Tolerance

Tolerance: showing willingness to allow the existence of opinions or behavior that one does not necessarily agree with.

The climate of our Nation has given me pause, yet again, along with a insatiable desire to understand what is driving so many of our citizens to unkind behaviors and actions. I am ceaselessly amazed at the level of fear demonstrated through angry outbursts and nasty posts on Facebook and other social media outlets regarding the election results. The fact that there is a gross lack of tolerance when adversely tolerance is expected unconditionally by some of the very people who now refuse to employ it.  It seems jaded and unfair to demand from others that which one chooses not to engage according to the trajectory of personal agenda. 

I am sad that many in our society are feeling fearful, threatened and disrupted by the result of a single election without giving the new administration a chance to succeed or fail. The incoming administration has been labeled as divisive and intolerant, homophobic and racist, to mention just a few, with no real evidence to support these claims. In reality they have not been established  and have  yet been given authority to govern.   Assuming that disaster is looming in our not so distant future, sure to send our country into ruins shredding any evidence of equal rights and turning progress on its ear is the most slanted and  divisive rhetoric I’ve heard to date.  Again where is the evidence of this? Why are we allowing personal disappointment to break down the fabric of our citizenship? 

I ask myself what is at the root of all of this hate and fear mongering? Where is our strength and tenacity ? What has happened to live and let live? Have we become so shallow that unless we get exactly what we want, we are unable to cope and move forward? Do we not know that there is always a learning curve, a lesson at hand, an opportunity for expansion personally and culturally in each life experience? Have we become so single minded that we will not accept the outcome of an election because it does not suit our personal interest? Where, my friends, I humbly ask, where has tolerance gone?  Am I wrong to assume that it was only visible during times of unrivaled  desires being met on the side of those who are making this event in our history a tool to divide even farther? Where is the fairness that we tout as a necessary evil for a society who “chooses” to be all inclusive? How can we ask for something we are clearly unwilling to give? What has become of our desire to live as a United society, inclusive of ethnic, religious and political diversity, to live gay or straight happily ever after?  Are we willing to forfeit all previous ground gained by acting as if this election has the power to negate it? No single administration can do that without our support.. We are the voice of the government as they are not an enterprise that funds or appoints themselves to office. We have the power to hire  or fire with our vote if there is a threat to equality and equilibrium in our country.  The overall view of our country is that we are and have always been a country that embraces diversity as we are the melting pot of the world welcoming people from all corners of the earth to live here in peace with their hopes and  dreams of a life filled with abundance and prosperity. 

I know the time is now to set the tone and move forward in a spirt of tolerance, welcoming peaceful protests giving everyone equal opportunity to voice their opinions in a kind and productive way.  We can not expect acceptance if we are unwilling to accept, love if we indulge in hate, peace if we create turmoil causing pain and suffering to other. We can not be tolerated if we are unwilling to tolerate opinions, perspectives and choices. We are the arbiters of our own experience and we get to decide how that will look, moment to moment .

Empowering Tip of the Day: 

Let us consider our ability to stand united for peaceful, tolerant, nonjudgmental and all inclusive ways to demonstrate thoughts and feelings. There is no space for hate, hate speech, hateful acts against individuals and society at large. If we truly agree that tolerance and acceptance is what we desire then we must begin with self, recognizing that we are in complete control of our thoughts and ideas. Only we can choose to disempower ourselves by allowing our thoughts to be overcome with fear or choose to remain in our power and know that no single election cycle has the capacity to strip us of our rights, hopes and dreams. 

No one can live in power if they choose to stoke the flames of fear. It is pity or power..... Choose wisely.... your peace is at stake.....Life is a journey, not a destination. 

Feel free to post your questions and comments. I look forward to hearing from you. Remember we are all on this journey growing and learning as we go, so your input will bring enlightenment to many. 

In Power, Peace & Love, 

Mary Ann

Today is a Great Day to Make Today Great..... .