Emile Zola: "If you asked me what I came into this world to do, I will tell you: I came to live out loud." [from a greeting card I made the centerpiece of a mixed media piece, then framed and placed it on a wall as a daily reminder.]
Many of us have been encouraged not to live out loud. Not to speak up. Not to make waves. Or rock the boat. Things just work out better if we don't speak up—better for other people, that is. Better for the status quo if we don't think and question and attempt to untangle the complexities: Justice. Ethics. Democracy. Spirituality. Violence. Empathy. Hunger. Poverty. Love. Fear. Hope. Suffering. War. Sustainability. Economics. Greed. Equality. Trust.
Sometimes I envy people who see the world as black or white, good or evil. The people who believe what they believe, "Don't confuse me with facts." Their blinders aren't uncomfortable at all; they'd rather not look around.
Acknowledging complexity and attempting to understand is a harder way to go. But I wouldn't trade places—even with the restless nights. Even those times when all the air goes out of my "hope" balloon. I want to live up to the accusation I've heard too many times: "You just think too much." My response has been If more people would think a little, or at all, I might not need to think so much.
This is one of those times in history when it's critical for all of us to live out loud. To think, to speak our truth and act on it. However we can. Fearless minds and willing hearts are badly needed now. There are "Help Wanted" signs hanging on too many sad situations in our culture for silence to rule the day.
Today I will seek out and reach out and give my best effort to making one thing better—or one person feel better—because I made the decision to live out loud. Coming with me?
No comments:
Post a Comment