The blog at the middle of the internet

Words. So many words.

An ode to the sense of urgency

Urgency, that pressing sensation That drives us with determination To act, react, and not delay When time is scarce, and wanes away

The limited time we're apportioned Before the sands of time have fallen So heed urgency's clarion call And give your all, your all-in-all

On discovering my morals and values

I've spent the better half of the last five years, searching for how I can unearth my own, individual values and morals. Why? I can't expand on that yet, but what I did discover how I can discover them. Here we go

  1. Reflect on your past decisions. Think about the times in your life when you've had to make a difficult moral decision. What did you choose to do? Why?

  2. Consider your role models. Who are the people you admire most in the world? What do you think they believe is right and wrong?

  3. Talk to your friends and family. Ask them what they think are important moral values. You may be surprised to learn that you share some of their values.

  4. Read about different moral philosophies. There are many different ways to think about morality. Learning about different philosophies can help you clarify your own beliefs.

Once I've identified these morals, it occurred to me that it would be extremely important to live in accordance with them. This would mean making choices that are consistent with these morals and values, ESPECIALLY when it's difficult. It also means being willing to stand up for them, even when others disagree with you.

But how? How would I live in line with my newly discovered morals and values?

  1. Be aware of your own biases. (I still don't know why I wrote this down)
  2. Consider the consequences of your actions (A deeper understanding of Chesterton's Fence would really help here)
  3. Be willing to compromise. (That's all I've been doing my whole life)
  4. Be open to change. Your morals may change over time as you learn and grow. Be open to changing your morals as you become a more mature and experienced person. (This is going to be the most difficult thing I've ever done in my life)

It's going to be a fun last quarter of 2023 for me. Stay along for the ride?

The Daunting Weight of Self-Reliance

It's often said that the human spirit is resilient, forged in the fires of challenge and strengthened in the face of adversity. But, there exists a unique, intense form of challenge that truly tests this resilience: the stark realization of having to rely solely on oneself. To many, this is the most terrifying feeling ever.

Imagine standing at the edge of a vast expanse, knowing you're the only one who can guide yourself across. There's no map, no compass, and no hand to hold. You're entrusted with your own decisions, and the consequences, be they triumphant or tragic, rest solely on your shoulders. It's a dizzying sense of responsibility that can paralyze even the bravest of souls.

Why is this feeling so intimidating? Humans, as social beings, thrive on connections, community, and collaboration. From our earliest days, we depend on others – for nourishment, learning, and comfort. As we grow, this dependency morphs into interdependency. We exchange skills, knowledge, and emotions with those around us. Therefore, the idea of being utterly alone in decision-making or facing challenges jars with our innate nature.

But there's a silver lining to this cloud of fear. Just as a muscle grows through strain and resistance, so too does our inner strength and self-confidence when we face this fear head-on. It's in moments of complete self-reliance that we often discover our true capabilities, learn to trust our instincts, and recognize the depths of our resilience.

In essence, while the terror of relying solely on oneself is undeniable, it's also a transformative experience. Embracing it can open doors to personal growth, teaching us to be our own anchors in the tumultuous seas of life.

Enter your email to subscribe to updates.