To quote the Lorax, “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, Nothing is going to get better. It's not.” I first read that book long before I was old enough or smart enough to really understand what that was even saying or what that meant. Now, as an adult, when watching the full-length film adaptation of that book, I appreciate those words a lot more and realize that I've modeled my life around that since longer than I even knew. I've always wanted to leave the world a better place than I found it.
It may seem proud or even trite to say this, but at times I may be accused of caring too much. There have been times in my life where I cared so much about something that I had no control over, but still needed to give my input. Sometimes in the professional world, this has hurt me. But in the end, no matter the result, I haven't regretted saying or doing what I truly felt needed to be said or done. I consider this a personality flaw. But if I was ever to look back at a situation and realize I should've said something but didn't, I would never forgive myself. The problem with this is that it doesn't only affect me if I say something just because I feel it needs to be said. I have a family to support.
But this has affected more than just my work life. This philosophy is the same reason why I get involved in politics. Whether or not those around me agree with my political views, I truly feel that I need to stand up for those things I believe, just as everyone else should. And this is why I wanted to get involved in the local government and why I am currently on the Board of Trustees for our Homeowners Association. This doesn't mean I agree with everything the HOA does or that I agree with everything those I've campaigned for do. But I find the people who most closely represent what I feel is important and best for society.
So, why do I care so much about things that don't really even affect me? While I can't say I "speak for the trees," I, do, care a whole awful lot because if no one does, nothing is going to get better. I don't profess to know all the answers, I never have, and I never will. But I truly want to make a difference in the world. Unfortunately, I haven't yet had the opportunity to make much of a difference. Maybe that is one of the many reasons I want so badly to be an actor. Not because they always have the best political ideas (let's face it, usually they are the worst to give political advice on anything), but because I can see actresses like Kristen Bell who use their charm, appeal and fame (and of course money) to stand up for things they believe will make the world a better place. Not saying they couldn't always do more. I mention her simply as a an example of someone in "the biz" that I look up to for caring a whole awful lot about causes I also care about. Further, movies and even some TV shows have a way of getting to me. If only the media was used to bring more good, wholesome messages.
I think each one of us has a responsibility to leave the world better than we found it. I know that I for one haven't done that yet. But someday to hope to. This may be from how I've inspired people through my words, or from something I was an actor in that touched that. Or, it may be from my actions. Hopefully I can inspire as so many other have inspired me.
It may seem proud or even trite to say this, but at times I may be accused of caring too much. There have been times in my life where I cared so much about something that I had no control over, but still needed to give my input. Sometimes in the professional world, this has hurt me. But in the end, no matter the result, I haven't regretted saying or doing what I truly felt needed to be said or done. I consider this a personality flaw. But if I was ever to look back at a situation and realize I should've said something but didn't, I would never forgive myself. The problem with this is that it doesn't only affect me if I say something just because I feel it needs to be said. I have a family to support.
But this has affected more than just my work life. This philosophy is the same reason why I get involved in politics. Whether or not those around me agree with my political views, I truly feel that I need to stand up for those things I believe, just as everyone else should. And this is why I wanted to get involved in the local government and why I am currently on the Board of Trustees for our Homeowners Association. This doesn't mean I agree with everything the HOA does or that I agree with everything those I've campaigned for do. But I find the people who most closely represent what I feel is important and best for society.
So, why do I care so much about things that don't really even affect me? While I can't say I "speak for the trees," I, do, care a whole awful lot because if no one does, nothing is going to get better. I don't profess to know all the answers, I never have, and I never will. But I truly want to make a difference in the world. Unfortunately, I haven't yet had the opportunity to make much of a difference. Maybe that is one of the many reasons I want so badly to be an actor. Not because they always have the best political ideas (let's face it, usually they are the worst to give political advice on anything), but because I can see actresses like Kristen Bell who use their charm, appeal and fame (and of course money) to stand up for things they believe will make the world a better place. Not saying they couldn't always do more. I mention her simply as a an example of someone in "the biz" that I look up to for caring a whole awful lot about causes I also care about. Further, movies and even some TV shows have a way of getting to me. If only the media was used to bring more good, wholesome messages.
I think each one of us has a responsibility to leave the world better than we found it. I know that I for one haven't done that yet. But someday to hope to. This may be from how I've inspired people through my words, or from something I was an actor in that touched that. Or, it may be from my actions. Hopefully I can inspire as so many other have inspired me.
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