What I Believe

Originally published September 23 2014

You know what's fun?  Sobbing on an airplane while watching a movie. Because of course you can't hear yourself, so amplify what you can hear by like a thousand and that is what all the other passengers just woke up to.  The Fault in Our Stars killed me, I never read the book, and because of Shailene Woodley's misinformed statements regarding feminism, I was a little disenchanted with her, (as a lead character, come on girl don't you want to be paid as much as your male counter parts?), but it was the only option I hadn't seen yet.  So as the tears ran down my face right from the onset of the movie, my thoughts also went into overdrive.
I had also just finished catching up on Alicia Keys new project the #Wearehere campaign, a fantastic effort to tackle many different social issues, and I was already a little sensitive to the injustices of the world.  I love when celebrities lend their voices to causes that hopefully they believe in, it is something and it is important.  But I truly respect and admire a celebrity that is fully invested of their own accord, because they believe in something so passionately.  Alicia Keys, Bono, the different UN Goodwill ambassadors such as Angelina Jolie and Emma Watson, newly appointed Leonardo DiCaprio as the messenger for peace,  bravo and thank you from my heart.
So together these two things created the perfect storm.
I wondered why we need triggers to remind us that we have one go at this thing called life. Why would you want to be remembered as a bully, a tyrant, or ignorant.  What is the point of these ongoing wars?  Of discrimination based on skin colour, religion, gender, or sexual orientation.  How do we build a society based on compassion and love?  I am sure like many of you, I want working solutions.  I want to live in a world where we reach out to people with less hope, with less fortune, where everyone lives equally and without fear.  I want to live in a world where this conversation is no longer happening.  But until then...
You have a home base (it is not your physical home) it is right where you are standing now.  Where the people that surround you are as important and as equal as yourself.  Domino this effect into your family and friends, neighbours and strangers, and then the world community.  We all have an opportunity to help shape the world that we desire.  But as the old saying goes, you can't love anyone else until you love yourself.  We must start with ourselves.
Home base (yourself, myself) - Taking care of oneself both physically and mentally.   Just like a car we need proper fueling, oiling and maintenance.  We need to stop taking ourselves so seriously.  Have fun, and dream.  Believe. When you truly love and appreciate your whole self you can move on.
Family & Friends - Be involved, forgive, assist and share.  Recognize and appreciate uniqueness, be thoughtful and empathetic.
Neighbours- there is nothing that makes you feel more secure than living in a healthy community.  Be present and active. My neighbours share garden vegetables, and lend out lawn mowers, they greet each other on the street, most of the time by name, and sometimes we even have BBQ's.
Strangers- You never know what is going on in someone's life.  Respecting boundaries, but at the same time lending a hand, or an ear can sometimes make a wonderful difference in someone's day.  Have you heard of paying it forward, this phenomenon actually works, so start a chain reaction today.
Humans of the world - What can one person do you ask?  Ok sure the majority of us do not have the capabilities or resources to single handily stop a war, or feed a starving nation.  But in a democracy your vote could help.  Your activism can help. Your funds can help.  There is always something you can do.  It doesn't have to be big, it doesn't have to cost you a penny.  It just has to come from somewhere good.
I like that I cry on airplanes, it makes me real.  I like that I have an unwavering belief that one person can make a difference. That hope is one of the greatest gifts you can give someone and that compassion is essential.  The only person you are truly accountable for is yourself, so you have no excuses.  If you want to join me and start our own movement leave a comment and let's start brain storming, or if you have a cause you support leave a link.   Luv K8e