Tag: donald trump

IT IS NOT WHAT YOU SAY, BUT HOW YOU SAY IT!

This is my favorite book. Read it no less than 7 times. Every time that I read it I either find something new I missed, or am reminded of some important aspect I forgot. One of the main lessons in this book it how you speak with and treat others. Yes, some of it has to do with getting them over to your side of an issue, but that is not the entire lesson. The core principle is treating others with dignity and respect.

Last post we discussed the idea of emotional maturity and self-control. What I see lately is not only a total lack of those two qualities from those in power, but a praising and celebration of treating others poorly. This not only confuses me, but saddens me as well. When, as a society did we praise people for lack of dignity and respect when it comes to dealing with others? We have people in the highest positions of power calling those that disagree with them, or sometimes even question them, terrible names followed by rants attacking their personal character.

They say that the empty can rattles the most. That could not be more true. If someone were emotionally mature, or even have an intellectual point to make in disagreement, they would not take the juvenile path of name calling and insulting. Not to mention to me, what is the greatest point we should ponder in all of this. When we call each other names or put someone down, especially on a public stage, we have no idea how harmful those comments can be. We never know what people are fighting in their lives. With the cost of living so high and the fear of violence as high as it has even been, it is more important now than ever to treat each other with courtesy and respect. That does not mean you have to agree with them. What it does mean is that we need to be emotionally mature enough to disagree with someone without acting like an undisciplined child.

What would we do if the insults and names that we lash out with is what puts someone over the edge? Can you imagine if your childish behavior lead to the loss of a life? Maybe it was the last loss of hope in humanity someone was clinging to? There is no reason to treat someone in this fashion. We can learn to respectfully disagree. Perhaps everyone might give this book a cursory glance.

COMING IN FROM THE COLD 🥶

Last post we discussed the seeds of division being sown by those in power. Many people have found themselves attached to a group they joined with the noblest intentions, only to find that group is now propagating hate, division and even violence against others. The sad part is they are sticking with that group because in a world that seems so polarized, it has become a part of their identity. They fear if they now agree that the group they belong to has gone too far, it will negatively reflect on them. It is up to those of us who do not belong to that group of hate to assure them that they do not have to remain part of such a cult. By stepping away they will not let anyone down. It is the group they supported that have let them, and so many others down. They have done so by spouting lies, twisting facts and doing their best to pit neighbor against neighbor. They do this to make it easier to control those in the group.

I would like you to read and ponder the poem above that was written during world war two. In today’s political climate, you could be in a group that is being persecuted. By pointing your fingers at your neighbors and blaming them for all of the world’s ills, you may have nobody left to support you should you ever be the victim of hate. Those neighbors could be in your neighborhood, or on the other side of the globe. Understand it is not your neighbors that are the problem. It is the leaders your neighbors are following. They are looking to distract you with hate and division in order to fulfill their agenda.

Think of this example with the ants. Then ask yourself, who is shaking the jar that has caused my own prejudice? What is their benefit for having me hate my fellow human? Do you get to know people without asking their beliefs? Even if your reason for hate is something as shallow as how someone looks, have you ever given yourself the chance to get to know them before judging them? The amount of things that we can learn and benefit from each other that we would lose if we fail put our hate aside is not only a shame, it is a disgrace. When we subscribe to these artificial reasons for hate and division, we have become pawns and puppets for those seeking to control our mind and way of thinking.

This was brought to my attention listening to the song Coming in from the cold, by Bob Marley. That is where the lyrics above come from. It can be the system that makes us hate our brothers (and sisters). It can, as the lyrics states, even make us kill them. This we have unfortunately seen far too much of lately. Political violence is not only a tragedy, it is asinine. You are committing a crime, and ending a life, for someone who not only does not know who you are, but could care less who you are. That person, though they may differ from you in beliefs or culture, often share the same struggles. They are trying to raise a family. They are trying to afford food, shelter and other needs. Whether you are committing a violent act, or simply filling your heart with hate, you have become a victim of the system.

It is only through working together, as human brothers and sisters, that we can solve any problem. It is through compassion, compromise, and understanding that we can coexist. This may sound like a fairytale in today’s world. That is what some would like you to believe. It is not that far away, and it must start with each and every one of us. Learn to accept someone’s differences. Learn to be a good neighbor. Learn to show compassion. Learn to compromise. Learn to understand instead of judge. When we do so, we are coming in from the cold and we can put those that seek to divide us out in the cold where they belong.

IT CAN STILL HAPPEN!

Look at the two gentleman in this photo. One is myself, one is my good friend Montell. Ok, there is also a guy unwillingly photobombing in the back, but let us focus on the two up front. Montell is wearing a Chicago Cubs baseball team hat. I am wearing a Milwaukee Brewers jersey. As this post is published, they are playing against each other in the baseball playoffs. It is a great team rivalry. I am also wearing a Green Bay Packers hat. The local football team. Montell is a big fan of their rival, the Chicago Bears. We are of different nationalities and have different skin colors. If I were to think a little harder, I am sure there are other differences that could be pointed out between us.

Why am I pointing out these obvious facts? Let me answer that by sharing one more fact with you. If you were to ask me to tell you about Montell, what would follow might take a while. None of it would consist of what I told you in the paragraph above. What I would tell you is that he is an amazing father, a great husband to his wife Tanya, a great friend, a compassionate understanding fellow to strangers he meets and one charismatic and talented entertainment with the microphone in his hand. There are more great things I could tell you, but I will just conclude by telling you that he is someone I hold in high regard.

I also forgot to mention that we drink the same kind of beer. It so impresses people that it is now the number one selling beer in the country. The second part of that statement is true, not sure if it has anything to do with Montell and me, other than our purchases of it. What is the point of the fact that I hold someone who shares so many differences with me, some like the sports teams could be opposite, in such high regard? It is the fact that it is possible. Those in political power would have us believe that Montell and I should not like each other. At the very least, that I should not hold him in such high regard. This has to be one of the stupidest trains of thought.

You might want to sit down because I am about to tell you something that just might blow your mind. Two people can have different, often conflicting, beliefs and opinions and still respect each other and hold each other in high regard. This should not be news worthy. With the demonization of political rivals, people of different races or that come from different places, we seem to be regressing. This was a popular sentiment in 1930’s Germany. It did not end well. It is up to us to not fall for such ‘black or white’ ‘us verses them’ mentality. There is a great truth in the cliche of “Divide and conquer.” By turning us against each other, we are easier to control and manipulate. If you find yourself a part of such a group, or following a person who actively promotes hating someone different than you, work to get out of it. We will touch on how to do that a little more in tomorrow’s post.

When I think what a great friend and person in Montell that I would have lost out in knowing, I can’t help but pity those who fall for such division. Yes, I did say “fall for”. You cannot lump all people of a certain category, whether that is race or astrological sign, together. Each person is an individual and has their own story and set of experiences. My grandfather used to tell me, if you hate someone, you just do not know enough about them. You will never convince me to hate an entire group of people. Not only am I not foolish enough to believe that an entire group of people have no good people in them. Nor am I foolish enough to believe that someone is less than, or that I have to hate them simply because they belong to a different political party, have a different color of skin or are different than me in any other way. I encourage you to come back tomorrow to learn more about reclaiming a peaceful and loving world.

BE THE SMALL AXE

Are you frustrated by the fact that out of touch politicians make decisions for the working class? It often amazes me to hear people who are so wealthy that they have never been to a grocery, some who don’t even know the meaning of the word ‘grocery’, tell me that grocery prices are not that bad. I suppose if you make millions of dollars a year, the fact that the price of coffee is up 15% and vegetables are up 40% would not phase you too much.

Looking at our own government here in the United States, I am not sure if any of them earn less than a million dollars. All of these folks are making decisions for you and I. That may all seem a bit overwhelming. It can also lead to a great deal of frustration and leave you feel like you are far too little to make much of a difference. Like walking in a forest of huge trees, you feel rather small.

As I was driving along pondering this, life provided the answer. A Bob Marley song, Small Axe, came on the radio. The chorus of which is “If you are a big tree, we are the small axe sharpened to cut you down.” No, Bob was not advocating deforestation. Jamaica, after all, is known as the land of wood and water. It is a Jamaican saying that even a small axe can take down a big tree.

In this metaphor the ‘big tree’ are established powerful oppressors and the ‘small axe’ is a united group of people working together to bring an end to that oppression. The word that jumped out at me is ‘sharpened’. Yes, a small axe can chop down a big tree. It can do so quicker and easier the sharper it is.

In this case, sharpening is being educated. It is being united in cause. It is having a strong and well-defined ‘why’. The point of this is not to feel overwhelmed when considering all the oppression in the world. No, remember the power of that small axe that is you. Remember to spend your effort sharpening that axe! Educate yourself. Unite with others and do not fear the large trees of corruption and oppression.

*no trees were harmed in the creation of this post. We do not advocate cutting down real trees

RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS DAY 😇

Today is random acts of kindness day. It is our chance to make the world a brighter place for each and everyone! Don’t think that one act of kindness could make a difference? There are over 8 billion people in the world! Imagine if just 1% of them did a random act of kindness. That would be 80 million people doing a random act of kindness. Let us say that act only affects 1 person. That brings us to a total of 160 million people being positively affected! Consider the ripple effect and you can’t begin to imagine how big this could get. All that from one simple act of kindness.

It can be hard to decide what kind of act of kindness to do. Above are some great ideas! These are certainly not the only things you can do. They are just to get you thinking. One thing we can notice is how many of them will positively affect far more than just one other person. Consider one of my favorites, picking up litter. It may not give you that initial boost of dopamine that a personal interaction could, but imagine how much you could improve the world! Using our numbers above, say the 1% just picked up 3 pieces of litter. That would get rid of 240 million pieces of trash! Think of that much garbage removed from the streets and sidewalks of the world. Can you imagine if each person just did a small grocery bag full?

Let us take a quick look at some of the others. Donate to a food pantry. That is a good one! According to the all wise Google, the average American throws away between 219 and 400 pounds of food each year! That is crazy. That amount is equivalent to 30-40% of the total food supply in the country. Imagine if that food went to people who were struggling. My mother donates to her church’s food pantry. I often think of the good that does. Not only does it allow for the feeding of people who are down on their luck, often through no fault of their own, but their children as well. It also shows those individuals that someone they don’t even know cares. That will give them faith in themselves and humanity. What you donate to a food pantry could help several families, not to mention children. Again, just using the 1% figure, can you imagine the impact that could have?

All these ideas above are so good that I am going to try several of them! Start the math on that. If the 1% did 2 or even 3 random acts of kindness! Buy someone’s coffee. How great would you feel if a stranger just paid for your coffee? hand a bird feeder? Helping out our feathered friends. Put a book in a little free library? Another great one is giving a good review. How many business have the headache of dissatisfied customers telling everyone about an issue they may have had? As a business owner myself, I can tell you how amazing good reviews feel and help! (In case you want to jump on that go to http://www.amazon.com/author/neilpanosian) I could go on and on about each one of these.

How about you? What is your favorite random act of kindness to do? What would you like to see others do? Let us spread this message and get as many people involved as we can!

DON’T BE AS SHEEP 🐑

Here is a post I could do in this country every four years. That would be election time. In this country, there is two main political parties. There are really several others, but people do not usually bother to learn about them. In fact, when it comes to voting those who are to lead our country, there seems to not be a lot of thinking at all. More so, is picking a party and gathering facts to support the party you have picked. This is then usually used to post on social media or start disagreements with family and friends. On occasion, perhaps a complete stranger who may be foolish enough to ask our opinion on politics.

This is not only true of politics, although that serves as a great example, but in many areas of life. People accept what those in positions of authority, whether that is parents, political or religious leaders. We are like the sheep Seneca spoke of. That is not to say that many of these people are not good leaders who have our best interest at heart. We should, however, step out of the crowd and find out for ourselves. Seek a little higher ground so we can get a better view of the big picture. Learn facts from unbiased sources. Do our own independent judgement. Even more important, approach the subject and world with an open and compassionate mind.

Do not be like a sheep following the crowd. Instead use your head to think and develop opinions that are your own. Most of the people you are following have little or no knowledge of your own personal situation. Remember to approach life with an open and compassionate mind. Others can hold different opinions and still be right. What is right for them and their situation can be different than what is right for us.

BE A PART OF THE NEW HOLIDAY!!

Starting now

With all of the craziness going on in the world, I am proposing a brand new holiday – UNIFICATION DAY. This holiday will be all about bringing the people of the world together.

We are all tired of this

UNIFICATION DAY should involve commitments by groups to do a better job working together for common goals. That could be different faiths setting aside the ritualistic differences and work towards common goals such as love and compassion. Reduction of violence between religions and many other common goals.

It should also include those of different political leanings. Work together for the good of the people. Help each other become more understanding. Work together to help small businesses and to educate those who may not usually have the opportunity. When we are all educated, the world benefits.

Love one another

Lastly, let there be commitment to work together as members of the human race. Let us refuse to be divided by race,economic standing, or any other issue that could divide us.

UNIFICATION DAY can be a day where we stand up to those that seek to divide us and do it with a spirit of love for one another. Host a UNIFICATION DAY party where you invite others that differ from you to celebrate, love and respect one another. Learn about a different faith. Perhaps give your time and effort to help those struggling with issues that you are grateful enough to not have in your life. If you have any ideas for ways we could celebrate UNIFICATION DAY feel free to share them in the comments below.

AN IMPORTANT ELECTION DAY REMINDER!!!

Let us all remember this

In the United States, today is election day. It seems every four years when we choose the leader of our country things get more tense and divided than the election before. Civility and respect tend to disappear and are all too often replaced by things such as insults and in the worst case violence.

Win or lose, this last year has been tough on all of us. There has been,of course, a terrible pandemic that has affected everyone in the world in some fashion. There have been losses, both financial and of life. Dreams have been shattered and lives turned upside down.

With all of these trying circumstances, you would think it would help feed feelings of compassion and a desire to help each other. I believe that is yet to come. Although we may differ greatly on the paths to take, I believe we all want the same things. We would like an end to the pandemic. We would like an opportunity to pursue our dreams and see our friends and family again. We would like to see the smiles behind the masks once more.

Our plan forward

While we cannot force things to change, there are certainly things we can do until that happens. We can fill our hearts with hope for s better future and for it to arrive sooner than later. We can pray, whatever our faith may be. We can pray for the health of the world. We can pray for the healing of our, and other’s hearts. In the meantime we can fill our lives and our world with as much joy as possible.

It is our love and compassion for each other than has not only helped us get through the most difficult times, but has lead to the greatest breakthroughs and advances in history. In a world that often seeks to divide us, let our love be stronger than their division.

DO NOT LET YOUR EMOTIONS OVERWHELM YOUR DECENCY

In this crazy world we have many issues dividing us. Wear a mask verses don’t wear a mask. Open the economy verses quarantine. In the United States we can also add an election.

It is more important now than ever to remember we can disagree and still respect each other. Even issues that have our passions and emotions running high, we must understand that is often the case on the opposite side as well.

Many crazy things have happened in 2020. Let us add one that we choose. May it become one of the first times in recorded history that we managed to stay united as humans despite our differences.

There is no need for name calling. That is something we should have learned in elementary school. When someone differs in their views there is no need to insult their character or them as a person. There is certainly no need for violence and destruction of property, especially that of innocent people and children.

Let us rise above our basic and primal instincts to show how good humanity can be in the face of grave challenges. We cannot control the news,we cannot, and should not try, to control our neighbors. We can, however, control ourselves. Let us hold ourselves to a higher standard and carry ourselves and treat each other with dignity and respect. It is not easy, but it is our only way forward.

My wish for all of us this week – may we hear more compliments than political ads.

TIME FOR REAL CHANGE

In the wake of recent events the pace of change is accelerating today faster than it has in a long time. In many respects that is good. Giving those who have not had a voice a platform to speak. Addressing issues like racism and inequality that have plagued our nation for far too long. Unfortunately, there are many cases when people searching more for revenge and less for equality dominate the headlines. Violence and vandalism distract from what is a very important message.

I would like to see the world begin to create some real change. Peaceful protests are needed to bring the attention to issues that some may have ignored and others may be ignorant to the fact they have even existed. Now that many of the issues are on the table, we need to move forward in a constructive manner to institute real change. Toppling statues of leaders that were cruel and unjust is one thing. A more powerful route is to topple senators that still are. For the world to see real change, for people of every color, creed and sex be treated fairly we must educate ourselves and take action. What can you do? Learn where your elected officials stand on issues that are important to you. Make sure you are registered to vote and encourage, and assist if needed, others to do the same. Vote out of office those that seek to divide us and vote into office those that are pushing for the world to come together as one. Vote for peace, vote for love, vote for what you believe in, but whatever you do, vote.

Enough of this political banter. There is an even more powerful change that I have witnessed a lot more lately. What is that change? LOVE. Throughout all of the violence and negativity we have seen on the news, I have seen a different sort of change. I have seen many more people displaying a love and respect for others who may be different than them. A great example – The other night I had ventured to my local coffee shop to create some of these blogs. There were two young African-American ladies there studying for what appeared to be some exam. They were hard at work but still sharing some laughter. Shortly after I arrived, an elderly white couple came in and began to play bridge. With the social distancing in the coffee shop, there was not many tables to choose from. This created a rather ‘cozy’ atmosphere among the three tables I mentioned. I was lost in the world of my typing, which happens quite often. The next time I looked up the elderly lady had walked over to ask the young ladies what they were studying and to compliment one of them on their outfit.

This story may not seem like anything to mind-blowing, but it was heart-warming. Why? It is the way the world should be. From what I have seen in the past, people from different worlds do not often communicate with each other. Whether this was out of fear, a perceived lack of things in common (trust me we all have a lot more in common than we think) or some other reason, it prevents us from really getting to know each other. In a world where there needs to be some tough conversations, it is vital that we respectfully communicate with each other. If you think of tough conversations you have had in your personal life, you know how difficult that can be.

One of the most powerful ways that we can foster change is to simply love one another. Not only does this make sense from a social perspective but it has been the theme of almost every spiritual belief system as well. The golden rule. Below you will see how that very axiom is promulgated in nearly every spiritual text. Yet again, something we all have in common. No matter what belief we follow, we should all do our best to love one another.

Let us change the world. Let us change it with love. Let us change it now.