I think back onwhen I was a child and how everything was carefree until 4th grade. I was sitting in my classroom and staring at the site of an airplane crashing into a building. I didn’t understand what I was really watching or why it was such a big deal. All I knew is that people were crying and something was wrong. At nine years old, my innocence was about to be taken from me. At nine years old, I didn’t understand the extent of what had happened even after my parents explained it to me. But now at 24 years old, every time something happens, I think back to that moment in my 4th grade classroom. Was that really the start of my innocence leaving me or was that just the first time I had noticed it?

We live in a world where turning on the news every day means getting updated on the latest tragedy and not just finding out what the weather will be like tomorrow.

We live in a world where people feel more afraid of someone with a gun than protected.

We live in a world where kids learn how to play football by pressing “A” and aiming their throw with a toggle stick.

We live in a world where you get a participation trophy for merely showing up because we are too afraid of hurting kid’s feelings instead of teaching them the value of hard work.

We live in a world where it’s easier to blame your child’s coach than it is question your parenting lesson about what it takes to be an athlete.

We live in a world where you have to change a legendary sports team logo because a small group of people’s feelings were hurt. Yet nobody takes the time to realize that team mascots normally represent a strong figure, for example, a Carolina Panther. You probably don’t see anyone called the Washington Baby Kitties. Sports are about competition and rivalries and if you’re susceptible to getting your feelings hurt easily, that’s probably a reason you are the one complaining on the sideline and not in the game.

We live in a world where text messages surpass face to face conversations.

We live in a world where if you didn’t snapchat it or post it to Facebook, “it didn't happen”.

We live in a world where our self esteem is managed by the amount of “likes” on our selfies and statuses.

We live in a world where our tv’s and cell phones get thinner and our bodies get thicker. (This isn’t about body shaming, it’s about being unhealthy, there is a difference.)

We live in a world where you walk right into a slamming door at the mall because nobody holds it open for you.

We live in a world that has so many people without the words, “thank you” in their vocabulary.

We live in a world where people pass each other on the street and can’t even smile back.

We live in a world where people take more than they give.

We live in a world where people would rather sit in the comfort of their anguish and anxiety than take a small step to a better life.

We live in a world where people have completely forgotten what they were given knees for.

We live in a world where people dish hatred out on a serving platter.

We live in a world where people can’t walk down the street without feeling violated.

We live in a world where girls constantly bash and judge one another, making our lives harder than they already are.

We live in a world where kids, and I mean very young kids, view sex as something you do on the weekends, and with whoever wants to do it with you.

We live in a world where the most faith based people still fear for their unborn child’s life.

What happened to the world where everyone minded their own damn business? What happened to the world where people actually knew their neighbors, and didn't fear them? What happened to the world where people got together and lost track of time because they didn't have their phone attached to their hip? What happened to the world where people could voice their opinion without getting hate mail? What happened to the world as one nation under God?

What happened to our world? I want to see it through a child's eyes again.