Like many of you, I’m still reeling from the election results. So let me share some thoughts that I hope you will find encouraging. But first, let me say this… I am familiar with this dynamic playing out on a national, even global scale.
All abusive relationships and oppressive environments thrive in fear and silence. Offenders will make sure their victims feel less than, wrong, and incapable of taking care of or making valid decisions for themselves. But first, they will make you feel special, and then they will take you down. Their belittling and minimizing behavior is relentless and often subtle. And there are all kinds of signs, but in our kindness and trust, we often don’t see it or don’t want to believe it… thus the cycle of denial. But here’s the thing. If we allow, enable, remain silent, and do nothing, then their behavior continues with our “permission.”
Oddly, it’s the nature of peacemakers to be calm, understanding, and patient. And it’s the nature of abusers to take advantage of that.
So at this time, I don’t have big answers. I have one: Honor your wisdom, your kindheartedness, and your ability to act. Because your actions, words, and behavior matter. Not the size. You matter. And if you can wrap your head around that, you make room for more answers to come.
OWL, in many cultures, is a reminder to use our wisdom. That wisdom never takes advantage or belittles others or causes harm. Knowledge and experience plus understanding brings wisdom.
There are some freedoms that no one can take away
The freedom to show kindness and compassion.
The freedom to choose other news sources and other ways to feel connected.
The freedom to do business with companies and organizations
that reflect your ideals.
…And the freedom to not support (through subscription, viewing, forwarding, sharing, purchasing) those that breed violence, oppression, and fear.
The freedom to release all that is unkind and unsupportive and bring more loving people and experiences into your life.
The freedom to believe in the goodness and potential and value of each and every person on the planet;
…and the freedom to show it, in some way, when you’re ready.
The freedom to choose to make the world a more loving place, in some way,
when you can.
And the freedom to believe in love more than hate, more than fear,
more than ‘power’ over anyone.
Because it’s always been fear and hate that have destroyed nations,
and it’s always been LOVE that builds them back.
You have the freedom to choose what stays in your heart. You can stay angry, hurt, and discouraged, or—when you’re ready—you can exercise your freedom to direct that energy into positive action.
Remember: the people that want to keep you afraid and angry are heavily invested. The more you stay there, the more power you give them and
the more control they have over your thoughts and actions.
7 Positive Actions
Redirect the sadness, disappointment, and anger you feel into positive action.
Donate to causes you believe in.
Volunteer your talent, expertise, and kindheartedness in a way that matters to you.
Gather with like-hearted people for comfort, encouragement, or to be proactive.
Display and share positive messaging to encourage and empower others.
Support businesses and organizations that promote the greater good.
Detach from those businesses and organizations that contribute to fear and division. You can find another way to get that service, product, or feeling.
Spread kindness everywhere you go, in little or big ways. It all matters. In doing so, you model the behavior you want to see and teach through example.
If you think there’s nothing you can do and you do nothing, you’ll be right.
But the truth is, there is always something we can do.
Remember, nothing builds nothing, but small acts and gestures build bridges, increases hope, encourages ideas and discussion, extends a hand, and embraces possibility. Doing something lights a path, if not for you, maybe for someone else.
So fly a peace flag, a love flag, a kindness flag.
Donate to organizations that empower women and girls, or helps men and boys embrace a new and true definition of masculinity, or one that works for more peaceful interaction—because the lack of those things is some of what’s fueling the fear and preventing us from living our best lives ever!
There is so much you can do, but do something!
Because NO ONE can take away your freedom to be the loving person you are.
NO ONE can dim that light unless you continue to allow it. And NO ONE can stop you from being free to choose small acts and gestures of peace, love, and joy knowing that those small acts are shining a very bright light for others to follow.
~ ~ ~
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