Stabbed in the Back...

I don't understand it. Why do we stab each other in the back so readily and think nothing of it? We hurt the people that we say we care about, and in the end wind up losing those that we trusted. Why do we do this? Are we so petty and immature that we think this will get us further in life? Well, here's a little FYI, it won't. You hurt people that you may think very little of right now, but in the future, those people are going to remember what you did! Say this person you made fun of behind their back turns out to be your boss one day? How much of an idiot would you feel like then? This person that you thought so little of has now become one of the most powerful influences in your life, and they remember what you did, good job.

It makes no sense to me, and I'm guilty of it as well, I know I am, because I'm bitchy. But why do we do it? They always find out about it, so what's the point? You hurt yourself and you hurt your friends. You turn people against each other and you ruin lives. I still remember everyone who has ever lied about me behind my back, and I know that if I ever run into them again, they are going to pay for it. I'm not a violent person and will not physically hurt someone, but I have come out of my shell and will not stop myself from bitching at someone for the words that hurt my life so badly.

It also makes no sense to me to spread rumors of others. I try not to be part of the rumor mill, and have done a pretty good job at not spreading anything unflattering about anyone. But why do we do this? My mother used to tell me that people tell mean things about others because they're jealous of something. I never could figure it out, but now it makes sense to me. Instead of being nice to someone we spread lies about them, ruin something that we have a little control over in order to get what it is we want from them.

I think when we find ourselves wanting something that someone has we'll stop at nothing to get it. We're a very greedy people. We take the friendships we have with others and exploit them. We tell them something lude about someone else, knowing that they will not be able to keep their mouths shut, and watch the tower crumble under the victim. We then casually walk in, asking if they're alright, knowing it was us that caused their pain and fall from power and we try to put a little trust back in them. Only long enough to make them believe you're a friend, then with one foul swoop, we snatch what it was we were after all along.

This must come from our animal nature to always be better than the others. It gives us such a rush and feeling of superiority to watch someone cowering at our feet, begging for help doesn't it? But I'm wondering, do we feel any guilt? I know I do. Anyone I have ever made fun of behind their back has always made my heart ache with guilt. I always regret hurting someone, especially someone I call a friend. Maybe the world could be a better place if we decided not to stab people in the back or to spread rumors about others. I have made it a point to apologize to those I have hurt this way, and perhaps everyone could do the same.

We are all human, and if someone is not as rich, beautiful or smart as you it does not give you the right to tease them. How would you feel if you were in their place? There is only one religious quote that I keep in mind, and I think about it everyday, even though religion doesn't play a huge part in my life: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Would you like others to spread rumors about you? Or to turn against you when you trust them? I know I wouldn't, and I also know that if I can treat others with respect and be loyal to my friends that I will receive the same respect and loyalty from them.

To those I have ever hurt by spreading rumors, this is an apology to you. To those who have spread rumors about me, I forgive you, just try to be more accountable for your actions and words. To everyone else, treat those around you with respect, because you never know who you may be teasing, it could be your future boss, or someone else that could have authority over you.

Support Your Local Artists

If you know someone who paints, draws, sculpts, plays music, writes and has a talent for what they do, be sure to share them with others you know. It takes a lot of courage and hard work to put your artwork out there for other people to see/hear. There are always thoughts of doubt running through any artists mind as they try to decide whether their artwork will be good enough for the public eye/ear. Personally whenever I finish a piece of writing or decide to participate in some form of performance I never believe that what I am producing is good enough, and sometimes the support of someone close to me who I know believes in what I do is what it takes for me to get out there. It could be part of my self-confidence issue, but I do know that there are many others out there who feel the same way.

I know beauty is in the eyes (and ears?) of the beholder, and there will be people who do not see the beauty in a piece of art or music, but perhaps it is better to have shown an unknown artist to someone who didn't like the art than to no one at all? I know personally, I appreciate the constructive criticism I receive from people, it helps me grow as a writer and musician. If no one told me that I was lacking in something, I would never get better, I would continue to think that I'm amazing, and would continue to suck without knowing it.

However, this brings along a few consequences. If you flat out say, "you suck" then you are going to hurt someone's feelings, obviously. Constructive criticism is good in small doses. If someone shows you a painting they have completed, but you do not like it, do not say "I hate it" or that you simply "don't like it", maybe point out a few things they could have done differently. If the eyes of a character need more definition to look more real, say "maybe you could put a little more colour in the eyes?" If you found someone's singing a little out of key, maybe suggest that they tune their guitars to match the vocalist, or the vocalist listen more closely to how he/she sounds. These people are not coming to you for your approval only, they know they're good, they would like you to help them improve. Of course some feelings may get hurt in this process, but if you make your intentions clear by stating something like "this is just a simple suggestion to help you improve and grow as an artist" then perhaps it won't be too harsh on them.

As I sit here writing, listening to a musician that went to my old highschool and grew up just minutes from my house I am encouraging you all to tell someone who has been brave enough to share their talents to support them. Tell them what you think, and be honest, but not cruel. Tell your friends about a local artist, musician or writer, and encourage them to at least check out the talent you have found. Support is always appreciated, and these talented people will be sure to thank you for your help.

Here are a few musicians that I like that are worth checking out!
- Emm Gryner (An artist from my hometown, beautiful piano playing and a great voice. Her lyrics always surprise me!)
- K-Os (Ok, he is getting a lot of publicity now, but if you haven't heard of him, check him out!)
- Maximo Park (A cool band that a friend introduced me to.)
- Sick Puppies (Heard this band for the first time on a local radio station.)

A new page.

So I have decided to try my hand at a new type of blog. Hopefully this will be full of meaningful discussions and topics pertinent to the world, instead of just things pertaining to my own life. I hope that those of you willing to read this will keep tabs on me, making sure that the coming entries do not become about me, and reflect (in one way or another) an issue that deserves paying attention to.

On that note, I end this, the first page of, what hopefully will become, a meaningful and important part of both my life, and yours. Hopefully I will be able to post at least once a week, I will try to begin later today, but now, I must be to bed. Goodnight.