It all starts with one.

There's something to be said for working in a psychiatric hospital, and I've learned a few things in the short three years Ive been there, and learn more every day. When I first started, I actually pretty much hated it but I realize now it had more to do with not being over, or able to get over, my own personal bullshit; I carried it with me everywhere I went, and as such, was not a very good person (by my stringent standards).

So, now three years later, the teachings of life are becoming apparent to me, and I'm actually starting to enjoy my job there; it's certainly unlike anything anyone else does in a day, and abnormal is the norm. It's exciting, entertaining, seldom boring, and there really are a lot of great people there, both staff and patient. There's always going to be those certain few who push our buttons but those are the ones we stand to learn the most from. 

Whether you work in an office building or a psych ward, life is tough and people can really get on your fucking nerves but everyone has their baggage they carry around with them; it's just more apparent with some, and less appealing to us than others' whom we relate to more. Try your best not to judge, don't poke around in other peoples' business and tend to your own, because it doesn't tend to itself. 

Despite my cynicism, I really do love people, and I love helping them; it's not always accepted or appreciated, and sometimes people just aren't at the point where they're ready to hear what I have to say but it still feels better to say something real and genuine and uplifting to someone, even if they shut you out, then to say nothing at all and let the cycle of bad or harmful behavior knowingly continue on unchecked.

You can't save everyone but you can at least try to save one.

The intellect takes a vacay

  For someone who is possessive of something that some go as far as to call "brilliance", I certainly seem to have a lot of dumb days, those days when the wheels just grind to a halt and even the simplest concepts seem impossible to grasp. 

  It's a rather hopeless, somewhat depressing feeling but it fades, so that's the silver lining I guess. For me, it's as easy as getting a good night's rest after a busy day and shitty (sleep) night. 

Sleep is important to mental health but if it was so beneficial then the schizophrenics and depressives who sleep all day and night in the mental institutions should be cured by now. "All things in moderation", as the saying goes..

  It's not just about sleep though, for me; it's as much about boredom and the devastating effects on a creative mind of falling into a routine that leaves you numb, at a job that leaves you feeling mentally incapacitated. 

  I'm inclined to think that this is a pretty common occurrence among the peoples of the world; it's pretty standard for someone to hate their job and complain about it and the people they work with. More often than not, the people are two-faced un-trustable trolls and management runs their employees into the ground, on par with their process of daily dehumanization. Worst of all, it's all obligatory. 

  What is happening to us? Does no one else see this or are they just too tired and afraid or incapable of doing/saying anything about it? 

  A great once in a while you hear of someone finding and pursuing their true passion, and as happy and inspired as it makes me feel, it always leaves me feeling a bit lost, myself. There is not one single path that will work the same for everyone, not will it produce the same results, and I'm talking mainly about the cultural ritual of school/college/marriage/children.

  The market is high for useful, practical knowledge; things we can use every day to make smart decisions, conscientious choices that will benefit us and hopefully not hurt anyone else in the process. Now is the time to use your voice and your gift to make a positive change not only in your own life, but in the world.