#OVERCOME2015

So it's 2015. A new year so a new start right? People around you are talking about all the changes they're going to make this year, all the new resolutions they're "going to stick to this time", and they're all saying, "2015 is MY year!"

But what's going to happen in a couple days, weeks, or months when the hype dies down and the resolutions get swept away with the stresses of daily life? What's going to happen when school starts up again and all the temptations are right there staring you in the face, and they're stronger than they were before? What's going to happen when you fail (you know it's going to happen) and you're faced with the decision to try again, or wait until next year?

Let's face it, no matter who you are, you ARE going to fail, you ARE going to get tired of trying, and you ARE going to give in to temptation. I'm not trying to be discouraging, I'm just saying what we all know is true. We're all human, and we all fail because nobody is perfect. I'm not perfect, you're not perfect, your parents aren't perfect, and we all try and struggle, but no matter how hard we push, we will always fall down when we think we've finally reached the top. But is that any reason not to keep trying? Is that a reason to not get up again? Yes, we all fail, but that's what makes the struggle of the human life so beautiful.

We fall and we struggle and we hurt and we cry, but then we get back up and keep pushing forward until we reach our goals and our dreams, or until we fall again. The thing about life is that while we plan and we carve a little spot out for us, we can never know what's going to happen. All we can ultimately do is overcome the obstacles that are put in front of us, but overcoming takes more dedication and heartache sometimes than a resolution. Overcoming is a choice to stick through the heartache until you conquer your mountain.

The question now is are you willing to make the choice to overcome whatever has been holding you down? Are you willing to leave the easy road of following the status quo? Are you willing to invite disaster and upheaval into your life for a momentary sting of pain so that your future can be better? Are you willing to lose friends and maybe even family to follow a path that will help you break out of addictions and temptations?

This message is not for the faint of heart or for those who aren't willing to make the commitment to truly overcome their obstacles. This message is for those who are tired of being stuck in the same cycle every year. This message is for those who are trying to change their life for the better. This message is for those who are escaping addictions and need a reason to stay clean. This message is for those who have nothing left.

So for all my misfits of society, 2015 is your year to overcome.
For all you punks, jocks, sluts, whores, goths, nerds, all you labels, 2015 is your year to overcome.
For all my girls out there who look at themselves in the mirror, and all you see is "fat", 2015 is your year to overcome.
For all my girls and boys who starve yourselves or force yourself to throw up in the bathroom so you can have a socially acceptable image, 2015 is your year to overcome.
For all my girls who have bruises you're hiding because you want to believe that he loves you, but all he does is hurt you, 2015 is your year to overcome and escape.
For all my boys who can only think clearly enough to smoke the next joint, and you hate yourself every time you break down, 2015 is your year to overcome.
For all my girls who give up your bodies because you think sex can bring you happiness and acceptance, but all you feel is emptiness, 2015 is your year to overcome.
For all my girls and boys who have fresh cuts on your arms, stomachs, thighs, new breaks, bruises, and you're trying to hide the pain but then someone says something to you and it all comes back, 2015 is your year to overcome.
For all my boys who are looking for the next party, the next girl, the next time you can get drunk or high, 2015 is your year to overcome.
For all my girls who are looking at the pregnancy test in your hands, and you don't know how you're going to tell your boyfriend or your parents, 2015 is your year to overcome.
For all my boys who suffer abuse at the hands of your mother, father, guardian, and you have a new bruise to make up a lie about, 2015 is your year to overcome.
For all my girls who are sitting in your room, praying that he won't come to your bedroom tonight and force you to give him your body again, 2015 is your year to overcome.
For all my boys who just lost a parent, and you have to pick up the pieces and be that parent for your younger sisters and brothers, 2015 is your year to overcome.

For all my teens of America. 2015 is your year. What are you going to do with it?

Peer Pressure

  Hello, my dear friends! I'm going to cut straight to the chase here.

  As I'm sure you realize, many things have an influence on what makes an individual who they are. A vast majority of them are listed above. I'd like for you to take notice that the biggest words in that picture are the words "peer pressure".

  I don't know who it was that came up with this photo, nor what was their thinking while they pieced it together, but, coincidence or not, this is symbolic.

  I am all about symbolism. I love certain thoughts and ideals that are carried by some symbols. Here the symbol is one I am not fond of. This shows that peer pressure is one of the most dominant figures of what makes people decide who they will be.

  Now, as I say, every story is always different, even so, this is a huge issue.

1. Who does this affect?
  Actually, everyone. This is not just exclusively the issue of teens and preteens. I have both seen and heard of peer pressure involving people well into their adult years. Clearly, this also means that not only are teens pressuring other teens to do wrong, but adults are doing this as well. Even children can participate in peer pressure.

2. What is peer pressure?
  Peer pressure is the age old story of people trying to get other people to be what they want them to be. This is common among "friends". I put friends in quotes because, frankly, if someone is resistant to the way you are and makes it a goal to negatively influence you for their own personal reason, they are not a friend. Friendship is choosing to stand by someone, even if you don't stand behind what they do. You don't have to agree with every friend of yours on every subject, but you aren't going to scorn them mercilessly if they don't bend to your views. Peer pressure isn't limited to those who are your friends. It can happen with anyone. Coworkers can pressure other coworkers into misconduct at work or even something in their personal life. Peer pressure is not an encouraging thing, even if it is made to sound like it. There is a huge difference between a friend trying to get you to make a good choice that they believe will benefit you (for example's sake: going to the gym and working out), and a "friend" trying to get you to do something harmful to you and/or others (such as drugs, drinking, stealing, etc.).

3. Where does this occur?
  Goodness gracious, this can be found nearly everywhere. Prominent in schools, but later on in life, you don't necessarily escape that in your workplace, because sometimes, as I said, it's there too. Anytime you're with a group of people (especially around your age) there is chance for peer pressure. There's even chance for peer pressure when you're alone on your couch. How so? Think about the screen you're looking at right now. Peer pressure can also be on the internet, or through texting. Where there are people, pressure can lie in wait.

4. When does peer pressure take place?
  Most often, when someone stands out in one way or another. They might say no to smoking when offered, or no to bullying someone, or they may dress differently, or may not go out partying, or maybe they don't want to get drunk. I could go on. People will always try to get you to do what they want when your best interests are not at heart for them. Society tries to mold us. Sales marketing even uses techniques similar to peer pressure. Society tells us to fit in by using these phrases, or wearing these clothes, or watch this show, or read this book. And then, for marketing, take commercials. Believe it or not, they pull the whole "everyone else is doing it" card, too. Look for it! You'll see it. But it will probably sound something like "buy this because these people did".

5. Why do people give in?
  We live in a day and age where individuals care far more about what others think about them (and more often, people who shouldn't matter to us), than what they think about themselves. We need to realize that caving in to negative peer pressure does not better anyone. It encourages the ones who pressure others to keep doing it, and pushes the individual who caved further and further away from having a hold on a mind of their own. Every time you say "yes", it will get increasingly harder to say "no". If you spend your time making yourself into someone you're not just to fit in, you lose sight of who you are. I know because I have done it before. It got to the point where I didn't even know what I liked anymore! It took me a long time to break the mold I let others form for me. I was blessed to open back up to learn more about what being an individual truly means.

  If we were meant to be all like each other, making all the same choices, doing what everyone else is doing, we wouldn't all have different stories. Since we are blessed to be different, why do we try so hard not to be?

  I remind you, real friends, those who truly care about you and respect you as a person, will understand if you say "no" to things. Understanding why and being understanding are two separate matters. We may not always understand why people do what they do, but we can still be understanding.

  Also, watch yourself. Make sure you're not pressuring anyone else negatively. Practice being understanding, even in the little things. If your friend really doesn't want to go see that movie, don't make them go see the movie. C'mon. It's that simple.

  Peer pressure may not seem like a big deal to you, but it can start with something like that movie, and end with something detrimental like getting in the car with a drunk driver and dying a horrific death. An extreme example? Yes. But these things happen.

  Be careful about who influences you and how they do this, and thoughtful about who and how you influence.

  Thank you so much for joining me again, and I hope you have a wonderful day, wherever you are! If you haven't already, don't forget to subscribe!!!

  "Talk" soon :)