Just one day.
That's all I want - one day.
One day where nobody calls names, where nobody feels hate, where nobody lashes out. One day where everyone feels at peace, and is happy.
As for me, I am deeply tired, exhausted to my bones. I mean that in a physical sense as well as mentally. Everywhere I turn (not just here) I see division, anger, hatred, frustration, and sorrow. I know this is a difficult time, and I know many of us are hurting.
But for one day, I wish we could just be kind to each other. If I were an idealist, I would hope for a lifetime of that - but I'm realistic. I know better than to hope for even a single hour... but as I said, I can dream....
So here's my wish for myself and everyone else: As much time as you can find. As much joy as you can hold. As much love as you can feel.
Take a deep breath, look around you, look at what you wish to accomplish in your life, and just think about it all for a few minutes.
Then think about your family, your friends, your neighbors, and the rest of humanity. Think about what they want and what they need.
Take a look at the beauty of this world, and what could be... if we could all, even just for a day, work together towards happiness for all. Towards a better world for everyone.
Look outside yourself for just a moment, and see what is possible.
And smile.
Then see if you can pass that smile on to someone else. The only time happiness is truly realized is when it is shared with others.
I know some of you will read this with a cynical eye. I'm enough of a pragmatist to get that. I know this will likely be dismissed by some as fluff.
But realize this - I'm doing this as much for myself as for anyone else, because right now I'm feeling very old, very tired, and very cynical. I need this perhaps more than anyone I know at the moment. So I'm going to post this, and then I'm going to take my own advice. I'm going to show you some of the pictures that relax me, pictures that help remind me of how beautiful life can be.
I like what Keith Olbermann said in his most recent Special Comment, because I feel like he gets it - that the quickest way to happiness for yourself is to pass it along to others. It's why I put it in my signature line - to remind myself of what's really important:
"Spread happiness... share it with all those who seek it."
And even if you don't like what I've said or what I've posted - I hope your day is wonderful anyway.
Thanks for listening.