We were asked in class what topics we would prefer not to bring up in conversation. I thought on this for a long time. Realizing that I have no particular conversation that I avoid, I noticed that I look at most controversial issues like a jury. I will listen to anyone's point of view so long as they have valid basis for their statements. I will present my side of the discussion, then we will try to prove the validity of our arguments. If I cannot void the statement of my opposition, then I must amend my own beliefs. If my own beliefs are made void, then I will look for a new point of view using the information provided to me. The process repeats. Shouldn't everyone use this logic to have a proper discussion? Most people who try to have an intellectual conversation say something is right simply "because it is." I refuse to argue with anyone with this kind of simple, barbaric thought process. We should all respect each others' opinions if we take the time to back up what we say, right?

Live a Little

I was having a conversation earlier with some friends and we were discussing how we have done some stupid, yet fun activities over the years. In the end, the conversation eventually became all of us talking about our previous injuries and how we got them. Then I realized that most parents don’t even allow their kids to come anywhere near a risk anymore. I’m starting to think that parents in America are becoming more overprotective of their children. I don’t understand why people would take all the fun out of life. I mean, life would be pretty bland without danger. Kids learn from their mistakes, so shouldn’t people let them make them first? I’m not telling parents to throw their kids into harms way, but seriously, how many times have you heard of a kid dying from an accident in a “non child proof everything” house? I have a collection of past mistakes which I’ve learned from, so as not to repeat the past, and I wouldn’t trade any of those experiences for anything. Parents should let their children live a little. If they don’t, then they are taking away the real lives of their children.

Time for Change...The True Worth of a Man idk

So I've been thinking a lot lately. I've been in kind of a funk for the past couple of weeks. So here it goes.

I’ve tried to change a few things about my life since I’ve come to college. I realize that I’m not getting any younger and I’ve got a lot of regrets. To start off, I want to get back into shape. I’ve recently hit the gym and changed my diet. I’ve lost 23 lbs so far and plan to lose another 25 by summer. I want to be healthier and I want to not be ashamed of myself. It’s important for someone respect himself. I give off a bit of a false sense of an ego as a façade to hide how I see myself. I humbly beg forgiveness for the offense I have committed. I never intentionally pushed anyone away. I have crashed and burned in relationships when I could have done better. I'm sorry for that the most. I should have been a better man. When you're ready to die for someone, no amount of effort is enough. I shouldn't have given up so easily. I have hated a lot about myself for a long time, but I’m beginning to see that I have held myself to unreasonably high standards. I saw (and still partially do) see my mistakes and faults as unforgivable things. Recently, I think… life has more to it than this… A boy grows into a man when he realizes that being perfect is not what’s important in life. He should strive for being who he wants to be, but not consider himself a failure if he doesn’t measure up. Even if he is lost in the dark or condemned by all who oppose him, he still has those who care for him and that which he must protect at all costs (his life code).  For it is the way a man lives that determines whether he is an angel or a demon. He needs a life worth something damnit! He needs to die with his head held high, not hung in shame and fear. He needs to die with a smile on his face, not tears from the past.

In short, I don’t want to be a man who hates himself.

I want to be a man who is successful.

I want to be a man who is intelligent.

I want to be a man who is attractive.

 I want to be a gentleman.

 I want to be a man who has a woman to love and be loved by…

But I realize that I won’t get all of that from life.

And I also realize that I will get some of that from life.

I have worth.

I don’t want to go through life with regrets. I want to be a man who can be proud of himself for once.

And I apologize for who I have been up to this point and intend to make up for it.

Consider all past accomplishments null and void for the time being.

Thank you for your time.

...I started to ramble there for a while, didn't I? oops...