"Waiting on the World to Change" is the most frustrating song. He mentions that people pretty much feel powerless against world leaders. If we were powerless, Mr. Mayer, we wouldn't be a democracy and other countries would not be striving to have our government's structure. I'm not big on politics, but I do know that the US citizens can mobilize for change, and we freakin better not be waiting on the world. Gandhi, and most recently President Obama, said it themselves...we must be the ones to provoke the change. The here and now is us. We cannot wait because tomorrow is not promised.
Picasso said it best: "Only put off until tomorrow what you are willing to die having left undone."
Are you willing to wait until change happens, risking even more suffering and turmoil for our future generations? If you are one of those people who think that the future doesn't matter anyway because you won't be here for it...this is what I have to say to that: YO, THIS WORLD IS NOT ABOUT YOU. OTHERWISE, IT'D END WHEN YOU DIE. But it goes on, buddy, and it will long after you're six feet under. We're not on Earth solely to fulfill our individual needs; otherwise, coexisting wouldn't be necessary.
That's just my rant for the morning. Man, John Mayer, you kinda lost my respect, unless I'm misinterpreting the song.
Anyway, have a good day people and think on this.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Don't Doubt Me
I've been beaten, scraped, thrown around. I've failed miserably and committed costly mistakes. I've triumphed and succeeded, been the one who did the beatings. I have been on my knees more than I've been held up on a giant's shoulders. I have cried and frowned as equally as I have laughed and smiled. But don't dare doubt me. Life is trials and tribulations, but it isn't worth a damn thing if you don't fulfill your dreams despite all of the failure and filth.
When I say I can handle it, don't tell me I can't. And if you're right and I'm wrong, don't sweat it. I'll let it go.
When I say I want to go for it, don't tell me it's out of my reach. If you're right and I'm wrong, don't sweat it. I'll step back on my own accord.
If there was something that I could not do or would not be good for me, I wouldn't even try. So don't tell me what I can and cannot handle. And if I happen to be wrong, and you happen to be right, I'll deal with it. Move on with your life.
I would never refuse your advice. I will never disregard your opinion. I will, however, always stand by what I think is right, what I think would make my life worth living, and what I believe would do me good. I will always appreciate your care, love, support, faith, worries, criticism, and fears.
If I fail more than I succeed (and I know I will because that's life), and if the same mistake happens twice, put it all on me. There is nobody else who could be at fault for the things of which I try and fail. I'll take the blame, I'll own up, be responsible for my actions, and I'll still be living happily ever after. I'd hope you would do the same. After all, everything I do for myself and to myself affects me more than it could ever affect you.
When I say I can handle it, don't tell me I can't. And if you're right and I'm wrong, don't sweat it. I'll let it go.
When I say I want to go for it, don't tell me it's out of my reach. If you're right and I'm wrong, don't sweat it. I'll step back on my own accord.
If there was something that I could not do or would not be good for me, I wouldn't even try. So don't tell me what I can and cannot handle. And if I happen to be wrong, and you happen to be right, I'll deal with it. Move on with your life.
I would never refuse your advice. I will never disregard your opinion. I will, however, always stand by what I think is right, what I think would make my life worth living, and what I believe would do me good. I will always appreciate your care, love, support, faith, worries, criticism, and fears.
If I fail more than I succeed (and I know I will because that's life), and if the same mistake happens twice, put it all on me. There is nobody else who could be at fault for the things of which I try and fail. I'll take the blame, I'll own up, be responsible for my actions, and I'll still be living happily ever after. I'd hope you would do the same. After all, everything I do for myself and to myself affects me more than it could ever affect you.
Monday, July 20, 2009
The Road of Life
You might like speeding down the road with no regard to the law, your hair dancing in the wind.
You might like a nice joy ride with a mountainous scenic view, your digital camera ready to capture the moment.
You might like cruising through the streets with small-town charm, waving at pedestrians and children on bicycles.
Life is Main Street, and however fast, slow, or medium your pace is as you journey through, you've got to fit the scene to your liking.
The speed of your life is in your control; the length of the road, with all its smooth and bumpy turns, has already been paved for you. Life as a road is an analogy often used because, well, it works and it's on point.
If you compare life to a road, picture the speed bumps as minor setbacks or upsets such as accidentally missing a bill payment or losing out on a promotion. Like a speed bump, you have to maneuver your way through -- not around -- these obstacles. They cannot be ignored. But hey, speed bumps are minor and eventually you're over them.
A fender bender is like finding out your teenage daughter is pregnant or that you are about to lose your house. Your car is bent out of shape for the time being, but with attention and care, it revs back up. It's not life-threatening, it might make your head ache a little, but after all is said, done, and paid, you learn to smile again and move on.
A car crash is like discovering a loved one has cancer or you've become handicapped and bound to a wheelchair for life. It's devestating but you lived through the crash. As a result, you have to make small changes and learn how to deal with your new lifestyle, just as your cancer-stricken friend has to. You survived the crash, now it's time to figure out how to recover. You can't change what's happened.
Life is a not a smooth road; nobody promised it would be. As I said before, the length of the road is not in your hands, it has already been paved. Even with its speed bumps, fender benders, and crashes, you're alive and you have to take it one day at a time.
No matter what happens in your life, you've got to realize you can survive it all. Setbacks are just that...things that end up slowing down your speed a little. Your life isn't over, and there's a reason it's not, so don't go ruining it by walking around feeling sorry for yourself. The night always ends and the dawn always breaks through.
You might like a nice joy ride with a mountainous scenic view, your digital camera ready to capture the moment.
You might like cruising through the streets with small-town charm, waving at pedestrians and children on bicycles.
Life is Main Street, and however fast, slow, or medium your pace is as you journey through, you've got to fit the scene to your liking.
The speed of your life is in your control; the length of the road, with all its smooth and bumpy turns, has already been paved for you. Life as a road is an analogy often used because, well, it works and it's on point.
If you compare life to a road, picture the speed bumps as minor setbacks or upsets such as accidentally missing a bill payment or losing out on a promotion. Like a speed bump, you have to maneuver your way through -- not around -- these obstacles. They cannot be ignored. But hey, speed bumps are minor and eventually you're over them.
A fender bender is like finding out your teenage daughter is pregnant or that you are about to lose your house. Your car is bent out of shape for the time being, but with attention and care, it revs back up. It's not life-threatening, it might make your head ache a little, but after all is said, done, and paid, you learn to smile again and move on.
A car crash is like discovering a loved one has cancer or you've become handicapped and bound to a wheelchair for life. It's devestating but you lived through the crash. As a result, you have to make small changes and learn how to deal with your new lifestyle, just as your cancer-stricken friend has to. You survived the crash, now it's time to figure out how to recover. You can't change what's happened.
Life is a not a smooth road; nobody promised it would be. As I said before, the length of the road is not in your hands, it has already been paved. Even with its speed bumps, fender benders, and crashes, you're alive and you have to take it one day at a time.
No matter what happens in your life, you've got to realize you can survive it all. Setbacks are just that...things that end up slowing down your speed a little. Your life isn't over, and there's a reason it's not, so don't go ruining it by walking around feeling sorry for yourself. The night always ends and the dawn always breaks through.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
The Title's Not Important
The only thing you need to know about life is that there are no limitations to it.
Living by expectations guarantees more disappointment than satisfaction.
Having fear and living with pure faith is the only impossiblity of life.
Impressing others with your material "value" will only make people resent you more.
There is more than one road to your fate, and no matter which way you choose, you will end up exactly where you were meant to be.
Everyone and everything come into your life on purpose.
Ignorance is bliss only for those who choose not to be educated, who choose not to care.
Living by expectations guarantees more disappointment than satisfaction.
Having fear and living with pure faith is the only impossiblity of life.
Impressing others with your material "value" will only make people resent you more.
There is more than one road to your fate, and no matter which way you choose, you will end up exactly where you were meant to be.
Everyone and everything come into your life on purpose.
Ignorance is bliss only for those who choose not to be educated, who choose not to care.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
2005?! Throwback?! WHAT?!?!
Radio has officially aged me too quickly.
On my way in to work this morning, I got all excited cause the radio was hyping up a throwback, and I like throwbacks. I'm thinkin, "Hmm, who could this possibly be?!"
Next thing I hear is, "Gotta stay fly-y-y-y-y-y-y." Damn. That came out in 2005 or 06. When I was in COLLEGE. Not too long ago. At all.
When I think throwback, I expect something that came out no later than 1996; anything after that is pushing it. Really pushing it. Just because it may not have been played in some time does not mean it should be called a throwback. When the DJ hypes up a throwback jam, one that will really bring us back, I don't expect anything after 2000. Come on now. Who really does?! Maybe I'm just in denial that time is going by quickly and songs that have been around for six or seven years are pretty old school already. I refuse to believe it.
When it comes to throwbacks that have come out within my lifetime of almost 24 years, I expect the DJ to be hyping up "One in a Million" Aaliyah, Brandy sittin up in her room, R. Kelly wanting to go half, Nastradamus, The Fugees, TLC creepin around, Wu-Tang, Dru Hill killing the "Rush Hour" soundtrack, Mary J. pre-boost in personal strength.
"Throwback" should not be laid on anything that hasn't been around for at least 10 years. The next time I hear "throwback" and something like "Virgo" or "Salt Shaker" plays, I'm not gonna feel bad for myself. I'm gonna feel bad for anyone older than me. Cause if Mr. DJ is calling songs from 2002-2006 throwbacks, I can't imagine how anyone born before 1985 must feel. I am so sorry.
On my way in to work this morning, I got all excited cause the radio was hyping up a throwback, and I like throwbacks. I'm thinkin, "Hmm, who could this possibly be?!"
Next thing I hear is, "Gotta stay fly-y-y-y-y-y-y." Damn. That came out in 2005 or 06. When I was in COLLEGE. Not too long ago. At all.
When I think throwback, I expect something that came out no later than 1996; anything after that is pushing it. Really pushing it. Just because it may not have been played in some time does not mean it should be called a throwback. When the DJ hypes up a throwback jam, one that will really bring us back, I don't expect anything after 2000. Come on now. Who really does?! Maybe I'm just in denial that time is going by quickly and songs that have been around for six or seven years are pretty old school already. I refuse to believe it.
When it comes to throwbacks that have come out within my lifetime of almost 24 years, I expect the DJ to be hyping up "One in a Million" Aaliyah, Brandy sittin up in her room, R. Kelly wanting to go half, Nastradamus, The Fugees, TLC creepin around, Wu-Tang, Dru Hill killing the "Rush Hour" soundtrack, Mary J. pre-boost in personal strength.
"Throwback" should not be laid on anything that hasn't been around for at least 10 years. The next time I hear "throwback" and something like "Virgo" or "Salt Shaker" plays, I'm not gonna feel bad for myself. I'm gonna feel bad for anyone older than me. Cause if Mr. DJ is calling songs from 2002-2006 throwbacks, I can't imagine how anyone born before 1985 must feel. I am so sorry.
Monday, July 6, 2009
My Wishes...
- To have fast forward and rewind buttons just to live and relive the good parts of my life.
- To see every bit of this world.
- To forever be entertained by the stupidity of other people...and myself, from time to time.
- To share my creativity with the world, or at least the world of people who like to read.
- To live luxuriously without succumbing to materialism.
- To never be late again to anywhere because I've misplaced my keys or cell phone.
- To give people a reason to smile and have hope.
- To see change that we have all worked for together.
- To hold a baby without being afraid he or she will move uncontrollably and fall out of my arms.
- To literally and spiritually feed those who are empty.
- To have the strength and courage not to crumble under the hardest circumstances.
- To be able to eat anything and everything without gaining weight or risking heart disease.
- To be able to sing and dance like no one is watching, completely sober.
- To bring the undead back to life (catch my drift?).
- To live 100 percent by faith.
- To be able to retell a joke without screwing up.
Friday, July 3, 2009
mindXposed Quote of the Week
"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment." - Ralph Waldo Emerson
We all want to keep our images straight, hoping that people understand us and know who we truly are. However, sometimes the people we care about give us advice, or see us differently than how we see ourselves, and that's a conflict.
We metaphorically stunt our growth when we take into consideration what people think of us and make decisions based on how they feel rather than on how we feel. For instance, say you grew up playing a sport, and you're really into it. However, Mom and Dad think you'll be better off playing a different sport. You grow up not knowing just how great you could have been in the sport you love more than anything because you gave it up to do something else that did not suit you in order to keep them happy. Or you're not the drinking type, but you go to a party where everyone is liquored up. You don't want to be an outcast, so despite yourself, you get down with the party.
I could go on with examples, but I don't feel like it and you get the idea, I'm sure. There are millions I could go over, big and small. It ain't easy living up to your own expectations when the people you care about most have their own expectations of you, and they let it be known loud and clear that they don't like what you're doing, or they think you can do something they believe is better for you, even though you're content and you're not hurting anybody or yourself. Even the strongest people falter in order to make others happy, sacrificing what they want in order to keep their reputations right, or to keep up an "appearance" that they want others to see them as.
In this world, Emerson is straight up correct, being true to yourself takes work and is a serious accomplishment.
We all want to keep our images straight, hoping that people understand us and know who we truly are. However, sometimes the people we care about give us advice, or see us differently than how we see ourselves, and that's a conflict.
We metaphorically stunt our growth when we take into consideration what people think of us and make decisions based on how they feel rather than on how we feel. For instance, say you grew up playing a sport, and you're really into it. However, Mom and Dad think you'll be better off playing a different sport. You grow up not knowing just how great you could have been in the sport you love more than anything because you gave it up to do something else that did not suit you in order to keep them happy. Or you're not the drinking type, but you go to a party where everyone is liquored up. You don't want to be an outcast, so despite yourself, you get down with the party.
I could go on with examples, but I don't feel like it and you get the idea, I'm sure. There are millions I could go over, big and small. It ain't easy living up to your own expectations when the people you care about most have their own expectations of you, and they let it be known loud and clear that they don't like what you're doing, or they think you can do something they believe is better for you, even though you're content and you're not hurting anybody or yourself. Even the strongest people falter in order to make others happy, sacrificing what they want in order to keep their reputations right, or to keep up an "appearance" that they want others to see them as.
In this world, Emerson is straight up correct, being true to yourself takes work and is a serious accomplishment.
Mistakes Can Be Blessings
We all stumble. We all swear up and down that we will not screw up.
But sometimes sh** happens, and it happens for a reason. Maybe what we view as a mistake is actually not a mistake...it's something God divinely set into our lives. Mistakes can be blessings. Like, for instance, you get into a car accident because you made the mistake of not checking all mirrors before changing lanes. But that mistake ends up being a blessing in disguise because now you've learned to be more careful. Or maybe you've made the mistake of telling your friend something that's been bothering you, but you didn't want to tell her. You thought it'd hurt her feelings, but...blessing in disguise. Your slip of the tongue put your friend in check, and now she's corrected her fault.
Don't look at mistakes as errors that you wish did not happen. God puts into place everything in our lives for a reason...mistakes and all. If God put you to it, He can get you through it. Have faith in yourself like He does.
But sometimes sh** happens, and it happens for a reason. Maybe what we view as a mistake is actually not a mistake...it's something God divinely set into our lives. Mistakes can be blessings. Like, for instance, you get into a car accident because you made the mistake of not checking all mirrors before changing lanes. But that mistake ends up being a blessing in disguise because now you've learned to be more careful. Or maybe you've made the mistake of telling your friend something that's been bothering you, but you didn't want to tell her. You thought it'd hurt her feelings, but...blessing in disguise. Your slip of the tongue put your friend in check, and now she's corrected her fault.
Don't look at mistakes as errors that you wish did not happen. God puts into place everything in our lives for a reason...mistakes and all. If God put you to it, He can get you through it. Have faith in yourself like He does.
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