Does changing names change thinking?

In the past six months, there has been a spark in our world regarding racial tension and divide that exists throughout America.  People have been outspoken and support has steamrolled more than ever before. 

There has been and certainly is a need for this topic to be at the forefront.  There should never be segregation or a different circumstances set upon a group solely because of their race, gender, sexual orientation,  age, physical and mental abilities, etc.

A question regarding some of the subjects that are being used as a basis of change has come up, however. Broadly, the desire to "erase" or "change" history has become a subject of discussion. 

From statues being removed to changing high school names as well as sports mascot names, there has been a major uprising that this will promote forward movement. 

On one side, the thought is that while this will not change the past, it will show the proper approach as we discontinue honoring those who did things that weren't exactly honorable when it comes to racial equality. 

On the other side, there are those that feel by making these changes, it's simply blocking out what has already occurred in a society that wasnt as evolved as it is in present times.  

Of course,  there are still the few that have this narrow minded and irrational logic that put them in a third group. One that neither of the first two can understand and one that is going to need a real wake up call because their mentality is absurd. 

As the leaders of this group for change move forward and blaze the path for change, what are your thoughts about history and name changes as they pertain to the landscape for social change?

In the Shadows

Why live in the shadows?

It's a safety zone to shield from discomfort.  Things you dont want to deal with or perceptions you dont want to display to others. 

This gives a false reality and doesnt allow you to be your true self. Not only is it damaging to others, it can be damaging to oneself. 

Mentally you become a false variant of your true self. Some things are genuine but many are not. The actions taken are what you thing others expect of you.

What you think is appropriate,  but ultimately things stay bottled up inside.

The more bottling, the worse the negative effects become. 

What do you do?

Be you. 

Easier said than done after years of the behaviors described above. It takes effort, being okay with feeling uncomfortable and knowing that feeling will dissipate. 

It takes a belief that the unknown is better than the known. It takes having faith and knowing a higher power has our paths predetermined.  

We have to believe and do our best to know if we put our best effort and be ourselves,  we will live our best life, we can be happy with who we are, others will see our true selves and we do not have to live in the shadows. 

Your childhood: Then and Now

We are a product of our environment and the foundation of our childhood. 

Some people grow up with two parents and live in outwardly appearing world of rainbows and sunshine. Others are lucky if they have one parent and it seems as if the environment they are in gives them no hope.

Finally, many of us grow up in between these two scenarios.  A home with two hardworking parents doing the best they can to provide a loving and supportive situation. 

Oftentimes unknowingly,  this environment creates issues unbeknownst to anyone at the time. Maybe theres violence,  physical, mental, or emotional that gets ignored or noted as part of life.

Most of the time, the adults are doing the best they can and are simply a product of their upbringing.  

Regarding of the reason, that early childhood foundation sets the tone for adulting and parenting for the youth that turns into an adult.

To change the thread of culture, its important to be cognizant of what positive and not-so positive experiences that occurred. It's also needed to have a plan of what you hope to provide and to be aware of what went well and what may need to be adapted to produce a different result. 

Theres no guidebook to what will work and what will not. At the end of the day, each situation typically has at least one parent doing their best.

If the mold was less than desirable for you and that is not what you want for your own children,  it's key to set the tone and aim for a desired result.

A bullseye shot may not always be obtained but the results will be in the realm of what is hoped for with the proper attention and effort.

In the end, dont sulk, blame others or feel that things are out of your control. Be grateful for your happiness and experiences. Know that your parents did the best they could with the resources they had and know you can control the same outcome by focusing on the process to achieve alterations in the outcome when you are in the adult role of a parental relationship. 

Stay cool

It's hot outside and the heat isnt anything to play with. Many of us grew up as kids spending time outdoors and not even knowing what the temperature was.

Most of us were fine, we might have got tired, got sunburn or wore out but it wasn't a big deal. Oblivious to the notion of hydration,  we stayed that way drinking gallons of water.

Those days arent typical anymore so awareness is key. The heat is part of life so we, especially the young and the elderly, have to make sure we are prepared to keep our bodies healthy in these conditions. 

Think about others and help them be prepared and know the simple rules of self preservation to avoid having an untimely illness or trip to the hospital that could have been avoided.

Enjoy the summer days with friends, family, or however you see fit!

Be controlled or be in control

Breaking streaks isn't easy.  It takes work, it takes effort, it takes doing something different than the norm.

I think many of us get used to certain things and we let that control us. Our moods, emotions, and actions are dictated because we allow what we have gotten used to accepting to take us over.

Whether it's an addiction, your diet and exercise, regime, your sleep pattern or your desire to steer the wheel with your family or push the accelerator on your career, the only way we can do something different is to be in control.

Many of us want,  say we will, or are envious of others but most of us won't do anything different to achieve those longing desires.

It's not easy, nothing worth wanting is. But I believe we have to have faith first,  a direction of what you want to happen and a good support group.

Things won't always happen as we expect them but keeping that faith, that desire to meet your goal and having others to help pick you up when you fall makes the struggle a little easier.

At the end of the day, no matter if your trying to win the World Series for the first time in a century, overcome an alcohol or drug addiction, break out of a lifestyle pattern that you became used to from generations before you or anything else that you are confronted with, you have to make an effort.

Step by step, day by day. Have faith, be prepared,  and know there will be failure. Learn from that failure and stay in control.

Has the concept of hard work changed or have I?

As I've gotten older, I've started seeing things in a different shade of light then I use to. When I was growing up, there were no handouts, there was no backtalk, and if you wanted something you put in the effort to work for it.

I really don't think that much as changed in that aspect. If you want a car, you work so you can buy it or finance it and make the payments until it's yours. If you want a house, you do the same thing. If you want to lose weight, you exercise and diet in order to get results. If you want a promotion or a raise, you work hard, you go the extra mile, and you do things that may not necessarily be asked from you.

The difference is that there seems to be less people now that have that mindset. That is, to be willing to put in the efforts to accomplish those things. I'm not sure but maybe I was oblivious to things in my earlier years and missed how this mindset shift happened.

It may be that I'm older and the shift is just in my head, maybe it's always been that way. However, I don't truly believe that to be the case because there are many others that have said the same thing. The thing that doesn't really support me is that those folks tend to be in my age group or older.

Regardless, it doesn't matter what I think about others and I don't go out and blast people or make loud statements to be heard. I control myself and my actions and try to influence those around me with that mentality. The ones that I want to influence the most are my children. I raise them with those beliefs and feel like as they develop into there own individuality, this thought process will take them far with whatever it is they want to accomplish.

Of course, I feel like I should express these feelings to my co-workers in the professional field as they embark on their journey and they enter the professional world. I hope that my actions reinforce the words I say and that maybe it will be viewed as a positive attribute for others to desire.

At the end of the day, you have to be hungry, find what drives you and be willing to do what it takes to accomplish your goals, no matter what they are. It could be personal, professional, political, religious, or anything that you find to be important to you. No one else controls your destiny but you. Learn from your mistakes, stay positive, and do the right thing and success will be right in front of you.

Whether it's my perception that has changed or the beliefs of others around me that has changed over the years, my mentality will never shift in thinking that if you want something, you have to be willing to work for it.

Life is short

Life is short.  Nothing is guaranteed. It's said often but do you put meaning into the phrase?

There are different stages of life and maturity.  During those different stages,  a person can interpret these simple words In multiple ways. 

At any point, the reality is that nothing in life is certain and even the duration of one's life is unknown to anyone except the almighty.  We all make decisions that may not necessarily be the best at the time but if we learn from those decisions, that is a sign of growth and/or maturity.

I don't believe it's possible to avoid all of the uncertainties that may appear in life but you can prepare when you must face certain situations.

Planning and preparing is a key to success,  in my opinion,  and you're never too young to start.

Don't live without a plan or without goals. There is no such thing as "Can't". Don't become a victim or succumb to others negative thoughts.

If there's something you don't know,  ask. If you don't get the answer you're looking for,  keep pushing,  keep persevering.  Never, ever, give up!!

LIFE IS SHORT.  NOTHING IS GUARANTEED.