Journal Entry 2 June 2020

Today marks the 2 June 2020 the day seems like a typical day- wake up shower, brush my teeth get changed and off I go to work. However as I sit at work I can’t help but think about what’s going on in the world right now. As much as I would like to think this world is a peaceful world with everyone holding hands and jumping through a field of daisy’s it really isn’t. We’re currently living through one of the largest pandemics with distancing requirements that have forced us to change our life style. We also have people currently fighting for equal rights against humanity, it hurts my heart to know that racism still exists. Growing up a Polynesian kid I was fortunate enough to never experience racial harassment infact I’m proud to say I have friends of all colours and races. Again in saying that not everybody has that luxury and I’m well aware of that.

It has me thinking what can I do? Do I share posts on my social media for awareness, do I march in solidarity with my fellow brothers and sisters, do I pray for world peace in a world where racism still exists? Also you can’t turn a blind eye on other issues such as mental health and people who are currently fighting inner demons day in and day out. It scares me to know that this is the world my future kids will be growing up in. How do I shield them from all this, do I shield them or do I educate them? From what age do I educate them and how do I do so without stealing their innocence? It all seems so overwhelming and makes my stomach turn. But again the question I pose to myself is how do I fight against all this negative adversary? How do I as one single person in this world do my bit and contribute into making this world a better place? In all honesty I’m actually cringing at what my first answer is but I whole heartedly believe the answer is LOVE.

Behind all the riots, behind all self-destructive behaviour and behind inequality is HATE. Hate towards others, hate towards the mistreatment of fellow human beings, hate towards oneself and hate towards the world and its justice system. Again I think of compassion, I think of understanding and most of all I think of LOVE. The world is lacking love and also kindness. So when asked what difference or what my contribution is I answer LOVE. Before I give out love to others I need to practice love for myself. That includes looking around me and being grateful and appreciative of all I have and the people I have around me. I’m extremely grateful for the love I receive day in and day out. Whether my friends and family know it or not I’m constantly in awe of how blessed I am with such beautiful support. In times where I feel inadequate or at my wits end I’m constantly reminded of how loved I am.

With all this love I’ve received it only motivates me to go out there and love others the same way I’ve been loved. It pushes me to really check in on others and also to practice kindness. It’s easier said than done trust me! But in a world where you can be anything ‘BE KIND’. Be kind to others and be kind to yourself. You can’t fight hate with hate, be understanding of others and also know that not everyone will have the same views as you. Whether you believe in God or not he is also a huge comforter and will never leave you. So at any time you feel alone or lost USE HIM. I’ve never been one to publicly share my religious views because I know it’s not every-ones cup of tea but if it means one less person feeling alone then I will gladly share.

Lastly love your enemies – pray for them. I support all those fighting for racial equality, fighting for change and ask that you stay safe in these crazy times. I will continue to practice love towards others in the hope that it’ll create a domino effect and I hope you do to because this world needs it. In closing I’d like to leave with a quote from one of my favourite celebs Jimi Hendrix.

“When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace”.

-Winnie