Josh Allred's Blog

When we say “literally,” we are asking people to believe what we are saying. To interpret the worlds exactly as they sound.

That’s the difficulty part of communication.

Our brains struggle in the grey areas because of our emotions and our point of view. Words have multiple meanings and different contexts. Voice inflections and, of course, history influence what someone says.

We hang on words.

A series of choices can lead us down roads that we are not happy to be on.

Yet, one choice can also turn it all around.

It’s amazing at rock bottom, how one shred of hope feels.

Humans need it. It’s part of the story we tell.

Indeed, hope is the ultimate comforter.

When we think of addiction we think of alcohol, cigarettes, drugs, or pornography.

We don’t think of a second level of addiction: anxiety. This can be addictive too. We don’t talk about it the same way as substance abuse. Because the future is uncertain, we’re scared of it—that tension creeps into anxiousness.

Is silence.

Not because people didn’t hear what you have to say.

But sometimes, they don’t want to hurt your feelings.

Recently, I was at a random bbq. I only knew one person so it was a good opportunity to meet some new people.

I noticed every conversation went to the subject of money. What deals were being made. How much they were going to make or have made.

I’m not sure when we became the generation that was so quick to sell out. But looking around the landscape that is exactly what many are aiming for.

The goal isn’t to make money. The goal isn’t to sell out.

Its difficult to change peoples minds on something. Especially when they build their whole identity around an idea or ideology.

Our approach to win an argument is to use facts. Because if you can gather more facts than the person across the isle then how can you not but change your mind?

But now facts are not as scarce, they’re not as hidden, it’s cheap to find now. It’s easier to find the answer to a question now more than ever.

So it further cements us deeper into our our belief system because of the scrutiny it is under. Many are just tired.

However, when we take the time to learn everything about a subject, oddly, humans have this tendency to let go. That’s how dogma breaks. Not by yelling. But by learning. It can’t be forced.

The only time I have lived without tap is when I would go backpacking. Which isn’t much to go off here.

If you always lived with tap water, however, you will begin to take it for granted that when you turn on the faucet, clean water comes out.

And the same if you live in a house or have money or live in an area with a good school system—if you’ve always had it, you won’t appreciate it as much as someone never did.

And that changes our mindset. For worse, I’m afraid. Because we forget not everyone has what you have. We just like to talk about what we don’t.

By getting rid of say your temper, we are also at the same time acknowledging that there is a part of ourselves we don’t like. A part you are not at peace with your self.

The illusion is perfection—when learning to live with our faults we can’t be peace with our faults. If we’re not at peace with our faults, how will they ever get better?

Quite the paradox.

It’s one thing to be locked into a cage.

It’s a whole other pain not knowing when it is you’ll get out of it.

The waiting can be the hardest part.