In our lives we encounter people who clearly possess emotional depth. They have the ability to empathize and sympathize without thought or effort, it comes naturally. In most cases they put others ahead of themselves and their own needs. I always assumed these were just "good" people. However, because of my over obsessive need to analyze everything I have begun to ask myself what creates a "good" person? Where do these qualities come from?

At one time I assumed "good" people came from "good" families. A place where everything was discussed, all problems and issues were brought to light, and a solution was reached by all...amicably. You know? Like The Brady Bunch.

Eventually I learned those people only existed on the television screen and weren't real at all. Nor were very many of their experiences.

In my "old age" (and as a mother trying to raise "good" men), I am learning that quality people with great emotional depth don't learn this characteristic from watching others, or by seeing their parents behave this way. But instead, by experiencing life and all it has to offer. By feeling the pains and realities of being human. And most importantly, by being allowed to truly feel and express it without hindrance from shallow sterotypes, such as "crying is a weakness."

In reality, showing our true emotions are a strength. A strength that only the "good" people have. To show our emotions to others makes us vulnerable to their negativity, and presents a situation where our feelings could fall victim to pain inflicted by someone else.

Showing our "weaknesses" is the strongest thing one can do. It provides us more power than any pseudo macho behavior every could.

Currently living in a culture where hugs, kisses, and public displays of affection are frowned upon, it makes me wonder how much emotional depth these people could possibly have. Are they all filled with overwhelming emotion and passion about things, but fear showing it will reflect poorly upon them?

How sad it must be to live in a bubble where everything you do is scrutinized and evaluated by your peers.

Oh wait....isn't that what most people do?

This might help....

Global Incident Map Displaying Terrorist Acts, Suspicious Activity, and General Terrorism News

As Americans we go through many changes in life. These changes come because we're allowed to make choices.

Sometimes I look around at the Kuwaitis and how they're almost cookie cutter people. The majority of them have a similar house, similar salary, luxury cars, and a fairly "worry free" life. However, this comes with the price of having to share the same viewpoint and values as everyone around you. I suppose if it's all you know it might not be that bad, but I know different.

Don't get me wrong, I would love to wake up every morning knowing I would be provided an income regardless of education or skill set. And I would love to know I could destroy a BMW because I could just go pick up a Mercedes without wondering how I would pay for it. But I would hate to wake up knowing I was stuck with a man who told me when I could breathe, or friends who dictated how we would dress that day, or a culture which allowed me very little in the way of choices.

So which is better? Being handed life on a silver platter and sharing your mind with everyone around you? Or choosing our own path and journey in life, accepting our mistakes, and learning from them?

Sometimes I am so thankful to be American.

Well, I have finally returned from vacation. Sometimes I almost feel like I need a post vacation to wind down from the vacation itself. Years ago I used to envy the people who had to travel the world for work assuming it was this very satisfying, exciting lifestyle. Little did I know it entailed living out of suitcases, standing in long lines waiting for security checks, and providing a lifetime supply of make-up and hair products to the airport security employees because I always forget what can be carried on in the states and what can't.

Thankfully there's DrugStore.com, otherwise I might be washing my hair in goat milk or something crazy.

It's always so interesting going back to the states to see all of the changes. Though it's no secret we are the most amazing and advanced country, it amazes me at how fast we're actually growing. It's also amazing to me that I invest a great deal of time learning to speak Arabic, when I might want to consider Spanish if I want to order a pizza to my home.

Most other countries are required to take English Language in their elementary education, however, by the time they reach High School and college it's no longer a requirement. Although, finding someone to speak English in most countries is not difficult, it's still respectful for us to learn their language to a degree when in their land. I mean, at least a proper greeting.

That being said; what on earth happened to America? I am working 7,000 miles away from my home in an attempt to make enough money to provide a secure future for my children. And we're giving away jobs to people who can't even hold a 4 sentence conversation?

Perhaps if we stopped being so politically correct, and holding the well being of others above that of our own citizens, we might actually bring some unity and family values back to our country. Our government is so busy trying to do the "right thing" they fail to see they're doing the exact opposite.

Don't get me wrong, if a person enters our country legally (via sponsorship or marriage), holds a job, and dedicates themself to the best interest of America, then by all means, allow them the right to work and have a family and home. But we're employing illegals, who then send OUR money back to THEIR country!

And we're scractching our heads asking, "Why is our economy failing?" What a joke.

My next move might be to Mexico. Although something tells me they wouldn't be quite so willing to give US their jobs, their money, and their rights.