I don't understand

I don't understand what's going on in the United States. 

I don't understand what is happening with people I know. 

There is so much polorization in each and everyday with politics, pandemic response, climate concerns and race relations. 

Everything feels like it has to be this way not that way and there is no inbetween. 

The reality is that things are not that straight forward. 

We are stronger and will find better solutions if we work together and color outside of the proverbial lines.

You have to ask..

When people are fighting back and forth all the time you have to wonder if what they are fighting about is worth it and real.

The person that was shot and died at the United States capital yesterday may have previously been considered one of Americans heros, as a veteran of our armed services. But she was shot and died from her injuries after breaking into the nations capital building and trying to get into the House floor. 

She had to have believed with her whole being that she was doing the right thing. How else does someone who risked her life to protect our country end up participating and losing her life illegally storming the nations capital.

How do we heal from that level of belief that our government and governmental processes are broken and fraudulent?

A day like no other...

This day will go down in history. 

It was a sad and scary day. 

It should be remembered that peaceful protest is an American right.

When someone crosses the line from peaceful protest to self instigated destruction and violence it is imperative for peaceful protesters to disperse or stop those performing this behavior. If they don't, their fight is diminished and will not be taken seriously. 

To excuse or encourage destruction and  violence from one group just because another group has been accused of the same does not solve anything and does not make it ok. Providing justification for such behavior just encourages more of this type of behavior. 

Extreme groups on all sides that encourage and encite destruction and violence should be fully condemned. The leader of the United States should never encourage or entice destruction and violence against anyone, especially anyone within our own country.

#MyOpinion

Communication is key

There is a lot going on these days and there is a lot to consider as we move about our day.

One thing to remember, when working others, is that just because someone is not responding to your requests as you would like don't assume it is because they don't care. 

If we had more conversations we might find that there are things that we don't know about that warrent careful consideration before acting. 

There might be things unseen that the other person is working on that need the attention because it supports a more immediate need. 

Don't assume people don't care just because they don't bend to your wim.  💙

Criticism reminder

Criticism of others is generally a reflection of thoughts about oneself. 

The next time you criticize someone or think of a criticism regarding someone else; stop and think about how that criticism could be applied to yourself. 

Try to take some time to think about whether or not if that thought is really true, is it really true about the person you are directing it to or maybe can it be redirected to yourself?

Sometimes taking some extra time to self reflect you can learn something about yourself, clear the 'air' with yourself, end up being a less critical and happy person.

It is Possible

It is possible to have a conversation and/or debate with someone you disagree with and show respect to each other. 

We don't all have to agree with each other all the time. What makes life interesting is all of our differences. Our differences do not make you wrong or me wrong. Our difference of opinion can make us stronger together but we need to be open to hear and discuss things together. Our own personal stories help us define our opinions and our stories are real and matter.

Be open to the idea that someone else's opinion might have some "truth" to it and it does not make you wrong.

Today is day 2

Today is day 2 of a new year with an opportunity to make it better.

I tend to read and listen to all sides of the pandemic and political spectrum and I find it very interesting that it seems like there is no longer a middle ground it is you either agree or you do not. On social media in the comments there are extremes in agreement of the topic or a clear disagreement without any logical discussion or debate. I don't understand the hate filled comments instead of respectful dialog debating one point or another.

My goal is not to participate in those types of exchanges. I trust that I can share #MyOpinion without disrespect to those with differing opinions. 

We get to choose our actions and reactions. Would you want to receive the reactions or actions you present?