I'm not looking to pick a fight or anything, but I feel like I need to write a response to something written in this column by one of my guest bloggers over the weekend. If you read this past Sunday's entry by my friend Stone Kelly, please do so and then give this writing a whirl.

 Their is no fate but the one we make. If we give in to hatred, or worse apathy, the world around each of will crumble. When we stop caring about others we also, in a sense, stop caring about ourselves. I am not so naive as to think everyone in this world is good and does the right thing. I need only look in the mirror for a reminder of that. But while I recognize my imperfections and short comings, I also know that I do not allow them to control me, to weigh me down, or effect how I relate to others.

 My Grandfather was a tough old military man from World War 2. My Grandmother, like my Grandfather, was raised during the Great Depression. Each of them instilled in me values and virtues which I carry with me to this day and which I will pass onto Austin and Cameron. One of the things they each taught me was the idea of getting knocked down and then getting back up. I was told, from an early age, that while I had a family who loved me and adored me, the world would not find anything special about me. The world owed me no favors or anything. I would float or sink based on my own merits. That being said, I was also taught to live the Golden Rule of doing unto others as they would do unto you. But taking it one step further, I also learned through the writings of great people....namely Gandhi and Martin Luther King..that an open and understanding heart is required of people who want good things for themselves. I can not succeed in my life if others around me do not succeed. If I close my eyes and my heart to other people's suffering then that makes me a horrible individual. If I was in trouble, I would want someone to help me. Therefore, it is incumbent on me to help others.

 I say "Hi" to people at the store and they ignore me. I smile when I pass strangers and sometimes I am met with a cold stare. I understand all the situations Stone referenced in his blog. That being said, those events will not stop me from saying "Hi" to people and it will not stop me from offering a smile to a stranger. To allow it to do so means the bad and skeptical parts of life overcome happiness. I will personally not allow that to happen. I also know and agree that there are people in this life who are ruthless and would push you down a flight of stairs without a second thought if they believed it would help them advance their life, career, et cetera. Those people are low and the worst type of selfish. That being said, their actions will not stop me from succeeding. I will not lower myself to that standard and if doing those types of things is the definition of success then I do not want to be a success. My doing well should not come at the expense of someone else. I will not allow someone's actions to make me bitter. If someone makes you angry, bitter, envious, what have you....then they control your emotions and you being living your life on their terms. Do not do it! Do not seek revenge, karma will get them in the end. Do not let the actions of those who are petty and mean change your outlook on life. If you allow it to change you, then you have lost the battle and what should have been your life ends up being some type of bitterness treadmill you can't get off.

 Quote Of The Day: "When I despair, I remember that all through history the ways of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants, and murderers, and for a time they can seem invincible, but in the end that always fall. Think of it--always." Mahatma Gandhi

 This Day In History: A massive volcanic eruption on the island of Krakatoa blew up most of the island and resulted in tsunamis that killed over 36,000 people on this date, August 27th, 1883.

 Something You Should Check Out: Have you ever heard of Matt Harding? He travels the world videotaping himself dancing a "Dance Of Joy" as a way to bring a smile to people's faces and to make us realize the world is a smaller place than we think. Check out his dancing here and see if it doesn't make you smile.

 I would like you to do me a favor. If you read this blog and agree with me, please e-mail it to your friends. Please send me an e-mail as well. I would like to hear your thoughts. As always, thank for your time.