Thoughts on 9/11

With the passing of the twentieth anniversary of 9/11, there is a lot of talk about those events defining a new era in American history. When you compare public policy before and after, this of course is fundamentally true. 

When I think about where we are at as a society, I have to think that if Binladden could see us now he would be wearing that smug smile of his. He would see red vs. blue. He would see Americans at each other's throats ideologically. While in so many ways we have become more tolerant as a society, politically we have become volatile. Often times unable to find common ground with each other. We demonize the “other” side. When in fact there is no other side. Red, Blue, Left, Right, we’re all on the same team. The great experiment that is America is a precious dichotomy. One where one size doesn’t need to fit all. 

Some laws make sense in a hugely populated state like California and New York. Those same laws may not make as much sense in the rural midwest. Rather than leaning into the idea that, that is what makes our country so great, we vilify our neighbors. Dehumanizing them if their views don’t exactly match our own. 

The media gives voices to the people on the most extreme edges of the political spectrum be it left or right. When in fact most of us are somewhere in the middle even if we do lean one way or the other. America’s history is littered with mistakes. What we need to do is of course learn from those mistakes. 

What I think we can all come together about and hold our heads high about, is the ideals that America aspires to be. A place where all are welcome with open arms, a loving heart, and the undying need to improve. Not only for ourselves but for the generations we will leave behind. The stakes have never been higher, nor the need for love. 

Who is worth your time?

This one is a struggle. I haven’t really noticed until recently that it is very easy to trick yourself into thinking you are spending your time wisely. We do a task that makes us feel good in the moment. When you really get down to it though, ask yourself what it’s really doing to get you closer to where you want to be.

I think 9/10 what we spend our time on is probably just time filler. We spend the bulk of our waking day at a job. Trading our life for money. There are a few hours a day you have to really focus on what you want to.

Social relationships are critical to happiness. Human beings are fundamentally wired to need social interaction. There is a fine balance that must be achieved here though.

People congregating tend to idle as a group. Friends go out to eat, or grab a drink. Which is great and again vital.

How many of your friends ask you about your goals? Are these people who are achieving similar things to what you want? If the answer is no, that is okay. However make it a point to seek out new relationships with people that are achieving what you are trying to. Or at the very least some people that are also aspiring.

People need social networks to drive change. Knowing something is possible is a huge psychological boost for yourself. If you get to see someone else in close quarters to you accomplish something that proves it is possible.

Just as beneficial as a good social relationship can be, a negative relationship is equally devastating on progress. We are our social networks. If we surround ourselves with people we do not wish to become we will become them none the less. Your environment matters, create a good one. If you cannot create a good one you should remove yourself from that environment at all costs.

Your time is yours and it is limited. Take time to invest in your social bonds. Make the move to from new networks and branch out.

what is worth having?

We’re not supposed to feel good all of the time. Society in the last two generations has taught us to value instant gratification. We want it now, and if I have to wait two weeks, it’s not worth having.

I think this is a huge stumble we need to correct. I would argue that anything worth having, takes time to acquire. We need to get back to the concept that the way you get there matters. The journey is the experience, and that is the part that is worth doing. If the only thing you derive happiness from is instant gratification, your happiness will be gone before you know it.

-RCC