Standing Up For My Morals

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"Being tender and open is beautiful. As a woman, I feel continually shhh'ed. Too sensitive. Too mushy. Too wishy washy. Blah blah. Don't let someone steal your tenderness. Don't allow the coldness and fear of others to tarnish your perfectly vulnerable beating heart. Nothing is more powerful than allowing yourself to truly be affected by things. Whether it's a a song, a stranger, a mountain, a raindrop, a tea kettle, an article, a sentence, a footstep, feel it all - look around you. All of this is for you. Take it and have gratitude. Give it and feel love." - Zooey Deschanel

One of the most important things to me is openness. (Hence the title of my blog). The ability to let people into your life, get to know them, build friendships, and treat each other with respect. I've written before about the beautiful ability to be good without God and religion. It's a very popular subject when people question my atheism. But instead of answering that again, I want to write with a different approach. It's all about perspective. 

You know when you were little, and your mom or dad or sibling or teacher told you to be nice to your friends? That you should treat people the way you want to be treated? It sounds so basic, right? But for most of us, that got planted into our brains at a very young age. I think it's more complex than we see it. We learned how to live in society and be accepted.

Some people took that advice and did their best to live by it. Others might have lost that tenderness. But whatever the case is, we were born with hearts and feelings. I don't believe this is something that God gave us, but I do believe in morals. I believe that as humans, we are extremely lucky to be able to feel so many emotions. To learn the difference between what is right for the world and what is wrong. 

The point is, we are all capable of being good. 

It's sad when we discover how cold humans can be. It might break us down a little. Maybe a lot. But that happens every single day, unfortunately. And we can either give up our hope for humanity, or take it as it is and strengthen ourselves. After all, we are humanity. The way we are today, right now, is going to affect the ones who come after us. That's just how it is.

So get in touch with your emotions. Stand up for yourself. Don't let anybody try and tell you not to feel. And don't apologize for that. Pick your place in humanity.

6 comments:

  1. Sorry, my computer crashed as I was commenting earlier.

    I'm really not much of a reader, but every time you post another "article"--if I can call it that--I am amazed at how well you communicate your thoughts.

    Your intent is always transparent and even though you dangle on a risky fence every time you write and share with your friends/family, you remain delicate in your writings, and I see that as a sign of courage and maturity.

    I'm glad you've given people a way to read, and understand, your feelings through this blog. I am always excited to see that you've posted another update on Facebook. Please continue doing what you are doing. If no one else appreciates it, at least know that you'll always have one fan.

    - Nate

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    1. Nate, thank you thank you THANK YOU. Seriously, thank you. I could say it a billion times. It means so much to me. I have this blog for myself, yes, but I mostly have it for the chance to relate to other people. It makes me feel so good when I can get across as least one point to somebody. Cheers.

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  2. Adri, every time you come up in my thoughts for even a moment, I feel grateful to know you. I'm not sure I agree that some people aren't just born callous--genetic sociopathy strikes me as making good evolutionary sense--but by the same token, it's almost bound to be true that some are born with hearts four times the usual size. Everything I know about you makes me suspect that you are one of those. You make me less cynical--not just by writing, but by existing.

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    1. Dan, that is one of the sweetest things I've ever read. Wow. Thank you so much. Is this Dan Patten? Or am I mistaken?

      Anyway, I do believe in genetic emotional disorders. Especially when it comes to depression and anxiety. That's proven most of the time. I just believe everyone has a chance to be better and deal with those things.

      Thank you so much for the comment. You are a golden soul!

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  3. Adri, you and your brothers have always had good hearts and you treat people and animals with kindness and respect, always have and I know you always will. The world is a better place for having you in it. I am proud of the way you stay true to yourself and live your life the way you do. I love you and and so grateful you are my daughter and friend.

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    1. Mamma, I love you. I'm beyond lucky to have the family that I do.

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