Proof Worth Publishing?

Friday Freestyle
September 23, 2016

Scientific Discovery versus Human Feeling

They sat down across from each other, at this small table. A putrid smell of old coffee and Lysol filled the air. Awkward eye contact became avoided. The topic of conversation was about to rise up and they had to face it head on. Jim started first, "Dr. Schwartz, these findings... We have to share them with the public!"

Frank replied, "Dr. Weiss, you know that this would shake them to the core. The public isn't ready for this just yet. It's like the truth about a cure for cancer, no one will believe it until it's too late."

"This isn't some conspiracy or controversial topic, our findings from all the DNA testing prove something. We, as humans, are evolving! We have found the proof of it."

"It's not what we found that they don't want to know, it's what the human race is going to become that will terrify them." Frank Schwartz adjusted the mug in his hands as the sugar-dense coffee swirled inside. All this time he had spent researching and the young man points out the breakthrough. Was he jealous? He probably was, but that hasn't stopped him from sharing the truth before.

Jim Weiss sat there waiting for a stronger emotional argument to formulate in his mind. He just watched the mug rotate in Frank's hands. "You know it's the right thing to tell them Frank, we just need to talk to Megs about how to do so."

"Listen man, this is going to hit close to home for a lot of people. Especially Megs. How do you think they're going to feel? That they know their kids and all those who follow will have to deal with this?"

"Deal with it?" Jim was astonished at how Frank positioned their finding, "It's goddamn progress for us as sentient beings."

Frank scoffed, "That's just it man, we will be come less sentient! More... more... more..."

"More primitive?" Now Jim was becoming offended.

"No, that's not what I'm saying. I do agree in terms of intellect it's progress, but to lose ground on other psychological fronts, it's not exactly a win-win."

"Frank, how should we position it?"

"Jim, there's no proof of the physiological progression of humans. Yeah, we're taller on average and getting better with diseases, but that's how society's progressed. As a general populace, we are no longer developing our anatomy."

"Because we no longer have to! Technology has enabled us to become stronger through efficiency and information."

Frank slammed his left hand down, "Why should we tell them now? That we won't become any better at using our bodies or our emotions, in fact they'll both grow weaker... Just so we can sacrifice them to benefit our capacity for thought and processing." In an effort to calm himself down, a deep breath was drawn inward, held, then released outward. "As an American society, we have come to embrace the expression of the self and celebrated the arts. We've begun to teach the average child to love creativity and to only use math and logic for work."

"By telling the world, we can change the trajectory of the world now by being proactive, instead of reactivity. We should share this news!"

"Do you really think that the world is ready to be told our next step in the evolution?"

"Yes."

"Are you sure we should tell them that humans will all develop into a brood of introverted beings with trouble communicating, developing relationships, and emotional detachment?"

"I.... I'm...."

Allowance of Average

Monday Mountain
September 12, 2016

Allowance of Average: What's the mean?

With Big Data and standardized testing, there's almost nothing that those with the numbers can't infer about the individual or the public. Of course, an inference is just a conclusion, it's not the whole story. In other words, that conclusion made out of the information provided with a dash of reasoning will not necessarily be the best answer or the correct answer, it is just one answer. 

Now with all these numbers and observations of the public, there is a clear definition of what average means and what it takes to achieve the standard. There's a problem in that solution, what does it take to achieve above average results? What is required of you to go higher than your peers?

There is no road map. No definition. No given standards. And so on. 

In order to achieve more than what the average does, you will have to go out and find it for yourself. No one will tell you, because if they tell you then they will always be above you. Take it upon yourself to apply and multiply your own efforts in order to reach success greater than what may be given to you for basic participation. 

Taking a Stand, Fifteen Years Later

September 11, 2016

Power of Patriotism & Freedoms

Today marks fifteen years after the worst tragedy known to the United States of America. When this occurred I was still in elementary school, sitting in gym class as we unknowingly listened to the events unfold over the radio. Every day since I comprehended the full weight of those events, I have become enraged with passion whenever I see those images or hear a discussion regarding that day. What is this passion? This passion is the reminder of why I made a set of decisions through my life and also stands a huge landmark for where my beliefs are based.

Over the past month, there's been a debate about whether a man who is paid to play a sport can take a knee during the National Anthem. He has his reasons to do so, although I may not agree with them, he does have a right to protest and to free speech. Thank goodness for fundamental rights. As an adult, I was told that all Americans - citizens, immigrants, and all those alike - are to stand at attention when the National Anthem is played, out of respect for our flag and the values this nation is built upon and what it continues to stand for. 

If Colin Kaepernick does not want to stand up during the National Anthem, I say we should let him, his protest over the political troubles that this country is currently facing are his own issues to state. I, however, will continue to stand. Not only while the National Anthem is being played, but also as an American Soldier who has taken an oath of service to this great country. I will proudly stand with my brothers and sisters in arms, with those who protect and serve, and all those who put their lives on the line for the innocent. 

Looking back on 9/11, there's a reason we all came together as Americans following those events, there is no respectable reason why we should not be able to stand together every single day. We all live in the United States. We should be united as one, while also separate with our own beliefs and interpretations on life and citizenship, that's how politics works. We can always work together as long as we can respect each other's differences and similarities from our own. It takes patience, honor, humility, and courage, combined with numerous other elements of true patriotism to be an American and stand for what you believe in, but all of those things are most powerful when we can learn to stand together. 

As we proceed into another work week, please look into ways of helping your fellow American, citizen or immigrant, man or woman or child, black or white or yellow or brown. Who you are versus who they are should not matter, because we all stand under one that Star Spangled Banner and aspire for a better, brighter future every single day. 

When You Stop Looking Up to Your Father

Thursday Thought
September 8, 2016

How the relationship between my Dad & I changed, without either of us knowing.

Sounds like something shouldn't have surprised you, right? It did when I realized the course we had took and where we were going. If you may remember, I recently wrote about how my Dad is my best friend. That hasn't changed, and I believe this shift into friendship between us was a key factor in the development of our new relationship.

I'll tell you what happened. I stopped looking up to my Dad. I don't admire him any less, or love him any less. I simply stopped looking up to him as a role model. This shift was gradual and probably took about four or five years to complete its transition. We are two very different men. That's what strengthens our friendships, but we are both similar and different in personality traits. 

When I was about 21, when I was in the mountains of Colorado hiking alone where I would occasionally pause to enjoy a nice view, I had an epiphany. I decided I wanted to become my own man, not a product that continually reproduces itself with each generation. We are different in that I'm outgoing, he's not so much, and that's just one of many off the list. Him and I do share a number of great qualities, but not all of them are the same. 

It took some time before my epiphany really took hold and made itself present in my conscious thoughts. He is a great friend and a wonderful mentor, but I have decided to become my own man. I want to have a different career, live out a different social life, and make decisions based on my own opinions and facts. At this point, I no longer look up to him, but rather I would say we sit eye-to-eye and share in each other's own unique opinions and views. This is where our friendship has its roots based, in our ability to revel in each man's abilities and traits and we appreciate how similar we are while also celebrating our differences. Here's to being a proud son of his, and a my own self. 

Investing Advice for a Lifetime

Wednesday Wander
September 7, 2016

Where should you invest?

Here I will tell you about a bit of investment advice that I learned after 20 years of observation and living. It may or may not surprise you if so, it may be so easily realized but poorly executed.

Invest in yourself first before anyone else. 

"What about my friend? My subordinates? My lover? My dog?" 

None of it deserves any time or energy from you before you invest those in yourself. It's all about giving yourself the best chance to succeed before anyone else. You can call it selfishness, but I call it personal heroism. Well... That may be a stretch. Perhaps you'll understand it like it's a rule of evolution, helping someone else get necessities only leaves less for you to succeed at keeping your lineage strong. 

Once you have given yourself ample time, energy, love, and dedication (here is where I recommend the cherry of honesty on top), then you are welcome to take those resources and allocate them to build up another person. In fact, it should a rule of investment that you apply time and energy and love to at least one person in your life. This is a great way to receive dividends and returns on your investments, second only to one in yourself. 

Why do I keep using the word investment? I believe investing in people is a lot like stocks, it bobs and weaves, climbs and dives, zigs and zags. Some days it will end on a record-high and others it may plummet. Even if you take a loss on any given day, it's okay. Selling out at that point will surely result in a major loss for yourself and for others. Just know that when you rise in the morning, you can begin the process again from a new baseline. 

Applying the resources you have, such as love, time, energy, and focus, you can build a wonder this world has never seen. What's the downside? It takes continuous application and spending of these resources to achieve such a status, and there is no "end goal", it may cost more to just maintain than to continually gain. Chase after your dreams, soar into the skies, and become what you want to be most. 

Old Man, New Goals

Tuesday Take
September 6, 2016

"You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream."
- C.S. Lewis -

What's that old phrase?

You can't teach an old dog new tricks. 

That may be correct if only applied to dogs and not to the spirit of the working man. As a working professional, as an ambitious citizen, or as a human with hobbies, you may or may not be striving to achieve new goals or visions. Just as the quote bluntly says, you're never too old. 

Some people cease to study after they each a Bachelor's Degree from college. Some people stop to apply themselves once they get that dream job. Some people settle for the white picket fence.

Here's the recommendation from a professional, go forth and refresh your goals periodically. Continuously challenge yourself and adjust your vision into the future. 

Biggest Lie Told to Millennials

Monday Mountain
9/5/2016

The biggest lie told to millennials?

After some thinking it occurred to me, the young adults in America are lied to throughout their lives. It's something that we are made to believe but very few actually see it come to fruition. What is this lie?

The lie in its basic state: You are special.

You're just like everyone else. Pause for the angry grumbling to quiet down. Okay, I'll admit it you can be special. Simply existing in this society does not grant you a trophy, a paycheck, or any form of pats on the back. It's an atrocity to the world to instill this idea that you deserve anything without having earned it.

Fucking earn it. If you truly believe you're special, then invest in your uniqueness and earn what you believe you deserve. One person may be able to hold you back, but the whole world can't stop you.

Your childhood, my childhood, the American childhood... It's polluted with the ideas we are all special and unique and that we all should receive the ribbon for merely taking part. The process continues with standardized tests, parent-teacher conferences, so on and so-forth. This corruption of you social expectation is like an infection, you can fight it off if you so wish. Once you go off to college, your grades become your own, your actions become your own, and your future truly becomes your own. Own it.

That's how you can combat this lie, by believing in it and making it evolve into a true statement about yourself. By expecting more out of yourself than anyone else, you can then become that something special. The highest of standards should be the ones that you hold yourself to, not the ones the world places on you. Don't accept being told you're special, prove to the world that you're a marvel.

So Live Your Life, by Tecumseh

Tuesday Take
August 30, 2016

For this week's Tuesday Take, I am going to simply post this poem by Tecumseh. There is a good portion of it that can be interpreted. If you know me on a personal level, I want you to try and read this as if it were through my eyes, my perspective. Perhaps you'll get a glimpse into what I am a little more.

So live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart,

Trouble no one about their religion, respect other in their view and demand that they respect yours. 

Love your life, perfect your life, beautify all things in your life. 

Seek to make your life long and its purpose in the service of your people.

Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over the great divide. 

Always give a word or a sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend, even a stranger, when in a lonely place.

Show respect to all people and grovel to none. 

When you arise in the morning give thanks for the food and for the joy of living.

If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies only in yourself. 

Abuse no one and no thing for abuse turns the wise ones to fools and robs the spirit of its vision,

When it comes your time to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled with the fear of death so that when their time comes they weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again in a different way. 

Sing your death song and die like a hero going home. 

Hitting Reset

Monday Mountain
August 30, 2016

I have been gone for a few weeks, I apologize for the absence of new content. While away at Fort Hood, it was a very good reset for my mental and physical being. Three weeks in the field, providing my services as the Executive Officer for a Weapons Company. This environment adds a different sort of fuel for my fire of passion. It reignites the passion for my physical development as an athlete versus a brute.

While living in the military world and mindset for the course of three weeks, it helps me to reset my feelings, goals, and actions. After discovering this process three years ago, my approach to the short time away is very much accepted and appreciated. It's a time where I can set myself away from the stress of my civilian job and focus on a different type of productivity, couple that with the physical demands that are required, it provides a refreshing set of requirements.

I recommend you to take a quick reset trip somewhere. Go on a trip where you will work with your hands, change the positioning of your mind, and also push yourself to achieve things you would not typically desire. By hitting this RESET, you will go back to your regular life with a new perspective and refreshed feeling towards it all.

Since I've accepted I'll Never Be Satisfied

Monday Mountain

August 8, 2016

Funny things happen on late nights and early mornings. Interesting thoughts occur while plunged into one's own mind. Epiphanies come to those who are able to find company with themselves, with whom they realize the world and their desires. 

I have accepted I'll never be content again. I committed to that lifestyle in my youth and it left me feeling inadequate and hungry. It's not about being happy for me, it pertains to being happy with what I did, what I'm doing, and who I am.  

As a kid, I was okay doing what was asked of me and that was it. Now as a young man, who is still maturing and learning about life, I've evolved into wanting more for myself and what accomplishments I achieve. 

I'm not going to say I'm driven. I'm just not content with what I've been dealt to this point. I shall take the game into my hands and bend the rules in order to achieve the results I want. There's just something that clicked as I got older where i finally said it was time to kick my game up a notch because I believe I can do anything. 

For my own success and happiness, no one else can help me attain this, it's imy burden to bear. For you the reader, you may not care about this but to me the realization of never being content is a n eternal flame on my engine. 

From Father to Friend

Thursday Thought
7/28/2016
Post #200

Dads are great. Anyone can be a Father they say, but not anyone can be a Dad. This is true. In my life, I have been blessed to have my dad involved throughout it all. Recently, I would say in the past half-decade, there has definitely been a shift in our relationship. He's become more than my Dad to me, it's something you see in movies and is idolized in narratives but I never thought it would happen to me.

He's been around my whole life, meaning he has had an influence on my hobbies and interests to an extent, that's probably helped shape him into someone I enjoy spending time with. We both enjoy fishing, weight lifting, building things, and a good beer (although our taste preferences on beer differ). It's been a pleasure seeing him in the mornings at the gym where we are able to talk briefly about what's going on in our lives, it's usually a brief conversation.

As my career progresses and I continue to navigate through the world of business as a marketer, my father's career as an engineer and a consultant for over thirty years allows him to provide me with insight and advice on how to handle business relationships and situations where I may not know how to resolve just yet. It's about having someone I can talk about business with, while also being able to talk about other issues or daily items without worry.

At this point in my life, he's no longer just my dad but also my friend. One of my closest friends. The value I hold in our friendship is tremendous. It's about having a connection beyond blood relation and the mentorship through father-son dynamics, it's about being best friends and enjoying each others company. Truly, I enjoy when I hang out with Dad. I only hope that my children will be able to say the same thing about me when they reach adulthood.

Power of the Puzzlebox

Wednesday Wander
7/27/2016
Post #199

When your parents asked you to complete a chore, whether it be regular or additional duty, at some point you asked why you had to do it. We've all been there, perhaps you've been asked for the purpose behind a task. Often we communicate the necessity of doing certain actions and tasks without a solid rhyme or reason. Understanding comes with explanations of purpose, and with understanding comes greater effort.

This is more about a leadership principle than a personal lesson, however it can help you sort out your tasks and why you do them. Now that I'm thinking about this, you should ask yourself "why" as much as a seven year-old would ask you the same question. Why? By asking yourself why, you then provide yourself a reason which adds logic to your decision, if the logic isn't there then the foundation of your decision is faulty.

Let's dive into an analogy, shall we?

So imagine, you're at a game night with four or five other people and for some odd reason they decide to put together some 10,000-piece puzzle. Why did we decide this? Well there's no cover to the puzzle box and we like meaningless challenges, perhaps masochists or is that too strong a word? Someone hands you this corner piece and asks you to start putting your corner together. At first you may be glad to do so, but you don't even know what this puzzle is or what it's going to be, and even more frustrating you don't know what you're working on. Finally, another assembler of the puzzle finds the cover with the picture, it's a delightful picture of Labrador puppies on a well-manicured lawn with a beautiful blue sky.

What does this puzzle cover represent? It's the BIG PICTURE. I'll wait right here while you let that sink in, go on, they're waiting at the door. Okay, are you good?

By seeing the big picture you can see where you plug into the scheme of the operation and the overall plan. By knowing how you fit as part of the team's project, then you may or may not be comfortable with your task or position but at least you know what is required of you for the team to succeed. Your part goes into your purpose, and the overall purpose of the project.

If you hold the box, show your team the big vision or the puzzle box, they'll understand what you envision and where it's going, plus it gives them a solid "why" for their wondering minds. If you're on the team, slaving away assembling that green grass and yellow lab paw, don't be afraid to ask what in the hell you're putting together. Look at the big picture, but keep your focus on the details and the task at hand.

Difficulty of Committing

Monday Mountain
7/25/2016

There is a struggle in every day. It's a struggle of commitment. For everyone it's two peaks between three points, first is the decision and that's a tough climb, in the saddle it's the action, and finally in the climb down that's the final product. Those two peaks are the commitment points. Where you put decision into action and when you go from doing to completing. You've heard the phrase "Easier said than done." That's how commitment works.

For myself, my toughest commitments are to good nutrition, cardiovascular training, and my professional occupation. I love to eat, it's so easy to eat shit or to eat a lot of good food so that it becomes bad for you. Committing to positive nutritional choices for my health and fitness goals is the hardest decision I make everyday, it's got to do with the instant gratification and the here-and-now flaw of my being. Second worst commitment for me to make is the commitment to doing cardio training, because it's hard, it sucks. It's better in a group or as a competition, because in my mind I either can't let someone else down because of my lack of valiant effort or I don't want someone else to win because I'm not good enough. When it comes to doing cardio and running alone, I'm left with my thoughts and my mind and my own obstacles, I often don't want to face those.

Bringing it back to commitment, it's the point between decision and action and it's also the point between action and completion. What is your biggest commitment failure? What are your top three worst? Think about why, just as I did. Now that you know what and why you fail to commit, pursue that downward climb to completion. Face those reasons why you don't commit to those objectives, commit to those goals and complete them. Don't let yourself stand in your own way.

Things Worth Living For: Applause

Thursday Thought
7/21/2016

Things Worth Living For, Part 1

Applause

Thing worth living for? They're not exactly physical things, they're things experienced or things that are felt. Imagine with me, the moments in your life when you initiate the inner dialogue to essentially say, "Wow, how great it is to be alive?" 

Today, it's about the applause. This is not about the sound of the audience clapping for your success or their enjoyment of a show you just put on. It's about the acknowledgement from select individuals. Those who are lucky enough to receive support or encouragement from their parents, the statement "I'm proud of you" is a strong round of applause from one person.

The applause that some people may not give or receive quite enough is when the performer is a friend or the audience is a friend of yours. Not just any friend, but a true beloved, dear friend. If they're on the stage and perform a magnificent feat, like landing a great new job, finding the love of their life, or accomplishing something at all, you should applaud them. In these instances, my favorite alternative to an exciting clapping of my pair of hands is to say "Hell yeah man!" or something like "Dude, that's awesome!" Small statements like that carry much more meaning on channels between friends than when it comes from lesser valued acquaintance.

Most importantly, there's an applause from one person that means the absolute most and it often goes unheard or fails to be initiated. It's the applause you give yourself. Self-Talk is an important part of keeping things in perspective. I understand you won't necessarily be proud of what you've accomplished, but you should do it anyways. Whenever something is achieved or done well, take a minute when you're by yourself and have a quick internal dialogue "Hey, that's really cool that I did that." Whether or not you impressed yourself, you should understand the importance of acknowledging yourself for a job well done.

Since you're not Urkel, the words "Did I do that" should not come out of your mouth in a tone of astonishment. Clap with your words, pass along the encouragement to your friends, loved ones, colleagues, and yourself. The applause is not always desired, but it's always appreciated. Hell, that feel-good feeling... It's worth living for!

Why I Hate Enthusiastic Support

Wednesday Wander
7/20/2016

We are all pieces of art, we perceive each other in our own way;

only our Creator knows our true meaning and purpose.

I hate when other people show support for my successes and ambitions.

I know, it's counter-intuitive. I really do hate it, allow me explain why.

My successes aren't for you place your pride inside my root cellar. It's my own weight I bear. I pursue those peaks, weather the valleys, go beyond the expected, strive for new heights, nurse my wounds, stretch my energy, and push the limits. I don't do it for you to claim acquaintance with me, or to brag about my success like you had something to do with it. This investment in the victories is my own responsibility and my own reward.

You do not know me as well as you may believe. I'm no man behind the curtain, but there's a lot that goes on backstage behind the audience's perceptive vision. I hold alot within, these are soft and vulnerable pieces protected by this hardened shell of my spirit. It is a rare situation that comes when someone can judge me for my whole self, besides just one aspect or angle. We are all pieces of art and everyone perceives us each in their own way, and only our creator knows our true meaning and purpose.

Who are you pat me on the back or shake my hand? I mean disrespect by this, but those who cheer you on and emphasize your victories are not always there when you fail to win. It's not called losing, it's just like a falter step. You have a war to win, and a battle is simply not in your favor if you fail to win, so don't give up.

Supporting me or rooting for me... It's frustrating and it tends to really bother me, in fact it's more likely that your words of support will cause more harm than good. I feed off of the negative energy, the criticism, the doubt others will place in my ambition. As a predator, the meat of those comments against my dreams provides me strength and energy for the ongoing journey. So tell me what needs to be done, tell you don't think I can do it. I appreciate you more for that than for some encouraging words.

Do not tell me how good I will do. Doubt me. Go on, I dare you. Do not provide me accolades while I am mid-battle. Don't praise me for something. I want a blazing fire, not cool water. Charge me up for my ambitions require tremendous energy. If you want to support me, give me that look of support, a quick thumbs up. Acknowledge my struggle with understanding that it's not over and I still have more that I will do.

When I'm dead I'll rest in peace, until then I won't rest in the least. 

When You Find a Song for How You Feel

Tuesday Take
7/19/2016

If you feel like underdog turn your system up loud
I've been to hell and back
For that I'm proud
So everything should be heaven from here on out

- OnCue "Can't Wait" -

This fellow is one of my favorite performers, of all time, every time he drops a track I download it and wear it out but it's got a lifetime warranty. This comes from one of those songs I can't get enough of. I put this track on when I am driving to a momentous event, in order to raise my heartbeat and my spirits. Works every time, there are of course two or three other songs that get played when it's time to get pumped up.

I've been on a life journey that hasn't always been easy, filled with heart breaks and aching wounds from so many different things. It's nothing quite what OnCue has been through, but his emotion and passion fuels my own. These lyrics have so much meaning and weight to them, I can't help but appreciate these words strung together in such an order.

To those who've been through Hell or even to it, I salute you. Come on back to the mortal world, and conquer those who haven't felt the heat of the devil. Feel great about the fire inside your chest, fueling your success.

Listen to the song here.

Standing Among Mountains

Monday Mountain
7/18/2016

I went to a school at the base of mountains. These mountains were formed abruptly, not much unlike how an event can cause sudden change in us. The Flatirons were a tremendous backdrop for my college education while attending University of Colorado at Boulder, reaching into the sky beautifully and with majesty.

During my time at the school, I eventually developed an understanding of what it meant to study, to live, to stand in the presence of these mountains. As you study in the presence of such a beauty, you can't help but to gaze and learn wisdom for yourself as you know they've learned their own wise lessons. Their natural presence creates a desire within that fuels your own personal development beyond the school books and scheduled lectures. To live among the mountains means more than being in their presence while you take turns casting your shadow upon each other, it means admiring and enjoying things beyond your own life and daily routine.

Now to stand among these mountains, that's the glorious part of this all. You can either stand in their valleys, hiding in the shadows, or you can stand on their peaks, proud of your feats for getting you there. There's no standing on their slopes, you are either climbing or descending these angled pathways. You must progress through the ebb and flow of these paths, for you do not reside upon one mountain top, you must stand upon the series of mountain tops for continued pride and success. Resting on one mountaintop creates certain death of ambition and progression. Cowards reside in the valleys afraid of the light and the heavens, only to be washed away in the snow melt each spring providing reason for their own demise.

I ask you, the reader, will you choose to stand atop the mountains or will you hide in their valleys? If you desire something for yourself beyond sustaining and survival, then the answer should be clear. Safe adventures, there is no such thing. Trust the feats of your life to get you where you want to go.

Shot in the Dark

Thursday Thought
7/14/2016

Shot in the Dark

Resolving Gun Violence

About this time last week, several police officers were killed while observing a peaceful protest of the recent deaths of two young men over the past week. Prior to the shots that were fired at the uniformed officers of peace... People were marching and stating their perspectives on what happened recently. Then the shots rang out.

There's a clip that was show on the news, showing the demonstrators walking proudly marching together, unified for a positive social change. Next you hear the cracking of the bullets being fired, you see these once proud, unified protesters scatter in fear. Violence does not require violence to make things right, that is a barbaric way to believe our modern world should work.

In order to prevent police violence against the civilian, there are a series of things that need to happen. This is me going out on a limb to outline a moderate's view on how to progress past these current issues.

We must change the interaction and reaction during dialogue between police and civilians by changing the rhetoric and expectations of both parties. Not all cops are bad, not all civilians are good. As one ethnicity versus another, we must stop assuming they wish to do us harm and approach it with a middle ground belief. If you stop trying to be ignorant, stop fighting the system, stop living in prejudice, then these issues can find solutions through understanding. Treating yourself and the other party with respect can suddenly initiate a better world through peaceful minutes and sober understanding.

Do not let your emotions run hot because of something that you disagree with or an event that caused harm to someone you relate with. Instead let the chills sink to your bones, let it warm your soul to wake up to the need for change.

Those who have died do not deserve a moment of silence, they deserve change in order to prevent the same events that took their lives. Let's give them peace in death, by providing peace with each other in this life. Enough is enough, we should all take care of each other and do all that we can to end meaningless violence here at home. Peace does not exist in pieces, it needs to be whole, which requires us as Americans to take part in this as one people, living in one country.

Your Journey & Evaluating It

Wednesday Wander
7/13/2016

Update: For those who read Quintessential Voyage regularly, you will notice this is not set as the usual "Wednesday Word." In fact, it's been changed to the "Wednesday Wander." Under this new category those dual-definitions of common words will still make an appearance, however, the topics will be more fluid in regards to defining our journey through life, not just the words we use during it.

Your Journey & Evaluating It

As we go through life, typically there is some sort of definition of success you have in mind for everything you do. Through that success, you then have to evaluate what you've earned. Success and progress, both, don't come without taking risks. Most people in our society have a concern or a reluctance to take that leap of faith. 

You've seen this leap of faith, or the risky decision, immortalized in so many movies, television shows, and books throughout your life. Often portrayed as asking the popular girl out, going onto a new job, investing into something, and a million other possibilities. It's all about how you go about it. The leap of faith is not really up for decision for those you seek for counsel, nor is it their place to point out hazards or risks of such a decision. 

Possibly the riskiest thing about this journey, there is no map. The only guidance is a compass which measures the direction using three factors, your heart, your soul, and your mind. These three thins should help you along the way. Continuously on this path-forging quest, you must be willing to pause briefly and look back on where you came from and also be able to look far ahead of you to anticipate what may cross your path or stand in your way.

Unforeseen challenges and opportunities are a danger of life. Of course, depending on how you view these things, the word used to describe them changes, it's on you to shift the perception because it is you who will tell your own story. Choose wisely and look to make your journey a model for others and a lesson for some. 

Keep it Sunny

Tuesday Take
7/12/2016

"Always keep your face toward the sunshine - and shadows will fall behind you."
- Walt Whitman -

Whitman's quote about being outside and in nature is a breath of fresh air (or at least it encourages those of us to go get one). His brief, one-sentence quote speaks so much more beyond enjoying sunshine and the world of nature, but it's always good to encourage life in the outdoors. 

Reflecting back on Monday's Post about Drawing Energy from those around you. This plays right in-line with that post... Who you are around, whichever energy you embrace becomes the energy your project onto the world around you. Your world is a circle of energy... Whatever energy you put out, mimics the energy that you get back. Some people may call that Karma, it's not necessarily Karma it's  just the way life works. 

Go towards the sunshine, embrace the warmth. Be the animal that uses photosynthesis to energize their progression. Be that sunshine for others, it repays quite handsomely.