Christopher Webb, your commentary [“A Stranger in Paradise,” June 10 Xpress] is brilliant. And, I appreciate your ability to believe that idealistic realities still exist — especially after having returned from an unarguably hellish circumstance.
I, too, have held on to this belief that a utopian idea lives and breathes here in this region of the country. I have learned that it does. It's located directly beneath this breastplate called the sternum. Thanks to people like you, others can glimpse it and make it their own. This is how it persists in a place like Asheville and Western North Carolina — or anywhere, for that matter.
Positive-mindedness, visualizations and affirmations are a vital part of the creation of our community and the kind of work we do. And its true synthesis increases as we create it together.
For example, Christopher, I have returned from a "war" of sorts, and am now sifting out the negativity from those experiences. I do it with words and affirmations, and the pictures they create. Below is an example I am creating. It is dedicated to you for your willingness to believe in something. You are a great soldier. Thanks.
My employers are working for me as well. They all like me and find ways to reward me for my talents. I love doing the same for them. Creativity is abounding, thanks to my many friends and coworkers, employers and employees. We all work together harmoniously. We find joy with every breath.
Our children are involved in what we are creating. Children always participate in the activities that bring so much prosperity to our community. Our wealth is multiplying continually. We all feel so fortunate. We are fortunate.
Everyone is finding solutions to the challenges of our work. Finding solutions is an important part of our work, and we find joy in that as well.
There is plenty of room for more of us to work together. Our environment continues to flourish. It's clean. It's safe. We all have plenty of time to be outside and work along with the chirping of birds, the bouncing of squirrels and rabbits and any creature we desire. Our universe has no limits. Everyone is employed just as much or as little as he or she desires.
— Jason A. Hagan
Asheville
Thanks for an uplifting letter supporting Chris’ letter of last week. I would EMPHASIZE your point “We find joy with every breath”. This to me is the key. Smile and breathe, as the bumper sticker says.
As ET was fond of saying “Be goooood.”
nice letter.