40. Are you under the influence?

from Wildly Successful Lifestyle · host Heidi Dawson

www.heididawson.com @theheididawson I started thinking about how much we are influenced by what we see or hear or talk about. It made me think about a few questions. What is our addiction to our phone, social media, the news doing to us? How much is it influencing what we do or think? What is it doing to our brain? What is it doing to our relationships? For instance. Call me naive but I believe most people are genuinely good. I choose to believe that we are all created equal. I choose to want everyone regardless of their skin color. I also recognize that we all have bias of sorts. I am choosing to recognize mine when it pops up and check myself.  Racism exists. We know it does. You are either living proof through first hand experience or you have seen it occur. It may be that you only see subtle instances. But listen We are a point where just don’t be ok with that anymore. Don’t be ok with the subtle instances….don’t laugh it off. All you have to say is (in a very loving way) Thats not funny. Love and respect everyone regardless of their skin color. If we all did that, what a different world it would be. But think about this. How often do you go into a restaurant or grocery store and people are friendly and nice, it doesn’t matter what color you are, most people seem genuinely kind. I believe our natural instinct is to be loving and kind. Our influences are what change that. Sometimes though if I listen to a news show and they are harping on one race or another then that would be on your mind. In your thoughts. If you see someone that is of that race, because of the influence of that news show, you might be thinking ….do they dislike me? Do they think I dislike them? Are they angry at me? Do I smile? Will they smile back? This isn’t a natural thing guys! Think about kids. It doesn’t matter AT ALL about the color of skin. They just want to play and if you like the same thing they like they want to play with you! That’s what comes naturally. The other stuff is taught or put into our brain by our surroundings, most often by the news or ignorance and it’s been permeating social media lately as well. It’s hard not to see it. I think long term, whats happening is a good thing. We are talking about it. We are having conversations. We just all have to work together to make it better. I choose to believe Im no better than any other human being. I have talents and skills that are mine, specific to me and you do too. I love that! Don’t be manipulated and influenced by negative media but also realize that there are other viewpoints then your own and sometimes they are a very different perspective. So always try to be open to other peoples feelings and opinions.

NOW PLAYING