A Reflection on Humanity and Suffering in the Public Eye

After receiving such an immense response to a post I wrote on Facebook yesterday, I'll share it here as well. It is so humbling for me to have people who read that post to not only continue to share it with others, but to admit that I had expressed the same thoughts they had been having but that they just didn't know how to share them. That, to me, is possibly more important than what I said in the first place; to give a voice to those who have strong emotions and convictions inside of them but they don't know how to express them.  We really shouldn't hold back those kinds of feelings. Of course, we never want to be insulting or offensive to others, but when we have a bold and courageous point to make (especially when it comes to spreading peace and equality), we should not hold back!

So here was my post, in response to the negative media that has occurred as the result of the sudden and tragic death of Whitney Houston. But keep in mind, this is not just about Whitney. This is about everyone who's life was lost way too soon, for reasons beyond our common understanding. RIP to all of them.

I have to admit, I find it sad that it takes the tragic occurrence of a celebrity's death to invoke such a strong response of honor in the death of those of non-celebrity status. Not to say some of us don't honor "others" every day of our lives, and not to say they shouldn't honor those. But seriously, what is the point of this negativity?! Celebrity or not, addict or not, psychopath or not, we are all human. In some form or another, we all suffer. Who are we to assume that any one death, or loss of life, is more honorable than another? I, for one, will make no such assumption, because celebrity status or not, military status or not, high social status or not, we are all in some way heroes, or at least we strive to be. Let us not lose our sense of humanity because someone completely distant from us has lost themselves to their own personal struggles. Let us fulfill our own strength from our own struggles, and learn genuinely from those around us who lacked the strength to overcome such struggles. Seriously...think about who it is that you are hating on when you share such general thoughts in such a dispersed, and public manner. You are merely "sharing" the thoughts of others, and likely ones that are not entirely your own. I'm willing to bet some of those are people who would stand up for you in a second. So all I'm saying is think twice before you "share" the hate.

Stay Human, Stay Creative

It seems like society and social norms are constantly working to make us uniform robots that follow the lines laid out before us.  Routine can ruin creativity.  As you go about your day, break out of the mundane same ol' same ol' thought process and take a moment to light a fire within.  You are a unique creative one-of-a-kind individual.  Your soul, while ultimately connected to all others, is unique in its own right.  Spread your wings, do your dance, show the world what you're made of.  Fall down, get back up, repeat.

Standing on the job

I've always wanted to try it, so I finally set up my desk so I could stand all day rather than sit.  It's tiring, I won't say it isn't, but that's partly the point.  I'd much rather go home tired at night knowing I stood all day than go home tired at night knowing I sat all day.  It's been 5 days so far, we'll see if I can keep it up.

As always, making one change in your life can have a ripple effect beyond your expectations.  With standing all day I find I can think more creatively and my focus is stronger.  I also notice I take the stairs instead of the elevator.  I park farther away from my destination.  I fuel up in the morning with these crazy whole food shakes I've been making.  It has all come together to hopefully make me a better person, living a healthier life.  I've already noticed a massive drop in any stress, panic, anxiety etc.  I just plain feel better over all.  Here's a snapshot of a typical smoothie in the morning.

Welcome to the BEAN as well!  I look forward to sharing this crazy ride and journey of life with you and anyone who cares to observe or grab the wheel themselves. Be good to yourself today.