Embracing Growth Amidst Life’s Imperfections

Someone told me that they thought I was a good person… I had to tell them no, I don’t think that I am…


Life is a journey filled with ups and downs, triumphs and regrets. As humans, we often find ourselves reflecting on our past actions and wishing we could rewrite history. The desire to be a better friend, son, or grandson is a universal sentiment. While time travel remains a fantasy, the pursuit of personal growth is very much within our reach. In this blog post, we’ll explore the concept of self-improvement, the challenges it poses, and the importance of treating others with kindness even in a world where self-interest often takes center stage.


Yearning for change…

It’s not uncommon to look back on moments in life and wish we could have done things differently. The feeling of not measuring up as a friend, son, or grandson can be both humbling and motivating. Acknowledging our past mistakes is the first step toward growth. By recognizing the areas where we fell short, we pave the way for a brighter future.

The Limitations of Time Travel:

While science fiction tantalizes us with the idea of rewriting history through time travel, the reality is that we must come to terms with the past as it stands. Our actions, both positive and negative, have shaped our lives and the lives of those around us. Embracing our imperfections and learning from them is a vital aspect of personal development.

The Journey of Self-Improvement:

True growth lies in our commitment to be better, even without the luxury of time travel. The process of self-improvement involves setting goals, reflecting on our behavior, and making conscious efforts to change. By aspiring to treat others with kindness, empathy, and respect, we can create a ripple effect that extends beyond our immediate circle.

Navigating a Self-Centered World:

In a world that often prioritizes self-interest, it can be disheartening to witness the lack of genuine connection and compassion. However, this doesn’t negate the value of our efforts to treat others well. By demonstrating kindness, we challenge the status quo and contribute to a more compassionate and empathetic society.


As we journey through life with our share of regrets and aspirations, it’s important to remember that personal growth is a continuous process. While we can’t rewrite history, we can shape the present and future through our actions. Embracing our imperfections, striving to be better, and treating others with kindness are all steps toward creating a more meaningful and fulfilling life. In a world where self-interest often prevails, our commitment to growth and empathy stands as a beacon of hope and positivity.

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The same ones who sell the panic…

In today’s fast-paced and interconnected world, it’s crucial to be vigilant and discerning when it comes to the information and products we consume. A popular saying, “The same ones who sell the panic sell the cure,” highlights a cynical viewpoint on how certain individuals or entities may manipulate public fears to their advantage. This blog post delves into the concept behind this moniker, exploring its implications and offering a critical perspective on the matter.

The Manipulation of Panic

Panic can be a powerful tool for those seeking to profit from it. In various industries, we often witness instances where fear is amplified to sell products or services that promise relief or protection. Whether it’s the fear of a health crisis, an economic downturn, or societal unrest, there are always opportunistic individuals or corporations ready to exploit these anxieties.

Pharmaceutical Industry: A Prime Example

One industry that frequently comes to mind when discussing the moniker “The same ones who sell the panic sell the cure” is the pharmaceutical industry. While it’s true that pharmaceutical companies play a vital role in developing lifesaving medications, there have been instances where profit motives seem to supersede public health concerns.

Take, for instance, the controversy surrounding the marketing of certain drugs. In some cases, we’ve seen pharmaceutical companies aggressively promote medications by magnifying the perceived severity of a condition or disease. By creating a sense of panic, they can drive up demand and sales for their products. This phenomenon is not limited to medications alone but can extend to other healthcare products and services as well.

The Media’s Role

The media also plays a significant role in perpetuating panic and contributing to the cycle described by the moniker. Sensationalized headlines and exaggerated stories attract attention and boost ratings. In the race to capture audiences, some media outlets prioritize the amplification of fear over providing balanced and accurate information.

While responsible journalism exists and strives to inform the public objectively, it is essential for consumers of news to be discerning and critical of the narratives presented. Understanding the potential motives behind sensationalism is crucial to avoid falling victim to manipulative tactics.

Navigating the Landscape

In a world where panic can be manufactured and sold, it is crucial for individuals to maintain a healthy skepticism and exercise critical thinking. Here are a few suggestions to navigate this landscape:

  1. Research and Verify: When faced with alarming claims or products, take the time to research and verify the information from reliable sources. Fact-checking can help you separate genuine concerns from exaggerated ones.
  2. Question the Motives: Consider the motives of those who present panic-inducing information. Are they genuinely concerned about public well-being, or do they stand to benefit financially or politically from the situation?
  3. Seek Multiple Perspectives: Avoid relying on a single source for information. Consult various reputable sources to gain a well-rounded understanding of the issue at hand.
  4. Evaluate the Evidence: Examine the evidence supporting claims and recommendations. Be wary of anecdotal evidence or cherry-picked data that may distort the bigger picture.
  5. Promote Critical Thinking: Encourage a culture of critical thinking by engaging in open discussions and sharing reliable information with others. Education and awareness are crucial in combating manipulation and misinformation.

And then!!!

“The same ones who sell the panic sell the cure” serves as a reminder to approach alarming situations with caution and skepticism. While it is essential to address genuine concerns and take appropriate action, it is equally important to avoid falling prey to manipulative tactics driven by profit or ulterior motives. By staying informed, critically evaluating information, and questioning the motives behind fear-inducing campaigns, we can navigate through the noise and make informed decisions for our well-being and society as a whole.

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It has been a while…

On September 30th, one of my friends, Bria, passed away after battling lymphoma for a year. I didn’t realize at how quickly the year had passed. It seems that the older I get the more quickly time goes by. I mean, it had been more than two months since I last posted anything on here.

I don’t really have anything to say at the moment, except that I really miss her. I thought that she was getting better, but I guess that she just didn’t want us to worry.

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… Don’t discount yourself.

I was recently told by an older and wiser man to not discount the things that I’ve gone through this year… He said that even though it doesn’t seem like they were major changes, they were; I should be proud of what I’ve accomplished.

In January of this year, when I started a program, I told myself and my friends in my group that I was going to get a new job. In May, I ended up in a job that I absolutely love.

I graduate the program in January of 2018, which is almost right around the corner.

I had a breakup this year; I’ve been rejected more times than I’d like to admit. However, I’ve moved out on my own and I’m more independent than I’ve been in the past few years.

I have accomplished almost everything that I had sought to this year. The only thing that I haven’t been able to accomplish is in regard to my weight and fitness.

I’m going to have some spare income which will allow me to get a gym membership and hire a trainer. Because of my graduating the program, my schedule is going to open up and I might as well put the extra time to good use.

I’m going to get my license back in January and by mid February, I should have a car.

A lot has happened in the past year, even if it doesn’t seem like it to other people. The year has flown by and I’m glad to have been able to remain sane during it.

My resolutions are going to be simple for next year…

  1. Get in better shape by working out at least three times a week, using Snap Kitchen for food, and by working with my doctor.
  2. Get my license back and a car
  3. Get my finances in better order
  4. Quit nicotine

I’ve mostly quit smoking already and I’m down to 4-5mg/ml of nicotine inside my vape. I’m going to leave it at that for a while and then start reducing it again until I’m at zero.

I’m hopeful for next year. I’m sure that it’s going to be a lot better than this year. However, even though I had a couple of down points this year, it hasn’t been all that bad. Actually, it’s been a little awesome. 🙂

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Saudade

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.

Sometimes I need to remind myself of the ephemeral nature that we all have on this little blue dot in the great cosmos. Everything in this world is temporary. My life is one that is just borrowed from the Universe; some day the energy and matter that makes up my body and soul will eventually be returned.

I feel saudade… (I find it a little humorous that English doesn’t have a single word/term: I found it in Portuguese.) Maybe the terms “nostalgic melancholy” could begin to convey what I’m feeling, but I still feel that it’s missing something in the translation.

I’m grateful to have had the time with those who have made me into the person that I am today. I think that everyone that I’ve met has influenced my life in some way, even if it is only a small divergence from my previous course.

I’ve had many dreams where a faceless person and I share love: I just wonder if I’ll ever meet them or if I have already. Is it the same person or is it a composite character of many individuals over time? Every time I start to figure out who they are, I wake up.

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