READ ME FIRST

My Purpose

My purpose is to leave an archive of what I believe.  I recently watched the documentary Finding Vivian Maier and realized my life's ambition.  I want to remain an introvert and leave behind a plethora of quality thoughts and words.  Although, Miss Maier left an amazing collection of over 100,000 photographs, the premise remains the same.  I will attempt to kindle an attitude of free thought within those who ‘stumble’ upon my collection of You Might Be A 'Blank'.  Whether now or after I have moved on, it does not matter.

My history includes years of naive thought, little ambition, questionable self-esteem and a plenty-poor income lifestyle.  What people thought about me was important.  You could say I lived for others.  I currently stand embarrassed when I ponder the gullibility I consumed when I drank from the trough of borrowed ideas, beliefs, and attitudes.  I avoided confrontation, despised the debate process, and cringed when criticized.  To ensure people liked me I resisted expressing an opinion. I was afraid to venture beyond my self-imposed prison.

My favorite two words are 'things change' and so they have with me.  I put myself out there to expose my beliefs to scrutiny.  It is time to reveal my once concealed beliefs, not so much to the public, but to myself.  My beliefs continue to morph and shape who I am.

What About The 'Blank'?

Every post I make will begin with the phrase, "If you believe (my choice phrase here) you might be a 'blank' (insert a non-flattering noun).  For some the phrase will be spot on while others may find it insulting.  I know the phrase

"If you believe the Pink Ribbon campaign is honorable you might be a patsy!"

 may not be a politically correct statement and will most likely offend some people.  However, it is what I believe.  If you disagree, I suggest you delve into my collection of knowledge and consider an alternative stance on the subject.  This is not to substantiate my position but to help form a well-rounded opinion for you.  Conversely, you can say the opposite to me and tell me why you believe the way you do.  Who knows?  You may win me over.  One of my goals is to get over myself and realize the opinions and beliefs of other people are just as valuable and worthy of consideration as mine are to me.  I hope to pass this lesson to you as well as the notion . . .

Diversity is Divine.

Please understand my intention is to be humorous as we look at my beliefs and examine why I believe the way I do.  For a few samples from my list of controversial phrases, from which I will generate my posts, click If You Believe ~ on the top header, or on the right side under Subject Introduction or click here.  There you will also find my extensive list of non-flattering nouns.  As you will see, the subject matter may be touchy to some people.  You may laugh with me at one statement and then frown or mutter under your breath with the other statements.  If you haven't already, attempt to embrace the thought, Diversity is Divine.

I will not attempt to convince you to make any adjustments in your thinking.  I do not know you and it is not important you think like me.  However, I will present the inspiration that prompts my belief and submit search ideas, which enable those who want to seek further the opportunity to do so.  Obviously, I welcome if you do the same.

The Rules

I do appreciate diversity so I encourage you to comment and share your thoughts, beliefs, or opinions and tell us where they came from and why they are important to you. Whether you agree or oppose, your viewpoint is important.  Be articulate, positive and try to present credible facts with reliable sources.  Also, remember to be nice and do not embarrass yourself with name-calling, harsh ridicule, or non-constructive criticism.  I refrain from enforcing each commenter to register, but I will monitor comments before I publish.

What do I hope to accomplish?

I hope to dispel the notion that our beliefs determine who is worthy of our recognition.  There is no other soul on this planet who can duplicate an exact list of what and how you or I believe.  That, in no way, should undermine their value to each one of us.  Again, Diversity is Divine.

What else?  Other than an ongoing archive of what I believe, I do hope this blog causes you to think outside your comfort zone.  Do a little research.  See how the other side thinks about the subject.  Then weigh both sides and either reinforce your stance or maybe reformulate your idea a little.  Whatever the outcome, to think for ourselves is a good exercise.

Mark