I admit to fear and to worry and to doubt. I am fortunate in these times of fear and uncertainty, where many are suffering the most dramatic and awful change of their lives. I am thankful, every day, for what I have: my good health (and health insurance), my loved ones (and their good health), my great job (that I am lucky to love) and the basics we all need (food, shelter, etc…). My heart goes out to those who are suffering because I remember earlier days where a roof over my head was uncertain, not much food (so thankful for free school lunch programs) and no health insurance (or money for much needed medicines, like my asthma inhaler). I remember and my heart cries out for them.
What I wonder about is the thread of small, angry voices I hear on the web. Why? Is it fear that causes some to rant and say others deserve such awful reversals of fortune? Is it spite or small mindedness? Self-righteousness and smug insensitivity? I guess I just don’t get it. Yes, some are in their current situations due to unwise choices. I don’t know about you but I’ve made more than a few “unwise choices” in my life and had to live with those consequences. This doesn’t mean that I don’t feel for them though. It doesn’t mean that I take pleasure or feel smug about their situation. I know I am not alone in this because I read and hear those voices too – the wondering ones who feel empathy and are thankful for what they have.
Each day, I will live in joy (for my good fortune) and fear (that it might somehow go awry) and empathy (for those who have lost so much). I suspect, this is how my year will go. How about you?
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On one hand, I know and see what you are writing about, and I agree that those angry voices can be a detriment to one’s desire for a good and positive day.
Perhaps, look at it this way: The Universe needs balance, even at the cost of having to read such negative vibes. Why? Without anger or strife, you’d never know how to recognize and appreciate happiness and contentment.
Think of it as being a necessary evil, like the fact that a beautiful fire cannot exist without it’s potential to burn and destroy.
I read negative words, from mean (and therefore, VERY ugly people), and though I am burned by the words, I admire the way it makes me feel in opposition to them. It makes me more of a good human, who wants to surround himself with other good humans, who are all amazingly beautiful just by being good.
Cheers!
Mac
Very true, Mac, and a nice way of showing perspective. There is so much about life that is about balance. I appreciate what I have now so much more because of suffering in my past. Thank you for reading and sharing!
I loved Mac’s comment. You also have to feel sorry for those folks. Chances are something in their life past or current makes them that way. 3hey need our kind thoughts and words too.
It does make you wonder, doesn’t it? Surely there is something that drives such negativity and anger…