We always like to think what we believe is true. Of course, that’s why we believe it.  None of us would on purpose believe a  lie…. because then it wouldn’t really be believing….. my brain hurts. There are a lot of issues in the media that have 2 very opinionated, very sure of their own way sides. And in that there are a lot of people resorting to name calling and belittling because of it. And because we aren’t 5, it needs to end. I’m not suggesting that we need to keep our mouths shut and not stand up for anything, but rather look at it from a whole new perspective.

In a world where media is swayed in any direction the the user sees fit, there is really no way to know who is actually telling the whole truth. In a world where most people are completely self serving  and will say things in a certain way to make themselves look better (everyone is guilty), we can’t just go to the side with prettier pictures or the more shocking headlines. We need to think for ourselves.

So what I’m suggesting is that instead of believing what everyone on your wall says, or what your favorite celebrity says. Or oppose an idea just because you don’t like who it’s coming from. Come at it from a side of love. Love is and has always been the greatest thing. It’s definitely not always our first response, but it can be chosen.

So lets look at what love is. Love is patient, kind and gentle. But that doesn’t mean that it is a pushover, a door mat, or weak. It doesn’t cheer injustice, but it rejoices when right and truth come out on top. Its not jealous, but cheers others on. I helps the hurting, the needy and the sick. It doesn’t judge, or condemn, but it encourages, no matter how many times it has before. It believes the best in everyone and everything. (And again, I’m not saying that we need to be push overs or let people take advantage of us. We need to trust our gut feeling.) We need to focus and encourage the good in the world, the love others are showing. We need to spread love and hope, not hate and fear. Love and hope will overcome fear. It is stronger and it always has been. If we are afraid, then bad wins. If we are courageous, then love wins.We also need to teach our children this. And that doesn’t just mean to show them love, but to correct them when they aren’t showing others the respect and love they should, no matter if they agree or even care (and no mater if you agree or even care).

Love isn’t some weak, pathetic thing. It is strong and courageous. It is a great motivator and it can turn the atmosphere of a place completely around. I’m not talking about weak, codependent love either, I’m talking about a confident, secure, unwavering love. It is an amazing thing! We need to love ourselves and love our families. We need to make sure that we not only have love and compassion for people in other parts of the world, but also the people down the street. No matter what your bias opinion says, you don’t know how deserving the person down the street is more then you know about the person across the globe. You don’t know a parents reasons or intentions, more then you know the popular opinion. You don’t know what happens behind closed doors or even in someones head for that matter. And you know what, it’s none of our business to pretend we do. Our job is to be the absolute best we can be, to follow our passions and goals and lift each other up. There will always be evil in the world. But where light is, dark cannot exist. We can drown it out. By standing up for what is right and focusing our attention on the good and not fear.

And that is when real change will happen! When we stop repeating catchy sayings like we understand them. When we actually sit down and think about it from a side of love. A side of, what can I do to better those around me. A side of, this isn’t about me, I don’t need all the things to be happy. Change the atmosphere around you. Don’t side with hate and fear because it’s popular. We can do this! You can do this, don’t be afraid!

Jasmine