I find no harm in someone feeling extreme pride for their own cultures, however, when that pride covers up one's human decency, I find it appalling. We as humans, especially in America, should embrace the gifts of diversity. Ethnocentrism is an attitude that blows my mind away. When one shines the light of their culture using a battery, it instantly becomes less appealing than one who allows natural light to show the glory of their lifestyle. Being out in Los Angeles, the melting pot of all melting pots, it is a harmful mindset that often leads to extremely ugly places. I consider all of us, not as cultures, but as humans who share this world; who share life. If we continue to allow separation occur, we hinder the world's ability to be a functional land of peace and harmony. Just as we can learn from other people, we can learn from other cultures. The fact of the matter is, we are not as different as we all think. As a wonderful Bette Midler song states...
"From a distance the world is blue and green, and the snow capped mountains white." -Bette Midler, From a Distance.
From a distance we are all alike.
Now is the time to take the views from afar and apply them to what is right under our noses.
Awhile back when I began this blog, it was simply an outlet for me to express my feelings. As time progresses, I am finding out that it is so much more of a blessing than that. I have 'met' some extremely enticing and intelligent people through this blog. I am enjoying learning all about these writers from all over the world. I enjoy being part of this blogging community and find genuine joy in keeping in touch with my fans. Thanks to a mention by a brilliant writer, my friend Clay, I met some really great people as of lately. If you are one of these people, thanks so much for sharing with me and I look forward to keeping in touch further.
In life the best way to learn is from experience. These experiences that teach us so much can be our very own, or the experience of another individual. I believe that our main function on earth is to figure things out and share the knowledge. By doing so, we create a world of critical thinking and unique ideas. I enjoy learning about these different thought processes and views, perhaps the root of my return visits to many blogs. When dealing with your lives, remember the experience you build for yourself and those you come into contact with. I enjoy sharing my experiences so much.
In my opinion, one of life's finer gifts is intuition. I think it is so remarkable, that we can think beyond what is presented. I believe that moments in which we intuit, we find more progression and satisfaction then truths we are handed. So often in life, we rest on moments of assurance. It is so much easier to go down the path with signs guiding your way, but I find it is the path with no direction that takes you to a better place. As we walk down the mysterious path, we use our intuition and guts to get us through the obstacles. The burdens that are unexpected are the hardships that teach us the most about the daily "when push comes to shove." Embraces the moments you weren't expecting and appreciate the personal gain you receive from them. As you cruise through the passages in life, I encourage you to find the path less traveled.
These ideas remind me of a concept I presented in a class one time. Essentially I theorized that although we are all living our own stories, from a distance we all compile to build one large story. With shocking beginnings, sometimes happy, sometimes sad endings. No matter what, a story. One worth opening your eyes for and reading.
Isn’t it funny how love can break right through that rib cage that protects us? Well consider it a good thing. Anytime that we can feel something is a good time. All too often we form jaded ideas in terms of relationships because of a few bad experiences. There's no face more sincere than one washed in tears. I love that idea by William Shakespeare. When we are born, we are completely vulnerable to everything; Illness, habits, our surroundings, other’s opinions, essentially everything. When we are born we are innocent. Sometime in the process of growing up we form this hard shell of standards and false strength. So anytime my face is washed by tears, I feel like a baby again and that is a great reminder of my vulnerability and innocence. We all need to manage the fact of acceptance. We need to accept that no matter how hard you fight and want someone in your life they will if they want to leave; they will and they were supposed to. Our futures are unpredictable but reasonable. If someone doesn’t make it to your future then so be it. Wish them the best and continue to do what is best for you. Never let someone become so much of yourself that you lose yourself if you lose them. Love is a chance, not a guarantee…embrace what comes but never fight for what leaves.
A lesson I teach that I need to learn.
Along with the simple task of living, we are also responsible for our social abilities. This includes meeting people, making friends, and most importantly keeping healthy friendships. Sometimes these friendships are easy, but unfortunately, often times, they are hard. Friendships are a give and take human correspondence. It is crucial to offer to your friends, kindness and care. By doing so you create vitality in your friendship, but if you lack the ability to provide to your friends, you will eventually have a hollow friendship that will not be able to withstand the pressures of life. Learning from this, very personally, as many of us have, I do my best to be a friend.
In my early stages of becoming an adult, I decided to write a declaration of how I would pursue life. I recently came across this contract with myself and decided I should share. This was my thought process over 3 years ago.
I am not afraid to walk away from what went wrong. I will move forward without looking back. I will make the most of what is in front of me, and I will not reach for what is no longer mine. I will learn from the footsteps behind me, but I will create many more ahead. I will take my chances and run along, but I will not miss a moment in my speed. I will not walk in circles. I will walk forward, with full force, as far as I can go. My dreams are ahead of me and I will pursue them with all of my heart and conviction. I will live fully and love freely. I will walk, stumble and fall, however, I will not be phased by my moments of struggle, rather enhanced by my strength to stand up and try again. I will never give up on myself.
My declaration of motion. Of perseverance. Of dedication. Of life
I am glad to know that for many years I have been myself. I find it a rare gift that at such a young age I learned who I was. As I am constantly growing more acquainted with me, I will never forget about everything I've learned.
As I seek my path, I wish you the best in finding your own. Along that path, meet new folks, learn from them, build experience, and, most importantly, meet yourself all over again. Life is what you make of it and I plan to make it the best it can be.
**Some points in this post were written at an earlier date, but stand as valid points I felt the need to share.**
Lands made of iron.
3 years ago
8 comments:
You just blow me away. At twenty, my biggest consideration was what eyeshadow went with what lippie.
Wise words. You are like a magnet. :D
Ah, my friend, you are wise beyond your years. An old soul. Thank you for sharing your insights. I am here by way of Amazing Clay, but the way.
Wow Nick, you are amazing. I always believe that everyone who comes into my life even if only for a short time, was there for a reason. Therefore, it's important to me to reach out to as many people as I can to gain as many learning experiences as possible. My blog has allowed me to meet so many different people all on different paths with different experiences to learn from. It has truly been a blessing to get to know all of them, you included!
Nick, AWESOME! You never cease to amaze me in your brilliant writing -- reaching right down from your soul. Your writing is very deep and sensitive and I love that in a man. Most enjoyable!
Brilliant. "I will move forward without looking back." that's the way to do it! Your friends will aid you; I assure you.
My dancing queen, thank you so much...a valid point indeed~
AE, you are just as inspirational. You are the extra step the sould needs!
Clay, thank you so much. You have changed my blogging experience so much--prime example of how friends help you along.!
Nick, I found your blog through Natalie and I must say, it was a great find! I of course appreciate your writing style, but what I appreciate more is how you process and communicate your thoughts. I look forward to reading more.
Nick. Again. I'm proud of you. You've built up quite a well deserved following. I like your style.
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