7 Things
I have been dismayed for some time now at the state of things in our world.
I haven't said much aloud because I honestly don't know if more words are helpful.
I don't if people actually read anything anymore. When I look at social media it's just a vast landscape of sharing one sided articles, snarky remarks, and division that seems irreversible. Today I draw a line in the sand and I have listed 7 things I am working on. I don't see many people advocating for most of these things in our current culture so maybe I'm outdated. I don't know if our baby girl will learn these things anywhere else so I'm working to be this person, so I can show her what a well-rounded human looks like. I am optimistic there are more of you out there that want these things and hopeful that you too will set similar goals in your own life. You don't have to declare it to the world but letting me know you are out there would give me hope that all is not lost.
consistency
My ideas and reactions don't change based on which political party is in control or social trend happens to be popular. My ideas can change with the addition of new information, but I will point out truth where I see it and be outraged at injustice equitably.
humility
My point of view is not the only one and no matter where I find myself in life there is something to learn and others to listen to.
openness to diverse ideas
I can listen to other perspectives without fear. I have nothing to fear by the thoughts expressed by others. It is dangerous to only hear perspectives that reinforce my own ideas.
individualism over group think
All people have the right to be who they choose to be as long as it doesn't hurt me. Allowing the group to choose for me works until I disagree with the group. 51% of us making choices for the other 49% of us is a dangerous precedent.
due diligence/seeking truth even when it's hard/intellectual honesty
Most stories have at least two sides and often the truth rests somewhere in the middle. Dig deeper, look longer, ask more questions, and weigh the evidence. Avoid quick solutions to complex problems and those that claim to have "The" truth. Be honest about the truth even when it doesn't support your belief system.
seeing value in all humans even those that make me angry
People are complex, but they all have value. Some do awful things for a variety of reasons, but as soon as we see them as evil or of no value then we lose a piece of our own humanity. Be careful, but not hateful.
plotting your own course/not allowing others to define you
You are you. Be you, don't say what others expect of you, don't believe what they say you should, don't fit yourself into their boxes. People that break away from the expectations of others are often the most interesting people you will meet. It's also okay to do and like things that fit the stereotype if that's who you are. You choose who you will be.
I haven't said much aloud because I honestly don't know if more words are helpful.
I don't if people actually read anything anymore. When I look at social media it's just a vast landscape of sharing one sided articles, snarky remarks, and division that seems irreversible. Today I draw a line in the sand and I have listed 7 things I am working on. I don't see many people advocating for most of these things in our current culture so maybe I'm outdated. I don't know if our baby girl will learn these things anywhere else so I'm working to be this person, so I can show her what a well-rounded human looks like. I am optimistic there are more of you out there that want these things and hopeful that you too will set similar goals in your own life. You don't have to declare it to the world but letting me know you are out there would give me hope that all is not lost.
consistency
My ideas and reactions don't change based on which political party is in control or social trend happens to be popular. My ideas can change with the addition of new information, but I will point out truth where I see it and be outraged at injustice equitably.
humility
My point of view is not the only one and no matter where I find myself in life there is something to learn and others to listen to.
openness to diverse ideas
I can listen to other perspectives without fear. I have nothing to fear by the thoughts expressed by others. It is dangerous to only hear perspectives that reinforce my own ideas.
individualism over group think
All people have the right to be who they choose to be as long as it doesn't hurt me. Allowing the group to choose for me works until I disagree with the group. 51% of us making choices for the other 49% of us is a dangerous precedent.
due diligence/seeking truth even when it's hard/intellectual honesty
Most stories have at least two sides and often the truth rests somewhere in the middle. Dig deeper, look longer, ask more questions, and weigh the evidence. Avoid quick solutions to complex problems and those that claim to have "The" truth. Be honest about the truth even when it doesn't support your belief system.
seeing value in all humans even those that make me angry
People are complex, but they all have value. Some do awful things for a variety of reasons, but as soon as we see them as evil or of no value then we lose a piece of our own humanity. Be careful, but not hateful.
plotting your own course/not allowing others to define you
You are you. Be you, don't say what others expect of you, don't believe what they say you should, don't fit yourself into their boxes. People that break away from the expectations of others are often the most interesting people you will meet. It's also okay to do and like things that fit the stereotype if that's who you are. You choose who you will be.
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