A New Year's Wish

I received this message today from a friend I met in Japan. I don't know where it is from, but I like it.

Tempest-tossed souls, wherever ye may be, under
whatsoever conditions ye may live, know this - in the ocean of
life the isles of Blessedness are smiling, and sunny shore of your
ideal awaits your coming. Keep your hand firmly upon the
helm of thought. In the bark of your soul reclines the
commanding Master; He does but sleep; wake Him.
Self-control is strength; Right Thought is mastery; Calmness is
power.

Say unto your heart,
"Peace, be still!"

Milk

I saw the Gus Van Zant's film Milk the other day, and last night I watched the documentary, The Times of Harvey Milk. I cried during both--more during the documentary. I like biopics if they are well done and faithful to the truth. But documentary biographies seem to move me more these days. Both films reiterated Harvey Milk's exhortation to closeted homosexuals to "Come out!" I am not exactly closeted, but for any of my relatives or friends who do not know--I'm a gay man. In my life I have had one-night stands, brief romances, long-term relationships, and painful break-ups, pretty much under the radar when it comes to my family. I still suffer somewhat from a lack of self-acceptance due to a so-called "internal homophobia." I say, suffer no more. Happy New Year to all!