Live by your values and principles, but be prepared to defend them

Over the years, we have all seen those posts and articles championing the concept of being yourself; the phrase "Unapologetically ME" always comes to mind when I hear this. As I have brought up in a previous entry, I have definitely have issue with the entire premise of this concept. However, I think the part that I can get behind is owning who you are in terms of your values and your principles. Obviously, if you are a white supremacist or domestic terrorist, I would say the hell with your principles, but, for the most part, I think being unafraid to say who you are is both admirable and freeing.

I tend to be pretty much an open book about most things; I mean, a quick glance at my social media accounts will tell you mostly everything you need to know about me. I try to live my life honestly, and I enjoy being open about things I believe in. I always strongly encourage people to do the same, but I caution everyone to be prepared for the consequences. We exist in a world that if someone has different beliefs, you are likely to be attacked by them for yours. I am not talking about a healthy debate either; some people are just assholes. If you have a valid disagreement with me and would like to discuss it, I am wide open. However, if you come in like a guns blazing piece of shit with nothing to back up your point, you can expect a sarcastic, better-than-you response which is even more than you deserve.

Remember, live your beliefs and own it, but be prepared for others to challenge you. The world is a better place when we discuss disagreements and move forward, but we all take a step back when the loudest voice in the room is the most uninformed of them all.

P.S. As a little encouragement for others, I thought I would share some of most firmly held beliefs that I am always ready to talk about.

1) Vaccines do not cause problems; they help them. With my first child on the way, you can be assured that he/she will be vaccinated as will his/her mother and father. If you come at me with some bullshit about Autism, I will figuratively throat-chop you.

2) Gay marriage should remain 100% legalized. Marriage is a civil union between two individuals to have access to legal benefits; if you try to back up your argument against with something biblical related, see what I will do above. Our government does not recognize a national religion so basing arguments on one is absurd.

3) I will identify as neither Democrat or Republican, but I certainly stand by the argument that Donald Trump is an idiot and an asshole. I don't say that because I think our country is horrible shape (actually, I think things are doing just fine in a lot of areas). I say that because I pay a lot of attention to our government and political figures, and have seen the many dumbass things he says on TV and on Twitter. If you agree with his policies and demeanor, more power to you, but if you truly think he is kind and intelligent after repeatedly attacking a dead man (that most of his followers actually voted for) and advocating for 6G (that is even a theoretical standard at this point), there is no way for me to convince you otherwise.

4) Screen addiction is an overused term that parents use when they want their kids to just sit there and do nothing. If your child is literally skipping meals and failing classes because they cannot look away from screen, you should probably do something about it. If your kid cannot make it through a meal or a sibling's ball game without a screen, there is probably a problem.

However, if you want to bitch about your kids being on a phone or tablet in the evenings when you want them to sit and watch TV with you, maybe you should reassess your thought process. Kids want to be entertained, and listening to you bitch about work (to which they cannot relate) is not very entertaining. Also, remember who first put that screen in their hands because you needed to get something done and they wouldn't leave you alone.

5) On the subject of kids, teach your children some life skills. I get that I am a little biased because I was a rare child by learning to wash clothes and cook around the age of 5, but if you have to coach your 13 year old on how to make cereal, you are doing them no favors. These are the kids that live with their parents until they are 40 while mommy still makes them breakfast. Teach your kids some basic life skills and help them to be independent; you shouldn't want your full-grown, father-of-three son to be calling you every Saturday morning asking you how to make pancakes for his family.

#beyou #liveright