An inconvenient TRUTH

Have you ever wondered why there are countries that have people living without electricity, running water or sewage removal/containment?

It all requires money to manage and or maintain.  

Someone had to harness the energy for electricity,  regulate the flow of and maintenance of water going in and sewage going out.

In doing so; a fee is charged (for profit etc) for these basic needs we take for granted today.

For example: The Philippines has rural areas that are fairly primitive. They live off the land with simple shelter, land to farm/grow some basic foods and animals for food, they raise and or sell as needed. 

No payments are due for any of those basic needs of survival. 

It is physically harder, living life that way however one does not need to rely on or do much else, than find fuel for fire(cooking) and a space for human or other wastes. 

Natives of any land had done this for hundreds of thousands of years.  

Today; our modern-day life that most are used to is rather simplified,  convenient and seemingly carefree/worry free.  Or is it really?

Today we are modern day slaves.

If you own, or rent, there are still taxes to be paid. You drive a vehicle or many other conveyances.   Various monthly dues ranging from utilities, phone, insurance,  medical and of course food expenses,  to name a bit.  You generally must work to maintain or sustain your way of life and in the end; is there actually any real happiness?   One simply cannot wake one day and decide to not work for a month or several.  Without losing most or everything they've attained.  

Sure there is that small percentage that has that ability; but the odds, that is you?

We are slaves to the system(Web), we all had helped create over the course of time.  It isn't a bad thing, to live life as such.  Or is it?

  The big thing today;  distractions, distracting us from the very illusion of this reality.     Reparations anyone?  

 Look at yourself and awaken!  Get the bigger picture in life.  Be here now, and do not over-complicate life!

~ONWARD with this new perspective.  We must be better stewards of our home; Earth.

You live, you learn(and LIVE!)

Common sense.

It seems simple enough, doesn't it?  People work hard in their everyday lives.

 
Here in the real world, most if not all of us have responsibilities like the rent(house payment) 
car payment, the insurance. Gasoline, food on the table too the clothes on our back.

 
Some are married or have children.  That dramatically increases our responsibility.  All the other insignificant but  important things like the phone and cable bills. The toys you may have(boats, snowmobile, jet skis and dirt bikes) to name a few.  That is a lot of responsibility! 
No wonder, the males or females these days don't want to be more adult-like. Getting, or staying married and or owning up to the responsibility attained from it all.  Sure they enjoy the gamble(sex) but no, they often do not want the child. Certainly do not take being a parent very seriously either. No one is perfect, as we are young(20's early 30's) more is taken for granted.
Anyway, going back to work(the daily grind) Whatever it may be; It is all tough on us.
On our mind, our body(for some) some are sleep deprived for whatever reason.  It is life though.  You all do what you have to do.       'Just do what is right, in all that you do in your life'

No handouts!  Sure, there are times that some(many) need temporary help.  Just to get back on top of things.  I get that part of the assistance.  I come from a family of  8.
So everyday, we face each other in some way or another.  Heading to work, racing along the roads to our destination.  Be nice, relax and just take your time.  We're all on the same page.  Just going about our day(the grind) and getting there on time is a must, but plan ahead!
If you're late, so what?  You're alive for one, and generally you'll have a good excuse for being late.  The speed-demon, driver mentality isn't necessary(ladies; I mean you too!)
You're just adding to the frustration!  The long workday still awaits for most; you just want to make it through your day.  Whatever plans afterward if not simply going home.
It really should be that simple;  sometimes it isn't though.

Relax!  You'll get there when you get there.  That is what matters most, right?
Don't cut others off, aggressively drive or challenge anyone trying to pass you by.

It isn't a game, but a faster pace of travel(think horse-back or carriage) those days are way behind us but can you see where; in between, the madness creeps in? It isn't necessary. So when your path crosses with another on a a regular day; One is doing his/her job while another has his/her agenda(plan)  Do the right thing and leave each other alone.

You'll live another day, or indeed you may be at your END.
There are no certainties, but "victims of circumstance", there are plenty.   

The end, is the END.        At least for this lifetime, that'll be the end of it for you(us).  Time to look inward: time to change.        

Tis the season!

It's that time of year again!       

Time to prepare your sweet tooth or be ready to give, give, give; for no other reason than "its the spirit of the holiday"  or whatever you grew up to believe.  All we know is the shelves change,(month's early) in all the stores and we're expected to go in and buy!

We cannot possibly plan on eating all this stuff?!   Seriously, have you really looked at all the amounts of sugar, high fructose corn syrup and calories?  Along with all that artificial color and flavors added? 

But that's the plan for so many,          "They are counting on you!"  

The makers of all those wonderful sweets, are in overdrive again, too get everything off their production lines; into trailers that will ship them across the country to a distribution center(Then a store near you).   

This is the official time though for those of us in America!  All the way til Easter! 

Sheesh!,  well, enjoy and to each their own in the decisions they make. 

It's just my thoughts anymore.   I do enjoy the change of season's and all.  The things that come along only in season; however there is still the idea of moderation(self control).

 Just because they choose to manufacture all these products in a timely manner; does not mean we all need to go out and buy it, in excess!  That is expected of you!(Or is it simply a gamble?)  Besides, they take it way to far these days.  I prefer the simple ways of life and the little things that make life wonderful!  It isn't all that stuff above!

(Black Friday anyone? ) Who is controlling who?  Gradually you're becoming so predictable, they can count on you!   Such a materialistic wasteland.  Yes it makes for a good economy in buying  excessively. But who really needs it?
I am talking about everything in general now.  The T.V.'s to phones, vehicles to household amenities.  Moderation is KEY.  There is nothing wrong with living simple, even as near minimal as possible.  
(Takes some of the stress out of the life we live.)

A personal view regarding TRUST (It just doesn't change)

Trust, is as important as patience, in the world today.  Some believe it is more important than money!
From your family, friends, to the outside circles.  Getting a job or a specific job for that matter.
Growing up, I sensed the importance of trust rather quickly.  It began with taking on or accepting responsibility at a young age. 

 I came from a large family(by today's typical size) and being the oldest male; I saw an opportunity!  For one, trust goes a long, long way for you, growing up.
Until it is broken, then suddenly you find yourself at the end of the road you were traveling and you essentially threw yourself off a cliff!  Okay, maybe you fell a hundred feet or so but think about where you were, before you fell.  What it took to get there!
You don't usually have anyone else to blame either.  There are some examples of where it wouldn't be your fault(LIES) causing your reputation/ name to be slandered or destroyed.  Otherwise that trust and the path you are on with others, is solidly up to you.
Growing up; I had built trust with my folks, to be in charge of my siblings. Not really by choice, but there was favor in being good and helpful at home.  I learned a lot more and by the time I had my first job;

 I remember a task given to me at the fast-food restaurant I worked for.  The manager sent me with $40 to the local bank, so there would be change for the cash register. 

That was a test for me, to build trust within.  I passed and excelled there, til I was ready to move on.  I felt good about it afterwards  (Do what is right).  

Throughout life, many circumstances like that had occurred. 

 Different values of money or different  items of value, entrusted with me.  I passed them all and realized more and more that it is crucial in life, to be trusted!  So lets look at another angle;  You have an old friend(best friend) that you had a blast growing up with. Trusted etc.  Suddenly, your paths change for several years (lets go with 7)
You are a married man or woman now, possibly with a child.  This friend reappears back into your life by chance.  "Just like old times, right?"  NO, The trust must be earned again.

To some degree, for sure.

  You do not write blank checks on trust to anyone, For any reason. Unless you simply want to 'take a chance'.  It is just the way it is and should be,  PERIOD.

Like having an employer you had once worked for in the past; trusted you with this or that etc.
Now a few years later, you begin working for them again.  Should it be as it had been before?  No, you really need to prove yourself again.  
Sure, you may not have to work so hard for it today, but trust is always earned and should never be given.  There are possible consequences, otherwise.  
Some may be able to absorb the misfortunes of 'writing blank checks on trust'.
Family or not, the rules apply!  
Look around in society today, at all the distractions, temptations and new risks to take.
Don't be fooled by the devil's hand; people can and do change.
Drugs are the most significant reason, too. Debt or desperation.
Think about it. 

The secret to a long life...

From living on the edge, to the dangerous road(paths we follow)...

I remember a phrase from an older western movie.  Simple but true, and relates to all walks of life.
It goes: "The secret to a long life, is to try not to shorten it."  

So that alone, opens up so many possibilities as to its statement.  Anything you may do, that directly or indirectly makes that likely.    

(Here's another)  Do not piss off an individual that already seems disgruntled or angry at the world.)

Think about how that relates in your life for a moment(or a while). Secondly, do you care?  I can say by observation; a high percentage do not care. They may act like it is important but the actions in their lifestyle says otherwise.  For myself, it made a significant impact upon hearing it.

Throughout my life; from the teenage years on through adulthood; I managed to stay away from the rampant drug use. Sure, I was 'around' people, that used and what not but my self control was a powerful force within me.

Thankfully, I had grown to despise anything, that removes you from reality.  (Hmmm, was that a good decision?) 

 I am not into that fantasy, feel good therapy of drugs, alcohol or whatever.  

Adventurous; I am also not.  So many things one may do to ' live on the edge.'
  I felt the common knowledge of (drug use) dangers and had "seen enough to know".  

Alcohol, I have had my rendezvous with a bit. 
  I don't get too caught up in it all.  Life, is taking risks or chances, that often lead to circumstances.  

Lets look back to the Greatest generation:
After Pearl Harbor, thousands made the Choice to join the armed forces of our great country.

I am deeply grateful, for each and every one of them!

As dangerous as it had become, (after the monotony of waiting to deploy) to the eastern front, all the way to the Pacific; The odds were not good for so many. 

Think about the Bataan death march, for example.

  All those lost along the way (a horrible death) to the camps of which they moved about from.  All the individuals that had lost a friend(battle buddy) as casualties of war.  

Now imagine those that survived;  Incredible men!  against all the odds, they eventually made it home.
It wasn't their time.                          (Do you believe in reincarnation? )

  Fast forward into today.  Do you think any of them had imagined living up til 60, even 70? or past 85?  Amazing individuals!  Many things come to mind as to why they survived so long after.  Life wasn't taken for granted anymore.  

They likely lived moderately as well as ate what they consumed; moderately.  Not excessively, or even lived too dangerously.
Life was precious to them, and after the extreme hardship, trauma or inner struggles; they had taken on an awareness you really cannot experience the same way as they had.  

Humbling, I'm sure as well.

That is why I believe, there are no certainties in life.  

Some fade away or perish from circumstance(beyond our control). Others take their own lives.

From the young age of 18, I knew or at least had a pretty good idea what was ahead of me.  REALITY, and the real world where there are no handouts.  

Life is hard, and you really need to begin with a plan or goals and get to work!  

No sloth, laziness or expecting a relative to continue raising us in our young adult lives.
No time to screw around with your life.
Now, my life is not perfect or the best by any means.  But my life isn't anything to complain about either.
I know  there are others that struggle more than I.
Some have been given a 'bad hand of card's' dealt to them.  

So as for my own life; I am grateful, and to God I am thankful.
Too each they're own life.  Who knows how far you'll make it?

Remember this:  You're not there, til you're there!
   After being born, death is assured.

A world without God?

If you're living life, like there is no God:

You better be right!

You are given free will to do with your life, what you wish.  There is  however a good possibility of an opposite (unexpected) reaction, to your actions in life.  Choose to do what is right. What feels (deep inside you) to be the right decision.  Learn to ignore the Ego within you.  Be you; not the people around you(copycat)  in society. 

Find yourself, and be yourself.

No path I follow is wrong, unless the path is a circle.
 ~Break your patterns and you will find yourself. 

A tale of two words(Sticks and stones)

Growing up these days,
seems harsh, though ever so privileged also. Even harder now that we have technology at our fingertips and most have introduced it to our children at too young of an age. (You think that isn't going to affect your ability to raise your child without further distraction or consequence?) 
We were all young once. All of us had our "terrible two's" as a toddler. Wasn't long after that; being introduced to another aspect of life. Learning to be away from our protector's. Our "loving, caring, considerate and giving parents."  You mom's out there in particular.  We typically enroll them in preschool, then comes kindergarten. And so it all begins!  
Another aspect of our lives; necessary to grow, learn, be able and capable, for the life we will eventually enter into. This ever-changing world around us. (Our brains are simply amazing!)
All that we absorb, from the womb of which we came. (for some of you out there; No, you were not found under a rock)  We're growing, learning,and even battling from that very moment we entered the 'breathing air' world.  
Survival begins more specifically at age 5 or kindergarten.
The harshness I speak of?  You all have heard your child speak of another child, either shoving, taking away from or simply being mean to them. He or she (and yes they are gender different! Decided by the parents and God, not to be decided by the child later in life. Male is Male/ Female is Female. 

 Resonating with the opposite of what you were born as, is perfectly normal however.
Anyway, they are essentially being and experiencing being bullied.
I'm sure they had somewhat experienced it before schooling.
Picked on or being teased. Although you're in school to learn, you are still there to survive.  It is simply part of life, for as long as I can remember(Don't kid yourself either, if you think otherwise)
Always has been about survival, since conception.
So yes, bullying happens.  I have some wounds or scars inside from my younger days as a child on through. It changes you inside, it'll even mold you and ultimately, you'll decide(by choice) how you turn out. The old saying, "If it doesn't kill you, it'll only make you stronger" I've lived some dark days, even darker in my mind. 
Thankfully, I have reigned in my own 'demons' or what have you.
Whatever is brewing, stirring, simmering or boiling over at times.
With social media and all those on there doing all they can, with all their might! Just to get inside your head. Unfortunately it seems so many do succeed.  But think about this;  Only you have the KEY, and you do not have to let them in!  (Sticks and stones)

You decide, but I assure you, later in life and looking back;
 chances are you are the one that survived with a clearer mind.
Self control, confidence, and patience, wins. Nothing else matters but what you feel; happy within yourself. Look inward for acceptance, not out toward the cruel society that is just pretending.

Deception in disguise

So who's really in control?

if you are not of yourself?  Let's begin with the obvious, simple things we see all around us today.

How often do you use your(smart)phone everyday? Social media, games etc.  Can you believe we are already to the point of asking that?  Look back, not that long ago. Seems like just a few years but time sure flies when you aren't paying attention.  We were all just using phones to text and wait for, or call out to someone.  Wasn't to complicating and yet still, it was distracting and annoying depending on where you were. We have become desensitized to that part(usage and its original purpose) and even further zoned out to what small yet significant distraction that(phone technology) has literally done, in taking over our lives! 

~the invasion~  

We allowed, it to happen(and was this the true intent?)  Someone put the blinders on us and we didn't blink much.  What happened to what matters most? 

 Our time, precious time! Everyday, weeks into months. Family, work, the near future and what is happening locally where we live.  You cannot tell me over 50% of all those you see wherever you go, have it all figured out.  They are financially secure without a worry in their minds?  They don't have to worry about food on the table, clothes for their children? Gas in the van or car etc?  The Dr bill that you keep getting reminders of, or the baby on the way.  

   

~the illusion~  

Smart phones, have been unnecessarily infused into our lives and for some it is like the air you breathe.  I don't think we were ready for that sudden change(maybe gradually) but look around at the effects upon the general public.

It isn't easy for most, and society tells us we need the latest gadgets, newest style of clothing and hey don't forget the new tattoo. "You should be buying a home already!"

~LOSING OURSELVES
Come on, whats with you? you gotta keep up with the trends! That's life, right?  Umm, NO.
You should only worry about you, and nothing or nobody else.  Think of what short term plans or goals that you need to achieve and focus(begin) there.  Take a breather from the society they feed us, from t.v. commercials, co-worker talk or even the family circle.  You are an adult now and the road ahead is yours! 

Not your mother's and not your father's. Not your friend's or your relative's.          

  You decide, for yourself where you want to go in life, and how.  Life is hard enough, and you don't need the pressure otherwise. (High school is over).    

 Distractions
Think about all that fits in the category of distractions:  Games, (all you gamer's)  National sports(NFL, NBA, baseball) game hunting;(really? you hunt for fun?) games on your phone,  NASCAR, concerts, and  well your social media to name a few. (Don't forget those set on the latest hit movie, (In my opinion; the movies just aren't about the real world anymore.  Hollywood has polluted the minds and distorted the views into something that fits their agenda).

Sure, I get it; we need an outlet to the daily grind of life but when it becomes an obsession, to a significant priority in your life; (over family),  To the point that you become angry over it's disruption?  It is time to rethink, your priorities.
You shouldn't be fighting your spouse, a family member or even with "Joe public"  because your playtime was disrupted.  It is time to grow up, reshape your thinking and get back to what matters most.
If all or any of those things(above) are of significant importance to you?  You are no longer in control.

Reality~   

You're no longer in control of YOU!
You've been successfully weakened as a man or woman, but don't you worry. There are plenty that join you.  Life may be simple again someday. Less stressful and you may feel genuine happiness again, someday.  The more you begin breaking free of those chains that bind you.  
Those chains are your weaknesses; the vices or something you cannot go without.
Awaken, take charge of yourself and lead the way for other's to follow! Sadly, there are few good examples left for others to follow.  Not in sports, not in television and really, few are found at home.
You can change that!  Our children of here and now (more than ever) need better role models of individuals that REALLY ARE in control of the way they live life.   So be it*    The future depends on them, with our guidance.

                 Awaken, and discover for yourself.

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!