From Discomfort and Disagreement Comes....Us

I've been feeling compelled lately to write about my current state with the world and our interactions with each other.  I wasn't even sure what to write so as I type this I am genuinely just typing.  Brain vomit, so to speak.  Yes, I will edit a few times (otherwise it would be a hot mess, haha) but ultimately these are my true thoughts as I think them.  I am sorry in advance if they feel disheveled.

My most recent musings take me to a world where EVERYONE believes what I believe.  Wouldn't that be nice?  A world where Facebook didn't make me angry and Twitter didn't make my head want to explode.   Imagine it: A place where everyone thinks how you think.  Likes what you like.  Perhaps we like different flavors of ice cream but everyone likes ice cream.  At first you think, wow that would be nice!  Right?  I know I did initially. 

But then I took a step back, looked at this new found world, and I realized one thing - how would I know what I believe if my beliefs are not challenged?  How do we think of new ideas, if everyone thinks the same thing?  As well, my beliefs have changed over time.  They have changed with life experiences and because of people I have met, just as the beliefs of everyone around me have changed.  So then I would be stuck with people believing my old beliefs but not my new ones.

After seeing the nation pull together for Harvey and now Irma, I realize that the things that make us different are what actually make us great. That who we are is something to celebrate, even if we disagree.  That we can pull together and get the job done, when needed.

As a country the US is mighty and great!  We love FIERCELY and protect the same.  We are proud and uplifting.  When we put aside our political differences we fundamentally want people to be happy, healthy, and taken care of.  Of course, you always have those loud mouths that just come up to tear people apart, but they are not the majority. They are just loud - very, very loud.

Now humor me for a second.  Close your eyes.  Now picture yourself in school around 6 or 7 years old, on the playground.  Maybe you have a school uniform?  Maybe you have jeans on?  Perhaps you're playing kick ball?  Or 4 square?  Or hopscotch?  You look over to see a classmate pushed down, how does that make you feel?  Hurt?  Sad?  Worried for them, perhaps?  Wanting to help?
THAT is what the USA is all about.  Taking care of each other.  Doing the right thing. 

Growing up, everyone I know was taught a version of the "Golden Rule".  It is outside of religion or politics - it is just a human statement.

Treat others the way you want to be treated. 

We all believed, at one point in our lives, in the validity of this statement.  Probably for decades (perhaps even still today).  I know there are different variations to this but I believe, right now, if we could all connect on this fundamental level we can find our similarities and overcome our differences.  

We are all more connected than any of us realize.  And if you can get past the crap on social media and the regular media we would see how similar we actually all are.  Democrat/ Republican, Christian/ Muslim, White/ Black, it is all just a label.  Underneath that we are people.  Human beings.  And if we can find a way to peel back those labels and find the humans under them, I believe we can then find a way to work together to continue to move our country forward.