Fighting is the physical embodiment of conflict. Two parties believe they are right, so they fight to prove it. Sometimes this is problematic, and people get hurt in defense of a side. In other cases, fights can be beneficial as parties unite to reach a compromise. For me, at least in the case of boxing or professional wrestling, fighting is pure entertainment. This is still two opposing parties working to solve a difference. In short, fighting is one way of resolving differences.
We often think of fighting in a negative light, focusing on the pain and destructive nature of fights. There can be a positive note too, though. Fighting is often indicative of passion--both positive and negative. In most cases, if a person (or group) is willing to put up a fight on an issue, this demonstrates a desire to change another’s mind. I believe this brings notice to causes which deserve the attention. More passion (on either side of the argument) highlights the causes more important to society.
Problems arise when this cause might not actually be fight-worthy. Particularly pugilistic people may create arguments just for the sake of having a fight. This antagonism is hardly beneficial, especially when the recipient is someone who avoids conflict and caves into the other argument. Unfortunately, this is the kind of fighting often seen online, where someone can hide behind anonymity and cause a ruckus. This is problematic as fights can escalate into something closer resembling an attack.
Just as fighting can be destructive, though, it can also be constructive. Fighting (or arguing) more on the personal level, between friends or family members for example, can make both sides stronger. A person has the chance to make their case and feel heard. Although it may be frustrating or downright hurtful at the time, persevering through fights can lead to compromise.
Essentially, fighting over a worthy cause is a good thing (as long as either party does not get too seriously hurt, of course). It shows passion, which focuses on good causes. At the public level of fighting, say in a political setting, intelligent debaters will use smart arguments to lead to the right conclusions (hopefully). At the micro level, meanwhile, a fight among friends or partners can lead to a stronger, healthier relationship.
Tuesday, January 29, 2019
Thursday, January 17, 2019
Five Years Gone
Last week, I received an email informing me I have posted on this blog now for five years. December of 2013 seems like such a long time ago, but that is when I made my first ever post. At the time, I had the very grandiose idea of posting some piece of longform thought on any topic that came of interest once a month for one full year. I did not know who would read it, nor did I really care. That is not to say I did not care about the people who read it when, in fact, the people who were reading it are people who know me, i.e. family and friends. No, I care deeply for anyone who has given me a second of thought on this blog; rather, I simply did not have an intended audience.
Since December of 2013, I am proud to say I have not missed a single month of posting. Of course, I have cheated on some of those—posting a couple of lists or reviews or wrap-ups in lieu of an actual longform post. Recently, my posts have been responses to a podcast, more or less off-the-cuff thoughts and not full-fledged articles. For the most part, though, I have stuck to my original vision, and that makes me happy. I have been writing things that interest me and keeping myself on a routine, far longer than I ever intended. I hope to continue going at this regular, albeit slow, pace. Whether I ever find the time to get back to longer posts remains to be seen. But to anyone reading this, or any of my previous or future posts, thank you so much.
Since December of 2013, I am proud to say I have not missed a single month of posting. Of course, I have cheated on some of those—posting a couple of lists or reviews or wrap-ups in lieu of an actual longform post. Recently, my posts have been responses to a podcast, more or less off-the-cuff thoughts and not full-fledged articles. For the most part, though, I have stuck to my original vision, and that makes me happy. I have been writing things that interest me and keeping myself on a routine, far longer than I ever intended. I hope to continue going at this regular, albeit slow, pace. Whether I ever find the time to get back to longer posts remains to be seen. But to anyone reading this, or any of my previous or future posts, thank you so much.
Monday, December 31, 2018
Christmas: A Weird Heat Companion
Anyone who knows me knows I become deeply rooted in traditions. I would be hard-pressed to think of another holiday that carries more tradition than Christmas. I do not think I am alone. Most people I know do the same things every year this time of year. I think these holiday routines are what make this time so comfortable.
First off, I am fully aware not everyone celebrates Christmas. I do think, though, this holiday season (whichever you celebrate) is the biggest of the year. Even if you personally prefer Halloween or St. Patrick’s Day, the effect of the collective winter holidays is undeniable. For seemingly the whole month, business picks up at stores, traffic gets busier, and many workers get time off. Even if someone does not celebrate, the holiday season is inescapable. I cannot think of another holiday as pervasive.
A dozen people will give a different answer for their favorite part of the holiday. This is particularly unique for this holiday. In about ten seconds of brainstorming, I can come up with food, family, religion, cards, movies, presents, weather, decorations, music, vacation, and so on. Likely, any of these would be considered acceptable answers.
Of course, there is a dark counterpart of each of these positives. For all the good food, there is overeating; for all the gifts, there is consumerism, commercialism, and materialism. For music, there is “The Little Drummer Boy.” We all encounter these dark truths at some point or another, and we have to avoid letting the bad overshadow the good. The winter holidays are a time for joy, after all.
Also interesting is how the importance of this holiday can change almost yearly. Presents start to matter less, for example, while family time may grow more precious. For my part, I appreciate how the general mood everywhere is a bit friendlier. Sure, stress levels are at the year’s high, but still most people prove to be more cheerful and giving. More people are reflective and give thanks, a sentiment everyone can get behind.
Whatever you do this time of year, whichever holiday you celebrate, I sincerely hope everyone reading this has a fun, safe, relaxing season. Peace.
First off, I am fully aware not everyone celebrates Christmas. I do think, though, this holiday season (whichever you celebrate) is the biggest of the year. Even if you personally prefer Halloween or St. Patrick’s Day, the effect of the collective winter holidays is undeniable. For seemingly the whole month, business picks up at stores, traffic gets busier, and many workers get time off. Even if someone does not celebrate, the holiday season is inescapable. I cannot think of another holiday as pervasive.
A dozen people will give a different answer for their favorite part of the holiday. This is particularly unique for this holiday. In about ten seconds of brainstorming, I can come up with food, family, religion, cards, movies, presents, weather, decorations, music, vacation, and so on. Likely, any of these would be considered acceptable answers.
Of course, there is a dark counterpart of each of these positives. For all the good food, there is overeating; for all the gifts, there is consumerism, commercialism, and materialism. For music, there is “The Little Drummer Boy.” We all encounter these dark truths at some point or another, and we have to avoid letting the bad overshadow the good. The winter holidays are a time for joy, after all.
Also interesting is how the importance of this holiday can change almost yearly. Presents start to matter less, for example, while family time may grow more precious. For my part, I appreciate how the general mood everywhere is a bit friendlier. Sure, stress levels are at the year’s high, but still most people prove to be more cheerful and giving. More people are reflective and give thanks, a sentiment everyone can get behind.
Whatever you do this time of year, whichever holiday you celebrate, I sincerely hope everyone reading this has a fun, safe, relaxing season. Peace.
Thursday, December 27, 2018
Procrastination: A Weird Heat Companion
Procrastination is often seen as a bad thing—putting off something dreaded in favor of something more enjoyable. It certainly adds unnecessary stress, but I do not think procrastination by itself is a bad thing. For instance, I like deadlines. In fact, I would barely be able to function without deadlines, so I often end up needing to imposing them on myself.
Back when I had deadlines for school, I struggled with one type of procrastination. Say I had a term paper due at the end of the semester. I would start on the project incredibly early, maybe within the week it was assigned. I would feel so good about actually beginning the work that I would shelve what I had done until it was almost due. At this point, I would dig out the work, now two to three months old, and attempt to rejoin my thoughts, stringing together paragraphs with linking sentences. Needless to say, it was not the best way to work.
I look at procrastination more as a way to prioritize our to-do list. Just having a deadline is enough to ensure something is done. For most of us, then, the important things will rise to the top. The most notorious procrastinators I have known make the claim that all their best work is done the night before something is due. Whether or not this is true is besides the point.
I also think putting off work in favor of more relaxing activities can put us in a better headspace to get the work done. After all, how good can our work be if we have not taken any breaks? At the very least, a relaxing break can refresh the brain for a bit. This may be a stretch—even putting it in words seems like an excuse—but there is some truth to the axiom, “All work and no play…”
Instead, I think the direct danger with procrastination lies with the speed at which we try to accomplish the task. If you run right up to when something is supposed to be done, you will likely rush and the quality will suffer as a result. The balance, which is different for everyone, lies somewhere in taking enough time to be comfortable finishing the product and allowing enough time to be successful.
Back when I had deadlines for school, I struggled with one type of procrastination. Say I had a term paper due at the end of the semester. I would start on the project incredibly early, maybe within the week it was assigned. I would feel so good about actually beginning the work that I would shelve what I had done until it was almost due. At this point, I would dig out the work, now two to three months old, and attempt to rejoin my thoughts, stringing together paragraphs with linking sentences. Needless to say, it was not the best way to work.
I look at procrastination more as a way to prioritize our to-do list. Just having a deadline is enough to ensure something is done. For most of us, then, the important things will rise to the top. The most notorious procrastinators I have known make the claim that all their best work is done the night before something is due. Whether or not this is true is besides the point.
I also think putting off work in favor of more relaxing activities can put us in a better headspace to get the work done. After all, how good can our work be if we have not taken any breaks? At the very least, a relaxing break can refresh the brain for a bit. This may be a stretch—even putting it in words seems like an excuse—but there is some truth to the axiom, “All work and no play…”
Instead, I think the direct danger with procrastination lies with the speed at which we try to accomplish the task. If you run right up to when something is supposed to be done, you will likely rush and the quality will suffer as a result. The balance, which is different for everyone, lies somewhere in taking enough time to be comfortable finishing the product and allowing enough time to be successful.
Wednesday, November 28, 2018
Anxiety: A Weird Heat Companion
In many cases, anxiety can resemble stress, a previously covered topic. It can give that same unpleasant sensation where something is wrong. Unlike stress, though, it may not be possible to point at the direct cause. While stress may be something we can fix, anxiety might be the opposite. Instead, we may be subject to anxiety without a direct causation, making it all the harder to return to normalcy. In a way, stress seems more measurable, while the mass of anxiety is beyond such evaluation.
It is difficult to describe the two conditions, because everyone responds to them differently--and with different levels of severity. As a result, I can really only think through my own experiences. When I’m anxious, I tend to associate it with some overarching cloud of dread. Something is just not right yet I cannot point exactly at what is so troubling. Often when I question what has me feeling down, I really have to think what is at work on my mind. I think this is partly due to the fact that it takes a combination of events working together to make me anxious. For those extra-sensitive to anxiety, a multitude of simultaneous events could lead to panic attacks.
Another difference between anxiety and stress--for me, at least--is when the events are occurring. If I am nervous about something that is yet to happen, I think of this as stress. Also in such situations, I am typically pointing at one event (in the future) that is adding stress. For anxiety, I find it was things in the past working together to make me anxious. For example, I did not get as much work done as I wanted PLUS that social interaction did not go well PLUS I wish I had more time to complete that activity. As events snowball, anxiety builds.
If, as I see it, anxiety is caused by things in my recent past, then that should mean they are not possible to change. They have already happened, so I cannot undo them. I think this is what causes anxiety to take over. While stresses are things we can relieve by preparing to deal with them, anxiety is something we have to deal with as it has passed. Sure, we can work to improve the situations that may have led to the anxiety in the first place, but we cannot eliminate it fully. We can only get through it over time.
Unfortunately, not everyone processes anxiety as easily over time. I consider myself lucky that I am not susceptible to panic attacks and do not have to take added precautions dealing with anxiety. For the same reason, I would never begrudge someone who did have to take such actions. Every mind is complex, and anxiety has an impact on each one.
It is difficult to describe the two conditions, because everyone responds to them differently--and with different levels of severity. As a result, I can really only think through my own experiences. When I’m anxious, I tend to associate it with some overarching cloud of dread. Something is just not right yet I cannot point exactly at what is so troubling. Often when I question what has me feeling down, I really have to think what is at work on my mind. I think this is partly due to the fact that it takes a combination of events working together to make me anxious. For those extra-sensitive to anxiety, a multitude of simultaneous events could lead to panic attacks.
Another difference between anxiety and stress--for me, at least--is when the events are occurring. If I am nervous about something that is yet to happen, I think of this as stress. Also in such situations, I am typically pointing at one event (in the future) that is adding stress. For anxiety, I find it was things in the past working together to make me anxious. For example, I did not get as much work done as I wanted PLUS that social interaction did not go well PLUS I wish I had more time to complete that activity. As events snowball, anxiety builds.
If, as I see it, anxiety is caused by things in my recent past, then that should mean they are not possible to change. They have already happened, so I cannot undo them. I think this is what causes anxiety to take over. While stresses are things we can relieve by preparing to deal with them, anxiety is something we have to deal with as it has passed. Sure, we can work to improve the situations that may have led to the anxiety in the first place, but we cannot eliminate it fully. We can only get through it over time.
Unfortunately, not everyone processes anxiety as easily over time. I consider myself lucky that I am not susceptible to panic attacks and do not have to take added precautions dealing with anxiety. For the same reason, I would never begrudge someone who did have to take such actions. Every mind is complex, and anxiety has an impact on each one.
Friday, November 23, 2018
Thanksgiving: A Weird Heat Companion
Thanksgiving is in an odd position on the calendar. Wedged between the marketable Halloween and the impending Christmas, Thanksgiving can be overlooked during what we call the overarching “holiday season.” It is an integral part of the season, however, one of the three pillars along with the aforementioned holidays.
I appreciate that through the years, Thanksgiving has not lost its core theme: actually being thankful. While we have pilgrim mascots sitting around a table the day of and commercialism (literally) busting down doors the day after, we nevertheless associate this holiday in particular with food and family. This puts us in a position to naturally look around and appreciate what we have. Even if we do not actively think of “giving thanks,” the feeling of love and gratitude is all but inevitable.
Thanksgiving certainly engenders great memories. Arguably, the holiday produces more feelings than any holiday save Christmas. For me, it serves to recall immediately past Thanksgivings sitting and eating with family. In fact, this time of year makes up some of my earliest memories, which is probably true for many people who celebrate it.
Of course, I have the added pleasure of watching my favorite professional football team, the Detroit Lions, play on this day every year. While everyone else in the country simply looks forward to football, through this weird tradition, I am guaranteed to see my own team. Granted, this pleasure turns into disappointment more often than not, but it is still something I anticipate each season.
One part of Thanksgiving I don’t think I have ever experienced is the common trope of family arguments around the table. Perhaps my family is more even-keeled, or perhaps we avoid conflict. Whatever the case, I am glad to not have this added dread. The holidays are stressful enough.
Of the three consecutive holidays--Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas--a person could make a case that any is their favorite. Even if you are not in a country that celebrates it, I hope everyone has at least something to be thankful for and a Happy Thanksgiving.
I appreciate that through the years, Thanksgiving has not lost its core theme: actually being thankful. While we have pilgrim mascots sitting around a table the day of and commercialism (literally) busting down doors the day after, we nevertheless associate this holiday in particular with food and family. This puts us in a position to naturally look around and appreciate what we have. Even if we do not actively think of “giving thanks,” the feeling of love and gratitude is all but inevitable.
Thanksgiving certainly engenders great memories. Arguably, the holiday produces more feelings than any holiday save Christmas. For me, it serves to recall immediately past Thanksgivings sitting and eating with family. In fact, this time of year makes up some of my earliest memories, which is probably true for many people who celebrate it.
Of course, I have the added pleasure of watching my favorite professional football team, the Detroit Lions, play on this day every year. While everyone else in the country simply looks forward to football, through this weird tradition, I am guaranteed to see my own team. Granted, this pleasure turns into disappointment more often than not, but it is still something I anticipate each season.
One part of Thanksgiving I don’t think I have ever experienced is the common trope of family arguments around the table. Perhaps my family is more even-keeled, or perhaps we avoid conflict. Whatever the case, I am glad to not have this added dread. The holidays are stressful enough.
Of the three consecutive holidays--Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas--a person could make a case that any is their favorite. Even if you are not in a country that celebrates it, I hope everyone has at least something to be thankful for and a Happy Thanksgiving.
Thursday, November 8, 2018
Money: A Weird Heat Companion
In many ways, money is the backbone of society. It influences everything: where we live, why we work, how we relax. Money is also necessary to live. Without money, we cannot eat or drink, travel to and from work, or occupy a home, much less enjoy recreation. Nearly every decision we make eventually comes back to its financial worth. We make sacrifices--unwanted jobs, modest homes--simply because they are affordable. And there’s nothing wrong with that.
Conversely, money is called “the root of all evil.” Because it influences so much in our daily lives, the desire for more can easily corrupt our decision-making abilities. When we get some, we only want more. This is greed. The very crux of the capitalist argument is to do what is right for oneself first and foremost. By achieving that security, we would theoretically hurt others to benefit ourselves. Money can also lead to jealousy when someone else earns more. This gap can sever relationships. So by definition, money is a necessary evil. Necessary because it allows us to live, evil because it can drive us apart.
When I was in college, I arrived at a sensible idea of using money through the advice of a friend. His thinking was to use money first to take care of necessities (of course), save emergency funds as needed (again, of course), but then to live comfortably and happily with the leftover. This sounds overtly obvious, and it is. If we make decisions on where to work based solely on the fact that we make more money, how happy can we expect to be? And if we opt to not attend a fun event because it costs money, how much happier is that extra $100 in our bank account? This attitude was new to me, but I grew to like it.
Making decisions following this method takes the importance out of money, not letting it run your life. I would never advocate spending the entirety of one’s paycheck on something frivolous or living outside of one’s means; rather, I would recommend people stop turning money into a priority. It should be the means to enjoying life, not the goal of it. Sure, money may be the root of all evil, but only if we let it.
I realize this sounds, at the very least, more than a little privileged. Not everyone has the luxury of having masses of extra money lying around. I certainly don’t. But I have come to realize money is no key to happiness. Instead, it is quite the opposite. If we can take money off its pedestal, by turning it into a tool rather than a goal, we can improve any facet of our lives.
Conversely, money is called “the root of all evil.” Because it influences so much in our daily lives, the desire for more can easily corrupt our decision-making abilities. When we get some, we only want more. This is greed. The very crux of the capitalist argument is to do what is right for oneself first and foremost. By achieving that security, we would theoretically hurt others to benefit ourselves. Money can also lead to jealousy when someone else earns more. This gap can sever relationships. So by definition, money is a necessary evil. Necessary because it allows us to live, evil because it can drive us apart.
When I was in college, I arrived at a sensible idea of using money through the advice of a friend. His thinking was to use money first to take care of necessities (of course), save emergency funds as needed (again, of course), but then to live comfortably and happily with the leftover. This sounds overtly obvious, and it is. If we make decisions on where to work based solely on the fact that we make more money, how happy can we expect to be? And if we opt to not attend a fun event because it costs money, how much happier is that extra $100 in our bank account? This attitude was new to me, but I grew to like it.
Making decisions following this method takes the importance out of money, not letting it run your life. I would never advocate spending the entirety of one’s paycheck on something frivolous or living outside of one’s means; rather, I would recommend people stop turning money into a priority. It should be the means to enjoying life, not the goal of it. Sure, money may be the root of all evil, but only if we let it.
I realize this sounds, at the very least, more than a little privileged. Not everyone has the luxury of having masses of extra money lying around. I certainly don’t. But I have come to realize money is no key to happiness. Instead, it is quite the opposite. If we can take money off its pedestal, by turning it into a tool rather than a goal, we can improve any facet of our lives.
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