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Sunday, January 26, 2014

Improve Your Life: Don't Impair It

Alcohol is bad. It doesn't do any good. In fact, there are so many negatives involved, I don't understand why it is so prevalent in our world.

My wife's cousin was in a tragic accident on Saturday night. He had taken his two sons to watch the Utah Jazz play against the Washington Wizards. I am sure the game was fun for all three of them. But what happened next probably erased all of those feelings from the basketball game.

A truck, going speeds as high as 70 MPH rear-ended my wife's cousin's car while he was parked at a stoplight - killing his 3 year-old on impact. This caused a chain reaction of 3 more cars crashing. Luckily, nobody else was seriously hurt.

The man driving the truck hobbled away from the wreckage, hoping to mix in with the gathering witnesses. One of the other witnesses saw him and restrained him until the police were on sight to take over. This man was drunk. He'd been weaving in and out of lanes on 40 MPH roads.

Senseless. So senseless. All because a guy had to guzzle some foul tasting drink to let him escape the world for awhile. Well, he won't be escaping the bars he's behind for awhile.

Alcohol impairs judgment. It literally causes one to do things that he/she would never do in a sober state.

"I couldn't help it, I was drunk."
"I can't remember doing that, I was drunk."
"I don't know why, I was drunk."

Three phrases I could likely infinitely multiply with different excuses. In each case, responsibility is shifted from the person to the drink. "I don't drive like that normally, I was drunk."

Is that why people still intoxicate themselves? So they can mindlessly cause problems (big or little) and cast away the responsibilities? What a sad pathetic world we live in.

Even advertisers get things mixed up. "Use a DD. Be responsible." Hmmm, how about DON'T DRINK IN THE FIRST PLACE. Just an idea. I can't think of a better way to be responsible.

Don't even get me started on addiction. Drink enough, and it'll happen to you. I have family members who have this problem.

There are so many other things to do with our time than waste it get wasted. Wholesome, good things. The man in the truck could have decided to improve his life by focusing on his talents, improving and progressing at something he is good at. Or he could have tried to pick up a new skill. Instead, he has his entire life to regret ONE NIGHT in January, 2014.

I don't know if people will listen to this. A lot will likely think I'm ignorant or stupid for writing this. All I'm asking is for anyone who willing consumes alcohol to take a step back and think about what you're putting your money towards. Even if you're a "casual" drinker. Why not put that money you would have spent on a drink towards something of use. Something that can improve your life, not impair it.

So that's my slogan on life right now. It can apply to everyone in multiple ways. But in regards to this post... please stop and think before you buy that drink. Improve your life: don't impair it.


3 comments:

  1. This is awesome Jesse.

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  2. Oh my gosh, Jesse, I'm so sorry and this post hurts my heart and leaves me angry at the same time. I've known, and sadly, have hung out with people who are drunk and every time I did I felt a sadness thinking "how sad. How sad that you feel you need this to make you 'loosen up' or 'have fun' or the worst 'to just be myself." You are probably right and some people will not understand "what the big deal is" but you do have one supporter and I'm glad for this message you sent to everyone to think about.

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