Post updates by email:

No matter where any of us live, we've all been greatly affected by what's been going on in the world. It seems that lately, whenever we read or hear anything in the news, it's inevitability about shootings and/or terrorism. The world appears to be filled with so much anger and hate, which seems to be causing an intense rippling effect.

And I have to be honest with you, in reaction to these atrocities, I too went through a period of feeling not only anger and hate, but also a heavy sadness.

I was deeply distressed by the shootings in Orlando several months ago because as you all know, I lived in Orlando for 15 years; therefore I knew of the club where those young people were slaughtered. I also have a dear friend in Orlando who works with a woman whose daughter was shot and killed on that horrible night. I was so grief-stricken over what happened, that I could not stop crying whenever I thought about what the parents and loved ones must have been experiencing. I was also tremendously angry. In fact, there came a time when I couldn't even talk about it because one minute I would cry my eyes out, and the next minute I would experience a tidal wave of rage and resentment.

Then, only a few weeks later on my lunch hour one afternoon, I turned on my cell phone and began reading about the massacre in Nice, France the night before. In horror, I watched video clip after video clip of what happened, but had to finally turn off my phone and leave the restaurant because again, I could not stop crying. That night after I got home from work, I sat on the floor of my apartment and sobbed from the center of my soul while thinking of those poor people in France who were brutally murdered.

All I kept asking myself over and over again was, "How could anyone do such a thing? How could anyone be so hateful and cruel as to rent a semi-truck and then use it to mow down innocent people?"

I literally could not wrap my head around the fact that someone could do such a heinous thing.

To me, it was like witnessing a holocaust.

For many months I have wanted to post about my thoughts and feelings, but knew that I was not ready to do so because I didn't want to just spew venom. I needed time to process the anger and sadness that I had been feeling, and then discover how I could express myself consciously.

You see, what really concerned me was that because of what was happening, I was quickly losing faith in the world and mankind. I began to feel as though there was no kindness left in the world. I started to focus my attention on all the things I didn't like about people and the world. I began to feel as though human beings were hopeless, and that the whole world was turning into one massive piece of human waste. And what especially worried me was that I would eventually turn into a bitter pessimist, when in fact, my natural nature is to be a hopeful optimist.

So I pulled myself away from the media and stopped watching the news. I had to. I spent more time within nature because nature has a way of healing whatever ails me - whether it be physically, mentally or spiritually - nature seems to put my senses in order.

I spent much of my free time taking long walks and hanging out it in the park where I live; sitting on a bench or in the grass under a tree and allowed myself to purge whatever it was I was thinking and feeling.

I also asked nature for clarity and healing.

Which I received.

However, I want to be perfectly clear that in no way will I ever forget or forgive what happened. I simply cannot. Yet, I will no longer allow what happened to transform me into a pessimist; causing me to lose faith in the world and all mankind. And that no matter how some people are capable of acting out in horrible ways, I truly believe that most human beings are naturally kind, caring and loving.

Nature gives me hope and confidence that no matter happens, it always finds the strength to endure and rejuvenate.

So keep the faith, everyone...


And have a beautiful weekend!
X

36 comments:

  1. This was a great (and very well written) post Ron. To be sure, these are scary and uncertain times.
    I heard somebody say that if we succumb to how these events make us feel, then the terrorists will have won. I think those words are very true, and apply to a lot other things that are happening these days.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Ron, this post brought tears to my eyes because I have been feeling the same as you about all the horrific tragedies in the news lately. Like you I had to pull myself away from the news, on television and the internet, because it was really getting to me.

    I really like what Pat said about if we succumb to how these events make us feel, then the terrorists will have won. I agree.

    Wonderfully expressed post, Ron. And thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings because it helped me in my own thoughts and feelings.

    ReplyDelete
  3. http://ladyfi.wordpress.comFriday, August 19, 2016

    What a moving post! I feel your pain and hardly dare read the news these days... But it's important to keep faith as you say - to spread small ripples of good around the world. Thank you for your inspiration!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Excellent post, Ron. I too am appalled at the way things are in the world today. 'Why' is the question I would like an answer to. What compels people to violence? Is it some newly formed decease or has it always been so? I have done my share of weeping and now only read news on my iPhone because of it's brevity. Yet, I feel guilty for 'switching off'.

    A blogger wrote 'if you had the choice to visit the past or the future which would you choose?' Interesting question.

    I hope you have a peaceful and worry-free weekend, my friend.

    ReplyDelete
  5. "if we succumb to how these events make us feel, then the terrorists will have won. I think those words are very true, and apply to a lot other things that are happening these days."

    Thank you so much for sharing those wise words, and I TOTALLY agree!

    Thanks a lot for stopping by, Pat. And have a terrific weekend!

    X

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hey there Candice~

    It got to the point where I had to temporarily shut off all the tragic news because it was consuming my every thought. It seemed that every single time I watched the news, it was about another shooting and/or terrorism.

    Yes, isn't what Pat shared inspiring? I liked it too.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a super weekend!
    X

    ReplyDelete
  7. " to spread small ripples of good around the world."

    Loved that, Fiona :) And I soooooo agree! One of the positive things about all of this tragedy is that it's causing me to notice the good in people in my day to day life.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a lovely weekend!
    X

    ReplyDelete
  8. Good morning Valerie!

    " 'Why' is the question I would like an answer to. What compels people to violence? "

    Yes, I've thought the same exact thing. And also, where is all this violence and anger "stemming" from?

    "A blogger wrote 'if you had the choice to visit the past or the future which would you choose?' Interesting question."

    OMG...I read that three times, what a VERY interesting and thought-provoking question. And I will ponder that question over the weekend.

    Thanks so much for stopping by and adding your thoughts and feelings to this topic, my friend. Have a lovely weekend!

    X

    ReplyDelete
  9. Thank you sooo much for your lovely post, Ron. Truly, I share many of your feelings. I, too, am by nature a Debbie Sunshine kind of gal. But with the misery flooding the air waves these days -- from nature's wrath to mankind's viciousness -- I've been challenged to keep my optimism. Everybody seems to be hollering at each other, blaming each other, and reacting inappropriately. I wonder if the relentless heat and humidity have something to do with that??

    Like you, I've found it's best for my sanity and peace to turn off the noise. To back away from the complainers. To avoid the negativity. I find solace in music, walking, nature, and of course, being with Dallas. Writing, too, and prayer/meditation are some of my outlets, as well.

    Our world has suffered a blow from all this meanness. But I refuse to let the monkeys get me down, and I hope you won't let them disturb you either. Our world, I'm convinced, needs optimism now more than ever before. Here's to a beautiful weekend! xx

    ReplyDelete
  10. Beautiful post, Ron. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. I don't know where this world is heading, but I know it would be a much better place if we had more people like you. Take care, buddy!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Ron, you put into words so eloquently much of how I've on this topic. You write so well! I too cannot forget or forgive what happened, there is no way. But I do not want to become so embittered that I lose faith in people and the world, and that's how I felt at first.

    "And that no matter how some people are capable of acting out in horrible ways, I truly believe that most human beings are naturally kind, caring and loving."

    So well said! I too believe that people are natural good.

    Thank you for sharing this post today, Ron. It really touched me. Have a beautiful weekend! X

    ReplyDelete
  12. Ron, I have stopped watching any form of news that's not newspaper or online reading. It is just too difficult to watch footage of the pain of those left behind. Sometimes it's best to just bury your head in the sand, to preserve one's sanity!

    I like what you say about finding peace in nature. It never disappoints, does it? Have a super weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hello there Debbie!

    Thanks so much for your comment because your thoughts and feelings added so much to this post topic. And I'm glad to see that I'm not the only one whose had a challenging time keeping up my optimism; especially these past several months.

    "Everybody seems to be hollering at each other, blaming each other, and reacting inappropriately. I wonder if the relentless heat and humidity have something to do with that??"

    I'm sure the relentless heat and humidity have something to do with it. This has been the most humid and hot summer I've ever experienced here. It's been so intense.

    "I find solace in music, walking, nature, and of course, being with Dallas. Writing, too, and prayer/meditation are some of my outlets, as well."

    Me as well.

    "But I refuse to let the monkeys get me down, and I hope you won't let them disturb you either. Our world, I'm convinced, needs optimism now more than ever before."

    Amen, my friend...AMEN!

    Again, thanks for stopping by and for you lovely comment. Wishing you a faaaaabulously beautiful weekend!

    X to you and Dallas!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Thank you, Rob. And thank you for your kind and supportive words.

    I supposed in these uncertain and chaotic times, we are learning to pull together and support one another in kindness and love. My friend in Orlando was so moved by how much everyone in the country reached out to support the families of those who lost loved ones.

    Have a wonderful weekend, buddy. And thanks so much for stopping by!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hello there Elaine!

    Thank you. I had wanted to share my thoughts and feelings for the longest time, but couldn't find a way to express them consciously until this week. And then it just flowed out of me.

    "But I do not want to become so embittered that I lose faith in people and the world, and that's how I felt at first."

    Neither do I, so I needed to find a way to learn something from this and alter my overall perception.

    Thanks so much for stopping by today, neighbor! Have a fantastic weekend!

    X

    P.S. Aren't you happy about this slight break in the intense heat?

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hey there Bijoux!

    "It is just too difficult to watch footage of the pain of those left behind. Sometimes it's best to just bury your head in the sand, to preserve one's sanity!"

    Yes, and that's what I finally realized I needed to do because I was becoming obsessed with keeping up with all the updates in the media.

    "I like what you say about finding peace in nature. It never disappoints, does it? "

    You are soooooooooo right about that....it NEVER disappoints. Yaaaaaaaaaay, nature!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a super-duper weekend!
    X

    ReplyDelete
  17. Ron, I forgot to ask in my first comment, did you take these photographs? I love the one with the butterfly, it's so beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Thank you Elaine, yes, I did take these photos. The one with the butterfly was taken in front of the Rodin Museum. I took many photographs when I spotted the butterfly on the flowers, but this was the my favorite one.

    ReplyDelete
  19. What a powerful and beautifully written post, Ron! My girlfriend and I have had discussions about this same thing. We were both devastated when we found out about the shootings at the Orlando nightclub because she and I have several close friends (couples) who are gay and we love them as our own family. Not only were we heartbroken about what happened, but pissed off as well.

    You're right, what happened in France was like a holocaust. And so was the attack in Orlando.

    I don't know what's going in the world right now, but it needs to come to a halt. And quickly.

    I'm so sorry to hear about your friend's co-worker, whose daughter was killed. I can't even imagine what she must be feeling right now.

    Thank you for writing this post, Ron. My girlfriend wanted to thank you as well.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Hiya Matt!

    Thanks so much for your kind words of support and contribution to this post topic. My friend's daughter was literally a hero because she could have gotten out of the club that night unharmed, but she went back into the club to find a friend of hers and that's when she was shot and killed - in one of the bathrooms in the club - trying to get her friend out.

    I can't imagine what her mother, father and family members went through after finding out about her death. Losing a child has to be the worst grief in the world.

    Thank you for stopping by, buddy. And have a beautiful weekend!

    X

    ReplyDelete
  21. I love this, Ron. Well said. I think many of us - even the most optimistic, such as myself - can't help but feel that way in the face of such tragedy. Maybe that's why I too have been spending a lot more time surrounded by nature lately? It does help calm the soul, huh?

    I'm glad you have places nearby where you can go to find inner peace! Have a great weekend, my friend.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Hey there Mark!

    "Maybe that's why I too have been spending a lot more time surrounded by nature lately? It does help calm the soul, huh?"

    Yes, it sure does! And I have SO enjoyed looking at your BEAUTIFUL photographs on your blog and Instagram feed. I think it's awesome that you are surrounded by such stunning nature!

    Luckily, Philadelphia has a lot of "green" areas in which and can submerge my soul whenever I'm in need of inner peace.

    Thanks so much for stopping by and adding to this post, buddy. Have a faaaaaaaabulous weekend!

    X to you and Tara

    ReplyDelete
  23. Ron, my heart was right with you through the whole post. I avoid the news as much as I can because I feel physically ill when I see images of those acts of violence. It hurts me to my core and I just don't understand it. And I, too, have taken refuge in nature. I garden these days like my life depends on it, and I get out for hikes whenever I can. Even now, I'm listening to a steady rain outside and it soothes my soul. I do believe that those people who would destroy others' lives based on their own ignorance and hatred do not represent all humanity and I'm doing everything I can to hang on to hope.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Ron, I am so sorry these horrible events have had such a profound affect on you. I too lived in Orlando for a time and knew some people affected by that tragedy. Thankfully, no one I knew lost anyone in the events. Each time I heard something new that had happened a little piece of my heart broke. I want to believe that this is just a bad cycle of events and it is not a precursor to something much worse. But it really is hard to say.

    I am just glad I have friends like you that are able to speak about this with honesty and clarity. Thank you for sharing your words Ron!

    ReplyDelete
  25. "I too lived in Orlando for a time and knew some people affected by that tragedy. "

    You too, Shae? I had no idea you once lived in Orlando as well. Wasn't it such a horrible tragedy?

    " Each time I heard something new that had happened a little piece of my heart broke."

    Me as well. And when I found out that my best friend Florida works with a woman whose daughter was actually killed on that night, I felt even more grief.

    " I want to believe that this is just a bad cycle of events and it is not a precursor to something much worse. But it really is hard to say."

    I sure hope you're right because this has got to stop.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. And thanks too for your sweet, kind words of support.

    Have a grrrrrreat week!
    X

    ReplyDelete
  26. ''I avoid the news as much as I can because I feel physically ill when I see images of those acts of violence. It hurts me to my core and I just don't understand it."

    Yes, that's exactly how I feel whenever I see acts of violence in any case. It upsets me so much and that I feel ill - physically and emotionally - and I feel it to my core.

    "I garden these days like my life depends on it, and I get out for hikes whenever I can. Even now, I'm listening to a steady rain outside and it soothes my soul. "

    That's awesome! Does being within nature soothe the soul?

    "I do believe that those people who would destroy others' lives based on their own ignorance and hatred do not represent all humanity and I'm doing everything I can to hang on to hope."

    Thank you so much for sharing that on this post topic, my friend. Me as well.

    Hope you had a fabulous weekend, and thanks for stopping by!

    X

    ReplyDelete
  27. Wow Ron, we are so alike. I hate the news. I can't watch it. I get so upset. So depressed. And I just begin to hate people altogether. What has happened to human beings? What happened to politeness? Love? Hope? Even simple manners!????? We need goodness back.
    This weekend I was pretty much unplugged at the beach house. Just me and my Mom. And you know what? it was the most peaceful and amazing weekend I have had in a long time. Just families around me... young kids, the sun, the ocean. The ocean is my calm.
    I don't know what we personally can do about society. Other than to smile at strangers and say something nice. Perhaps that smile will carry on to another and another. I try to do that every day.

    ReplyDelete
  28. " Other than to smile at strangers and say something nice. Perhaps that smile will carry on to another and another. I try to do that every day.

    OMG Katherine we ARE so alike, because I feel and do the exact same thing, I kid you not. In fact, during these past couple of months I've been even more aware of how much just a simple smile at someone on the city streets is contagious; passing it from one person to the next.

    Your weekend sounded just heavenly! I know how much you feel connected to the ocean, water and sunshine. So glad you have the opportunity to get there on the weekends!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a FABULOUS week!

    :)
    X

    ReplyDelete
  29. Oh Ron, what a moving post! Your words touched me to the core because I have been feeling the same lately. And not just lately, but for awhile now. I try to keep up with the news, but it's been so dreadfully depressing and sad that I can't watch it anymore.

    I was wondering your thoughts and feelings about what happened in Orlando in June. Wasn't it heartbreaking? What on earth is happening to this world? Where is all this violence stemming from? Like Valerie said, Why???

    Thanks so much for sharing this post, Ron. As sad as I've been about all this horribleness going on ALL OVER the world, your words made me more hopeful.

    Have a wonderful week X

    ReplyDelete
  30. Hola Denise!

    For the longest time I have wanted to share my thoughts and feelings about these atrocities happening everywhere, but didn't know how to express them without being so angry and just plain vile, because that's how I honestly felt for so long. I needed to process it so that I could express myself consciously.

    "I was wondering your thoughts and feelings about what happened in Orlando in June. Wasn't it heartbreaking?"

    I literally had days were all I did was cry. And was the same with the attack in Nice, France. I was so upset.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, girl. Have a wonderful week as well!

    (((((((((((( You ))))))))))))

    X

    ReplyDelete
  31. Thankyou Ron for voicing my thoughts. I have been so sickened by the atrocities that have been committed I too have had to stop watching the news when reports are shown. I too have spent a lot of time outdoors just sitting in the sun (when it's not raining), listening to the wind and the birds, it is very soothing and relaxing and I always feel better for it. xx

    ReplyDelete
  32. Hello there Pearl!

    You are so welcome. I think MANY of us have been feeling this way, and all over the world. Like you (and others) I have had to pull myself away from the news and online media because that's all it's been about; especially this year.

    I'm so happy to hear that you've been spending time outdoors, enjoying nature. For me, it's been very important in keeping my mind and emotions grounded and clear.

    Thanks so much for stopping, m'dear! Have a lovely week!

    X

    ReplyDelete
  33. Ron, what a bitter-sweet post.

    I totally understand how you feel. I too have begun to lose faith in humanity. And my attitude has been very, very depressing and pessimistic. Then about 2 weeks ago, I decided I had to STOP IT. The attitude change wasn't easy. It's so much easier to be angry and feel bitterness. It takes work to stop the negativity.

    And I'm with you 100% on the healing power of Nature.

    Last week, I took off work and went to the mountains. I sat outside most of the time and read or just enjoyed the brilliance of Nature.

    I came back feeling revived.

    I'm glad you're feeling better. Keep the faith, my friend!!

    (((YOU)))

    ReplyDelete
  34. Helloooooooo Pam!

    So great to see ya, my friend!

    You and I seem to have had very similar experiences when it comes to all this violence going on in the world. I had (and still do) a hard time understanding where all this anger and hate was coming from and how it seemed to be rippling out to everyone, and everywhere.

    Like you, I decided to stop watching the news and change my own attitude, so that I could be the change I wanted to see in the world.

    "Last week, I took off work and went to the mountains. I sat outside most of the time and read or just enjoyed the brilliance of Nature.

    I came back feeling revived."

    Oh, that sounded WONDERFUL! There is something so healing about nature, isn't there? I have a favorite park I like to go to, and sit under the trees. I feel so much better afterwards.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Hope you're enjoying the summer with your family. I'm so glad we got a break in the god-awful heat we've been having. Today was gorgeous! It actually felt a little like Fall was coming!

    Have a great rest of your week!

    ((((((((((( YOU )))))))))
    X

    ReplyDelete
  35. What a powerful and well written post Ron...straight from the heart! You have captured the feelings of many of us. Certainly mine. I sometimes have to just turn OFF the news as it is just too sad and I will sink in to a deep depression. I find solace in my art...my creative side comes out and I become more alive again. What a terrible, terrible tragedy the Orlando club was...and the same as Nice. And Paris. So, so many. Way too many. I can not even think of what the world will be like for the next generation. Anyway, I just wanted to stop by and let you know I'm still here. I feel like I fell off the face of the earth for awhile. Chloe was diagnosed with Lyme Disease and both the girls have Kennel Cough...so it has been rather trying. Along with many visitors from MN. Sometimes, I just want to head for the mountains and unplug! Take care, Ron...sure hope you are feeling better...

    ReplyDelete
  36. Hello there Jeanne!

    " I sometimes have to just turn OFF the news as it is just too sad and I will sink in to a deep depression."

    I think many of us, all over the world, have been feeling this way lately. It seems that no matter when we turn on the news, it's inevitably something about a shooting and/or some terrorist attack.

    " I find solace in my art...my creative side comes out and I become more alive again."

    That's wonderful! I'm happy to hear that you have a means to find solace.

    "Sometimes, I just want to head for the mountains and unplug!"

    Me too. I've been spending some of my days off out in the suburbs, closer to nature. It seems to clear my mind and balance my emotions.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Hope you're having a faaaaaaaaaabulous weekend!

    X to you and the girlz

    ReplyDelete

I moderate all comments before publishing. Thank you for stopping by.