Why must we react?

Have we taken the need to participate too far? The old saying was that you were not part of the solution or you were part of the problem. I think maybe we’ve forgotten the crucial step that is in between these two opposing views. We need to take the time to think and reflect. We need to decide that it is okay to not know what is right and what is wrong until time has passed. We have become a nation where, “I don’t know,” isn’t acceptable. You have to pick a side and you have to do it quickly. We need to decide that it’s okay to wait until facts are in and even then to not decide. It’s okay to say, “I am not sure.”

One of the more valuable things that I learned in school was how important it was to see both sides of an argument. One of my classes contained had some lessons in debate, and we actually had to prepare cases for both sides of the argument. I think somehow we have forgotten there are two sides to most issues, and often both sides contain some logic. Mehmet Oz said, “ The opposite of anger is not calmness, it’s empathy.” Empathy may be one of our most powerful tools in life’s toolbox. Instead of the golden rule, I think of it more as a level. We want the little bubble to be in the middle, that’s fair. We are so busy fighting that we’ve forgotten that the bubble only shows when stillness reigns, and both sides work to find the balance.

Next time someone asks you what side you are on, remember that it’s okay to not choose. It’s okay to see that both sides have valid points and to feel bad for the “wrong” side.