The Business of Living

A lot is made these days of money and "things". I admit I get caught up in it too. I am a consumer on some level and on another I am disgusted at what consumerism really is in today's world. When people look at their lives it seems it is summarized by possessions. Living in the pretentious side of Austin, TX I look around and realize that each new shining achievement for myself and those around me is quantified by the box truck delivering the next big thing or the new address in the swanky new zip code.

Four months ago that all changed. My life became more real, somewhat meaningful. Don't get me wrong being married to a great woman makes life worth living but having a child with her makes life truly meaningful. I am a proud father of a healthy baby girl and she has changed my whole perspective on life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness that our forefathers promised us.

Life hasn't always been easy for me and that is the way I like it. Being challenged means that you are uncomfortable and uncomfortable allows you to transform yourself into something you previously thought impossible. As a child I endured pain and hardships that no person should ever have to endure but I always said, "It could be worse." Divorce, drugs, abuse and hate were normal activities as a child. A child should have love, stability, nurturing and education when growing up, which brings me to my epiphany,Get busy living or get busy dying.

Yes, yes I know that is from the Shawshank Redemption but I think it is appropriate. Life is about the number of toys you have, pieces of property or what your current position in Microsoft is. Life is waking up at 5:30 am to change a dirty diaper. Living is about the moments that take your breath away. Being in love is being content with sitting in silence reading a book with your spouse. I always said that the reason I attended university wasn't to get a job but rather to obtain knowledge that can never be stripped from me. Well life is the same way, living is not about what comes at the end but rather the times that make you smile, the moments that make you cry and the people who make life worth living or in other words life is about the experiences that will never be forgotten.