THE BEST VOTE I EVER MADE
Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for kindness. — Lucius Annaeus Seneca
I went on an election cycle this morning. I could feel the anticipation of cars zooming passed me. It was cold, yet exciting. Election day is upon us. Red, white and blue through and through right?
I’m not going to get into a republican or democrat debate. I’m simply going to share with you a story. This particular story was written in my head, while cycling.
As I rode past the Republican headquarters on PCH, I could feel the roar of red. It was the red of the republican party. It was the roar of Donald Trump. That’s what I first heard. Soon after, I felt the calming blue of the democrats. I rode past sign after sign of Joe Biden. The clash felt intense.
This is the conflict of voting. This is what I dislike the most. There are many things I do not enjoy, and politics and the election is right near the top.
So, what do I do?
How do I lead myself and my family?
I’ll give it to you simple and practicle. It came like a whisper while I was speeding down PCH. The whisper went like this, “treating others like yourself, being kind and showing love is the greatest vote anyone can ever make.”
That’s the quote. That’s the vote today.
This day and season will end quicker than we will ever realize. All the tantrums and who’s right will eventually wash away with new storms to argue about. That’s the nature of politics right?
However, how you treat others will echo into eternity. Not just what you say, but “how” say it. This is something I get wrong so, so, much. You can ask my wife to fact check me. In my mind, I feel like I “say” the right thing. But, I find out later, “how” I said it, ruined everything.
So, instead of trying to win and make others lose face, what if we reached out with kindness or love? I can hear you reading this saying, “geez, this guy lives in a galaxy far, far away doesn’t he?”
Maybe I do.
Maybe I’m just tired of people arguing or “cancelling” people because they didn’t get what they want? Life has become uber eats for anything. If you don’t get what you want, when you want it, you cancel them. Maybe, you even write a review or post on social media how terrible your experience was. Simply, because you didn’t get your way.
Maybe I want our actions to be something we are proud of in 10 years?
Maybe I’m hoping for people to become better friends through this election and pandemic?
My vote this year and every year is kindness and love. Making others feel dumb because they lost or voted for someone you didn’t like is childish. It’s 100% bullying. It’s not anything I want to be a part of. It has no place in our home or near our hearts.
I’m learning to be better at this. I’m learning to be better at “how” I say things. I’m learning that these seasons are only temporary.
Always be learning. a.
