Just because you can't see it doesn't mean it isn't there.

Not all that long ago there was joy and celebration (and even astonishment) as scientist and politicians declared the end of the oil spill crisis in the Gulf of Mexico. The scientists explained how a new strain of oil-eating bacteria happens to have a voracious appetite for just this kind of oil. The politicians slapped each other other on the back said, "Fine job! We got rid of the oil!"

Okay... great! And then we hear there is a layer of oil laying on the floor of the ocean. Surprise! ;-)

Just because you can't see it doesn't mean its not there. Oh how quickly we want to make a final determination or judgment based on observable data!

There is an inviolable fact that remains in all conditions.. that being... there is always more unobservable data than observable data.

I think empowerment comes through the judgment of whether or not you spend additional time on a subject rather than deciding if all the facts are in. If you always keep an open mind and realize that there is more data unknown to you - and that the data changes constantly - then, you can make an educated decision on the facts you have, decide if you want to spend anymore energy on the subject, and move on. This leaves you in the flexible position of being able to come back to the subject and process any new information without having to "save face" or defend a previously held position.

This month keep an open mind on your own thoughts, behaviors and actions. As best you can, always accept your own thoughts as being true and authentic and move forward with that information. Assume there is something more to know and seek to discover what that is. Ask yourself "Why?"