I Can Do Anything!

I grew up without much TV. What I did watch was usually PBS. Shows like Arthur, The Magic School Bus, Wishbone, etc. These shows all tend to emanate the thought "You can do anything." "You can be whatever you want to be."
I thought everyone knew this. I thought this was common knowledge. But apparently I am one of the few people who heard that and actually believed it whole-heartedly.
When I say "Man, I would love to make a computer game!" or "I would love to build a sky-scraper!" or "I want to bike across the continent!" I say it differently than most people. Or mean it differently. When most people say things like that, they are saying "I wish." When I say things like that, I usually mean "I intend."
Why don't people believe in themselves? Is it really our parents and educators fault that we don't believe in ourselves? Or is that just how most humans are naturally?
Looking back on my life, I do feel like I have always been optimistic and self-confident. And I mean from a very early age. I did grow up in an environment where I was encouraged to believe in myself, but I think I started out that way.
What is the real reason most people don't have self-confidence? And why do so many, when they see true self confidence, show disdain or label as egotistical?

-Gabriel

You're On A Diet!?

It happens to me all the stinkin' time. I'm at someone's house, or a restaurant with friends, and I'm offered something especially tasty, that also happens to be diabetes on a plate. I usually say something like "Oh, no thanks." or find some other smooth way respectfully decline. And then they ask the question. I don't know why they feel it's necessary, or even polite to ask, but they do.

"Why?"

"Excuse me?"

"Why don't you want any?"

And that starts it. Now I have to try to explain without getting myself and everyone around in too deep.
"I'm on a diet." is my usual approach to giving as little information for them to continue the conversation as possible.

"You're kidding! You're on a diet!? Why!? Like you need it!"

"Um, to stay in the condition I want."

Seriously people. I don't really consider myself to be on a diet. It's kind of a lifestyle thing. That's what it's supposed to be! Now, sure I'll eat ice cream occasionally, but it's not a consistent thing. The point is, the reason I'm in the condition I'm in is because I watch what I eat regularly. Not just when I want to drop a couple of pounds. Most of the people I know who are in at least descent shape are that way because they intend to be that way, not because they were just born skinnier.

Granted, I actually weigh more now than almost ever before in my life. Part of that is left over from the weight I gained on my transcontinental bicycle trip, but part of it is because I haven't watched what I eat as consistently as I used to. Also, I think I'm probably still transitioning out of my youthful body into an adult body. Which generally means you weigh more.

I digress.

But my rant is over, so it doesn't really matter that I digressed.

Thanks.

-Gabriel

Everyone cancels on me. But I'm still happy.

I like making things. I like making things that I've never made before. I also like projects that I don't need help with. Why? Because if something screws up, I can fix it on my own terms, and I don't have to worry about someone else's expectations. It seems like every time I get involved in a multi-person project, something gets messed up, and the whole thing is ruined just because an outside party didn't hold their end up, or didn't follow through, or in some cases never got involved like I thought they would.
Why is it that humans are so notoriously unreliable? I guess we all know the answer to that question. It was mostly rhetorical anyway.
I feel like I do a good job at most everything I do. I just want others to do the same!

-Gabriel