Influences...

I’ve seen a few movies and read a book recently that have touched me in one way or another the past week. This book I’ve read has made me think about being a stronger person. Every decision you make should be looked on as positive no matter how negative you perceive it. You learn from the decisions you make and move on. It also says that NOTHING is devastating enough to paralyze you in life. Loss is a part of life and it causes pain, but it should not paralyze you. The loss of a job should not paralyze you because it is not your entire life. It’s only one aspect of your life and there is loss, but there are other areas of your life that also have meaning and can create happiness. It’s the same with relationships, money, friends, family. If you single out one of these things and make them what your life is about, you will feel paralyzed if you lose them. If you make each aspect equal, you’ll experience loss, but not enough to make it devastating. It also incorporates ideas on risk taking, living life to its fullest potential, and giving to others. It was a very inspirational read and I plan to keep it in my library.

Another influence has been the movie Crash. It’s a deep movie that has racism embedded all throughout the movie. It just makes you realize how stupid we all can be as human beings and how fear in our lives can cause such negative thoughts. It was also wonderful when there were moments where the fears left the characters and there was a moment of realization of how wonderful it was to love instead of hate. I highly recommend the movie, but be prepared for an emotional roller coaster. It sure took me for a ride. Why must we all have preconceived notions about each other based on religion, money, and the color of our skins? Why can’t we all agree to disagree at times instead of pushing our strong beliefs on others? If a group of people are happy with believing in a certain idea, let them make the choice to stay there and be happy. If they don’t agree or chose a different path, let them leave peacefully without hatred and just acknowledge their happiness. If that group believes in that certain ideal so strongly, but another group doesn’t, don’t fight over it and try to gain control over each other, just acknowledge that you disagree and let it be the end. I know little about the Amish, but I do know that they offer one great thing. At least I think so. They raise their children within their lifestyle and teach them what they know. At the point of adulthood, they’re released into modern society to learn from other cultures. After this time they decide whether they want to stay within the group ad continue living their lives as they have been, or if they want to adopt a new belief. The families and friends welcome whatever decision is made. They don’t lash out on them and try to convert their ideas to their own. They know it’s time for their young to make their own decisions. If societies lived like this instead of trying to blame, gain power, and convert each other, it’d be a much happier world to live in.