Making sense of violence

Of late, I have not been inclined to post anything here. Simply because I haven't had the time... Twitter has been my salvation and I whet my appetite for blogging by tweeting everyday... and there are days when I just feel like I have to express my thoughts in more than 140 characters - today is one of those days.

Who in their right minds thinks violence is acceptable? Especially violence against innocent children or teenagers going to school to chart their futures? I am as devastated by this incident as I was when the Virginia Tech incident happened. In this case, it could not have been me, but it could have been one of my friends - their kids with sweet faces, innocent questions and unadulterated thoughts.... The thought of their being in danger sends a chill down my spine... Is there a safe place for us anywhere? Schools, malls, movie theaters - are we to stop living our lives? When will this senseless violence stop?

For those folks supporting the 2nd amendment, tell me why an elementary school teacher needed to have so many guns in the house? What messages are we sending to our kids by hoarding so many guns in the house? Why is it so easy to get multiple guns? Does anyone ask - you already have 2, is there a reason for a third?

After each incident, there is this hum of "we need to look at gun control", yet when it comes to actions, nothing ever gets done. Heck, it's not even on the discussion agenda right now... If not now, when?

Life's important lessons

Funny how things change in a matter of minutes... Every new experience brings with it a new perspective, a new challenge, a new lesson. I have learned so much in the last year, achieved a lot and am looking forward to my year ahead with excitement.

Change is constant and not always for the good, but it's going to happen, whether we like it or not. So, why do people resist change so much? Easier said than done, "going with the flow" can actually earn you respect, as I've come to learn in the past year. Try it, it can be hard at times, but the rewards are plentiful. Resistance only brings false expectations and with that comes disappointment.

Stick to your guns, especially under pressure. Don't be a coward and lie and be deceitful. Tell the truth, be honest. You'll feel better, and who knows, earn the respect of those around you!

Gossip is the worst enemy of mankind. If people would spend half the time they spend gossiping on worthwhile things like helping others, developing their skills and so on, the world would be a better place. What satisfaction does gossip bring you? A paltry 5 min glory? Repeating something that you don't know for sure yourself is like injecting poison into someone's veins because a passerby told you to do so. Would you do it? No? Then don't repeat untruths.

that's all the words of wisdom I have at this time :) Here's to a great year ahead with lots of new expetiences and lessons learned!