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The Mayor's Christmas & New Year Message

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Phillip Dampier:
The Mayor's Christmas & New Year's Message to the Community
Sometimes it seems we spend the better part of December trying to fulfill the commercial expectations that come from the Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or Solstice season. Running ourselves ragged in area stores to find the perfect gift, attend the usual office parties, visit with friends, neighbors and especially extended families that often seem off our radar at other times of the year. Then, for many, it's off to church or synagogue to understand the religious meanings these holidays have for many people. So it is fitting that with December 25th now past, it's time to also assess what you've managed to accomplish this past year. It's now two years out from Brokeback Mountain for most people. How are you doing? Did you take "Jack... I swear...." to heart and commit to the message? Is it time for a spiritual renewal and a recommitment towards positive change and forward momentum?

BetterMost is first and foremost a community committed to always nudging its residents towards doing what is needed to stop missing life's opportunities. In 2007, many of us took this to heart and extended it with two great meet-ups in Colorado and Alberta. It's probably the next best thing to re-energize you when the film or story just doesn't work the same magic anymore. It's so important not to allow negativity and distraction to divert precious energy away from the goals you set for yourself.

If you've successfully completed your process of life change and you have done all you can to apply the principles from the story, you are a better person than I. For me, it's a process that comes with bursts of energy and then periods of inaction or distraction. I don't have the emotional kick in the teeth that a story first read or seen provided to focus my attention. Meeting with many of you and visiting the "holy places" in Alberta definitely helped refocus me.

BetterMost was created first and foremost to explore the emotions that come from the story and the film and how they impact on our lives. If this were just a forum to discuss the issue of homosexuality, we might as well just be a forum on Gay.com. If this were just a fan club for Heath and Jake, we would have already moved on to their next films. No, BetterMost is a community that tries to get in touch with our emotions more than our physicality. Because the emotional impact of the film was what made it become such a crucial part of our lives. And after we've done our "spiritual homework" for the day and been there to support each other through difficult times, then we can kick back, relax, and have fun here.

I hope we will all recommit ourselves to "The Process" as we near the end of 2007 and start a new year together. If you're so inclined feel free to share your achievements and challenges from this past year! All my best wishes for a wonderful holiday season.

Phillip M. Dampier
Mayor, BetterMost

Shasta542:
Thank you, Phillip. That's a great reminder for me.  :) Shasta

Shakesthecoffecan:
In the past year, I have been confronted and wrestled with the Demon of Infatuation, which shook me up quite a bit. Made me examine my relationship, my intentions, my responcibilities to myself and others. A great deal of introspection followed.

In the process I came out to a family member, began to deal with my significant other in a proactive manner, made attempts to improve my physical health which I will pick back up in the spring. Am now taking steps to put myself on a different path workwise and economically. Spiritually, I grew immensely, and am sustained even on the worst days by this extrodinary feeling of love and well being flowing thru me from the cosmos.

I have come to agree with Margaret Cho. I am the one that I want. It puts it in a much better perspective.

 ;)

jstephens9:
Thanks Phillip!!! The words you express certainly present words of wisdom  and focus to me. And once they sink in more I may express more.

Jack

Scott6373:
I can't say I dealt with anything that was more or less important than anyone else in this universe.  I wasn't the easiest year, but it was, after all, a good one.  I lost my employment and two days later I lost my beloved dog Rupert, and those events still hover over me.  The tough times were really tough, but there are folks here, Karen and Janice in particular, who helped me a great deal through the worst of it, though you all picked me up when I needed it.  In the end, if we have let the spirit of love enter our souls, then there will always be many hands to lift us up when we fall.  I am very lucky to have felt great love from someone whom I love, and for him, "I'll be there."

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