A Better Choice

/ Ann Coleman

I don’t know about you, but this past week has had an almost surreal feel to it.  Our nation’s long and contentious election is finally over, with a result that surprised many of us.  I had hoped that the end of the election would also bring an end to the ugliness, but sadly, that didn’t happen.  The internet is filled with the same intolerance, anger, attacks, and counter attacks that we saw during the campaign months and it seems as if there is no end in sight to any of it.  Sweeping generalizations seem to be the norm, along with finger-pointing, blame, and a complete refusal to listen to anyone who has a different point of view.

I actually considered taking a break from it all by refusing to watch any television news, staying off social media sites, and avoiding the internet all together.  It’s just too depressing, and sometimes makes me feel as if there is no hope for our country, or even our world, when so many people seemed so intent on sharing every single angry thought that crosses their minds, with no concern for whom they happen to hurt in the process.

But then I realized that by doing so, I would also be cutting myself off from many friends and family members who live far away from me and stay in touch via Facebook.  And I would also be withdrawing from the world of blogging, and I didn’t particularly want to take a break from the blogs I enjoy reading and from my blogging friends whose writing and comments usually brighten my day.  There is certainly a lot on the internet and news that’s upsetting, but there is also a lot that is comforting and affirming, and I can’t avoid the bad stuff without also cutting myself off from the good.

So, I decided that it’s time for me to simply get on with the business of living my life.  I’ll complete the necessary chores before me, continue with my writing and volunteer work, speak up (in a civil and respectful way) when I see injustice, and take care of my family and those who need me.  An when I do find myself feeling angry and threatened, I’ll try very hard to remember that it’s not okay to take those feelings out on other people.  I’ll also try very hard to focus on all that is good and positive in my life.

In just two days, my son is getting married to a wonderful young woman who is going to be a terrific daughter-in-law.  Friends and family are going to gather around them as they take this important step together, affirming their love and their commitment to each other.  We will eat, drink, laugh and dance (or in my case, try to dance) together as we celebrate this union.  Because often, in spite of everything that is going on around us, life can still be very, very, good.

img_1853

45 thoughts on “A Better Choice”

  1. Enjoy the wedding, Ann. This brings smiles. There are three things I don’t do in public: bowl, wear a bathing suit, and run. Well, there may be tweaked exceptions, but dancing is up there, too. I’ll be thinking of you boogying the night away and I, for one, would love to see photos. Enjoy! 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

  3. Ann, there will always be those who spew hatred & focus on everything that is wrong in our world. Do not allow any of what has transpired in the past few days to overshadow the absolute joy this day brings. Give in to your dancing moves my friend for in doing so, the world will feel just a wee bit lighter! Enjoy every moment of this experience!

    Liked by 2 people

    • Thank you Lynn! That is great advice! You are right, there will always be those who focus on the negative, and who make things out to be worse than they really are. But there is still a lot of good in this world, and there will be even more if we can remember to take care of each other, I think!

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Haters gotta hate, Ann. Best we leave them to their misery. You have much more important fun things to concern yourself with…:)
    Enjoy this beautiful fun occasion and forget about the rest.
    By the way, did you and your son decide to dance?
    We’ll be waiting for the photos😊
    Have a great time!!!!

    Liked by 2 people

  6. Oh absolutely Ann, the world continues, the days pass and all we can do is try and make our own part of it a better place. Which is what you’ve always done Ann. Focus on the wedding, how exciting that it’s so close. Enjoy it all my friend and can’t wait to see all of the photos. xo

    Liked by 2 people

  8. First of all, I agree wholeheartedly with everything you said in your post that was written in love and understanding. The Internet and the social media are just tools. They can be used for good and also for evil purposes, By avoiding these means of modern communication, we are cutting ourselves off from all those who need our support. All the best wishes for your son and his wife-to-be!

    Liked by 2 people

    • Thank you! And I agree with you about the internet and social media. Whether we uses them for good or evil is entirely our choice. And I choose to use them for good….the friends and connections I have made via this blog and social media are priceless!

      Liked by 1 person

  9. Thank you so much for your words. Tonight I find myself exactly where you don’t want to be, throwing back all the hatred that has been thrown at me. That’s not who I am and certainly not what I want to write about. My life can continue fighting with the “others” or being positive. Like you, I considered dropping out but I know that won’t work either. Thanks

    Liked by 2 people

    • Believe me, I understand. I once got into a very heated argument on the telephone and afterwards I felt so bad. As I told my husband, what bothered me was that I gave in to my anger and lowered my self to the level of the person who was being such a jerk to me. It’s hard to be strong and not engage when someone is being hateful toward you, and most of us can’t manage it all the time. But as you say, it’s not who we really are, so I think the effort that is required to do better is worth it. Stay strong, my friend!

      Liked by 1 person

  11. Thanks for reminding me of the excitement ahead for you in two days!!!!! YAY! focus on the wonderful and the lovely and the love! Can’t wait to hear about it all – especially the dance! ❤ Happy Happy Wedding Day Ann!

    Liked by 1 person

  13. Yes, a wedding’s something positive to look forward to – one of those things that are ‘ perennial as the grass’ in a dark and twisted landscape.

    I’ve been watching a lot of analysis after the presidential election and was surprised to learn that many people don’ t read newspapers at all nowadays, even online, and get all their politics from social media – which simply tells people what they want to hear or reinforces what they already believe – any untruth as long as it keeps them using social media. : )

    Liked by 1 person

    • Yes, it’s amazing how many “memes” filled with untruths are posted daily on social media, often by people who should no better. Yet few of us bother to do any research to see whether or not something is true before sharing it. And that just guarantees us with a steady stream of “news” that validates whatever our prejudices and beliefs already happen to be. Sort of scary, really!

      Liked by 1 person

  14. Ann, I agree the mean-spirited, pure hatred that’s been spewed all over social media has been disheartening. Especially so when it’s coming from one’s own family members. I got so tired of seeing everyone bashing the candidates. No one seemed to have anything positive to say about their candidate, so they resorted, it seems, to bashing the other guy/gal. One thing I love about the blogging world is the vast majority of bloggers are so positive! They want simply to bring a positive message with the world, to share a bit about themselves through positive creative self-expression. Honestly, I hardly even go on Facebook anymore because I’m too busy in the blogging world. Anyway, it’s over, thank God. Time to move on and hope for the best. Congratulations on a new daughter joining the family and have an amazing time at the wedding! I hope you’ll post about it.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Oh, you know I’ll post about the wedding! Hopefully it won’t be something about how I tripped going down the stairs or someone videotaped me trying to dance and put it on you-tube.
      I do think a huge part of the problem with this election has been that the basis of both candidate’s “appeal” was simply, “I’m not him,” or “I’m not her,” so there was nothing truly positive to say. But that’s still no excuse for the immature and hateful venting we have seen from supporters of both candidates, both before and after the election. It’s over, and all we can do is move on.
      BTW, I really like the post you wrote about the election results!

      Liked by 1 person

    • Thanks for the link!! It did help to put things into perspective… human nature plays much more into politics than we realized! But by explaining the reasons, he also gives us hope on how to heal and move on. Seriously, thank you!

      Liked by 1 person

  17. Good for you! I agree with what you have touched on and will try to continue to carry on until all of the ugliness dies down. I have to admit though, this time in our world is producing endless topics to keep me blogging for a very long time. Enjoy the wedding!

    Liked by 1 person

  18. Now that I am back home, I have fallen way behind on my favorite blogs. After a disappointing election outcome, I am trying to unscramble my view of our world. Fortunately, I have a wonderful life, and so much to be thankful for. Thanks for the encouragement.

    Like

Comments are closed.