Looking squarely at what is

I’m a reformed Pollyanna. Rose-tinted sunglasses were firmly perched on my nose for the majority of my life. While I wasn’t a total rube, I figured my sunnyside of life point of view could conquer all. This was the disorienting state of affairs from which I ordered my mind. I could never reconcile the constant onslaught of violence, particularly as it relates to our country's children.

The challenge to a Pollyanna identity is this extraordinarily violent reality. There is no adequate happy middle between the two. The events of Ulvade, Sandyhook, and the 2,032 school shootings since 1970 are a clear indication that violence is not a bug, but a feature of this reality. This violence is by design, someone benefits. A bitter pill for any Pollyanna to swallow.

So what are we kind-hearted folks to do?

Don't deny the reality in which we live. The forces of unconsciousness and anti-unconsciousness loom very, very large.
Accept that for unconscious and anti-conscious beings, violence in and of itself is deeply satisfying.
Understand that those of us striving for consciousness are visiting this reality, we did not create it and our ability to change it is severely restricted.
Continue to lead with vulnerability and kindness which threatens the war reality.
Focus on the creation of new realities. Interpret this however you choose.
Be prepared to fight for your reality and creation.
Buckle up, it may be a bumpy ride

For those that are empaths, who feel, within our physical selves, the suffering of others, the waves of violence are relentless bodily stress. Know that there is no amount of suffering on your part that will challenge this reality. Your suffering won’t make unconsciousness or anti-consciousness diminish. Instead, love hard, out-create the hate, stop apologizing for your point of view, lean in with joy, and be wildly and unapologetically you. Finally, get support in whatever way works for you. I'm here when you need me.