"Diseases of the Brain"

I really do believe that personal issues like depression and addiction are "diseases of the brain". I believe that a person does not choose to develop issues like these. No one wants to be addicted to alcohol or drugs and nobody wants to be depressed. They may make a decision that leads them down that road, yet once they are on it, I believe that all control is lost. My uncle was an alcoholic. Yes, he chose to drink, yet after a certain point, he lost all control. Alcohol consumed his life, and although he tried everything to stop, he just couldn't. His body got so use to it, and after awhile, it became a disease, something that was always with him, even though he didn't want it.

What is your unique outlook on life in general? What type of attitude do you have towards the world around you?

I believe that everyone has a purpose in this world and that everyone will accomplish something great, even if only a few people witness it. Accomplishing something great doesn’t just mean that you have to make billions of dollars or become a movie star. You can become the most important person to just one person and that can be so fulfilling. Enjoy life and don’t get caught up in striving for an unrealistic dream.

How have your parents disciplined you over the years? How have these patterns shaped who you are? How has your environment shaped you?

My parents never really disciplined me as a child and they don’t now as well. I think they just taught me from a very young age what I should and shouldn't’t be doing. We have built such a strong relationship that I don’t feel that I can’t share most things with them. Of course, there are things that I keep private, yet I know that it is nothing that can get me into trouble. My parents yell at me when I have done something wrong, yet without heavy discipline I feel I have won their respect and trust, which are two very important things. I think this has made me into a happy person and have grown in an environment that gives me my freedom, yet reminds me when I need to rethink something.