I set my chin a little higher

We live in a world that gets off on perpetuating hate. Oftentimes, the media instigates this, but it is ultimately the people who keep it in motion. 

People will talk behind other’s backs and slander their friends. They will take mindless gossip and spread it like wildfire, not thinking twice about the ground they burn. 

I’ve recently noticed how this hate and negativity feels. When I’m in a content mood and suddenly think and ugly thought, I can feel the tightening of muscles throughout my body. I can feel my face become tense and I begin to hate how this negativity can take control. One thought. One word. One action. That’s all it takes to keep the cycle going. 

We don’t know what another person has been through, so a lighthearted joke can instantly set the tone for an entire day, week, month, hell throw in the year. Yes, we can all block it out, set our chin a little higher, and continue on, but that does not mean that it doesn’t affect us. We carry it with us and some choose to break off a little piece and hand it to another person, while others will grin and bear it while it dissolves in their hands. The decision is yours and it will define who you are. 

My favorite so-called “lighthearted” comment always regards my college major choice—English Literature. I’ve become wary of telling people willingly what my major is because the follow up comment is “Have fun being a barista,” or “So you want to teach?” I have an interest in neither. Writing is my crutch and I do it well when I am paying attention. Life happens after college and wherever it takes me is where I will be. I have plans, but they aren’t solid. No good plan is. The secret is to admit nothing to other people when it comes to you. And who are you to tell me what my future does and does not behold? Also, these people do not know about the anxiety and depressive disorders that reside in my being and how they are triggered by these “lighthearted” comments. I’m not here to talk about that though. Just that one comment will set a fire in motion, not a creative fire, a destructive one. There’s this quote from Fight Club that says, “Now, self destruction is the answer.” What if this is only the answer when we are the ones destroying ourselves? 

Be kind to everyone you speak to and don’t tear other people down because you don’t know how much of them was left before you began. Many people can put on a good face while their mind is in shambles. So much hate and negativity dwells in this world and I promise you that you will have a positive effect on those you share your kindness with. It’s the only way to get through the bad days and it is the only way to amplify the good ones. x