Choose Wisely
Have been thinking a lot about the past twenty-three years. A very specific number but it seems I compare things to pre 9/11 and post 9/11.
Before that dreadful day, we were still high from the 80’s and still laughing from Seinfeld reruns.
We didn’t know the type of fear that one day could bring us.
Now think of everything that has happened since then. It seems like so long ago but how quickly those years have passed.
In my own life, I’ve adopted ten dogs and have said goodbye to eight of them. I’ve had four friends die at a young age and lost several family members.
I’ve been married and divorced. I’ve also moved across the country three times!
I’ve lived in a few different houses.
I’ve met friends. I’ve also discovered wolves hiding in sheep’s clothing.
People have had children who are now adults. Others have recently had babies of their own.
Technology has advanced so much. In some ways it’s amazing. In others, it’s horrifying. A slow dance between good and evil.
There are car services that have eliminated one thing- the driver! Self-checkout is becoming the norm. Computers are taking our important calls. People are becoming obsolete.
The world has skyrocketed or plunged, depending on your perspective.
Yet, I see people “unfriending” others. Unfriend. Was that even a word before 9/11? Family members no longer speak. I don’t understand the logic.
In your own life, how much has changed in twenty-three years? Think about how fast life passes us by. Where we will be in another twenty-three?
Tomorrow isn’t guaranteed. While the world keeps on spinning, how would you feel if those you have by your side now today aren’t there tomorrow?
Life is going to keep on moving. More people will fall out of your circle.
Think about the next 23. Will your arguments today matter years from now? Will you regret wasting that time bickering over something that will be “yesterday’s news?”
Aside from those who intentionally hurt others, it’s okay to have different viewpoints. It’s okay to be different from each other. We don’t need to fall into the robotic category. We don’t need to be exactly the same. We don’t have to agree but we can agree to disagree.
Social media is a wonderful platform but the past few years I have seen so much hate posted on those walls. Sometimes I need a break just to surround myself with positive people and disappear off of the grid. I consciously make it a point to enjoy nature. There’s no hate in nature. I’ve chosen to choose wisely. There is enough heartache in this world without negativity piled on top. When I think about the next twenty-three years, a tiny bit of fear flutters in my heart. I might not even be here, but I know there will also be more loss. I’m grateful for those in my life at the moment and treasure every day, despite our differences or beliefs.
Think about the next twenty-three. How much will things change? How many people will you “unfriend?”
Then, choose wisely.