I already had an article typed out for this week where I described my hatred for body shaming, but my complaints seemed petty after glancing at the front pages of every popular paper this morning in my local supermarket. They described yet another mass killing in France, which saw the deaths of over 80 people, including many children. My heart sank as I fought back tears standing in line waiting to purchase my fruit for the day. I fought back tears all the way to my car and as I drove to work until I couldn’t take it anymore. They flowed easily soaking my cheeks and causing my mascara to run, but I didn’t care, our brothers and sisters lost their closest loved ones today and I didn’t have time to fret about my makeup.

These tears had been a long time coming and spoke of my confusion, sadness, anger and disbelief as to what our world was being consumed by; hatred and violence. As if planned, “Imagine” by John Lennon began playing on the radio and I wept more as his steady voice called, “Imagine there’s no countries, it isn’t hard to do. Nothing to kill or die for and no religion too”. Once I got to work I did the only thing that I know best. Write.

I worry that I won’t be able to do this topic justice in 500 words or even 1,000 but speaking out against violence is the only way I know to help.

This is a crucial time in humanity when we need offer kindness to everyone. The old man crossing the street, the girl that made fun of you in middle school, the homeless people that seem to be on every street corner. Those who have done you wrong, offer forgiveness, for holding grudges will do nothing but create inner turmoil that will one day boil over from too much oppression. We are all the same, rich or poor, black or white, gay or straight, we are humans, and we should celebrate that.

Smile at people you don’t know and start conversations with your cashier. Give a dollar when you can and a handshake when you can’t. Do something kind without the expectation of receiving something in return and remember that we all need love and happiness like the next person.

The brutality against black citizens is another tragedy that we must all confront with the desire for peace and equality.

Our government wants us to get used to the chaos and the violence.

We must stand strong and let them know that none of us will ever accept racism, violence and hatred as the norm.

We are a naturally peaceful species at heart and don’t have the desire to change what is encoded in our genes.

We must make it clear that we will never accept the brutal murders of blacks or gays as the norm, nor will we ever view the killing of anyone as a daily occurrence.

Embrace each other’s differences and accept everyone’s values and beliefs. We are born to love and spread kindness.

It’s time to stop denying privilege if you have it and declaring that we practice equality when we don’t.

It’s time to wake up and realize that our country doesn’t practice equality and may never, unless we can all take a stance for peace.

It’s time to stop denying that we have a race and sexism problem and stop denying that we can stop violence with our current gun laws.

Take a step back. Remove yourself from the situation. Ask if this is really the world you want your children to grow up in. If it isn’t, start by being the change you wish to see in the world.

I am ready to open up this conversation, are you?