Create The Noise. Change Your World.

Until he extends the circle of his compassion to all living things, man will not himself find peace - Albert Schweitzer, French Nobel Peace Prize-winning mission doctor and theologian (1875-1965)

Last year, when this blog was first started, I had no idea what the content was going to be about. I didn’t know if it was going to be a music, ministry or personal blog. Really, I just thought the name was cool and I needed server space for my web projects.

Throughout the year, there were times that the site was nearly shut down. The motivation for such a decision was due to a lack of direction. I like direction. It was hard for Altnoise. I was passionate for the site, but I was frustrated with the lack of direction.

Do you see yourself as a misfit? Are you cool with the fact that everyone gives you a funny look. Are you ok that nobody ever gives you a second look?

We naturally want everyone to like us. They don’t need to be in awe of us, but we do like to be accepted as part of the group. It is not being self-serving. It is just life.

We want to be liked.

My Story

I’ve always thought I was liked by everyone. I prided myself in my ability to share and befriend people from various demographics. It was just a gift that I had. I could ask the right questions and give a caring smile. I never thought twice that people might not like me.

We all desire to do more. There really aren’t many people who walks through life and chooses not to improve society.  We might not want to be Mother Theresa, but we would like to see a better tomorrow than was today. It is a virtue that we are naturally born with. It might be a flaw that evolution hasn’t corrected yet, but right now we want to make the world a better place.

The problem is that there are so many damn people problems in the world. What can we actually do? I’m not a superhero who can stop the genocide in Darfur. I’m not a millionaire who can help out the bankrupt amusement park owner who turned our city around. I can’t even stop time to help guide a lost stranger to his destination. I want to do something, but I dont have the time/resources/initative/skills/power/influence/income/ability/charisma/personality/../../.. to do what is required to affectively change the world.

I passed its red brick and became entranced in its simple design and old world architecture. It wasn’t a building that was designed to stand out. If the year had been a few before, it wouldn’t have stood out. The white porch invited visitors to come in. The chipped paint gave a feeling of comfort and home. It was like a well worn baseball glove. Someone once told me that the street was filled with these types of village shops and restaurants. I never knew those days. now, the street is filled with highrise office buildings, starbucks and starbuck posers. Yet, standing in front of these mighty human achievements, my eyes remain steadfast on the little craft shop that does not fit in. Why is it still here?

I know its hard. It was hard for me. But just admit it. You are one. I was in denial for many years, but I since have came to the conclusion that I am a misfit. Really, its not shameful. Its actually enlightening and comforting to know that I don’t have to play by the rules of the world anymore. Its exciting as I am able to pioneer a new world everyday and find new ways to be socially.. different. You interested now? Want to be one now? Well here are a few top 5 factors to help us in the misfit community determine whether you truly are a misfit - Not listed in any specific order.