"Other People's Thoughts..."

In life it seems as if we are constantly fighting against other peoples thoughts. Am I thin enough, tall enough, black enough, white enough, gay enough, straight enough, christian enough or am I just enough. Insecurities seem to be a dis-ease much worst than any ailment filling the beds of hospitals across the world. This specific dis-ease robs the creative of their light, rots outs the body and soul and mentally imprisons.

This dis-ease is so rapid that it's even affected the education system in the USA. Hearing things like "That's so Gay" to describe something extra curricular like the arts or science. With so much emphasis of aggression, sexuality and masculinity, it seems many are doing nothing more than folding their arms around their waist, while running in circles.

When someone comes out as different or one-of-a-kind, it is often greeted with the hairy eyeball. People who question the norm are considered crazy and eccentric; better yet people were often institutionalized for speaking different than a social norm. How did it become the norm to follow other people's thoughts. In a country that supposedly cherishes innovation, it seems people are nothing more than lab rats waiting for the next toy from Apple.

There is nothing wrong with enjoying materials of convenience, gadget toys or anything one can think of. What's interesting is when people look for and follow what others are doing. What is the latest trend? what are the other guys doing/wearing?... What is with the fear of being individual? Why do so many cover up with a mental Burka only to run home at night to a loveless and/or empty nest? The reason is: "other people's thoughts".

While many people may feel that others won't like them because of who they are; those others are busy thinking the same way. It goes back to the childhood parental quote: "If they all jump off the bridge, does that mean you will too?" Hearing that as a child use to make me nuts because all I wanted was to be liked by others. What I failed to realize as a child and teen was that everyone else felt the same way.

When we spend too much time worried about what others may be thinking, that pressure does not create a diamond, in most cases. Many people end up being hot air wasted into the atmosphere. To be a diamond, people must follow their convictions and happiness, while allowing the pressure of personal bliss navigate to their individual truth. The more people to listen and share* what they already have and know, the closer the human race will be to total enlightenment. We are all here to be who we are and no one else.

*Share: [verb] to use, participate in, enjoy, receive, etc., jointly