I have grappled a lot this week with the direction I want this blog to go. When I revamped my blog, one of my main goals was to “stay on subject.” With that, I didn’t want this to become one big political platform. However, this week has been, in no uncertain terms, unusual circumstances.
Here’s the thing. This IS a blog about finding life’s magic and so much of finding life’s magic is about finding the good in life, standing up for what is right, and defeating our monsters, whatever they may be. So much of fantasy, and of happiness, is rooted in adamant beliefs in the importance of altruism, open-mindedness, interconnectedness, and the seeking of truth.
I woke up very clear-headed this morning and the anxiety I had all week was replaced with a dauntless integrity. I made some promises to myself, to my readers, and to the world at large. Some of them were hard to make but I will try my best to stick to them. They are as follows:
1. I just subscribed to NPR and plan on making a donation to them as well. I am going to do some hard research into various news sites to make sure the information I consume and share is reputable, truthful, well researched, and supportive of diverse opinions and contrasting views.
2.I will continue to engage in respectful discourse with those who have opposing views than mine because that is the only way we can all move forward. I will try my very best to listen. I will continue to try my best to support the rights and interests of all Americans regardless of political affiliation, so long as those interests don’t infringe upon the inalienable rights of others.
3. I promise to try my best to vote with my dollars, to support local businesses, to support fair trade, to put my money where my mouth is.
4. I promise to stand up for the safety of my fellow Americans from all walks of life regardless of their political views, sexuality, skin color, or gender. Provided the American government also stands up for these inalienable rights, I promise to support them as well.
To these promises I would kindly ask my American readers to consider doing the same because the only way we can all move forward together is with integrity, empathy, understanding, open-mindedness, and in being as informed on the facts as we possibly can be in an era of media misinformation.
Tomorrow, I will go back to “programming as usual.” Today, I faced my greatest monster, my own uncertainty, and I can now put my sword back in its sheath, sling my shield on my back, and walk away in good conscience.
November 13, 2016 at 3:13 pm
I love this post! It is really helpful to read posts that are so affirming of moving forward, yet acknowledging reality. It’s inspiring to see the goals you are setting for yourself. I try to “vote with my dollars” too (buy local, etc) but there’s always room for more growth there and it’s good to constantly recommit. I also promise to stand up for the rights my fellow humans. And what really stands out to me is your promise to “engage in respectful discourse with those who have opposing views.” This is SO important going forward. It’s not going to get us anywhere to be antagonistic towards one another. We need to have respectful, nonviolent discussions.
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November 13, 2016 at 3:16 pm
Thanks. It’s taken me a loooooong week to get to this point, and to fine-tune the sometimes conflicting messages that have been going on in my head, especially with regards to the line between having respectful discourse, but also standing up for what is right. For some reason this morning it all just clicked and I knew what I needed to say. I feel a lot better now.
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November 13, 2016 at 4:14 pm
There definitely is that fine line between respect and not backing down from what you believe. I find that challenging too, but as long as we’re committed to trying both, I think we’re on the right track. Glad you had an “aha” moment that made you feel a little better. 💡
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November 14, 2016 at 1:00 am
Most Humans are mentally weak creatures. They’re unable to listen to their hearts when brain prevails.
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November 14, 2016 at 9:11 pm
Yup, or vice versa (brain when heart) too. I think a lot of people are uncomfortable with ambiguity. They want stances, symbols, signs, solid beliefs. I’m the opposite; I’ve always been more comfortable with nuance and gray areas and balance, which has actually been making me very confused this week because I do personally feel the American election was a black-and-white issue, and yet my innate desire is to find shades of gray.
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