Do. Or do not. There is no try.

 

Looking back at my childhood I seemed to always embrace the famous quote "Do. Or do not. There is no try." It all started at summer camp during my elementary school years watching A New Hope, Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi. (Yeah, I know I had THE BEST camp counselors.)

I've always gave my best in the things that mattered the most to me.
The things that matter to those I loved and the things that benefited us both in the long run.

"Do. Or do not. There is no try."

Not succeeding..  Wasn't a option.

I was and always be my worst critic. It has gotten me far in my career for being so young. It has gained respect from my superviors and my peers.
It has gotten me far in my personal life and way of life...
That outlook can also be a double edged sword. It has hurt me in many ways too. Bringing me to the point of feeling like... "What have I become?" Even though I honestly wasn't that far off or even in a bad situation at all. The thing is.. I guess... I always just knew that my life was worth more.

Anywho...
This has me thinking back on what I've wanted for myself as a youngster. How I wanted the life I've dreamed of and built through the Sims, the short stories I use to write, and watching while lusting over the life I saw people living in film... Not only in my career, environment, relationships, but in the community.

In high school and right out of it I use to volunteer my time with the YMCA for a summer camp that helped autistic children. Also, I use to be a volunteer for my local Hospice when they had their annual grievance camp for children and teens that have lost someone due to natural causes or violent. It hurts me that I haven't volunteered in a couple years. That brings me back to... "Who have I become?"

Giving back is necessity for me. Along the side of food, water, and shelter... Giving is going to be squeezed right into the middle. I'm not going to lie I do gain in volunteering. I need this in order to build a since of community for myself and to show my thanks to those whom have helped me. But this gain in a sense isn't a bad thing to have. It's a win/win situation.

Going forward what I'm doing for now on to fill the community and karma void...
-Every paycheck I'm donating money towards a non profit or small business.
-I've filled out an application for Hospice of King County to start volunteering when needed and for their children's camp every summer.
-As well as volunteering my time at least once a month.

Giving back is my number one concern right now. Lending a hand to those whom have helped me and those I love. So I can look back when I'm older and feel like I gave more than I took. <3

“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” - Mother Teresa