Meant to Live

The band Switchfoot has a song titled Meant to Live. In the chorus they say, "We were meant to live for so much more." In the song, the Protagonist is lamenting a wasted life. A life he feels should have more meaning, doesn't. He's moving along in life and isn't satisfied. There should be more than this.
I watched a movie yesterday. Freedom Writers. It's based on a true story of a first time teacher in South Central Los Angeles after the riots. The teacher, Erin Gruwell, is an idealist. She really believes she can make a difference in the lives of a bunch of gangbangers.
By the end of these kids freshman year, Erin is making a difference. These kids are living in a war zone. Drug deals, drive by shootings and gang violence are a part of their everyday lives. At one point, Andre, one of her student had missed quite a few days of class and his grade was dropping. When Andre returns to class, Erin speaks to him in the hall before class. After talking to him sternly, she gets close to him, pokes him in his chest and says, "I see you. Andre, I - SEE - YOU." That statement made all the difference to Andre. Isn't that what so many hurting people in our world really want? To be seen by another human being? To be acknowledged? Isn't that somewhere on Maslow's hierarchy of need? Love. Acceptance.
I think everyone believes they are here for a reason. No matter their philosophical or theological beliefs, I think deep down, all people know they have a purpose. But finding and realizing that purpose is a whole other story.
I hate that so many never realize their purpose.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Sober thoughts

I'm back. It's been a while. I've never wrote on here while possessing all my faculties. I'm not really sure what to say. Feeling a bit cautious. Funny how that happens when you're in your "right mind".
Social media is going crazy. Facebook, instagram, Kik. Now it's Path. You get hooked on them. They're kind of cool I guess. You meet interesting people. That's for sure. You can present yourself however you want too. Guess that's good and bad. You only show people what you want them to see. The good stuff. The things that make YOU interesting. Or you can make people like you by feeling sorry for you. Make your life sound worse than it really is.
But what if it goes further? What if these people you've befriended want to know you in real life? Oh, crap! Now you gotta start back peddling. Or move to Russia. Except on social media, you've got friends there too!
So, what to do when your two worlds collide? How do you respond when your fantasy life and real life become entwined and get in each others way?
I guess just avoid that scenario all together. Don't take that chance. Be real. Be you. Be authentic from the start. Be who you are from day one. People are gonna like you for you or they aren't. An online social media friend said today: it is what it is. Just be you.
Peace.


- mad ramblings of a drunk union worker.

Location:Cummings Dr,North Richland Hills,United States