'Git offa mah lawn ya damned hooligans!!'

So I’m turning 30 this year, which of course warrants a supremely sober blog entry. If you’re in a happy cheerful mood, I would urge you to not read this (now at least).
I’ve noticed that as I grow older my attitude and opinion of things becomes more and more like ‘that old crotchety guy’ who complains that things used to be better in his day and blah blah, and ‘kids nowadays’ etc. Actually, I’m not really becoming that guy, but I do think that the World seems to be going to Hell in a hand basket in a lot of ways….
The thing I read that made me want to write about this is actually something in the news about, of all things, some new scientific discovery involving a chemical method of inducing weight loss. Great news, really, for all those who weight is an issue with. So why does it concern me? I guess it’s because like a lot of other things, it feels like yet another way that people can find a quick ‘fix’ for something that might be causing them some grief.
OK, before the few people who might read this take exception to that comment, I am fully aware that being overweight is sometimes (always?) NOT easily controlled, and it is an ‘affliction’ that could be genetic, or who knows what all else. For some, they might not consider it a problem, and I’m not gonna argue, nor should I. For those people, please ignore this (and feel free to call me an arrogant fuck if you like before closing the browser). But I have a point to make here, and I’m damn well gonna make it.
Same thing goes with antidepressants. Some people obviously benefit from taking them, that much is for sure. I heard about some study however (yes, very scientific) that basically came right out and said, that for people suffering from mild to moderate depression, antidepressants didn’t do a whole hell of a lot. I (occasionally) suffer from depression, and I’ve never taken antidepressants….because I’m a better person than people that do? Fuck no. Is it wrong to take them, or foolish? Not up to me to decide, obviously.
I don’t take them personally, cuz I have faith that whatever ails me I can overcome in other ways, or at least come to terms with eventually and bring into my realm of control. I also believe too that if I can find other ways, besides taking a pill or whatnot, to do so, that it will make me a stronger person - less dependant on other things.
Which brings me back to my earlier point – the quick fix. You’ve heard it a bazillion times before of course. Everything is rush rush rush nowadays, and nobody takes time to smell the roses and all that. People need what they need fast and aren’t willing to make sacrifices for anything anymore. Cliché-d out the ass, but does that make it wrong?
At some point I really came to terms with the whole issue of purpose, and specifically my own during my time alive. I mean really came to terms with it…the whole thing about dying, and am I doing all I can, etc. My conclusion of sorts was simply…everyone’s got their shit, nothing new there. I got mine alright. So how I look at it is, given my situation, my opportunities and my problems and everything else, how well did I fare? How much did I overcome my own crap and have the courage and determination to do what’s going to improve my well-being, and perhaps other people’s as well? There is no deadline for this while I’m alive.
While this blog entry is becoming disgustingly blah and preachy to me, and perhaps you as well, I honestly think people shy away from talking about this stuff now cuz it’s the equivalent socially of taking a shit on someone’s lap. I guess I just wonder how many people think that their problems are super complicated, and unique, and how many of these people would benefit from simply…doing the basic things that could lead to a healthy life. Eating right, exercise, abstaining from (excessive) drug use, finding balance, etc.
Sounds easy, but it sure as hell aint. But is it boring? Not so far…for me anyways – while I manage to stick to it that is.