Letter to My Parents

Dear mom and dad,

How are you guys doing? We haven't really talked much, that's probably because I've been out a lot. I don't know why I go out. I just don't like staying in. I'm sorry that it messes with family time, considering it's been a huge part of our family. I just feel trapped when I'm home. I get this uncomfortable feeling. I feel like I'm suffocating. Don't get me wrong, I love spending time with you guys and the girls,  but I think I'm at that age where I need to spread my wings. I need to have some independence. And I know that you guys know that because whenever I ask to go out you guys say yes. I love that about you guys, but I just feel bad for leaving you guys behind; especially my sisters. I feel like I have a responsibility that I have to take care of as the oldest child. I feel like I have to be there at all times. It's weird. I want to grow up, but at the same time I wish I wouldn't. I don't know. It's tough. But even through all of this, you guys are always there no matter what. Thank you so much. You guys are very understanding parents and I love you guys.

Your loving son,
Erick Gonzalez.

Frankl-y Speaking

Victor Frankl said that the reason why men live isn't for power or pleasure, but rather meaning. Men unconsciously strive for a meaning to life. They have gone so far as to say that their true meaning is to pleasure oneself or have total control of power, which if one was to really think about it is quite ridiculous. I guess I can't complain because I feel like the two psychologists who came up with the power and pleasure principles were on to something. Every man likes to pleasure himself (not that way), but after a while they begin to care for others and pleasure them more. For example, once a man or woman has children, their priority is to pleasure their children, which in return pleasures them to know that their children are getting all that they can get. In a way it's a circle of pleasure. Anyways, whether it be power through success or strength, men also seek power, but not through out their whole life. I believe this kicks in around adolescence through around the time (if a man has kids) that children leave. If they have no kids, then it would end around the time that they have realized that power isn't everything, which will eventually happen. After this phase leaves, then they realize that the meaning to life is actually having meaning alone. People begin to think about what they think about and why and even how are they even thinking. For example, they will begin asking questions that many people will not have the answer to.

After reading 'Man's Search for Meaning' and learning about psychology and philosophy, I have rounded up most of the beliefs. I believe that all of these men who created these theories were correct, but they weren't quite their. I believe that they merely had a slice of what life is all about. I believe that all of these theories are played out through a person's life. Every person will encounter pleasure; just as every person will want to strive for greatness and power; just as every person will question their existence in life. Frankl proposed that there are many meanings to life, so I guess I can agree that he was the closest one who truly understood what it was to do in life and it's pretty much to enjoy it while it lasts. Enjoy all the good, and all the bad, things that will happen through your life.