As a general rule, I don’t watch or listen to the news. I have zero interest in all the negativity that flows from mainstream media. When I’m interested in a certain topic, it’s simple as pie to grab the info I need online without all the added info and rants I don’t need. It’s hard enough to keep my focus in the right place as it is.
I play music in our home that lifts us up, and doesn’t tear us down. I read books that inspire me and cause me to grow in healthy ways. That’s just the way I need to live to keep my head and heart in a good space. It boils down to this:
I’m a big believer in the idea that, what you put in, comes out.
But this election…. dear heavens.
I’ve heard more ugly talk in the last few weeks than I’ve heard in a really long time.
As I listen to the candidates, media hosts and even my friends on Facebook, I just keep thinking, if this is what’s coming out… what is going on on the inside? It really is a pretty good indicator. Your words are a looking glass into your mind.
Don’t get me wrong.
I’m not sitting back making judgement calls, I’m really not. We all deal with fear and uncertainty differently, especially when it involves our future and the future of our babies. But this isn’t about the election. It’s just that the election is providing a such a vivid portrayal of what’s going on in the hearts and minds of Americans.
And it makes me sad.
I have some friends who must be feeling pretty sad, angry, and powerless on the inside. I bet you do too. In fact, as you read this, you might be thinking about what’s been coming out of your mouth these days.
I hope you will.
I invite you to take a look at your Facebook feed, your emails and text messages. Rewind the tape on your conversations with friends and family. What’s coming out of your mouth? And what does it tell you (and others) about how you’re doing on the inside?
Does it look like love? Or does it sound more like anger and hate?
Hate and disgust for one another will never lead to logical decision making or common ground. It will only erode the heart of the hater. “Hate is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.” Life is hard enough without having a heart full of hate for a bunch of strangers. Don’t make it harder for yourself.
Today, I’m inviting you to take a look inside your head and your heart.
I don’t know what you’re going to see. I hope you see love. But I know that if you find anger and resentment, you’ve probably been hurt somewhere along the way and it’s been stealing your joy. If so, it’s time to figure it out.
I’m not a therapist, but I can tell you some basic steps you need to think about.
- Girl, you’ve gotta Face it. Figure out what’s got you so fired up.
- Then, unfortunately, you need to Feel it. Stop trying to pretend it’s not there. Let yourself feel it.
- Next, it’s time to Deal with it. For this step, I recommend a friend, mentor, pastor or therapist.
- Finally, you will get to a point to be able to Heal it. Let it teach you. Let it make you stronger. Then let it go.
If it doesn’t look like love, it probably isn’t.
For me, for you, for all of us.
to more love,
Crystal
