Love in Spite of Politics

Let’s face it, it’s been a tough year! And it’s torn a lot of us apart.... both personally and within our relationships. 

Personal difficulties have stemmed from job loss, not seeing family members, or losing a loved one.  Relationships have been torn apart from strong differences in opinions.  

Yes, that’s usually why relationships are broken, but this past year has been exceptional. We have faced, as a country, a multitude of issues. We’ve had differences in opinions on the seriousness of the pandemic, mask wearing, kids attending school.  We’ve argued on racial injustice and police brutality. And of course, we’ve disagreed over the presidential election. 

Sheesh, that’s a lot!  And our emotions run higher because these topics deal with serious issues that affect our health and well-being.  

Even though we are battling these issues as a country,  sometimes it’s our closest friends or family members who are on “the other side.”  And THAT really crushes us. How could someone we  love and respect feel that way?

Some of us have tried talking through our differences with friends and family but discussions quickly became  heated.  

So what do we do? 

Unity doesn’t mean keeping the peace by avoiding people who have different opinions from ours. That just keeps us  divided.  It means coming together in spite of our differences by focusing on the things we have in common.  

Remember the reasons you love each other.  Remember what brought you together.  Remember the things you used to laugh about - and all the good times you had. Those things haven’t changed. 

We have to let things go. Keep politics out of the conversation - at least for now.  Maybe forever.  There’s a reason experts tell us to avoid discussions on politics and religion.  

Agree to disagree - and be respectful of each other’s opinion!  You don’t have to agree on everything but the hating has to stop!  

Don’t let your friendships go.  You will undoubtedly regret it. Good friends are hard to find. Why deny yourself a caring relationship? Why throw away good memories? 

The next step is kindness.  I know it sounds too easy.  I know it sounds cheesy, but it’s true.  

Reach out by making a peace offering to someone you’ve been avoiding.  Most the time you will be welcomed with open arms.  

There are many people calling for unity right now. Being the owner of a website that promotes kindness, I make it a point to seek out  similar sites. I have been blown away by the number of websites, Facebook and Instagram pages promoting kindness. 

Why so many?  

Because most of us do not like the the state of unrest we are in right now.  We just don’t know how to get past it.  

Kindness really does melt the coldest of hearts, and it really can change the world.  It just takes that first step. 

Pick up the phone.  Call your friend. Agree to disagree.  

#UniteUsWithKindness 

#LoveAmongUsWebsite

  The 2020 election magnified just how severely our country is divided. Regardless of political affiliation, deep down, we all know we need unity. We all know we need to heal. Our country is at its best when we are the "United" States of America. 

With much of our division being politically routed, it will be difficult for leadership to pull us all together. We have to take the healing process into our own hands. Each and every one of us needs to make a conscious effort to heal. But how? How do WE heal the country? Believe it or not, it's as simple as being kind. And, as cheesy as that may sound to many of you, it's true. 

Being kind isn’t about digging deep into your pockets for charity: it’s simply showing compassion and thoughtfulness towards others - something we all can do. But, it's especially effective if it's toward people who are different from ourselves - different beliefs or opinions, culturally different, difference in age, etc. 

Kindness is literally contagious.  Did you know, the positive effects of kindness are experienced in the brain of everyone who witnessed the act, improving their mood and making them significantly more likely to “pay it forward.” This means one good deed in a crowded area can create a domino effect and improve the day of dozens of people! And, being kind doesn't just heal others, there is scientific proof that being kind heals our own bodies too. Just as exercise releases endorphins that makes us happier. Acts of kindness produces oxytocin, sometimes referred to as the ‘love hormone’ which helps lower our blood pressure and improve our overall heart-health. Oxytocin also increases our self-esteem and optimism which improves our overall mental health. Our bodies were created with a need to be kind. You can view more of the health benefits of kindness at https://www.dartmouth.edu/wellness/emotional/rakhealthfacts.pdf

The Power of Acts of Kindness video shown above was a story featured on CBS news nearly three years ago (pre-pandemic), but its powerful and inspirational message will warm your heart still today! 

Recently in the news we saw Ellen Degeneres' video showing her and former president George W. Bush sitting together at a sporting event.  Ellen explained later that even though the two of them have different opinions on politics, they are friends.  She proposed the question, are you friends with people that have different opinions than you? and if not, why? 

Dana Perino, former White House  Press Secretary  for George W. Bush  addresses this issue in her book, "And the Good News Is..."   In the book she says:

" I think  the best way to be respectful of someone else's point of view is to  keep in mind your opponent's intention - often the end goal is the same (better education, safer streets, more jobs) it's just the method to get there that's in question.  So if you don't start off by thinking the opposition is evil, but that they want to get to the same place you do, then you are already on your way to having  a more civil and productive conversation."  She goes on  say:

     " The scathing language used by many of our elected leaders, candidate hopefuls, and political pundits is beneath them.  When did public service turn into a bad episode of Real Housewives? 

     American's understand that Congress is meant for debate and argumentation. But what bothers them is that it seems that elected leaders can't get along at all.  Hateful comments have become normal in Washington, and that's made for some of our greatest disappointments. In their personal lives and businesses, average Americans  have to work with people they don't necessarily agree with all the time - but they can set that aside, be constructive, and get results. So, they ask, why can't Members of Congress do the same? 

     Something has changed in Washington, D.C.  Political leaders who used to be held in high regard are now so desperate for attention in a crowded media world that they continually let themselves and their country down by making uncivil  and outrageous comments about one another.  This has degraded the entire institution." 

Dana's book was published in April 2015 - 5 years ago. Politics have only gotten worse.

There was a time when Americans respected our President, regardless of whether or not they were the candidate they voted for.  Today, sides seem to be much more divided, finding fault in everything the other side says or does.  Social media only makes this situation worse.  

I challenge you to be respectful of the other side.  Focus on finding one positive thing.  Come on, you can do it!  Remember, each party wants what's best for our country.