The ability to change minds and change hearts....

First off...no thats not me in the picture lol

I'm going to keep this shorter than normal....maybe lol

I live in a world where people predominately have the most negative of thoughts but the happiest of intents and goals.....their experiences often negative at times cause them to lose belief in their worthwhile ideals and ultimately in themselves......give or take some have grown just fatigued from battling for what they believe in or believe should be in this world...I've caught a few on my shoulders in that battle..many times I watch as they "hopefully" learn from the experiences what it is they need to do.......but many don't and with it often they leave it to someone else in hopes to install their beliefs. I hate seeing them when they get to that stage when it feels like they lost everything or crushed in what they believe...that look that they have to let go of something...when really its not like that...often they just don't understand yet...

I want people to represent what they believe should be in this world.

If you believe chivalry should be in this world be the chivalrous one

If you believe in True Love of a certain fashion.....be the one that creates and represents it...you may not believe it but it can be found/created with anybody...you'll understand that with time though...thats a long learning process. Every relationship is its own novel..and they too can be fairytales.

If you believe that the world needs more Trust...be the one who can be the most trustworthy.

If you believe the friendships should be strong be the ones that prove it...as long as you all involved have your heads screwed on...

Be the things you want to see in this world.....even if the world doesn't believe its possible....My God, my friends, my family, and myself have proven this...

several tell me no you can't change minds but...I know its possible to trigger it....to change perceptions...to change hearts on vital things (love... don't force that if thats what you thinking on the heart thing..but don't limit yourself in that arena either).......its not easy but it is possible...I've done it myself...but it took one hell of a road to do it...no it wasn't something grand scale that could make me a celebrity or something but something simple but not easy... So when I see some battle for theirs and grow fatigue I never want them to give up...so I catch them on my shoulders occasionally right before they faint into that process...now.. Certain things you do give up on particulars when you realize its truly unnecessary or unhealthy to life...but for the more essential you keep working at it to put it into existence....but you have to learn a few things to do so about yourself and others.

Your work ethic is you......without it nothing changes....and with it "Nothing" changes.

but hey again...I'm just a guy...you can believe me, you can criticize, and so forth. Tell me I don't understand or whatever really lol....BUT.. I just know what I know and have done...I know what I understand as opposed or in regards to you as a person or people. Spend a day in my world...its not elaborate or grand..but its okay for right now in experiences...but you will see and realize a lot of things......its not a normal path for many but its got a great view to see a lot of things in and about people.

I'm sure you've triggered a few changed minds unknowingly...hopefully for the better outcome. One of the many benefits to actions speaking louder than words........

J.A.G.

Right Place ....at the Right Time.....

There is a song that I like by a group called the Procussions. The song is titled
"Down to One" in the song he speaks of his life and how he found his clarity in life.
There is a particular verse in it that grabs my attention every time and it goes...
------
Here is what it all comes down to/
what you know for yourself regardeless of everything around that surrounds you
PLACES and PEOPLE, SOME PEOPLE PLACED THROUGH GRACE IN YOUR LIFE FOR THE SAKE
OF SAVING YOUR LIFE FROM THE WORLDS PLATE (NOW)/
Eat if you like heavy or light with a spoon, whether dirty or clean/
in the end it all taste like the same thing/
-------

That one line of People and places has never been more true than in my life.

My best earliest memory of this was sitting in school lunch in early high school and a person approached a friend of mine at my table to confront him over some misguided words and rumors (kids being kids right?)...the soul of the persons whole intent for confronting was to fight him.......I remember being unsettled by this and ready to pull him out.....but right as I got up...an associate at our table who I hadnt really known well threw out his hand out on my chest and told me to back down and look....low and behold if I hadn't stopped I wouldn't have noticed the fact that it was a gang up....several people in the opposing party placed to attack one kid just for the sake of an unnecessary fight...a "just because" fight...on someone who they felt didn't matter. I truly understood the situation then...long story short no one got hurt...they're plans were ceased with the associate and my help. ...that guy who stopped me ..didn't know me from a lick of beans nor anyone at that table but did what he did..while everyone else was blind....I came across him years later now just battling with life for a few bad decisions that cant be helped...but what he did always sticks in my mind.

If you know me or have known me you've probably heard me say (under my breath)

...right place at the right time.......for somebody else.............

God has never put me where I never needed to be in the way he designed me ...I was built for helping and outreaching to others and a lot of the times in their darkest moments while at the same time learn something about myself and them. I've never been really able to understand it, nor explain it to others especially since most just look at is as meddling...and judge without really looking at it...but if you really followed...I never volunteered...I was just always there when no one else was able to do much and by instinct somehow I help because if i didn't ....no one else was going to or be able too....and usually the worse happened if nothing was done....so I tell people to watch and stick around..maybe then they might get it.

I've known this to be my purpose for some time now.....actually unrecognized and natural when I was little but later I ran from this.......God and I have a humorous relationship there...it felt kind of like Jonah and the Fish. God more like "where you gonna go?....I said where you gonna go?....I put you here for this reason"..in my early reluctance for personal reasons.

Once I accepted it the message just came clearer than day for me....like fog horns and being wacked with a sign...:/....Him and My humorous relationship. I hardly find it coincidence the people I come across in my life since that point..it was either people who I was either to help or learn something about myself from. I like to think that my gift is understanding.....information is one of the most powerful tools in this world...it can lead to many outcomes...but for the sake of pursuing wisdom the most powerful resource is understanding. It allows you to sense the spirit of someone, to fully see a situation, and more. BUT the thing is you have to intentionally sit down, stop yourself, and decide to find understanding I suppose. (there is a lot wierd things about me lol)

Its what I do for everyone I meet thats closest to me. That combined with what I do naturally can be a struggle sometimes...but I don't mind.....yall are worth it. Ask me and I'll tell you why..

The hardest thing is when you understand someone on a destructive path and want to help them but they won't let you. You want to be there for them but they won't let you...so your forced with understanding to watch them destroy themselves...yet your there at any moment for them...sometimes they come out all right...many times you watch what makes them so wonderful/unique/and a blessing get destroyed...then they carry on into the negatives of this world.

but again I've never been put where I never needed to be..and a lot of the times i'm built for the more severe........but one day I'll find Peace ;P ..reaching into the dark parts of my associates, friends, and family's conflictions when they're at their lowest or isolated themselves...and pulling them out.....my father would say you know .....that could be Satan.......but I know my God...I know my Spirit and relationship with him...and I know I'm still alive ....and I've seen the positives of my actions..you could say...so to me it can't be (then again there have been a few but God had me then I'm sure). Sometimes what I do is noticed sometimes its not.....but either is fine as long as you're okay. so I roll up my sleeves, dust off my pants, and keep moving.

Just to name a few of my right time moments….

1. I've stopped bloods from a misinterpretation and assaulting an unaware friend...that was fun :/

2. An accident where a car gets t-boned and a mom panics as the dashboard sits on her childs chest....glad they’re okay now

3. Stopped potential suicide over relationships and other things...

4. A friend of a friend collapses in sheer emotional distress to the point her life is at risk…the power of emotion.

5. A person former military who past the point alcohol poisoning, tripping after being slipped something, and allergic reaction...keeping him alive and well….my jaw hurt after that one…ever carried someone down long streets in Austin and they have flashbacks and start hitting you…yea :/ didn’t think so

6. Family abandonment of associates and friends…heavy dark place.

7. Stopping a crazy Ex threatening to kill themself and the girl if they break up…yea that was fun too…

8. Multiple thwarting of muggings, potential rapes, and assaults

9. Battles of self worth…those are long battles…..but I stick with them till the end.

10.Looking over someone all night who may have cocktailed themselves while no one was around.

11. Lost in direction in life and can’t tell enemy from ally and theres more but…that’s enough… just another day…I guess …..to quote an associate “I look like an EMT for life don’t I?” hahaha....and by no means do I intend to work in social work lol

Again…I may find peace later lol but I do what I do best for now……but it all sounds crazy right?....hard to believe huh?...its true...I've done all these things..I just don't brag...its not necessary and talking on it makes me sound crazy or cocky to some. Plus I don't brag on peoples darkest moments...they trust me....and I respect them and intentionally uphold that trust...

It might be one reason why I find it difficult to match with people relationship wise…I know few who would understand and tolerate this world…….more or less tell me to abandon them….but that’s the thing…..I always am there when everyone else abandons them….but HEEY!! who knows I MIGHT find someone the opposite of that lol or maybe if that happens I might just find peace and not have to do all that…and focus on ONLY my own (always undercontrol by the way..not like I'm not already) and a new route for others…….I’m not really getting hopes up there :/…the message is that clear haha and I think God is probably giving me the stare down…….but HEEEY...in the mean time woof…The lone mutt roams haha lol

But again I’m always there……….the right time…..the right place………for someone else……if you know me and struggling…if you look to your side….you’ll find I’m there…and never left. I’m sure there is more people who are like me somewhere… So if you ever get the thought that no one cares about you or others…remember at least me and that there are those like me out there.
The world may not give a care…..but I do

..and I also feel that sometimes even YOU are put somewhere for a purpose to learn or to teach when it comes to new and old people. Think.....ever found a time where it was you pulling someone out and it was clear they were in a heavy struggle?

If you think this is arrogance….no……..check your spirit….stop yourself and understand…..if you’ve met me….you’ll know its not in the back of your mind even though you for some forsaken reason want to invalidate me….…if you’ve interacted and stuck with me…my actions have spoke volumes and shown time and time again…IF you recall CORRECTLY….my actions mean more to me then anything said of me or from me…the world may say ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS….but I live it more than most I know honestly and with no regrets…...and you can try and give me a description for what I am…..I’ve occasionally been described as a good man…..and jokingly a guardian angel....but that’s all subject to your personal perceptions which I leave to you humbly…..so at the end of the day in my mind……….I’m just a guy….but in the right place…at the right time….you know the rest.

-J.A.G.

P.S.- I wouldn't want to be famous if it would stop me from doing what I do best. I really put this out there so you know that there are people like me that exist in this world where they persuade themselves that we don't.

Chivalry is it REALLY dead........and why is the Equipment so Heavy?

Pardon the length...its one of my favorite topics..but bare with it please :)

Hmmmmm ...is... chivalry... dead and why is the equipment so heavy? Welp lets start off by first answering the question I guess..Now remember this only based on my adventures and maybe a few other people I know lol

IS CHIVALRY REALLY DEAD?
NOOOOPE. Dead in some areas,endangered in other areas, modified by a few but alive. I bet you know at least 2 guys who can testify as examples.......you know the "ALL men are jerks......well except him *point*" guy haha..yea him...he could
be your friend or that random guy..."the one you say "I wish more guys were like you" to his face....yea that guy... ooooo slap (inside joke)

WHY IS THE EQUIPMENT SO HEAVY?
Well if refering to the whole Knight in shining armor...back then it was really heavy enforced responsibility demanded and expected of men to provide, protect, and aid to whomever....now its more or less heavy for another reason.
.....doing it well enough to be noticed or not and not misinterpreted or taken for granted and be genuine about it...and amongst that basically avoid a lawsuit and picket signs at your doorstep in todays confusion of things. :P

To be Chivalrous is defined as marked by honor, generosity, and courtesy. Also marked by gracious courtesy and HIGH-MINDED consideration especially to women.....did you catch it? :P

That high minded thing is double edged sword. SOME act under arrogance....but OTHERS use it in sense of high ambition and emphasized importance to and of women.
One negative and one positive..if read that way....now for the men reading this well thats your call on which one you choose..to each his own path. I know my ways of doing things due to my upbringing. My personal suggestion is be chivalrous but not
chauvinistic ;P you'll go far in its preservation...but again there is a challenge in public perceptions....anyway....

The arrogant ones usually belong in a sexual harassment and self help class......the ones who aren't and mean it in respect and authenticity......(pause)....usually end up in that class with them as well ...by mistake.....just saying...>_< we hate them too....woohoo fun :/

Well into todays POST INDEPENDENCE lets take only care of ourselves society its very hard to keep its good origins. Of course the independence issue comes from various things...dead beats, circumstances, etc. ..This I know very well everyone has their reasons for boldly flaunting the independence card or in the words of a friend the "I DON'T NEED YOU BADGE".

Many times (not all) chivalry is taken away by the over usage of the independence card by themselves or partner ...that its practically a get out of jail free card......"YAAAY I DON'T REALLY HAVE TO DO IT ANYMORE!...or thats how it feels"...its aaaaall in the psychology/psychobabble lol

I think at some point its origins lay within the concepts of provision. By removing/losing arrogantly the often ingrained need and ambition to provide...
you may lose its foundation....and for a lot of men today...that training for it isn't really as prominant anymore...and media isn't really doing to much there in helping...for obvious reasons :P ..and the friends around us are in the same boat usually so voice of reason...noooot so much there.....better shot at the Prom scenario.. where the people around you are coxing you to take a girl and do things with intent to get laid...rather then hey I want to take her for the mere fact that I like her so my actions are based on that...anything after that is que sera.

and in some situations weeeeeell....ee nvm not pertinent...hmm keep in mind chivalry can be bold and stern in approach its not passive if your thinking that its just more tactical now...the sweeping people off their feet.....or saving someones behind...but there is more opportunity and security for the sterness in the latter. haha...the other one might get you mased...I know people who can atest to it (T_T)

Now I will say aside from all this that I know quite a few chivalrous men....some stay low profile and others well they're just over looked because of all the new found standards and expectations and narrow mindedness..(thus the modified chivalry)
...a lot of the times they do chivalrous things and YOU DON'T EVEN REALIZE IT because you never see it that way but in truth anything they do to help you because they care falls under that category. Simple things, clean your car, run your errands, EVEN RUB your feet to alleviate pain, HECK EVEN buy you things you can use or enjoy and destress with that you otherwise wouldn't of thought of ...although always not the ideal purchase...yea we know the random comfort foods we will pay dearly for later for giving those to you haha *head down*. Just go easy on us we cared enough to do it and knew you would enjoy it (*I'm getting a mean mug from my friend right now who is a female....hey she knows its true*)

....but hey we ran out of dragons to slay so what are we to do? :P

but there is an array of things they do that YOU don't notice....sometimes they like it that way......sometimes they hope you notice.

In regards to women...they play an important role in mens lives as much as we do theirs..we balance each other...so respect between the two is due. They bring life into this world ......of course with a little help lol (My family would be technical here haha), they have their strengths that they excel better than that we cant as we do with them so when we're weak they're strong and vice versa, and..sometimes they just keep life interesting and awkwardly enjoyable/challenging...thats still questioned at times haha....so in my mind and upbringing.

I know that whomever females I encounter....I'm all about respect and have no underlying intents, no chauvinistic thoughts, nor hidden agendas........that being said

If I do something for you its because I mean it in kindness and want to do it. If I hold the door I just wanted to be nice....if you raise a fuss and say I'm being
an arrogant pig or a**.IIIII have no problems with letting the door go..and hopefully it doesn't hit you (i'm sure you caught the tone)...but apparently you want to show me that you got this haha. If I offer my seat..I'm just taking in consideration that you MIGHT want to sit...you may of had a long day or walk whatever...if you raise hell and think AGAIN that I'm being arrogant
...I'll gladly take my seat back as you complain about your feet hurting and how your heels dig into you or what not in discomfort...I'm not forcing you to do anything ..and respect your decision:P.. and if your all for standing well then by all means stand..I'm not hating.

In chivalrous encounters whether working, dating, interacting...its awkwardly funny yet its me really but... I know that you are well capable of doing your own thing (speaking to females..put the gun down and if your a dude...No :l)...go ahead
but I'm still going to do my best in respect to provide/assist and make life easier and safe...and maybe a little fun...as I would hope she does in return respectfully....I INSIST people to pursue their dreams and try and ASSIST you if possible because I care and mean it....

..and most likely...I'm one of those who modified chivalries. So you may not notice or you may notice what I do...its fine by me...just seek clarity if you wonder...I'd gladly tell you.. but hey...I'm just a guy

What do you think?

"This is just one of my favorite topics among many..I live what I say so I speak from MY experience."

Got Friends? ...Don't mind if I do..

Apparently my social networks and friends are coming up with endless friend issues..and posting them constantly...some random, some philosophical, some in hypocrisy...some in confusion...some in happiness....its kind of funny...its like the theme of the week...:p

Do you're friendships today feel like your walking through a mine field??? :P

Hmmmm the power of friendship is a funny thing. Not to long ago I came across an old study that stated that friendships were at a heavy decline in the United States than other countries. More people found themselves closer to family (which YOU should be anyway) with little to no true social circle from them..apparently there was no sense of cohesion ...hmm talk about sheltered life ..I mean that sucks for well roundedness and even the concepts of fellowship don't you think?

hmmm...what could be the reasons for this? I mean could it be lack of trust (maybe) could it be the constant disconnection from things such as work or even technology to an extent (probably contributes)..or moooore ...these were some suggested in the study..

I mean despite brainfarts (twitter), arts and craft (myspace), facebook (Social GPS), texting (friendships on hold)...there is that easy ability to cut a chord without trying or even thinking of fighting for ones friendship....as result people lose way to easily it seems. A simple delete a simple non response, block etc....its to easy I tell ya :P...its actually just high school BS all over again...just in digital form. Maaan were we sporadic and unreliable back then :P not to diss the younger audience its something I'm sure you know and will grow from...

now from my own experiences and generations before me...although friends come and go....the strength is usually more complex, and flexible, yet more genuine with interaction. Older minds and life over time we learn that friends are capable of becoming anything since it really is a strength status of a relationship between people compiled of varied elements....unless you're refering to the pet principle..you know Man's best friend and metaphors..diamonds are girls best friend...but I digress.

...I've watched friends become enemies, friends become associates, friends stay plutonic, friends marry (Geez can I count the marriages there...love the hors d'oeuvres by the way ), friends become best friends, friends who are soulmates, and friends with benefits, friends who bounce around on status....etc....ee...you know what?...really you get the idea...any more just use wikipedia I'm sure they have plenty out there...


I think a good measurement of the strength of friendship is its ability to get back to ground zero especially through understanding and seeking clarity....I've got three REALLY good friends, Whom I wont disclose, who God knows have been friends starting off, dated later at some point I'm sure, thrown each other under buses, pushed each other in front of trains, fought, and experienced constant foot in mouth syndrome (hope you realize I'm speaking in metaphors by now)...but at the end of a long trial of conflict(few days, months, sometimes a year)...they always manage to get back to ground zero......but they put their pride (evil isolator) aside... sometimes with a little help :P...then they rebuild after understanding each others strengths and weaknesses and seeking clarity in the conflict...they're going on 6 plus years maybe by now..:P..that my friend is a heck of friendship.

with this ONE example of many I have...a friendship can be what you make them to become and if its true people will fight for that which they care about...and nothing except betrayal, strong lies, even physical harm can truly test them...

NOW WOOOOW WOW wow don't think I'm saying go do these things to test yours...........thats just stupid....anyway....

...but I guess many people these days live holding a knife to their friendship ties just waiting for anything in paranoia....I think we may hold little faith but high fears in our own personal friendships thanks to the common thoughts and fears (groupthink)..or maybe its an elitest mentality..who knows....ee I know I fight for mine...and you have to really have been a threat for me to cut....but usually it depends on all involved...so I at least do my part its up to them from there..all this falls under maturity and experience....we either live by the mistakes, thoughts, and answers of others...or we create our own thoughts and solutions for better.....and I still hope for that small percent to grow and change that study....but hey I'm just a guy. :)

what are your thoughts?