Reflection before I turn 30: I'm holding the pen (Week 11)

I hold a pen. I like fine tip, gel tipped pens. I have many of them. They write smoothly, and they write cleanly. I find that my writing is neater and less masculine.

Choosing the right pen helps me make fewer errors, and helps me convey the right message. Since I hold the pen, I should be able to write my own life. However, that hasn't always been the case.

Too long I have let others tell me what to do thinking that a naive 20 - some - year - old couldn't make his own decisions. Too long I looked immature and indecisive because I couldn't make my own decisions. Too long I cowered in fear over certain decisions allowing my emotions overcome me. Too long I couldn't hold the pen and write!

As I turn 30 years old, I have to remember that this is my life; and nobody else lives it for me. I will be the one who will live the consequences. Allowing others to write the story for me will only leave me feeling I am writing their story for them. Sometimes this can leave feelings of confusion and regret.

As John Greenleaf Whittier, a poet, penned, "The saddest words of tongue or pen the saddest are these it might have been."

We each have a purpose or destiny that burns inside of us. Each of us are imbued with greatness that has to be tapped and discovered. Whether you believe your worth to be insignificant or significant it is much grandeur than you can imagine. As each of us make decisions in our lives, we touch others along the way.  Sometimes, you may not realize that saying something  or helping someone may help them become the next great figure in our generation - don't be myopic with your life. You may not realize that each of our actions has a domino affect that changes the course of history. The Lamen's term for this is the Domino Effect. Like Dominoes, it needs a push. You need to take that push - a decision to act for yourself.

One example of this Domino Effect is Anne Sullivan. Anne Sullivan had blindness that left her unable to read or write. She could have easily given up, and said that her life wasn't worth it. However, living her life allowed her to meet and teach Helen Keller who had even more disabilities than Anne. Helen was both deaf and blind. Nevertheless, these two unlikely people became companions that helped Helen become one of the most prolific writers.

Now just imagine if Anne Sullivan committed suicide? We would never have had a Helen Keller, and more importantly we wouldn't have you. You, my readers, are important people in another person's life. I just hope that we are writing our stories that is both worthwhile and open - minded beyond our myopic viewpoints.

It is important to make your lives worthwhile, because the magic of our lives is important; and immortal. As Bruce Lee said, "The key to immortality is living a life worth living."

Think of the many great people in history that have ever lived. Think of their accomplishments. They may not physically be around, but we remember them because they did something worthwhile. Their deeds and their actions live forever in the history books. Your actions may change the course of history either by helping someone who will or you become part of that history. The course of our lives transcends through the eternities because the majesty of creativity lives within us all.

We need to learn how to tap into that creativity. One author, and vice president of the Orlando Magic, Pat Williams said, "Some people say that creativity is a talent you are either born with or not. I'm convinced that creativity is a skill that can be learned and nurtured. All people are essentially creative because we are all made in the image of a creative God. Creativity is our birthright, imagination is the essence of our being. Only when we are dreaming big dreams are we truly fulfilling our God-given purpose in life."

I write this blog because writing has always been my passion figuratively and literally speaking. However, I intend to write more in order for me to better my craft. I can't say that by writing once I am good. Like everything in life, it takes practice. Life takes practice, and it takes creativity to conquer any challenge that we face.

As I turn 30, I need to learn how to write the story for myself. Now, I just need to find a finer tipped pen.

Journal's note: Next week, truth comes in many form of subtleties that is usually expressed by word. However, this truth that I will discuss next week is never seen. Stay tuned!