This morning I went for a run. I love music and have never ran a minute in my life without it. I always much prefer noise to quiet.
However, that wasn’t the case today. My phone died 10 minutes into my run. So today, I ran in complete silence, for the first time ever. And, it was incredible! I really was alone with my thoughts. I had time to reflect and think about what is becoming of our world.
We live on a busy street but running down it today, hearing nothing but cars zooming by felt peaceful. It felt peaceful in comparison to the current state that is our world. Yesterday was Election Day and very late last night the election results were announced. This morning (and almost every day before this morning) social media has been nothing but a bullying battleground. I log onto social media every day, probably out of habit. Today, was exceptionally negative.
People that claim to want equal rights bully those who don’t vote the same way as them. People who preach to love one another go on rants with people with different thoughts. People who teach love to their children, practice hate in the comments section of other people’s posts.
In all honesty, there are more things that unite us than there are that divide us. However, everyone has been so focused lately on what divides us. A family, a community, a nation cannot be strong without unity, cannot be healthy without respect, cannot thrive without love.
We need to treat each other with civility and respect. We need to try to not doubt the good intentions of those we disagree with. I’m not saying you aren’t entitled to your onion or to have open discussions about your opinion. What I’m saying is those same rights are also extended to your neighbour. If you can have an opinion, so can they. If you don’t want to be judged for yours, than neither can they. We need to learn to converse in a civil manner. Try and understand where the other person is coming from. The world goes round because everyone is different. It’s impossible to meet only people with like-minded opinions and beliefs. Learn to embrace those with different opinions and not belittle them for having them.
Why can’t we engage in political conversations (or any conversation for that matter) with integrity? It’s not about defending your candidate at all costs and destroying theirs. It’s about listening and understanding. It’s about disagreeing respectfully.
The Canadian election and the US election are very important events in our society. It’s exciting to see so many people, of so many backgrounds take interest and show support. I just wish that it was less hate that was being spread. Change starts from us, from within.
The election is over and at the end of the day, most people weren’t happy with who they voted for. Most people voted for the lesser of two evils. Everyone had a right and a duty to vote. What we don’t have the right to do is bully and embarrass those who practiced their rights.
Happy Wednesday Everyone!
Let’s start spreading peace, love, respect and laughter. Maybe our Southern neighbours will take notice and join the movement.
