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Date: May 20, 2019 08:47AM
I too admire your writing skills. Congratulations.
What worked well for me at age 14 was to lose myself in books.
I went to the library and read every word that John Steinbeck wrote. It shaped much of my life. I became unafraid of adventure. I got a Schwinn 10-speed bike and took off across the USA with no money in my pocket, and no sleeping bag clothes or anything except a tire flat tool kit, that was strapped to my seat.
I met many cool people. In the desert, near Goffs, a miner taught me to pee a circle so snakes would not bug me when I slept. In Las Vegas a couple took me in and we shared a never-to-forget weekend of life stories that no movie could touch.
In Richfield, Utah, a Bishop with a gorgeous daughter had me in for lunch. They let me shower, and washed my clothes while I took a nap.
In Salt Lake, Dan Valentine from the Salt Lake Tribune interviewed me. It was the first time I ever made the newspaper.
My body was like steel. My spirit was even stronger. I learned that fear was a factor only if I let it be.
Sadly, I settled down soon after and became as boring as most other normal people.
Work became my sanity.
Then, as I made it through my 20's, goals took over.
Many children came to me through several beautiful women.
Today I stand at the threshold of being an old man. This is a miracle, as my High School Counselor said I'd commit suicide before the age of 21.
I can hold up my bumps and scrapes to any other man or woman, and walk away proud. My health is near-perfect, I don't know a thing about math, mechanics or who is most popular right now. But I've exposed myself to the brightest philosophical minds of my generation, so I'm solid.
I escaped the cult at age 30, and never wish to mire myself under the thumbs of anyone, anywhere.
The universe seems to like me. Every now and then, I get real lucky.
If there is a God, He has left me totally alone, which I appreciate.
I look forward to death, as the sweetest reward possible for a man who worked hard and paid his own way.
I love good foods, clouds, conversations that go deep and music.
I bother some folks, but who doesn't?
My advice to you is to find your own way, on your own terms. Keep a Journal. Write your thoughts, and always accumulate quotes. You exist to experience, learn, improve and come out much more tolerant and compassionate than when you began.
Stress sucks. It ages you without apology.
Never forget that.
And always ask for help if you need it.
People are cool, if you're authentic and humble.
Travel or die.
Good luck.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8YGf7d7GsA