It is all about the story. The truth is cold, un-moving and doesn’t contain the future. The truth says we live infinitesimally short lives on a tiny rock in an inhospitable universe. The story says: “All of us have special ones who have loved us into being.” (Mr. Rodgers 1997) Change the story and you change your world. Do you have enough to save and share, or are you just getting by? The actual amount doesn’t have to change. A better story can lift your burden and it can be pretty quick.

He is the kind of Facebook poster who will re-post the garbage about winning an iPhone or the free $50 coupon from Chick-fil-A. Why did I even for a second believe his claim the KKK is recruiting at the local Wal-Mart by tying a white handkerchief around the mirror on their truck? I started looking for the signs. Of course there weren’t any trucks adorned with handkerchiefs. I haven’t seen a handkerchief in years; do they even sell them anymore? But, it seemed, part of me wanted to believe the world is a dangerous and hateful place. Yes, the klan is bad, it exists, and says terrible things; but didn’t my expectation just add to the crappy atmosphere in 2017?

While completing a test given by a potential employer, I noticed they talked a lot about mentors. “If you were stuck would you turn to A. Friends, B. Supervisor, C. Mentor, D. Just work it out yourself”.

I used to lament my lack of having a mentor. Then I realized I have one, just a terrible one. He holds few values in common with me, is generally stuck in the past, and generally disrespects education. I didn’t choose this mentor, it just kind of happened. You probably have a mentor and it might not be the best choice.

The article is a little dated https://www.outsideonline.com/2006426/americas-best-towns-2015 but it is getting a second look thanks to the Red and Black re-publishing the article. This may be part of why it is so difficult to easily find a new job here. It is a crazy fun and kind of cheap town. I found out three positions I applied for were also sought after by utterly more qualified people I wouldn’t think were interested in those positions. Despair is an option, moving is an option, and upping my game is an option. I choose all three, in appropriate doses and at the appropriate time.