Today, the world is a frightful place.

I wish others would act on the concept of acknowledging one another and discard the theory that this includes acceptance.

We all are truly one in the same.

We breathe, we dream, we fight; we build and break.

How we decide to make the most out of our time, quite frankly, is irrelevant.

Peoples’ values and morals are not, by contrary belief, equally as insignificant.

Choosing to acknowledge someone for being a human being would be the simplest change and create the most extraordinary difference. Truly, genuinely, recognize that they are here, balancing on this unsteady beam, just as you are. Leave it at that. Loved ones, who accept the things they do or say; the ones who matter most to them, will hold that beam still enough. We all matter, but I think we should acknowledge the distinction between coexistence and connection. Others do not need, nor are entitled, to your acceptance of them. They are, nonetheless, owed human decency and a few minutes of your respect.

Do not change how you view things, religiously, politically, etc. All of these glorious aspects of your heart, soul, and mind, make you who you are. You are valuable, and contribute to the diversity in this world.

I have drained myself, on numerous occasions, fighting battles that were never intended to be won. My choices have had their fair share of discussion amongst friends, even strangers. That wore me down, because for some reason, I genuinely felt that I craved their approval. I hungered for their words, how they liked what I was doing, where I was headed, and overall, who I was. I lost sight in doing this for myself. I searched, and ultimately drowned in the disappointment. Oceans are vast, and it is so undeniably effortless to feel consumed by the sea of people chiming in on your decisions.

I was so eager to swim amongst the sharks, that I ceased to remember I could walk on land.

Here I am, doing better than I ever was.

People may hurt you along the way, but you know what, that’s okay. They didn’t approve of who you were, or what you were doing. That’ll drain them, just as much as it would deplete you trying to comprehend why.

Restore that energy, and take a walk to higher ground.

Until next time,

Lo.