The Intergenerational Transmission of Family Disfunction.

I have a rule at home that goes something like this. I don’t care what you tell them out there in the world, but here at home; you tell me the truth.

If I find out that I’ve been lied to, then I usually react in a frothy emotional outburst.

I have noticed that my reactions have neither slowed down the rate of the lies or changed anything.

Therefore, I am beginning to believe that truth is a myth we tell ourselves. If you try to remove the comfort or feelings of protections that these lies provide children, then maybe you are removing a vital developmental tool that is required in the absolute disingenuous adult life that hopefully follows.

Clearly, I don’t know the answers for certain. However, since I used to be physically beaten as a child in an attempt to stop me from not telling the truth; I see this development as steps in the right direction.

Hence, the frothy emotional outbursts have ceased…

Dennis Mantin

The Inner Voice

An old man was meandering up the sidewalk with a cane, and the button on his tweed hat read ‘ Peace begins with a smile ‘
I thought to myself, “So does deception; but it was early, and I hadn’t had my coffee.”
Dennis Mantin

A Good Way

I’m tired in a good way.

A drop of love and pinch of hope.

A tender mix of courtesy.

Laid off the pills and dope.

Prayers for peace and understanding.

I see a twinkle in those eyes.

I am prepared for most anything.

Except psychotic pain and lies…

I’ve been thinking about a future.

One for sure I can’t predict.

Keeping armed and smiling warmly.

Have my degree in high conflict.

Dennis Mantin

Einstein Sarcasm

A woman old enough to know better referred to the girl getting her coffee as “Einstein.”

After the woman left, the barista looked at her co-worker and said, “Can you believe that? She called me Einstein. ”

The co-worker said, “Like being rude?”

She answered, “Like yeah?!”

I don’t know who is more entertaining: millennials or the generation that raised them?

Dennis Mantin

Pyrrhic Victory

The advisor said, “Kill them with kindness.”

Sometimes you have to recognize that avoiding conflict with someone who is addicted to conflict is the only option if avoiding a pyrrhic victory.

Writing cheques to keep peace appears weak to some… I get it.

However, if you don’t raise children in a safe, peaceful environment, then you’ll be dealing with therapy for the rest of their lives.

Dennis Mantin

That Sparkling Light

It’s calmer in the evenings, bathing in that sparkling light.

Just moments of peace and wonder where wonder brings the night.

Before the fears take over and time has had her way.

Its nothing short of dying and those words you try to say.

It’s because we love and want and out of that we grow the fear.

When I see my daughter and wish my Mom was here…

Dennis Mantin

Comments & Numbers

Sometimes, I get so tired and then miraculously somehow after 2 weekend sleeps, the energy returns.

The weather is warmer now. Winter is gone for a rest, and we can wear shorts and T’s again.

The financial fears have faded with long work hours and great fortunate blessings. Mainly, Le Tai is here, and her humble humility and help are incalculable.

I finally realize that I don’t have to do it all by myself.

I usually start my day checking the comments and numbers of my blog on WordPress…

I say that it doesn’t matter whether the comments are positive or negative, but words matter…

Dennis Mantin

Lepers in the Graveyard

The lepers spent their time in graveyards because their options were somewhat limited.

Ancient social distancing.

We are asked to stay at home and some of us are fortunate enough to have one of these.

Upon healing the 10 lepers, one returned to thank Jesus,which begged the question where were the other 9?

The math still stands.

Dennis Mantin