Philosophy

     I just love this picture.

The stupid instinct leads us to do something that we know is going to hurt us but we still do it. For example the first time someone smokes a cigarette or takes illegal drugs what makes them commit this act? Is it the peer pressure that is brought upon them? Is it the feeling of invincibility or rebellion against society? Here are just a few examples of how we can battle it.

(1) Understand yourself- your strengths and weaknesses

(A) If you are the rebellious type do a rebellious activity that doesn’t hurt yourself or others. Try sky-diving,  going to a wild concert (no drugs included), having purple hair but don’t hurt yourself.

(B) If you get depressed easily find an activity that is peaceful and fun for you (write, read, paint, sing) and/or get treatment for those emotions that bring you down just don’t hurt yourself

(C) If you are lonely and feel that you don’t belong. Join a Meetup group or Facebook group that you have a passion for (ex cooking, Medieval Times, Star Wars etc) . You are a wonderful person so try your best to enjoy life.

(D) If you feel invincible then get involved in your local Church or Shul. Go rock climbing, skydiving, or get involved in an X game activity. Take risks that are fun but not deadly.

We all get stuck into our groups whether it’s based on our faith, philosophy, ethnicity or income level or a combination of the above.  These groups make assumptions about the “others” that are based on the readings and/or writings of “their leaders”.  We respect our leaders because of their education, ability or talent but that doesn’t mean they are always right.   We can then take the assumptions made by a leader and pre-judge the group as a whole, without looking at the individuals who make up such a group. We also can get in the “defend our “leader” mind sight, which might lead us to argue against what we truly belief because it came from our “leaders” mouth.    This can create unnecessary tensions between people’s who might have more in common then they are led to believe.

It is important to battle assumptions about “others” that aren’t in your group. The key is to have open discussions with other members from that group. These discussions should be free of the PC police but also should be polite and respectful, enabling all sides to speak, not just the “leaders”.  When we achieve such discussions we will see  ( in most cases) that although we will disagree we have more that unites us then divides us.

I believe many people are trapped because they let fear rule their life.  For example I could spend hours upon hours worrying if ever word I write is grammatical correct or if somehow my words were taken out of content. That fear would stop me from writing what truly is in my heart.

Fear can also effect someone’s personal life  because they can be so afraid of rejection that they can’t move forward.  It is shame that the greatness in some many people is never to be heard, or felt by others because of the fear that stops them from taking those small steps to greatness. Here is a way you can fight this feeling.

(1) Take baby steps and congratulate yourself for the small steps of success it brings.

(2) Watch inspiring movies and music before you take on a challenging task (ex Rocky, Rudy)

(3) Realize that sometimes your best success can only be achieved when you fail first.

(4) Look out your past successes and realize that if you did it in the past you can do it in the future.

(5) If your mission is unsuccessful learn from it and jump back on that horse again.