I just need to get something out of my head (and off my chest):
Like so many, I have watched, listened and read about one horrific event after another. I am beyond saddened by all of this....frankly, my whole soul aches.
In the aftermath, people look for answers with focus on the tragedy. And, when I speak of tragedies, I am not just referring to those of the last few days, weeks, or even years. I am also not just referring to those which have taken place here at home, within our own country - but, all across the world, including those in the Middle East, Europe, Far East and South America.
I believe the 'root cause' of our problem is bigger than all that has been discussed and now often repeated like a 'broken record'. It's not the guns - they are an object, which can not do anything without human intervention. It is not a Black/White-issue because it goes far beyond that. It is not a Christian/Muslim-issue, a Democrat/Republican-issue, Rich/Poor-issue, Have/Have Not-issue as it goes far beyond all of these things.
In each tragedy, there is one thing repeatedly echoed - what each of us want is RESPECT......
Yet, ‘RESPECT’ is quite often the one thing most of us are not willing to give....and, sadly, I see this every single day in the most ordinary of daily interactions: Our Facebook posts, driving on our roads, when we talk with others (known or unknown, familiar or strangers) and it extends into our foreign policies and trade. It's not solely an American-issue, but we Americans do seem intent on perfecting it.
Yet, ‘RESPECT’ is quite often the one thing most of us are not willing to give....and, sadly, I see this every single day in the most ordinary of daily interactions: Our Facebook posts, driving on our roads, when we talk with others (known or unknown, familiar or strangers) and it extends into our foreign policies and trade. It's not solely an American-issue, but we Americans do seem intent on perfecting it.
We want to be HEARD, but we refuse to listen.
We want consideration, but we refuse to consider others.
We want to be appreciated, but we refuse to appreciate others.
We want to be treated FAIRLY, but we refuse to offer the same to others.
We want our concerns addressed without considering the the consequences or impact to others and we refuse to address the concerns of others as we are more concerned with the consequences and impact doing so would have on us.
We want others to change their behavior, but we refuse to do so ourselves.
THIS, in my opinion, is what needs to change:
YOU CAN NOT GET WHAT YOU REFUSE TO GIVE.
In my opinion, it is time each of us looks inward and becomes what we want from others. We need to watch OURSELVES in every moment, of every day, in every interaction we have and, in doing so, offer to others what we want in return ~ WHATEVER THAT MAY BE. We need to be IT - live IT - let all that is good ooze from every pore in our being in absolutely everything we do...and, do it in abundance - OVER DO IT.
There is a word for this: "CIVILITY"
It has long been known that 'you can't force others to change'. The only person you can change is yourself. However, when YOU CHANGE, others MUST change how they respond to you. They simply can NOT act the same way because that NO LONGER WORKS. Further, when you focus on being the best YOU that you can possibly be - you'll find that you don't have the time or attention to get involved in 'life's little dramas' (also known as 'Other people's business' or judgement of others). You will also experience less stress in your daily life - and, reap many benefits from this: physical, mental and spiritual.
As we practice 'civility', we can come together and have real, meaningful conversations with the ability to dig to the heart of 'real issues' and locate workable solutions which we can all agree upon.
Further, as we practice 'civility', I believe we'll find that many of the 'problems' we experience with dissipate, disappear and simply cease to exist....because we took the time to listen, made an effort to understand, learned and were educated. Knowledge trumps fear and ignorance EVERY TIME.
Each of us deserves to be celebrated for the unique, beautiful souls that we are. So, let us celebrate - let me celebrate YOU in all your beauty, your talents, your quirks, and be fascinated and tantalized by your unique story! And, may you enjoy mine.
In my earnest opinion, it is time to make 'Civility' fashionable again ~ I hope you agree.
