I fell into a bit of a depressed state last night, and subsequently fell off the tobacco wagon. I know that’s the reason I smoke. The mishmash of thoughts in my head weigh heavily on my mind. We’re all told to appreciate what we have and this and that and the other thing, but that’s all focused on possessions and tangible items. When can we finally admit that possessions are not the key to happiness? When can we admit that tangible belongings aren’t the UNIVERSAL SOLUTION to all life’s problems? Why is it so common for us to spit out trite comments like “you don’t have it so bad,” or “you’re better off than others”? If something’s wrong, and it’s not tied to the physical world, who cares if I have a ramen-noodle budget or sporting a gold-plated toilet? That’s not part of the solution! This is not even touching the notion of Americans convincing themselves royalty, when they’re actually serfs.
Socialism never took root in America because the poor see themselves not as an exploited proletariat but as temporarily embarrassed millionaires. ~ John Steinbeck
All discussion on politics thrown out, the notion that people aren’t even assessing their “fortune” correctly is why the comments shouldn’t even enter into equation in the first place. After observing many people under many different situations, I’m quite certain that wealth isn’t supposed to be a race.
I have, for some time, felt cornered inside my head of which I can’t think straight. Outside observers never seem to understand the power of perception, and armchair quarterback on any given Sunday. It’s seriously unnecessary to do so. I’ve found counsel best worked out through the first person. The roles of others should be there to interact and support, not otherwise coach or opine on the situation. The key though is interacting.
It has become apparent that the connectivity of humans is a real and serious barrier to healthy living. Why would most people call striking up a conversation with a stranger “breaking the ice”? Why do I read articles about being social describing the recipient being “just as nervous” as the speaker? In our race for education and knowledge we have ignored the power of healthy social interaction between our peers. See what now forms? Ice. Walls and barriers that isolate and ignore people who need to be a part of the world around them.
No Man Is An Island
No man is an island,
Entire of itself.
Each is a piece of the continent,
A part of the main.
If a clod be washed away by the sea,
Europe is the less.
As well as if a promontory were.
As well as if a manor of thine own
Or of thine friend’s were.
Each man’s death diminishes me,
For I am involved in mankind.
Therefore, send not to know
For whom the bell tolls,
It tolls for thee.
Corvidae in the Fields 