I'm going to take this time now to write some about an issue that isn't "close to my heart" per se, but rather a more essential ingredient for living. With this in mind I know that my opinion is not the be all and end all, much like any advice is not something that I necessarily want given to me, but am utterly touched by when it is offered.
So I'm taking the time to offer this thought for a number of reasons. Try a little kindness.
This past week I read an article that I can email to those interested, however this entry is not a response to it, it is simply a response to the broader nature of writing, speaking, communicating. These utterances which very quickly become dialogues can go a number of ways. On the one hand, write something negative, misleading, presumptuous and ultimately degrading and the impact on anyone who comes into contact with it - writer, reader, subject - will suffer its derrogatory, destructive candour. The contrasting statement I make is this - write something positive, uplifting, inspiring and open-minded, and I see no way that the impact and therefore outcomes of the initial utterance to have anything other than pleasant phenomena.
Frankly, negativity stunts, while positivity encourages exponential growth.
As a writer, it is difficult to read an article, a post or even hear a song that doesn't promote well-being. That is not to say that the act of not being well (in any way) is problematic, moreover the point of being "well" or seeking positive experiences always leads back to itself. Unfortunately, engaging in negative practices such as attacking an artist, a couple, or a community group for example, rarely commutes to positive outcome. Even those circumstances that promote negative paths of encouragement to reverse-psychologically achieve positive results seek positivity, so why not seek positively? I can't help but argue the negative interim can hardly be that inspiring, nor can it be that ergonomic or a pleasurable experience.
So try this - a little kindness.
Do you hate that Youtube video? That "crappy" photo? Those Valentino dresses?
Yes?
Don't write a disparaging comment; definitely don't be brave and leave it anonymously. Don't attack individuals in print because you can't stand their blog and it suits you to add work to your canon of journalism that makes claims that in no way suggest research nor credibility in argument or purpose. Don't declare others "smug" and "annoying" and "shallow" based on jealously, personal opinion, or an inability to simply allow others to be. Why be hurtful?
What I suggest is this - do you have an opinion? Is it so contrary to that of a certain subject that you can't even communicate that opinion without it being negative or disheartening to read or hear? That at the end of the day it is simply an opinion - not a thought-out argument that contains logic? Then don't share it if you can't do so respectfully.
Go forth with friendly debate - but try not to abuse your freedom of speech to the point that you impediment it. Particularly when your freedom of speech surely gives you freedom of movement to close your books, browsers or speakers.
Move forwards and try kindness a little, even for a day.
The peace and love we have to give are hardly painful things to part with.
