A SENSE OF SADNESS (being left behind)

Thoughts about family/friends we have lost or had to abandon:
 
We all feel it randomly, day in and day out.  Some more than others.
After joy or happiness; somewhere down the road before we exit to feeling pain, eventually it leads to anger.  Our emotions:  I pondered this thought while stirring in bed.
Another routine night, laying my head to rest.  

This sense of sadness that wandered in the crossroads of my mind.
I began imagining a better life ahead (For others I know)  Thinking about the one's that I know, the people I knew and the one's I shall know someday.  I look upon my life often, searching for ways to improve; though only where I feel it is necessary for improvement.
I like the old saying:"if it ain't broke, don't fix it"

                                                       ~Drugs     Alcohol~  
One thing we know to be true; if you cannot break free, you surely will die or likely forever live a ruined life.  This ONE life, is all you have and the years they roll on by.
      
                   Drugs                                                                                         Alcohol

Escapism from reality  is what I so often see.  What is sad to me is how many aren't untouched by this problem.  It has seeped into my own family,(Every sibling of mine) some I may call friends (and just about everyone you meet.)
The use of drugs.   No matter what kind, is controlling (weakening) our society.  I do not know what is wrong, with living in reality.  Life is supposed to be hard sometimes, if not most of the time.  At least til we figure out how to smooth it out for ourselves.  You must work hard, for all that you need or want in life.

       Do not ever believe, that someone else is to provide and take care of YOU!

        YOU, are responsible for yourself and all that you have created or 'taken in'.

                            (Sound familiar?  That was life prior to the 2nd World war, essentially) 
Happiness isn't a guarantee, but it is sure to be found in the little things that matter most.(children, significant other, or your dog that loves you no matter what)
Even those struggling with hardships, trials or some other life struggle; they still manage to find a way to be upbeat (God)  and happy, or smile sincerely. Amazing individuals! I've met a few. (They Trust In God)  You do not have to see him, rather you just know.

Somewhere in time, looking back in life; for myself, yourself or anyone else.
Somewhere, you leave another behind because of their struggle with reality.
Not by choice, but likely for safety or other reasons you have made by association in life.
They end up in the battle on their own, and the strong only survive.  (You have already said and done all you could do for them)

---Here's to giving it another shot; another try, another perspective.

Escapism:
Lost in the alcohol, in the ecstasy. Marijuana from the beginning, sometimes turns to something else in order to flee.  Looking back on the life that I lead.  So many left behind, so many passed away younger than me.(My friends; if only you didn't let it take hold!)  It is hard to believe; I  just keep on being me.

"The answer lies within"  a deep, meaningful song by Dream Theater that has helped me along my way in life. (As has many other songs, because you know; music is often someone else's experience) It has helped me to change, along with so many other variables.  It is certainly a choice, as some never do change.  What helps me keep focused the most is knowing a little about our history.
All those that came before us( a hundred years or so) Life wasn't easy for all of them, in fact in ways it was much harder living.  Life was indeed difficult, though they didn't all need to escape from reality.  I take the life given to me seriously; it is only given once. (usually) Few get a second chance.
To each their own, there are no certainties!   You really need something to Believe in*

What does it mean too you?

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?  

     These days, it is pretty clear what occurs when we do not place limits on ourselves. 

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.

GET THE BIGGER PICTURE IN LIFE

Look at where we are today, where you are specifically.  You can eat just about anything you want, almost whenever you want. Drink about anything(you get the idea?)
Think about it like this; everything that is an obsession, must have or simply a vice. Now ask yourself one question: Am I in control?  My clear response too you would be, NO.
By awareness and observation; look around you, wherever you are. Everyone is carrying chains.
those chains are the things you cannot go without. 

Example's: Your daily soda, the candy you crave and consume(the donuts). The coffee you drink or the ice cream, burgers and fries, chicken nuggets, lattes, chewing gum(lets take it up a few notches) Your cigarettes,( vaping) alcohol in any form. Drugs in any form, and lets not forget Pornography. Getting the clearer picture?

These are the things that bind you (us) distract us and overwhelm us with an illusion of control. But who is really in control? Are you? or perhaps what bind you(those chains/vices?)  Now lets ponder that for a bit. The chains that bind most; are illusions, yet for many they may never break free. Think a little deeper on that if you will.

Being raised in our wonderful country,(so many take for granted.) the smallest things, to the more significant as you could imagine. 

Being born here, does not entitle us to anything.
No where, does it say you will be successful in life, unless you WORK, PLAN and strive to SUCCEED!
You are entitled to the air you breathe, not a whole lot else. 
Now, quickly about longevity; Look around you in your everyday; how many times have you heard  about someone dying (younger)than you?
  What you've SEEN, READ or heard about. Some individuals, stricken with disease, illness, hardship, accidents, murder (death) By that I am meaning You are not guaranteed, 
to live to a healthy old age..  People become victims of circumstance for no other reason than:
'It was their time to go'  Sad but it is true and cannot be undone!

 Look at where you are today in life:    You're here as a matter of fact, because it wasn't your time.

 No where is it specified that you'll live til 60,  65,  70,  75,  80 or beyond. Til you get there, you're not there. (Period)
These are just some basic thoughts. Time to consider, taking control of YOU!