Something to Show For It

Throughout my childhood and teenaged years, my mother would describe maturity as “crossing an invisible line.” To this day it remains the perfect analogy, because the idea of maturity is an obscure one. It happens differently for different people. Some fit the textbook description and will have something to show for, but most folks, regardless of age or gender, will cross a border not easily seen. They wake up one day and simply don’t feel the same way about things.

I’ve discovered that life is comprised of multiple invisible lines. The rite of passage is not a single occurrence, but an evolution based on life’s continuum. Take my own life, for example. I crossed my first invisible line in my mid-twenties and became a grown man. Unexpectedly, I crossed a second one in my early thirties and became a grown ass man.

When you don’t have something to show for, it’s easy to show your ass…

Now, the term “ass” is important for two reasons: At a certain stage in life, we become an ass, and we don’t mind kicking ass to get folks off our back. Grown ass people have zero tolerance for BS. We want something to show for the time we invest in our careers, relationships, and existence on planet Earth.

This isn’t to overemphasize money or material possessions, but they are undoubtedly huge factors in the equation. I mean, let’s face it: What better for our effort and hard work than generous compensation? I’d much rather own a home than to be renting one, or living in an apartment like I did in my twenties. I desire a wife and family—not a hot date on a Friday night. Simply put, I want something to show for!

And yep, I can be an ass about it! I can smell BS from miles away. I take great pride in demanding the respect I deserve! I’ve learned that being nice rarely works. If you fail to curse someone out, or give them a good ol’ fashion, passionate ass whippin’, they usually don’t know how they should treat you. Having something to show for means staying sucker-free. Folks may not like you, but they sure as hell respect you.

As we each go about our lives and cross those invisible lines, let’s take on that ass-kicking mentality. Nip the BS in the bud! If your employer sold you on a certain job descriptions, make sure they honor it. Don’t settle for anything less than you deserve—be it a pay raise, respect, or companionship. Have something to show for your time invested in the land of the living.

This is your Monday Unleaded for the week of September 15, 2013. Have a productive week!

Go Get It – T.I.