This morning while browsing the on-line version of the New York Post I came across this story. (Click the link…)
https://nypost.com/2019/08/17/buddy-duress-should-be-a-huge-star-but-he-cant-stay-out-of-rikers/
Duress’ first time in Rikers was a decade ago, for petty larceny. He’s been sent there some 10 times on charges ranging from heroin possession to identity theft. In fact, he was at Rikers when his big break, “Heaven Knows What,” premiered at the New York Film Festival in 2014.
Back in the day in our neighborhood there were kids who made poor choices.
Let’s face it, things weren’t easy growing up in the 70’s and 80’s.
We all had our challenges, I sure did. And there were times I didn’t handle the challenges facing me very well.
Temptation, peer pressure, the streets and low self-esteem contributed to the downfall of many teenagers, including me.
You are not born a bad person. You are not born a good person. We are born choosers. Your choices determine how you progress through life.
Make a poor choice, you’re going to pay for it.
Make a good choice, most likely things go well.
Your upbringing, the environment you live in and thinking you can do what you want are just a few factors determining how your life shapes up.
Someone once said, “show me your friends and I can show you your future.”
Forming positive habits and working on them daily is the key. Making positive and healthy choices every day is what will help you on your journey.
Do drugs – you’re hurting yourself. Drink irresponsibly – you’re hurting the ones who love you. These two deviant behaviors lead to self-destruction.
Mental health is a popular subject these days. Anxiety and depression are two areas people are struggling with. Quick question; Were we as kids dealing with these things and not knowing it? Did anyone go to a doctor and get diagnosed as bipolar?
The signs were there. I can sit here and list many examples, but I will hold off.
I am happy society is stepping up and putting emphasis on mental health. But it pains me when someone commits suicide because they can’t cope, especially teenagers. The numbers are increasing.
I hope the talented actor in the article above learns his lesson. He’s surely fighting some serious issues.
Work on your positive habits today. Main thing is we can’t give up.
Give a Good Day.
-Steve
Hoops135@hotmail.com
