Conclusion

Accepting Your Life

             Life is not about the pursuit of happiness or the success you wish to have. It is not about your kids or your friends. Life does not care how you feel or what kind of mood you are in. Life will continue to go on.

When asking yourself a question such as, “Did life choose us, or did we choose life,” you have to realize that every persons answer will be different, but no answer will be wrong.  There is no perfect answer for everyone; life is up to you, so make of it what you will. Each person has their own level of comfort that they may live in. It is possible to believe that you have a purpose and that you are not going to die until your purpose has been fulfilled. It is also possible to believe that there is no purpose in life. Your life then would be only what you make of it. If you choose to give yourself reason and a purpose then so be it. The key is to be able to accept what life unfolds. I choose to live my life according to a quote by James Dean.

                        “Dream as if you’ll live forever. Live as if you’ll die today.”

 When you accept your life for what it is, you may find that what has become of you and your new life, is actually better than what you had planned from the beginning. You should never dwell on the past and “kick yourself” for something that you should have done better. That causes you to get caught up in the past which can lead to the destruction of your future. Yes, it may also be true that before you were born some force handed you a job or reason for being that you are meant to fulfill before you die. If you believe this then great, but as a precaution, do not think that you are only here for that one reason. If you do this then you will miss the joys that can be had. If you feel that you have completed your task, do not think “I have come here to do what I had to, now I can die in peace.” All this will create is a sense of early death. If you do, it may be a sign that you are trying to cope with your fear of death.

Remember that the world does not revolve around you. Other people have their beliefs and their own purposes. When you start to mix everyone’s purpose together you are going to see conflict. For instance: Two men, each fighting to save their own land, both men’s purpose is to safeguard their homes, but you know one of them is going to die. It is at this point where you have to be able to accept what life has handed you and deal with it in the best way you know how. You want satisfaction? Your life is already perfect; your satisfaction will come when you acknowledge which level of happiness you are willing to accept. Ask yourself these questions: did I come into this world with a purpose, did I create my own purpose, or do I have no purpose? Once you have your answer, ask yourself, “am I okay with this?” If you are not okay with your answer, you should either find a way to accept your life the way it is, or change your life to something you can accept.

Critique 5

Is There a Duty for the Elderly to Die?

Richard Lamm, the former governor of Colorado suggests that old people have a duty to die. He says this duty is presented due to the fact that the world does not have a good financial plan for long-term care for the aged when they become incapacitated because of illness or mental debility. He claims that these people often become a financial and emotional burden for family members. In some cases families have to alter their lives and their goals simply to care for their old relatives. Lamm also argues that if their life is almost over naturally, they should not interfere with the lives and careers of others who have many years to live. Lamm final implication is that the cost and caring given to the elder can be better spent on children and younger people.

            My question is “Did we choose life, or did life choose us?” When I came across this passage, I thought to myself “Why am I so focused on living life when death is just as much a part of life as living is?” In this passage former governor Richard Lamm expresses his ideas about the elder moving on and giving the younger generation a change to grow. He stats this by showing us what impact elders have on our economy. Lamm basically says these people are at the end of their ropes, why are you trying to hang in there? I can kind of agree with this because on TV the other day I saw a woman turn 115 or around there. That age is too old for anyone to even enjoy life. This lady could not walk, she could hardly speak, and she looked “old.” I do not want all old people to just die, that is not what I am saying. All I think is that when people are ready for someone to go, their spirit should allow them to do so. The language used here is very calm for such a “touchy” subject. The way that these words are presented seem very reframed and gentle, but the idea is fierce and upsetting. His argument about others having to care from them reminds me of social security. Social security seems as if one day there is not going to be any. If I were to change the course of action on elders and the way they live, I would extend the age that you are qualified to draw social security. One thing I do not like about the way this passage is written is that I feel he says almost the same things a few times over again. When I get the point the first time, I do not need excessive elaboration to understand your point. 

Critique 4

Titanic Memories

            William Barnes, a 45 year old Gila Bend, Arizona, man believes that he was Thomas Andrews, the designer and builder of the Titanic, in a past life. Barnes claims that through hypnosis he has confirmed that he has a duel memory. When he was four, Barnes became obsessed with drawling “amazingly accurate” pictures of a giant ship he had never seen, the Titanic. “When my mother asked me about it I told her, ‘This was my ship but it died,’” he says. Later Barnes’ mother began to become concerned when he would ask about aunts and uncles she had never heard of and insisted she call him Tommie. Other things would trigger similar behavior such as when in Barnes’ math class. Barnes claims that one day while sitting in class, he looked out the window at broken ice on Lake Erie, shortly after he started screaming for all the people to get on little boats. Even Barnes mother confirms his drawling of the Titanic over and over again.

            This claim is very interesting to me because Barnes doesn’t just come out and say “I used to be the man that built the Titanic in a previous life.” He floats around this point but supports it with stories from his childhood and claims from his family. He says things about the Titanic like “This was my ship but it died.” This was not while he was in his teens, joking around with his buddies, this was said when he was still a small child who knew nothing of the Titanic. Barnes, at the age of four continuously drew the same ship over and over again with intense detail, replicating the Titanic, but yet he had never seen this ship before.  If it is true that all of these thoughts and feelings happened when Barnes was a boy, there is no doubt in my mind that everyone was given a reason for living or a purpose in life. It may be that Barnes is meant to build a new ship similar to the Titanic and have it sail forever in the honor of the Titanic. I would see that as a reason to live, not only one lifetime, but two.  

Critique 3

Purpose of Life

Attacking Your Life Purpose

In this article written by Gary Evans, an author for Self Improvement Online, Inc., Evans shares his views on life’s purpose or lack of purpose. Evans believes that life has offered you free-will or the ability to choose what you do and when you do it.  His direct thoughts on if we have a purpose or not is “who cares?” Evans says that it is possible for an energy or entity to decide that you were going to come to this planet before you were even born, and that you are going to or not going to have a purpose. He claims that having a life’s purpose can be used as a way to say “Yes, I’ve completed what I came here to do, now I can die in peace.” He tells us that everything in this world is already perfect and that even with mistakes life will pan out to perfection. Evens ends with the theory that there is no blackboard in the sky on which God has written your purpose or mission in life. He says “Your mission is the mission you give yourself,” and what you do with it is up to you, and what you decide will not be judged by anyone now or later.

            Every time I think I have found the answer that I most relate to, I find something like this that pulls me back in and makes me rethink everything that I have learned. Before, I was comfortable with the idea that I was put on this planet for a reason, and that I would be kept around until I have fulfilled my purpose, then I would leave. Since reading this I now feel that maybe I was not given a reason but instead I am to find my own. First off, I believe that Evans has way too many self questions to fully understand his own beliefs. When he begins his writing he is already angry about his topic. He says “who cares” right off the back about life’s purpose. He contradicts himself later in his passage when he says “everyone on this planet has a choice,” and later he says “I think that some energies/entities did decide that they were coming here for a purpose.” All the way to his last word, Evans shows no support for anything he presents. Rather than informing readers of his ideas and beliefs, it is as if he wants his readers to inform him. The language that he uses can be easily understood by a fifth grader, and shows no depth into real thought at all. It is like he was forced to write a paper at least with 500 words and as long as it read 500 words he passed. I do believe that he brought up some good ideas about life already being perfect. I have heard someone say to me before that the happiest people in the world smell like a land fill or even live on the streets. To most people this may seem like a tragedy, but to them, it may be a blessing just to be able to live another day. Life comes in different levels of perfection, it is all about what level you are willing to accept as your own.  

Critique 2

In this article “Did you choose your life, or did life choose you?” written by Vinita Dawra Nangia, the author directly asks “How many of us can honestly say life has gone exactly per plan and is what we always wanted it to be?” By discussing the life paths of Sushmita, Aishwarya, Geetanjali, and Saif, four Indian celebrities, the author inclines that people may want to be a poet, a doctor, or a journalist, but what they actually become is something else. Nangia exclaims “None of people’s plans for their lives seem to work out. These people did not choose their lives; instead those lives chose them all!” Even though not many of us end up where we plan to be, is it such a bad thing for plans not to work out? She even imposes that people can be grateful for their original plans going awry. Upon exploring the planning of the future realm, Nangia discovers that planning for the future is not doomed to fail, but rather a question of can you accept what life unfolds.

 

Surprised at first, finding an article titled so closely to mine, I was skeptical to read this in fear I would be forced to believe this one theory. As I read down the pages I began to see that the author is very pro-fate or anti-choice. She gives a number of examples that supports life taking its own path rather you have plans or not. She even points out that many people’s plans are dismissed by fate and life takes its own course. Even more she shows us that people are happier with their lives when their plans are changed. While reading I started to doubt my own plans in life, thinking that they are not going to come true anyway. Nangia addressed my fear later when she said the problem is not with the planning, it’s with the acceptance. She claims the problem is most of the time we are all expending energy trying to fight reality. We just don’t accept things as they are; instead, we keep hankering after what could have been or what we had wanted. What I have learned from this passage is that if life does though you in a different direction, overcome the changes, do a quick reality check, adapt to the new, and most likely it will work out for the best.

Web Log 3

Richard Dawkins author of “The God Delusion,” believes there is no such thing as a god or supernatural creator. He says that everything in this world can or will be able to be solved with science. He claims that miracles contradict facts of science and the spirit of science. God did not create the world as beautiful as it is now. It started out very simple with no complexity to it. Then over millions of years, life began to evolve. Small things began getting larger and more complex. Simple creatures grew more elegant and life started to spread as life cells do. Dawkins says that giving credit to a God for life’s creation is a cop-out. Dawkins knows what he believes, has a good understanding of his boundaries and stays within them.

Dr. Francis Collins the Director of the National Human Genome Research Institute approaches the creation of life through the eyes of religion. God made us all, he claims. God brought all things to be. He tells us that science can do a lot of things, but what it cannot do is show us proof that god did not create some of these things that we call miracles. God has powers outside this world, outside of time, outside of space. You cannot control a like this and you cannot prove that it does not exist; therefore God has to be real. Collins says that evolution still may have happened but even if it did god was the one that made it that way. He knew that the millions of years would pass and one day man would walk the earth. He even goes as far as saying that it is not unreasonable to say that God planned on us having this conversation. God is the answer to all those “How must it have come to be” questions.

 

I believe that Collins lost all grounds with all the contradictory passages he says. From god may have been behind evolution to god is the answer to all the “How must it have come to be” questions. The bible, or book of god stats that god created man in his own image. It does not say 10 million years ago god set out to create man 10 million years from now.  Also god is not the answer to all those “how must it have come to be” questions, science just has not found the answer yet. Then again, 100 years ago flying was not possible either. I also think that Collins made it too personal when he says “My God is not improbable to me.” I do not believe that a supernatural being created this life. I believe that there is supernatural beings that may have died and watch over us but not God, or a god. I believe that God is an imaginary toy for grownups, live life the best way you know how and through that you will find what you are looking for.

 

Web Log 2

Why do people waist what little time they have?

Why do people commit suicide?

What makes people happy?

What is happiness?

Does God exist, and does evil exist?

Why do some people have good and other have bad luck?

Why am I here?

What am i here for?

What is my meaning or purpose in life?

Why do people have to be successful to be happy?

Do I make other people happy?

Does my existence have affect on others?

Should I really care about anything or is this all just a waist of time?

What Am I Here For?

We are all put on this world for a reason. The things we do in life may define who we are but not entirely. I want to know why everyday I go to work excised to finish my work on time so I can go to class and learn things and finish my degree. I have dreams such as being the Governor of Texas. Being the CEO of ATT. All of these things are not really a dream to me but rather the goals that I will accomplish. I think about what I can do, and how I can help, but then I think what does it matter? All the things I want to do may or may not make the world a better place but even if it does, how long will it be before it is messed up again. Is there really a point in dealing with it now, so someone later can destroy everything? One thing I have learned about the meaning if life is just to live it. Live your life they way that you want to. Some people decide to be good people and help other while the opposite choose to hurt, rape, kill, lie, and steel. These people may have been brought up a little different and may be more persuaded to the bad side. But ultimately have their own choice in what they do. The ones that do good in this world, I have to say, do good for their own self satisfaction (I believe). Although people like Oprah do more things for other people, they would not do it if it did not indeed make them feel good in return. People will or should always do things that make them happy. Doing good things for other people may be what makes people contempt with their lives. Being happy… Being happy is the over all purpose of life. When you are happy the people around you have a high chance of being happy as well. Having morals, such as honor, dignity, trust, carriage, and commitment all make a people who they are and define what type of people they can be.

I know I have strong feelings about this subject because i like to believe that I have a higher purpose that what is seen. I have had a few major injuries that should have killed me but didn’t. This makes me think that people are going to need me. One specific incident is when i was in a HMMWV or Humvee as most know it, and the vehicle rolled and i was thrown out of the window, when the vehicle stopped rolling i was laying between the ground and the frame. The body was baring down on me crushing me. With the aid of people I have never met, two other Marines and them lifted the vehicle up and pulled my body out. A Doc quickly aided me and i was rushed to the hospital. They cut me open for the first time in a hospital that was not really capable of doing surgery, but they had to, i was then flown on a leer jet back the the states to Brook Army Medical Center in San Antonio, TX. When i arrived i was treated like a general, so I hear. A few days later i was still a live and no one, not even i could believe it. This is why I feel that i have a reason for being here.

WHAT DO I BELIEVE?

WHAT DO I BELIEVE?

PART I

I believe that people are smart as individuals. As a group, people seem to lose their minds. I also think that people over the past few years have been making too many sacrifices. The USA wants to make everyone happy, and by trying to do this, the government is only making things worse.

I believe that society is going down the drain. The USA was founded by the four fathers 232 years ago and we are no longer holding up the Constitution. If this country continues on the path we are on, I will be happy that I only have to live for 80 to 100 years.

 I believe that government is growing weak and needs to stop catering to people’s needs and learn to abide by the rules already set forth and not attempt to make everyone happy. That will never happen.

I believe that justice is not just. Loop holes in the legal system allow the guilty to walk free and the innocent to be prosecuted. We want to find out the truth but are not allowed to get it without warrants. A simple question that could solve the problem is not allowed to be asked under a lie detector because it violates human rights. I think that is a load of… laundry.  

I believe that knowledge is power. Knowing everything will not get you places but knowing a few things and knowing a few people will. Also having a good understanding of legal process will allow you to have a greater advantage in pursuing a successful career.

I believe that science will lead to the destruction of this planet but the discovery of greater things. Through medical advancements the world will become over populated and people will consume all of earth’s resources. In some way I do strangely agree with its magic.

I believe that reality is an illusion. People can believe what they want to. The mind believes what the eyes and ears tell it to. I truly think that the mind will believe what it wants to despite what is heard and seen. The best example of this is a dream. In dreams true viewpoints are expressed, they may not always seem clear but in some ways can be related to life.

I believe that life is a good serial and a very fun board game. I only wish that the life we are talking about was as good and simple and the food or game. Life can be unfair at time but always has a way of working itself out. I am a strong believer in “what goes around comes around.” Life may be pointless, but I am going to enjoy the time that I am here while I can. Others wise the point of life would be meaningless.

 I believe that happiness should be experienced be everyone. I think that if you are not happy, you should change something in your life. Even if you do not have a job, a house, a loved one, or anything to look forward to, you can still find happiness. This world is not so messed up that they will put someone on this planet without a purpose.

 I believe that goodness is something you learn at an early age. Some people are born into a family that is willing to take care of their children and others are born into families that made mistakes and had kids when they we unprepared. Some of these kids born in bad situation turn out to be fine people due to traumas they experienced but other only follow the destructive path their parents were on.

I believe that death should happen when expected. I would hope that people are only taken out of this world at no surprise. People dieing in car crashes and freak accidents is not the way to go.

I believe that you should die after a good life of happiness. Then again I also think the birth rate should drop. People need to control themselves. If you know you can not support a kid, don’t.

I believe that god is not a single being. I believe that there are people looking over you but it is not a “god.” I look up to my grandpa when I need help. God (as a single being) is an invisible friend for grown-ups.

PART II

I believe that reality is an illusion. Most people go through life not knowing what they want to do with their lives. I do not believe what you do is the important thing. I believe what you do while you are getting there is what counts. A few rules I like to think I live by are:

          ·        Dream as if you live forever, Live as if you die today. –Unknown

          ·        The golden Rule (treat other the way you want to be treated)

          ·        What goes around comes around.Many good and bad things may come your way and you will be faced with adverse situations. The majority of the time it is the people that do the right thing that come out on top. You may not see the results of what you are doing immediately, but good things will come. Another point of reality is that not everything has to go the way other people want them to. An easy example is a simple question. You may be asked something like what are you doing today. You may not want to share the truth with them so you simply change the subject. This is an example of changing reality on a small scale. By using a new subject (illusion) you changed reality (conversation).

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