The DC thing, the political thing, and the COVID thing wear me out. It’s all depressing and discouraging. I bring it up because I know if I am feeling unsure, some of you are too. We don’t suffer in isolation. If I need something, I know someone else also does.

As I see it, I could rant and rage about this, that, and another, trying to sway others to my point of view, but it would only contribute to what wears me out. On the other hand, having like-minded people in my circle of friends gives me a sounding board, and I feel more validated and less excluded. I can share my real thoughts and not be silenced or shamed by louder voices and eye-rolls.

Like you, I need my thoughts, not to be accepted necessarily, but received. Most issues have two sides, and if mine is different from yours, I want you to cut me a little respect and at least listen. If I need that, I know you do too, and therein lies the problem in what wears me out—like you, I have found my clear opinion but have lost tolerance for yours. That, my friend, is one sad deal for everyone—all of us.

Are you starting to see the mental health issue here?

I am thinking of the unrest in our country as I write this, but the same applies to relationships. What do you think contributes to suicide, divorce, abuse, and all other uglies in our homes? Closed minds open floodgates of emotions. Hyper emotions lead to unleashed words and actions. A snapshot expands into the bigger picture.

Many families share the same thoughts and solutions to what wears me out, and many do not. We seem to have drawn a line in the sand where one side is WE, and the other is THEY.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but absolutes, such as right/wrong, good/bad, white/black, unless we are dealing with math, are signs of illogical and inaccurate thinking. Two opposing groups, as with two individuals, cannot both be 100% correct or incorrect. It’s impossible. Even parents must admit their kids are often spot-on.

Extreme opinions are often created and sustained in fear, a contributor to anger. Whether violence/peace, Republican/Democrat, or no mask/mask wears you out, we all need to move toward the center, and that includes individuals, schools, organizations, and government. If you have extreme beliefs, you probably need to examine and challenge your fears.

You might be saying, 50/50 isn’t possible. You could be right. But, I grew up in a community and country where it was close, and I want it back. I want to agree to disagree, alter my opinion because I see yours is also logical and valid, and contribute to a world that doesn’t benefit only me.

What wears YOU out?

Until the next time: Live while you live.

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