JUDGE

 In our democracy, citizens choose public servants to make, amend, or change the law.  As civilized human beings, we obey what is good for all.  Those who do not obey, can be arrested, judged to be guilty or innocent, and receive a punishment which may also help rehabilitate them.  The punishment can also be a deterrent for others tempted to disobey. 

Citizens can also question the validity of the law and bring their case to court.  The Supreme Court with the knowledge of all previous laws may then change the former laws.  Their decisions should not be based on their personal or religious opinions.

Religions also have their sets of laws based on what they believe come from spiritual sources.  Those who do not obey may face judgment and punishment.   With repentance, they receive forgiveness.  Those who obey receive rewards.

 Our government and  religion may try to convince us about what is right and what is wrong, but we need to train our minds to think logically and behave accordingly.  We can decide what we should or shouldn't do.  If we hold true to our opinions, we can build confidence in our judgement.  If we stray from our opinions, we can forgive ourselves and strive to do better.   With experience, we can amend and change our opinions.  The laws made by government and religion can guide our thinking, but we have the right to be the final judge.

ALLERGY

Your body may react in an unpleasant way to something you breathe in, touch, or consume while others do not seem to have any reaction.  This may be an allergy.   Scientists point to a variety of causes.

Perhaps you were born this way, something inherited from your parents.  Some experts say we overdo cleanliness and overuse antibiotics so the body doesn't learn how to defend itself by itself.     Climate change of global warming extends the growing season of plants which causes an increase in pollen.  Sometimes the digestive tract doesn't function normally.   We need to encourage the body to react in a more natural way. 

 We also need to encourage the brain to be able to handle whatever comes our way, to observe a variety of ideas and have healthy thinking.  Young people, don't automatically inherit all of your parents' ideas.  Parents, don't expect your children to always agree with you.  If parents limit their children to only what they have decided is clean and don't expose them to different ideas, the child may not learn how to think.  They need to be taught how to defend their beliefs and understand those with different beliefs.  As we consume information by listening or reading from only one point of view, our thoughts can become very narrow.  

Throughout your life, find out how to maintain a healthy body and brain.  Don't develop an allergy to logical thinking. 

   

 

EVIL and GOOD

Nature is neither evil nor good, but our human nature can lead us toward evil and good.  When we have what we need, we have no excuse to choose evil.  If  basic needs are not met, some people might  compensate and do something they shouldn't or not do something they should.  Other people never develop emotional maturity, self-control, or empathy for others which can cause very bad behavior.  Our responsibility is to provide for ourselves and help others when possible.  If for some reason: lack of proper parenting, limited capacities, insufficient education,  prejudice  (the list goes on) we must seek help.  In addition, we should provide help to others.

We need to define good and evil.  Good benefits everyone.  Instances of evil can psychologically damage the one responsible and hurt the victims in many ways.  The absence of evil is the first step toward good.  However we must go a step further and intentionally choose good.  Making good decisions and choosing good behavior need to be practiced.   Humans aren't perfect creatures, but we have the ability to improve.

Others creatures in nature are not evil.  They behave to survive, do whatever it takes to obtain food and safety.  Sometimes, males fight each other in order to secure a mate.  Animals protect their young and get them ready for adulthood.  This is their natural behavior.  We humans are more complicated.   

 

REVEAL

  Many people take selfies to share an image of themselves.  But the eyes of others around them also see an image.  They see your appearance and actions, take a mental picture of you, and make assumptions, some positive some negative.  Often the pic includes friends and family at a special event.

You may wish to reveal your thoughts and opinions through conversation or in writing.   Those who listen and read may agree, disagree, or wish you hadn't revealed that part of yourself.   You may decide to write about your life and reveal the important memories of your past.  Don't pass up the opportunity to let your family and friends know you better.   

END OF THE LINE

Trains travel back and forth close to my home, and I often wonder where are they going, what do the many cars contain, and what is their destination.  In life, we have a destination, but we don't know when we will get to the end of the line.  We may be closer to the end than the beginning, and perhaps now more than ever, we need to evaluate where we have been, what we have done along the way, then plan our future and enjoy the ride. 

To do this, our engine needs to be cared for to be able to sustain the trip: the right fuel, proper maintenance, and timely checkups.  The contents of our days and months should be fulfilling for ourselves and those around us.  Try to have a purpose for your trip.  We may not know the schedule or the stops along the way, but keep on moving.  

 

NINETEEN

We thought having our first period was the sign of becoming a woman, but actually we had quite a few years to go to get that status.  Perhaps turning 20 or 21 is the time we can call ourselves women.  You will then be a woman the rest of your life.  Enjoy those teenage years and don't rush into womanhood.

Prepare yourself to become a woman.  Further your education and discover your true interests, then get ready to select a career that you will enjoy as you benefit society.  This career should also make you financially independent.  Meet other people your age and have fun.  Go on dates, but don't feel the necessity of being a part of a couple.  Don't limit yourself to just one and only and be in a hurry to make a lifetime commitment.  You have many years ahead of you to discover more about yourself and decide what kind of person you want as a mate.  

Falling in love feels great, but it can happen more than once, which may be a good thing.  Some people do marry their high school or college sweetheart and all works out fine.  Others realize that first love just leads to our final, lifelong love.  

Be true to yourself.  Let yourself grow and learn more about life.  Lean forward; resist the temptation of falling back into childhood.  Also resist the temptation of jumping too far ahead.  Marriage and parenthood will last a lifetime and frequently demand that you put others first before yourself.  Use your early years to be selfish in a good way.    

 

MAJORITY/MINORITY

When you are in the majority, more people are like you and more people agree with your opinions.  They may have the same racial background, the same religious beliefs, or the same political views.  You may be in the majority in your place of residence, your neighborhood, your state, or your country.  When you are in the majority, understand what placed you there.  Your parents gave you your racial background.  Their financial status enabled you to live in your neighborhood.  They also may have brought you up in their religion and influenced your political leanings.

You may find yourself in the minority in a social gathering with different religious or political opinions.  Others may not realize your views and assume you agree with them.  You may feel uncomfortable speaking up.  The majority group may not want to hear your opinions and even expect you to go along with their traditions.  You may choose to remain quiet.  After all, this is your right.

Imagine if those around you pretty much agree with you; however, one or two may not agree.  Think how they feel.  Maybe they have a different religion or no religion at all.  They may believe in the other political party.  Even without realizing it, you may be causing them discomfort.    

Try not to take advantage of the fact that you have the comfort and power of the majority at the expense of the minority.  Realize in the USA, the minority should have the same respect and rights of the majority.

Don't assume that the majority is always correct.  Might doesn't make right.