Happy birthday to everyone celebrating! As you read this, I’m enjoying Christmas at a friends house, most likely now settled in to cuddle their cat (hopefully I’ve figured out how to cuddle this sweet boy with my broken arm in mind).
My family circle has shrunk even further this year with the death of my sister-in-law Karen, my dear niece’s mother, who lives at home in California. I may visit the remaining family here in Arkansas, but I only have Christmas leave from my day job, and I’m taking care of the cats/house during the holiday. Moreover, I can’t drive for three months because of the broken wing, so…
Although life has been dark lately, there is so much to be grateful for. I have friends who have proven willing to drop everything to help, including giving me a place to stay while I recover, driving me to appointments, and donating to help pay for my medical expenses. I can truly count myself among the lucky ones.
However, there are things I wish for, not just for myself, but for all of us.
A break from politics.
All politics, at all times, is not healthy for anyone, especially those who have forgotten or never learned civics lessons, including what the Constitution actually says, the importance of checks and balances in a healthy democracy, and how bills become laws. (Thanks also to “Schoolhouse Rock!” and Arkansan Bob Dorough for this in a simpler time.) Politics has a way of consuming its followers and turning them into screaming puppets with no entertainment value. I don’t want to turn into Statler and Waldorf, but I will if that’s what it takes to make some of you calm down.
True peace.
Just one day without any country bombing another country or threatening and/or killing civilians. One day without anyone fighting an online battle for entertainment. One day without reckless people making everyone miserable and making others regret their decision to keep the peace. One 24-hour period in which we all think about what is best for our fellow human beings and not ourselves. Is that too much to ask?
Don’t answer that.
More joy.
I’m talking about the pure joy that comes from something simple, like watching birds, squirrels and other wildlife at the park or in your backyard, or from the laughter of children. It is that joy that takes pleasure in happiness, not in the misfortunes of others. Some of us seem to have forgotten that. I recommend spending time with kittens, puppies, and children.
Real connection.
I know some people are tired of me talking about Threads, but I’ve made some good friends there, precisely because many of us decided that it was connection that mattered there, not clicks. That’s why we’re honest, and sometimes we share too much, so when we find someone who really understands us, it’s completely different than just gaining a follower. For introverts like me, it’s been a godsend, and I’m grateful for the new friends I’ve made on my own (which is a big thing for me).
love.
Whether it’s the love of a significant other, a parent, a child, a sibling or other relative, a friend, or a being, we all need to feel loved unconditionally. It’s part of what makes us truly human and able to empathize with others who may be suffering, rather than enjoying what they’re going through. To get this kind of love, we have to give it, which means we may have to confront and overcome what sometimes makes us hate.
It’s worth the effort.
It wouldn’t be a column from me if I didn’t also want more chocolate, cat friends, and sweet words, and as always, I do (tonight will probably be cocoa night with my cuddling boyfriend). However, I also wish for more understanding of our fellow human beings, especially if we have more than they do. Even if that’s not the case sometimes we excel in ways that others don’t, but that doesn’t make us better, just luckier.
In the meantime, I ask for a little understanding about the need for a shorter column this week. Thank you for reading.
Assistant Editor Brenda Loper is the Voices page editor. Email her at blooper@adgnewsroom.com. Read her blog at blooper0223.com.
