I'd like to begin this entry with an apt- although trite- aphorism: you live and you learn. I've come to find that every experience in life is an opportunity to learn, grow, excel, or benefit in some other way. Life can be-no, life IS brutal. Embracing this reality will give you amazing peace-of-mind. When you accept that people will be rude to you, that others will deceive you, and that those who are close to you can betray you, and likely will betray you or let you down in some way, you will gain immense power. This is accepting life as it, embracing this thing called Life in all its beautiful brutality...
It is when we buy into the ideals that certain people and organizations peddle our way that we cause ourselves and others the most harm. Understanding that there is a time and place for everything, and that you have to know how to apply the advice that others give, and that should be the goal. Many things we are taught growing up are given as absolute truths, but in reality they are half-truths. For example, we are taught that honesty is the best policy. While for the most part this is true, but not absolutely. There are obviously times when "white lies" are necessary. Fact is, we all lie; it's human nature. I suppose we are expected to find that balance on our own as we grow older, but many people never do. They end telling everyone the truth when it is wiser not to.
In closing, I feel that it is immensely liberating to accept life the way it is. You'll find that you'll have a much more realistic grasp on situations you find yourself in. To view life through the "we are all one" lens will only bring you frustration and pain...
JG
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Monday, August 24, 2009
Friday, May 22, 2009
Memorial Day
To many Americans, Memorial Day is simply a day off work, a time to cook out and enjoy the company of friends and relatives. But to the veterans who have served their country, including myself, Memorial Day is a day to remember those that paid the ultimate price for their country.
America is far from perfect; a quick look into our history reveals that. Injustices occur everyday. However, we enjoy freedoms that citizens in other countries can only hope for. That is why many immigrants come here, seeking freedoms and opportunities they do not receive in their native country. With the advantages that we enjoy, and take for granted, it is not uncommon to hear people speak derisively about the U.S. I often wish that these people would visit a country less developed than the U.S., such as Cuba or Haiti, so they can understand why there are so many refugees from these countries in America. Perhaps then they will develop an attitude of gratitude.
On Memorial Day we observe those that were just like us, that had many of the fears and complaints about the world that we have today, who made the choice to serve their country knowing the risks involved. Some fought for a country that treated them less than human, and never allowed them to forget their inferior status. Others chose to serve because of a rich and powerful legacy they felt honored to continue. Whatever the reason, these soldiers define patriotism. I hope that Americans will draw inspiration in these times from the heroes that are the foundation of our freedom.
Happy Memorial Day,
J.G.
America is far from perfect; a quick look into our history reveals that. Injustices occur everyday. However, we enjoy freedoms that citizens in other countries can only hope for. That is why many immigrants come here, seeking freedoms and opportunities they do not receive in their native country. With the advantages that we enjoy, and take for granted, it is not uncommon to hear people speak derisively about the U.S. I often wish that these people would visit a country less developed than the U.S., such as Cuba or Haiti, so they can understand why there are so many refugees from these countries in America. Perhaps then they will develop an attitude of gratitude.
On Memorial Day we observe those that were just like us, that had many of the fears and complaints about the world that we have today, who made the choice to serve their country knowing the risks involved. Some fought for a country that treated them less than human, and never allowed them to forget their inferior status. Others chose to serve because of a rich and powerful legacy they felt honored to continue. Whatever the reason, these soldiers define patriotism. I hope that Americans will draw inspiration in these times from the heroes that are the foundation of our freedom.
Happy Memorial Day,
J.G.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Commenting on the "Self"
We've always heard the saying "just be yourself." What exactly does that mean? What constitutes a person's "self," and how does anyone know who a person really is? I don't agree with the whole "just be yourself" logic. Not completely anyway. I have read that apart from genetics, a person's personality, or his or her "self," is largely learned behaviors and habits, most of which are acquired during childhood.
Most of these behaviors are learned passively, thus shaping the individuals mind on an unconscious level. Basically, who we "are" is based on our genes and early environmental influences. Now, this isn't necessarily our true personalities; it simply means that most of us are a product of our influences and experiences, especially childhood ones. Therefore, if a person wants to change something about himself, he must start with his influences and habits.
What many people fail to realize is that most people can actively influence and change their thoughts, habits, and personalities to a great extent. Napoleon Hill introduced a term years ago called autosuggestion. It is basically writing down and repeating a desired outcome in your mind on a daily basis. Over time, you will begin to embody this outcome. For example, lets say a boy was raised in an abusive household. As a result, he has grown up to be an aggressive and violent person (of course, not all people from such backgrounds become this way). Through the use of autosuggestion and perhaps some counseling, he can start to actively control his own thoughts and influences, and in time become a calm and relatively peaceful person.
All in all, we are who we choose to be. As adults, we must take responsibility for our lives, and never use the excuse that we are "just being ourselves." We are, to reference Henley "the masters of our fate, the captains of our souls."
Most of these behaviors are learned passively, thus shaping the individuals mind on an unconscious level. Basically, who we "are" is based on our genes and early environmental influences. Now, this isn't necessarily our true personalities; it simply means that most of us are a product of our influences and experiences, especially childhood ones. Therefore, if a person wants to change something about himself, he must start with his influences and habits.
What many people fail to realize is that most people can actively influence and change their thoughts, habits, and personalities to a great extent. Napoleon Hill introduced a term years ago called autosuggestion. It is basically writing down and repeating a desired outcome in your mind on a daily basis. Over time, you will begin to embody this outcome. For example, lets say a boy was raised in an abusive household. As a result, he has grown up to be an aggressive and violent person (of course, not all people from such backgrounds become this way). Through the use of autosuggestion and perhaps some counseling, he can start to actively control his own thoughts and influences, and in time become a calm and relatively peaceful person.
All in all, we are who we choose to be. As adults, we must take responsibility for our lives, and never use the excuse that we are "just being ourselves." We are, to reference Henley "the masters of our fate, the captains of our souls."
Friday, January 23, 2009
Friday the 13th: the Remake
I've been a horror movie fan my entire life. In fact, one of the first movies I remember is "The Exorcist." Now, this wasnt just an ordinary horror movie for me. I couldnt stand to be in a room by myself after watching that movie. In the years to come, I could watch movies like "Psycho" or "The Blob" and sleep peacefully directly afterwards, because in my mind, no movie could add up to the horror you experienced watching "The Exorcist."
Another horror movie that made an impact on me was "Friday the 13th." This movie made every teenager fear camping. Today, it is considered a classic. So I was pleasntly surprised when I saw the movie trailer for the remake last night.
Now, I know many people dispise remakes. They feel that a remake somehow damages the original. Personally, I like remakes, even if they aren't completely on par with the original. I feel that a remake gives a new generation an opportunity to enjoy older moveis. Remakes give younger people a chance to have their own version of a classic movie. Even when it deviates considerably from the original, it offers a new twist to a legendary story.
So, I expect the Friday the 13th remake to recieve mixed reviews. On one hand, you have the movie purists. They are strongly against remakes. Then on the other hand you have more progressive minds. They want to see what this remake has to offer the horror world. I can hardly wait...
Another horror movie that made an impact on me was "Friday the 13th." This movie made every teenager fear camping. Today, it is considered a classic. So I was pleasntly surprised when I saw the movie trailer for the remake last night.
Now, I know many people dispise remakes. They feel that a remake somehow damages the original. Personally, I like remakes, even if they aren't completely on par with the original. I feel that a remake gives a new generation an opportunity to enjoy older moveis. Remakes give younger people a chance to have their own version of a classic movie. Even when it deviates considerably from the original, it offers a new twist to a legendary story.
So, I expect the Friday the 13th remake to recieve mixed reviews. On one hand, you have the movie purists. They are strongly against remakes. Then on the other hand you have more progressive minds. They want to see what this remake has to offer the horror world. I can hardly wait...
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Just Let Them Be (disorder)
The older I get, the more I learn. That's how it should be, right? A lot of times things don't work out the way they should. But what can You do? You just gotta let it be. I don't know how else to handle things. Sometimes I feel I'm better off alone. You just have a higher level of autonomy when you live only for you. Otherwise, people tend to get in your head and influence you in ways that may not be for the best. There's no worries about other peoples feelings. None of that. Its just you, your goals, your dreams, and you can say "to hell" with everything else. I'm learning to just let them all be, man. Just let them be. I cant change nobody. I have no desire to. All I wanna do is live my life the best that I can live it. Ain't apart of no group. I ain't apart of no club. Its just me. I'm not bound by anyones regulations. I just do my own shit. You don't like it, leave me the fuck alone! Got it! Fuck it, I just keep on moving. I've been allowing nonsense to hold me down for far too long. I wanna let go. Just let go. On the count of three, let go. One...two...three. Its gone! I heard Al Pacino say in the movie "The Devils Advocate" that guilt is like a bag of bricks. He asks Kevin Lomax "who you carrying those bricks for...?" I felt like he was talking to me, so I just dropped my bag of bricks. I don't really need shit. I'm my own man. What do I need, outside of the obvious? I'm a renegade. I really don't worry about a thing, because I don't care about that much. Few things in life truly matter. Family, friends, the usual. But I'm so unusual, in so many different ways. I gotta be on my own, but I think I need someone other than myself, but who? Man , you can call me the cat, but I'm no pussy. I'm a man that strikes at opportunity. I'm on the night train, riding through the night with determination. I'm not here for bullshit. I don't have time for that. Just gimme whats mine, and I'm satisfied. You cant even talk to me about certain things, cause right now, I'm just not hearing it. I really cant. Hell, I might pretend, but deep down I don't care. Just can't afford to. When its all said and done, I know where I'll be. Do you? Man, I just don't care. Its bliss, truly bliss. I thought I could live in your world, but I was so wrong. I live against the grain; its starting to get comfortable. My bed is filled with stones and constantina wire, and I sleep soundly. I live in an alternate universe. Complete disorder. As of right now, i'm saying fuck it, and i'm gonna let them be, cause I know it really dosen't matter.
The Holidays
People tend to get sentimental during the Holiday season. My phone lights up with new text messages with things like "Its a blessing to know you" or "My life would not be as great without you." Its not a negative thing to read these messages, but I'm not heavy on the holidays; they are more for children than anyone else.
I always ask myself, "why wait until a holiday or special occasion to tell someone how special they are?" It would be much more meaningful if it was done spontaneously. Saying such kind and sentimental things are fine, but to me they are so trite. Even though most people are just being kind when they say such things, for me these comments have a tint of insincerity attached to them. I don't believe that most people intend to be that way. They are simply caught up in the holiday spirit. Its the same as a customer service person saying "have a nice day!" after you checkout. You know its just routine.
But I don't hate the holidays. I guess I'm really just ambivalent anout them. On the positive side, you get to see old friends and family that you haven't seen in years. On the annoying side, you receive all those annoying, sentimental text messages. But its better than not receiving any at all.
J.G.
I always ask myself, "why wait until a holiday or special occasion to tell someone how special they are?" It would be much more meaningful if it was done spontaneously. Saying such kind and sentimental things are fine, but to me they are so trite. Even though most people are just being kind when they say such things, for me these comments have a tint of insincerity attached to them. I don't believe that most people intend to be that way. They are simply caught up in the holiday spirit. Its the same as a customer service person saying "have a nice day!" after you checkout. You know its just routine.
But I don't hate the holidays. I guess I'm really just ambivalent anout them. On the positive side, you get to see old friends and family that you haven't seen in years. On the annoying side, you receive all those annoying, sentimental text messages. But its better than not receiving any at all.
J.G.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)