There were a few different titles for this post that were being considered and I had been struggling to identify the right one.
During a night of writing I had my headphones in and my music on shuffle when a classic popped up. A smooth jam from 2003 began playing and as the lyrics began I knew this was it. I never would have thought I’d be referencing The Black Eyed Peas on my blog but here we are. Lets get to it.
We’ve all been struggling in different ways with the challenges and circumstances that 2020 has presented us. It hasn’t been easy. When Kobe and Gianna Bryant’s death shook the world on January 26th I didn’t take it lightly. I cried, grieved, and had to recollect the endless memories of someone I had never met. Not only did I idolize him on the basketball court - what he stood for after the game impacted me in a big way.
With everything that’s happened since then - doesn’t that feel like ages ago?
Each year presents challenges, moments of happiness, times of sadness, and anxiety in some form or another. In the blink of an eye 2020 took the lead and never looked back. Here are a few things that transpired: COVID-19, political relations with other countries, oil prices reach a record low, employee layoffs and furloughs, the killing of George Floyd, protests, the West Coast wildfires, the 2020 election, and a second COVID wave. We had cancellations such as March Madness, the 2020 Summer Olympics, live concerts, and numerous family gatherings. We lost Kobe and Gianna Bryant, Chadwick Boseman, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Regis Philbin, Sean Connery, and Alex Trebek. We also lost family members, parents, grandparents, friends, and loved ones.
You need a breather? Me too.
In times like this we need to come together more than ever. Why does it feel like we’re so far apart?
It saddens me to see our world in such a state of unease. We’re tense, stressed out, and no where near unified. With the right Tysonesque hook that 2020 hit us with I can’t help but ask the question - where is the love?
We’re all struggling in different ways. I’ve seen my friend’s lose family members. I’ve seen grandparents cry looking at their grandchildren through a window. I’ve had friend’s have to fight for equality daily just because of the color of their skin. I’ve seen a fight outside a restaurant because of political differences. I’ve lost a classmate to mental health.
What have you seen?
I feel like we’re so disconnected and it hurts me to see it. I’ve struggled with piecing things together outside of myself. What can I do to help? How do we bring people together instead of pushing them farther apart? After a lot of reflection I circled back around to one of the core principles I abide by and want to share it with you.
Perhaps you’ve heard me say this before: You are in control of one thing - yourself. It’s you and your choices. What you decide to do, regardless of what’s happening in the outside world, is completely up to you. With that covered I only want to urge you to consider choosing one thing, over and over again, until you are full of it - love.
I’m not talking about cheesy movie love. I’m talking about love for yourself, your body, your mind, your spirit, and others.
We aren’t going to solve the world’s problems alone. We can’t predict the circumstances that will arise. We can’t control what the outside world does. Change doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a collective effort. What’s special about a collective effort? It’s individuals giving their best to make a difference. It starts with one. You start with yourself and hopefully your neighbor does the same. As more individuals focus in on love and the good in their lives - others take notice.
How often do you notice someone that’s just full of positive energy. They seem to smile and glow. Do you find yourself thinking “I wonder how they are so happy?”
They’re doing the inner work. They choose to see things in a positive light. They’re extremely grateful. They choose the right things, the right foods, the right amount of exercise, and the right people in their lives. They choose love.
It’s been a tough year and there’s no denying it. You’re still here battling. There’s strength in that and I want to applaud you for it! With that being said I want to challenge you. You already impact others but lets take it to another level. Make it a point to start your day with something positive. Reach out to lift others up. Call your friends and ask them what they need. Support your people when they are in the middle of a difficult decision. If you are in disagreement with someone try to listen deeper and put yourself in their shoes. See if you can identify a different perspective and find a better understanding.
We are in this together. We can impact each other in a positive light. We can create more love. We can change the world.
It just starts with you.
theitsjustjakeblog@gmail.com