Once more, I should explain that this journal was inspired by a special someone who shared some truths about their story with me. I was asked, “How come nobody ever told me these things?”
I don’t know the answer to this. And to be clear, I’m not sure that it is true if someone tried to talk about this or not. I am, however, a full believer in the saying that when the student is ready, the teacher appears.
I’m not sure if I was ready or able to understand certain items of my youth. Least of all, I am not sure that I would have believed that anyone could or would have explained my thoughts or feelings in a way that I could understand.

I can’t say that I know where this comes from or how this begins. But who is it? Who has the right to say who knows better or who knows best? Is age always the reason why someone knows best?
I can understand the difference in education. I can understand why a doctor would know more about the body or how a mechanic can troubleshoot the problems underneath the hood of a car.
At the same time, there is the odd hierarchy in the world, as if to say who knows more or who knows best. Yet, there are times when I swear – nobody really knows anything.

Perhaps it would be better for us to just speak.
Let’s just talk. Okay?

I am no smarter or better or anything like that.
No, I think it would be better for you and I to talk – just like people do.
Okay?

Do you want to know what I think?
I think you know more than you think you do.
So, in answer to the question, what do you know?
The truth is you know everything.

I remember being told that a smart person knows what they don’t know.
I agree.
Sometimes, we know too much or we think we do.

There are advantages that you have now which will someday become the past. So please pay attention and be advised that this moment is more important than you think. Be mindful of who and where you are. But more, be careful of who and what you listen to.
Everything about right now is special and pivotal.
Believe it.

I suppose the following pages will be a series of conversations that will remain between us.
And that’s fine. My style is to create a written conversation between us.
My aim is to offer some insight and perhaps a few suggestions; but more, I suppose that my past has allowed me some experiences. So, I am offering this out there.
I know that everyone has an opinion and everyone is quick to give your their version of advice.

Inspiration comes from different directions. And this journal, well, this was inspired by different people who come from different places. This was inspired by my limited experience with people who have shown me little pieces of their life.
And for this, I am grateful . . .

This introduction is being entered today, February 2, 2024, and three days after I read the news.
So, with that being said, I am inspired to write the following:

What do you know?
How many times have you heard this question? Better yet, how many times did someone tell you this when you were a kid?
What do you know? You’re just a kid . . .
How many times have you asked someone this question?
What do you know?

I am sorry. But this needs to be discussed.
But more, this needs to be discussed now and more than we think.
What do you know?
I can say that questions like this cause a great divide between us as people. And yes, I can say this causes a great divide between us as a society.