I have things to say to those who would hear me...
When did we start seeing everybody as a threat?
Isn't it worse to go through life being too careful than it is to get hurt every once in a while? Kindness is not weakness, and being cruel is the way of a coward. If pain is something we wish to avoid why would we hurt another? We are so quick to judge somebody we don't know because of an accent, the color of their skin, and the clothes they wear. If people were meant to be the same they would be born the same. How difficult would it really be to embrace the differences of those around us, to care about others we've never met?
Have you forgiven those who hurt you?
People do terrible things, and so many of us refuse to let go. Forgiving somebody doesn't mean you think what they did was acceptable. Forgiving means only that you don't hold onto the hatred you might feel. Perhaps you think that anybody suggesting you forgive those who hurt you has never been hurt. I have been over looked, under estimated, taken for granted, taken advantage of, lost things very dear to me due to the negligence of others, even raped. My life has been riddled with hurt, and confusion. Why complicate it further by wasting my energy on hate?
What happened to selfless giving?
The kind of giving where you get no credit for it, no tax break, and only a thank you in return is quickly disappearing. Holding a door for a stranger, helping someone pick up the contents of a torn grocery bag, giving a blanket to the cold, or part of your meal to the hungry all make somebody's day better. Why hold back when you have so much to give?
What is success?
When did success and wealth become the same word? Success is setting a goal and accomplishing it. How many of your goals are related to money? A nice house, two cars, and brand name jeans don't add up to a hill of beans. They may be nice to have but they aren't anything to be proud of, and they aren't something to work your whole life for. On your last day on earth, what a pity it would be to realize you wasted all that time just to have a new car and a nice pair of shoes.
Mountains and trees...
I would trade the sidewalks, bricks, and cars I see every day to spend one more night in the mountains. The conveniences of a city pale in comparison to the beauty nature offers us every day. If a herd of wild horses thundering across the plains, mountains covered in a veil of mist, sparkling rivers, and trees turning shades of fall do not steal your breath open your eyes.
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