Perspective: As Told By The Goo Goo Dolls

The news. Yes, the news. The news that fills our daily screens. We become consumed by the tragedies and the pain of other people daily and in all honestly, it's not our fault. It's just what is put in front of us.

My mom said something to me a few weeks ago that got me thinking. She said that an article I wrote a few weeks ago gave her perspective. And then I listened to Better Days by The Goo Goo Dolls.

The first verse includes the line "Cause I don't need boxes wrapped in strings, And designer loves and empty things"

When was the last time you looked up at the night sky and admired the stars? When was the last time you spent time with your family or your loved ones? Not looking down on your phones but actual and genuine time. When was the last time you took the time to be grateful for what you have and what you have the ability to do? We allow ourselves to become enraptured by all the terrible things that happen in the world; we debate and fight and become occupied by the misery in our world. We feed the fear - the fear that makes parents shake endlessly for the safety of their children, the fear that makes us question who we really know. We feed the lies and we feed the hate. But in the end, they are all just empty things.

"I need some place simple where we could live, And something only you can give, And that's faith and trust and peace while we're alive"

Faith. This word has recently become more and more important in my life. That is because if you lose faith - in yourself, in humanity and in the belief that we can do good in our lives, then what are you left with? You are left with depression, anger, and pure emptiness. This is something that I have had to become more aware of in my life recently. Not slipping into the black abyss of the current injustices. We have the ability to provide faith and trust and peace while we are on this planet. Why not take advantage of every moment?

"I wish everyone was loved tonight, And somehow stop this endless fight"

If you are currently reading this, I dare you to, at this moment, turn to or call (no, and I repeat, NO texting) your brother, sister, wife, husband, friend, girlfriend or boyfriend and tell them you love them. In any way, in every way. These people are the people who are going to matter in the end. These are the people you are going to fight for. Not politics. In actuality, this is how we fight the injustice of our world. With love and hope and faith. So call them. Call who matters and tell them you love them. It makes the world a brighter place, even if just for a few moments. There are many endless fights we can stop with just a few simple words.

"So take these words and sing out loud, 'Cause everyone is forgiven now, 'Cause tonight's the night the world begins again"

Try looking at things with a lighter perspective. Start telling the ones closest you love them a few more times. We feed the right wolf by choosing to do amazing things with our lives. Tonight's the night the world begins again. Let's make it worth the while.