Life today is like gasping for breath. Yes, we breathe normally, but what about the extra air that has our hearts pumping and racing, making us go the extra mile and keep on fighting. Or, does it feel like death, trying to survive?
As we go through different stages of life, we find ourselves trying to fit in, to compete and run in this race. But, not everyone will be a winner. Is this the life we want?
The morning routines are so monotonous: getting kids to school, going to work, beating the traffic, and getting angered by inconsiderate drivers, especially the road rage. I bet you will say, “No, not me. I am not getting into a rage.” That is, until you see that old lady with a walker taking her time crossing the street as the light that is red turns green. Are you going to honk your horn at her? This is just enough to get into a rage and say a whole lot, or just twiddle your thumbs and whistle, send text messages, or vent in the car with a screwed-up face.
There’s so much trauma, sadness, and bitterness that triggers us to lose respect, to curse, and to do wrong things. The demands of work, schooling, personal, and family life can take a toll. How do we feed our minds to be in control and not to be scared, bitter, and angry? Praying, meditation or yoga are all good, but there must be a plan to stick to it; it’s not always easy. We are fighting within ourselves to be on top of things. We also fight to STAY ALIVE. Do you remember the Bee Gees song “Stayin’ Alive”? That is what we have become: to breathe to survive.
It’s no more goody-two-shoes. It’s more like using a sword to cut down anyone that does better, runs faster, and even breathes better. It’s a fight and a competition to be the best. Don’t get me wrong, it’s all good to be, look, and feel the best, but do it with compassion, love, and dignity. We are all in this together, working to help one another STAY ALIVE. Feeling stressed? Get into a healthy rhythm or play your favorite song, something to keep you energized, especially in the mornings before you start your day. Make it your “happy to do.”
My thing is to relax, breathe, and smell the coffee (as they say). It could be worse. With all the wars and so much sadness around the world, we fight to make this place better for everyone. It’s a blessing to see another day. Let every creed and every race get to find that equal place. Let them find that peace, love, and care.
We can do this because we are survivors; we made it this far. Just take a moment and appreciate you and everything about you. Look in the mirror and speak positive affirmations. At the end of the day, it’s not a rat-race, but it’s talking to yourself, taking care of yourself, and telling yourself, “I GOT THIS.” Or, should I say, “WE GOT THIS and we are STAYING ALIVE.”
