The Challenge of Being Yourself

Recently I have read the my generation (Born in the 70ies or 80ies) is considered the generation of expectations and I think that might be true. We were the first generation in the western world, in which the majority of people grew up in decent financial circumstances and the most urgent needs were fullfilled. Universities were no longer just open to the upper classes and we could choose freely, who we wanted to be and everything seemed possible.

You might say: But these are good things and you are right. But this luxury came with a price, the price of unfilled dreams and inattainable expectations. Seeing all the options laid out in front of us, we all started dreaming and pushing us further than we might be able to reach,while sometimes our true goal lies right in front of us. Why should you try to be a world class scientist just because you can, while you would be much happier being a hairdresser? The questions asked shouldn't be: What can I... but rather what do I want....

Our generation lost the focus for what they really want in favour of the highest achievable goal, because we are sold the concept that the more the better. But what is wrong with the simple life? Why should we choose the higher goal, just because we can?

In my personal opinion this is also responsible for many mental illnesses. One could argue that years ago people would not speak up about it. This is most likely true but I believe that also modern lifestyle has led to an increase of mental illnesses like OCD, depression and burn-out syndrome, as we live lives that are  opposed to our nature.

This is also becoming a problem for society. Here in Germany companies that train young people for manual jobs like mecanics, hair dressers, bakers and many more are having problems to cover all apprentice positions and one can only wonder why this might be. Have all young people lost interest in manual jobs? Maybe their appeal has indeed dimished or people have decided to follow societies pressure rather than their own wishes. 

But this problem can not only be seen in the career choice: How about fashion? Instead of choosing to wear what we actually like, we run into stores and buy something we are told by some people is hip. Imagine how interesting the world would look, if people would wear what the really like. People wearing outfits composed of stuff from different decades and wearing original make-up. Wouldn't that be amazing?

In general we are told to follow a certain pattern with our life or better we are expected to. This is great for some or maybe even most people for some it is not. 

In any case it is getting more difficult to be ourselves these days, because we are bombarded with so many options and things, that we overhear the voice of our subconsciousness. And even if we do hear it, it is sometimes hard to follow it due to the overwhelming reaction by your surroundings. Just try to wear something a little more extravagant than your usual style. It will cause interesting reactions. Some people will love it, others will tell you that they prefer you usual style but most people will frown upon it.

The point is not be put off by that, because sooner or later people get used to it and admire you individuality and that you dare being yourself. New people you meet will also react in a more positive way, because they perceive you as authentic.

Start with little stuff and you will see how liberating it is to be your true self. Yes, some people will turn their back on you. But are those people the sort of people you want to have in your life?

Maybe the key to all this is to redefine "success". These days success is usually messured by economic status and social standing. Perhaps we should consider a success to be who we really are. Sometimes a simpler life is more rewarding than a life on the fast lane. 

Writing update #5 and back to the stage

Something I have been thinking about for a long time if finally taking shape: I have founded a theatre company! 

When I say "I" I actually mean me and some very talented young people I have recenty met. Technically we are still nameless, since we are looking for name that reflect the uniqueness of our group. We are a spanish-speaking group that is based in southern Germany. If you have any suggestion or ideas, please feel free to put them into the comment section. We'd really appreciate it!

My colleagues surprised me, when they decided that we should perform the play I am presently writing/editing, which I consider an incredible hornour. This made me also the director, which means that I will have my hands full. Therefore I will only play small role but nonetheless I will return to the stage. You cannot imagine how exciting it is to see character you have created come to life. As an artist this is probably the most exciting thing I have ever experienced, as it truly gives you the feeling of creating something.

I am also very really excited because the quality of the actors has exceeded my wildest expectations and everybody is very dedicated, which makes me very proud to be a part of this team. Thank you guys!

Since it turns out there is already a play named "the interview" so I have decided to rename it "the motive" (I know the title is very John Grisham, but as stated before I am bad with titles.). It is coming along nicely and I am optimistic that we will premiere it in spring time. It is a thriller, where a journalist interviews a convicted serial killer. In the end the audience will have a different view of terms like justice and law. 

It surprised me to realise that again I have put some very personal things into my work. I was once a law student and actually quit due to conscentious reasons, after a child murderer was brought to trial in the town I was studying. It was that moment, when I realised that I could never defend a person guilty of such horrible crimes. 

Apparantly it is true, what they say: If you want to write well, write about what you know.

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As you can imagine this means that the translation of my novel "In the Shadow of History" is presently on hiatus. I am about halfway done with it (Including some major editing) and once I am finished, I will edit it again before handing it to a professional proof-reader and editor. 

It pains me a bit that I am not done with it yet but it is a very hard work, since the mere translation also lacks the fun of the proper creative process and therefore I often prefer writing over this work, as I have to admit. 

The good part is, that I have already started developing ideas for the second part also three other stand alone novels (Yes, I know ideas are not enough, unless you work them out!).

As you can see I am keep myself rather busy and am developing some interesting projects!

Love, 

Maria Lorca

DUI - Some Thoughts on Driving Under Influence

We are lead to believe the driving under influence or for short DUI is a trivial offense. We see hollywood starlets Lindsey Lohan who pose for mug shots after adjusting their make-up and rock star bad boys who use it to nurture their image but the truth couldn't be any farther.

The reality is that drinking or taking drugs is a personal decision, probably the most stupid one a person could take but none the less a personal decision. In present times everybody knows, at least to some degree, that doing drugs and drinking is bad for them, so they consciously decide to do it anyhow, but when you sit down behind the wheel you are forcing your decision upon others. You are making a decision to risk the lives of those who share the streets with you and you are not entitled to do this.

I know that most people reading this will be thinking: Oh come on, I am great driver, when I am drunk. In my opinion you are not, but maybe you are. But let me ask you one question: Are you better driver when you are drunk or when you are sober? Wouldn't you react that fracture of a second faster if you hadn't had that last drink? What if that fraction of a second makes the difference between crashing and not crashing? 

Since the human nature is mostly driven by egoism let me turn the point of view of this around: Do you really want to burden yourself with the feeling of guilt? Do you want to live wondering: What if I hadn't been driving under influence? Could I have prevented the accident that hurt or killed someone else? You will never know but the truth is, that that doubt will be more punishment than any fine or jail. 

Also try thinking about how many people you know and I believe that each one of them knows at least one person who was injured or killed in a car accident involving driving under influence. Too many people get hurt just because people think: I still can drive. 

In my case it was my uncle. A drunk driver drove onto the freeway the wrong way and crashed into my uncle's car in a frontal collision. Luckily my uncle survided but he spent 10 months in hospital. He was stolen almost a year of his life because that guy thought: I can still drive. But my uncle was the lucky one in that collision because the other guy died. He lost his life because he thought: I can still drive. 

So next time you are considering to drive under influence, simply think about the following: Is it worth the risk? Is it worth dying? Is it worth risking hurting or even killing others? I believe we all know that the answer to this is: No!