It's not about living, it's about dying

This is an Ode to all my homies out there. When you are having one of those days that completely bogs you down by those people who show you no consideration. Those people, no matter how well you treat them, no matter how well life treats them, still remain inconsiderate and selfish.

I was told many, many moons ago something that I have carried as a guide ever since. I was young, with 2 small children. Working two jobs seven nights a week and going to college full time. Having to maintain a certain GPA average no less. It was during one of those nights when specific co-workers did what they always did, shaming their way to a pay check by riding the clock instead of being productive. As usual there was no contribution to get the job done, so the work load would have been spread out evenly, making it easier for everyone, not just particular people. And I sort of lost my cool, mouthing off at the supervisor : "What is going to be done about it?"

His simply response was:” Don’t ever lower your standards to anyone who is not meeting your own. No matter what or how long you have to endure. You just stay focused on yourself and you will achieve what you set out to. Whereas those people who do not have the same standards as you, will remain exactly where they are. In Life and period thereafter.

So any time I feel like caving, any time I feel like I can get away with lowering my standards about anything in life, not just work. Any time I feel like it’ll be alright to not do my best. Any time I feel like it will be okay showing out the same behaviors I frown upon in my interactions with others. That's when these words come back to mind. Without fail. Holding myself to the standard I choose for myself. Nobody else’s. Because the question is not if I can live with what I do or do not do, the question is not if I can sleep knowing what I did or did not do throughout the day.

The real question is: Will I be able to die in peace knowing what I have or haven’t done in my Life.