If there's anything left to agree upon, let's agree upon this – 2016 wasn't the most favorable year for us.
Many of us are crushed because we have endured or become aware of many more disheartening incidents than we have in past years, and we find it hard to rejoice in even the simplest blessings of our provisions. Others of us are rejoicing in the provision (or illusion) of numerous blessings that have come our way, yet we are still blind and numb to the situations of those around us. And for a rare few of us, this has been "just another average year."
While there are many things to be thankful for and many other things to improve on, don't forget that the end of a year doesn't mean the end of a book; rather, it is simply the commencement of a new chapter, following our prior experiences. That being said, the following are three vital things that we as people need to be aware of while transitioning into the new year. Be sure to keep an open mind and a willing heart as you read.
1. Stop turning social media platforms into political forums.
2016 has been a politically intense year for everyone, no matter which parties or viewpoints you chose to represent. But the main problem was not that people were having political discussions: it was how those discussions were being executed. People are bashing each other, unfriending each other, and even burning bridges because of disagreement instead of coming together and talking about it with utter vulnerability and open-mindedness.
We see the removed barriers of Facebook or Twitter as a golden opportunity to showcase our political views and have 100+ people show that they wholeheartedly agree with our viewpoint by liking our posts, and we share or like other posts that only pertain to our views. This diminishes the challenge of our beliefs and instead of changing or reestablishing them, we are satisfied with leaving them stagnant. If these kinds of actions and interactions persist in 2017, we might as well rename our nation as the Divided States of America.
If you want to have a political discussion, respectfully address the opposition or middle ground and listen to what others have to say in person. You have two ears and one mouth for a reason.
2. Start demonstrating love in intentional ways.
This means putting your phone away when you need to be paying attention to the other half of the conversation. Logging out of Facebook when you could be socializing in person. Going out of your way to meet people where they are. Realizing that trivial disagreements don't give way to sudden terminations of relationships. Standing up and fighting for the oppressed, not just saying words and posting hashtags. Sacrificing yourself for the benefit of those around you, even if there is no reciprocation.
If you want your love in 2017 to be intentional, then make it as unconditional as you can. We're all gonna need it in one way or another.
3. Continue living interdependently with those around you.
There will be moments that you will have to endure for yourself, but that doesn't mean you're on your own. Let's laugh, cry, shout, relax, and get through this next year together.
