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.

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."