What if, just what if, we deeply believed that humankind was inherently good rather than bad? What if we could look at our own selves with a clear eye and apply that belief? You see, like so many others, I grew up with certain beliefs systems that told me otherwise, that humans were base beings, riddled with sin. But that idea has never truly stuck. There is too much kindness, too much love, too many individual souls I've been blessed by for me to believe that. So what if I personally tried to view every person I came in contact with as inherently good, even in the face of poor decisions, even if they've lost their way? How would that change my interaction with them, how could that change the way they view themselves? What if I (and by this I mean each and every individual one of us) saw how bright our light shone, how beautiful our hearts were, how even in the face of daunting adversity, we made the best decisions we could possibly make and were proud to stand by them? I guess this all boils down to this: what if we loved ourselves without reservation, without agenda, without pride, just loved ourselves for our own beautiful, messy, goofy, melancholy, stubborn, insightful, rich souls?
I think this could change the world.
So really what I'm trying to say is this:
I believe you are deeply, deeply good.
Plus I think you are beautiful.
And I think your soul is perfect.
I'm glad you're here.
11 comments:
you are a SUPERB human as are your parents - yes, humanity is inherently good otherwise what is the point
I like your idea. Life taught me not to trust anybody - I felt all professionals including doctors and teachers didn't care about me - it was just a job - just for money. Then I became a teacher. I cared. It made me realise I had to give others the benefit of the doubt. So now, until I am shown otherwise I believe people do care and are inherently good. It is a happier way to go through life.
Your idea is making me cry. A win, Kelly. A win.
gorgeous, and I couldn't agree more. something happens when we see everyone as inherently good. compassion blossoms, and I think that is something worth believing in :). I am so glad to have *met* you, and I quote another favorite blogger " i love your soul" :)
xo
someone wise said to me today, "living in the present is what we're called to do" - its true, so much time wasted on reflecting past or dreaming the future - but relishing, taking a firm hold on the present... So I too find myself blogging/emailing/washing/sleeping sporadically but finding joy in being alive right now.
you're a good soul kelly, I'm so glad to know you.
Even the hymns sung as I was growing up referred to man/womankind as "such a worm as I". When I observe life BURSTING out through heavy concrete, irrepressible life I celebrate being a treasured part of the universe. Nothing wrong with healthy earthworms doing their rich work in the soil, but to believe we are inherently bad contradicts life itself. I celebrate your voice in the universe Umber Dove and am inspired.
Oksana - YOU are a wonder, thank you!
Piggywhistles - It IS the best way, and truly, TRULY, I think in order to be a great teacher, one must care and believe in the good. Keep walking tall and true sister!
Lizzie - Truth. xox
MJ - Blossoms is the right word, isn't it? It's such a beautiful lens to look at the world through and lady, I'm SO glad we've met.
Windy - Exactly right. It's one of those things that can be so easy to forget, but when you are truly present, doesn't everything seem a little more saturated, a little brighter, a little deeper? I relish your words.
Dragon - Irrepressible Life. AMEN SISTER, AMEN!
I have thought about this a lot from time to time. It is easy to get lost in the idea that everyone is out to get us and make our lives harder. But we don't know the half of what is going on in their lives! Show a little love to the world and be amazed by how it can love us back!
OK. i shall attempt to look for the good. i promise you that. right now i see more of the "bad" in some people, but i shall endeavor to turn that around in my mind's eye.
[i already see it in you and a few other folks that have been placed into my paths....]
All I have to do is watch a baby or even one of my 4 year old students and I'm reminded that we all come into this world innocent, and eager to love and be loved. If I look carefully I can see that child in almost every adult.
I couldn't love this more. Really, I think you are talking about forgiveness ... which also has a lot to do with loving yourself. Thank you for putting so eloquently into words, Umber.
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