Don't Choke.

Last night, I was texting a buddy and out of the blue he says, "Oh, and I want to talk about your definition of unconditional love.  It bugs me."  I was like, "Okay..."

At first, I was like, I didn't define it.. not really.  Just my opinion.  But then I realized that my opinion pretty much is my definition.  After I understood that, I was like, okay, let's talk. 

It went well and we are still friends.. but that's not really what this blog is about.  His comment made me realize that people may pay more attention to this blog than simply reading it occasionally, or even weekly - that maybe, they might think that because I say something, it's truth, or.. you know?

Not to say that what I say may not be true, but that worried me a little.  I want you all to understand something.  This blog is simply my opinion and perspective on what I'm learning through my daily life experience.  My goal is not to instruct you on how you should be.  I'm not God, nor am I holding a gun to your head, forcing you to accept my ideas.  All I really want this blog to be is an outlet for me, and for all of you, something to make you think.  I just want you to think.

My teachers were gracious enough to teach me to think intelligently. To ask questions.  To voice opinions.  I'm asking you to do the same.  With everything you come across - especially this blog.  If you don't agree with something I say, or someone else says, that's fine!  Same if you agree. Or have a different perspective or take on an idea.

When I read an article in the newspaper or online, I don't just read it from one paper.  I search two or three different versions of the story from different sources.  Some people miss facts, others twist quotes, or even spin the story into a direction it shouldn't have necessarily taken.  Anyone is capable of doing it. 

Your opinion and voice are important - but what's even MORE important is how you use them.  Stand up.  Look at Robespierre in the French revolution.  Or a more recent example:  British Columbians and the HST.  700,000+ against this tax.. you have power as an individual.

Also, when you're being exposed to information - whether through literature, a speech, the internet, the radio... whatever - check the sources.  Talk about it with others.  Look for opposite opinions on the same subject.  Education is the key... learn as much as you can about something before you make a decision.

So really, what I'm trying to say is this.  I hope you like my blog.  I know that several read it faithfully and I'm so glad and blessed to know that.  But remember, that this is just my opinion, my perspective.  I don't want you to just believe or agree with something I say just because I say it.  I don't want you to just agree or believe anyone else either.  My goal in this entire process is just to make you think.  To expand your box, to give you another perspective, to show you how I feel about something.  To hopefully enable my circle of friends and my generation to be able to go broader, to be more understanding, to be wiser - through communication and discussion.  I just want you to think.

So, go think about that.