Doubt

It's been a long while since I've posted.

Preparing for the gauntlet of tests has been taking up most of my time, and with that, I feel as though I've lost sight of many things.

Take a look at what I call the "chalkboard of my life." For one week, I would write down random words, phrases, events, and images that would pop into my head. Such documentation is only a fraction of the thoughts and ideas our brain processes every day! But I'll save talk of this for another entry...




I was asked an interesting question yesterday. "What do you need to give up in order to experience peace?"

From the above image, my mind seems to be anything but peaceful. Not surprisingly, the common thread among many of those scribbles involves things that are school related.

That gave rise to numerous questions... Would I really be willing to give up school in exchange for peace? Would that solve the problem, or only create more problems? Would I be quitting just because it's challenging? What are the pros and cons of such a decision? Is there an alternative?

At many points in our life, I believe we doubt ourselves and our abilities. We wonder if we are on the right path, if we are making an impact in society.

It is my opinion that a certain level of doubt is actually quite healthy. It shows that we are thinking; we are conscious of the changes that are occurring in our mind and in our lives. Doubt shows a willingness to observe a possible change of course in action. It is a sign that we are human.

"Aim with your heart, adjust with your head, and always, always, always, do all you can."

Regardless of the situation, peace is always just a breath away.

Time to wipe the slate clean.

Vodka

K...this post isn't really about vodka, but it is about alcohol...sort of.

Recently, I've been getting a lot of questions about my choice not to drink alcohol. I was never a heavy drinker or anything, but now people give me a funny look when I say, "I don't drink."

"Why?" is always the question that follows. It's simply a personal choice. I have nothing against people that drink; it's just something I choose not to do.

People are often confused or offended as though I'm doing this to "prove" that I'm above them or drinking. That couldn't be further from the truth.

Yogi Cameron and I share the same view that "Physically, mentally and spiritually there is no part of alcohol (fermented fruits and vegetables) that the body can use or wants."

If there is no benefit to drinking, then why drink? Some do it for the "buzz"--that temporary high or a relief from anxiety.

Personally, I would rather work through anxiety issues in a clear state of mind. Alcohol may be a temporary fix, but if you can work on yourself without relying on external substances, you free yourself from that reliance. You become stronger and are able to face difficult situations knowing that the ability to do so resides within your own being!

TRUST ME!!! No matter how much you drink, sorrows will never drown. It takes something much greater than alcohol to do that.

So, I think alcohol is fine, as long as we don't abuse it. I don't think you have to drink a lot in order to abuse alcohol; simply using it for the wrong reasons is bad enough, so pay attention to your motives. ;)

Mazel Tov