Living

                Life. Simple, four letter word that seems to encompass so much meaning. It ranges from the idea behind what we all hold on to with every breath that enters and leaves our bodies to a board game that I played when I was a child. But, are we living our lives or are we merely marching through each day in a robotic fashion that is more fake than the plethora of reality shows that flood our television sets? We all like to believe that from the time our alarm clocks wake us in the morning until the time we crash into the same bed that night, that we are LIVING our lives. We are fulfilling a purpose and that this “purpose” is bringing satisfaction or a means to an end result to our existence. Is it? Is it really satisfying? Sadly I would wager that the vast majority of us, if we really examined our daily “routine”, would discover that we are no more alive than the men who are printed on the face of those bills we work so hard to possess. We spend our days working and slaving in jobs, situations, and circumstances that suck the life out of us instead of invigorating us with a true sense of happiness. So I bet your waiting for me to expound some insight into what I think will make you happy…Sorry I can only speak for myself and you and you alone are the only person who can answer that question for you. Don’t be afraid to experience new things, take risk, and work toward a goal that you believe is impossible. But do something that is genuine and real. Be true to your heart and maybe you will catch a glimpse of your true potential. If you’re lucky maybe you will be one of the fortunate few who when asked what you do for a living, you can reply back exactly that…LIVING.

Matthew Stephen Norton

Another Night

In the night you can see their face. You can hear their voice in the deafening silence. Is it a dream you have long hoped for? No, but instead the same nightmare that has come to torment your soul once more. With relentless precision you see the past played over and over again in your mind. Your heart aches and seizes with the pain that broke it so long ago. You lay there helpless to change the scene that is playing out in your mind, only to awake once more broken and alone in your misery that consumes your dreaming and waking mind.

Matthew Stephen Norton

Questions

It seems our lives are encompassed even swallowed by them. What do I want to do in my life? Where do I want to live? What kind of person do I want to be with? We are constantly in pursuit of answers to questions like these and many others that invariably never have any real impact on our lives. The ironic thing is that it is not the questions that should determine our paths in life, but instead the answers we already should know. We know what makes us happy and we know ultimately what kind of life we want. The only thing that should determine our path is our resolve to make those things reality. Things like age, race, socioeconomic status, should never be factors in your “pursuit of happiness.” Life is short and fragile. Each day is another piece in your life that you can never replace. Using the phrases like one day, tomorrow, eventually, and of course the all time favorite “IF” should never be involved in the vocabulary that ultimately impacts your happiness. We all have been victims, in one way or another, of society’s timetable. We are led to believe that if we have not achieved our Bachelor’s degree by the age of 22 or working in an established job, with a family in the making, by 25 we are somehow never going to have what makes us happy. We are now stuck where we are, and we just need to accept it….. Who gives anyone the right to make you believe that you can’t have the things you want on your own timetable. Yes life has been unpredictable! But are you really surprised that you did not see every event that happened in your life ahead of time or that you where suppose to be omniscient about each decision that your where going to make? Come on, life is a journey that will inevitably lead you down roads you never expected, but that does not mean that you can’t change your direction or improve your situation. It will take work, it will be hard, but regardless if you really want it, you will have to take it. Believe in yourself and never let anyone tell you that you cannot achieve your dreams. You are only limited by your own will. Live your life, be happy and discover who you truly are. And maybe just maybe you will realize that it was never a question that determined your path, but the sheer will and confidence in yourself that made it everything you want and need.

Matthew Stephen Norton