Erving

Erving Goffman was a leading proponent for symbolic interactionism.  He believes people behave based on what they believe and not just on what is objectively true.  His theory also suggests we as humans play certain roles (like actors in movies) in society and we interact with others based on those roles we play.  The amount of sociological theories out there is overwhelming but I chose this for application to my world and my observations.

In today's society we have millions searching for "roles" to play (i.e. careers/jobs) but they're only searching for those to which they're passionate about.  I was one of them and was fortunate enough to find it without really having to look.  Having said that, we have millions out of work and others quitting their jobs to play "roles" they are passionate towards.  Mike Rowe wrote an article on why the majority of people today SHOULDN'T FOLLOW THEIR PASSION BUT SHOULD ALWAYS BRING IT WITH THEM.  At first I was shocked and angered he would hold a stance like that on such a sensitive and personal subject.  After I took the time to read the entire article I couldn't agree more with him.  We live in a social media driven world where perception is reality and instant gratification is not only demanded, it's expected.  A by-product of that is an insane sense of entitlement and a complete lack of awareness.  This may come as a shocker, but...."JUST BECAUSE YOU ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT SOMETHING DOESN'T MEAN YOU WON'T SUCK AT IT."--Mike Rowe.  You may be determined to improve but that doesn't mean you will.  In this day and age failure equals someone else's fault with no attention paid to the expectations being unrealistic in the first place.  There isn't a shortage of people dreaming big but there's an abundance of people with lofty goals and no plan of action to accomplish them.

Here is my perspective.  Follow your passion.  Fucking go for it, whatever it is.  However, know for how long and to what end.  If it doesn't work out, don't search for others to blame, take accountability for your actions and remind yourself happiness doesn't come from a job or a hobby.  It comes from knowing what you value, surrounding yourself with those that share the same values, and acting in accordance with those values.  You may find certain relationships run there course, even with those who share similar interests.  It's ok, life goes on.  And despite what news media or the amazing amount of trash on social media might lead you to believe, you are in control of whose opinions matter and you are in control of your own happiness; a lesson I learned far too late in life.  If you're unsure of what values to believe in, start with these basic ones:

1.  Treat people the way you want to be treated

2.  Have pity for those with hate in their hearts

3.  If you wouldn't say something to someone who was standing directly in front of you, than you probably shouldn't say it at all.....gossip is poison.

4.  Hypocrisy is not a way of getting back to the moral high ground.  Pretending you're moral, saying you're moral is not the same as acting morally.

All of us are flawed, myself more than others, but I try my very best to live by these values.  My hope is that the people Arron, Steph and I interact with on a daily basis at CFNP feel better walking out our doors than they did coming in, which goes far beyond just getting a workout in.  That is my "role" and I'm content with it.........What's yours?

#NESS