AFL’s Donna Ryan
I used to feel if I was stranded on an island for two weeks and did not have access to a telephone, television or computer that I would go stir crazy and have an anxiety attack. Thinking about it clearly, I am realizing that maybe all these devices are actually causing me stress.
Let me explain:
While I am not a huge television watcher I do enjoy a good award show when they are on. With my remote control, a cup of tea, my pj’s on and my coziest blanket, I begin watching the beautiful stars in their sparkly dresses with hair and make-up perfectly done. I was having a relaxing time and was excitedly waiting for my favorite actress to be announced. The hype of the week was happening as she arrived on stage to accept her Lifetime Achievement Award.
Sadly, I was disappointed.
Meryl Streep (Feb, 2016)
The reason for my sadness: the speech turned political. I love that we have freedom of speech, but for me, I did not want to hear about it during an award show.
Where is our future going?
I always tried to teach my son when he was in any sport as a child to give it his best shot and if you get the opportunity to win a trophy, accept it graciously. I also tried to teach the line “if you do not have something nice to say, say nothing at all!”
While the actress showed respect, the world knew it was being said with our upcoming President in mind. As disappointed as I was with her using the award show platform to voice her concerns, I was even more sad when turning on the news the next day to hear his twitter response.
I am not suggesting we do not defend ourselves as of course we should. There is a time and place for everything.
Official Portrait, taken prior to the Inauguration of Donald Trump as President of the United States
I am glad I am getting older for I have no idea how disappointing it must be for parents to raise children these days. My lifetime achievement award speech would say “I have now seen everything!!!”
I am not ready to move to an island or toss my devices away so how do we survive the next four years? Well, I for one am going to stay anxiety free the best way I can!
I want to be a role model for future generations! There is a lot of work to be done and all the fighting is distracting us. Our children are listening and looking at us to be role models.
There are winners and losers at award shows, sports events, or in this case elections and everything in between. Everyone loses when we choose to use name calling and negative statements when the game is over.
We are in a state of change today. The question: how can we make this work?
My wish to the incoming President is: you were given the grandest role imaginable. Be a role model for all of us. There are many children who stomp out of a room and say things like “I do not like you” but most parents do not respond with the words
“I do not like you either!” We are all responsible for our words to each other.
My words today are not intended for any political side. The decision has been made and my opinion does not matter. Our goal as a country is to stop blaming each other, stop pointing fingers and join hands to bring back respect.
I close sitting with my cup of tea, wearing my pj’s and wrapped in my coziest blanket knowing in my heart that we can do this! I know there are many children holding devices in their hands and watching television screens at this moment. I for one am going to do my part to teach them kindness.
Can we try to stop this disappointment? If not for ourselves, at least for the future?
Of course we can!
We are the United States of America.
