R-E-S-P-E-C-T

I'm big on respect. Giving it, receiving it. I get irritated when people don't respond to a text where a question was asked. I abhor instances when drivers don't let pedestrians cross in front of them in parking lots. Even more upset when pedestrians don't give the "thanks" wave. And don't get me started on people who stand in the middle of the isle or stop right in front of you. But I digress.

So I'm really struggling with the hate and disrespect towards the President right now. Hear me out. I know he is not saying or doing things right. I know what everyone thinks of him and how he is performing. I am not a fan. But let's imagine, just for a minute, that we were in his shoes. Every single thought, comment, movement is scrutinized by the media and the public. And this happens to every President. This is not a discussion for comparisons, only my thoughts on how Presidents are treated. Can you imagine if every tweet (which, let's be honest, should be removed from the Oval Office) every handshake, every interaction with your spouse was put on display? How would you look? I wouldn't look so great. I would look like the sinner I am.

Should everyone agree with the President's agenda and Philosophy? No. Should people be able to voice their opinions to the contrary? Absolutely. But there is a way to do it. And refusing to meet with the man is probably not the best way to get your agenda heard or recognized. I see and hear about so many people who refuse to meet with him or anyone on his team. When have we ever had a compromise or a resolution when there wasn't a discussion?? How can two sides ever agree, or agree to disagree, if they don't hear both sides?

I think we are basically all acting like kids. And I really don't want to hear how "I will show respect when he does". Really? Be the bigger person. Be the example. Be the person you say you are. Show the world that, even though others aren't willing to work together, you are. Don't return hate with hate. Don't immediately assume someone doesn't understand or care. Honestly, just don't hate. It's wrong and stupid and lame. It's killing us. Literally and figuratively.

All the Feels

I read a book, Captivating, by John and Staci Eldridge. One of the things I remember is that the world is lucky women are so emotional. We are often taught to think or believe or act that having a lot of emotions are a bad thing. But if we aren't emotional, who will teach our kids to love and be sad and be angry and be happy? And all those things. Who will teach our children that it is absolutely ok to have those feelings, to have the attachment, to care about something enough to BE emotional? I often joke that men are dead inside. But I really don't think that is the truth. I think they are taught that men are not supposed to be emotional. One of the pastors at my church cries every time he delivers a sermon. Some might find this weak. I find it amazing and uplifting. I love to hear him speak. Because I know he firmly and truly feels what he is saying to us.

So why do we, as women, try to hide our emotions? Is it because we are scared of looking weak? How many times have you told a friend or your kids or anyone that it is ok to cry? That it is ok to be angry. To be hurt. To be excited. To be not okay. Or to be better than okay. How many times do you say, I'm fine, when someone asks if you are ok? Friends, I'm not okay. I'm emotional, and it isn't even time for PMS. So I have no idea what is wrong with me. I'm just in a funk. One that has lasted longer than normal. And that is okay. I will be fine, but if I'm honest, I'm not right now. I want to be alone and have a good book and good food. For a few days. I can't do that right now because life happens. So right now I'll settle for going to get a pedicure at lunch, with a good book, and hope that helps. If it doesn't, I'll try something else. I guess the point is that sometimes it isn't easily fixed. So we have to keep trying until we are good. And we have to tell people we aren't ok. Tell your mom. Tell your spouse. Tell your friends. You might be surprised how willing they are to help or give you that weekend away or that night alone. You never know.