It is interesting to me how sometimes people think that life or how you live it is a “one size fits all” type of thing. That if you do not make the same or similar choices to them that well you are wrong. To tell the truth I have never understood that mindset and right now it is very prevalent.
You only need to watch the news for a few moments or scroll thro
ugh social media to see it. People are yelling, calling each other names, or straight up attacking one another. We seem to be much more interested in our differences than our commonalities. Much more concerned that those difference are threatening than to discover and learn from them and to be honest that is pretty scary.
If you are someone that wonders and worries about the heart and well being of another person to read posts that have so many negative adjectives towards others, they do not even know is hard. To see someone attacking another person that they do not know while sometimes others watch is heartbreaking. Knowing that people are afraid to speak up or even go outside because of what might happen is so incredibly sad.
I think we are getting so tied up in our differences and what could happen (because let us be honest a lot has in the last year) that our defense mechanisms are at an all-time high. The case could be made that if each of us does not work on that we are in for more trouble individually and collectively. I hear you, “I am just one person what can I do, it’s out of control.” You are right it is, but each step forward can mean progress in the positive direction.
Let me ask you, do you make eye contact and smile when you pass a stranger, or do you look anywhere else? That positive connection even if for a few seconds could mean the world to someone who is alone and thinks no one sees them.
We all have issues we are passionate about but when writing that post to make your point do you really need to call the opposing side stupid or worse? Can you frame your words to be more of a “did you know” to help educate someone on the topic instead of berating who doesn’t agree with you? Can you encourage someone who is trying to learn and grow instead of acting indifferent making them doubt themselves?
Lastly and most obviously that person who is getting or has gotten attacked is someone’s grandparent, parent, child, or best friend. That could be yours, would you want people standing idly by or stepping in to stop it? The best way to turn the corner on a world that seems so tense or “opposite” is to stand up for and with each other whether you agree with their view of the world or not.
Each of us is looking into that same crystal ball trying to figure out our future. The visions we see might in that crystal ball be different but the basics of who we are and what we want are the same. Love, respect, happiness, joy, and a few laughs along the way. Shine bright people and much love!!
-JMAXX