In a world gone mad, it is easy to be frustrated, negative, and fed up with the insanity occurring daily around us. As much as most of us would like to be free of the quagmire of insolence, arrogance, superiority, and disenfranchised benevolence we are too often subjected to, we often unintentionally and unknowingly become part of the problem by joining the mayhem. By joining the name calling, the divisiveness, the righteous/self-righteous indignation, and hateful rhetoric, we internalize the insanity and become a supporting prisoner to the frustrations and negativity we would like to end. As a result, we make our lives more miserable and less functional for ourselves and those we care about most. We rob ourselves and in turn family and friends of happiness and eventually humanity. That is no way to live!
So, why indulge in the insane foreplay that leads us to despair, distrust, disillusion, and frustration? It’s simple – it is the only game we know and feel comfortable playing. The only way we know to be relevant is to insert ourselves into the game even if we do not like the rules of the game being played. In a world where everyone wants to be heard but no one knows how to listen, we sometimes take more issue with opposing opinions than we do with the issues themselves. For the sake of having a stake or word in the game, we are willing to sacrifice what is most important – our friends, family, humanity and happiness, and for what? For the possibility we might convince someone we are right?
I have been as guilty as anyone, but lately, I have come to realize when all this nonsense is said and done, all that will truly matter is the friends and family left in my corner and those who accept me in theirs. Therefore, although I remain on social media, I have stepped back in hopes I don’t alienate the friends and family I have left – they are by far more important than anything I have to say. The name calling, the divisiveness, and the hateful rhetoric has left me drained and apprehensive about opening Facebook. I may be alone, but I am ready to feel human again and once more look forward to hearing from friends and family on social media without the constant badgering personal and political warfare. Again, I may be alone, and it may be a personal thing, but listening to the constant complaining and bitching (my own included) has left me tired and longing for more positive interactions.
That is the only way to live.
JL
©Jack Linton, October 19, 2020
I Don't Mean to Offend, but . . . . 