Take a look at some of the most recent occurrences. President Barack Obama just recently came out to say that he was supporting gay marriage. Although this was a brave move, I have to wonder, is he just saying this to get reelected? Is he just *saying* it? Yes, I know I'm not the first person to ask these things about this situation, but it is important to consider. Same with education, women's equal rights, and all other important areas of focus: are our laws only *saying* that everyone will be treated fairly? The answer is yes, because even with these systems set up, there is still much injustice in the world. The laws only carry out what can be measured in words, and so do our lives.
A popular musical "Rent" proposes some interesting connections to this discussion as well. In one of the hit songs, "Seasons of Love", the characters question how life is measured. Is it in daylights, in sunsets, in midnights, in cups of coffee? Is it in inches, in miles, in laughter, in strife? What about love? Where has the passion gone? Are we too focused on getting to the next destination? Have we lost the art of living in the moment but yet appreciating the visions we have for the future? I think the answer is yes. Passion has vanished for so many people--even myself--and that is what I'm trying to rediscover.
I have been feeling a little down lately simply because I have not found a job yet. Although I know that this is definitely worthy of some upset, it's begun to take over my life a little. I am constantly waiting for my phone to ring, and whenever it does, I'm always disappointed to see that the number on the caller id never is the one I wanted to see. I've been searching since January, and still, I have not found anything. I know this is not an uncommon situation, but for some reason, I just assumed that I would've found something by now. I'll admit it: I haven't, and even though there might be some people out there who get great satisfaction from this, they are not the people I should worry about. I need to worry about appreciating these moments I've been given. Instead of wallowing in self pity, perhaps there is some greater plan for me--one that I never could have crafted--one that is immeasurable. I need to look past these moments of disappointment and realize that the future is not that far off. Something will work out, and although it might not measure up to anyone else's expectations, all that I need to worry about is whether or not it measures up to *my* expectations. My success will not be measured by how soon I find the place that I will work at, my success will be measured by how happy I am, and how it inspires me to keep achieving my best.
This is what I challenge you all to think about today. Think about the power of words, societal expectations, the pressure from your parents (or anyone). How have these pressures affected you? Have they costed you the true satisfaction of doing what you love? If the answer is yes, then it's time to reconsider what you are doing! Life is short, do what you love, and do it with all of your heart.
