Prove it

I have been talking recently about my need to prove myself. I never really talked about it, until now.

As a child I would bring home a report card with 4 A's and 1B. I was yelled at because I didn't have all A's. This drove me to prove I could do it. And I did.

As a teenager I had good grades. I made honor roll through to 9th grade and high honor roll once. Then my rapid decline started. I started using drugs and drinking. My grades plummented fast. In ten weeks my grades went from high honor to failing my best subject..English.

I got sick in the 11th grade. I took my finals while a patient at a hospital. I barely passed. In 12th grade I was living at the state hospital and going to public school. I barely passed once again. I proved to my dad, who dropped out in the 9th grade, that I was better than him by graduating.

I quit drinking and drugs to prove that I could. I got a good job, which lasted for many years. Thus proving to my siblings that I could work at a job longer than them. My wife and I own my home and two cars. Thus proving to them that I was successful and happy.

My head tells me that I'm arrogant. Am I? I don't know. I don't mean to sound like that. My passion is to pass on the lessons I've learned. I genuinely want to put my life "out there" and help.

Why do I keep saying that? What purpose does it serve me? Am I still trying to prove to others that I can do it?

I don't want to walk with my head in the clouds. I truly want to help. It's my passion. I feel good when I help.

Live, love, laugh, learn, listen,

David