Before you read this and think you know what I’m going to talk about – it’s more than that!
The other day while driving in the car, I was thinking about my past two weeks. My past two weeks were rough – I was sad, and I probably went too far under the water (read the blog on mental health if you’re not sure what I mean!) but thankfully I came back up after this weekend. During the time where I felt so low and couldn’t control my feelings I thought why? Why is this happening to me? Why can’t I control it? As a Christian, I am constantly looking at why God puts certain struggles and joys in my life, so I started thinking why this one? But then this idea came to me that it was such a privilege to be able to experience this. Now you’re probably like what on earth, that is not a privilege - that is hard to go through. And yes, it was so hard and felt like it lasted for so long but because I experienced it, I can understand even more when someone says to me “I just couldn’t get out of bed” or “I’m sorry I didn’t text you, I just didn’t have the motivation.” Before this deep experience (and I’ve had it before but never this strong) I could say “I understand” and be there to support someone but also wondered is it really true that you couldn’t? Now I know and this experience allows me to put myself even more in others’ shoes and see just a little of how they are feeling so I can be there for them. But then this got me thinking of all the little privileges I have in my life. Privileges such as the ability to run, the ability to understand others, the opportunity to have an amazing grandma, the opportunity to get more education beyond high school and the list goes on. I’ve noticed that privilege can relate to gratitude. We can be thankful for the things we have a privilege to do. The concept of privilege can go deeper though. I’m sure you’ve heard about that privilege. Privilege that comes with your race or your gender or who you love. I personally can think of a few I have when it comes to race for me. I have the privilege to not be afraid I could lose my life when I get pulled over. I have the privilege to walk around a store without anyone thinking I may steal something. One of the biggest ones I notice that others may not is that I have the privilege to turn off the news when it’s too much because it isn’t something that I have to experience every day. Privilege is something that is good to acknowledge because when you see it, you can help make a difference. When you don’t acknowledge privilege, you are saying to the other person that what you feel isn’t true. Let that sink in. “What you’re feeling must not be true because I personally don’t see it in my environment” is the message you’re telling someone who is hurting deeply when you don’t acknowledge privilege. You can be grateful though for what you do have and practice gratitude. We can make others happy by acknowledging our privilege and acknowledging others as human beings to help them. By seeing this, we can strive to make a difference so there is equality in our world. I wanted to share this because of something I noticed recently on Facebook. It said, “Are you sick of all the negative news and racism that is dominating the headlines? Let’s change the conversation to something good.” What a privilege to be able to say that. Imagine being someone who is affected by racism and you see it finally being called out by the news and then you see other people publicly show they are ready to turn a blind eye and “change the conversation to something good.” Do you see how hurtful that can be? Maybe we should not just turn a blind eye. Maybe we need to continue to learn because people are living this right now and have been for a very long time. They can’t stop suffering without our help. Now, I know the intent of this Facebook post is not bad. It is to call out we need a break. We all need breaks. However, sometimes pausing to think about what we are posting is good too. Why bring this up in the Pieces of Happiness blog? Well, this is a beautiful way for you to spread happiness by acknowledging and reaching out to those who are experiencing this battle. A simple text that asks how they’re doing or that you might be praying for them will go a very long way. It is actually one of the easiest ways we can spread happiness right now. By seeing that our friends and those we love are struggling and then being there for them and fighting for them (it can be in small ways) can help bring not only peace to the world, but peace to that friend you care about. Also, interesting fact – it is a privilege for you if you are able to read my blog right now and learn about this hurt through words rather than actions. So, who can you reach out to this week and share that you love them, that you see that they matter, and ask if there is anything you can do to help them with how they may be feeling in today’s world.
2 Comments
Julie Costello
11/1/2020 06:47:21 pm
How are you doing? Is there anything you need me to pray about? I love you and pray for you everyday!
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Cassidy Dunn
12/27/2020 06:21:13 pm
Thank you! I'm sorry I didn't see this sooner! I have been doing well :)
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