Why we're here

No, no, no. This isn't another attempt to find out why we're in this world and how we came to be. This is my first blog post and I want to tell you why I'm doing this. My name is Joe and there's something I need to fix in my life, and hopefully you're all going to help me.

I feel like I've been in a funk for quite some time now, and I know it's rooted in the death of my Dad a few years ago, my Mom's subsequent health issues and a job that has turned into a dead end after nearly eight years.

So. . .I've been repeatedly told by family and friends that I need a creative outlet to take my mind off some of this stuff. I've always loved to write and I have come to realize that I don't write for fun any more. I need a place where I can crack a few jokes, share some (occasionally inane) observations and interact with my friends.

But there's another important element of this exercise that you'll have a hand in, if you're interested. I think we need to pay more attention to one another, because, let's face it, there's too much hate in our world right now. And I believe the cause of that hate -- whether it's based on race, religion, sexual orientation, political affiliation, socioeconomic status, you name it -- is because people really aren't taking the time to get to know one another.

I've always said my dream job would be driving around the country and writing profiles of people from all walks of life. I love to hear stories. I love to learn what makes people tick, what they're passionate about, what defines them.

So from time to time, I'm going to profile a friend of mine on here (with their permission, of course). If you're willing, I'll send you a series of questions in a Q & A format and we'll share the results with the massive amount of readers that will soon flock to this blog. It's gonna happen, I swear.

We'll keep it as anonymous as possible, but I would like to use your first name, if I can. If not, we can work something out, no sweat. I want to know where you come from, your roots, your interests, what you think is wrong with the world and what's right about it, too.

Have you ever said to yourself, "I wish I wouldn't get judged just because I'm [insert personal characteristic here]?" That's the sort of stuff I want to hear about. I want you to vent. I want people to understand that, while we may be different on the surface, we have more in common that we realize.

By now you're thinking, "Joe, this is a nice idea, but aren't a lot of your friends pretty similar already?" Well, yes and no. So here's the cool part. After I (hopefully) compile a lengthy set of interviews with friends, I'd like those people to recommend a friend of theirs who can be profiled on this site.

I know, I feel like I'm giving you homework here, but think about how many more people we can reach if we pull that off. Maybe you know someone with an incredible personal history. Maybe you know someone who's doing great work and they'd like to share their story with us. See where I'm going?

I'm not naive. This is not a campaign for "everyone needs to get along in this world," because that's unrealistic. But I think we can learn from each other. We need to share each other's stories. That's why I chose the name "Profiles Encourage" for this blog. It's a nod to the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award. It's given to those who "govern for the greater good, even when it is not in their own interest to do so. . .it celebrates individuals who choose the public interest over partisanship – who do what is right, rather than what is expedient."

Yeah, it's an award for politicians, but I like that message. Do what's right. Govern for the greater good. Because it's a big world out there and we're all in it together. So let's get to know each other along the way.