Perceived value.

We all have a perceived value in our heads. This little price tag we place on ourselves to sub consciously evaluate ourselves relative to the world and all those around us. Of coarse the truth is, no one is ACTUALLY more valued then another person, however a perceived value can have a profound impact on how you treat others and are treated yourself.

For example. Let's examine the phenomena of celebrity. Out of the context of America, say.. A dessert island, for argument sake, Brad Pitt is no better then you. In the States the same is true, but why is it that people here will treat him better? Fame is, a complete construct of society and in essences isn't real, however it's affects are very real and can be felt in a room. Have you ever been in the same room as someone you look up to? It's like the air is thicker.

So have you ever wanted to be famous? I think being famous gets so much shit that people forgot it can be kinda fun. Yeah, there's all the paparazzi and stalkers and whatever but this only apply to the uber famous/elite. Generally in fame, those around you simply treat you better. That's not all that bad is it? I'm suggesting, a modest level of fame can be pleasurable.

Wrap your mind around this. We can all be famous. All we need to do is systematically upload evidence to those around us of our success and persona thus putting our best foot forward and displaying our character in the best light. Say smart shit, do awesome stuff, lay hot babes whatever. World wide global super-star fame is overrated. All you need are your friends to know you're awesome. What do you need people you're never gonna meet in you life to think you're awesome for?

And by being awesome, I really mean BE AWESOME. It's not just tricking people or being manipulative. It's actually pulling through for yourself and doing what's best for your own survival. It's not being a total herb. This is the birth place of true inner confidence. It's a lot easier to be confident when you have evidence supporting it. 

To summarize this whole micro article on social value.. It's all in you head; whose better then who, but at the same time it's very real. You're not gonna feel nervous around a bum the way you may feel standing next to the president. Social hierarchies are very much real. As much as we hate it, we are inevitably in a cast system.

Self help.

I'm always looking to improve myself, absorbing information everywhere I go, figuring out the things I see. The people I enjoy the most are the ones who enrich my life with their own learnings. You're never too old to keep learning, that's something my dad always says. Hes a pretty old dude, but his mind is still sharp.

Sometimes you'll meet someone who's ashamed to learn. Someone who wants to carry the illusion that they know it all and there isn't much left to learn. I'm more the type that'll swallow my pride and dive head first into something if I really feel passionate about it. I adore constructive criticism. To me, this brings up the subject of strength. Though its an entirely different ball of wax, I believe strength isn't when you decide you are a certain way and stick to it, but instead when you have an opinion and defend it and when faced with over whelming evidence, you may reconsider your views.

I'm still young enough right now to where I can shamelessly learn about whatever and make mistakes here and there. I would hope by the next decade, when I'm 30, I'd be able to minimize this margin of error and come as close to perfection as I can be. Couldn't you imagine it being embarrassing to be 30 and still not know how to drive a car? Just throwing that out there as an example.

But at the core of what I'm saying.. We shouldn't be ashamed or embarrassed to seek information and knowledge. We have the Internet at our finger tips and a whole universe to learn about. We shouldn't be ashamed to be actively searching for ways to better ourselves. I wish we'd all agree to get our heads out off our asses and just do what we need to do to improve ourselves! I started pondering all this when I realized being in the self help section of a bookstore was slightly taboo and embarrassing. I don't feel like it should be that way.

an open letter to skateboarding.

Dear Skateboarding,

We've been through a lot together, and even now I love you more then ever. You've gotten me over some really hard times and I feel really blessed to have you in my life. Even now I could recollect the day we met. What a magical day...

I was young, I remember you were much older. I was a little stand-offish at first to you, but that was only cause I was afraid. Little did I know what an amazing relationship would blossom from our pandering. When you first came into my life, I was stupid, insecure and unsure of who I was. You taught me how to love and be a man. You showed me the strength I always had and made me into the confident self assured person I am today.

I admit it was hard getting to know you at first. Remember when I used to push Mongo? That drove you nuts! Boy, we really have a roller coaster of a relationship. Sometimes, even now you get me so angry I just SNAP! In the past you have really done some terrible things to hurt me. though I realize you are not entirely to blame, sometimes its my fault too. I know I will never meet someone like you again, that's why I hold you so close to my heart.

You really complete me you know that? When I feel alone and scared, you are alway their for me. I thank you for that. I would not be where I am today without you. i would not know the people I know without you. You've introduced me to so many of my life long friends. You are so Generous and continue to give despite so many people taking you for granted.

I know lately I haven't been spending time with you like we used to, School has been crazy and its been hard. But I promise this summer, we're gonna do something special! Maybe we can go away, just me and you. Somewhere we've never been. It could be so great.

I really love you skateboarding, and I mean that. I Really look forward to spending the rest of my life with you and us growing old together. For now we are young and must cherish every moment of our fleeting youth.

Love Jonn.

PS. I forgive you for the whole broken arm incident.

I Recommend...

...you don't take me too seriously.

...you check this blog at least once a week.

...you start a blog.

...you express your criticism towards your friends.

...you own whoever you are.

...you learn to love yourself.

...you get involved with society.

...you find somebody to love.

...you appreciate small gestures.

...you drink tea(earl grey).

...you adopt a personality.

...you stop smoking pot.

...you do everything so you regret nothing.

...you live all or nothing.

...you be extravagant while you can.

...you become someone extraordinary.

...you have no remorse when you're old and wrinkly.

...you have box wine with your friends occasionally.

...you watch cable TV.

...you own an iphone.

...you try hummus.

...you use a water bottle instead of wasting plastic.

...you start to care about earth.

...you start to care about your future.

...you don't cum on her face.

...you do your homework.

...you don't settle for a GED.

...you start listening to the Beatles.

...you voice your opinion.

...you argue with your friends.

...you save money.

...you spend money.

...you have a 3some.

...you lose your virginity before you're 21.(more then enough time)

...you demand my respect.

...you watch Wes Anderson movies.

...you don't get addicted to anything.

...you realize there's no difference between free-range and caged chicken.

...you eat granola.

...you have cereal whenever you want.

...you not care what I think unless you want to.

...you not attack me on the street.

...you go legit snowboarding.

...say yes to as many opportunities as you can.

...you be my friend if you like me.