Thursday, December 29, 2011

2012: Everything Isn't For Everybody

In our youth, elders encourage us not to follow the crowd, and to be ourselves. Somewhere in our adolescent years, we start to find our way, and make it a point to stand out from the rest, claiming our individuality. Yet, by the time we're adults, we've forgotten one important truth: everything isn't for everybody.

Dancing the Possibilities
Growing up, most of us have been taught that if you got married, had kids and made a lot of money, that collectively, they would bring you happiness, and thus classify you as successful. In fact, these same people believe that if you are "missing" any of these components, then you couldn't possibly be happy, and something is definitely wrong with you or your methods of achieving "success". Has anyone ever wondered who set these standards, or is it just me? I mean, can't you be rich, married with children, and not be happy at all?  Is it possible to be single, living comfortably without children and still be happy and successful? The truth is, any combination including or excluding any one of these components doesn't dictate how happy one should/could be, or how successful they really are. Somewhere along the way, we've allowed society to decide what should make us happy, and we've allowed them to set our standards measuring personal happiness and success. But society doesn't live with you. Society doesn't know what you want, or the things that would truly make you happy. The bigger problem however, is that you don't know what those things are either, because you've allowed society to decide that for you and those around you. 

Consider the idea that everything isn't for everyone. 

Monday, December 12, 2011

Why He Should Care About Her Biological Clock

Father Time and Mother Nature Pause For A Moment Of Silent Reflection
There seems to be a common idea among many men out there that they cannot build a serious relationship, get married, or have children until they are "ready". While I agree with this idea, it is my opinion that there are different levels of readiness. No one can really say exactly how much time it takes a man (or woman) to be ready for any of these particular life events. But often times, men equate readiness with financial stability, and a measured level of anxiety that comes (or doesn’t come) about, when any of these topics are brought up. Though I can appreciate a need for financial security, and the absence of anxiety, having it all does not have to be mutually exclusive. Let me explain.