What is status to you? (2024)

 Seems like the word 'Status'  is far more important today than ever.  Specifically toward social media and what is going on "regularly" in people's lives.  Don't you miss the days when everything in your day was so much more basic/simple?  No selfies crossed your mind. Updates on 'whoever' and what "so & so" is up to lately?   It used to be we would only focus on the family, hobbies and or nearest relatives in our lives. Even then, we didn't want to learn to much(drama). 

Here in the united States;
  We had a long days work to get through, and when you finally were off; a game show or something routine on television before going to bed and (repeat). Now we are incensed with everyone's drama or latest outing; going to the store, going for a drive, going to Disneyland or vacation elsewhere.  Let us not forget all who are obsessed with their body.  Going to the gym or following the latest diet trend!  (Egoic mindest)  All for that perfect public image;  It's enough to make you a little less sane at times!  Sure, you can try and tune it out or block(un-follow) all that nonsense but it's too late for some;    you're hooked! 

Addicted!
It really is getting ridiculous as we progress onward into the future(next week) etc.  The tech phones too; What's up with that?  Why is it necessary to update to another phone(Apple) in about a year? Can't we just be happy where we are with what we have already?  

That is part of the insanity of it all; people are barely keeping up with real life, as it is and the struggles that come and go (the wealthy, entitled, silver spoon-fed individuals don't apply)  but all those that are just trying to keep up with the fast-changing and fast-paced world we are 'bullet-train riding,' ahead on; is going to put many on a collision course with a reality unknown to them: That is 3rd world living!  

You cannot imagine it but it is (a possible outcome) and the government will come along with a solution for it all. (hmmm)

Is it possible that was the plan all along?   Sound far-fetched?  Maybe, but what if?   Imagine being so distracted by things in life, meant to keep you from questioning or getting the bigger picture of what has been going on for so many decades.       

                                   
 What about 'status' :  EGO

  BY what you drive, where you live and how many "toys" you own? -EGO-

Really?  No wonder people are doing some pretty crazy things in society with guns, and the bullying or suicidal tendencies becoming more of a problem with our youth today.  

No wonder so many more choose to give up, and become homeless.

All those things to acquire are some pretty high expectations, just to fit in with everyone.  How can anyone be free of chains(debt);with all those things to acquire?  More and more looking for an escape from life and the future that lies head of them.  (Drugs, pornography, alcohol)

  The youth don't seem the slightest prepared except a certain group; those structured by a good   (No Bull***) parent, that is full on telling them what the real world is all about and guiding(structuring) them along the way as they age; til they've had enough and decided, "I'm ready!  I've got my helmet and I'm gonna take life head on!  No helicopter parenting is going to rescue me from my choices.  You own them. (Consequences or reward.) It is all yours.

I think it is okay to just be YOU.  No status, no expectations, from anyone but what you want out of life.   

LOSE THE EGO, find out who you really are.

 Technology?  Don't you worry; it's likely  to implode and you'll carry on just fine without it.  
Think; the early to mid  90's way of life.  It was not to heavy on tech and yet life seemed still simple enough to plan ahead.  Keep faith in yourself.  Your ability to take care of yourself and your responsibilities. Focus on yourself and just live for today with confidence and self control*  You'll see a car passing you by one day with a window sticker; palm trees and the phrase "no bad days"  and you'll just think (yea, no bad days).
It has to begin somewhere*   Lose the ego-mind and see life differently. 

Awaken and take control of your life!                                     

Ask not what your country can do for you...(2024)

                            

So you're an American?
Do you even know what that means?  Having been born and raised in the land of the free; do you understand how that alone is similar to buying a random lottery ticket and winning instantly(You did nothing else)  Required no other effort.  At least it must seem that way by the thousands attempting to get here the hard way.  How about American Idol;  the chosen winner did not get that status by walking across the border or rolling the dice.  It took a lot of hard work, determination, perseverance and certainly talent(we'll use skill too).
So what does it mean, to be AmerIcan?

It does mean you have many more privileges than most, born in countries around the world.
You have a voice and can be heard.  You can speak your mind publicly and go on your way.
It means you can gather peacefully to oppose something or someone, without the fear of disappearing or being "marked" out in the society that you live.  It means you can achieve almost anything you set your mind too(once you've made up your mind and set out to do it).
As a matter of fact; being an American, the only one setting limitations on what you can do with your life is primarily you! 


Certainly for some,(Bill or Melinda Gates, Warren Buffet, or Paris Hilton) it seems easier to achieve or have a successful life overall.  Look around in sports, the musicians or the actors on television.  They come from all walks of life.  Some may need to work even harder, but thousands come here to succeed, because there is opportunity to do so and the effort is worth the sacrifice.  One should not be here for handouts or take from others; what they have earned or worked hard for in their life.
It isn't the American way, and many did not get here for such reasons(though it seems the winds have changed).
Being an American, you are Not entitled however.

Nothing is free nor should it be presumed to be.  There is reward, in all the hard work that we do to live a good, comfortable life.  (Though some rewards are veiled.)
There are chains that typically may come from gaining without earning or handouts without necessity. (Government programs or welfare)
Someone else is in control, or has the upper hand and ultimately could decide your fate.

You are not entitled to free healthcare in America.  No guarantee of a retirement unless you find the right job in life or plan accordingly.  

There are no certainties and none should be expected.

The truth is, you really have to work hard to attain all that you'll need in life.  It is up to you to do your best to remain healthy(or not if you desire the opposite) but no one else should pay for your Lack Of. . .
Like the millions before you; Freedom is being an American and the privilege to have been born on this soil. The land of the free, because of the brave.
Yes  there are taxes to be paid to local & federal government entities; that are necessary for police, schools, fire departments and relatively good roads that can take you anywhere in the country.
Offering protection, education and even rescuing a home built up on the mountainside under siege from fire.  Being an American, you have a duty to continue the greatness of this country.

By working, and pursuing your own dream; not taking, expecting or feeling entitled to anything other the the air you breathe(from life itself)
So ask not what your country can do for you, but ask what it is you can do for your country(JFK)  Even better; what can you do to help yourself succeed in our great and one of a kind country that could never be replicated~
Be part of the solution and not the problem.
Don't take for granted, that you were born on the soil of these United States of America.

Do you really know who you are? (Few do)

                                         

Look back on your life.  

From as far back as you can remember.
The "wonder years", where you were learning the basics of everyday life (just being a kid)
Gradually being molded by those around you (parents or your grandpa/grandma. Uncles and aunts or even a family friend)  Your mind, taking shape to the world around you; the world you know.  For all of us, it is different.  

From the clothes on our back, food on the table to the activities we did, to pass the time in our everyday.  Our chores or responsibilities growing up; some had so many, and some had almost none.  There isn't that much to learn when you aren't exposed to very much outside in the world. 'The real world' after you've grown and should be ready to take on a life of your own.

From the term "helicopter parenting" or" free range parenting".  Always there guiding your child or hardly there to influence them as they wander about on they're own.  I was more of the latter, and could just about do what I wanted, (within my own limitations).  I knew of boundaries growing up.
I used common sense, most of the time.  Generations apart, clearly grow up differently; just look at those growing up today. (Technology overload!): 

 I am thankful that I was born several decades before.  Over the years of young adult, to mature adult; I have seen a lot change.  I have made many changes in myself, and so much remains the same.  Certainly I've changed for the better, as I've tapped into the real me. Losing the ego, gradually.

Hidden behind walls that were built around my inner self.  What is significant; I didn't let the changing times or society, change who I was over the years.  As many do, I've 'experienced alcohol and smoking and(some fads).  I never allowed myself to use drugs.  I could see the writing on the wall, on the path that drugs take you...

TRENDS

   

 All about fitting in (ego)  I just stick with the basics for the most part.  I'm a T-shirt and jeans kinda guy and that's about it.  Not a fan of sports or much anything else that involves mass noise pollution. 

Yes it is a boring  picture I am painting but there is so much more to myself than that anyway.
I know who I am on the inside, that has never changed.

I don't need the NIKE swoosh or Reebok brands. Whatever fits in with society? 

It is all everyone else's problem.
Why worry about fitting in?  I fit in myself just fine.
Don't you see, the world and life around you has very much, changed who you are?
You don't even know who you are,  do you?    Isolation: Ego
Take a trip back in your mind.  See where it has all changed.

Reinventing yourself; It's about time!

What does it mean to you(2024)

 

How many energy drinks do you consume in a week?  

What about the long term, affect?

We shall see huh?

What about all this other stuff we choose to consume?

              

                                                  Can you imagine,  what it all must do to our body?   

Sugar( high fructose corn syrup)  The GMO-foods, we cannot seem to get away from.

     These days, it is pretty clear what occurs when we do not place limits on ourselves.    (Record obesity problems beginning as young as 7-years of age in our children.)

How much beer do you "down" on an average week?

Your regular refills of your favorite soda?  Can you keep track of that uncontrollable urge to drink them?

How often do you enjoy eating pizza?  Can you think of how many times in a month you are either having pizza, ice cream, or a popular fast food meal? (Mcdonalds, In n Out, Taco bell) you get the idea.
Now stop and think what is merely, convenience and what is more because of your lack of self control? It all relates to the chains,  the things that bind us and take over our lives.
I myself enjoy eating out after a long work week. A restaurant that you sit, relax and enjoy your food.
Enjoy your beverage of choice and just relax.  What about what gets you through that long week?
Energy drinks, your soda by the refill and who knows what else.  If you look closely at all you regularly consume; how much is random and how much is so routine that, " I can't live without it"?

That's where you see what is really going on and what is really controlling you, in some way.

Many years back I had looked carefully at that weekly routine. All that I would consume as well as what I felt I relied upon. Suddenly, I realized I wasn't in control of myself in little ways. Nothing horrible, I didn't chew, smoke, drink soda excessively. 

I am not a drinker since those early years of adulthood. Anything I didn't feel I needed; I chose to cut out of my consumption for  several weeks. Just to be sure it wasn't controlling me. Once I was satisfied, I allowed myself to consume again(those things). It is tough to attempt to change the habit;
As the old saying goes, 'moderation is key' I noticed that my desire for anything waned, and I was able to pick and choose without any guilt. I was in control and that isn't a bad thing.

I look around and wonder how many are not in control?  

Having traveled coast to coast, north and south; I realize our country is out of control! 

In so many ways, besides what we consume.
Being a traveler outside the U.S. I see things in a different perspective as well.

We don't live simple lives, and strangely many only want to complicate their lives even more!
The homes or places we live, to what we drive, and what it is supposed to say(our "status") about who we are(to people we don't even know generally) Think about social media, for that matter.

You get the idea.