Hello friends, haters, strangers, and weird guy who came upon this after searching randomly through the internet for hours.

I hope you all are doing well. Today I'm going to share some advice/tell a story. If you think this is a story about how I stood up against my dad from forcing me into doing sports, you're wrong. This is the story about how I took control of my life from a young age without even knowing it. Mom and dad, this one is for you.

I was young at the time this all happened. I probably was around 5 or 6 years old. I believe I was in the car with my dad, and he asked me whether I would want to play soccer or flag football in the fall (something around those lines). Now I vaguely remember saying this to him, but my dad always reminds me of these words that I spoke to him:

"Dad, I just want to be a kid."

Quite frankly, I don't remember if I ever did end up playing soccer, football, or any sport that spring. To be honest, that is not the point of this story. My dad reminds me of those words all the time. Part of me always thought it was just to be nostalgic as in, "Hey Al! Remember when you said this to me in the car when you were such a tiny kid?" When maybe he also reminds me of it because it shows that I had a voice then. I had the courage to tell my dad something that I wanted to do, even though he wasn't forcing me to anything.

I played baseball a lot as a kid. I did try soccer, flag football, and basketball, but I didn't enjoy it as much because they were too competitive. I enjoy playing sports for fun. Whether it is backyard football, or shooting hoops at the nearest park. I don't like the whole "We are the best!" message that most sports organizations drill into your head. After a while, I quit baseball. I didn't like it as much because again, it became about winning and all that crap. I was in second grade at that point, and a second-grade boy doesn't have to take anyone's crap. Am I wrong?

From that point on I slowly started to realize that I have parents who support me in what I do, as long as I try my best and what not. When I got into music, my parents supported me. They paid for my voice lessons and showed up at my concerts and shows in the end. Even though I would be at school for a while, and never be home they still supported and loved me.

To some, I may be considered an immature freshman in college. To others, I may be a kid with a voice. It might be neither of those two things. Regardless, I want to leave all of you with a short message. A message that is this:

Stand up for yourself. If something you love is being changed or taken away from you, fight for it (within reason).

Mom and Dad? I love you both. I know there are things that I've done in the past that you probably aren't proud of and I apologize for that. You guys are great parents, and I want to make you proud. I promise I'm trying my best.

For the rest of you? Follow your hearts, and stand up for what you believe in.

I hope you have a great day and enjoy your week.

Your Friend,

Al