Duane Jackson

I believe in my dream to achieve some form of success for the purpose of spreading a more positive approach to life.  

What started this dream?
My girlfriend was diagnosed 4 years ago with Schizo-affective disorder.  As I've grown to understand the illness more it's changed my approach on life.  The days of being upset for no reason over small insignificant problems are gone.  It's hard to explain, but I wish I could somehow give people insight to how it's changed me.  Can I still get upset?  Of course I can.  However, it's easier for me to take a step back, evaluate the situation and adjust my attitude toward remaining positive.  The small things that people are regularly upset over seem like no big deal anymore, material items don't have as much value.. it's more about the moments, the goals, the dreams and the inevitable achievement of those dreams when dedicated and positive.
 
What motivates you to follow this dream?
Aside from my girlfriend who I'm completely dedicated to.. my own life motivates me.  I see the time I've wasted, the negativity I've spread, and the arguments over nonsense I've had.. I'm over it.  I'm not only motivated but dedicated to a positive life.
 
What are your goals?
My goals are to continue this path I've chosen as the one my life will follow.  I want to grasp as much of an understanding of people as I can, I want to fill my life with positive energy and excel to places I never thought were possible in the past.
 
What would you like people to know and where can we find you?
I'd like people to know that regardless of your situation or a loved ones situation you can not only succeed in life but you can find happiness.  It's not material based, it's not even achievement based despite where I said my focus is on achieving my goals and dreams.. it's really based on love and understanding as cliche as that sounds.  When I found my girlfriend and came to the conclusion that she was the one, that I loved her and I was content with being with her for the rest of my life.. it opened up another door, I thought that was the best life would get.  I was able to start pursuing my goals, excel at work and continue on a path of what I thought to be success.  Soon after she was diagnosed with mental illness, first it was bipolar, than they said schizophrenia, then a mix of both which is schizoaffective and most closely fit her situation.  I immediately went into a depression, I wasn't there like I needed to be, I was in a hole that I didn't know how to escape.. luckily over the next 6 months I emerged from that hole, I found that the small things in life weren't nearly as important as we make them out to be.  Once I was able to let go things changed, fast.  

I don't want to carry on forever.. but there's another way, there's a positivity you can find that can change your life.   If anyone wants to talk, or if you feel you're on that same path reach out to me (I'm on twitter @iamduanejackson).  At first I was very disappointed with the people in general.. I couldn't figure out why people couldn't find the same thought process as I had because I was sure it would help bring about more peace and prosperity across the board.  I very quickly realized that was another form of negativity, I can't expect everyone to change, I can't expect everyone to follow my ideology.. but I can certainly make sure myself and those around me enjoy our lives to be fullest extent we can.


The Dreamer Blog features two people each week in pursuit of their dreams, large or small everyone has a dream that deserves support. Douglas Geller, the author of this blog is also the author of the book The Dreamer; you can learn more about The Dreamer and purchase it at: http://amzn.to/2j7W79P

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