I have been absent from this platform for a while. I often think of abandoning it altogether but I never do. I’m not sure why and I’m not sure blogging is even a “thing” anymore. Seems as if we abbreviate and shorten our thoughts more than expressing them in detail.
Blog = dinosaur
Twitter, instagram, snapchat and all the other ones = Cool hipster Guy
This isn’t about getting on a soapbox of the state of affairs of our country. I still believe with all my heart and soul most people want the best for others, want to do their best and want us all to get along. You don’t see that if you turn on the television so I tend to keep it turned off. It doesn’t mean I don’t keep up with what’s going on. It means that I’m choosy about how I spend my time and spending it fretting, condemning, angrily opposing this or defending that isn’t how I like to get my point across.
JUST SAY NO.
I choose kindness. Respect, empathy, understanding and trying my best to allow others to do the same. Voice their concerns and opinions because that is what makes us great. We all have thoughts, feelings, beliefs and how we come to these ideals doesn’t make me right or wrong and it doesn’t make you right or wrong either. It makes us a melting pot of people in a great country inside a beautiful world. And, we all can take part in it, contribute to it and learn to get along.
This is what I believe and I don’t care if that seems naïve or uninformed. I believe it and I believe it’s the only way we are going to prosper and proceed.
His Holiness certainly has something there with his “Kindness is My Religion” thing.
I’m not sure how we’ve reached the mentality of us against them, but screaming about our differences obviously isn’t working. Whatever “side” you’re on, you’re not right about everything and I don’t mean that in a disrespectful way. When someone accuses, or attacks the other “side” of being insensitive, stupid, wrong or intolerant, then that someone is mirroring back exactly the same. Intolerance and insensitivity works both ways.
I’m not sure how we got away from that but I’m guessing it may have something to do with flinging out the first thought or response to something that pops into our heads. That is the world in which we live now and it is changing us.
You Did This, No You Did, No You…!!
As a child, I can remember when someone said something mean to me or did something I didn’t like. I reacted as a child—instantly, without thought to the outcome because I didn’t have the mental maturity to think, ponder and respond appropriately. Whatever emotion overtook my brain and body in that moment spewed forth.
LISTEN TO ME. I’M RIGHT. YOU ARE NOT! YOU’RE WRONG, NO YOU ARE! NUH-UH!!
As an adult, I’ve learned to breathe, think and respond when I’ve gathered my thoughts so that I can make my point with calm conviction. I try not to scream, throw things and say bad words. I see adults doing that now—doesn’t matter what side it is—everyone seems to want to be heard and they want a response NOW, each pointing fingers at the other: It’s your fault, no it’s yours!!
And on it goes, neither side relenting, neither side listening. I’m not saying I’m Mary Poppins-the world is full of rainbows and unicorns—and I’d like to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony kind of person all the time. I’m not. But after witnessing the nonstop onslaught of never-ending discourse that bombards us, I’m weary.
If this could make the world sing in perfect harmony, I think we could all just chug one of these every day or so. Possibly without so much sugar.
And, I want to live my life the way I want life to be. I think that living with intention and calm conviction is a good start. Whether you are religious, agnostic, atheist, Republican, Democrat, Independent, straight, gay, transgender, whomever you define yourself to be—we all have to get along. We’re sharing the same space here. We want the same things. We live in a country that allows us to voice our opinions and I do not believe it’s the horrible place that the media often portrays it to be. We not all right and we’re not all wrong, but together I think we can figure things out.
I believe we do want to understand each other and I think we can. We just have to stop screaming at each other and listen again. I use Instagram to post pretty pictures of landscapes and my dogs. I use this blog to try and translate an empathic voice and my intention is to spread hope, love and peace to everyone, not one side over the other. If that makes me ill-informed or naïve, I’m good with that.
I hope if you read this, you’ll understand that I’m not trying to begin some big political discussion on who’s right, who’s wrong. I don’t label myself as anything other than me. So, if you do happen to read and want to comment, please do. But, do so with respect and kindness and with the intention of adding to the discussion of empathy and kindness. NO POLITICS HERE.
This isn’t about a battle of sides. On the contrary, it’s the exact opposite. If you read anything else into my ramblings, then I’ve missed the mark. My apologies and go forth and rant in another place and I ask that humbly.
I hang my hopes on believing that “despite all its sham and drudgery, it is still a beautiful world.”
P.S. (Happy Friday and go out and take a look at the sun, moon, sky, clouds or stars—we’re all staring at that same space. We do have something in common after all and that’s a start.)
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Enjoy a song, just because it’s a really good one.
Brigitte's Banter 
Nice to see you, Brigitte. Yes, we each have a unique point of view and I, for one, express mine freely. Just for the sake of expression. If it helps, lovely, if it doesn’t, please glide right through. It’s a great big blogosphere. There’s a flavor (or thousands) for everyone.
We’re having an amazingly springlike day. I’m off to enjoy it!
Enjoy your weekend, dear friend! 😉 xoxoM
Posted by Margarita | February 24, 2017, 4:42 pmAlways lovely to see you, Margarita. We are more the same than we are different. And, I agree with you…I try to let my opinion come from a place of peace, respect, harmony.
It is gorgeous here as well. How nice that you have so many streets and parks to choose to enjoy your day. You have a wonderful weekend as well, my friend. xxoo
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Posted by Brigitte | February 24, 2017, 4:48 pmGood to see you posting. 🙂 … but I know what you mean about how long to continue blogging and if it is even relevant today. All of us have seen many step away .. and probably for a variety of reasons. I’m no longer as active as I once was in trying to establish blog relationships, so I settle on those that stick around. But for how much longer I do not know. Oh well … on to your more important topic.
I have said on many occasions and continue to believe the majority of people in the world are good. That is a personal mantra that beats within me. So in that light, I sense your believe in peace … your belief in others … and restoring a sense of calmness and respect that seems to be lost.
I was an avid news watcher, but sometime during the election season I got tired and tuned away … and I’m still limited today … but in touch enough to stay informed. Again, another reason why I appreciate your words here. Thanks Brigitte … and have a good weekend. Cheers! …. clink!
Posted by aFrankAngle | February 24, 2017, 4:43 pmHey Frank! Happy Friday. I think it’s getting to the point where if you blog, you do it because you just enjoy the practice. If people read, fine and if not, well there’s a piece of your soul – with good intentions–, and hopefully a kind word out there floating around that maybe could make a difference.
I so agree with you and that has been my mantra as well. We see it countless times, people helping each other. I think most people, at least the people I speak to, are exhausted by all of it. We had it too much during all the debates. I too used to be an avid news watcher and like you, I limit myself because the constant battles make me sad.
Thank you for your insight, Frank and cheers to you!
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Posted by Brigitte | February 24, 2017, 4:54 pmA reason to blog … good people sticking together. 🙂
Posted by aFrankAngle | February 24, 2017, 5:18 pm😀☮
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Posted by Brigitte | February 24, 2017, 5:25 pm” Ichoose kindness. Respect, empathy, understanding and trying my best to allow others to do the same. Voice their concerns and opinions because that is what makes us great. We all have thoughts, feelings, beliefs and how we come to these ideals doesn’t make me right or wrong and it doesn’t make you right or wrong either. It makes us a melting pot of people in a great country inside a beautiful world. And, we all can take part in it, contribute to it and learn to get along.” — well put, my friend. It is perfect actually. I’m right there with you. Peace, homeslice. And love.
I’m so tired of the screaming and yelling. It hurts my ears and soul.
Posted by UpChuckingwords | February 24, 2017, 5:40 pmI know you are because you are a kind soul. Happy Friday sister-girl. Ignore that yelling. Opt for a glass of wine, popcorn and a good movie instead. Or book. 😄 peace out.
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Posted by Brigitte | February 24, 2017, 5:49 pmPeace out.
( don’t give up your blog. Write when it moves you. You’re a good place to visit)
Posted by UpChuckingwords | February 24, 2017, 5:52 pmThank you my friend. Now, poetry please. It does soothe a tortured soul. 😊☺️
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Posted by Brigitte | February 24, 2017, 5:56 pmBah..so do pizza and wine 🍕🍷
Posted by UpChuckingwords | February 24, 2017, 6:11 pmSometimes it helps just to know others are as out of sorts as we are, so thank you for the post. Always a pleasure to read your words. Happy weekend to you!
Posted by Carrie Rubin | February 24, 2017, 6:39 pmHi Carrie, How are you?? So good to see you and I hope you and yours are wonderful. And yes, it does help to know that. And, as always, thank you for your lovely and kind words—they are always so appreciated. Happy weekend! >
Posted by Brigitte | February 24, 2017, 9:50 pmDoing well, thanks. Happy weekend to you too!
Posted by Carrie Rubin | February 24, 2017, 10:49 pmSo good to see you here again, Brigitte! Times are very trying currently …. there is always, always room to be kind.
Posted by Kat at travelgardeneat | February 24, 2017, 11:02 pmHi Kat, great to see you as well! I hope you’re good and I agree, kindness never goes out of style. Thank you for yours and be well! >
Posted by Brigitte | February 25, 2017, 1:11 pmThanks for your calm rational look at our situation today. Screamers are going to scream and others will choose not to listen—to anyone but themselves. Like the song says, “…forgive it all.”
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Posted by Allan G. Smorra | February 25, 2017, 9:32 amHi Allan, thank you, as always for your kind comments. It’s difficult to control our emotions when we’re passionate about something, but I think if we all step back and take a breath, realize we’re all in this together, things could go better. I love that song as well. Thank you—good thoughts to you and the Lioness. :).
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Posted by Brigitte | February 25, 2017, 1:13 pmThanks, Brigitte, I’ll pass them along.
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Posted by Allan G. Smorra | February 25, 2017, 3:38 pmBeautifully written. Heartfelt. I agree with you on each and every point. We all need to get past the terrible negativity. When my Prime Minister first took office about 15 or so months ago I mocked him a bit for his “sunny ways”. Now I do not–it is the message that we need to hear. I love this post.Never give it up. Like you I do not post often but I want to keep my finger on/in the blog world–and your latest post is one of the reasons why. Brigitte we are of such like minds–I hope that someday we may meet–but until then I consider you one of my best blog friends forever. I am going to reblog this…….I love it so much…
Posted by on thehomefrontandbeyond | February 26, 2017, 11:25 amLou, your comment is beautiful and heartfelt. Thank you. I don’t know how we got to a point where acceptable behavior is being mean or harsh to each other. I try (and don’t always succeed because I’m human) that we treat others as we want to be treated. The older I get the more I understand how this isn’t some idealistic concept, it’s real and it matters how we relate to each other. Children get their cues from us on how to act and I’m not sure there always getting the right ones. You are wonderful to reblog–thank you. I too hope we can meet one day and you are one of my favorites as well. Thank you–from the heart– Lou. :).
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Posted by Brigitte | February 26, 2017, 12:42 pmReblogged this on On the Homefront and commented:
we all need to read this…
Posted by on thehomefrontandbeyond | February 26, 2017, 11:25 amI hear you on the blogging and like you, have considered just quitting altogether especially when I go months and months without writing anything. But I’ve also come to realize that long-form writing is just a part of me and while I can always do that on my own without this platform, it’s the people who are still here that make me want to keep contributing, however sporadic that is.
I also hear you on the kindness thing. It’s a huge challenge to be the bigger person and not engage in back-and-forth, finger-pointing discourse especially when certain things hit a nerve. It might feel good in the moment to retaliate, but it never does anything except prolong the situation and potentially make it worse. I don’t think it makes you naive or ill-informed at all to choose positivity and empathy over endless arguing and blame games. It just means you have a larger, more productive and sustainable goal in mind. 🙂
Posted by lillianccc | February 26, 2017, 12:17 pmHi Lillian, from one wordsmith to another, your lovely response and your insight is always so appreciated. It’s odd how I can’t just quit my blog, but every time I consider doing so, I don’t. I hope that what I put “out there” is positive and reflects what I believe and those who may happen to stumble across it get a laugh or take away something to ponder. At the very least, a good tune can really help the soul. :).
Thank you for stopping in and for understanding my points. Your writing is always lovely and I always take away a nice warm feeling when I read it and that’s the whole point of this isn’t it? To connect. :).
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Posted by Brigitte | February 26, 2017, 12:45 pmMy first visit here, I will be back, as I enjoyed the post and it made me think although thinking can give me a headache
Posted by joannerambling | February 26, 2017, 6:04 pmHi Joanne and welcome! Glad you stopped in and my post got you to thinking. I do hope your headache has gone away though. :). Thanks and hope you’ll drop in again soon.
Posted by Brigitte | February 27, 2017, 5:07 pmI love you and your beautiful thoughts. With the picture of the Dali Lama, did you noticed the Buddhas just outside the peace sign?
Posted by Jeff | February 27, 2017, 4:56 pmI love you, my sweet and no, I didn’t notice — what now crazy man? And I mean crazy in the BEST way. love you. >
Posted by Brigitte | February 27, 2017, 5:06 pmIf we but follow the thought of showing more kindness, love and understanding we wouldn’t have all the drama that is so evident now … Diane
Posted by writerwannabe763 | February 27, 2017, 6:58 pmHi Dianne! That’s a very good point and thank you for stopping by. :).
Posted by Brigitte | March 2, 2017, 8:04 amamen…to all that you said….and thank you for saying it!
xxoo
the other B
Posted by Brie | April 13, 2017, 6:03 amHello Brie and so nice to see you again!! And you’re most welcome—kindness is always a beginning or a solution, at least in my opinion. Your gravitar is lovely!! Be well. 😃
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Posted by Brigitte | April 13, 2017, 8:31 am