The Mind of Mr. M

I have wanted to see this movie for a while and haven't because my wife told me it looked sad and I would therefore have to watch it alone. I am giving fair warning to those of you without a TV Guardian or other family friendly editing device that there is some swearing and disturbing images. That is my warning and now I can move on to my reason for writing this blog.

I believe in God. I believe that I am here for a purpose, and because of that I have chosen to live my life in a certain way. That being said, I don't believe my decisions or the life I have chosen is for everyone. I also don't believe that I have the right or duty to FORCE change on anyone else who is trudging along in this world to bend or bow to my expectations. In religious circles they call it, "Fulfilling the measure of your creation." What I believe that means is that the only one that knows what your potential is, is you and your maker. Now this could be considered a spoiler, so if you plan on seeing the movie, stop here and comeback when you have seen it. If not, read on.

In the movie, Robert Downey Jr (RDJ). meets Nathaniel Anthony Ayers (NAA, Jamie Foxx), a gifted musician and former Julliard student that also suffers from Schizophrenia. Ironically, I have been making some posts joking about Schizophrenia, having nothing to do with the movie, and feel horrible about making light of it. In the movie, RDJ, sees NAA, a homeless street musician and recognizes his condition and decides that someone as talented as NAA shouldn't be relegated to the environment that exists amongst the homeless in Los Angeles, and takes it upon himself to save NAA. He does what he thinks is best for him and in the end just causes NAA so much pain. Then he realizes after a huge blowout what he has done and figures out all he can change is himself. Considering his life is pretty screwed up, the lesson is learned and all works out in the end.

I loved the movie, it truly made me think about how I look at other people. Now, before anyone jumps in and says, yeah, we should all be accepting of behavior that we don't agree with, that's not what I am saying. I think that we should always do what we can to improve the lives of those we befriend and meet on a daily basis, but we shouldn't be shocked or hurt when they decide it isn't for them. I think that what I saw, is that even though there is sometimes better things out there for someone, it is entirely possible, they just don't want it. That is their choice. I believe that sometimes intention clouds our judgment and sometimes we become less tolerant of the individual we cannot change. They become lesser than us, a punch line or even and enemy. But really, they are just like everyone else, different. Am I making any sense?

I know that I am firm in my belief system and I am not going to change that. I will always think I am right, and I will always try to do for others what I think is best for them. But when, they tell me to stop, I will have to do so and not walk away in a frustrated huff or feel offended and hurt. At that point, I will remember that everyone on this earth has unlimited potential, with the power to decide who and what they will be, reaping both the benefits and consequences of their decisions, just like me.