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I Could Use A Little Help Here

How about giving a hand?

JP Carsten
4 min readNov 20, 2019

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I recently entered the fourth quarter in this game called life. I pause to reflect how so many of my former friends and acquaintances are not with me in this next chapter. I know that the majority of my former high schoolmates will indeed make the trip. We can use their help as well.

One regret is that I have failed to keep connected with so many. I have attempted to maintain links and have helped others to do the same. Many folks declined my overture for continued connectivity, it’s their choice of course.

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I guess some would call me just an old sentimentalist or such. Well, I have no problem with that label.

Many of those I know have changed paths on this road of life. Most have made families- some have not.

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The politics of many are alien to me. Many people I once respected are now swayed with a simple sound bite, a half-truth or a comment taken out of context.

These are the folks that see a headline, accept it as truth and deny the possibility of an alternate viewpoint.

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Dishonesty is one aspect of society which bothers me a lot.

We are all a little bit dishonest at times, using exaggeration, partial truths or telling little white lies. We make comments that might make someone feel good but aren’t true.

Meeting someone after a few years separation and say, “Wow! You look great,” when in truth you don’t see how someone could look so bad and not be horizontal.

I have no problems with such practices- I am guilty myself sometimes.

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Depending on our leaders.

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” John Quincy Adams

The dishonesty that troubles me is that some in leadership positions lie outright knowing full well that many who read or hear their lies accept them as truth. They have placed trust on the one doing the lying.

That’s dishonest.

“Trust is built on telling the truth, not by telling people what they want to hear.” Simon Sinek

Many politicians intentionally bend the truth to benefit their position. This is reality. I do my best to become knowledgeable regarding positions that could affect me or those around me.

The most vulnerable

We see seniors and those with disabilities being victimized.

it is everyone’s responsibility to be alert for such activities and do what can be done to help, possibly protect others who may not be in a position to help themselves.

I can see dishonesty in some of those who perform services for people. It is discouraging to find out about someone having been hurt because of misplaced trust.

The good guys

I applaud watchdog groups that strive to minimize the effects of dishonest activity. They post letters to local publications, maintain educational websites or file complaints with the proper authorities.

I also enjoy seeing members of society get together to help the less fortunate.

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“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” ~ Mahatma Gandhi

Younger people- even younger school age kids volunteering is heartening to see.

They volunteer in soup kitchens, in shelters for the homeless, helping the aged, the infirm, the needy.

Stay informed, stay involved, be ready to pitch in, educate when possible and help to make our society a better one.

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I am fortunate to be on the scene and try to use my fourth quarter to benefit others.

Once again- I could use some help. Can I count on you?

Thanks for reading.

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JP Carsten

I am a renaissance man, consultant, Journalist, blogger, author, public speaker, senior advocate, defender of the weak and a volunteer.