Deep Thought for a New Year

     My acquaintances might assume that I’m afraid of "ambition" because I scoff at the "rat race".  Yet, the very fact that I go so far in search of knowledge proves that I’m not afraid of responsibility or success.  I want to advance and improve… but not necessarily in the terms of what American society calls "driven success".  I lost confidence in such “accepted” values.  I disagree that you must sacrifice relationships, personal balance, and coworkers' trust in order to get ahead.  I disagree that you can only recharge from substance abuse.  I disagree that your own beauty can only be achieved by imitating "doctored media images" or at overpriced expense.  
     I tried to get enthusiastic about the prospect of “settling down into a typical American routine”.  But it only increased my urge to move on, explore, learn, experience, and share my good with others.  (One outlet is this blog).

     As long as mankind sets its ideals on the wrong objects (like so-called "reality TV", talkshows that pollute the airwaves, or fantastically-contrived video dramas), there can be no real happiness… until people learn that it comes from within.  The wise man lives through happiness in his own heart; that is the way of calmness, forbearance, compassion, selflessness, and peace.  It may not be easy, but once achieved, it is magical and easy to keep.  There is a spark of light in everyone.  When we focus our good energy from the "limitless well" within us, that spark creates light around us—like a raindrop at last hitting the ocean that gave it birth.  It provides you with true friends, great relationships, adventures down "the roads less travelled", and fun experiences.

     A new year begins with new journeys!