The O-town Scene

Diversity Rules by Jim Koury Seize each moment Life is a process. It is a progression of actions and events that move us toward a goal or a series of goals. To make those goals a reality, deliberate thought occurs, propelling us toward getting what we want. Conversely, that same deliberate thought can serve to make us stand still, or even move back- wards. Fear of making a decision and stepping out of our comfort zone will prevent us from move- ment forward toward achieving our life's pur- pose. It can create such of internal spark that gives us inkling as to whether what we are thinking is a good decision or a bad one. Many times, when I seize my moments, there is a clear indication that what I am doing is the right thing. When it's the wrong decision, that same voice inside sends a message outward telling me that I need to think more about a decision I have made. When I seize my moments, there is a clear indica- tion that what I am doing is the right thing. inertia that we simply make a decision to not make a decision. For personal growth to occur, we must consciously make decisions that will ben- efit us rather than those that will hurt us. Clearly, life is also about making mistakes, which serve as learning experiences for the future. However, there comes a time in one's life when our thought process becomes refined enough to allow a more systematic thought process to occur, to weigh choices and options, which will lead to making the best decision possible. Making the right decisions also means that we must seize the moment. Each deci- sion begins with a gut feeling or some sort LGBTQ Events Thurs., Aug. 18 Trash Thursday with Katrina, Merlin's, 9 p.m., 201 State St., Binghamton. Fri., Aug. 19 College Night, Merlin's, 9 p.m., 201 State St., Binghamton. College IDs in free before 11 p.m. Amy Gallatin and Stillwaters guitar music, 8 p.m., The Black Box Theater, Little Falls. Sat., Aug. 20 Night at the Theater: 'Chicago,' spon- sored by The Gay and Lesbian Alliance 20 O-Town Scene Aug. 18, 2011 Being LGBTQ, the thought process in- volved in coming out is very similar. There comes a point when we all decide that no longer will we stay in the closet. There is a kind of epiphany that happens and we decide to thrust ourselves out of our fake shell. The process of com- ing out is also a series of decisions, with each building momentum forward to the ultimate decision to actually begin to tell people that one is LGBTQ. In each instance, we seize the moment and decide to take action that will help us become who we are meant to be. Listen to that voice inside that will propel you forward. Trust your intuition, and don't look back. — Jim Koury Jim Koury was born and raised in Oneonta. He is a gay activist, and the city clerk of Oneonta, a position he has held for 18 years. He can be reached at editor@diver- sityrulesmagazine.com. Keep Up Now! by Terry Ludwig You have a choice, don't get overwhelmed by stress "Undeniably, as individuals we have fallen prey to self-hatred or at least guilt or depression of one kind or another. That's OK, because we have the right to hurt our- selves. That momentary inner defeat is our consciousness. We have acted against our own compassionate spirit. But within that collective spiritual depth of pain there is within each of us a single ray of hope, yet unmeasured. We are light whose frequency is timeless; whose source is bound- less; and we are ourselves open channels of creative force from which we shine." – Rob Ludwig Life can be like a runaway train. Some days, you wake up, board the train, grab your morning coffee, greet the day and "wham!" your whole world is turned upside down in a matter of minutes. Suddenly, you feel like you've lost all control, and you begin a nose dive, destination: termination. There is no 911 service for "My life is out of control." How do you react during those moments of stress? You have two choices _ panic (fear) or remedy (love). Let's examine both options, although you can guess which is the better choice. If you choose door No. 1, panic, keep in mind, every- thing you share, you strengthen. So, not only is it bad now, it's going to get worse. It's quite certain your world will continue to spiral out of control; your level of dread, gloom and doom will increase, and eventually, you will feel powerless and terrified. of the Catskills, Forestburgh Playhouse, 39 Forestburgh Road, Forestburgh. Tickets: (845) 794-2005. Fri., Aug. 26 Queers United and Friends, 9 p.m., One- onta Theatre, Chestnut Street, Oneonta. $10. Sat., Aug. 27 SAGE End of Summer Cocktail Party, 6 to 9 p.m., Bridgewater Guest House, 10 Temple Road, Shandelee Lake, Livings- ton Manor. Sat., Sept. 24 Twist Cabaret Presents Broadway Rocks, 8 p.m., 252 West Genesee St., Syracuse. If, however, you choose door No. 2, remedy, you choose awareness and take responsibility. Stop your mind from wandering, and realize you have a choice. Ask yourself, "What would Love do?" By choosing Love's response, you will put into motion a power that is diametrically opposed to the forces of fear, and by doing so, create disorder in a structure designed to promote panic. The system will become confused, suddenly your mind will clear, and your path will become obvious. Fear cannot remain in the pres- ence of love. The palpable path to happiness will present itself and your day will brighten. You will become content and life will be pleasurable once again. That's the crazy thing about this life, you can change it at any given moment simply by changing your mind. You are a powerful co-creator of the universe. You're determining your life's experiences with every thought you choose. Keep up Now! with the flow of higher consciousness, and stay connected to your Source. — Terry Ludwig Terry Ludwig's brother, Rob, passed away in 2004 after battling AIDS. Be- fore he passed, he shared his message. "Keep Up Now." is the result of that communication. She can be reached at keepupnow@gmail.com, and followed on Twitter and Facebook. the Diversity Scene Aug. 18-24

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