The days are getting shorter and I'm only getting older. 2012 was full of new friends, new travels, and pain points that still continue to make my life stressful. So, now a new year is upon all of us and what difference can we make in our lives to make it happier.
Risk.
I've been living a life full of dubious decisions. The antics that followed 2007 that made me in the eyes of the government a 2 time felon has been sort of a secret that I have allowed dictate where my life goes from here. It's been 5 years and I have yet to complete my associates in Computer Science, yet to move to a bigger city to fulfill my dreams, and interview after interview have yet to find a company that will hire me. Depression, thoughts of suicide, and banging my head on the wall won't make the facts disappear. I'll have to face my demons and past to make for a brighter future, not only for myself, but my future family (if I ever do have one).
I've decided to take a page out of the Geek Squad culture handbook and move on. Trying to find myself and make better means looking into opportunities that turn me from a Geek Squad agent to a man with a mission and possibly a career. I'm not a career oriented person either. My goal is to make those less fortunate have a future that's not bleak. No matter what the news pundits say and the acts that make us feel the world has no hope for peace, I know there is a way to find happiness.
Mending relationships with my brothers and my parents let me know that I have people who will support me no matter who I am or what I do. And even though life can make twists and turns, I know that I will succeed. If sleeping on the streets or living lavishly, I will never forget those who I've befriended and the impact a friendship has given both of us.
Going against the grain is in my nature and if it takes me 20 years to get where I want to be, as long as I've tried - I see no reason to look back and think I was unsuccessful. In this day and age, being an articulate black man is longer seen as odd or "acting white". It's an achievement. I know at the present time, I'm a statistic - a black felon with no college education, but the fact that I've overcome so many obstacles is enough to wake up another day.
I've seen Africa, South America, Europe, and some of the most beautiful places on earth, but I'm not done. We still have a hunger problem on this planet and we still have people without access to clean water, but most of us are blind. And in no way is it a blame that is placed directly on every individual. Seeing change is hard, but it's our actions that will bring us to a better place.
We can vote, fight, stay silent or stay fearful, but it only takes a moment for everything to change. I want to be a part of that change. We have our differences as people and our surroundings, but we are all human beings. Sure God may come down from the skies or Muhammad will bless us for following the word, but no matter what the outcome, we're still human beings and we must support each other to survive on this planet.
Look past your troubles and help your fellow man.
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