Ok, so here is a post that may come off as overly idealistic. So be it. Here’s what I’ve learned in my life, through trials and tribulations: love heals. Sounds cheesy and simplistic, doesn’t it? It sure does, on the surface. But is it?
Today, I think this world needs love more than ever. I woke up this morning, read the news about President Trump’s latest comments and tweets. Then, I logged on to my social media, and just saw an outpouring of negativity, mostly in righteous anger directed at Trump, as well as the usual rants and raves. No judgment – I’ve done it, too! Everyone does. Again, no judgment here.
I was in a place a few years ago where I was reacting to things that happened to me in a negative and overly-sensitive way, and I look back and I see that it was just a part of growth. A Negativity actually has its place, but I wish I didn’t have to read the news and want to cry for this country and world on a regular basis.
Well-meaning people have advised me to just need to stop reading the news altogether, and I’ve done that. But as a journalist, I have a hunger and a need to know what is going on in the world! Shutting myself off from the news, even if it’s negative, made me feel like I was living as a hermit in a far-flung cave somewhere. No. I can’t do that. I need to know what is going on, the good and the bad!
I think as a society, we need to collectively heal! Healing is not just physical! It’s not even just emotional or spiritual! While I’m studying the physical and scientific aspects of healing, whether through health care or nutrition, what this world needs right now is more love. Love is one of the most healing tools we have available to us.
Love for ourselves, our neighbors, our friends and yes, even our adversaries. It’s not just some cheesy sentiment. All human beings are worthy of love. All of us are born with the need to give and receive love.
I’m going to shy away from the negativity I see in the news and social media and give in to love, with a clear and realistic head. Let’s not compete with one another, for an ever-shrinking piece of the pie – whether it is money, social status, “success,” admiration – can we just love each other? Just for one day? Doesn’t mean we can’t strive to be the best we can, to build our businesses and careers, and so on. But I hope to do that in a positive, loving manner. Honoring the special gifts ALL of us have to offer! In all countries, of all races, of all viewpoints, even if I don’t agree!
By the way, I don’t think love is all about flowers and happiness, either!
It isn’t! I’m certainly not always a loving and kind person (especially on the road!) But it doesn’t mean I wish ill to fall on people, even people who have done me wrong. I choose to honor the fact that some people won’t like me, or I won’t like them, but they are just as worthy of love and respect as I am. And that people of all countries, all walks of life – we all have the same goals, the same need for love and acceptance.
Maybe I’m a naive idealist. But we all are worthy of love and all of us have this in common. Doesn’t mean we have to be doormats or fools. Then again, I’d rather be a fool then have a hard, cold heart. I refuse to give in to hate & darkness! I’ve been in a deep pit of darkness and trust me…that place is not fun.
Anyone want to join me? I can’t be the only one that feels this way today! I’m gonna stick to this and try to stay as positive as I can this year, even when adversity falls upon me, as I know it will. I hope you will, too!
