So what is success, anyway..

"The culture we have does not make people feel good about themselves.  And you have to be strong enough to say if the culture doesn't work, don't buy it." -Tuesdays with Morrie

The decision to go to a university to pursue my education was the best decision I could have ever made, but not for the reasons you would think...
Many people say you need a Bachelor degree in order to succeed, to mark your 'greatness', to get ahead in the workforce. AND directly following, said degree, you need to be going to grad school, or graduating with a job offer...
But to that I say: "LIES!" I mean, don't get me wrong, - it has its value for those who desire after that, but it puts very strict boundaries on what can make people happy & successful in life.

The real reason why I am grateful for my education is because it taught me to question the world - to question what I am told - if we believe everything we hear and are taught, without giving it thought and examining the value, than who are we? What makes us unique is using our intelligence to make a different decision than anyone else, which creates us into becoming individuals that have something to offer the world; rather than yet another mindless human who sways with, literally, whatever the world tells them to.  For an example of what I mean: (kind of off subject) Jimmy Kimmel did a HILARIOUS video about the whole Gluten-free fad that is going on.. WATCH IT.  Jimmy Kimmel - What is gluten?

Basically, nobody knows why they are doing what they are doing... THE STRUGGLE IS REAL. STOP GOING WITH THE FLOW, HUMANS!!!

*Unless you are allergic, then continue on in your ways; you poor, poor souls.*

The beauty is in the diversity. What brings meaning into my life is not going to be what brings meaning into your life; and that is a good thing.  In realizing this we come to the realization that we can not, and must not, judge others success based upon what we believe success to be.

"So many people walk around with a meaningless life.  They seem half-asleep, even when they're busy doing things they think are important.  This is because they're chasing the wrong things.  The way you get meaning into your life is to devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning." - Tuesdays with Morrie

Yes.

So whether your passion be vlogging, being a parent, artistry, research, teaching, etc. Find what brings you meaning and pursue that.  I'm pretty sure whatever that is, is cooler than being like everybody else.

XO - JO

AZ Bill

Every day the permeable power of the feelings & emotions of people who feel they have been wronged, or misunderstood, are felt throughout the world.  Yes, I know it is impossible to remedy a world that does not want to see eye to eye - nor can we; but I do believe there are some key points to each side of an argument that are going unsaid.

For those of us that do not get out from behind our literature text or research webpages for more than two seconds, it is hard to keep up with the evolving social world.  However, the AZ bill that refuses the rights to gay members of society has been hitting my news feed almost as frequently as covers of Let it Go from the Disney movie Frozen. Now do not get me wrong, I understand it is a big deal to a lot of people.  And I get it - it is a big deal.  But the one thing we are forgetting is what the ROOT of this problem is.

Freedom.

One of the founding principles of this nation.  We as a people are fighting to maintain this freedom.  Freedom to walk into a bakery and buy a cake without being judged for our beliefs or orientation.  With that same Freedom comes business owners - people who embrace the choice they have to accept or refuse business regardless of their reasoning.  Now, I inquire of you to forget about whose feelings may be hurt because, in Reality, it may not be fair.

News Flash = Life is not fair.

To wave a banner stating you want freedom to go where-ever you want for service is the exact same thing as waving a banner supporting taking away another human beings free choice.  You want to be free?  Well, so do they.

I'm not going to say which side I agree with because honestly, I do not know what is right.
Some of my favorite people in the world are my gay friends and the thought of someone refusing them service hurts my heart. Yet, at the same time, I know business owners who I believe should have the right to accept business because it is their business to do with as they please.

Everyone should be able to have their own opinion - but these are the facts...  Freedom is freedom.  Our founding fathers fought for it - and just because we do not like the way people use their freedom does not mean we get to determine the way they use it.

So I plead with you to find it somewhere in your heart to remember, we are all human.  We all have weaknesses and prejudices.  We do not all see the big picture.  We all stink at life sometimes.  Cease being so sensitive that you forget what you are doing here. I hope we do not spend the majority of our time alive being offended by someone whom we feel has wronged us (I have spent my fair share of time wallowing in self-pity and let me tell you - SO not worth it.) Enjoy life a little, or even A LOT.  Listen to some show tunes.  Like this...
Glee - Rain on My Parade