What are you FOR?
We’re a week away from elections here in the United States and…I’m tired. Really. Tired.
I’m tired of hearing what people are against.
It’s hard to turn on TV, listen to the radio or check out YouTube without hearing advertising from candidates that basically say the same thing:
“The other candidate is wrong / evil / destructive / Satanic.
Save yourself and your family - vote for me!”
Now I don’t claim to have seen EVERY ad or candidate interview across the country, but I’ve seen quite a few. Many candidates I’ve seen whether running for local community posts, gubernatorial or federal elected offices campaign on fear. Period.
We’re told to fear rising prices, another pandemic, crime waves, and, of course, the “other guy.” Who is the “other guy?” Depending on who you’re talking to, it’s you.
I don’t pretend to be a politician or any type of political analyst. As an independent voter I do know one thing. I want a candidate to tell me, in plain language, what the key issues are, identify potential solutions and why they’re the best candidate for the job. In essence, tell me what they are for, why they think that way and explain how that serves the greater good.
Simple.
Uh, oh. Is it that simple?
Maybe not for me. Or you.
As I was writing this blog, I realized I had to rethink what I’m for, why I think that way and how – or if – it serves the greater good. Here’s a real-life example.
Am I using my favorite skin care product because I like the way it makes my face feel? Or because I’m afraid of looking old? Can I not only take care of my body but truly love it and embrace a healthy aging process? Can I love my grey hairs and new wrinkles?
Ouch!
Time to reassess what I’m for and why it matters. I believe in love over fear. Every time. But is that how I live my day-to-day life?
I know I choose love more consciously than ever before. And to be honest, I know I have an opportunity to be more consistent with my life choices. Which choices? All of them. My choice of products, food, clients, website copy, family activities, Saturday afternoon movie selection...everything.
Are my choices from fear or love? Why am I making them, and do they serve the great good? (My personal belief is a loving choice made on any level radiates more love into the world, for the greater good of all. But that’s a topic for another day.)
Recognizing the fear tactics in our American media is a reminder that my outer world reflects the subconscious thoughts of my inner world. I realize I’ve seen my own fears reflected in the campaigns that caught my attention.
So the question for me now, and for you, is “what am I for, why do I feel that way and does it serve the greater good?”
Looks like I got a positive message out of those political ads after all.