"If you find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere."

How do you help yourself if you cannot do things independently, or overcome major obstacles? You can't. There are many ways to describe the ups and downs in life, but living them and overcoming our hardships is the only way to learn from our mistakes, and move forward. Making a bright future is our individual responsibility, not the people around us, and leaping hurdles isn't something your parents can help you with. Life is the same way. "If you find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere." Tells us that we need to put our past behind us, and make success independently, not coasting off others. I know from personal experience, and because my hero had some issues in his life too.

In the end, it's our problem to figure out our own lives, and earn the positions we may be entitled to. I had to overcome a personal obstacle when my catching skills were doubted in softball. I had to prove myself on the school's softball team to earn the honor of being the primary catcher. On my recreational team, I wasn't given the chance because the coach’s daughter had priority over me, not because she was a better catcher, but because the coach was her father. She had no test to ace, she was automatically cast there. When she gets to high school, she will find that her dad won't be able to help her, and her metaphorical path, will be a dead end. She will soon find, it isn't always that easy.

Also, when I was in 6th grade, I had to find a new circle of friends, even a new best friend. I fixed my problems with good intentions, and set up
appointments with the guidance counselors, talked it out, and found a new crowd. I overcame my biggest fear, losing my best friend. I stood up for what I believed in

and moved on. I wasn't going to continue to fight, I became a became a better problem solver, and was better at choosing friends who would stand by me. I found a clearer path, one with an ending better than if I had stayed silent.

I'm not the only one who has had troubles in my life. Billie Joe Armstrong, Green Day's front man, and the man I look up to, had a very
"rocky" ride. When Billie Joe was ten, his father died of cancer. As the youngest of five children, it was the hardest for Billie; his mother had to work two different
jobs to pay the bills. Even after all the emotional carnage, his family opened their hearts and home to Billie's best friend so he wouldn't have to go into foster care.
Later in life, He achieved with his numerous Grammy winning band, success from putting the past behind him. Even after their unreleased album was stolen right out of the studio, he managed to pull it together to right a completely new record. Billie Joe's achievements have helped him grow in wisdom, "Time passes by like
lightning, before you know it you're struck down." He lives by his words, and overcomes any obstacle that gets in his way, without leaning on someone. His
"path" definitely went somewhere.

Life is a roller coaster ride, and if we don't take control there is no point in living. Through bad times and good times there is always
something to make you stronger and more successful. Many people have already found that you can't coast off others or else you hit a dead end. Being
individually independent helps you grow as a person. Live an exciting, worth while path or else you may be like this quote. "If you find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere."