You know, one thing I’ve learned in my adulthood is that you are only taken for a fool if you allow yourself to be. Sometimes we do this, we knowingly submit to nonsense in a blind faith that maybe this time, maybe this time will be different… maybe this time you will be wrong. Do not second guess yourself, this blind faith relies on the fortitude of others, and the only person you can trust to do what is right is yourself. You cannot rely on promises if they have never been backed up by, not only words, but actions. Words mean very little if they are not coupled with follow-through. We can articulate the grandest of words, and most profound words, most profound promises, but if they are not coupled with actions, then they are the most grandest of lies and deceit.
Common sense isn’t so common anymore, neither is respect. You must set for yourself a general and reasonable expectation of conduct, without that you are nothing more than a doormat to other people with whom they can wipe their feet, they can defile your integrity and belittle your importance. There is not a person, a thing, within this galaxy, that can take away your power unless you submit that power to them. People only possess the power over our lives that we give them, the power over our happiness, self worth, joy… they have no power, but the power we give to them to belittle us. You are a magnificent being, you are unique, you are filled with an essence that no one else possesses, you are you. You are not weaker than the next, you choose to relinquish your power, you choose to be mastered… but you do not have to be a slave to someone elses expectations. You are allowed to be who you are, in all of your imperfections, shortcomings and debilitating fears… but that does not mean you are less important, or deserving of the pain you experience.
Courage is not the lack of fear, courage is putting one foot in front of the other, and continuing on in the face of that adversity. Courage is, even when you feel so scared, so… utterly terrified, and yet… you walk on. THAT is courage. We all fear something… we all fear… but do not fear your own humanity, your own freedom, your own self worth… because nobody sets our worth but ourselves, and it does not matter how high another person sets their worth as long as we are honest with ours… and as long as we are honest, we are all equal, unless we choose to set our worth above everyone elses. Don’t get me wrong, there are those who, despite knowledgeable understanding, set their self worth higher than others… but it does not matter how much money you make, how “beautiful” you are within societies eyes, not a single one of us is worth MORE or LESS than any other… unless you make it a goal to belittle your fellow man, to condemn them for their short comings. I must admit, there are exceptions, extreme exceptions that are not accepted, and are inexcusable, I myself have experienced these exceptions… but if you ever find yourself wanting and bleeding for strength, a purpose, know that you already have it.
One day, you could be the difference in somebodies life, you could be the weight that changes the measurements. You could be the difference. Mistakes and misfortunes are not for naught, as long as you learn from them, and with the knowledge you learn… my God, you could change a life.
