Quotes

So I posted a new youtube video expressing my excitement over being accepted into the program.  And I know that when I post something like that, I'll be inviting every Tom, Dick, and Harry to see it and comment on it.  But it's not like a million people are searching for "jet 2010" anyway, so I don't really expect the random trolls that happen a lot with the internet.


But I was surprised by one commenter who said, "'In hopes of reaching the moon, men often fail to see the flowers at their feet.' Perhaps your roots weren't very strong to begin with."


So basically, I interpreted this as this person is saying that I don't have a strong family roots, ties... I'm ungrateful for what I do have, etc.  (He meant it that way, I'll explain later).  First off, I don't think that Albert Swietzer (I probably spelled that wrong, but he's the one who originally said that quote) meant it to tell people not to go after their dreams, or not to have aspirations.  I think it means to not forget about and to be grateful for all of the good things that surround you now.  Anyone who would tell you not to have dreams and aspirations, don't listen to them.  They're scared of life and don't want you to have great experiences b/c they are too chicken sh*t to go out and have them for themselves.  Maybe this sounds cheesy or naive, but dreams are what makes men strive for more than what they are.  Where would we be if people didn't strive to know more, do more, and want more than what is around them?  Probably sitting a tree somewhere picking bugs off of each other and eating them.


But instead of rising to his provocation, I replied, "I'm ashamed to admit, but I don't know who said that quote. Could you please enlighten me?  And in the meantime, I'll leave you with a favorite of mine, perhaps you'll like it?  'Go confidently in the direction of your dreams and live the life you imagined.'"


To which the troll responded "... touche... Albert Sweitzer."  And it was from that response (which he later deleted... of course he would, I laid the philosophical smack down!) that definitely (I wasn't 100% sure before b/c I like to give people the benefit of the doubt) I realized he did mean to put me down with his original comment.


Now, let me more closely refer to the latter part of his first statement "perhaps your roots weren't very strong to begin with."  I believe that it's people with strong roots that are able to be confident in trying to new things.   They are able to take the steps out of their comfort zone and reach for more.  This is not always the case, of course, but I find it more likely to be true than not. My strong support system of family and friends aren't just the flowers at my feet, but they are also the soil, the water, the nutrients that feed my roots.  And no matter how weak I may feel at times (everyone has those moments), I know my roots are strong and supported.  I have the an amazing family and amazing friends.


Well, just wanted to get that off my chest!