Why all this?
Posted by Allison Mack | Filed under Blog
I have been reading all the “A bit about you” posts and I must say that I am so excited by your posts. I set a goal for myself to increase the amount of daily hits by 50% in 3 months… I set this goal in August, so it is up in October and I’m now halfway through.
As I began posting every day, I saw, thanks to the handy google analytics, that the amount of people coming through daily increased steadily as I increased my blog postings. This was super cool! Then they started to level off. So I thought to myself “ok, what now?”
This is when I decided that maybe making a poll and seeing more details about the people that come to my site might help. This would give me the information I need to see what direction people are coming from so I can see which way best to go. Ultimately, I am striving to create a community of diverse people who come together to express themselves. To explore, ask why, and share the conclusions they come to.
My interest in expanding the group is simply to create more diversity, more opinions, go deeper and seek farther. I recognize that I have an advantage when it comes to gathering people in one place and I want to take advantage of that advantage.
I want to encourage myself to sit daily and contemplate and share.
I want to encourage myself to appreciate small things, to make art out of every day, and I hope that the ripple of me doing this in a more public and community oriented forum will do this.
I feel as though I have something started, but now I want to go to the next step.
The Internet is a beautiful tool of globalization. It is an amazing invention we as people have designed and expanded upon, and rather than use this as a weapon to destroy and separate I would like to use it as a tool build and evolve. So this is why the interest in expanding and branching out. This is why the desire to reach more.
Not because I want to be rid of the intimacy, but simply because I want to extend the intimacy; ultimately see what sort of emergent property can come of this experiment.
I have loads of ideas of off shoots of something like this community and all my time off I spend building communities of people who want to build and create together.
So there it is. Why I am doing this.
Every morning I feel a questioning sense of panic, “What is the point?” I ask myself. “Why am I doing this?”
Usually I glaze over these questions, busying myself with the day to day so as not to focus on thinking and finding answers, until today.
So thank you all for the replies, and thanks to those who questioned why I am doing what I am doing. Funny thing is the questions are never really answered, and the thoughts I put out there are never fully solved.
I find panic in this because answers feel so good, but really, the curiosity of life is what I seek to uphold. A reminder of this is so important.
I feel like a big fat tattoo of CURIOSITY might be helpful… ha… too bad I am an actress and this would certainly type cast me. 
Thanks for the interest.
Why do you do what you do? Do you spend most of your time distracting yourself from answering this question? Tell me? Why are you doing the things you are doing in your life?
It’s a really interesting question to ponder… sort of one step further from the “beliefs” post we have been doing.
Ciao for now.
xo
allison
Tags: art, Community, passion, Polls, stats
72 Responses to “Why all this?”
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Kyle Says:
September 3rd, 2008 at 11:52 pmWell, first of all — I really am impressed with what you’re trying to do here; It’s been a while since I’ve run across such dedication. I appreciate all you are trying to do.
Now to the question. Why do I do what I do? Well, I do a lot of volunteer work; its hard work and takes a lot out of you. And personally, I would never continue to do it if I didn’t have a reason. I really do believe I’m making a difference and I’m truly helping people.
I understand your concern about preserving your curiosity. Curiosity is what forges new boundaries and frontiers. I think if we balance that with insight it adds for depth. if I know where I am going, I have more motivation to attain it. That’s why its good to be goal-oriented; it makes you more focused then the “all over the place” kinda thing (although that can be good at times).
Thanks for the thought. Maybe next time we can all talk about goals, motivation and the like. Whatever you think…
-Kyle
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Ralph Says:
September 3rd, 2008 at 11:57 pmI too have pondered why I do the things I do and for the most part I tell myself it is for the greater good of all, it is in some way to make the world a better place. This is only part of the truth. The part I normally ignore is that each day molds me into something new. Whether for the better or the worse remains to be seen. I hope it is for the better, I like to think it is for the better but one day down the road I may find that my current experiences have made me worse of a person. I can only hope that I do indeed be the better person that I wish to be.
I live each day knowing that it is a stepping stone to the future. What i learn today could get me to where i want to be later in life. So on those days when i wake up and ask myself “What is the point?” I already have an answer, i just have to remind myself of it and look forward to where a new day will take me.
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zabzab Says:
September 4th, 2008 at 12:20 amWhat do I do what I do?
That’s a great question and sometimes I’m not sure. The obvious response would be that you have to do something but I hope there is more than that.
I work in a lab working on a genetic therapy tools to try curing babies born with a blockage in their immune system development. I love this idea of trying to help cause it’s what lead me there in the first place. But sometimes the motivation of people around me is so swallow that it troubles me, having their names on papers, being THE new scientist in this area I don’t really care about all of that, I’ll prefer meeting someone cured.Don’t even get me started on relations in and outside of work I mostly don’t get that either. Why do people ask you to change what you are without never looking in the mirror? We all have quirks that makes us what we are. If you don’t like it just walk away, if you stay it means you’ve accepted them.
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Scott Says:
September 4th, 2008 at 1:38 amSome things I do in my life, I don’t question. I get a strong urge, a strong pull, and even if it makes zero sense, I do it. Beautiful and amazing things have come of it.
Other things, I question. I question thoroughly. And a lot of times, I don’t find answers. Some, I know the answers but wish I didn’t. There are things I WANT to do that I can’t. It’s not a situation of not feeling I have the power, it’s a matter of life situation. I don’t have the freedom I wish I did. This is ironic because I’m told repeatedly that the world is wide open to me because I don’t technically have any obligations other than my studies, but there are other elements to it that lead me to a certain path I cannot shake. I am, however, hoping that I can change this by doing the things I’d really like to do on the side, and hoping those things lead me to a better place.
This is kind of cryptic. A lot of the things I have on my mind, I don’t actually want to talk about because I feel trapped and the more I talk about them, the more hopeless I feel.
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Scott Says:
September 4th, 2008 at 1:42 amI can say, however, that I’ve been through many trials in my life. And quite ironically, the ones that are NORMAL cause me more disconcert than any of the ones that are viewed as atypical or extreme. In fiction (and I know I will sound like a nutcase for this), it’s akin to Superman being done in by a very lowly first-timer thug who got a lucky shot in after all those near-misses with higher stakes and a higher chance of dying.
However, I also know that I prefer being here over the alternative that has been possible multiple times throughout my life.
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unex den adel Says:
September 4th, 2008 at 1:58 amy do i do wt i do..? well, i got few wrinkle on my forehead w1st time i read this, well, my 1st attemp to replying to ur blog is a success!! yay! now im feeling more meaningfull to chek ur blog many times per day to c if there any reply, haha, ya..i hv nothing to do…
ok , y do i do wt i do..? i used to do wt ppl told me to do, but as much as i enjoyed “helping them satisfy themselves”,bit by bit, it makes me thinking,wt abt me? this is my life to run,not them.My family used to urge n told me to take certain course for my diploa,n at the time, im all confused n myb to young to make my own decision,i jst follow, n the result..? 2 failed paper on my very 1st semester, i cn feel like something craving outa my skin saying “i hate this, i dont wanna learn this, y do i even here, this isnt me wt im pictured in my future”, but as always, ppl r scared..scared of “what if” factor.Tell me, how many of u doing wt u imagine as u little kid..?remember while were in kindergarten, when teachers ask us ‘ when u grow up,wt u wanna b?’ i used to answeri wanna b a doctor, myb a vet, but im too scared to take risk, too scared to say no, myb parent’s decision r the best, but myb thts also isnt what i want?
Thnk GOd, i finally step up, grown up, n made my own decision of wt i really wanna do, i wanna b a chef, n im rolling to it, im now taking my degree in culinary art,my choice(eventhough my family told me to continue in Business section)..so again, y do i do wt i do today..? The answer is quiete SIMPLE,…BECAUSE THATS WHAT I WANT! -
StephenK Says:
September 4th, 2008 at 3:16 am“Why do you do what you do.”
I work to live.
I feed my brain.
I search for love.All to survive.
SteveK -
Ana_Sullivan Says:
September 4th, 2008 at 3:31 amWhy do what I do? Well, I don’t know what I am doing now … I want to help friends, the people I love.
My friends always tell me I’m too good. Because I don’t want to hurt anybody, even when they hurt me.
I feel really frustrated when people that I loved hurt me, but I can’t be “bad” with them.
I really like the work that you are doing here in your blog,you’re lovely.
When I see people like you or like other good persons here, I don’t know why I’m feeling so strange for be a good person that I don’t want bad things for anybody.. I don’t know if you’re understanding me…
I want to believe in my dreams, to be a great photographer and continue help people that I love. Now I’m designing the shirt for the official fan club Veronica Romeo and I’m very happy for that.
I hate people that judge me for my interesting, every people in that world have different interestings and I love to learn about them.. I don’t want to waste time hurting people for that. -
James Says:
September 4th, 2008 at 3:38 amYou’ve got me thinking…
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The Friday Philosopher Says:
September 4th, 2008 at 3:40 amI think you may have found the “strap-Line” for your site, or maybe even the name of David H’s musical!
Extend the intimacy!
That could really work. We should get some T-shirts made.
So, to the point of the blog. I tend not to ask myself too many questions; I guess if I’m honest with myself, I do this because I don’t want to know what the answers would be. However, if I were to answer your question from a personality point of view, I would have to say that I am the way I am because; I didn’t like what I was.
At the time life was great, as far as I knew, everything was the way it was supposed to be. It wasn’t until I saw the hatred in the eyes of someone who should only ever look on you with love, did I finally realise that something was wrong within me. I say realise, it wasn’t like the Eureka moments in the movies or cartoons, there was no light bulb flashing above my head! Like most people do, I went through certain stages before realising that I was the problem. I blamed my parents, I blamed my employer, (which is why I got fired!) and then I began to feel sorry for myself as the life I knew began to crumble around me. It took several years of unemployment, homelessness and the help of some exceptional people before I finally had the courage to accept the responsibility for my actions, and it was only after doing this did my life begin to turn around.From the point of view of my job, I do what I do because hopefully it will allow the genius’s I work with, to work to the best of their ability. I have the power to change my own life, but what the people I work with do, has the power to change the world!
I must say, this site is great. I save a fortune on therapy with these daily blogs.
Friday
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David Hayes Says:
September 4th, 2008 at 3:55 amI’m glad to hear your motivations for growing the site. I’m sure you realize that there are ways to make your hit rate soar that would result in a community that you wouldn’t want. Lack of growth can mean stagnation. Controlled growth like that of a Bonsai tree (achieved through careful pruning) can be a beautiful thing. Uncontrolled growth can be chaotic. And how big can your site get before you can’t manage it anymore?
One example of unwanted growth: It seems like people come here from all over the world to propose to you. I haven’t seen you encourage that. If you did, you might get a lot of hits, but then this site would be “how to marry a TV star.”
You also have to be careful interpretting the statistics. I have two videos that I was associated with that hit over 11,000 views on YouTube — one with over 17,000 hits. But I have no dillusions about why that happened (it was because people saw a link to it each time a a Mack Event Challenge was viewed on YouTube and that Mack Challenge had 325,000 hits!). I also had the hits on my site drop from about 650 a day to 35 a day when I dropped a series of cartoons about a certain talking dog. I wasn’t looking for an endorsement deal from Petco anyway, so no big loss.
Maybe I’ll post why I do what I do later, but right now I have to rush off to do it.
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Scott Says:
September 4th, 2008 at 4:03 amI didn’t know that people came around proposing to Allison. That’s.. actually, that makes sense. Some people really want that, and have views of what a person is like without actually knowing them. I doubt any of us know much about the real Allison, because of the nature of the internet and the need for consideration of how the public would perceive certain thoughts, feelings, statements, etc.
I like the sentiment of learning and growth, though. Plenty of spiritual bents toward that on Facebook that I haven’t been active in for months.
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Jendi Says:
September 4th, 2008 at 4:16 amI don’t no???
I mean when I get a free moment or the feeling to exercise my brain I come here; I read the Taylor’s, David’s, Arash, Friday, Kyle, Amanda’s, Gail etc etc; sometimes I find my self nodding along, laughing out loud; shaking my head and being judgemental (neber said i was perfect) but it’s late an I’m in an honest mood!
I am who I am, but where I am and how I got here makes me happy some days, depressed other and angry (like yesterday) others. But on this website I can break free of all of the other crap in my life, all the stereotypes and categories I’m placed in!
I don’t spend much time on a computer, googling info, work emails, I like music so myspace a bit; I’ve got the facebook but it’s just cause it’s a must; and if you meet me in the street you would find it strange that I come here and poor out my thoughts!
In a nut shell, I’m a jock in the sense of the word, I am a 25 year old sporting near hero; my life, where I should be; well should have been in Bejijng 2 weeks ago. But one instance two years ago changed that, my life my plans all disappeared in front of my eyes after an accident. In sport timing is everything and while I can run again now; that moments gone! So I am a has been, and no matter how positive and determined on can be there are still moments of pity!
I guess we get were we are and do what we do because your right above we have to survive; I had to find something else I was good at; and I took my cmpetitive nature and became one of the top advertising marketers in New Zealand; so i had the salary, the car, the pats on the back nut i was still an angry wee sole!
My mums great and she has always said to me; if it’s meant to be it will be, jendi it always works out in the end; I’ve doubted her but she’s right! In shit times remember that this too shall pass!
I now work for a property developer in the most beautiful part of our country, less money, still probably to many hours but thats my fault but I am happy as I have found a BALANCE!I know some of you will be say; whoopedy shit there startving kids and millions of people worse of than you but I can’t feel what they are feeling I can only feel my emotions, my thoughts…my padded room!
Crikey it’s time for me to go to bed I’m doing a common ramble!
I don’t even no what i’ve wrote???But as doors open and close in front of you please all remember that without the bad times and experiences we would never know or recognise the GOOD!
see ya mates -
Lou Says:
September 4th, 2008 at 4:16 amwhy do I do what I do? (creative design)
I want to share my creativity and mind with the world. I want to inspire people the way I feel inspired by what I love.
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Jendi Says:
September 4th, 2008 at 4:18 amthis is my home
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The Friday Philosopher Says:
September 4th, 2008 at 5:02 amNew Zealand is a beautiful country. I’ve never been there but after looking at scenic photography, I guess I have a new goal to achieve!
I know what you mean about reading the other comments Jendi, I like to read them all and if possivle even visit the individual sites of those that post if only to better understand my fellow commenter’s.
I had a funny feeling when I first visited this site a year ago that something good was going to come out of it.
I’d like to think that I’ve made a couple of new friends, despite never actually meeting them, and if that is all they I get out of this site then it was time well spent in my opinion!
I don’t know about everybody else, but I can’t wait to see what becomes of this community.
Friday
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Kasey Says:
September 4th, 2008 at 5:29 amWhy do I do what I do?
I’m also an actress, and I’ve asked myself that so many times- because sometimes it gets so frustrating that I just don’t know anymore. But I’ve finally come to a firm conclusion.
Acting, for me, is getting others connected to the human race. It’s portraying things the way that they are in order to inspire change in the world. It’s an honor and also a scary responsibility, but without us, many people would not pause to consider certain situations in which they could make a difference.
Something to think about! -
Gnome Says:
September 4th, 2008 at 5:29 amI’ts not the “why” that motivates me, but the “what”.
Do we really have to have a reason for doing anything in our lives?
My acts would mean less if my reasons were lame?
Even if the results (for the others) were the same.I may find a reasonable explanation for all my acts, stick with my beliefs, but in the end it’s just gonna be a way mind finds to tell me that anything I’m doing now is worth it. It’s a cheering thing. It’s my confort zone.
It’s gonna be like put a big label on my life. A label that is going to limit me because anything beyond it will be out of my predicted zone. And I would end up like a deaf, that knows that can’t hear the song,but also will not allow me to feel the rythm.So the answer to your question: “Why are you doing the things you are doing in your life?”
Its because, at that moment, it’s seem to be the right thing to do. Or because it made the perfect sense at the occasion.
We all have “ups and downs”. We learn new things and, thank heavens, we change opinions. So, we are in a constant mutation. The “why’s” changes, but the “what’s” stays in the memory.
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John Says:
September 4th, 2008 at 6:09 amWhy do you do what you do?
I’ve been more interested about “digital design” and thats one art form I can be a part of. It’s a challange for my self that prove me and the one around me that I can do more then math and other practical things. And this site is a good way to keep up my motivation.
//John
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Stina Says:
September 4th, 2008 at 6:54 amhola everyone,
i’ve wanted to be a dancer since i can remember. i went to a top school and became -according to some people-, a dancer.
but somewhere along the way i questioned why i danced.
the answers i found made me want to quit. so i have. at 22, i’m going back to uni, starting over, reading psychology. i want to influence people, and be there for them at times when they are sure there is no hope, no light. i want to be there for them at times of despair and suffering, to tell them there is light, and hope, as once someone did for me. i guess it’s a way of giving back, somehow.
but not every day is like that.
some days, i just exist, or do what i need to do to get by. and perhaps that’s fine too.
questioning is great when it prompts you into action. if you are not pleased with the aswers, maybe ask a different question.
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Dana Says:
September 4th, 2008 at 7:03 amWhy do I do what I do?
On the surface, it would seem like it should be an easy question to answer. I mean, who knows me better than me, right? Wrong…I think at times I am even less aware of what my motives are than an uninvolved bystander.
There are so many variables that factor into behaviors: the environment, past experiences, your personality, your mood, beliefs…too many variables that have the capacity to blend together in a multitude of combinations. It’s easy to look at an action and pick the most salient, obvious cause. For example, I am eating a snack. Why? I must be hungry. The problem with this analysis though is that it focuses only on surface causes. If you never delve any deeper, the motives behind a lot of what we do on a daily basis will always remain covert.
So extending this idea… Why am I sad? Why am I happy? Why did I choose the career path I am following? Why do I have the friends I have? Why did I hit the snooze button on the alarm clock this morning? All these questions have easy fall-back answers that don’t require you to think about who you are and what you believe, and on a day-to-day basis, leaving your analysis at that level is probably for the best. We simply don’t have time to think through every decision; we would never get out of the house.
But, for that reason, it’s easy to see the importance of forums like this, and people who pose challenging questions. It’s important to invest time in understanding more about why you do what you do. It helps us make more informed decisions; it helps us avoid behaviors that are unseemingly destructive or not beneficial, and it can lead to a more fulfilling life…sometimes.
The catch here is that uncovering hidden motives behind behaviors can often leave one feeling exposed and disappointed. We can learn things about ourselves that we are not proud of, things we wish we could shove back under the surface and ignore. So that’s my question to you all….
What do you do when you uncover things about your motives that you do not like or that make you unhappy? Which would you prefer, to live happily in ignorance or to be disappointed about a facet of yourself that you never knew existed?
Hmmm…
Dana
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Vegas911 Says:
September 4th, 2008 at 7:05 amWhy?
I think that I do distract myself…I stay busy with getting to work, whats going on when I get there, what are my friends/family doing….how can I make their lives easier….did I turn off the T.V…..man I have to stop at the grocery store…..do I need gas…..it’s this persons birthday, gotta get a gift…etc….. I focus my energy on so many different things that I can’t effectively focus on anything. It distracts me from asking…. WHY? Is it because I am told that these are the things in life that are important, the media and everyone else puts so much stock in these things…..How much money you have, how many ‘things’ a person has, what kind of clothes do you wear… What kind of job do you have? I think about these things to distract myself from that fact that my life is not what I want it to be. So it is better to not think about it. What I want is such a far cry from what I have, and I think that is true for everyone..we are all searching to fill this void or gap that we have to fill. So I fill it with non-important babble.
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viviane Says:
September 4th, 2008 at 7:10 amwell, first I want to do a thank you … love your blog! I love what you write here … cool know that you like to share your thoughts with the fans! visit your blog every day … reading your posts helps me to reflect on humanity, we still have much to learn! I wanted to participate more blog not only respond more because my English is not very good!
why I do what I do? I work in a hospital, although sad to see things, also has good things as well to see people leave and return to their homes with health … I like my work because it can help some people by giving them attention and care in difficult times!continue sharing your thoughts with us, because love you!
vivi Brazil….
xoxo -
David Hayes Says:
September 4th, 2008 at 7:16 amOne consideration in getting people make return visits is the moderation of the posts. Some take days before they post and when new blog topics are created almost every day, the comments being moderated don’t get posted for the general public until after the bulk of the readers have moved on to the next blog topic. Also, when they are moderated, they appear in order of when they were first posted … which is buried within the posts that appeared immediately after being submitted meaning that there is even more chance that the post won’t be read. People who take the trouble to comment generally want their comment to be posted.
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Jennifer Says:
September 4th, 2008 at 8:06 amWhy do you do what you do?
I’ll have to get back to you on this one. =)
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Amanda Says:
September 4th, 2008 at 8:29 amJendi–I’ve always wanted to go to New Zealand. One of my cousins did her student teaching there and brought back some AMAZING photos. So gorgeous.
Anyway, back to the blog. To me, this blog changed when Allison started posting on a daily basis. In turn, we started making this a part of our daily lives. It became personal and we started talking to each other, building our own little community. A place where we can be who we are without any biases or pre-conceived notions. I like sitting at my desk and talking to someone in Wales (a place to be honest, I don’t know much about except for a Craig Ferguson movie I saw a long time ago) California, Peru, Canada etc. I know I say this a lot but I love the diversity, maybe because I grew up in such a small town.
Maybe we’re all trying to find our purpose in life. That’s why we do what we do. It seams like everyone is searching for a reason for it all to matter. We want our lives to matter. We want to make a difference. I love my job, but that’s not my purpose in life. My faith, that’s my anchor. Working with the high school kids at my church allows me to make a difference. It takes my focus off me and on to something bigger.
On a side note (I love tangents) Lexie posted a song from Point of Grace the other day that I just love called “How you live” its one of my favorites. Actually, I love that whole cd. Ooh, maybe we could do some kind of Q & A of favorite cds, artists, authors etc. What do you think?
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Amanda Says:
September 4th, 2008 at 8:32 amI’ve got to check my spelling better. I vote for an edit button.
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Lydia Says:
September 4th, 2008 at 9:01 amI have a tremendous amount of respect and admiration for you because you reach out to people, you are really making a difference in people’s lives.. You are a role model and your endeavors to make the world a better place are inspiring.
Why am I doing the things I am doing in my life?
I would like to share this with you:
When I was little, I used to say to my mom “when I’m older I want to get a good job, make a difference, do something meaningful, be good to people and animals. I want to live in an apartment close to my family. I am going to enjoy reading and writing, learning foreign languages, listening to music, watching TV, going for a walk, going shopping, going to the movies etc. And, I would like to have some English speaking friends living in the USA and Canada. I would love to visit the USA and Canada and visit my friends.”
I told my mom this countless times. I never talked about getting married or having children.And guess what?…
I have a good job (Management Assistant), I rent an apartment only minutes away from my family, I read, write, listen to music, watch TV, go see movies ….and I am about to travel to Canada, for the very first time, all by myself!
AMO has given me the opportunity to become friends with amazing women (living overseas). And to top it all… I am going to meet some of them in Vancouver.Can you believe it?!
This keeps me positive, motivated and feeling great.
And, it has empowered me to ‘live’ life and to pursue my dreams: make the change to a healthy lifestyle (and lose weight) and participate in creating awareness to build humanity.I have come a long way. I am happy, grateful for life and for all the people who have helped and inspired me.
I want to help girls and women to open up and not be embarrassed to be themselves, make them understand that they can believe in themselves, stay true to themselves, pursue their dreams and show what they are made of because the strength is within themselves. I never dreamed I could or would feel as strong and happy as I do today and that I would travel on my own and have ‘real ‘ friends living overseas. It was only in my dreams and today, it comes true. I want other girls and women to experience this too and encourage them to savor life and live joyfully.I am just an ordinary woman, it might never be possible but, in the meantime, I’m kind of trying to do this by being a good human being and by writing positive, encouraging or pick-me-up comments.
It is the little things what makes life worth living. Life is beautiful, sometimes difficult but life is definitely beautiful.
To me, ‘giving’ is equal to ‘happiness’ and it doesn’t take much effort,.
When you give (a smile, kindness, understanding, compassion, friendship, love, support, solace, guidance,…), you receive so much in return. We can help make each other happy and become good human beings.I feel as if my journey has only begun and I am looking forward to an amazing future of opening up my heart, reaching out, helping others and of fulfilling my goals and realizing my dreams.
I have committed myself never to turn my back to life and never give up on people.:-) -
Rachel531 Says:
September 4th, 2008 at 9:24 amWhy do I do what I do?
There are different reasons that I can think of…
1) Because it’s something new, something different…it’s the adventurous side of me that comes out and says “No regrets, you only live this life once so make it count.”2) Because I enjoy it, or better yet, I have a passion for it… During my college years, I coached my old high school’s girls volleyball team, because I wanted to share the passion I had for the sport with other girls. Now I see girls I used to coach who are coaches themselves and continuing to spread that knowledge, that passion…what an awesome sight to see.
3) Because I want to make a difference… I volunteered for Junior Achievement because I wanted to help kids succeed… I coached high school volleyball because I wanted to see young girls succeed… when I have someone that looks up to me for guidance and I have the potential to help mold another human being, I don’t want to eff it up…I want to impress upon them all the good things that we as humans are capable of…I may not be the best role model but if I’m all they got, then that sense of responsibility kicks in for me and I want to give them the best sides of me….
Ciao,
Rachel -
Gnome Says:
September 4th, 2008 at 10:05 amI was thinking ………..
We are all here, thinking, planning, worrying, achieving things and goals we want for so long, to realize that the life is, nothing more nothing less, like a commodatum system.
No matter how hard we become attached with things and people, in the end, we are not going to be able to take them with us after leaving for good ………..
At least, I’m grateful for God being an excellent landlord.
So…….. I ‘m going enjoy and celebrate the gift of life while I still have it.
Gonna make new interistings friends, gonna love my family, gonna learn to apologize, gonna learn to say no, gonna make a lot of mistakes and learn with them, gonna get dirty and gonna get clean, but gonna also learn how to live as a free spirit and don’t forget to thank every single day for all I have. And that include all of you.Thank you all!!!
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Nikk Says:
September 4th, 2008 at 10:11 amI do what I do because that’s what society dictates me to do. I can never truly do what I want, ever….because of social mores & stigmas.
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David Hayes Says:
September 4th, 2008 at 10:12 amI basically try to NOT think about why I do what I do. When you don’t have acceptable alternatives, imagining what you want to do will only add a layer of disappointment to the daily grind.
My wife watched a program once and said afterwards that the conditions I worked under fit every description of a sweat shop. Her solution was to get a steady, continuous income outside of my profession that would give me the freedom to quit working when I chose to and to not be in a position where I had to settle for what was offered to me or nothing. Since my credit was perfect and lenders were bending over backwards trying to get me to borrow money from them, my wife thought we should invest in rental properties. I knew I wasn’t the kind of person to ever collect on a debt or put people on the street if they put my financial future in jeopardy by not paying the rent. My wife assured me that she WAS that kind of person. So it fell to her to manage the properties we purchased. She was already physically disabled at that point, but as time went on, it became impossible for her to manage the properties.
When I was offered a job that was some distance away from where we lived, I moved to be closer to work. We had already been having trouble with renters abusing the properties and non-payment and the city allowing the renters to get away with anything. Now we were further away and it was open season. Six of eight rental properties got trashed within the first year that we moved. And, although I had never had as much as a broken bone until that point in my life, I had 3 surgeries that year. We looked at going bankrupt, but because our debt wasn’t credit card related, we were told that we wouldn’t even be allowed to keep our own home and could have as much as $200,000.00 in mortgage debt to re-pay after bankruptcy. A further complication was that my parents had moved into my duplex with me and they too would be out of a place to live if I went bankrupt. So we found a way to pay avoid bankruptcy – found buyers for 2 houses at a $50,000.00 loss by selling under market value. The interest on our loans went up and my credit rating was ruined. In the meantime, the company where I worked spent all their money on speculation that didn’t pay off so I was left without a job or severance. I am the worker horse that was always kept in the background and for 15 years, very few people that I designed products for even knew I existed. The one that did asked me to work at his company for a month as a self-employed contractor at half what my normal billing rate had been. They have found it impossible to do without my services, but refuse to hire someone as old as me (even though telling me that broke the law). So I have been here for almost 2.5 years on an hour by hour basis unable to relocate closer because any hour could be my last. In one case I completed in 6 hours a job that outside contractors were unable to do at all after assigning 2 men to work 3 weeks on it. The unsuccessful company got paid $23,000.00 for their efforts. I got paid for a straight 6 hours. What I just said sounds like so much BS … and employers who never have worked with me or known that it was me responsible for designing their product would not believe what I am capable of. I have tried finding other work. I have had 2 interviews in the 2.5 years. I have no benefits unless I pay for them myself. If I am let go, I do not qualify for unemployment. I do not get paid days off or sick leave. I can not afford to sell the rentals even if anyone wanted to buy them. Homes in the area where my rentals are located have dropped to about $10,000.00 for a 4 bedroom home … and people aren’t buying at that price! Potential investors have learned that landlords in Canton, Ohio do not have the court’s backing in collecting rent or recovering damages. So I try to enjoy what I do and know I can continue to pay off debt and support my family as long as I can keep getting up in the morning and doing at least twice the work of anyone else earning what I do. The getting up is the hard part. Losing two hours a day that I used to spend writing to the daily commute is hard. Keeping all the records and filling out all the required business paperwork to be self-employed and paying all the additional taxes — hard. Being more productive than the average engineer – a piece of cake.
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Scott Says:
September 4th, 2008 at 10:52 amHey David, you probably know this but in case you didn’t (I’ve seen your site many times in the past): none of your links work. It’s because you’re not using the right path, and you need the actual file on your webspace and then change the link path to go to the location of it on that webspace. I’m being brief and not going too crazy writing it out because you might know it already, and if you don’t and want to hear more, I assume you’ll ask
.I’m quite concerned with my financial future, particularly given that my primary interest has been to write and I fear that I may lose the soul for it out of worry and stress. I’m trying to remember that with all the things that have happened in my life, this past summer when I was faced with the spectre of potential serious harm/death, I discovered I’m not pushed so far to the edge that death is a better alternative to living with that stress. I think it’s because I realize there are still things I want to do and stories I can tell. People I want to love.
It’s easy to say it’ll be okay when it’s not you in that situation. I think the best we can do is survive.
Now watch as I look back on this years later and feel like an idiot for being able to be this optimistic
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Adi Says:
September 4th, 2008 at 11:07 amI do what I do because it is my duty in life to do so. For now (as I do not know my future obviously) my duty is my family friends and self, in that order. It is my duty to honor, love, and protect them. It is also my duty to honor, love, and protect myself.
I find that I’m not an ambitious man in the regular sense. I do not have a position marked out for me on some office door in some skyscraper. I merely wish to fufill my duty and be happy with everything else. I like to listen rather than do so that I can not only learn important lesseons from the stories of others, but so that I can offer my own advise as taken from the view of the objective outsider, which is one of the most lacking points of view one can find on hand. Its harder to find an objective view than a subjective view after all.
I’m still gonna pimp sharecrow. I really think you commentating on movies (with your friends) would be both insightful and entertaining, and sure to win over some people while giving spotlight to the niche of amature MST3King.
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David Hayes Says:
September 4th, 2008 at 11:24 amScott,
Thanks for telling me. I haven’t had Front Page available to me for a while to do edits and I tried a few things a couple weeks ago with NVu. I guess why I can’t see the problem is that I have access to my FTP site and the links send me directly to the files … they work for me but I had questioned why they don’t have an “http” address when I access them. I thought I had viewed my site from someone else’s computer just fine. I’ll have to experiment some more. But thanks again for the heads up!
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Tony Says:
September 4th, 2008 at 11:49 amThe people on this site are marvelous!
I do what I do, job-wise, because I want to survive, and, I want to survive because, somehow (this, I feel, has to do with God’s love), there is, within, the desire to be of use, of help to others.
Being of real help to others isn’t a badge of honor, though there can be temptation to look at it that way. Instead, being useful is a most precious gift.
When my mother was dying, she would cry, at times, because she was bedridden and couldn’t help. She cried one time, because she could no longer help with washing the dishes, but she wasn’t crying because she loved doing dishes (what a horrible thought!). It was the loss of her ability to help out, to be a part of the family in that way.
That made me think about the concept of usefulness and of how we see ourselves in the light of that concept. I told her that we were in her situation together. I was being the caregiver, but she was providing me my task of being helpful. Her sickness and weakness were, at that time, answering my need to be of use, but what of her? She had been losing her physical abilities over a little more than a decade, and it had been a slow but steady loss, rheumatoid arthritis, emphysema and all the complications that go with them.
So, what about being useful? When we near the end of our lives, do we say, “I helped these people, and those? Maybe so, but I think, more likely, we still want to be of use.
From that spring, the desire to just be useful, helpful, comes a little stream of motivation. It runs along the course it slowly etches. It goes underground at times and comes back up, perhaps a spring again. What I do is not so important as how I do it and what I learn from it, what it makes of me. –Tony
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Audra Says:
September 4th, 2008 at 11:57 amWhy do you do what you do?
Because I must. I grew up in a house where I could of easily went down hill.. I could of gotten pregnant as a teen, or done drugs or fell with the wrong crowd as many around me did. My mother wasn’t there and she didn’t push me to be a better person… but I just knew I didn’t want what others around me had. They had no drive and they were going nowhere. I knew I had to push myself and no one else would be there to help me.
It wasn’t always easy, but I managed to rise above my environment and get through college and find friends who love and support me. Even now, I keep pushing myself to be better and not let myself slip back.. times are rough right now (I am dealing with illness personally and ironically taking care of my mother), but I worked hard to be where I am.I do what I do because I have no choice but to keep bettering myself. Something in myself knows I need to keep going.
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Melissa Says:
September 4th, 2008 at 12:07 pmInteresting…..I do what I do because I like to feel alive, and live each day as it was the last one. I’m 16 and I’m still learning about life every second….It feels awesome when you wake up and do diferent kind of things and not the same that help you to build your own future.
For example,I’m in high school and that doesn’t mean that I have to do the same things every day….like do homeworks, study for exams, to have a schedule for your day….Not! That is totally not me, I like to do diferent things every day, I go to school and try to make difference about my school from the other day. I try to not get boring….and if it happens I just sit and see all the amazing creations we have, like the beauty of a park and all the view around me…..and then those pictures stay in my head and the I go home and start to remenber those beauties and draw them….It’s my hobby I must admit! Do what you do makes you think of your future…so what you do in the present like right know will affect on your future….Bye!
Melissa. -
Lexie Says:
September 4th, 2008 at 12:10 pmI may have posted this quote recently, but it describes my purpose more eloquently than I ever could.
“We have no right to decide where we should be placed, or to have preconceived ideas to what God is preparing us to do. God engineers everything; and wherever He places us, our one supreme goal should be to pour out our lives in wholehearted devotion to Him in that particular work.” By Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest
I won’t lie and say that I have attained this goal. I drudge through my office work everyday wondering why I do it. I try to remain positive and imagine the good that comes from this job. It allows me to bring home a paycheck every week that pays our bills, buys our groceries, and allows my husband and I to remain comfortable. I have every reason to be content in my work, but sometimes it is difficult.
I do look forward to a much prayed over job change in March 2009 though. I’ll begin working for one of my dear friends who owns a photography business and works out of her home. Her creativity and professionalism has caused her business to grow innumerably. She and her husband are expecting their first baby at the end of January, and just a few weeks later, I’ll turn in my notice and begin doing what truly brings me joy: caring for this newborn baby. ? Being a nanny and caring for children is the most fulfilling thing I’ve ever done. To help parents take care of their children and to pour myself into their lives…there is just no comparison. It’s amazing to see the positive impact my life has had on them as they get older. And now I’ll be able to start the process all over again with Jonah!
This subject reminds me of an essay that a friend of mine recommended to me recently. It’s a “theology of work” from a Biblical perspective. If you have some time and are interested, I definitely recommend it to you:
http://www.cdomaha.org/files/Theology%20of%20Work%20-%20Cru%20Press.pdf -
Lexie Says:
September 4th, 2008 at 12:11 pmBy the way, that “?” was supposed to be a
.
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Amanda Says:
September 4th, 2008 at 12:33 pmGreat article!!
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DEFORT Says:
September 4th, 2008 at 12:46 pmI wish to express admiration and gratitude Allison for that that it could collect on this blog of so clever people and itself force of the thought forces us to think, I hope she remains so deep person and on this blog I will continue to find very interesting thoughts and to state the. The truth unfortunately therefore some things I not up to the end understand. English not my native language and I can express itself them not clearly…
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Jemma Says:
September 4th, 2008 at 1:00 pmHey Allison, I read the bit about the sense of panic about not gettin answers. I think its the questions, that people in this community you have created, put across that make our minds work through the matters and questions and we Subconsciously find the answers we seek without even realising. but sometimes i dont think we can even answer questions straight away ,even through alot of thought, i believe we have to go through certain experiences and stages in our lives to answer the questions we so desperatly want to answer. Similar to finding a cure to a disease, you have to experiment and experience to get the right result.
Anyway, carry on with the thought provoking blogs because they do WOW me =]
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Eli Says:
September 4th, 2008 at 2:23 pmI find myself wondering a lot about what my purpose in life is. In the summer it is so easy to distract myself but, as a second year student in University, i look at the course i am majoring and i wonder “what is the point?” is this what i really want? so what if i achieve my goal, will i be any good? I think that the thought that maybe all this money i am spending to get an education may all be for nothing scares me and so i try to put aside the question and reassure myself that i am on the right track. But, the scariest part is seeing all the people who have found their purpose becasue, it just makes me wonder more: what is my purpose? and when will i recognize it? So, i guess it is nice to know that not everyone wakes up and says, “hey i know who i am, what i want, and how to get it!”
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Eli Says:
September 4th, 2008 at 2:24 pmand as for the panicing? well i have an anxiety issue everytime i am in class becasue i wonder if i even belong there!
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Eli Says:
September 4th, 2008 at 2:26 pmSometimes i guess we expect the reason for why we do what we do to be obvious, so when we realize we don’t know, then we usually give up and never have the opportunity to find out
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Jackie Says:
September 4th, 2008 at 2:46 pmI like answers too. I’m a path person. I always have to have a path, I don’t care if the path curves or changes but there always has to be a path or I go into said panic mode.
I came to a crossroads last year and really asked myself, why am I doing what I’m doing and as lame as the answer might be sometimes it’s just because it’s the next step that keeps me from having to deal with something bigger and scarier like ‘the real world’.
Other reasons are sometimes to make your family proud, to learn to understand better, to succeed, to be remembered. Ultimately I want to make a mark on something.
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Krystal Says:
September 4th, 2008 at 2:58 pmHi All!
I was asking myself this before the new school year started a few weeks ago. This blog portion was the result.Band Director Extraordinaire
With one day left until I resume my position as band director extraodinaire, I have billions of goals and aspirations whirling and twirling in my head that I must plan and execute in this upcoming school year. During a conversation with a friend the other day, in an attempt to explain “what I do” ,I began to list things that I am responsible for as a band director. It almost cracked me up as the list of responsibilities just kept coming at an indefinite rate. I am well aware that every teacher in school is inundated with more work than is practically possible, but the realization that I face as the band director is that there is no other person in the entire school who can do my job. Other academic teachers share lesson plans and unit plans. They can fill in for one another when the need arises. Even a lay person can come in as a sub and keep students somewhat engaged by giving them written work (understanding that this is still no replacement for the real teacher)…..but the truth is that “I” am the only individual in my school who has the knowledge, skill, and talent to turn my “bandies”(a.k.a. band students) into musicians. If I asked almost anyone on staff to relay, in a reasonable manner, how to form the proper flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, tube, trumpet, etc., embouchure, most of them would look at me and say “Embouchure??” That realization has pumped me up about this year and my job. I possess a truly unique gift to give the world. I possess the potential for inspiring the future generation of musical artists!! I possess the potential ability to create a whole individual. An individual who can do much more than fill in a bubble to pass a test. And if I stay the course, work my toes off, plan and succeed, I will have a legacy of human beings who don’t just exist, but human being who act and create. That is enough electricity to run my batteries forever on those frequent 16 hour days of school, then rehearsal, then performance. Or, to keep frustration at bay when I have been slaving away trying to write the appropriate arrangement of a song that my students are dying to play. These are the things that I have to stay committed to to make this a truly amazing and eventful year for the heart of my band program!! 2008-2009…here I come!
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shinefloyd / luigi Says:
September 4th, 2008 at 3:08 pmWhy do you do what you do?
I work in my own restaurant… I love it…
I am learning breath techniques… and ninjitsu techniques… very good alternatives for my health, like excercise and swimming ( I spend at least 2 hours every day ).
I play the guitar… because I love music, I have 5 differents guitars!
I wrote a bossanova for you (“Sunset”) instrumental… but not the lyrics.I am learning english… but not at school, I am learning english in “SodaHead” with my lovely friends there, I speak spanish and italian. I need to learn english language because it’s very important for me.
I am here in your blog… because you are a very good person and you are doing interesting things… with positve attitude.
Go ahead… we can, Together we stand, Divided we fall.
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Aysha Says:
September 4th, 2008 at 3:26 pmHey Allison,
Congrats on getting more hits on your blog. I really applaud you for making this site a platform to discuss different ideas and to unite people from different backgrounds. It takes guts to do that.
Why do I do what I do? That is certainly a question that I need to ask myself and I thank you for reminding me.
Sometimes I feel as if some of the things I do I do because it is the safe way out. I am not much of a risk taker and I hate not knowing what the future holds for me. I like to have control of my situation and choosing the safest option helps me garner that control.
Sometimes I wonder if the safest way is the best way? What if I did take more risks in my life? Maybe life would be more enriching for me? Maybe I need to take small risks that don’t have severe consequences to them. This way, I can still feel as if I am not reckless.
It’s hard to think outside of what I have been doing my entire life. I have grown up with the value of always having back-up plans for everything and mulling options out until I wring them dry before I choose to act. It can be very helpful most of the time, but sometimes going with my gut can really be better.
I don’t know if you have this problem, but I find that I have silenced my instincts to the point where I can’t hear them at all. Our instincts can really guide us to what we truly want and what is best for us, and I don’t know how I can let my instinct resurface.
Whoa, a lot of thinking. I feel as if I am going in circles with my thoughts, but at least it helps to write them down.
Again, I can’t commend you enough for your big heart and fantastic goals for this site and which direction you want to go with it.
You are truly a terrific and thoughtful person, Allison
Take Care,
Aysha -
Maria Says:
September 4th, 2008 at 4:13 pmI most definitely admire what you want to accomplish to do with this site! Very COOL!
Why do I do what I do? Well, right now I’m in the phase in my life of exploring what I can do and how can I apply it in my life. Example: I’ve discovered recently that I LOVE to write. You know stories and all of that and I’ve been thinking how can I apply it in my life. Like in the future or right now and really I’m trying to discover what I can do for my future. You know, I’m pretty much just trying to see what I’m going to do in my future.
So, I’m just in the phase of exploring,discovering and actually just looking around me and see what is worth keeping for in my future and what’s not.
And lastly, I’m just trying to kind of live my life as it comes to me you know. Not worrying so much of what people think about me, or reminding myself of my past or regretting so much of what I did. And I have to say that part of that is Thanks to YOU and you’re amazing blogs!! This blog has certainly helped me appreciate life a bit more and appreciate the things around me a lot more!
THX 4 THAT!!
XoXo
Maria
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Taty Says:
September 4th, 2008 at 4:30 pmGreat Job Allison! I love it! your blog is a true inspiration!!!
A little bit about me…
I love travel, meet new people and different cultures,and learn foreign languages too (I’m studing english and spanish). So, I choose “Tourism” as my career because is a great way for me to do this and I love it!!!
I’m also a Sunday school teacher at my church, teaching the 3-7 year olds every Sunday morning… and I love so much my little students.Ps. I want to say more thing, but my english is so poor… I’m learning. Sorry!!!
xoxo
Taty
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. -
Scott123 Says:
September 4th, 2008 at 4:33 pmDave,
You know, except for the rental issues, and being married, I thought for a minute that you were talking about me! I was quite frankly a little disturbed at the similarities in our lives. BTW, if I poked you in the ribs about being wordy, I apologize, I meant it in good way. You see, I too suffer from the malady of “Excessive Alliteration”.Why do I do what I do?
Because I dream.Your friend,
Scott123
PS Not so wordy I know, but I realized that in action, I’d rather not over think it, just get to it. -
I'm Rachel Says:
September 4th, 2008 at 4:59 pmWhy do i do the things that I do? Because I know I have a purpose and I am so close to finding that purpose.
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Daisy Says:
September 4th, 2008 at 6:09 pmHi Allison, I haven’t been replying back to you blogs lately but I have read them. I love all these interesting questions that you ask. They really make me think deeply. Good job with the poll on the side. I’ll have to participate after I finish this. So to answer your question, I think I do what I do to make the world a better place. Now that may sound cheesy, but I don’t know how else to answer your question. I try my hardest to do what I believe is right. I love helping others. I would like to leave this world a better world for my grand children. Gosh I will have to think about this one more but that’s all I’ve got for now. Take care!
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David Hayes Says:
September 4th, 2008 at 7:02 pmScott,
Don’t worry about the ‘wordy’ comment. I just took it and ran with it. If that was the worst thing anyone called me, I’d probably be very happy … though that’s hard to imagine.
And I have checked with a few people and those that the links work for see the files with an FTP address. I think there i a computer setting that you can check or uncheck to allow your computer to see FTP files. Friday Philosopher is going to do an experiment with my site to see if it helps . But it was great knowing that there was a problem. It’s like a AM Blog topic — if you see that a friend’s fly is open, do you tell him and embarrass him by doing so in hopes of saving him even more embarrassment … or do you hope he’ll notice on his own? Well … I think we’ll run out of really deep topics eventually.
Anyway, if you or anyone else wants to contact me so we don’t have to discuss non_AM things on her blog, I can be reached at DavidHayes56@yahoo.com
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Sherann Johnson Says:
September 4th, 2008 at 7:06 pmhey allison:)
To be honest I do what I want to do because…well it’s what I want to do:) I have a goal set for my life, and so far I haven’t let anyone take that away from me. This goal I have to impact people through movies is something I’ve just been committed to for so long, that it seems stupid to just give up on it or turn away from it. I’m to motivated now to stop. I have so much passion about it. -
Bouroux Says:
September 4th, 2008 at 8:20 pmHi Allison.
I want to extend the intimacy.
What is intimacy?
According to Wikipedia:
“Intimacy is both the ability and the choice to be close, loving, and vulnerable. Intimacy requires identity development. You have to know yourself and your inner self in order to share your self with another.”
It is therefore open to others. To show its true personality, remove the masks. To show its vulnerability incites others to show theirs. Isolation is completed and solutions can appear at all.
The curiosity has always been an important element in my life. Why and how are words that I use often. Curiosity is essential in my work.
In life, we must take breaks in all that we do. Curiosity is not an exception. If our curiosity gives to us sadness because we are not ready to assume certain realities, moderate curiosity is essential.
Why do you do what you do?
To survive is the first thing that comes to mind.
But survive for me this is not enough. Enjoying life, feel well sums up.
I work to feed, house and maintain my family. To discover each day my strengths and weaknesses, to feel useful for the society. I do sport, because it is beneficial for my body and my mind. I live in family because it’s a precious thing for me. Each day, We must recognize the small things that make life so beautiful. A good meal, a film, good news, a new blog …
I try to create activities that increase the pleasant moments.
Hoping to become a better person and to be happier is a motivation.
Allison, curiosity and discoveries about life that your blogs generate will have positive effects on us and on your career as an actress.
Thanks to allow us to communicate with you.
Bye
Claude. -
Jon W. Says:
September 4th, 2008 at 8:30 pmAllison I must say I am impressed with you. I don’t find many actors or actresses that care about their fans… at least not to your extent. So, thank you for all your hard work and actually caring.
So the question is Why do I do what I do? It’s simple. Because I’m me. I do what I feel like when I feel like doing it and try to not let anyone influence my decisions. Not to say I don’t listen to good advise.
haha Seriously though. I work in a local government office and I do the job because it helps my community. Being a public servant has it’s ups and downs. The up side is part of my jobs helps the public school system and therefore helps kids. The down side is dealing with people who are ignorant about many things and don’t make the slightest attempt to understand.
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Medina Says:
September 4th, 2008 at 11:33 pmLove
Glad for be live
Hope for best days in the future -
Scott Says:
September 5th, 2008 at 12:22 pmHey Dave:
I personally don’t think one way or another about things related to Allison in blog postings, if things take off in a different direction. I guess I don’t take TOO much stock on it being someone’s blog. Then again, this kind of treats it like a forum. I’m not going to join that part of Allison’s site, I don’t feel comfortable enough to enter into that element yet.
I’ll send you an E-mail so you know mine.
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Lori Bennett Says:
September 5th, 2008 at 5:34 pmhey allison, the question u ended with “why do u do the things u do.” for me it’s simple. i’m currently earning another BA this time in criminal justice, b/c it’s something that interests me. i can’t pursue my passion for acting so i want to give back to society in some way. i like using my brain to think so school comes at times a way to do that. i get to learn from some of the best in the field-it’s great. i do the same with acting. i studied it a bit in high school (acting and directing class) loved it!! Whenever i watch a movie or tv i watch it to watch it first then i watch it again and again for the mannerism, facial expressions, and the pauses between lines. it’s my passion so i study it the best i can with the resources i have. i’m never giving up on that dream, but in the mean time i have to do something that can pay the bills now. so why do i do this? i’m playing with the cards i was dealt and doing my best to play them in the most effective way possible.
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Mandy Says:
September 5th, 2008 at 6:47 pmI do what I do to affect the future. I want to find a student who doesn’t think they have anything to look forward to in life and prove them wrong and show them they have everything to live for and that life is what they make of it.
I teach English in a school district with a high poverty rate–almost 50%. We are in central Illinois and get many transfer students from Chicago. And because of the high poverty rate, many of the students don’t believe that they can succeed and actually have a chance to fulfill their dreams.
It’s not an easy job to change their outlook on life. I often come home in the evenings and wonder if I really have a chance to make a difference. I don’t just have the job of teaching them English–how to read, write, speak, and listen–but how to work hard, how to act in a professional situation, and how to set high expectations of themselves.
I do what I do because even if I fail today, I know there’s always tomorrow. Another chance, another child, another future.
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Brittany Says:
September 5th, 2008 at 7:31 pmHey Allison, I have to say, you are really amazing and I support you to keep doing what your doing! I’m hapy there’s more people coming to the site. It seems like just yesterday there was only 50 comments and now it’s like over 200 for one post! I can’t keep up! Why do I do what I do? I do what I do because I love doing it. Don’t do something you don’t like because you’ll loose focus on what you really like! I’m seriously blown away by these posts! These questions just keep getting me closer to finding myself every comment! Bye for now, BrittXOxo
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Phil Damico Says:
September 6th, 2008 at 12:22 amI do what I do,to find a sense of peace and balance in this universe. Sounds boring, but when I have down time I read, things like organic chemistry or books about hope and positivity. I like to travel and meet people, oh and I admit I am a spongebob fan! Why? I guess out of curiousity. Knowledge is power! And why not?
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Brittny Says:
September 12th, 2008 at 1:00 amWhy I come here and post sometimes… I guess it really has changed from what it was initially. I think it was the post with the lady who studied the brain and then got a brain injury. LOL! I love conversations. I love having conversations that can be silly one minute then spiritual the next then really deep then really vulnerable then just… blowing a raspberry! So. That’s why I come because this blog is like a delicious conversation with good friend. My brain gets exercise and so does my heart and spirit…
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Brittny Says:
September 12th, 2008 at 1:04 amOh whoops… as far as life goes… I’m still trying to figure out what to do. On one hand I want to… be recognized. To be… validated in a way. I want to have kudos and honors… but on the other hand I see that some of the most superficial things get honor, get kudos…
I know I want to be connected to humanity. To every day people. I want to help where help is needed and not necessarily where… the most glamor or recognition will be…
I have a lot of questions to answer. I know the answer is out there but it will be a long journey. I’m no where near a place where I can say… hmm here I am doing what I do… why?
I’m still searching. I guess in a way I’m kind of fearful of committing… I really need to jump in.
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Kristen Hebert Says:
October 21st, 2008 at 10:36 pmI want to live my life to the fullest and achieve self actualization through finding what is most important to me, which is being with those that I love, helping people overcome emotional obstacles, helping them think outside the box of society, making paintings, enjoying nature and sunlight, traveling, learning about new cultures, forms of art, perspectives, ideals, paradigms, reasons to live, and so on and on and on. This is what I do. I do it because it gives me a feeling of purpose and completeness. I love making people happy, and expressing myself. I love to seek first to understand, then to be understood, through whichever method it may be; talking, dancing, drawing, singing, whatever. And every day, I try and face the question, “why?” because if I don’t, I feel like I am living in a delusion of regularity and routine, and everything becomes senseless, like a drone that does what it does without actual reason.
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steven p Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 9:45 pmthis is the first time i’ve visited your site. i’ve been watching smallville since about season 4. i got caught up using dvd’s. and i don’t remember exactly when it was but i looked at my wife and i said, “you know, the girl who plays chloe is just a fantastic actress. best acting on the show.” of course as i came to appreciate your acting abilities something happened that seems to happen to all the things i like. they killed your character on a season finale. your character had just become a primary reason i watch the show and then they killed her. well thankfully that was just a plot twist.
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Dick Says:
January 28th, 2009 at 12:55 amI would to call you Chloe~ I am a boy from China,and I’ve been visited you site for many times,but it’s the first time say something.I like Smallville very much,and i’ve been watching it since season 1.That’s a great show!My favorite character in the show is Clark,you and your cousin Lois in the show! I hope you can see my comment,and email me! I really like you and Smallville!
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Dick Says:
January 28th, 2009 at 12:59 amHi! I want to say some Chinese,why there are just some ??????????~???~
yesterday is the most important festival Spring festival, i’d like to wish you happy new year,and have good time!
work hard play hard! I’m waiting for more Smallville~ -
Rick V Says:
March 26th, 2009 at 1:17 pmWhy do I do what I do? I guess it all comes down to living up to the expectations I set for myself. Trying to be the best ME I can be. To ME, that means being a great husband, father (I have TWO boys), son, brother, co-worker…etc. By being GREAT, I want to live a life that contributes to the joy of others. If I can affect a person in such a way that allows them to experience even the smallest degree of happiness, then I’m content knowing I’m fullfilling some grand, universal plan. I hope my attitude and genuine desire to be NICE reaffirms people’s faith in our shared, inherent capacity for goodness and motivates others to treat each other with dignity, respect and a true sense of community. Thanks for being a kindred spirit Allison!
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