I’m not sure where this writing is going. Kind of like my life. As much as I have a general idea of what I want and what I value, there is a lot of uncertainty.

I acknowledge the array of perspectives and opinions in this world. 7 billion plus people, and each with a unique view. Some people are quiet, others are loud. And the distinctions, the differences help us to understand and appreciate the positions that we do gravitate to.

If everyone was the same, I can’t help but believe that there would be some kind of lack. As much as we can criticize the other, it is the other which reveals to us why we care about things the way we do.

In this particular case, I am contemplating how the clean and simple is inspired by the weird and wonderful. How the most extreme and interesting of situations can inspire in-the-box thinking.

I suppose it is a problem and solution relationship. It seems necessary for a problem to arise before a solution can be imagined. Perhaps all of the world and its conflict is in existence so we can move towards solution.

It’s a mindset which is committed to growth which takes problems and aims to solve them. There are many people who would rather complain and sit in the circumstance than actively work to make things better. I suppose I am even one of those people in some situations. At least to a degree. I’m sure I could work harder to solve my employment problem. I do work somewhat, but I can certainly work harder. I could build my business instead of watching youtube videos. But, there is a comfort that I enjoy which does not make that necessary. Sometimes it takes great pain to make a change.

Looking at a situation, making a judgment about what you see, can sometimes be incredibly shallow. It can fail to acknowledge the deep sociological issues that may be responsible. There is causation at play. It can be very hard to trace situations back to their root. So before you judge, before I judge, I’d be better off to look deeper. To understand that nothing happens in isolation.

Some of the most troubling circumstances can inspire the greatest positive changes. Sometimes when face with near death people decide to change their ways. Losing a loved one, people decide to correct their behaviours. It takes a powerful stimulus to make lasting change. Not always, but it does help.

There is a lot of strangeness in the world. There are people out there that would vehemently argue that I am strange. Strange can be a good thing. I don’t think I am the most ‘normal’ person, and I kind of pride myself on that. I am probably less concerned with the opinions of others than many people are. I am likely more certain of my core values too.

Weird can be good. I’ll take that compliment.

If there is anything I can take from this writing it is that people can change. People do grow: ethically, physically, intellectually, emotionally. So let’s not limit people too much. Let’s allow people to move. Let’s try to understand that one position leads to another. Let’s leave space for people to learn. Just because someone currently sits in a position, they are not set there for eternity.

I’m hoping that this writing leads to something. Ha ha. It is inspired by a poem which acknowledges that the receipt of information can be processed and transformed into something altogether different. That my admiration of an intellectual can lead me to my own deeper studies, even though the areas of study are very different.

What is important is that we continue to inspire and seek inspiration – that we do not give up. We need not conform, but we need seek to know ourselves the best we can. We must be willing to learn. We must remain humble. I must acknowledge how little I really do know. I must remain willing to grow, and I must exercise effort to do so.

Refrain from quick judgments. Take time to understand the factors that have led to that specific situation. And when it does come time to make judgment refrain from a personal attack that leaves no room for growth. Observe, speak if ye need, and allow the people the opportunity to learn. I have been granted that, and it helps me feel less shame and guilt about my actions. I hope that others can be given the same courtesy so we can build a better world together.