“Life is one big road with lots of signs. So when you riding through the ruts, don’t complicate your mind. Flee from hate, mischief and jealousy. Don’t bury your thoughts, put your vision to reality. Wake Up and Live!”
-Bob Marley

Bob Marley was an incredible individual. If you’ve ever seen the movie “I Am Legend,” then you’ve heard Will Smith’s character’s speech about Bob Marley and how he believed you could cure racism and hate by injecting music and positivity into people’s lives. He stood for peace and equal rights, and is a personal role model of mine. I chose this particular quote because it really epitomizes what Bob’s music is all about, and what he stood for.

In this quote, Bob was telling us to not get distracted with everything you see throughout your life. You’re going to see people who are filled with hate every day. You may even be raised by or be friends with such people. If you are surrounded by a hateful environment, just remember that the road keeps on going, and don’t get off-track from your own purpose and ambitions. Hate is usually a blind judgment of a person or type of person that has turned into fear. That fear causes hate in the individual because they don’t want to show weakness. Avoid it, and don’t be afraid to let someone know when they are being hateful.

As for mischief, I think Bob just means doing the right thing. If you are sneaking around, trying not to get caught doing a particular act, then it is probably wrong. You shouldn’t be ashamed of the things going on in your life; you should celebrate them and share them with others. If you don’t feel this way, then try making a change in your lifestyle. When you feel good about what you are doing, you won’t feel mischievous, and so won’t cloud your thoughts with worry.

Avoiding jealousy is the toughest of all of these. When you don’t have it all, it’s easy to crave what you don’t have. Even when you have money, a family, a job, and a group of friends; there are still things you won’t have. Jealousy is the selfish feeling you get when you see someone with the things that you want. It’s almost as if the person is rubbing it in your face that you don’t have what they do, or at least that’s how a jealous person perceives it. Instead of feeling this way, make a list of things you want, especially when you see something someone has that you want. When you write it down, it becomes a goal, instead of a jealous thought. You now are pursuing something for yourself, independent of whatever anyone else is doing. This gives you freedom to pursue whatever it is on your list without the notion that you are taking it from another person. Hence, you free yourself of jealousy.

I really enjoy how Bob ties this statement together: ‘don’t bury your thoughts, put your vision to reality.’ Bob was a man of words, but also a man of great action. He believed in peace and equality so much, that he risked his life just to perform his music. When you are weighed down by the things you encounter during your life, and aren’t able to focus on your vision, then you slip into darkness. Your life becomes a routine. Avoid this at all costs; always focus on your vision for yourself and your life. Do this, and you can open your eyes to all the opportunities available in your life. Then, you can follow Bob’s last piece of advice: “Wake up and Live!” Go do it readers.