The Green Ribbon Project, Volume 1: Hatred is a Symptom of the Times

We are going through a division like many of us have never known or experienced. While some may have long felt a sort of separation from others in life, and perhaps society in general, this is a new world for all. Even for past generations living among us, this is a paradigm shift that no one was prepared for.

We were flung out of the frying pan and straight into the fire; coming out of a quarantine, heading into protests and clashes between good and evil, then back into quarentine. The good people involved in the Black Lives Matter movement and the violent, racist riot groups such as The Proud Boys have torn the country apart while we arrive in a tumultuous election season. None of these events have transpired without taking an emotional toll on us, as well as creating rifts between us and our loved ones. The hate that has grown on all sides of the isuse, and the tension that is destroying relationships runs rampant through our lives. Politics and social matters have divided me against some of my extended family, and due to my strong beliefs, I have little remorse for the situation.

Having said that, try your hardest to not hold onto hate, and instead use your feelings to inspire justice, and emancipate others from the corruption and chaos that is ruling our society with an iron fist.

Consider how you have been treating others during this time; more importantly, ask yourself how you have been treating yourself during this time, as that connection is the catalyst for your relationships with others.

The compounding of these situations merge together creating new territories for fear and instability. Our fears are mounting on each other and creating a tunnel effect, breaking down our ability to handle daily events that arise with normal life.

Allow yourself space to heal from the evils of the world, and focus on loving what you can.

We are still going through the aftershocks and coming to grips with our reality while quickly being forced to deal with an onslaught of problems. Some days it takes an immense amount of mental and physical strength for some to just get out of bed to do the bare minimum, let alone function at a high level.

On the flipside of hatred, I have found that there is so much love that can be shared. I have grown closer to friends; opening up in ways that I never thought I would be able to open up to anyone. It is so important to reach out to others, as we can still be connected while socially distanced. Remember, you can choose any method to heal that best suits you, so long as it is not harmful to yourself or others.

Keep fighting the good fight, and always remember to love, not hate.

“You can’t change the hatred. You have to outvote it.”-John Pavlovitz

*Update as of 1/6/21

As we have seen, the U.S. Capitol has been breached by far-right extremeist groups calling for Trump to remain as acting President due to baseless theories that the election was rigged in favor of our incumbent President, Joe Biden. This brazen display of white Nationalism forever put a nail in the coffin of inequity in this country. Call it what it really is: Domestic Terrorism.

Let’s talk about how this inundation of violence affects those who struggle with mental health issues; those who are already beyond weary of the ceaseless events caused or worsened by this administration. I know many of us have reached our limit long ago, and since getting to that point you may find yourself shutting down and growing either complacent or numb to thre world. This is completely normal, and it may be necessary for survival. Ensure that, when you are able, you take stock of your feelings and make sense of them in a healthy way. You know what is best and healthiest for you. Right now I implore you to stay vigilant, informed enough to be aware, and to find joy even in the darkest of times. Without hope of a better future, we have nothing. Have the tough conversations that you need to have, and never be afraid to speak up when enduring mental anguish. We need to be supportive of each other, and have the courage to be open in our feelings. Don’t let the darkness win, be the light that needs to be seen in the world. We can do it together.

“Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” -Albus Dumbledore