Nov 11 2014

Veteran’s Day is one of uncertainty

Today, 11 November, is an interesting holiday in the United States. It is the day in which we honour those individuals who have served in the armed forces and have defended their country. I say that it is an interesting holiday because I am torn on how I feel about the entire concept. On one hand, I am incredibly grateful for those people that have fought to defend the principles and freedoms on which the United States was founded. However, the fight itself is one that I cannot condone.

There is no flag large enough to cover the shame of killing innocent people
There is no flag large enough to cover the shame of killing innocent people

Threats to freedom in any nation are brought about by political groups, and should be handled in a political manner. I understand that my viewpoint here is one of pseudoutopian cosmography, but it is one that I hope will become more and more realistic as both time and humanity march onward. The “wars” should be fought by national leaders, and done so via discussion and debate; not by citizens (military or civilian) via guns, bombs, or other weaponry.

I also understand that there will be many people who disagree (in degrees that result in emotions ranging from mild irritation to infuriated hostility) with my viewpoint, and that is completely fine. Again, my dilemma comes from being simultaneously thankful for those individuals who have given their all to defend “freedom” (whatever concept that word may represent) and sorrowful that they were the ones that had to give anything at all. These men and women had to leave their families knowing that they may never return to them; knowing that they may die trying to defend something that shouldn’t be challenged in the first place—human freedoms.

Little boy looking at his veteran father
Who will explain it to him?

Let us not forget a quote by former President of the United States, John F. Kennedy who stated that “mankind must put an end to war before war puts an end to mankind.”

–Zach

Oct 29 2014

Happy 17th!

Just wanted to wish you a Happy 17th Birthday, Noah. I hope that it is a great day for you, and that the upcoming year is even better than this past one! My wish for you this year is that you are able to take time to enjoy the truly important things in life: family, friends, your health, and the events that don’t require anything more than your attention. Take the time—MAKE the time—to stop and appreciate the world around you.

–Zach

Sep 29 2014

A little positivity goes a long way

Today was an interesting one that I probably won’t forget for a while. Sure, I will likely forget all the details, but the point of the day will remain in my head for a long time to come. Why? Simply put, it made me think about the power of positivity (which is not generally a topic that consumes much of my thought cycles).

I started out the day in the same way that I start out almost every other day—with a run. I had decided that I was going to go for a 15 km run instead of the typical 10 or 12, but that’s really irrelevant. Within the first few minutes, I passed an older woman (probably in her mid-to-late sixties), and I said “good morning.” She responded with “what a beautiful smile! You make sure to give that gift to everyone today.” I was really taken back by her comment because it was rather uncommon in this day and age.

Her comment stuck with me for the rest of the run, and I thought about the power that it had. It cost her absolutely nothing to say those refreshing, kind words, and yet, the impact was huge! Not only did it make me feel good, but it had other positive qualities as well. It made me more consciously consider my interactions with so-called “strangers.” I can’t control any aspect of their lives, and I wouldn’t want to do so. However, a simple wave to them, or a “good morning” may make them feel a little more interconnected with humanity.

Not all that long after, I went to get a cup of coffee from a corner shop. The clerk asked if that would be all, and I said it was. He said “Have a good day.” I didn’t have to pay for it because apparently it was National Coffee Day. Interesting. The more interesting part, though, was when I was leaving the store. I held the door for a man, and he said “You, sir, are a gentleman and a scholar,” to which I responded “well, at least one of those.” He said “aren’t you going to tell me which one?” I said “nope, that takes the fun out of it.”

That brief interaction wasn’t anything special at all… or was it? Again, it embodied the interconnectedness of humanity. We didn’t know each other at all, but yet we were able to carry on a short conversation, understand one another’s humour, and, in our own ways, thank each other. He thanked me for a small gesture of politeness, and I thanked him for acknowledging it. All too often those types of gestures go without as much as a “thank you.” All too often, these types of gestures get neglected and never even happen.

What’s my point here? Positivity is infectious and in a great way! Whenever you’re thinking that the things you do and say don’t matter, think again. Just treating the people with whom you come in contact many, many times each day with a little respect can positively change the course of their day. A smile, saying hello, casually asking them how they’re doing, holding a door, helping someone pick up something that they’ve dropped, or any other positive interaction should be pursued (even if it is a little inconvenient for you). Don’t underestimate the power of positivity, and you may just help someone feel better. What’s more important than that? That’s not a rhetorical question; the answer is “nothing.”

Cheers,
Zach