Where did it go?

You may be wondering what I'm talking about here. Many of you are asking yourself "where did what go?" Let me explain. I am from a very small town in South Louisiana. Now no matter what many of you think about it there, no matter what you may or may not have heard, we have a saying. Well, we have many sayings but one I'm sure all of you have heard. Southern Hospitality! I don't consider myself an old individual but I do consider myself old enough to know better. I'm a young man and in my "few" years of life on this Earth I have been many places. I enlisted into the military some time ago and through the military I have been many places in this world. I have learned that many things in this world we live in are uncertain, but one thing I do know is certain, we live in a different world than we did just a few years ago. Different from my early school years in the 80's...different than the new age years of the 90's...and much different than the new generation years of the 2000's. I ask you, to ask yourself "where did the hospitality go?" Not just southern but in general, as a population, as a country, as a world. As we grow it seems we have lost some very important things in our society...common courtesy, general appreciation for one another, self pride & excellence in what we do, and overall caring for our fellow HUMANS! When did things change to an "I have to get mine" attitude? When did we start saying "Why should I do for you if you don't do for me?" "Why should I go above and beyond?" What happened to us that we cannot give the common courtesy of a hello, good morning, thank you, you're welcome or any other kind word. When did we stop taking pride in our work? When did we stop caring about each other? When did we lose trust and stop taking a persons word and start putting everything in writing? When did we begin taking everyone to court and start calling reality TV entertainment? I remember a time, which is now called the "good ol days" when we went out of our way to help people without anything in return. We just did it because it was the right thing to do. We lived by right and wrong and not by "what can I get away with!" We got spanked because that was tough love and discipline, and we learned from it ONE TIME! One good hand from your father and you learned your lesson and it was rare you did it twice. We didn't have computers in our rooms because we were playing outside constantly, which in turn made us healthy little kids. Now, in the computer age, kids get their fitness from video games! Near 50% of our children are or will be obese at some point in their young lives. We stopped cooking and eating as a family because it's easier to get fast food. 2 out of every 3 children eat fast food for one meal EVERY day! We also worked hard for our wages instead of trying to get everything for free. We're trying to be instant millionaires instead of just providing what is needed. It's a general more, more, more attitude and there is no end to it. It's everywhere, everyday. So to get off my soap box and keep this short..I ask you to ask yourself a few things. Do you consider yourself being in this "new age" group? When did you change? What can you do to be a better person? Everyone says they can't change the world but we can. It takes one person at a time to make a difference and who's to say that chain can't begin with you or me? Unfortunately the chain goes both ways and one weak link can weaken the entire line. Don't be the weak link! Be the link that hangs on the the links next to you so the chain is strong. Pass on a good example. Instead of asking where did it go...ask how can we get it back!
B

One Step!

One step can change a persons life. A person can step in one of 2 directions, which most people already know..the right and the wrong. The thing about these steps is that for the most part, you won't figure it out until well after the choice has been made which you have taken. People around you and people that play roles in your life can give you advice and help you make these types of decision; Unfortunately, in the end the choice is up to you and only you have to fully understand and except the actions or reactions that stem from your choice. Now even if you take a step in the wrong direction it can help you in the end get to where you want to be. Sometimes a person makes a wrong choice or two but one or two wrong choices won't be the end of the road. For many people we have all taken wrong steps in our lives but it hasn't held us down, nor has it stopped us from doing what we want to do or being where we want to be. Sometimes by making a poor choice it teaches us valuable life lessons and we value those end results and the right choice that much more because of it. Some people feel as though those types of life lessons make us stronger, more determined people and I am not one to argue with that. One or two wrong steps can also help you make your way to the right end result so not every choice is an end all choice. Choices we make each day lead us to an end result and everyone has the choice to take the right steps in their life. In order to do that we have to look at ourselves and take time in our decisions. Use your sense of pride, use integrity, use morals and values, use your discipline and self control, and use honesty. Use these things to help make your decisions and in the end...no matter how long your road is...no matter where it has taken you...I am willing to bet that you will not look back and tell yourself that was a poor choice or the wrong step.
B