Truth is subjective. If there is one word of advice I would leave to my children it would be, youre better off being DIFFERENT. If the majority of people are doing something and you choose to be a part of it then youre probably on a fast track to self-destruction. In my quarter century of time on this earth, I’ve had the opportunity to observe disturbing changes in the mentality of the people. Should I cast blame on the media? Obama? Conspiracy theories? No, I blame you.

One of these disturbing changes I mentioned is the fact that my fellow oxygen users allow themselves to be fooled so easily. Its almost as if no one can think on their own anymore. We let trends dictate how we dress, talk and interact. Where Im from, in the 90s you couldn’t be caught dead with tight pants (unless you were Caucasian). Now, a couple of rap artist wear “skinny jeans” and its okay? Now Im not saying that theres anything wrong with wearing fitted clothing, but does media have to give you a green light for everything? Live your life for you.

Have you ever asked yourself, who defines your perspective of “cool?” When you see a commercial on TV advertising some new shoes that aren’t economically friendly, are you interested in the actual design of the shoe or are you more concerned about how you are perceived wearing an expensive brand? Its just like buying art. People are more than likely to buy a piece of artwork from a well-known artist (even if its a picture of rocks being kicked) v.s. the intricate masterpiece of a no named Joe Blow Six-pack. That mentality is poison and youll never be at peace within yourself.

Currently, we seek that peace in the wrong places. Did you know that its human nature to desire to be a part of something? The sooner you understand that, the faster you can combat it. Do you really want to be out all night drinking with the guys/girls? Who celebrates turning 33 with shots? Is that the only common interest for your circle of friends? You think it makes you cool in their eyes because youre always “down for whatever?” Now if partying all night floats your boat then by all means have at it. Thats just one example of a situation people put themselves in seeking a social life. Choose to be a part of something positive. Constantly seek to better yourself and your circle.

Life can be discouraging at times. We subconsciously corner our souls until the point where we have to escape by any means necessary. Even to the point of doing things we wouldn’t normally do. Reaching the bottom of a 750ml bottle of Croc could be emotional survival. Same goes for participating in prostitution, drugs and other escapes we’ve created. At times, your reality is your escape. As I stated before, the truth is subjective. Look at all the different religions in the world. In every religion, its followers believe their religion to be solely true. Are you subconsciously a member of a church/organization not knowing its really just your desire to be a part of something? Its past time to wake up from your slumber.

Sometimes we lose focus on the vital things in life and we fall victim to another one of our human nature attributes, the desire to be “desired.” This can cause you to commit yourself to dead end relationships/marriages. It can also destroy what once was a beautiful relationship/marriage. Show your partner an appropriate amount of attention before someone else does. Now outside of human nature, when did it become cool to be a heart-breaker? To deceive people for your own selfish agenda. This goes for both sexes. Guys take care of our women. Theyre fragile. Tricks, “go-dig” yourself a career.

Women, one of the biggest issues with todays time is the lack of self-respect. I love me a good twerking video, but it has to stop. What kind of future do you expect to have with a twerk video online? Imagine youre trying to land your dream job, they search your name on YouTube and a twerk video comes up. Youll probably be hired, but for the wrong reason. The most attractive woman in the world is “classy in the streets, and a freak in the sheets.” How can you expect respect from someone else if you dont respect yourself? Have a standard. For yourself and others around you.

Find your happiness. Not the temporary gratification from substance-less things. The highlight of your day should not be watching “Real Housewives of ___.” Take a break from consulting your many Facebook psychologists. Think on your own for a change. Evaluate your current status and plan for where you want to be. Change your surroundings. Everyone doesn’t have your best interest at heart. Dont be control or consumed by the media. Form your own opinion based off of your observations. All cops aren’t bad. Every black man sagging his pants isn’t trying to rob your local convenience store. Every conspiracy theory you hear isn’t accurate. Every conspiracy theory you hear isn’t inaccurate. Find your truth, and live it.