The American Dream

The American dream isn't exactly what it used to be. Job security, a white picket fence, two kids, health insurance and a retirement package aren't what I am after these days. What I am after is being able to make a living doing something I love to do, something that challenges my creative talents and my intellect. Sure, all those other things would be nice but I don't need them like I do the latter. I've thought many times about going back to school and getting a degree in something that brings more stability and reliability say – maybe a Veterinarian Technician, I love animals. Then I picture myself in scrubs working everyday 9-5 having to tell people their pets are sick and I just can't do it. Sometimes I wish I had a different outlook on life, that I could work a job only because it pays well. Live nice and comfy, never have to worry about paying bills on time or planning for vacations, bur I just can't find the point in that. 

I truly and completely feel if you keep at whatever it is you love, you will only find success. When you're happy and perusing a passion you believe in and admire, you will only be greeted with accomplishment. There aren't always degrees or universities out there to teach you what you need to know or guide into the direction that's right for you. I've never taken to a classroom, I learn much more from travel, people, dogs, food, nature, beauty, weather, history. My life is my university I'm not necessarily looking for the end, just trying my best to enjoy the journey. It's difficult to think you are following the right path when you can't make your car payment and you don’t feel you've made any financial progress, but it’s important to set goals and follow through. You must have discipline and self motivation, work with no end in sight, work to attain your goals and keep going. 

Embrace the struggle, hold onto the chaos, take comfort in the fact that one day we will look back and laugh. These gray and rainy patches of our lives that visit somewhat often, cannot last forever. If we are lucky enough to have found someone to walk next to in this strange world, we should be grateful and remember through all the bullshit, in a way, we have already made it. Friends, family, pets, relationships, that’s what will get us through the cruel torturous pranks our environment will play on us, well that and alcohol. It isn’t going to be easy and if it is you should be worried.

Why you should listen to more Al Green.

 If you are part of the struggle that is dating, out there in the cold world trying to find “the one” I highly recommend listening to more Al Green, a lot more. His lyrics are beautiful, he preaches the meaning of love. Set your standards higher ladies, real men out there exist, you may have to wait it out a bit and he’s probably not on your Tinder app but that doesn’t mean he isn’t out there. It's not the worst thing in the world to be single, it just gives you more time to listen to Al Green. The words that bellow from the mouth of this man, love cannot have been created before him. 

I don’t understand what the fuck makes us all so insecure these days but it's effecting our lives greatly. The careers we choose to follow, the partners we end up with, our daily fucking happiness and fulfillment! We don’t think were good enough, we are scared of the future, scared of having nothing and no one, so we hold on tight and work hard afraid that life will just slip away. Focusing so intently on one aspect of our lives and completely neglecting the other. Giving each other advise that we should be following ourselves, quit smoking and then gain a binge eating habit. Exchanging one addiction for the next, taking those that care for us, unconditionally, for granted, expecting everything when you are giving nothing. So terrified of your own thoughts you can’t be alone with them, the darkness creeps in and your ears start to bleed. Bending the truth and manipulating your perspective, distorting what you want and sacrificing what you care about because you don’t really even know what that is anymore. Wandering aimlessly, consumed with fear of yourself, you will never face it and will continue your life in costume. Dressed up and disguised as someone else, something people recognize and respect, defending your masked and made up beliefs. 

There is nothing wrong with you. Have you ever thought of that? Human needs are quite simple, we make things complicated for ourselves. Psychological, Safety, Love/Belonging, Esteem, and Self-Actualization according to Maslow’s theory. Psychological and self esteem needs must be met in order to graduate to our remaining level of needs. How can you love another if you do not love yourself? How can you treat another the way you want to be treated if you have low self esteem and treat yourself like shit? Spend more time on things that matter, such as your physical and mental well being, everything else will then fall into place. If you treat yourself and act like a queen then that’s how you will be treated and portrayed by others. Have some class, work hard, be worthy of great company and above everything else listen to more Al Green.