Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Continuing Character When Times Get Tough
As I'm writing this, I'm in the stage of frantically Google-ing the answers for my finance homework that is due in about 20 minutes. Screw trying to actually figure out how to do the problem; I just need it done so I can get the grade. Why did they even give us homework over Thanksgiving break? I've absolutely adopted the mindset that when I go home, I don't do homework. Why should I? I go home to see my family, friends, and even my girlfriend when we are both home, I don't go home to do homework.
That's my own personal qualm; I fight with myself constantly about trying to make my bad habits go away and work towards my ideal self. But character is in fact a personal thing; I can think clearly of that saying that says, "Sometimes what's right is not always popular; sometimes what's popular is not always right." I could have absolutely sat myself down and done the homework before I left school, but I didn't. Why is that?
We all have our individual boundaries of willpower. For some, they have that discipline and they can get whatever is on their workload done with the flip of a switch. For others, it's not so easy. We all seem to convince ourselves that next week, or tomorrow, or after I take this test or hand in this assignment, we can switch into the habits that we want. And we do... for a day. But in our super-demanding, completely impatient society that we all live in, it lasts just a day and then we forget about our goals and slide right back into our old ways. Now I'm sure the habits that we try to change are overwhelming problems; it's not like we are serial killers looking to stop or bank robbers looking to get rid of the itch, but nonetheless, we all have our annoyances that aggravate us or others to the point of trying to change it to make ourselves better.
We have to remember the fact that we are all human, and that generally, we all live rather long lives. And in living a long life, we are subject to learning more and more about life with every day that passes. As much technology as we have, we are not computers, and we cannot just input a formula to change ourselves. We are meant to live a life faced with challenges, so that we can learn more about ourselves in trying to overcome them. Computers can do a lot yes, but they are literally no match for what the human mind can do.
Continuing character when times get tough is necessary for us to live successful lives. We live in a world where we get judged by everyone, for everything, whether it's your fault or not. You need to think about those positive qualities that are generally accepted by everyone, and those you especially strive for, and make a step by step plan to change yourself for the better. It won't happen overnight, you can bet the bank on that; it takes a lot of hard work, discipline, commitment, and sacrifice. Make a note for yourself, and leave it somewhere where you will always see it, that way you can throw out the excuse of forgetting about it. And don't let that laziness rot your brain neither; I haven't figured out why it is laziness is always present inside us, but it is, and it ain't too good of a friend.
I've got my own habits that I'd like to get rid of, as you can see. The life I want to live is a great one, and I know I can also have a lot of fun with life while practicing great character too. Let me know what you want to change, the steps, and how it turns out.
That's just how I feel.
- Doug
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
On Confidence in Yourself and The American Dream
We all remember sitting in our history classes when we were young, probably in a circle inside the classroom for a group discussion, and talking about what the American Dream really was. Nobody volunteered to speak, of course, because that would be geekish, and nobody wants to be a geek. But looking back on it all now, have we as individuals lost sight of it all?
Each and every one of us has a different Dream. It deals with careers, spouses, houses, cars, pets, kids, toys, money, and in general, success and being happy. Singers write songs about it, politicians preach it, and we as the common folk all believe, pray, and rely on it. It involves working harder for satisfaction than our hard-working, back-breaking parents did for us, and doing it not only for ourselves, but also for our family, friends, and those around us.
But it never comes easy. Like I said, our parents, and their parents before them (and so on and so forth), had to work hard, make sacrifices that they usually wouldn't make, and do things to ensure their survival in this world. My grandmother always tells me of back in the Depression when she would use cardboard for shoe soles. To imagine having to do that in our world today is unimaginable; we want too much, spend too much, and are too high-class for that. But the thing that we have to understand, and learn from, is that when times get tough, we dig in our heels, grit our teeth, and fire back to get the job done right. We're down, but we are, and never will be, out.
A lot of people have said lately that America is not the same as it used to be. Corrupt politicians, money-laundering, and no concern for the Middle Man seem to be at the top of the list. I personally feel that yeah, we have gotten ourselves into a pretty big hole, but not deep enough to the point where we can't see the sun's light above us. If you really feel that way, stop and take a minute to look what is going on around you. Not that I agree with with EVERYTHING that is going on, but look at people voicing their opinions for what they believe in; a true democracy where people are free to live the life that they want to. No, it's not going to be perfect, nor will it ever be; it is, after all, run by humans, and humans by nature are perfectly susceptible to making mistakes. But all around you, people are standing up for what is right so that the they can too live their own American Dream.
Part of this Dream not only comes from expressing yourself outward towards, but also instilling confidence in yourself to know that you can get the job done. We all can talk the talk, but we also need to prove to others that we can walk the walk as well. I have my goals, just like you have yours; sometimes, especially lately, they appear foggy and out of sight, almost as if they exist somewhere, just not in front of you. But believe in yourself, because they arethere. No matter what it is, if you don't start out with the confidence to get the job done, you won't reach your goals, and then your American Dream is nothing but a piece of shit in a clean lake. If there's ever one thing I've noticed about this crazy world, it's that no matter how deep you are in the dumps, you or someone you know, or some stranger for that matter, can lend a hand and pull you out. I've felt pretty low sometimes, and I come from a family where beating yourself up from doing one tiny little thing wrong is fairly common; but depression, and the unfortunate circumstance of feeling like you are going nowhere in life, are never permanent. Instead, they are temporary, and even though you don't want them there, they are there to help you learn a lesson about something.
So go out and do whatever it is that you want. Set your goals high, and set them in the right direction. Yeah, you might take a wrong turn every now and then, but don't let it affect where you eventually want to get to. It is, after all, your American Dream.
That's just how I feel. - Doug
Each and every one of us has a different Dream. It deals with careers, spouses, houses, cars, pets, kids, toys, money, and in general, success and being happy. Singers write songs about it, politicians preach it, and we as the common folk all believe, pray, and rely on it. It involves working harder for satisfaction than our hard-working, back-breaking parents did for us, and doing it not only for ourselves, but also for our family, friends, and those around us.
But it never comes easy. Like I said, our parents, and their parents before them (and so on and so forth), had to work hard, make sacrifices that they usually wouldn't make, and do things to ensure their survival in this world. My grandmother always tells me of back in the Depression when she would use cardboard for shoe soles. To imagine having to do that in our world today is unimaginable; we want too much, spend too much, and are too high-class for that. But the thing that we have to understand, and learn from, is that when times get tough, we dig in our heels, grit our teeth, and fire back to get the job done right. We're down, but we are, and never will be, out.
A lot of people have said lately that America is not the same as it used to be. Corrupt politicians, money-laundering, and no concern for the Middle Man seem to be at the top of the list. I personally feel that yeah, we have gotten ourselves into a pretty big hole, but not deep enough to the point where we can't see the sun's light above us. If you really feel that way, stop and take a minute to look what is going on around you. Not that I agree with with EVERYTHING that is going on, but look at people voicing their opinions for what they believe in; a true democracy where people are free to live the life that they want to. No, it's not going to be perfect, nor will it ever be; it is, after all, run by humans, and humans by nature are perfectly susceptible to making mistakes. But all around you, people are standing up for what is right so that the they can too live their own American Dream.
Part of this Dream not only comes from expressing yourself outward towards, but also instilling confidence in yourself to know that you can get the job done. We all can talk the talk, but we also need to prove to others that we can walk the walk as well. I have my goals, just like you have yours; sometimes, especially lately, they appear foggy and out of sight, almost as if they exist somewhere, just not in front of you. But believe in yourself, because they arethere. No matter what it is, if you don't start out with the confidence to get the job done, you won't reach your goals, and then your American Dream is nothing but a piece of shit in a clean lake. If there's ever one thing I've noticed about this crazy world, it's that no matter how deep you are in the dumps, you or someone you know, or some stranger for that matter, can lend a hand and pull you out. I've felt pretty low sometimes, and I come from a family where beating yourself up from doing one tiny little thing wrong is fairly common; but depression, and the unfortunate circumstance of feeling like you are going nowhere in life, are never permanent. Instead, they are temporary, and even though you don't want them there, they are there to help you learn a lesson about something.
So go out and do whatever it is that you want. Set your goals high, and set them in the right direction. Yeah, you might take a wrong turn every now and then, but don't let it affect where you eventually want to get to. It is, after all, your American Dream.
That's just how I feel. - Doug
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Brothers in Arms
I've always been the kind of person who wants to give back to the community. As someone who benefits from many community activities, I personally feel it's important to give back to others that give to me.
So when I went on call today at my local Ambulance station, I stood on standby as I saw firefighters go into a burning building. It was rather boring for me, just sitting there watching people and not doing anything. (Keep in mind that I'm an adrenaline-craving teenager who needs to be satisfied with stuff like big, fiery explosions and other assorted things of that nature.) Nonetheless, something bothered me. Yes, there was a fire going on, but everybody got out OK. What really bugged me was the lack of comraderie in our services these days. And to be honest, it's not just in firefighting anymore. Even in EMS, there is no brotherhood, no alliance, no cadre of people who you can go out for drinks with after a long, hard day on the job. Plain and simple, it's just not there.
People have noticed, too. Is it just in the water here? Why is it in some towns and not in others? In New York, several towns got together and donated a fire truck to their buddies in the Marten River Fire Dept. in Canada. In other countries around the world, too, it happens. But it seems here in America, too many people are concerned with me, not we. It seems that way, at least. I know I can't speak on behalf of the entire country. Maybe it's just the way that media persuades us. But maybe, just maybe if we just took the time, just a couple of hours out of every day, to get to know each other more, not by Facebook, Twitter, or text messaging, but instead by actually talking to these people, we would regain the sense of brotherhood that has been missing for some time now.
That's just how I feel.
-Doug
So when I went on call today at my local Ambulance station, I stood on standby as I saw firefighters go into a burning building. It was rather boring for me, just sitting there watching people and not doing anything. (Keep in mind that I'm an adrenaline-craving teenager who needs to be satisfied with stuff like big, fiery explosions and other assorted things of that nature.) Nonetheless, something bothered me. Yes, there was a fire going on, but everybody got out OK. What really bugged me was the lack of comraderie in our services these days. And to be honest, it's not just in firefighting anymore. Even in EMS, there is no brotherhood, no alliance, no cadre of people who you can go out for drinks with after a long, hard day on the job. Plain and simple, it's just not there.
People have noticed, too. Is it just in the water here? Why is it in some towns and not in others? In New York, several towns got together and donated a fire truck to their buddies in the Marten River Fire Dept. in Canada. In other countries around the world, too, it happens. But it seems here in America, too many people are concerned with me, not we. It seems that way, at least. I know I can't speak on behalf of the entire country. Maybe it's just the way that media persuades us. But maybe, just maybe if we just took the time, just a couple of hours out of every day, to get to know each other more, not by Facebook, Twitter, or text messaging, but instead by actually talking to these people, we would regain the sense of brotherhood that has been missing for some time now.
That's just how I feel.
-Doug
Friday, November 27, 2009
To Celebrate the Holidays...Or Something Like That.
I woke up yesterday and I was in a bad mood.
Not that that's totally different from any other day, really. I mean, come on, who wants to wake up from eight hours of glorious sleep in a comfortable bed? But then again, there are so many things to do, and by being lazy, we miss out on all of those opportunities.
But that's not why I was mad. I was mad because it was Thanksgiving. Now don't get me wrong, read my entire post before you start yelling at your computer about how I live such a decrepid life. I personally love Thanksgiving; I love spending time with family that I haven't seen in months, eating food that will most likely double my weight, and sinking into the big comfy couch that resides at my aunt's house, while I, alongside the men of the house, watch the football games.
But the reason why I don't like Thanksgiving has absolutely nothing to do with my Great Aunt Louise's spinach balls (You know, she keeps telling me that if I want to be in the Coast Guard like Popeye was, I'd better start eating them. I haven't listened to her once.) It's because, to me at least, it's not even considered a holiday anymore; it's only known as the start of a long weekend off from school for kids, a marketing day for television, and most importantly, a timetable for when you can rub elbows with strangers and battle with others like Sinbad and Arnold for the "perfect" Christmas toys.
With all honestly, this disgusts me. First off, there's the mind-boggling. How can a nation like ourselves, who eat a remarkable 675,000,000 lbs. of turkey on Thanksgiving, possibly have the ability to get up from off of the toilet and wobble our way down to Kohl's or Big Lot's? Second off, there's the unimaginable. Why would people wait outside in freezing cold temperatures to buy something for someone that they see two, maybe three, times a year? And lastly, there's the moral. Everyday, we hear people talk about how we need to slow life down and spend more time relaxing with our families. All of us, including myself, listen, agree, and then return to our normal lives. If you truly enjoy the company of your loved ones, which is the basic point of Thanksgiving, then why would you want to leave that peace and harmony to rush down to the store, where you are most likely going to sleep outside in God-awful conditions, wake up bleary-eyed at 4 am, and, being frustrated from your lack of sleep, buy presents for people
in your Scrooge-like state of mind. I don't know about you, but it doesn't sound like an ideal amount of fun for me. Christ, I'd rather eat the spinach balls.
This is just my own opinion. I know that this will go on forever, and there is really no way to fix this. I'm just frustrated at the fact that all year long, we always feel sorry for those who are homeless and have hit bad luck, but yet for one day, one incredibly important day, we leave all of that to engage ourselves in exactly that. Thanksgiving should be a day of relaxing, family bonding, and rejoicing; not a day of big sales, crowds, and bumper to bumper parking lots.
Happy Thanksgiving. Or at least what's left of it.
That's just how I feel.
- Doug
Not that that's totally different from any other day, really. I mean, come on, who wants to wake up from eight hours of glorious sleep in a comfortable bed? But then again, there are so many things to do, and by being lazy, we miss out on all of those opportunities.
But that's not why I was mad. I was mad because it was Thanksgiving. Now don't get me wrong, read my entire post before you start yelling at your computer about how I live such a decrepid life. I personally love Thanksgiving; I love spending time with family that I haven't seen in months, eating food that will most likely double my weight, and sinking into the big comfy couch that resides at my aunt's house, while I, alongside the men of the house, watch the football games.
But the reason why I don't like Thanksgiving has absolutely nothing to do with my Great Aunt Louise's spinach balls (You know, she keeps telling me that if I want to be in the Coast Guard like Popeye was, I'd better start eating them. I haven't listened to her once.) It's because, to me at least, it's not even considered a holiday anymore; it's only known as the start of a long weekend off from school for kids, a marketing day for television, and most importantly, a timetable for when you can rub elbows with strangers and battle with others like Sinbad and Arnold for the "perfect" Christmas toys.
With all honestly, this disgusts me. First off, there's the mind-boggling. How can a nation like ourselves, who eat a remarkable 675,000,000 lbs. of turkey on Thanksgiving, possibly have the ability to get up from off of the toilet and wobble our way down to Kohl's or Big Lot's? Second off, there's the unimaginable. Why would people wait outside in freezing cold temperatures to buy something for someone that they see two, maybe three, times a year? And lastly, there's the moral. Everyday, we hear people talk about how we need to slow life down and spend more time relaxing with our families. All of us, including myself, listen, agree, and then return to our normal lives. If you truly enjoy the company of your loved ones, which is the basic point of Thanksgiving, then why would you want to leave that peace and harmony to rush down to the store, where you are most likely going to sleep outside in God-awful conditions, wake up bleary-eyed at 4 am, and, being frustrated from your lack of sleep, buy presents for people
in your Scrooge-like state of mind. I don't know about you, but it doesn't sound like an ideal amount of fun for me. Christ, I'd rather eat the spinach balls.
This is just my own opinion. I know that this will go on forever, and there is really no way to fix this. I'm just frustrated at the fact that all year long, we always feel sorry for those who are homeless and have hit bad luck, but yet for one day, one incredibly important day, we leave all of that to engage ourselves in exactly that. Thanksgiving should be a day of relaxing, family bonding, and rejoicing; not a day of big sales, crowds, and bumper to bumper parking lots.
Happy Thanksgiving. Or at least what's left of it.
That's just how I feel.
- Doug
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