lines. If I cannot remember my part then I'll just have to 'wing it'.
I hate to admit it but there are some people who know more about therapy than I do and there are others who may know more about sex -- but dammit I know what they did to me. It's not going to happen again if I can help it -- to anyone! [See book link: amzn.to/1R1Oayq]
Once again -- May God be praised.
Sincerely,
Robert N. Franz
April 10, 2015
God and the Feeling of Depression
I am not that different from many other people. Feelings of depression come when something of extreme boredom, isolation or self-loathing hit me. The ultimate depression can also come when any great security is taken from me as well. In the end it is difficult to face something which will really bring my ending -- whether that be slowly or by a direct teasing way. It helps to have faith in something -- especially if I cannot have it in myself. [See my book: amzn.to/1R1Oayq -- shown at the end of this post]
In my last post, "Confidence & Decisiveness With Touch", I failed to mention just what a belief in a God or figurehead can do. We look at our prophets -- and the names of our deities -- Brahman, Buddha, Jehovah, Christ,[the Father and Spirit], Yahweh, Allah, Supreme Truth, Yu-huang, the variations of Kami, Apollo and Zeus, the Norse, Celtic & Welsh gods, the Inca, Mayan, Aztec gods and not to forget the African, Native North American, Eskimo and South Pacific deities.[Please forgive me if I've left yours out.] Yet if I can believe that "God is one; names are many", then at the least I can realize that I am not in charge.
My answer to the atheists is that they too must either see the tendencies of the activities in the species, or the forces in the universe. If we cannot learn about natural phenomena then we will have great frustration and pain. So for me, it is easier to be agnostic than atheist. (Yes, I admit),'I just do not know.'
"Who am I to say there is no God?" said the alcoholic who later quit drinking for good.Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions(pg 145)The discipline of staying sober is a mystery for many. Those who cannot control their depressive side have not given in to their deity yet, or actually succumb to all sorts of sordid activity. We become irritated and can even make decisions based on anger, fear or other untoward emotions. Sometimes these decisions may be valid, other times the result is totally random.
All of us then are a restless people needing some type of figure of leadership to keep us sane. As long as the positive figure is not thrown at us in which case we rebel -- a lasting society can eventually result that can be followed. Fate itself is sometimes the answer to our original question -- "What is life?"
It seems that 'forced goodness' is thrust upon us when we have the examples of keeping order, having gratitude, and caring for each other as the tenets of our desires. Sometimes instincts make me break the rules. Sometimes I have had to accept and 're-break' the rules just to get back to the starting point.
When I was young I was expected to strictly sleep at certain hours of the night. This obedience was impossible and I never really slept well at all until I had the freedom to sleep whenever I wanted to. Now, when I do not have steady work I rest with more quality sleep when I want and need to sleep. I then write and work on my own time. I do not have to answer to parents, family or clock. Sure, when I do get work I will have to adjust -- but for now I get just as much work done sleeping only when I need it. I am betting that by not forcing the issue of sleep that I am becoming healthier.
That is not to say that work will not have to be done. Daily disciplines and routines bring us closer to God.[Or to human society if you so desire.] Not until I do my daily physical exercises do I 'gear up' and face problems with energy. Therefore:
Prayer and meditation also have meaning to me much like they could to an atheist -- for just by self-hypnosis do we 'rise to the occasion' and put our best foot forward. I simply refuse to feel badly about myself because of inane, insane, and selfish criticism. There are good reasons to like myself. Anything else from 'naysayers' would be bullying. When I am criticized though, I try to weigh the issues justly and act with accord. Hoping for humility I would even act accordingly.
For whatever reason my mental-emotional disability makes me work harder to be a valuable member of society. When I have felt like an outcast I have concerned myself with what part I would play in groups of people. Sometimes I hate to admit that I have stayed in a particular group either for fear or spite. Now I have changed. Instead I try to take the role of an adult male who works to attain goals no matter how small or large they may be. I feel that I can work as a loner in an Alaskan cottage, or with others in a crowded Delaware family swimming pool. I can now deal with a variety of venues.
My mental-emotional disability therefore has done the opposite to me -- it has given me strength by forcing me to 'overcome'.[MLK-inspiration] I want to show ways that the existence of a God explains just how inner fears can be dealt with.
Isolation is a two-edged sword. It can be used as a terrifying fear of humans or an attractive love towards God. We grow into the emotions that we allow ourselves to feel.
My wife, Leslie, wears two hearing aids. Without them it is difficult for her to communicate. She also cannot tolerate shrill or piercing noises in either ear. For these reasons I know that she is moving 'on her own thoughts' most of the time. Heck, a lot of the time she is unable to hear me. This physical frustration, this isolation makes her strong in my eyes.
I see her courage every day as God wakes us up with all of our other senses. Her choice to live fully is 'catchy' and despite her disability her kindness inspires me to be at my best.
Alone or together -- with gratitude and sharing in life -- actions are made to lead all feelings. "Actions speak louder than words." The Stigma of the Mentally Ill: Bob Does Everything Backwards
I hope and pray that we all can be of value to others -- and feel the gratitude that comes by honoring God and loving our neighbors.
Godspeed;
Sincerely,
Robert N. Franz
In my last post, "Confidence & Decisiveness With Touch", I failed to mention just what a belief in a God or figurehead can do. We look at our prophets -- and the names of our deities -- Brahman, Buddha, Jehovah, Christ,[the Father and Spirit], Yahweh, Allah, Supreme Truth, Yu-huang, the variations of Kami, Apollo and Zeus, the Norse, Celtic & Welsh gods, the Inca, Mayan, Aztec gods and not to forget the African, Native North American, Eskimo and South Pacific deities.[Please forgive me if I've left yours out.] Yet if I can believe that "God is one; names are many", then at the least I can realize that I am not in charge.
My answer to the atheists is that they too must either see the tendencies of the activities in the species, or the forces in the universe. If we cannot learn about natural phenomena then we will have great frustration and pain. So for me, it is easier to be agnostic than atheist. (Yes, I admit),'I just do not know.'
"Who am I to say there is no God?" said the alcoholic who later quit drinking for good.Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions(pg 145)The discipline of staying sober is a mystery for many. Those who cannot control their depressive side have not given in to their deity yet, or actually succumb to all sorts of sordid activity. We become irritated and can even make decisions based on anger, fear or other untoward emotions. Sometimes these decisions may be valid, other times the result is totally random.
All of us then are a restless people needing some type of figure of leadership to keep us sane. As long as the positive figure is not thrown at us in which case we rebel -- a lasting society can eventually result that can be followed. Fate itself is sometimes the answer to our original question -- "What is life?"
It seems that 'forced goodness' is thrust upon us when we have the examples of keeping order, having gratitude, and caring for each other as the tenets of our desires. Sometimes instincts make me break the rules. Sometimes I have had to accept and 're-break' the rules just to get back to the starting point.
When I was young I was expected to strictly sleep at certain hours of the night. This obedience was impossible and I never really slept well at all until I had the freedom to sleep whenever I wanted to. Now, when I do not have steady work I rest with more quality sleep when I want and need to sleep. I then write and work on my own time. I do not have to answer to parents, family or clock. Sure, when I do get work I will have to adjust -- but for now I get just as much work done sleeping only when I need it. I am betting that by not forcing the issue of sleep that I am becoming healthier.
That is not to say that work will not have to be done. Daily disciplines and routines bring us closer to God.[Or to human society if you so desire.] Not until I do my daily physical exercises do I 'gear up' and face problems with energy. Therefore:
Prayer and meditation also have meaning to me much like they could to an atheist -- for just by self-hypnosis do we 'rise to the occasion' and put our best foot forward. I simply refuse to feel badly about myself because of inane, insane, and selfish criticism. There are good reasons to like myself. Anything else from 'naysayers' would be bullying. When I am criticized though, I try to weigh the issues justly and act with accord. Hoping for humility I would even act accordingly.
For whatever reason my mental-emotional disability makes me work harder to be a valuable member of society. When I have felt like an outcast I have concerned myself with what part I would play in groups of people. Sometimes I hate to admit that I have stayed in a particular group either for fear or spite. Now I have changed. Instead I try to take the role of an adult male who works to attain goals no matter how small or large they may be. I feel that I can work as a loner in an Alaskan cottage, or with others in a crowded Delaware family swimming pool. I can now deal with a variety of venues.
My mental-emotional disability therefore has done the opposite to me -- it has given me strength by forcing me to 'overcome'.[MLK-inspiration] I want to show ways that the existence of a God explains just how inner fears can be dealt with.
Isolation is a two-edged sword. It can be used as a terrifying fear of humans or an attractive love towards God. We grow into the emotions that we allow ourselves to feel.
My wife, Leslie, wears two hearing aids. Without them it is difficult for her to communicate. She also cannot tolerate shrill or piercing noises in either ear. For these reasons I know that she is moving 'on her own thoughts' most of the time. Heck, a lot of the time she is unable to hear me. This physical frustration, this isolation makes her strong in my eyes.
I see her courage every day as God wakes us up with all of our other senses. Her choice to live fully is 'catchy' and despite her disability her kindness inspires me to be at my best.
Alone or together -- with gratitude and sharing in life -- actions are made to lead all feelings. "Actions speak louder than words." The Stigma of the Mentally Ill: Bob Does Everything Backwards
I hope and pray that we all can be of value to others -- and feel the gratitude that comes by honoring God and loving our neighbors.Godspeed;
Sincerely,
Robert N. Franz
April 7, 2015
Confidence & Decisiveness With Touch
I have been finding my way out of a depression. In some ways the feelings have confused me; in other ways they make me question whether the resulting emotions will bring an untoward ending. Perhaps others can learn from my solutions too. Here are my solutions:
First, I have to be willing to face discomfort and have the patience to trudge through difficulties. This means that I have to go forward with resolve [incrementally] for just a little time longer. Second, it helps to practice having certain decisive actions. Perhaps taking a needed shower or cutting those toenails could be enough to make one push toward solid action. Agreeing with someone else just to take out the trash can start one's day. All in all, it is the simple actions which begin movement. You must decide what you are to do -- then let the decisions grow bigger.
Third, we must be prepared to make adjustments when we make our move. If something stops you, then find a way around it. If there is an obstacle in front of you then remember that you may have to take the time to learn how to hurdle it. Draw on your past -- whatever experiences you've had. If you are anxious about speaking to someone, recollect the time you were successful with talking to an understanding teacher in front of the class. If you cannot think of an answer to a problem then seek help by first asking someone else or by looking in a book.[Any book] Most feelings and emotions have been felt by someone else at some time -- you are not alone.
It is our job to find a person, place or situation that is comparable to our 'messy bog'. Do not give up on this. For some this may seem simple -- not easy -- and for others it may take a much longer amount of time. Be prepared for the seeking, be patient, and again do not give up. Thinking about others is very common even for the reclusive. Try to make it positive.
Finally, make goals and never give up on them but realize that at times they will have to be modified or amended. You may never become a doctor, although at some time you may become as smart as one. Grin and bear it if you have to. How important is it anyway? Don't worry about where you will be buried if you are on a one way trip to Mars. Some things like the weather and your own 'personal carbon footprint' are too volatile to understand. You cannot fool Mother Nature.
When thinking of depression the issue is to focus on what one is doing. I need to 'own' my decisions of what to do while being open to other opinions. Whatever happens it is necessary to accept the life that comes in the future. I hate to say this, but "just because you accept something does not mean that you have to like it". "Take what you like and leave the rest." Whatever happens everyone knows that life is an odd continuance of events in which each may be enjoyed if the mind can agree to this in any little way possible. All is not for naught. Each event in life has meaning.
It helps us to make a game of life. I like to watch the steady emotions of golfers on television, or the emotional natures of the players and coaches in college basketball, or the concentrated strategies and crowd noise in major league baseball and football. Imitating characters in film or on smaller screens can also help match or identify moods. Much can be learned in the media as I realize that we are not alone. This is even true for loners stuck high north in Alaska. Each of our personalities can at some time meld with someone else.
The key is to be willing to move forward with confidence and decisiveness -- yet not to the point where one does not hear the good sense of others. Move, yes, -- but with safety. Respect one's own life.
Specifically, to rid myself of depression I need to not coddle my feelings [those that make up my emotions], and take positive action. I need to be able to see my own measurable goals and be able to actually list tangible results. When I do this I am on the path (however narrow it is) to once again function well as an adult human being. Recently it has been difficult for me because I have not been working in a social atmosphere where I see a diverse group of people. I am sorry, but admittedly I am a social animal only like many others.
I now mention the four measures which I noted in my last blog posting and the progress thereof:
(1) I have readied myself for my interview with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. I only need to practice for the coming interview on 4/21/2015.
(2) I have added to and edited the Word Document of my book --Bob Does Everything Backwards: Writing Out of an Illness
Now, I have to re-read it to hone out any errors. The next steps are to ask friends to help me add pictures and photos and subsequently make a PDF of it. I also have to contact the eBook publisher for more information.
(3) I want to get cover letters and resumes sent to people who may help promote the fact that I am seeking employment.
(4) At the right time I want to contact the Director of Admissions to Online Gerontology Studies at University of Southern California at Davis, California to see if he received my college transcripts and letters of reference. It is also almost time to apply online to the Masters Program as well as find out more information about the Statement of Purpose that I must write as an essay for entrance into the school.
All in good time.
These measurable goals are sustainable, direct and ongoing. I have no fear for depression in me at this time. I will give these issues my best yet know that other ways may be the course of action I may have to take.
Sincerely,
Robert N. Franz
First, I have to be willing to face discomfort and have the patience to trudge through difficulties. This means that I have to go forward with resolve [incrementally] for just a little time longer. Second, it helps to practice having certain decisive actions. Perhaps taking a needed shower or cutting those toenails could be enough to make one push toward solid action. Agreeing with someone else just to take out the trash can start one's day. All in all, it is the simple actions which begin movement. You must decide what you are to do -- then let the decisions grow bigger.
Third, we must be prepared to make adjustments when we make our move. If something stops you, then find a way around it. If there is an obstacle in front of you then remember that you may have to take the time to learn how to hurdle it. Draw on your past -- whatever experiences you've had. If you are anxious about speaking to someone, recollect the time you were successful with talking to an understanding teacher in front of the class. If you cannot think of an answer to a problem then seek help by first asking someone else or by looking in a book.[Any book] Most feelings and emotions have been felt by someone else at some time -- you are not alone.
It is our job to find a person, place or situation that is comparable to our 'messy bog'. Do not give up on this. For some this may seem simple -- not easy -- and for others it may take a much longer amount of time. Be prepared for the seeking, be patient, and again do not give up. Thinking about others is very common even for the reclusive. Try to make it positive.
Finally, make goals and never give up on them but realize that at times they will have to be modified or amended. You may never become a doctor, although at some time you may become as smart as one. Grin and bear it if you have to. How important is it anyway? Don't worry about where you will be buried if you are on a one way trip to Mars. Some things like the weather and your own 'personal carbon footprint' are too volatile to understand. You cannot fool Mother Nature.
When thinking of depression the issue is to focus on what one is doing. I need to 'own' my decisions of what to do while being open to other opinions. Whatever happens it is necessary to accept the life that comes in the future. I hate to say this, but "just because you accept something does not mean that you have to like it". "Take what you like and leave the rest." Whatever happens everyone knows that life is an odd continuance of events in which each may be enjoyed if the mind can agree to this in any little way possible. All is not for naught. Each event in life has meaning.
It helps us to make a game of life. I like to watch the steady emotions of golfers on television, or the emotional natures of the players and coaches in college basketball, or the concentrated strategies and crowd noise in major league baseball and football. Imitating characters in film or on smaller screens can also help match or identify moods. Much can be learned in the media as I realize that we are not alone. This is even true for loners stuck high north in Alaska. Each of our personalities can at some time meld with someone else.
The key is to be willing to move forward with confidence and decisiveness -- yet not to the point where one does not hear the good sense of others. Move, yes, -- but with safety. Respect one's own life.
Specifically, to rid myself of depression I need to not coddle my feelings [those that make up my emotions], and take positive action. I need to be able to see my own measurable goals and be able to actually list tangible results. When I do this I am on the path (however narrow it is) to once again function well as an adult human being. Recently it has been difficult for me because I have not been working in a social atmosphere where I see a diverse group of people. I am sorry, but admittedly I am a social animal only like many others.
I now mention the four measures which I noted in my last blog posting and the progress thereof:
(1) I have readied myself for my interview with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. I only need to practice for the coming interview on 4/21/2015.
(2) I have added to and edited the Word Document of my book --Bob Does Everything Backwards: Writing Out of an Illness
Now, I have to re-read it to hone out any errors. The next steps are to ask friends to help me add pictures and photos and subsequently make a PDF of it. I also have to contact the eBook publisher for more information.(3) I want to get cover letters and resumes sent to people who may help promote the fact that I am seeking employment.
(4) At the right time I want to contact the Director of Admissions to Online Gerontology Studies at University of Southern California at Davis, California to see if he received my college transcripts and letters of reference. It is also almost time to apply online to the Masters Program as well as find out more information about the Statement of Purpose that I must write as an essay for entrance into the school.
All in good time.
These measurable goals are sustainable, direct and ongoing. I have no fear for depression in me at this time. I will give these issues my best yet know that other ways may be the course of action I may have to take.
Sincerely,
Robert N. Franz
March 31, 2015
Is It a Broken Heart or an Emotional Wringer?
It does me less good to have a broken heart, than when I go through an 'emotional wringer'. A broken heart will paralyze, but going through a 'wringer' will change something about me.
Fighting the battle of an uphill climb means that when darkness comes I will not be afraid. "Tearing-up" at the theme to "Rocky" shows that I identify with the underdog as he takes blows and drives himself to the extreme. Fearlessness and emotion can team up to be a formidable force.
If instead, I feel sorry for myself, then I will not even try to live properly. I will be irresponsible and not speak or act right. In no way will I accept myself or listen to sensible others. My efforts (or trials) will in no way match any honest emotion coming out of me. I will be isolated and lost.
To prevent this I have to have my emotions and actions be shown in concert as they are displayed. To be believable there should not be schisms in my demeanor. Yet, sometimes when I feel in conflict -- I become irritable and agitated. This only means that something is bothering the status quo in my mind. Perhaps I have asked for too much -- perhaps I expect too much.
In simple terms I would listen and help you if you asked me. I love my wife. To help others we are "two-together" facing the world. Right now I am going to write about my pain until I decide to 'Do' something beneficial. Taking it to the maximum means that I need contact with people I care about. Bill Wilson stated that St. Francis of Assisi went through the "Emotional Wringer" much like many alcoholics do. To help others means to work in situations where we all will benefit from giving and receiving with one another.
Leslie, my wife, tells me that during some Thanksgiving in the future she would like to spoon out vegetables on plates in a soup kitchen. What she doesn't know is that positions like that are coveted. But her desire is there and I will stand by her. We both know that it is essential to make plans and keep going. My 'gratitude list' is somewhat different -- I would like to encourage others to go through the process of life where they will benefit by working on a team. Succinctly put, I would like to be a coach. (I have dreamed of being a water polo coach, and although it is unlikely, considering my past -- it isn't entirely impossible.) It would be nice to see a group of individuals work together and make gains toward a common goal.
I have been depressed of late. Primarily this has been caused by isolation from others and 'lofty' goals that I have expected myself to achieve. I feel that the only way I can relieve myself of depression is by walking through the steps I have planned.
Health comes in the details:
(1) I have to interview with the Delaware Division of Vocational Rehabilitation for possible school or employment. I need to complete their application.
(2) I must prepare my book --Bob Does Everything Backwards: Writing Out of an Illness
to be made into a print version. With editorial changes there may be a possibility of further publication. Even if there is not this possibility -- at the least there can be closure on the work.
(3) I need to tell people like Mr. Michael Tucker, Mr. Andrew Miller, Dr. Michael Wahl and others that I am available for work. I need to get the word out that I am looking for employment.
(4) I will complete my application to University of Southern California at Davis for online studies towards a Masters in Aging Services. It is true that I would need financial aid but I would not know if I would qualify until I applied to the school.
By writing this list of what I have to do I am not as depressed. Nothing is promised -- but no one really knows the future. There are chances that life could get better for our small family.
The family of my youth -- my original family -- remains 3,000 miles distant. It is inevitable that I will never be with them in a constant way again. "Let go and let God."
Therefore I will be an outsider here in Delaware until the details of my life take root. To feel part of the Delaware community I need to share my life honestly and be good friends with others. To be part of a new family I have to give love.
Peace to you,
Sincerely,
Robert N. Franz
Fighting the battle of an uphill climb means that when darkness comes I will not be afraid. "Tearing-up" at the theme to "Rocky" shows that I identify with the underdog as he takes blows and drives himself to the extreme. Fearlessness and emotion can team up to be a formidable force.
If instead, I feel sorry for myself, then I will not even try to live properly. I will be irresponsible and not speak or act right. In no way will I accept myself or listen to sensible others. My efforts (or trials) will in no way match any honest emotion coming out of me. I will be isolated and lost.
To prevent this I have to have my emotions and actions be shown in concert as they are displayed. To be believable there should not be schisms in my demeanor. Yet, sometimes when I feel in conflict -- I become irritable and agitated. This only means that something is bothering the status quo in my mind. Perhaps I have asked for too much -- perhaps I expect too much.
In simple terms I would listen and help you if you asked me. I love my wife. To help others we are "two-together" facing the world. Right now I am going to write about my pain until I decide to 'Do' something beneficial. Taking it to the maximum means that I need contact with people I care about. Bill Wilson stated that St. Francis of Assisi went through the "Emotional Wringer" much like many alcoholics do. To help others means to work in situations where we all will benefit from giving and receiving with one another.
Leslie, my wife, tells me that during some Thanksgiving in the future she would like to spoon out vegetables on plates in a soup kitchen. What she doesn't know is that positions like that are coveted. But her desire is there and I will stand by her. We both know that it is essential to make plans and keep going. My 'gratitude list' is somewhat different -- I would like to encourage others to go through the process of life where they will benefit by working on a team. Succinctly put, I would like to be a coach. (I have dreamed of being a water polo coach, and although it is unlikely, considering my past -- it isn't entirely impossible.) It would be nice to see a group of individuals work together and make gains toward a common goal.
I have been depressed of late. Primarily this has been caused by isolation from others and 'lofty' goals that I have expected myself to achieve. I feel that the only way I can relieve myself of depression is by walking through the steps I have planned.
Health comes in the details:
(1) I have to interview with the Delaware Division of Vocational Rehabilitation for possible school or employment. I need to complete their application.
(2) I must prepare my book --Bob Does Everything Backwards: Writing Out of an Illness
to be made into a print version. With editorial changes there may be a possibility of further publication. Even if there is not this possibility -- at the least there can be closure on the work.(3) I need to tell people like Mr. Michael Tucker, Mr. Andrew Miller, Dr. Michael Wahl and others that I am available for work. I need to get the word out that I am looking for employment.
(4) I will complete my application to University of Southern California at Davis for online studies towards a Masters in Aging Services. It is true that I would need financial aid but I would not know if I would qualify until I applied to the school.
By writing this list of what I have to do I am not as depressed. Nothing is promised -- but no one really knows the future. There are chances that life could get better for our small family.
The family of my youth -- my original family -- remains 3,000 miles distant. It is inevitable that I will never be with them in a constant way again. "Let go and let God."
Therefore I will be an outsider here in Delaware until the details of my life take root. To feel part of the Delaware community I need to share my life honestly and be good friends with others. To be part of a new family I have to give love.
Peace to you,
Sincerely,
Robert N. Franz
March 21, 2015
May God Be Praised
Dear ISIS Members:
"My children, I am writing this to you
so that you may not commit sin.
But if anyone does sin, we have an Advocate with the Father,
Jesus Christ the righteous one.
He is expiation for our sins,
and not for our sins only but for those of the whole world." [1 John 2:1-3a]
God must speak to us now. If we cannot get along with others in this world then perhaps we do not deserve to live here.
Instead of 'building' you continue to 'tear down'. You may have a sickness or disease that does not make you worthy of this earth. Wanton destruction is for animals -- not men. We must ask, "What are we? What will happen to us? After all, why are we 'stuck' in a sterile desert? Do we know of any better worlds? [There are better ones.] What will happen to all of our descendants?"
Is it true that they may be sent into space to live on Mars? The God of War is on that planet and not on our Mother Earth. Things are not pretty. Any of us can die a meaningless death -- so please be careful. Therefore now repent.
"Now I know, brothers,
that you acted out of ignorance, just as your leaders did;
but God has thus brought to fulfillment what he had announced beforehand through the mouth of all the prophets,
that his Christ would suffer.
Repent, therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be wiped away."
[Acts of the Apostles 3: 17-19]
May God Be Praised:
Robert N. Franz
Bob Does Everything Backwards: Writing Out of an Illness
"My children, I am writing this to you
so that you may not commit sin.
But if anyone does sin, we have an Advocate with the Father,
Jesus Christ the righteous one.
He is expiation for our sins,
and not for our sins only but for those of the whole world." [1 John 2:1-3a]
God must speak to us now. If we cannot get along with others in this world then perhaps we do not deserve to live here.
Instead of 'building' you continue to 'tear down'. You may have a sickness or disease that does not make you worthy of this earth. Wanton destruction is for animals -- not men. We must ask, "What are we? What will happen to us? After all, why are we 'stuck' in a sterile desert? Do we know of any better worlds? [There are better ones.] What will happen to all of our descendants?"
Is it true that they may be sent into space to live on Mars? The God of War is on that planet and not on our Mother Earth. Things are not pretty. Any of us can die a meaningless death -- so please be careful. Therefore now repent.
"Now I know, brothers,
that you acted out of ignorance, just as your leaders did;
but God has thus brought to fulfillment what he had announced beforehand through the mouth of all the prophets,
that his Christ would suffer.
Repent, therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be wiped away."
[Acts of the Apostles 3: 17-19]
May God Be Praised:
Robert N. Franz
Bob Does Everything Backwards: Writing Out of an Illness
February 28, 2015
When I Am Driven Not to Laugh
When I am driven to not laugh it can elicit a time when I laugh most inappropriately. Sometimes I worry about brothers and sisters who never come out with a big "Gafauw!" Other times I wonder what others think about while laughing.
Expelling air with frequent shortness of breath makes for a laugh. Sometimes one expends energy and becomes sore when dramatically moving the gut. The entire physiological reflex can exhaust, but in the end calm breathing returns and nerves become relaxed. On many occasions I laugh harder out of need rather than knowing if the subject is worthy or not of the attention. It is a reflex that the body and mind need -- sometimes more than what the subject is worth. I have also often wondered if honesty plays a role in laughter -- but right now I just want to look at the phenomena.
I laugh because I feel above the situation. Or I laugh out of stupid ignorance especially when something new is shown or described. When identifying with a character I can laugh in embarrassing situations. I laugh because of powerlessness especially when realizing that, hey, we are all screwed in one way or the other. You may find many reasons for laughter (lol) -- but these mentioned will suffice for now.
My friend Michael hates the fact that some people have mercy on polar bears. He does not believe that northern ice caps are melting and further makes no bones about it that polar bear rehabilitation to him is just another liberal conservation plot made to extort Americans into feeling guilty. Although Michael does have many good character traits, I feel that he is over extended in his hatred for any dwindling species. In some ways I see a man in denial -- hen-pecked by the TV news of the world. Things have become so hopeless as well as we all are so helpless that every one of us is made guilty about our own personal 'carbon footprint'. When things are this bad -- well -- we're all screwed. Laughter comes to me out of the helpless, hopeless nature of where we are all guided with our emotions.
I also find humor when I see ISIS dudes go into a "Cradle of Civilization" museum and like wild banshees attack statues with sledge hammers. When I saw this on television I wondered just how powerful 5,000 year old art is to us. I guess it is threatening to certain self-righteously angry Muslims. Instead of learning just where mankind had come from we actually see movement akin to that of the "Three Stooges". Heck, where is modern man going? -- Now we're all screwed.
Even our ISIS enemies have reason to laugh. Witness Dick Cheney direct bombs that also ruin Iraq's "Cradle of Civilization" artwork. Witness Dick Cheney's love to burn oil all the while scoffing at the 'carbon footprint' made by anyone at all. Why in these two instances he actually agrees with the same values of ISIS!! The laugh is with them.
We must remember that to do the "dirty work" Dick Cheney & Donald Rumsfeld used 'Blackwater Contractors' and not U.S. Marines. Does that give the contractors some sort of credit? More likely other devious means were used. Just what are U.S. Marines expected to do now? If it becomes necessary to 'think like the enemy' does that mean that we have to 'Be' like the enemy and have the same "killing" values? You be the judge!
But let us go further -- see Dick Cheney not know how to swim and build an entire new torture -- "water-boarding" based on his own fears. Again with the use of torture he becomes like his enemies. But now look at the irony. Dick Cheney does not have a heart. In fact he is looking for someone to give him a heart. Dick Cheney does not have 'heart' at all. Yet we know that if Dick Cheney is screwed then we all are. It seems like the Muslim people see all Americans as believing in the same views. We all need to watch out.
We need to send Mr. Cheney to Dr. Oz -- maybe a mark or silly badge will help the world take him -- or perhaps Dick cannot handle a real heart at all. It is all so ridiculous.
It is also odd to me -- yet a little more understandable -- why people would want to go on a one way journey to the planet Mars. In the summertime on a balmy day the temperature on Mars is minus 10 degrees Celsius. Even Elton John knows from the lyrics of his song 'Rocket Man' that "Mars is cold as hell," and that "Who would raise your kids there anyhow?" I suspect that Elton knows we're screwed as well because of all the over sized sunglasses and feathers he has worn over the years. Perhaps someone wants to purchase one way tickets to Mars for Mr. Cheney and Mr. Rumsfeld. Someone somewhere may want to do this. It seems that all we can hope for now is some honest dialogue after a fair fight. We need to find answers -- not more perplexing problems!
To be honest -- I laugh when I can relax and face my fears. When I worry and fret I do not give myself a fair chance at maintaining a sober calm. So I pray that the parts of my brain are in concert with each other and peace results. I'd rather relax into solutions and not face the negative. For me, it is important to help the human race even just a little and do something good for home and homeland. "Do a good turn daily"!
"If I let my desires go, I will not covet too much." --- Epictetus
The Stigma of the Mentally Ill: Bob Does Everything Backwards
I am only one man! Right now I can afford to laugh at myself. It is right to know the truth; it is just to stand for goodness! Please join me and be the best that you can be.
Peace to you,
Sincerely,
Robert N. Franz
Expelling air with frequent shortness of breath makes for a laugh. Sometimes one expends energy and becomes sore when dramatically moving the gut. The entire physiological reflex can exhaust, but in the end calm breathing returns and nerves become relaxed. On many occasions I laugh harder out of need rather than knowing if the subject is worthy or not of the attention. It is a reflex that the body and mind need -- sometimes more than what the subject is worth. I have also often wondered if honesty plays a role in laughter -- but right now I just want to look at the phenomena.
I laugh because I feel above the situation. Or I laugh out of stupid ignorance especially when something new is shown or described. When identifying with a character I can laugh in embarrassing situations. I laugh because of powerlessness especially when realizing that, hey, we are all screwed in one way or the other. You may find many reasons for laughter (lol) -- but these mentioned will suffice for now.
My friend Michael hates the fact that some people have mercy on polar bears. He does not believe that northern ice caps are melting and further makes no bones about it that polar bear rehabilitation to him is just another liberal conservation plot made to extort Americans into feeling guilty. Although Michael does have many good character traits, I feel that he is over extended in his hatred for any dwindling species. In some ways I see a man in denial -- hen-pecked by the TV news of the world. Things have become so hopeless as well as we all are so helpless that every one of us is made guilty about our own personal 'carbon footprint'. When things are this bad -- well -- we're all screwed. Laughter comes to me out of the helpless, hopeless nature of where we are all guided with our emotions.
I also find humor when I see ISIS dudes go into a "Cradle of Civilization" museum and like wild banshees attack statues with sledge hammers. When I saw this on television I wondered just how powerful 5,000 year old art is to us. I guess it is threatening to certain self-righteously angry Muslims. Instead of learning just where mankind had come from we actually see movement akin to that of the "Three Stooges". Heck, where is modern man going? -- Now we're all screwed.
Even our ISIS enemies have reason to laugh. Witness Dick Cheney direct bombs that also ruin Iraq's "Cradle of Civilization" artwork. Witness Dick Cheney's love to burn oil all the while scoffing at the 'carbon footprint' made by anyone at all. Why in these two instances he actually agrees with the same values of ISIS!! The laugh is with them.
We must remember that to do the "dirty work" Dick Cheney & Donald Rumsfeld used 'Blackwater Contractors' and not U.S. Marines. Does that give the contractors some sort of credit? More likely other devious means were used. Just what are U.S. Marines expected to do now? If it becomes necessary to 'think like the enemy' does that mean that we have to 'Be' like the enemy and have the same "killing" values? You be the judge!
But let us go further -- see Dick Cheney not know how to swim and build an entire new torture -- "water-boarding" based on his own fears. Again with the use of torture he becomes like his enemies. But now look at the irony. Dick Cheney does not have a heart. In fact he is looking for someone to give him a heart. Dick Cheney does not have 'heart' at all. Yet we know that if Dick Cheney is screwed then we all are. It seems like the Muslim people see all Americans as believing in the same views. We all need to watch out.
We need to send Mr. Cheney to Dr. Oz -- maybe a mark or silly badge will help the world take him -- or perhaps Dick cannot handle a real heart at all. It is all so ridiculous.
It is also odd to me -- yet a little more understandable -- why people would want to go on a one way journey to the planet Mars. In the summertime on a balmy day the temperature on Mars is minus 10 degrees Celsius. Even Elton John knows from the lyrics of his song 'Rocket Man' that "Mars is cold as hell," and that "Who would raise your kids there anyhow?" I suspect that Elton knows we're screwed as well because of all the over sized sunglasses and feathers he has worn over the years. Perhaps someone wants to purchase one way tickets to Mars for Mr. Cheney and Mr. Rumsfeld. Someone somewhere may want to do this. It seems that all we can hope for now is some honest dialogue after a fair fight. We need to find answers -- not more perplexing problems!
To be honest -- I laugh when I can relax and face my fears. When I worry and fret I do not give myself a fair chance at maintaining a sober calm. So I pray that the parts of my brain are in concert with each other and peace results. I'd rather relax into solutions and not face the negative. For me, it is important to help the human race even just a little and do something good for home and homeland. "Do a good turn daily"!
"If I let my desires go, I will not covet too much." --- Epictetus
The Stigma of the Mentally Ill: Bob Does Everything Backwards
I am only one man! Right now I can afford to laugh at myself. It is right to know the truth; it is just to stand for goodness! Please join me and be the best that you can be.Peace to you,
Sincerely,
Robert N. Franz
February 21, 2015
My Wellness Seems Certain - Yet Inexplicable
I pray and worship with my wife -- Leslie Jeanne Breton Franz -- at the Church of the Holy Child on Naamans Road in Wilmington, Delaware. Semi-circular seating and a high ceiling lend themselves to excellent music and a wonderful milieu for prayer. The church is of Roman Catholic rite and we have attended regularly for about twenty years.
In 2008 I began as a lector -- or 'reader' of the "Word" of the Bible to the congregation. This means that in the ceremony I read passages from the old and new testaments. You do not know how much I enjoy doing this -- You do not know how this reading improves my prayer life. To read -- or to lector -- I dress with a suit & tie and enjoy the formalities of the mass. Considering my past, these rites and conventions lead me to a healthy life. Specifically, when I read like this -- just once a month -- my preparation helps me feel a responsibility to others and a duty to society. I become a 'better person'. To work as a lector becomes an opportunity for a life filled with spiritual expression.
I tell you this now not to promulgate Christianity, but to state that this structure bolsters my disciplined present. For example, as I have written before, when I was young an amphetamine induced psychosis had influenced two psychiatrists to classify me along with the schizophrenic and bipolar. Drinking on top of this made matters worse and withdrawal from all chemicals -- including the ones that the psychiatrists prescribed for me -- made me mentally ill or in other words "mad". I had been treated as a dementia case -- lost in mental domiciles & treatment for years -- with little hope for improvement. Now inexplicably I am getting well and with dramatic improvement have become mentally sound.
It took some time, but I found a group of doctors who not only told me to stop using alcohol, but actually began helping me reduce the other chemicals -- especially the medicine I had been prescribed for so long. I have not used alcohol since January 1983 and today stability is coming further by stopping the use of other chemicals.
You should also know that since 2012 I have adopted new attitudes in how I look at life. First I tell myself in every situation that there is no need for alarm or hysteria in any instance. Second I look to always be calm to find a patient way to face problems or challenges. This means that I have the belief that all difficulties have answers as long as one takes the time to receive an answer. Third, I need to be patient and relaxed with myself and 'endure' discomfort when it obviously will come. I therefore must remember that in this world 'all things will pass'. Finally, I have learned to accept my own emotions -- such as anger or fear -- as it helps me to dramatically trust God like I never had before. Somewhere, "there's a place for us." All of these thoughts or attitudes help me to live and appreciate life more fully.
No doctor has admitted me to any hospital because of mental disease in over twenty years. I have not "acted out" in over twenty-five years. In that time I have taken responsible positions and worked hard.Bob Does Everything Backwards: Writing Out of an Illness
I want to be an asset and step-up to give to society. Responsibilities need to be shouldered -- challenges are to be met and life is to be faced head on. Honest, 'thinking' work does wonders for me.
In particular I know that I can (at the least) help those with dementia not only because I have been there, but because I have walked away from it. I can almost see ways in which those with dementia, those who are aging and confused, and those who are vulnerable can move to the point where they can inspire as well as contribute to their families. Even now, the nonagenarians in my family have a surprisingly good sense of humor.
To make that statement is a great claim -- perhaps you may think it is too great a claim, but having worked on an Alzheimer's Unit earlier in my adulthood I have seen human experiences which have purpose and meaning. Spiritually we remain connected.
We continue to pray and meditate and do not want to give up on these expressions. There is faith in me that answers will surface, especially in the years to come. May godspeed to help us all. With God's help aging can be dignified.
Sincerely,
Robert N. Franz
In 2008 I began as a lector -- or 'reader' of the "Word" of the Bible to the congregation. This means that in the ceremony I read passages from the old and new testaments. You do not know how much I enjoy doing this -- You do not know how this reading improves my prayer life. To read -- or to lector -- I dress with a suit & tie and enjoy the formalities of the mass. Considering my past, these rites and conventions lead me to a healthy life. Specifically, when I read like this -- just once a month -- my preparation helps me feel a responsibility to others and a duty to society. I become a 'better person'. To work as a lector becomes an opportunity for a life filled with spiritual expression.
I tell you this now not to promulgate Christianity, but to state that this structure bolsters my disciplined present. For example, as I have written before, when I was young an amphetamine induced psychosis had influenced two psychiatrists to classify me along with the schizophrenic and bipolar. Drinking on top of this made matters worse and withdrawal from all chemicals -- including the ones that the psychiatrists prescribed for me -- made me mentally ill or in other words "mad". I had been treated as a dementia case -- lost in mental domiciles & treatment for years -- with little hope for improvement. Now inexplicably I am getting well and with dramatic improvement have become mentally sound.
It took some time, but I found a group of doctors who not only told me to stop using alcohol, but actually began helping me reduce the other chemicals -- especially the medicine I had been prescribed for so long. I have not used alcohol since January 1983 and today stability is coming further by stopping the use of other chemicals.
You should also know that since 2012 I have adopted new attitudes in how I look at life. First I tell myself in every situation that there is no need for alarm or hysteria in any instance. Second I look to always be calm to find a patient way to face problems or challenges. This means that I have the belief that all difficulties have answers as long as one takes the time to receive an answer. Third, I need to be patient and relaxed with myself and 'endure' discomfort when it obviously will come. I therefore must remember that in this world 'all things will pass'. Finally, I have learned to accept my own emotions -- such as anger or fear -- as it helps me to dramatically trust God like I never had before. Somewhere, "there's a place for us." All of these thoughts or attitudes help me to live and appreciate life more fully.
No doctor has admitted me to any hospital because of mental disease in over twenty years. I have not "acted out" in over twenty-five years. In that time I have taken responsible positions and worked hard.Bob Does Everything Backwards: Writing Out of an Illness
I want to be an asset and step-up to give to society. Responsibilities need to be shouldered -- challenges are to be met and life is to be faced head on. Honest, 'thinking' work does wonders for me.In particular I know that I can (at the least) help those with dementia not only because I have been there, but because I have walked away from it. I can almost see ways in which those with dementia, those who are aging and confused, and those who are vulnerable can move to the point where they can inspire as well as contribute to their families. Even now, the nonagenarians in my family have a surprisingly good sense of humor.
To make that statement is a great claim -- perhaps you may think it is too great a claim, but having worked on an Alzheimer's Unit earlier in my adulthood I have seen human experiences which have purpose and meaning. Spiritually we remain connected.
We continue to pray and meditate and do not want to give up on these expressions. There is faith in me that answers will surface, especially in the years to come. May godspeed to help us all. With God's help aging can be dignified.
Sincerely,
Robert N. Franz
February 15, 2015
"My God, my God -- Furnish Me With Faith"
I have heard of CEO's grabbing a hold of parachutes so they may land softly only to be picked up at some point in the future for new or more accepting positions. Frankly, I want to end my current 'free-fall' and land safely. Right now I don't know if I am a 'ripe cherry' to be harvested or whether the end is coming. I only want hope to see what life will bring.
My experiences lead me to thoughts that I have talents, intelligence and the willingness to communicate. Definitely I want to offer certain people exemplary representation and help communities in urban, suburban and rural traditions. I was raised in Walnut Creek, California which was close to large cities as well as the fertile central valley of California. Our suburbia had apricot and walnut orchards interspersed in the housing. Here in Delaware, our large green trees along with cornfields and deer thickets remind me of the city and country of my youth. From these basic lands come the hard working values of the people. Both conservative and liberal views are found in these parts. Whereas I am not here to meld them together -- I do appreciate the strong values of all the people.
Critics will say that I am an outsider with no way of helping Delawareans move to the future. Others will call me 'green', and still others believe that the strength in me will not last. In particular, these are the very reasons that I would be good as a representative. The 'old ways' do not stand -- 'new blood' has to be shed for our people. Secretly, I really am an "insider".
My first public cause has already been faced. I have formulated a 'Twelve Point Consideration Plan' of what a government should do in the case of a community or state emergency. Two years ago -- immediately before the hurricane 'Sandy'-- I recommended this plan to others. Both F.E.M.A. and D.E.M.A. had said that this plan was helpful and made good sense. The public needs help and not have divisions from our political parties. Did not Chris Christie also need help? I remain a 'conservative democrat', however, but it would not be foreign to me to help a republican when necessary.
Here are some of my views:
I do not care for abortion at all, but I don't mind if a gay couple raises children.
I want to remain sober, as well as, not use marijuana, yet the use of marijuana should be considered -- if licensed properly. Education should come first.
We should be more fiscally responsible and not so dependent on wars and tax cuts for the wealthy. Morally, we should stop any unnecessary hurt that goes to others.
It is important to keep opportunities available for people of the middle class.
Man is responsible for his impact on earth. "Creationists" need to realize that we are tenants of the land and that what we do affects the environment.
The strength of America comes from all of it's people. "Trickle-down economies" only cause more strife.
The fate of small business tests the health of a national economy.
Last is first. Vulnerable people take a priority.
Look at some of our present day facts:
CEO's dress like street people to be anonymous.
The pope was once a nightclub 'bouncer'.
You never know who is watching. Video cameras are everywhere -- be prepared.
Never are there complete cover-ups -- it behooves one to be as completely honest as possible.
We may admire perfection -- but as far as diet goes one fast-food meal a week has its place.
Watch out for different veiled votes about a bill in committee and the same bill when it is on the entire floor of the legislative body.
Does the public see a difference between an administrator and a representative?
To 'affect' something means that one can 'effect' in a conjoining way. We are part of a whole.
At this time I would like to "connect the dots" in my life and do something for the community and state. If I were a working dog I would like to be a cross between a Bloodhound and a Border Collie. I would actively like to be on the trail on what would help the public. I would herd others to help as well. It would be nice to go into politics, but in all honesty -- I will only go where asked. People have to show me where to go.
According to my medical professionals I need to stop certain medicines -- as it is important to see what my reaction will be to this reduction. So now I will continue to promote my blog, video and eBook.Bob Does Everything Backwards: Writing Out of an Illness
When I have been okayed medically(by consensus probably), I want to go to work in an effective and efficient manner. It would be nice to work at a location where people can work out, perhaps at a non-profit where there are programs for families which include all ages, and united to this but not essentially, I could be exposed to managing, marketing, administrative and representative assignments. All of this could be a beginning -- a new beginning. Since the future never seems to pan out to what I envision it to be -- I'll just have to accept what comes.
Things are changing."Do the next right thing." "Do what is in front of you." Have faith in others while believing in yourself. "My God, my God -- please furnish me with faith."
Sincerely yours,
Robert N. Franz
My experiences lead me to thoughts that I have talents, intelligence and the willingness to communicate. Definitely I want to offer certain people exemplary representation and help communities in urban, suburban and rural traditions. I was raised in Walnut Creek, California which was close to large cities as well as the fertile central valley of California. Our suburbia had apricot and walnut orchards interspersed in the housing. Here in Delaware, our large green trees along with cornfields and deer thickets remind me of the city and country of my youth. From these basic lands come the hard working values of the people. Both conservative and liberal views are found in these parts. Whereas I am not here to meld them together -- I do appreciate the strong values of all the people.
Critics will say that I am an outsider with no way of helping Delawareans move to the future. Others will call me 'green', and still others believe that the strength in me will not last. In particular, these are the very reasons that I would be good as a representative. The 'old ways' do not stand -- 'new blood' has to be shed for our people. Secretly, I really am an "insider".
My first public cause has already been faced. I have formulated a 'Twelve Point Consideration Plan' of what a government should do in the case of a community or state emergency. Two years ago -- immediately before the hurricane 'Sandy'-- I recommended this plan to others. Both F.E.M.A. and D.E.M.A. had said that this plan was helpful and made good sense. The public needs help and not have divisions from our political parties. Did not Chris Christie also need help? I remain a 'conservative democrat', however, but it would not be foreign to me to help a republican when necessary.
Here are some of my views:
I do not care for abortion at all, but I don't mind if a gay couple raises children.
I want to remain sober, as well as, not use marijuana, yet the use of marijuana should be considered -- if licensed properly. Education should come first.
We should be more fiscally responsible and not so dependent on wars and tax cuts for the wealthy. Morally, we should stop any unnecessary hurt that goes to others.
It is important to keep opportunities available for people of the middle class.
Man is responsible for his impact on earth. "Creationists" need to realize that we are tenants of the land and that what we do affects the environment.
The strength of America comes from all of it's people. "Trickle-down economies" only cause more strife.
The fate of small business tests the health of a national economy.
Last is first. Vulnerable people take a priority.
Look at some of our present day facts:
CEO's dress like street people to be anonymous.
The pope was once a nightclub 'bouncer'.
You never know who is watching. Video cameras are everywhere -- be prepared.
Never are there complete cover-ups -- it behooves one to be as completely honest as possible.
We may admire perfection -- but as far as diet goes one fast-food meal a week has its place.
Watch out for different veiled votes about a bill in committee and the same bill when it is on the entire floor of the legislative body.
Does the public see a difference between an administrator and a representative?
To 'affect' something means that one can 'effect' in a conjoining way. We are part of a whole.
At this time I would like to "connect the dots" in my life and do something for the community and state. If I were a working dog I would like to be a cross between a Bloodhound and a Border Collie. I would actively like to be on the trail on what would help the public. I would herd others to help as well. It would be nice to go into politics, but in all honesty -- I will only go where asked. People have to show me where to go.
According to my medical professionals I need to stop certain medicines -- as it is important to see what my reaction will be to this reduction. So now I will continue to promote my blog, video and eBook.Bob Does Everything Backwards: Writing Out of an Illness
When I have been okayed medically(by consensus probably), I want to go to work in an effective and efficient manner. It would be nice to work at a location where people can work out, perhaps at a non-profit where there are programs for families which include all ages, and united to this but not essentially, I could be exposed to managing, marketing, administrative and representative assignments. All of this could be a beginning -- a new beginning. Since the future never seems to pan out to what I envision it to be -- I'll just have to accept what comes.Things are changing."Do the next right thing." "Do what is in front of you." Have faith in others while believing in yourself. "My God, my God -- please furnish me with faith."
Sincerely yours,
Robert N. Franz
February 9, 2015
A Letter to U.S. Senator Thomas Carper -- Delaware
To:
U.S. Senator Thomas Carper
Senior Senator from Delaware
February 9, 2015
Dear Senator Carper:
I thank you for honoring my father R. Nelson Franz years ago for his work of finding homes for the mentally ill. The ceremony and award not only meant a lot to him but to our family as well. The entire N.A.M.I.--De community felt as though they were headed in the right direction as they led in our state of Delaware.
I also want to thank you for inviting me to attend your "swearing in" ceremony at the U.S. Capitol in the first week of January in 2013. I thoroughly enjoyed the event and was happy to honor your re-election.
I write now to make apologies to you for any callousness I may have had in my recent blog posts when I have mentioned your name. I have done this out of frustration in trying to 'get the word out' about my life and because I have found it difficult to tell other people about my ideas. Specifically, I am trying to have the community see my video, "Bringing Peace to Violently Troubled Minds," read my eBook,"Bob Does Everything Backwards: Writing Out of an Illness" and read 'Robert N. Franz's Blog'. Should you be exposed to these expressions -- I would hope that you would want others to see them.
I have talked with Dr. Josh Thomas, Mr. Chuck Tarver and Ms. Pat McDowell of N.A.M.I.--De. They have mentioned the possibility of me presenting my work to the Board of N.A.M.I., which you sit on. Certainly -- it would be an honor for me to speak in front of the board. Please do not let me invite myself, but if it were possible I promise that I would be on my best behavior. I want to express my views to others and not embarrass anyone. It seems that we all work tirelessly to help those in need.
I thank you for myself and for all those who have not had the ability to express themselves. I thank you for 'turning the corner' and paying attention to people who need a voice. Finally, I thank you for serving the vulnerable -- and perhaps marginalized folk who have needed sustenance to survive and a lack of means even for the very basics.
In faith, I remain very truly yours,
Robert N. Franz
Bob Does Everything Backwards: Writing Out of an Illness
U.S. Senator Thomas Carper
Senior Senator from Delaware
February 9, 2015
Dear Senator Carper:
I thank you for honoring my father R. Nelson Franz years ago for his work of finding homes for the mentally ill. The ceremony and award not only meant a lot to him but to our family as well. The entire N.A.M.I.--De community felt as though they were headed in the right direction as they led in our state of Delaware.
I also want to thank you for inviting me to attend your "swearing in" ceremony at the U.S. Capitol in the first week of January in 2013. I thoroughly enjoyed the event and was happy to honor your re-election.
I write now to make apologies to you for any callousness I may have had in my recent blog posts when I have mentioned your name. I have done this out of frustration in trying to 'get the word out' about my life and because I have found it difficult to tell other people about my ideas. Specifically, I am trying to have the community see my video, "Bringing Peace to Violently Troubled Minds," read my eBook,"Bob Does Everything Backwards: Writing Out of an Illness" and read 'Robert N. Franz's Blog'. Should you be exposed to these expressions -- I would hope that you would want others to see them.
I have talked with Dr. Josh Thomas, Mr. Chuck Tarver and Ms. Pat McDowell of N.A.M.I.--De. They have mentioned the possibility of me presenting my work to the Board of N.A.M.I., which you sit on. Certainly -- it would be an honor for me to speak in front of the board. Please do not let me invite myself, but if it were possible I promise that I would be on my best behavior. I want to express my views to others and not embarrass anyone. It seems that we all work tirelessly to help those in need.
I thank you for myself and for all those who have not had the ability to express themselves. I thank you for 'turning the corner' and paying attention to people who need a voice. Finally, I thank you for serving the vulnerable -- and perhaps marginalized folk who have needed sustenance to survive and a lack of means even for the very basics.
In faith, I remain very truly yours,
Robert N. Franz
Bob Does Everything Backwards: Writing Out of an Illness
