The Art of Defense & Defeat

Defense; The word is flat out misleading. When that term arises it most commonly is associated with the concept of protection, sheilding, or gaurding. For me, the first thing that comes to my mind in reference to the definition of defense is offense.
Something I have come to notice over time and even more recently is that a part of most peoples defense lies within offense as well. Instead of simply relying on our personal shields we draw out our hypothetical spears as well. Any potential threat that we feel is usually equalized by an attack on the direct cause of the threat. We live in a society where we thrive off of survival of the fittest. Yes, I'll agree sometimes its necessary and often constructive, but I feel as if we have become so insecure with ourselves that we attack others in our defense. Rather than proving ourselves worthy we've become so quick to prove everyone around us unworthy instead. Now does that qualify you as being the "fittest" all your showing is others weaknesses, not your own strengths.
I don't think we realize nearly enough that functioning in this manner can bring down our own credibility. Don't get me wrong, I support healthy competition, if I didn't I wouldn't be an American. To survive in such a capitalistic society we need to have a sense of competition and survival; but one thing I find hasn't been addressed is how we survive and compete. If all we do is jump the fun and point out the weak in others and exploit competition in defense then we leave no room to accentuate our own strengths and no room to improve on the areas in ourselves which have been threatened or challenged.
Real strength comes from real competition. Battle of the best wits and strengths is what makes real competition. If we accept the challenge and face it rather than destroy it, we leave no room for growth and improvement. It takes a true warrior to smile, shake hands and say "Good game" with out opposers. It takes a pawn in a game of chess to stab the opposer in the back, and in reality you'll become so blind from that victory that in the long run another opposer will do the same to you.
To be able to fail, be defeated, accept your defeat and face your flaws makes you a true warrior, a true hero. Upon your defeat you have two options; One- you pinpoint where you started to lose and you fix that point of weakness... or Two- you bask in your failure, never improve and become defeated over and over again. The rest is up to you.
Pointing our others flaws and weaknesses makes you no better than your opponent. Being able to defend yourself by supporting yourself or even accepting your flaws and accepting that change is needed is what will put you on top in the end. Don't let your pride blind you. Emotional blindness is a weakness. Put down your weapongs and shield your heart. A coward needs a spear while a hero will rush into a battle with nothing but his armor. Society is war, prepare the right way.

Routines. Sunrises and Rain.

With a love story who's tale is as old as language itself or as new as a fresh start to a day, comes battles, tears, laughter, strife and happiness. Whether it be between a man and a woman, a man and a man, or a woman and a woman. Whether it take place in a castle, a ghetto or the suburbs. Whether it ends in heartbreak, seperation or death its always the same. Love is a cycle, love is as a sunrise and sunset, it's like a full day. The beginning of a relationship is the sunrise. Your'e captivated by it, intrigued by the appearance, thought and concept of a new day, a new relationship. You venture over the horizon without even the slightest clue as to what is in store. The rest of the day is a stroll at first. You casually go about your routine, enjoying the sunshine but holding your umbrella, your sheild, your emotional barriers in fear of the possibility of rain. Around mid day, mid relationship, the routine becomes tiring, like a struggle. Its the equivelant of having your first fight with your significant other. Its the most draining part of your day, your relationship, and your journey with that person. Once its over with, although that part of your day has made you stronger, the rest of your day is impacted. You're happy, yet focused on just getting by, focused on merely holding on until the inevitable end. Then of course theres the evening, right before the sunset, as the sun is shining in its last risen hour. Whether the day has been good or bad, you feel a sorrow in yourself because you see the end of the day coming and also because you fear what a new day may bring. You know you feel deep down that the new day is going to be the same and maybe at best more difficult. And finally comes the sunset, the end, el fin. Its bitter sweet. Your'e glad you can rest your eyes and reminisce or focus on the good parts of the day, but it saddens you to see it pass and to move on to the next day.
My point is after all thats been said, we need to break this cycle and this day after day process. Is it possible for us to break our sunrise to sunset routine? Very recently I changed my routine and to be quite honest its refreshing. I find that dealing with that mid day point and struggle first thing in the day or relationship can actually be healthy and better for it. Dealing with this so early changes the feeling of just holding on until the end into a different feeling and experience. Arguing early on, recognizing your differences in one another at the beginning leaves room for understand the person and building a foundation to support the relationship from that point on. We can't start our relationships in the honeymoon stage, it only sets us up for disappointment. I feel that if your'e not afraid to argue or dispute right off the bat then you've finally found someone your'e comfortable with. I also feel that if you can overcome that dispute or arguement you grow closer to that person and the honeymoon stage can be an ongoing stage or feeling, not just something you feel at the very beginning. We need to stop waling around in the sunshine with our umbrellas. Its not going to prevent the downpour. If the rain comes dance in it. Its always going to rain, and its all a matter of making it through the storm. Thats what makes each day different and beautiful. So lets change our routines, and let our sheilds down. Don't fight fate, don't try to change the weather. Let it all happen. Its just natural.