Longing for a Simpler Time — Observational Opinion

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Longing for a Simpler Time

Ever wake up and think, how can I avoid everything and everyone today, including all possible forms of news?

Quite certain I am not alone in longing for a simpler time. Not like “walking four miles—up hill both ways” to a one-room schoolhouse kind of simpler. More of a time when you read the morning paper in peace, maybe listened to Paul Harvey on the radio, and actually looked forward to the evening news. “And that’s the way it [is]”… was — hard working people trying to make a better life for their families, kids being kids: going to school, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and respecting the nation’s flag, playing sports, doing their chores, reading (uncensored) books, no video games, no cell phones, no tablets or laptops… no masks, no social distancing, no restrictions.

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Our forefathers helped create the foundation of our Great Nation — that each generation thereafter made stronger — through vision and back-breaking hard work, misgivings and mistakes, fortitude and faith, hope and sheer survival; fighting disease and pandemics, wars, drought, famine, floods, the Great Depression, senseless and brutal violence, political battles and corruption, civil protests and movements to improve human rights (for all people) — overcoming more than what many misguided minds of today can comprehend.

Although a much different time, here we are, still surviving — fighting disease and a (coronavirus) pandemic, economic teetering, wars, senseless violence and tragic death, protests for change and greater equality, corruption, political pandering and rigid partisanship, autonomous zones, cancel culture and censorship run amuck. And to assure ‘we the people’ (and all labeled “privileged”) never forget current struggles, we have 24-hr “news” cycles — non-stop dribble from ivory-tower-perched mouthpieces (insert network or forum of choice) spewing vitriol to push a particular narrative, agenda, opinion, while expressing what horrible, horrible people we are should we dare disagree.

What happened to news correspondents reporting just the news — factual, resourced, actual occurrences without jaded opinion added for flavor?!!!

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Doubt I’m alone here, but my blood pressure has been uncharacteristically high for several months. (Hmmm, wonder why?!) As if our nation (and the world) hasn’t been coping with enough — continued concern and fear over the coronavirus pandemic, mourning loss of precious loved ones, suffering economic consequences due to nationwide shutdowns — unprecedented and unsettling times recently escalated to unfathomable levels. Despicable, unthinkable tragedies followed by (peaceful) protests that were quickly hijacked by well-organized, violent riots, shameless looting and devastating destruction of property. And throughout such frightening times, where were local, city and state officials? Standing firm? Upholding the law? On the contrary. Most were pandering politically, taking a knee, watching businesses be destroyed, allowing cities to burn.

Unfortunately, staying up-to-date on such disgraceful happenings has never been easier, as our trusty, handheld devices seem glued to our person. Add in late-night insomnia scrolls through Twitterland and the social-media-sphere. Ugh!!! Why do I/we go down that rabbit hole? Why??!!!

Hidden and blatant agendas — presumably orchestrated by organizations masterminding the peaceful protests AND violent riots — have been plastered across social media, news outlets, and wretchedly spray painted over what’s left of historical monuments. And quite honestly, aspects of these movements have caused loss of life and incredibly harm — overshadowing any good that might have been intended. But then, perhaps “good”/positive outcomes were never the intention??

Show me photos and videos of precious kittens and adorable puppies — I’ll gladly get behind spreading that kind of love propaganda! (not to be confused with the ‘summer of love’, previously tagged to describe CHAZ/CHOP! — and, if that statement makes absolutely no sense to you, join the club! who calls an occupied faction a “summer of love” street fair??!!)

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This life is not (nor will ever be) comprised merely of flowing meadows, rainbows and lollipops… and kittens and puppies, even if that thought does make for a lovely place of which to dream (minus the sugar and chemicals in the lollipops!). As much as we would like to re-write history — to erase all the horrible and unfathomable parts from our past — those dark times helped our nation overcome such mistakes, allowed for growth and greater achievements. And yes, we are still growing, collectively.

For anyone who chooses not to embrace or believe we live in the Greatest Nation, flaws and all, that is indeed your right… and also deeply saddening. I pray for all who are hurting — may you find the peace you’re looking for — but true healing cannot be achieved by trying to erase history or through igniting hatred and violence.

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“No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.”

– Nelson Mandela (1994)

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My heart aches for our children growing up in today’s unnerving surroundings. So much ugliness and unrest for their developing minds to process. It’s often more than what some adults can handle. I pray for calming guidance over our younger generation — and wisdom for all parents, parental figures, educators and role models.

Every action creates a reaction. We all need to take a breath (or two) before we speak and/or act (and before hitting send on that social media comment — note to self!).

As witnessed often throughout society, calm, cool (non-political pandering/posturing) heads, unity and faith should be leading the way. This hasn’t necessarily been the case, and that’s quite apparent within many cities plagued with discord. And please already, enough with the violence and vandalism, defacing and destruction of private and public property. Seriously… ENOUGH!

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Almost every aspect of our lives is based upon choices we make. Pandemics and diseases are obvious unpredictable, non-choices. How we cope with, and live our lives (as fully as possible) — while coexisting with a novel coronavirus and disease in general, hardships, loss, violent anarchism, and all future unknowns — those are individual choices to be made freely, and importantly… lawfully. Thankfully we are blessed to live in a free society — even if at times we question the physical reality of said freedoms, based upon the actions (or lack there of) by those in positions of power.

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[bctt tweet=”We are blessed to live in a free society, even if at times we question the physical reality of said freedoms, based upon the actions (or lack there of) by those in positions of power.”]

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I realize my opinions are not everyone’s cup of tea. That’s the beauty of individual thought. I am sincerely grateful for time given to read my blog and various posts. Please feel free to add a comment(s) below, as any and all dialogue is welcome (within a PG rating!).

How glorious is it that we live in a free society which allows for the sharing of one’s thoughts… freely! (unless, of course, you’re being censored… !!!)

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No individuals, animals, or property were harmed in any way during the writing of this peaceful post.

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If we cannot now end our differences, at least we can help make the world safe for diversity.

—John F. Kennedy

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Until my next Reflection…

May we all do what we can to make today and every day a little less stressful and whole lot more simple. I’m starting by trying to refrain from commenting on Twitter. (lol!)

Please stay well… and safe… and hopeful — now more than ever.

Abundant blessings and positive vibes to all.

Terry xx

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