Changing Our Children with Respect

We all act in our contacts with others.  We all hide ourselves behind walls or faces that aren't our own.  As adults we seldom feel we can be ourselves because, "what might others think of us?"

But learning the value of respect and caring really begins when we are young.  As young people we often find ourselves mistreating others because someone we're trying to emulate and impress.  We do it without thinking and without feeling at all.  That is part of growing up, but it doesn't need to be.

Adults can step in, instead of standing back and nodding and noticing.  They need to do that more.  They can say something, or simply step forward and be the example of caring when someone is is being bullied.

Why don't we step forward more?  For some it is because they are mired in their own fears.  Sadly, I know for me that has in the past been a driving force.  I think we all need to take a page out of one my own personal heroes' books.  Leo Buscaglia realized early on that caring for others was more important than looking good in other people's eyes.  In his story about is entrance into school in the U.S. after moving here with his family told not of success but of the love he learned about in a class for those who are handicapped.  If I remember the story correctly, he was put there because he couldn't speak English.  There he saw more love shown through hugs and caring than in any normal educational setting he has seen since then.

We can do so much through caring - we can do little but create hate through anger or aggression.

Pass on the love.

Time Will Tell

The election of the century is almost here. Tuesday will be probably be the biggest turn out for voting that our nation has had in many years if the early voting lines in some states is any example of what is to come Tuesday. The excitement for change, or stability is strong and the chance to actually vote is higher than it's been in so long!

I'm excited to be voting in an election that I see clear and very different choices something that hasn't been there in years. For those of us who are old enough to remember the 1964 presidential election we can remember the distinct lines between conservative Barry Goldwater, and the liberal Lyndon Johnson. Though I was not able to vote yet, that election fired up everyone where I went to school, and though it was rather lopsided the election made for interesting debates amongst many who saw the distinct differences.

Interest in the presidential race comes down to the issues and how important people feel they are to the country. We've had 8 difficult years and there is a taste for change in the country, but a change to what and whom? Whatever happens Tuesday and even on into early Wednesday will be a change. I'm ready to vote today! But I have a little over 36 hour to that voting hour for me. I'm a bit antsy and anticipating an all night vigil.

I wonder where will we be heading, and what will the theme be for the next four years? We will have to wait a few days. Only the next few days will really tell.