It's Your Life

     Life is not easy. Just about everyone knows this. So, when it gives you a curve ball you have two choices. Sit back and complain or push forward and do something. If you want to get something done, don't sit around complaining about it and expecting people to help you through it. At some point you won't have 200 some friends, eventually you'll have yourself. Just you. That's when you learn to live for yourself.
     Stop making lame excuses to why you can't do something. Just because so and so said you can't or just because you believe you lack this or that. Those aren't even excuses, there set backs. Set backs don't have to come from someones mouth, it can come from ourselves. You ultimately make the calling decision whether you do something or not. There's no one else to blame. People around you can help and persuade you. However, you chose the outcome yourself. For example; wanting to do something as a career or life style, it's not dictated by what someone says, but what you make of it. Do not blame someone else, it's okay to be upset with someones view or decision, but blaming the person for what you do is unnecessary.
      If you don't like what someone says, instead of using words use actions. Prove them wrong and move on. Your life is yours, your decisions are yours, your mistakes are yours. Anything in your life is yours. It's your choice to live or complain. It's your choice to learn or give up. Nothing in life is handed over without a ounce of effort backed behind it. If you are unhappy about the way your life turned out, fix it. Don't say 'I can't do it because so and so said this..' instead do it because they said that, use it as motivation.
    People won't be there forever, eventually you'll find yourself alone in making decision and you won't have a large group of support. It shouldn't matter what people around you think. Your happiness is what matters. If you are happy, what is someone else to tell you to stop? Don't listen to them, it's that simple. Our lives are ours, our lives are meant to be lived and every now and again, learn from. It's your choice whether or not you make the effort to advance on your goals, not someone else. It's yours. Sometimes what other people say are your chances to motivate yourself and to encourage yourself, they may be a sand paper against your skin, but their also a learning and motivating chance. Take it while it's there and move on. In the end, life goes on whether you choose to go with or sit back and let people affect you.

Have a great day, 

Brooke.

One Year Of Firefighting

     Tuesday night {Sept 8th 2015} I've been a firefighter for a year. Sure, this isn't anything too important, but it is an accomplishment. In the beginning I didn't know how I would feel about it, if I'd be good enough, but today it's different. In honor of the year in the fire service I thought I would share what I've learned in my year. However, this isn't about what I learned about firefighting but from firefighting.
    First things first: ALL LIVES MATTER! In the fire department you don't usually know the person or people who you are saving or helping. However, that doesn't matter. It doesn't matter if the person is black or white, straight or not, etc. we come we do our job and we go home. It doesn't make a difference who the person is, we are there to do what we signed up for. All this talk today that one persons (groups) life matters over another is in honesty a lot of nonsense, EVERYBODY is important, NOT just one group or person. Second, I learned quick what respect and responsibility is. Of course I knew this ahead of time, but in the fire department it is more than important to realize those two words. Respect is not only given to the senior members but everybody, even on calls we respect the citizens around us. Our company is responsible if we show disrespect to anyone, because the name on our trucks is the name we represent. This leads in to responsibility, not only around the fire house either, this goes for everywhere. Our actions, our responsibility. You are not there to mess around and break things then blame some else, you are their to be responsible and take care of the house. If you were to accidentally break something, you own up to it. Responsibility doesn't just mean when things get broke, but when you say something: you are responsible for what you said. Third, you learn that what is being said will eventually be something very important. If one day chief talks about how to set up for a wildfire operation, you better be listening and learning. At any point in time you may be face with that situation. Everything you learn in the fire department is extremely important.  Don't take for granted all the training/drills. What you learn and use will really make an impact. Fourth, LEADERSHIP. This isn't only the chief, deputy, lieutenants, job. Throughout your time in the fire service you will learn leadership, no doubt. Don't abuse it when it comes to your chance. Leadership is a person who can lead a group to do great things. Never forget that. Lastly, the fire service has it's days, we may not 100% agree with everyone's views, we may not agree 100% with how things should be ran, but take a moment to realize this won't last forever. Some day the people you get to work with and spend time with won't be there anymore. Don't forget to enjoy the good times with the crew, even if it's washing a truck or if it's setting up for a chicken BBQ. These small things will fly by. Yeah, I've only been in it for a year; what do I know? Well from talking with the older members, I can tell you: Life is short, you better enjoy it while you can.
     So, to anyone who looks at the fire department and thinks 'that can't be hard' or 'you just learn how to fight fires', you really haven't experienced anything until you experienced firefighting. It's not just about the fire service, it's about life lessons.
     I hope everyone has a safe and happy Labor Day! Also, don't forget to thank a firefighter, police man, ems, etc. on 9/11.