An Offsetting revolution

Something tragically awful has happened again in our country.

I feel deeply sad and confused.  Each time the thought of what happened comes into my mind, I send a little wish of peace and love to all of those who have been affected by this latest tragedy.

I also feel infinitely small.
I feel small because I truly believe that people are inherently good and I am continually astonished when these things happen.
I feel small because I don't know how to make it right.
I don't know how to fix this.  Any of this - whatever this is that makes some people so sad, or angry, or vengeful, or maybe it's all just really hopelessness.

In fact, in the grand scheme of things, I am small.
I am one human.
One woman.
One wife.
One mom.
One daughter.
One sister.
One friend.
One writer.

I am small by myself.  My impact may be great to those closest to me, but any farther beyond that I am but a dot.

But I am writing this - and you are reading it.  You, out there.  Another small person.

And maybe together we can fix this.
Maybe we can fix this world with an Offsetting Revolution.

There is already so much more good than bad.
there is.
there is.
Do you hear me?
THERE IS.

But it is so hard to see it today with the headlines bleeding and technology tempting and reality tv screaming and cursing for our attention.
Don't look away, they whisper.
Fear everything, they demand.
Trust no one, they warn.

And all that does is leave us by ourselves.
Small
and scared
and alone.

I promise you, there is good.  There is good inside of you and there is good inside of others.
Look around, I encourage.
Don't be afraid, I cheer.
Surround yourself with people that are joyful and grateful, I plead.

We must offset it together because when we give love and hope and peace to each other - we are no longer small.  We are great and powerful and able to lift the heaviness of the hearts of the world.

When
rudeness,
or gossip,
or impatience,
or harshness enters your day

- in any form -

make an attempt to offset it with
kindness,
or gratitude,
or patience,
or courtesy.

Be the bright spot in someone's life today.  Be the bright spot of your own life today.

Be grateful.
it is hard to be anything but nice if you are grateful.

If each small one of us offsets with kindness once today, imagine the release of negativity from our collective hearts.  What can and will you contribute to our shared human experience?
#offsettingwithkindness

Shared joy is double joy.  Shared sorrow is half sorrow.
-Swedish proverb