Rise Above: Finding Freedom to Be Yourself

In an attempt to shut out unsavory characters in my life, 11 years ago, I became a Christian. I do not feel comfortable, nor never will discussing tawdry habits of sinners. And yes, I have had jobs where I felt uneasy, mostly in creative environments where drugs and debauchery seem de rigeur. It is sad, that really creative people don't accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior, and instead turn to life destroying habits and bad behaviors.

In 2005 after some success in my life, but more misery than I could manage on my own, I found Eckhart Tolle's teaching very comforting. I had bought his book on tape and the meditation exercises really saved my emotional turmoil from sending me to the hospital. Since then, I have taken up meditation as a way to relieve myself from the stressors of life, and various spiritual teachings have really made a difference in my life. While many pooh-pooh the teachings of Joel Osteen, I have found his positive words very helpful. Especially when I get to moping, I remember three words he said. "Faith, hope and victory." The true use of enlightenment, the Bible said, was to help others. While I have not reached an enlightened state as of yet, I do hope to rid myself of negative emotions that only drain me.

I do not pretend that I muck about with flagrant sinners, I have been entertained by them, and even tried converting a few. And I have learned they are broken just like the rest of us, only wilder, and more dangerous. Once I met a model who decided that she liked a young marine I was talking too and offered him lots of sex. Unfortunately, it seems that lots of guys I talk to run off and marry someone else. I guess I have that effect on people.

Psalms talks about how the wise do not get involved in criminal activity. We could all learn a few things from Solomon. Even a few politicians who end up in scandals would definitely benefit from the first few verses of Psalms. It is just human nature I guess to be drawn like a moth to the flame of sin. I grew up going to operas, I just assumed love was a painful and terrible thing that caused people to die. Maybe there's some truth to that.

I have always been drawn to beauty. Whether it was trying to look my best despite trials and tribulations, or bird watching, or admiring a painting, it makes my heart leap with gratitude to see one more thing in this world that distracts me from pain and suffering.

I have a genius IQ. Not too high, but I could get into mensa I think. I'm more verbal than anything. And they tell me I have to help people. But I'm sorry, I can't help people. They generally have nothing wrong with them except thwarted desires and dreams unfulfilled. And I really don't know what I could do to help. I tried to help with the economy. But I don't really know if it did any good. We had unprecedented growth and all people want to do is mope about this or that.

People are always doing stupid things and I'm sick and tired of hearing about people getting high and getting STD's and what not. Its gross. And the number of abortions is appalling. There is adoption you know. Be responsible with your life and others. Just because I'm smart enough to keep my legs closed doesn't mean everyone else is willing or able to chill out and enjoy everything there is in life without doing pot and becoming promiscuous.

There is no cure for willful stupidity. Just because Britney Speares did it doesn't make it a good thing. Even Martha Stewart got caught. Your best bet is to work hard, keep humble and thank God He loves you. Because there's enough shenanigans going on to get you hooked or in jail. Personally I have found the best book to read is the Bible.