Making a Difference

Tonight I realized that in order to find myself I have to be accepting to the things I can not change. I’ve been spending a lot of time with my gay friends but have neglected to remember my current ones. Tonight I watched a movie about a group of gay men that were friends. They weren’t friends because they were gay; it was just something they had in common. I can’t be who I am without all my friends; gay or straight. Everyday I wake up wondering who I might offend or what I might say that will cause someone to look at me differently because… I am; different. I strive to have equality among people; not just my friends. I don’t know everyone in the world but between everyone; we do. Change can start with one person talking to others trying to make a difference. The chain can continue. Our society sees change as a challenge. It’s something that everyone has to deal with. Everyone gets older, their looks change, personalities change. It’s who we are inside that matters. You can’t expect life to be perfect. You have to accept the “hand” that was dealt to you. Granted our lives are full of decisions; decisions which we can either accept or reject. Why must we be so afraid of rejection? Are we afraid of what society might think? Change is something that is inevitable. That’s why we have history; to learn from our mistakes.
“The Broken Heart Fan Club” to me; was about a group of men finding truth within themselves while helping their friends along the way. I found myself in their shoes wanting what they wanted, feeling the way they felt. Gay or Straight, it’s a movie for anyone to see. We all can find happiness in life. But it starts from within. The majority of people in this world are unhappy about something. It’s in our nature. Who’s to say we can’t try to change. Without fail, we see people; pre-judge them by looks, the car they drive, and the personality they may bestow. While walking to class Wednesday I saw a girl standing under a tree crying. Something was wrong. I didn’t know her; she didn’t know me. I approached her and simply asked “Are you okay”. She looked up at me and said “I’ll be fine; thanks” and walked away whipping her tears. Friday I saw her again but this time she approached me and said “Thank you for asking me if I was okay the other day. It really made me realize there are people out there that actually care about others and not only themselves”. It’s the simple things in life that allow us to make some kind of difference. We don’t have to be the most beautiful, have a beautiful body, or try and create an image to impress others. Who you are inside makes the difference. And it starts here with me; trying.

-Clint Baker
9/05/2004