Whenever I’m concerned or worried about something, I grab my two dogs, Lili and Wheatly, and the three of us go for a walk along the mill pond.

 
When we reach the water, I close my eyes and begin to listen. I cast away the shadows in my mind and start listening to the world. Birds chirp overhead, the water rolls, and the beautiful sound of children at play meet my ears. I begin to remember my own days when I could run about and enjoy myself without worry. Days of adventure come floating up from the depths of my mind, things that I had forgotten in the hussle and bussle of high school life.

 
Reflection is, without a doubt, the most important thing for an individual to do. Normally I take a neutral stance on matters when writing this column, however this is far too important a subject for me to remain neutral on. Several people tell me that I am mature, or older than my age. The reason for this is reflection, not the number of philosophy books I own or my grades in school.

 
I began to really reflect in fifth grade, asking myself why people and situations were the way they were. Why did I say what I did? Why did I care so much about others? Should I have helped another student? Seeing that there was a gap between who I was then and what I wanted myself to be, reflection gave me a chance to study and understand both how I acted and how I wished to act. I learned to listen to my heart, not a television screen or even other books, as a guide on who I should be.

 
What I want to be is an educator and lover. I provide multiple, often crazy viewpoints, attempting to get people to think, and hope to do so through both my writing and spoken word. But morcertainly took a dixie cup’s worth of madness to do, but I have never regretted the experience since. I cared little for the grade at the end, my intent that night was to find if I had the courage to stand before those I respected (and came to love) and show them a taste of who I was. Post-duel, I took the time to reflect on the event, and allowed myself a few moments of pride at the knowledge that I was one step closer to who I wanted to be.

Now I don’t expect all my readers to suddenly pick up swords and we go gladiator in the lunchroom (Although it would be fun). Sometimes messages become confused when written with allegory and metaphor, so I’ll make it as clear as I can.

Take the time, each day, to reflect upon who you are. Toss aside preconceived ideas of what you should be, and instead listen to your own. Find the gap that may exist between the two, just as I did, and allow yourself to bridge that gap. You know what you want, and you know what you are capable of. Because when at long last that bridge is finished, and you stand where you have wanted to be all this time, you stand not as someone else, but the person you have desired to be.

I chose to walk this path, and in that decision lies my power.

 
No truer words have been spoken.

 
Brad Dawson

Brad’s Steps to Reflect

Level One: Draw the memories close remembering as much as you can.

Level Two: Look the memories over with a critical eye, taking no side in the matter,and recognizing the flaws.

Level Three: Understand what took place and resolve to do better.