All of this free time I’ve had over the last few days is new to me. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed doing absolutely nothing. Not shaving, not working, not doing homework, not getting up early, nothing. Absolutely nothing. And I deserve every second of this downtime!
This free time that I’ve had has also left me thinking about some things. For instance, things that I don’t want to be as I get older.
Examples:
- I don’t want to be someone who gets older and constantly worries about what the weather is going to be like from day-to-day. The weather will be what the weather will be, so watching the news every single moment to figure it out is just a waste of time, if you ask me.
- I don’t want to be someone who looks down at the generations behind me and complains about what they do, how they act, how they dress, etc. None of us wanted that sort of treatment from our elders as we were growing up, so it’s my goal to treat the up-and-coming generations how I wanted to be treated – as the individuals they are and inherently deserve to be.
- I don’t want to be someone who loses touch with technology, no matter how advanced it may become. Our society requires technological proficiency whether we like it or not. No one can afford to allow themselves to lapse in this department if they hope to be successful and avoid losing touch with how society operates. This is America, not a third-world country where technology doesn’t matter in the least.
- I don’t want to be someone who judges or stereotypes all people in a specific demographic simply because of how a small minority within that group act. Self-explanatory.
- I don’t want to be someone who gets older and starts to complain about how prices are going up at the grocery store, gas pump, etc. “Wow, the price of milk is so expensive these days!” – How about, “Wow, who gives a shit?!”
Lastly:
- I don’t want to be someone who ever loses the work ethic this country so greatly needs. If you can’t find a job, you aren’t looking hard enough. It goes beyond looking for “help wanted” signs in store windows. Sometimes you have to go beyond that and force employers to notice you and your abilities. And, if you truly feel there are no jobs to be had, then you create your own and contribute as best as you can. It goes beyond simply getting a paycheck. There is also the pride that comes from serving in your State and country’s workforce and being a productive citizen in our society. That said, welfare recipients also need to be responsible enough to police themselves and know when it’s time to cut the cord. If you turn 18 years of age and you are unable to support yourself by working or getting an education, that’s on you and the only person who should be held accountable is you. My tax money is not your entitlement to have just because you decide working isn’t your cup of tea. Of course, there will be those who say, “I’m disabled,” or “I’m injured,” or, “I have a family to support and working doesn’t provide for them.” These things may be legitimately true, but they should serve as motivation to overcome these obstacles and challenges, whenever possible, instead of as excuses to get out of your duties as an American. Everyone can contribute in some manner or another. Everyone! The moment you give up and become content with simply receiving your welfare payment each month is the moment you lose, the country loses, and you are no longer a productive citizen in the society in which you live and are afforded the liberties you enjoy. All of us have a duty to contribute whatever it is that we can to this great country, no matter how much or how little that may be.
