What makes you feel PRESSURED?

Today is Saturday May 12th at 10:33 p.m. and I just finished watching some TV. Had to see the 76ers lose tonight, never a good night when that happens, specially with it being playoff time. Today after I got home from a long day of work, I was laying down on my bed for a couple minutes. I had turned on to sports center where Shaqulle O'Neil was talking about PRESSURE. A long story short he said, playing basketball or sports isn't pressure, but rather this is what he said, "MY DAD ALWAYS SAID REAL PRESSURE IS TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHERE YOUR NEXT MEAL IS GOING TO COME FROM." While I know nothing about his past, it really made me think about PRESSURE.

Many things I feel pressure with, as do a lot of people for example: college, grades, family situations, relationships sometimes, friendships, jobs..there are plenty more. For a second, sit back in your chair if your reading, and I want you to think about what you feel pressured with, it seems easy, and then as you start to list them off, its almost as you start to realize, why would I feel so pressured with this stuff? Heck I was nervous going into work today and messing up big time because I had not been there in over a YEAR, but I ended up doing descent my 1st day back. Now I am not sitting here saying me or you have problems that are bigger than others or harder to deal with, what I am saying is maybe its something to sit back and think: what is REAL pressure?

Everyone has grown up differently, whether it is having a lot of money due to your parents income, having material items, barely having enough food to pack for lunch, having a unfortunate family situation, lacking of guidance etc etc. WE ALL ARE DIFFERENT, and because of this it shapes who we are. I have been privileged in my life in many ways in being able to go to college, have a great group of friends, have a vehicle that works BUT I have gone through a lot in my childhood, but this is not the place for me to discuss this. Its about society in general, its about US.

I currently am interning at a place where I am working with teenage adolescents that have been court ordered to live at a group home because of misconduct, alcohol and drug use, and much more. I have only been there a week and I am already gaining knowledge not just about these girls, but the real WORLD. I feel like sometimes were trapped in a world, where were protected from what really goes on in society. We barely see poverty, people not having a meal to eat at every night, abuse, rape, drug addiction, lets be real, we really don't see much of it, I'm sure some of you have though before. My point is this: What ever happened to the people who are to afraid to speak up, the people who are embarrassed to ask for help, the people who don't want handouts, people who are afraid of being judged. We all have been there! I like to think of myself as a selfless person, I hate not being able to always help people who are suffering whether its physically or mentally, or with their home life. So here is my point for this blog!

WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL PRESSURED. I am not saying what makes you feel pressured is a bad thing, but lets start turning this negative feeling into something positive. Let it fuel you, let it ignite that inner strength you have, no matter how deep it is. Instead of complaining about our troubles, lets embrace them to show the world, that we are all going to be OKAY. You feel tired? Fight for the people who don't have the strength to get up each and everyday. Feeling down in the dumps? Think of all the people or person that cares about you and who loves you. Feel like there is nothing wrong with you or your friends. Maybe you should broaden your horizons and get to know more people, or get closer with your friends. We all have secrets, and stories that will never be told. I met someone this past year at school, who told me that within two weeks of being at school that she used to cut themselves. My heart DROPPED, from that moment I knew then, whether its good or bad, I am going to do my best, to show that person, whether I would end up being close to them or not, that I would be there to LISTEN.

You can't always solve peoples problems, but one qualities that is important in life is being able to LISTEN. Sometimes that all people want. I have learned this from a young age, and am still continuing to understand this as I get older and pursue my dreams and goals in life.

MY FINAL POINT: What is PRESSURE?! Think about it, write it down, do something about it. I can't say things will get better tomorrow, but the sun WILL rise, and so WILL YOU! Friends, Family, and even I am willing to help every step of the way.

So I will ask you again, what pressures you? I hope this blog post has helped you in one way or another. Don't shove your life to the side, make an impact in yours as well as others, there are MANY PEOPLE WAITING TO BE HEARD. THAT'S RIGHT..WAITING TO BE HEARD.

Enjoy mothers day tomorrow, good night all

Grant H.