Rose colored glasses.

We live in a harsh world. Let’s just put it out there. This statement is not made in angst or “woe is me”, but factual. From the earliest stages it is competitive, it has expectations, and therefore you can be a disappointment before you are even born.  We start playing games not just for fun but to find a winner. There’s always that superior pinata batter, spelling bee player, or Ivy League graduate. It never really ends. We compete to find a spouse (seriously, have you “dated” lately, it is a competition-with a lot of F’s), to have the best position at the best job, and we won't get started on our appearance. With all these expectations and needs, we can easily forget the purpose of it all. To enjoy our time here! This life goes by faster than we think. Each day is literally a gift, a blessing that we can spend on this earth with all its amazing beauty. But it is so easy to miss it all. I can easily get so wrapped up in stresses of what needs to be done and all of my “plans” that I miss it ALL. Literally, the whole day. Not recognizing the trees, the beauty of the wind blowing, the couple walking together hand in hand, the little girl who is clearly learning to walk, still awkwardly trudging one foot in front of the other. And seriously, I live in sunny Florida, so if I’m stuck in darkness I know other people are!

These little moments we choose to miss out on because we’re focused on other things. These moments, the precious moments are what we need to see more of. In this world of chaos and pain, we have to choose to be present. And take responsibility over the outlook we choose to have and the lives we choose to live. When I’m driving I can either think “Oh no buddy you aren’t getting in front of me” or “Go ahead sir, have a good day.” Which one of these thoughts will bring me more joy? I have to remember that everyone projects their pain in different ways, and we are literally all doing the best we can. The next time someone gets fussy with you, look at them and realize they are hurting. Something in them is causing that pain, so what can I do to help them have a better day. This is really not something that comes easily for me, but I try.

And it helps, because I believe deep down everyone is in need of love. And as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said “Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.” You never know where someone has come from. So many people have come from real struggle, felt only pain, even considered ending this life. I have had those dark moments, and it is terrifying. But those other moments, those heartfelt, beautiful, life affirming moments are so powerful. I hold on to them. I take each one and put it in a bank somewhere in my soul that just believes in the beauty.
Because at first glance, I do see a harsh world. Everyone seems so angry, clearly holding onto so much pain and disappointment. But it is what we choose to see that rules us. We can let it eat us up, or do something about it. I can’t live in that darkness, I need to see the beauty or I couldn’t go on. I heard a quote the other day which read “Life would be tragic if it weren’t funny.” And that is so true. It’s hilariously tragic. I have to laugh at the crazy or I wouldn’t want to do it at all. So, when I do remember to put my rose colored glasses on, I will rock them. Namaste.