Hope amid frustration

1st- Credit for the Header photo belongs to DigitalBlasphemy.

On this day I view myself, and the whole world, through a fresh lens, of compassion and healing. My scars are no longer obvious signs of weakness and shame, but evidence of challenges ultimately overcome, and necessary reminders of mistakes I don’t want to repeat. Our world is in dire need of healing for the sake of its continuing existence, and compassion for its people, who have abused and accused each other throughout history. The scars are deep and many, but not irreparable.

The challenges we currently face may seem overwhelming, frightening, too far-reaching, and hopeless. There is an allure in an escape of soothing distraction because, yes, ignorance IS bliss, but it is also blind to the suffering of others until it reaches ourselves, our faux immunity removed. Only then, is there finally a call for action, for understanding and compassion. Next comes the blame, biased even when unintentional, of our differences, race, gender, religion, status, political party, even location, thus inviting fear and suspicion, perpetuating the blame. Apathy arrives with its own consequences, and blame only allows the illusion, that which our own accountability is unnecessary, to persist.

I, neither having nor wanting power over any other person, cannot change the world. I cannot even challenge a sense of normalcy that is only “normal” because collectively we have accepted it thusly because I am also responsible. I have resolved to hold myself accountable for my own words, actions, and inactions that have caused harm to others or have triggered others to inflict harm. My quest for self-improvement goes far deeper than for physical health, appropriate emotional response, for wisdom, or even growth of love for my neighbors on this planet. I want to hold myself, and those whom I have allowed to represent me, accountable for any damage, despite any inadvertence or misguided intentions. Obviously, this will not be easy, as my own thoughts are clouded by my own experience and prejudice, therefore, I ask for your assistance and your patience as I discover uncomfortable personal truths and accept the consequences.