Dream Theater - The Spirit Carries On

Where did we come from, why are we here?  Where do we go when we die?
If you die tomorrow...  What choice do you have and what do you leave behind?  (life is too short) unpredictable, so many leave so soon, (so young!)   Yet some live a longer life(Clint Eastwood, George H.W. Bush) and some say that the end is still unknown.  Here is a song that helps calm those stirring thoughts.  Give it a listen and open up your mind.
                                                       Take it in with a deep breathe; exhale, it is your LIFE!

Steppenwolf ~ It's Never To Late.flv

Have you ever felt like your life was heading in the wrong direction and suddenly given circumstances or on your own, you changed course?  The path you were following was taking you, where you didn't want to be. 

Reflections of your life(or someone else's), passed through your mind.  The ending wasn't what you ultimately wanted it to become.  You could suddenly see the bigger picture. 
How about finding yourself in a life-changing situation, maybe even life/death?  The difference between being whole, and losing part of you (physically or mentally) that being an accident, injury. Sickness or divorce.  (I have)  Look around you in the world (you know) today.
Tell me; why do some suffer so much? and yet, some seem to have a flawless life?

  

Why do some hunger more than others; while some have more than enough?

Not every question seems to have a clear answer.  Not every problem, can a solution be found.  If there is no solution; well there simply is no problem.

How does an individual begin with nothing in life.  Living once in the gutters of  a place they called home/survival; or in some area in between.  They rise up from that poverty and struggle, and live like a king(queen)?  How is that even possible, for any one individual, to achieve or gain so much in life?  Or remain an unknown, like the stars in the sky.  

They are driven! Those individuals had nothing else to lose and as long as they had a breathe in them; they fought on in their pursuit!

 With the technology of today, you can learn of several, that had the toughest of beginnings; later to flourish in life. (current UVU president Astrid S. Tuminez) is one example.  Many came from the unknown, to center stage in life. 

 Is it all based on chance? A roll of the dice?

Tell me, who is really in control? Who's guiding your life?  Are you a leaf on a pond, or as a ship on the ocean?  Can you change the direction of your life?
You're not the only one that has struggled, stumbled or suffered and fell.  You may be one that just gave up, too soon.  Expected to much from something, you were never entitled to from the beginning.

  So what is the difference between then and now?  That's for YOU to decide.

  Let me ask you; you're still breathing and very much alive?  Then what other excuses have you, if you haven't changed your life?   Is it by chance that you've survived or do you think; is it just not your time?  Look at the "in between"  empty what is full and fill that which is empty!  

Life; Think about it

When I was a young boy, I didn't take life to seriously.
 I just wanted to enjoy being where I was at the time.
  Imagination running wild!  Roaming free and doing whatever I thought to do, whether there was consequence or not.
  Taking chances and sometimes testing boundaries.  I still knew right from wrong however.
 Sometimes I orchestrated things to shift blame away from myself.  Clever and intuitive I was; but the conscience remained intact.
You realize as the years go by, how important it is to be responsible for your actions. "Man up," as they say.  Some of us need examples to be structured and molded after.  (Discipline and guidance along the way.) 

 It is something lacking far more today than when I was a young boy in the 80's.
 To many distractions and excuses these days to not parent, properly. 

 Sacrifices must be made and time is essential to make it all work effectively.

We all thought that parent's that smoked or often drank alcohol was bad; which it indeed is but they were still capable of, and actually followed through with parental structuring. 

Discipline was a little harsh,  although effective!   Maybe wasn't the best of times but it was parenting in a sense; better than those constantly distracted with the phones of today.

 Today, with the phones and all the social media or games; let alone the work they are doing away from home. There is little or no attention being given directly, as a result.  Their time, is far too important to actually engage as parents.

  So you have children growing up and being  baby-sat,  by that very distraction that consumes the parent's time!  No imagination or even the slightest tolerance for boredom for most children.  Where do you think all the anxiety comes from as a result?  (Certainly there are exceptions to the parents I just mentioned)

They cannot handle time, without something stimulating occurring.  Gradually over the years, we were introduced to these distractions(to include vehicle dvd players) so that a reliance or dependency developed.

  Convenient, it may have been but the long-term affect was destructive to the young minds as they matured through age.
Cause and effect; today the solution is prescribed drugs that we never before relied so much upon.  What a weak, weak  society we are raising our children in.  Dangerous for our future, no matter how they attempt to make it seem; so much better and convenient for our fast paced, daily lives we live.

If you want the answers to reverse most of what is already occurring; just look back on your own childhood and structuring.  Go back to the days before cell phones, video games and WiFi access.
Carefully plan and reconstruct your household or individual life so that you see these new technologies as tools, only used when necessary.  Not obsessive or mandatory in the everyday life you're living in.
Seem impossible? If you say so; You're not in control of much are you?   Your privacy is gradually deteriorating (more and more) with each passing year.  Get the bigger picture in life!
Slow down, and take away all the expectations you feel are placed upon you.                                       
Surviving, is first and foremost!
  

Don't plan too far into the future; only as far as you can manage.  You're not there, til you're there! 

Epiphany by The Trans Siberian Orchestra

You'll need to look up and read the lyrics to "Epiphany".

'BE WHO YOU ARE, WHAT YOU WERE, WHAT THEY SEE, FROM ETERNITY'S VIEW, TELL ME WHICH ONE IS ME!'
From birth, to being a young child; we all go through so many changes.  So many experiences that mold who we are. Trials, struggles, decisions to make(guided or not) You either survive, survived, or became a victim of circumstance. To take the other path; to end your own life? Well that is a step pondered by many.   

Truth is, if you truly did Believe, in a higher power or entity; you wouldn't question much, rather you'd just know.( What is wrong and what is right)  You'll live your life, no matter what obstacles are thrown in your path.  Finally, when that day arrives and it is your time; you'll just go. 

With arms open wide, and you'll fly! With peace and a sense of completion, whether young in age, or old.  There are no certainties in life, for anyone. You're tasked to simply survive!
Any success, matters of wealth or accomplishment is for others to decide.  You do not take any of it with you.  Impressions or wisdom you leave upon others however, can last for many lifetimes.
You are only given one life:  Choose what is right!

(Have you ever wondered about reincarnation?   Whether you have been here before, or perhaps many,many times?)

Think outside the box.  Get the bigger picture of life-  it hasn't been what it seemed to be, all along.

MODERATION

Moderation:

It has immense significance throughout life.  As subtle as it sounds, it can have a huge impact on who you are, who you were or who you become.  It will affect the young in your life; whether they are your children or simply related otherwise.
Physically, mentally,  or even emotionally. Think of what one weekend watching a few tear-jerker, movies would do to you ladies or guys.(emotional exhaustion!)  Moderation and its simple meaning can have a significant impact, particularly if it isn't adhered too.

Look closer at your life; those around you( family, friends and co-workers) supervisors to those at the top level of where you may work.  It affects all, and where there is a lack of moderation; there is usually indulgence, excessive, intense desire and neediness to the worst; being addiction.
I honestly cannot see very many around in my life and extended people that I know; that are not addicted to something. * ( A television show, beverage, food, images, games or the usual suspects)
Your loss of control/self control.
 Culturally, it speaks for itself.  You can generally tell which cultures have more self control or moderation; and those lacking(significantly for some)
Where do you fit in all of this?  Simply look at yourself, your routines and or habits.
No wonder we are currently living in a society of such information technology to an extreme!

I believe that one of the secrets to a longer life, is moderation.
Think about that for a moment.  Just like most habits, they tend to begin at a young age. Typically cemented into your mind at home; your structuring or the lack of. 

Step back and look at most cities or metro areas today and tell me we are not feeding, the over indulgence and excessive patronizing of all that you see around.  Look at your regular and fast food restaurants galore.  It used to be that to go to a favorite or specific place; you had to have an occasion or plan ahead to decide to visit one. (Papa John's or Pizza Hut.  Mcdonald's or Wendy's and IN-n-Out burger.  Chick Fil-A or any other fast food restaurant.  All restaurants!

Question; Why do we need so many varieties of beef, chicken or taco places?   
Can you see where we have issues with things being added to those animals, so we have enough for the demand?  Fish from the ocean etc.  How is this all sustainable for the next 25 years or even 10?
(See cloning; GMO products)  I believe that is the only other possibility folks; we will be eating things that was never intended for us to venture into.  Genetically modified products and or animals being duplicated.

(Oh how I miss the simpler times of our world and the lesser demand of all things.)

Get the idea? Now they are conveniently located within most cities so that you can go on a whim, whenever you like.  Much to convenient and it certainly makes it harder to choose not, to patronize them.  I enjoyed having to plan the occasion or day in a month or season, to go to one of those places. You actually appreciate it all that much more generally.      

      (It just isn't the same anymore.)
We are spoiled in a sense, aren't we?  So what happens with cause and effect?  Could it possibly explain the obesity in the past 2 or 3 decades?  I think so!  Without self control, what else do you think happens?
Well look around you, the simplicity of life is gone and the details, surround you.
Moderation is for the few, the select people who remain in control (self control)
You, do not excessively drink, eat or do anything without you considering the cause and effect.
Not excessively working, sleeping, working out at the gym(for those it applies too) tattoos, piercing, to extreme adventure. Why should you? 

 The countries with people fairly happy and content with their lives, live without the distractions on a level our society has ever seen in generations.  With all these ongoing changes:
No wonder there is anxiety and stress!

Be yourself (is all that you can do)

Be yourself~
When you are feeling overwhelmed and nothing seems to go your way.
You rise in the morning, wondering how you'll make it through the day.
For a moment; look beyond your life and think, some still have never had it as good as you have(seriously).
You look at your life, compared to those regularly around you; within your circle.
You're wondering why, sometimes life seems so unfair(why your prayers, if any) go unanswered?


Take a few steps back, a few short breath's to clear your mind.
Imagine now, you had it all; millions of dollars with a home near the ocean or on the hill.

(Now think about your life; family that all but forgot about you, or even those that are regularly around you.) Suddenly everyone wants a part of your life!  Money isn't everything; only the happiness matters and the little things that bring you happiness.  What can certainly go with you when you pass on(the memories, songs or thoughts from some time ago)
Life would never be the same!  It may be worse having all the wealth; than you are living today(indeed more miserable)
Accept what is and what should never be.  Work hard for all that you need, want and desire in life.
Cherish your solitary moments, your freedom, your LIFE!
Make the best of your social engagements, and be yourself!
You'll find genuine happiness in yourself, and share it with those who genuinely enjoy
you, being YOU! 

Click here and listen too the song that gets me back on track to what matters most! 

Mankind has got to know(His limitations)

What is wrong with just being here,  as you are?

Simply being yourself, not some creation of what you'd like to be.

Where or who you are in society, or the world itself.

Why all the excesses of this/that?

Overindulgence/gluttony 

Varieties of food(fast food restaurants etc)

Varieties of beverages (alcoholic,  sodas, energy drinks etc)

Varieties of vehicles (conveyances,  be it automobiles, boats, recreational)

Varieties of religions, sports leagues, music genres, to education institutions.

What is the reasoning(purpose) behind it all?   

-Control- the attempt to control, subjugate. 

Distracting us from ourselves.  Ultimately, a distraction in life towards an unseen ending, as of yet.

Life is not that complicated, it is merely survival and making the best life for yourself.  It does not need to be competitive, though challenges can make life interesting. 

But what is (history) and what should never be?  A distant memory, being buried in the past.

Mankind has been deceived  for far too long.

Seek the truth, and the truth shall set you free!

Industries,  solely created around death, destruction. Contamination,  and profit!

Mankind has got to know

                                          His limitations~

It's a messed up world(We are living)

Click to listen to Arcade's music, titled "Messed up world"

https://youtu.be/JU9bPm0OSn8

Is life today getting better, or worse than years before?
Depends on how far back you look and in what aspect.  I'd say the noose is tightening(privacy is fading) more and more; going on two decades.
 That's where it seemed to have all began.
A grand plan from several decades before(some might say)

 "Behold a pale horse":  That book will certainly open your mind up to perspectives beyond today's imagination. You have to read it with an open mind to decide which part of  it is real and what is fiction?   People are far to preoccupied today however.  All the 'what if's' are certainly possible, as the old saying goes:
"Truth is stranger than fiction."  

Take several steps away from your daily grind in life.  

All of the routines you mindlessly do just to get through each week, month, season, and finally, year.
Look closer at all the details surrounding us in the news, events and the rules that are ever-changing.
The bigger picture of what is going on.   

You know you can only extract, partial reality from the news on any given day.  So much is being hurled into our minds at a faster pace and you really cannot tell what is news or homogenized/slanted opinion.  Unable to think but only react as emotional individuals do.  No time for deep thought, or patience to get a clearer view.  It is madness in the making, and a breaking down of our society.  

How can we keep going in this direction  (and as a country)survive!?
We are being pushed against and 'corralled' into a direction we will not be able to undo(change) so easily.
The difference is only in being able to think, to draw conclusions and foresee the aftermath beforehand.  

Our belief in God, and our will to survive through it all, til our very end or it's own demise.  Strength in numbers and a power of one  (God/Ourselves)

Remove all your distractions and pay attention, so you'll know when it is time.  

For now, take control of your life!

Break the chains that bind you!

Do you ever wonder why you are still here?
facing each and every new day that awaits you?
(It is because you aren't dead) yet.                                                                                       AWAKEN THE MIND! 

America (First and foremost)

 The United States of America
Land of opportunity!

Where are you from, and where are you now in life?
It is meant to be a loaded question.  Lets start from the bottom.
From the beginning of your roots; what did you want out of life?
For most, it was simply a better life.  Better than the life you had growing up or experiencing.
You knew you needed more opportunities or a path to a better life(at whatever sacrifice) for some.
Reality was, whether you were from here or another country; there were dead ends, short cuts and risks to take that may or may not bring reward.  The land of opportunity(America) is where you needed to be!  It was so close for some, and others(America)was so far away.  
In what other country  are you given so much freedom?  Freedom to speak, freedom to choose, freedom to travel and feel relatively safe in the country?  Freedom to work hard from your own ideas or for another (private enterprise) and be successful financially and stable with roots ( your own home and transportation)?  Those with the wheels of determination and are driven with a passion to succeed!  Maybe just a simple life with all the basic means of survival and living comfortable throughout life.  Where else but in America!  So why do so many born and raised here take so much for granted?  Everything that is offered and the potential for a good life, all for just a little(or a lot) of hard work!  They simply do not know life anywhere else and how much people do struggle in South America, the Philippines, India or Venezuela to name a few.  The hardships, lack of free speech without fear of dire consequence.  The basic lack of structured law enforcement and laws of the land without to much corruption.  Fairness in trial and fairness in justice!  A lack of respect and the history as it truly was and not some whitewashed, diluted version that some individuals only want to be told.  (a twist in the tale?)   So where are you now?  If you're in America, and you enjoy the freedoms this country offers, ( opportunities like no other does give you) Then why are you not American, first and foremost?  Like the immigrants of the early 1900's or those born generations before you that truly knew what privilege it was to live and breathe on American soil? 

Only one other name do you deserve being here and that is a 'TAKER'  (the entitled)  and that is as low as they come.  However you got to where you are today and who you are now; either American or Taker.  The line is drawn! We all speak one language here even if we have different tongues.  Respect the land you live in, the people and the language. For the very privilege of what you attain being in America.  Here in America, we are all ONE and we stand together!  For those with beliefs opposite us all?  There is land somewhere else for you(Not here!)
United we all stand, and those divided will fall.

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.