To Trump, Vance, & Musk …

America is not a rich, white, boys fraternity, but your campaign mindset seems to be thinking it is. At some point in our lives, we must grow beyond our childish ways and become adults. All three of you seem to think “boys will be boys” is an attitude that excuses your words and actions for a lifetime. With leadership and power comes great responsibility. Becoming an adult takes courage and integrity. Perhaps it is lost to some when an abundance of money takes its place.

The root cause

Your wounds have caused you to live in your ego. It directs your path with a bit in your mouth and a saddle on your back. It would take incredible courage for you to stop, reflect, and look into your own soul. To do that you need to face the wounds you’ve hidden so deep inside. You built that wall around it to stay comfortable – but it doesn’t change the fact that it’s still there. You are hurting inside, and the anguish presents itself in your words and your hatred for others.

Who taught you it was okay to “grab them by the …” or that immigrants (except the white ones) or those of color will always hurt you? Who taught you that women mean nothing? Was your relationship with your mother growing up not proof of the opposite? Even a negative one creates an impact, whether you are aware of it or not.

Party of family values

For the party pushing family – what does your own family mean to you? Do they know they mean something to you? What does your wife really mean to you? What does she mean to your child? What do you mean to your child? How much do they really mean to you? Are they sure of your love for them?

The reaction of Waltz’s son was an example of raw, emotional love and pride. It’s offensive that anyone made it about special needs. Capturing that moment on camera was an opportunity to inspire a sharing of love’s expression for your own. He was the lucky one that day – he experienced the tears of pure joy. He Blessed us with the ability to witness it. Can’t we desire to instill that joy in our own family and others? How far away from it have you gotten?

The damages

Two of the damages you’re causing … More babies are now dying because you’ve given doctors reason to fear treating pregnant patients. These babies and those women matter too. It’s causing deaths of infants and mothers that were never part of the abortion issue.

And trying to put women in their place does damage to the pride stay-at-home mothers feel. It is a role chosen – not forced. Being able to be home with your children is a Blessing not a curse. Many that are out in the workforce are not afforded the option. There are those who long for the chance to spend quality time with their kids, but you’ve made the workforce about who’s the toughest and working the most hours. Servitude to the corporation that the economy requires them to do. The economy is not owned by the government – it is owned by the corporations and their control of the workforce and the properties. A truly caring work environment doesn’t need unions to do what’s right. Needing a union is a symptom of issues that need addressing.

Working together

Perhaps calling on men to step up to the plate – as Former President Obama did in his inauguration speech. Too many women are towing the line where men have chosen to walk away from their responsibilities, and that gives the next generation the belief that it is indeed an option when things take effort. Reliable and realistic child support is too lacking in our society. You cannot tout your masculinity if you’re not willing to put in the efforts to do what needs to be done. It leaves her to do your part as well.

You see value in women being able to stay home and care for the children, then use your voice to enable that option for more women. We have incredible women, both in the workplaces and in the homes – so give more of them the ability to make that choice based on their talents and desires, not financial necessity. You have influence – so influence others to do what’s right. As Former First Lady Michelle Obama said, “Do Something”.

I have been a Democrat and voted for Republicans. I am a Republican who will vote for Democrats and Independents. Our country is about uniting, not for far right or far left. It’s about meeting in the middle and doing what’s right for everyone – and you can’t do that while hating half the country.

Come and meet in the center …

The heart center …

For the love of our country and what we aspire to be ….

The United States

Written by Melody Belliveau

Horrendous things have happened, all in the name of righteousness. History looks back on them in horror. From the Catholic belief in separating and destroying Native families and their teachings, to Hitler’s armies – with a belief so strong there are those who still see it as right.

Now we have wars that magnify the blood lust of force. What is it they see that makes them feel it’s worth fighting for – or are they fighting without the full picture of the situation? “What do they see” is the first question that needs to be answered. The whys will reveal themselves when they are.

Attack is never the right approach. If your belief causes suffering and violence, it cannot be righteous in itself. Convince and persuade become pressure and a forceful shove, instead of an invitation to what is good. Persecution will not show Christian works and love. The Salem Witch Trials were the evil that were born out of that.

What do they see?

The Palestinians and the Israelis are drawing lines of opposition that radiate far beyond Hamas themselves. Even in distant countries like the US. Perhaps now is the time to give voice to the best of both sides rather than what criticism is focused on by the other.

Palestinians – what is it you love about and what does it mean to you to be Palestinian? Israelis – what gives you pride and warmth in who you are? Surely there is much about it that makes your soul smile – and that is your why.

If we could learn about each other – we could reduce the power of Hamas. Love and acceptance of each other is a powerful energy that does not require force. A battle does not need to be fought if you change a perceived enemy into a friend.

Be the lamp in the darkness

There is wisdom you have acquired that you could share with all. But we need, all of us, to hear each other beyond judgment and hatred and fear. Look for the light in each other and you will find it. Will you be one of the lamps that lights the way, or a part of the darkness that surrounds us?

Who are we?

“A child died” as a result of fear, anger and hate – and it’s not just one. Who are we? We all need to work on being able to say “that’s not who I am”. We need to come together to find ways to be of help, not become a growing part of the hatred. There is never a good resolve when hate is the guiding factor.

Violence is only about force – and that cannot be a win with their choosing. Convincing them to work together and support you is the true win. Force does the opposite. Oppression is like a dam that will eventually break.

We are all in this together

We are living in a powerful time in every aspect of the world. Mind, body and spirit are being tested and our character and our integrity are being shaped with our response.

Taking a stand must mean more than suffering, war and bloodshed – otherwise, how are we expected to support you? True connection has a value that can be treasured. Working together is only impossible if one is choosing not to – being open allows it. Can those who see be a Beacon of good? Seek divine guidance and the right path will open up.

Written by Melody Belliveau

Both Capitalism and Socialism have negative and positive connotations. Many believe and support one while seeing the other as evil. That is no different a perspective than “you can’t see the forest through the trees”. You need a higher view.

Caring about others

The theme of Socialism is caring about others, but an imbalance of it creates limits to both what one can achieve, and the incentive to work at trying. One needs to know their efforts matter. Even those receiving the least amount of compensation and respect.

It is essential that we care about those around us. Judging others as not worthy is a continuous wound of our society. The belief that others are not deserving of help with food is one of our biggest, along with the sting of student loans that crush the reality of millions in our country.

The Freedom

Capitalism is a freedom – it can be used to show the world what we’re capable of. The most amazing products as well as non-profit organizations and foundations have been created with the help of that freedom. What would you do with the chance to impact the world, if you were the steward of abundance? Answer that with definite purpose and then the next question is what steps do we take to make it a reality. That’s the freedom of Capitalism.

The Responsibility

But with great abundance comes great responsibility. It can create a great light for others – or it can enslave others with the darkness of poverty.

From the wealthiest family in the country, as the largest employer – to their workers being paid so low they qualify for food assistance. The workers need to shop at the very place that enslaves them because they can’t afford other choices. They work hard but live in survival mode. That freedom of Capitalism takes away the freedom of those who build it.

It’s a freedom that adds the freedom to care or not to care. Either way it will still affect others – positively or negatively by the choices that are made and the integrity of the business.

Business or Corporation

Small businesses are built with pride, reputation and caring about others. They are successful when they have character and soul. But corporate and franchise has become a breeding ground for the mindset of “it’s just business” because it focuses on the bottom line of monetary profits. They become numbers instead of people, where they no longer matter – even though they do.

The bigger your business – the more impact you have, and it’s your responsibility to see it for what it really is. Do the majority of your hard workers have what they need for a fulfilling life? Are they able to earn the extra things in life when they put in extra hours for you? Or does that even lack the ability to cover the necessities?

Creating the Balance

We need a balance of Capitalism with caring about those we affect. But that starts with our own freedom and choices. It doesn’t start with rules and regulations because that’s where the loopholes are. It is shaped by our integrity. What we create is a reflection of our soul.

“The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much, it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little.” Franklin D. Roosevelt. In the words of Danielle from the movie Ever After, “A country’s character is defined by those everyday rustics as you call them. They are the legs you stand on and that position demands respect…” So perhaps this is the view that needs reflection and change.

Written by Melody Belliveau

Here’s a shocking thought and idea that may just be the solution to uniting us better than we are. Please read all the way through, even if you do it while laughing or scoffing.

The Primaries

What if you researched candidates of the opposite party you are behind and voted in the primaries for the one that you see the best Character and Integrity from? Perhaps change your party registration (for the primaries if required) and help the other side choose a candidate, and when the general election comes up, and you vote for your own, you will be okay with whatever the outcome is.

Watch and really see them

Get interested in what they have to say and watch the debates (the first Republican one is tomorrow) from the opposite party you support – watching for cues of the integrity in them. Look for the positive rather than the negative. Vote in the primary for the one you see the best character in. Maybe you could even learn something others have been trying to get you to understand.

Where we are

The political climate presently is more focused on hate than Integrity. In the past two elections, votes were chosen based on who they hated less. “The lesser of the two evils” does not give a desired result for anyone. Some are even simply chosen based on whether they can beat the opponent. So, the problem may very well be, how are we choosing who leads. So let’s choose based on what Character we truly want to lead our country – together. One cannot lead effectively if they are disregarding the values of half the country. We cannot be Patriots of a United country that way.

Working together

All have valid perspectives – so perhaps we can work together to find the best of them for us all; because the thing is, whoever wins will be representing you, whether you voted for them or not. Let’s make sure they have the Integrity to work with everyone. No one, whether your chosen party or not, will have all the same views on policies as you. Doesn’t that mean there is something more important?

If we adopt this perspective, our actions can help bridge the divide, and maybe, just maybe, healing can begin.

Written by Melody Belliveau

We cannot make America great again, we can only make it better. To see it as ever having been great is to turn a blind eye to the mistakes we have made. They were and still are there – even if we do not see them. Why else do you think we have so many wounded souls?

The damage we’ve done

We’re still wounding them with our greed and righteousness. What we can do, and what we will do to help those native to Hawaii, are two very different things. Do we help them with compassion or do we cash in on their tragedy for our own wealth? These are people – not commodities. Does your envy of what you view of the place as paradise, reduce your ability to have compassion for them? We had already created hardships for them with our desire for it, with dollar signs and luxury vacations directing our path.

A new beginning

It’s the perfect time to stop and help them return it to the environment they once knew and loved. Their own way of life. If we listened to their voices – would they tell us that?

Perhaps this is a crossroads for healing. They are an indigenous people and if we are not trying to learn their way – we need to give them back their peace, for we have stolen it in the name of luxury.

So can we pour our resources into a new healing beginning for them – but step back first and ask them how they want it to be? What would make their people proud? The wisdom is there if they can shed our foolish ways.

Let’s bring forth a “habitats for humanity” approach and gift them something besides destruction and debt. Otherwise, why would it be thought of as a paradise?

Who we are

Perhaps those who have enjoyed a time there – and maybe even those who have aspired to, could be first in line to want to help. With a perspective of paying it forward to them for the ability to have experienced it. Perhaps we could all give back when we visit someone else’s native land. What we have done with ours, versus what they want for theirs are often very different things.

They need our help – what we do in response is a reflection on who we truly are. What will your response be?

Written by Melody Belliveau

People talk about how important your mindset is. It makes a huge impact on your life and those around you. But when your mindset is filled with darkness, turning it around can seem like an impossible task. So where does one begin?

The voice

The voice inside our heads – for many – it’s the horrible and cruel critic that often is labeled as the ego we need to silence or destroy. But does fighting really work? If you try, they tend to sneak out at the worst of times.

Perhaps the way to peace lies more in the perspective. That voice in your head will always be with you – so why not shape it instead? Would you say the things it says to you to your best friend? Most would say no. But that voice is your best friend. Why not create it into an honest best friend? One that treats you with respect and compassion?

It’s you

Ultimately that voice is you. It doesn’t happen overnight, but when the thoughts are negative towards you, look up and say “nice try” with a smirk and then put some thought into what an honest best friend would say instead, because that voice is what you’re telling yourself. Step in and stand up for yourself. It matters because you matter.

Just this one practice, and that’s what it is because it takes time, can turn your mindset into one that is more open to the best of life. It becomes a habit of personal growth that can take you from the darkness into light.

Ask yourself – are you ready to try a new way? Or are you at peace with the voice inside your head?

Written by Melody Belliveau