We are born small, helpless and unaware. Our minds do not understand cruelty. We may feel pain, but we do not know how to inflict it upon others. We can experience the feeling of warmth from our mothers, and protection from our fathers. We share laughter with our families and other children who too, are not yet consumed with hatred for each other for one reason or another.
Do yourself a favor and take a deep breath in. While you are doing so, try and clear your mind of all the opinions from the recent national events going on that you have. Rid your head of any judgement you may have towards another person, a group of people, circumstances going on around you, inanimate objects, or whatever it may be. Let go of a grudge you are feeling towards someone else - just for a moment or two.
Now, don't forget to breathe out.
Once you do this, release every source of negativity inhabiting your soul.
My mother said something to me a few days ago that sparked so much inspiration inside of me (she does this a lot). She said "Look at all that is going on around us. All of this hatred, and violence, and pain - what would happen if the world ended today? Is this how we would want to spend our last day?"
Morbid a thought or not, truly think about that. I internalized it. I read my Facebook newsfeed, and saw the Instagram posts. People left and right commenting and sharing words not for, but against each other. Aside from any recent events going on, where has the togetherness of a nation gone and a world now so divided? It is hard to comprehend that we have worked so hard towards peace, to now be in reverse and heading backwards towards a great separation?
I will not express my views on any topics in particular, as I do not feel it is necessary. What is driving my post this week is a plea for change, even if it is small. We are living in such an important era right now. We as a nation, and we as all of mankind have come so far. We have been given the power to find our voices why not use them for good?
We now have the ability to take a stance on something and share it with others by just the tap of a fingertip. We can connect globally. Why don't we use these connections and this "likeness" and put it to good use? Just like the saying, lead by example, there is, without a doubt, hope that this can stand true today. Our leaders can show us the way by encouraging everyone to take a a giant step in the right direction by choosing peace, and not jumping down each other's throats the second we don't disagree with something (and I am not just speaking for the people who are not of high authority like myself).
It doesn't have to be the leaders that make this change either. Ever hear the song lyrics: Let there be peace on Earth, and let it begin with me?
Think that line over too...
We live in a big world, full of differences, but the thing that makes us equal is that we all hold the power to make a change within ourselves with hopes of it reflecting on those around us. We, collectively and individually have the ability to make a difference. Even if you can affect a small group of people, you have the innate ability to decide how you will live your life. We are all given the gift of choice and to think for ourselves. It is a freedom that no one can take away from you.
Believe me, I understand that it is inevitable that there will always be opinions made. That is a right we have too - freedom of speech. The point I am trying to get across is that our country especially, is becoming so consumed with contributing to a national argument of he said, she said. Our excitement is driven by who we are going to point the finger at next. Why can't we all just get along?
I believe it is possible, don't you?