If I Had A Dream...

If only we could be taught love and inclusivity as easily as we are taught hate and exclusion. If only we could remain as open-minded as our children who have yet to understand the cruelty of the real world. If only there would be no cruelty left in the world. We would remain in some forms pure. No longer would we find conflict in those that are different from us, we could embrace the things that make us different because at the end of the day we all bleed the same.

In recent times, there has been a divide created in our society. Our opinions and personal choices have caused us to distance ourselves from people we once cared about. I tend to look around and ask myself, why? Since when has one personal opinion mattered more than another, or one is more right than the other? As long as the opinions and beliefs of others aren't spreading hate and aren't affecting us in a negative manner directly, who are we to tell someone they are wrong to feel the ways they do?

I look at the world and wonder what it will look like for my children. I spend days wondering what I can teach my children so maybe one-day things can be different. I remind them when they are done with some of their belongings, instead of looking to make a profit, try to find someone who may be struggling and could really use what they have. When in public, it is rude to point and loudly comment on the appearance of another, instead we should just smile and wave. A simple smile could turn someones day around. If one of their friends is mean to them, I remind them to be kind because they don't know what that person is going through.

If I had a dream, similar to Martin Luther King Jr., my dream would be that our children be raised to be emotionally intelligent. They will be aware of their emotions and how to handle them, but also sympathetic to others. When in need, their friends can turn to them as a shoulder to cry on. All children will continue to grow and include other children of all shapes and sizes in their play. As they develop and become more aware of the world, they will continue to make a choice. That choice would be to not view the world in just black and white, but in all its vibrance and differing perspectives.

If I had a dream, social media would become a thing of the past. No longer would we be glued to a piece of technology. We could make real and true connections. Maybe then families would once again become a unit and share meals and their days together. Relationships would become stronger and better foundations could be built. No longer would we compare our lives and the things we have to that of others because the entirety of our lives couldn't be shared with the world. Maybe then there would be less conflict and less misery.

If I had a dream, we would lend a stronger hand in more than just a time of need. It is beautiful to see the world come together after a disaster and how quickly we work to solve the problem. Imagine what we could accomplish if we came together outside of those times. So many lives could be changed and bettered.

In my dream, 2022 will be the year to foster more kindness. Smile at strangers, I myself will smile back. Teach my children and yours to be more inclusive, no child should play and learn alone unless they absolutely want to. Don't look to make a profit off of old items, there are so many places that could use a donation. When you can pay it forward, lend a hand, be a shoulder to lean on. Never take what you have for granted and always be grateful for the here and now. Spread a little more love, teach a little more acceptance, and be more inclusive. I know I will.

In honor of MLK day and while we await Random Acts of Kindness day in February, be kind, spread love, and stay safe.