I have been meaning to re-launch this blog for sometime. The thoughts have been there along with the time. So why not? A dozen milestones have come and gone. Why start with Earth Day?
Because Mother Earth is crying out for help and it is up to us. We can talk about our carbon footprints or global warming. The need to recycle, protect our wildlife, use less fossil based fuels and even planting more trees.
Yet,I will save those issues so close to my heart for a later date. Today is about universal energy. The light that flows through everything and everyone. Our connection with one another.
Call me a modern day hippie. I believe in Peace. A major political issue that we mere citizens have no control over. Or do we? Peace does not start with power house nations it begins with us. It begins with acceptance.
Growing up my parents exposed me to all different kinds of people. Of every color, religion and economic status. Giving me the wonderful experiences of all heritages, backgrounds. Within my work as a makeup artist and the theatre, I found myself making friends with those of different sexual orientations. I learned early on that love sees no color. That money does not give you class. Nor does the lack of it give you none. That love is a wonderful, marvelous thing that should not be discouraged in what ever form it has been blessed upon us. That every one has a story that deserves to be heard.
Being a mom of a special needs child has taught me that one must not judge. Thirteen years ago I may have believed in accepting those you were different. Yet, my voice remained silent. I may myself have judged someone without knowing them. My son changed that, teaching me that it is okay to be different. That within judgement comes pain. Real emotional pain that was inflicted on my son by classmates, strangers, even some of our friends.
My sweet son who has nothing but love in his pure heart, who has done nothing wrong but to be autistic. His stimming, his social awkwardness, his world, leaves him vulnerable. Vulnerable to verbal and physical attacks, rude stares and comments from those who know nothing about him. To even be shunned from parties that our once so called friends had without an invite with his name on it. He learned early on that being different was not acceptable in today's society. I am out to prove that being different can be and should be celebrated. My mission is for him to celebrate his differences, see them as a blessing, not a curse.
While I cannot shield him from ignorant people. I can raise him in an environment that celebrates everyone and their unique qualities. To surround him with loving spirits that will lift him up.
Within our circle of friends that are more like family. He along with his older sister find comfort in those of all nationalities, economic status, religions/spiritualities and sexual orientation. Strong role models that provide them with the love, the foundation on which to base their own independence. So, they too that can learn that love knows no color, that money does not give you class, nor the lack of it gives you none, that love in no matter what form is a marvelous gift.
So my message, my request this Earth Day is to celebrate Universal energy. To look beyond the stereotypes and find it in your heart to accept those different than yourself.
Instead of shunning that neighbor of a different race than you. Smile and say hello, start a conversation, maybe you will become fortunate enough to make a new friend. Instead of judging those with less material goods than yourself, donate to a food pantry or homeless shelter. Feel blessed that you are in the position to help. When you see a gay couple holding hands, replace your hate and disgust with happiness and joy. Celebrate the fact that they are sharing their love with each other, with the world. Attend a church or spiritual celebration with those of different beliefs than yourself. Have an open mind, an open heart.
When your son or daughter's birthday approaches encourage them to invite that kid in class, neighborhood that is a bit different, the one who has a hard time making friends. You cannot imagine how much that would mean to that child and their parents. You cannot imagine the impact it can have on your own child.
Everyone has the ability to change the world, one moment, one act of kindness, one small wonder at a time. Uplifting words, actions tend to come back to us. Blessing the giver with even more positive energy than the receiver.
So you see, Peace is possible, if only in our own hearts.
Happy Earth Day 2010 everyone!
We are all children of the Universe. So be kind and love one another.
Peace, love and light,
Mitzi
