So we all know that 2016 has been somewhat of a rough year for humanity as a whole. That's not to say that there haven't been wonderful things that have come about in 2016. I mean we got a resurgence in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter with Fantastic Beast and Where to Find Them, and Snapchat got filters so it hasn't been a total fail. But in all seriousness...here are some hopes I have for humanity in this coming year. I wholeheartedly expect people to fail me because well, we're people and we suck...but why not try our best, you know? So...
In 2017 I hope:
1. we are quick to listen to those who think differently than us with a respectful and open mind. Now this goes for everyone. Conservatives and Liberals. Atheists and Christians. Dog lovers and Cat lovers. Let's all try to understand that diversity is the spice of life and those that have differing opinions from our own aren't idiots and that maybe we can learn things from each other.
2. we are slow to speak out of harshness or anger. Honestly, aren't there are enough angry people screaming at their spouses, their kids, opposing news anchors on Fox/CNN, etc. that we could all use a break? Let's stop and think about our words before they come flying out of our mouths. (THIS INCLUDES SOCIAL MEDIA)
3. we are slow to knee jerk reactions of hate, condemnation and mocking. I mean does this one really need any explanation? Like...just stop. Everyone. Stop.
4. we exercise the right to kindly and respectfully disagree without slander or cruelty. OK this one really goes for social media. Posting a reaction to something you heard about the future president or a rogue police officer or what have you 10 seconds after it goes online does NOTHING but spark outrage and unrest. If you have to post, do your research. But even then ask yourself...am I doing this to validate my own opinions? Or am I doing this to sooth the "righteous" anger I feel in this moment? Think. Research. Pray. THEN post. (if you absolutely must...or just don't)
5. we have the strength of character to let things roll off our shoulders instead of venting on social media. I realize that this is sort of beating a dead horse now, but it is really such an issue of our time. Let me say this as clearly as possible...SOCIAL MEDIA MUST BE USED RESPONSIBLY. There are things that are said and done in our world that are horrible. I mean, unspeakable acts of violence, cruelty and hate. Things that deserve our outrage and outcry for justice to be served. But by turning every celebrity tweet, political misstep, or common human error into a front page news story or #1 trending topic, it takes away from the real issues. I think a more common term might be "crying wolf". Can we agree to be outraged when a situation really calls for outrage and to be slow to anger and slow to slaughter someone via social media when something is clearly an accident? Give people an opportunity for apology and correction. I mean seriously, the fact that Sarah Michelle Gellar accidentally mistook George Michael's passing for Boy George's should never be a trending topic. *insert eye roll emoji here*
6. we have the courage to do our own research and not gobble up what the media feeds us. We are the most gullible that we have ever been. Please friends, do your research. Don't just believe what you hear on Fox/CNN/NBC etc. As a society we are good at presenting falsehood as reality. Don't be fooled. Do your research. Then form your own opinion.
7. we place kindness and love at the top of our "to-do" lists. This world is seriously lacking in kindness and love. Don't be afraid to take the hard road and extend kindness and/or love to those you think may not deserve it. You'll be amazed at what you might get back in return.
I'm sure I could add to this list until we reach 2018, but I'm going to stop here at lucky #7. This is our chance to start fresh. It's a new year, with new possibilities and new challenges. Let's make the most of it! Make a big change. Do the thing you always wanted to do but "never had time to". Become a better person. Let's collectively agree to "aim higher". I believe in us. 2017...let's do this.