Getting there

I've never really been one to not be able to express myself, either through my writing or my voice. So as I continue to write, which is clearly my passion, or one of my passions in life, it should be noted that I continue to struggle with what I exactly want to do with my life. People ask me what I really want to do, and I can't always honestly answer that question. Is that a problem? I obviously love to write. I always have. I love politics, hence my political blog, Facebook page, and my Twitter account (shameless plugs).

But the trick is, how do you translate your passions to earning a paycheck for doing what you love to do? I've often thought of how great it would be to write for Reason Magazine, Heritage Foundation, Cato Institute or even a less known libertarian leaning or political outlet. Hell, I'd write for MSNBC or Fox News if they hired me (Maybe).

I also have a passion for giving people advice, and/or counseling, but I have no background in that arena. That shouldn't stop me of course, and I guess the moral of this short piece is that you should follow your dreams and ambitions no matter what someone tells you. I remember during my internship at the Salisbury Post back in college, I had one of the reporters (not naming names) tell me and pretty much every young intern there to "get the hell out of journalism." Bold words from a longtime stalwart of the Rowan County daily. I may have entered the journalism field at a terrible time, but I do still possess a journalism degree and I intend on utilizing it again. Mark my word.

One thing that I've learned and one thing that I must overcome is that I cannot let my past "failures" or shortcomings keep me from pursuing what I want to do. Living in fear or the fear of failing is no way to live at all. I've took a few kicks in the teeth from life, but so has everyone else. My only problem is that I haven't found my right niche, and finding that right niche comes very naturally to some, but not much to others. If you have found the perfect place for you and you're doing something you absolutely love, you are incredibly fortunate. Many people work years in jobs they hate simply because it's security. I never will be able to live like that.

I would rather be poor and happy, than to be well off and miserable any day of the week. Finding that balance is key and I am the only person that's going to make that happen. It's time to start making things happen instead of waiting.

So here goes nothing. Or maybe it's everything?

Answers

      I'm having a really difficult time here trying to make sense of senseless acts of violence that happen in this country. I, like most people are only seeking answers. Is there a solution? Some believe that through more regulation, we can prevent these acts of violence from happening. Others don't believe any regulation at all could stop crazy people from doing anything. I'm not sure where I fall to be honest.

I certainly am a proponent of the 2nd amendment. I don't think it's outdated in the least, and I think most people understand that no one is wanting to take away any guns as gun control supporters like to point out as if they're speaking to children. We've had these discussions before as mass shootings seem to be a monthly incident now. Some politicize the situation before the dust even has time to settle. We've gotten to a point in this country where people think that government is the solution to all of our problems. 

We do have a gun problem in this country. Guns fall into the wrong hands. Can we keep these people from getting their hands on these weapons? Maybe, maybe not? I think some provisions could work in theory, But real solutions shouldn't be theory-based. It's also important to have these discussions. Guns are dangerous, of course. I've never been a fan of guns, but I would like to learn how to use one properly one day, and I believe that if more people were educated and were taught and allowed to conceal carry, I feel like some of these gun violence victims could have or potentially could save their own life one day. Let's be honest, this problem isn't going to go away overnight. And more government regulation will probably not be the answer. Let's have open discussions about this and less finger pointing. I truly do not care if you consider yourself to be a social justice warrior because you believe in more gun control, or if you're a staunch conservative who wants to cling tighter to your gun. Enough with the division. Try and act like adults and less like children comparing who has the better bicycle. I am so over seeing both sides of the aisle constantly bicker. It's getting us no where. 

If you're the praying kind, keep these families of the Oregon shooting in your thoughts and prayers. Let's have some time pass and discuss things rationally. Not as liberals or conservatives, but as people with level-headed approaches.