In A World Full of Uncertainty…

So much is wrong with the world today. I used to yearn for the carefree days of my youth, the fabulous 80s. Now I simply miss January. Since the pandemic started, it just feels like all the problems of the world have been amplified.

Illness is nothing new. We have been fighting diseases, viruses, and bacteria since the beginning of time. Suddenly, the entire world is on high alert. We’re all wearing masks and practicing social distancing. Stores can’t keep hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes on the shelves. I’m not saying Covid-19 isn’t a real concern. I’m just saying more people die from the flu every year, and we never needed masks and gloves before. Now I’m not suggesting by any means that anyone run out and start licking the buggies at Walmart. I’m simply saying that we were all given these amazing immune systems that too many people are afraid to let do their job. My immune system is top notch in my opinion. I rarely get sick. I have no known allergies, other than bullshit and stupidity. Why do I think this is? Well, I’ll tell you. It’s really simple. I let my immune system work out. If you want your body to be in shape, you train it. You push the limits of its capabilities to build strength. I believe my immune system to be in tip top shape because I’ve been making it work from day one. My parents have smoked my entire life. They let me play outside and get dirty. Other people were welcomed with open arms and without hand sanitizer. I’ve built up antibodies, a highly trained army of cells ready to jump into action and defend their territory. They’ve done a pretty damn good job these forty years.

Hatred is also running rampant, but it’s nothing new either. Racism has been around just as long as illness. I don’t think it’s inherent, but I do believe it is learned. Ok, here’s the part where I probably lose some “friends” and offend some people. We are all guilty of it in some way, shape, or form at some time in our lives. No one is perfect. The problem is we cannot end racism with more racism. (My momma is so smart). This may be a horrible example, but I’m gonna throw it out there anyway. I’ve never been called the N word, but I have been called a Wigger. A what?? Yep, I said it. I’ve been called a Wigger. Why? Just because I happened to like hip hop music. So wait a minute, a white chic can’t like hip hop? Well, that’s racist. I’m predominantly Greek and Italian. Anyone ever been called a greasy Italian? Well, that’s racist. Tell me, who hasn’t rolled their eyes and mumbled “of course he’s Asian” when a specialist walks into the doctors office? Well, that’s racist. How many people assume that the dry cleaner or the nail salon is run by Koreans? Well, that’s racist. There’s a million examples. I’m not saying it’s right, I’m just saying it’s real. Now, I will say that it is completely and utterly unacceptable to treat ANYONE differently solely on the basis of their skin color. It’s just my opinion, but I don’t think the goal should be, “I don’t see color.” I think rather it should be, “I see your color, I respect it, and I accept it.” As a society as a whole, we need to get back to basics. If we insist on judging others, we need to judge the individual based on their character, not their color. The rainbow is beautiful because all of the colors are blending together.

Violence is raging across our nation. It scares me, and it makes me sad. Nothing you can say will ever convince me that violence directed at random targets, be it businesses or individuals, will ever precipitate change. Acts of destruction do not bring about peace. Accusations do not breed understanding. I don’t have a magic wand. I don’t know the answer to that burning question of why. Why in 2020 are these injustices still happening? Why can’t we all just get along? The only thing I can confidently say is that there is still too much fear. Fear of change. Fear of differences. Fear of the unknown. Fear of uncertainty. Fear of responsibility. Fear of humiliation. Fear of retaliation. Fear of judgment. Fear of consequences.

In a world full of uncertainty, be brave. Have the courage to speak your mind and be true to yourself. Be brave enough to pass others without judgement. Be bold enough to stand up for what is right. Be brave enough to overcome your weaknesses. Be strong enough to lift others up instead of holding them down. Be compassionate. Be accepting. Be forgiving. Be humble. Be diligent. Be silent when you need to listen. Be understanding of the fact that we are all imperfect humans just trying to live our best life. Be brave enough to be responsible for your own actions, and accept the consequences of those actions as they come. Be brave enough to help whenever you can. Do no harm. Choose kindness over hate. Be brave enough to smile rather than look away when you lock eyes with a stranger. Be brave enough to accept each other’s differences rather than expecting others to conform to your own ideals.

Believe in the power of positivity. Choose to seek happiness by focusing on the good things in your life. Be respectful of other’s opinions and allow them to seek their own happiness without hindering their process. Be brave enough to choose love and offer it without any expectation of reciprocity. Be brave enough to be a light that shines instead of hiding in the shadows of your own fears.

BE BRAVE! ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🤍🤎🖤