It’s Valentine’s Day Weekend

For many however, it seems to be filled with drama of miscommunication in what expressions of love can truly mean. Hearts are wounded and souls are cut where in general things are good, but…. Do you have a good foundation but….If you really believe you are soulmates or at least a foundation of a quality love and you are going through a struggle of views, ask yourself if you are holding any baggage in your hands when you are seeing your point of view.

Attack on your sincerity

You see it as harassment and an attack on your sincerity of the relationship. You don’t want to go down that hole of always feeling like you need to be on the defense. They should know how you feel and you shouldn’t be pushed into reminding them. That’s your boundary.

What they need

They see it as an emotional connection that their soul needs. Why should expressing that create a problem?! A soulmate or love feeds each other’s souls. How do they handle this boundary of communication? Would you really prefer they didn’t tell you their need? Is it better for them to keep that need inside and create a wound you don’t even realize exists? They are in a lose-lose situation. Where do they set the boundary of getting their needs met?

Perhaps….

Just perhaps you might see… If their need were for food, you would be upset if they stayed silent and went without. You would want to take care of them. Their soul needs food too, and you, because of their love for you, have the unique position to feed them this. Do you really rather they go hungry?

If you believe you are soulmates, or you simply love each other and are together – this may be the need that needs attention. If you’re not sure, it’s a good place to start. Make it a Happy Valentine’s Day, at least in the bond you share.

Written by Melody Belliveau

Horrible example

Most Americans believe the events at the Capitol on January 6th were not an example of who we are. It was unacceptable and a horrible display for the world to see. Both left and right feel it was an attack on our Democracy. Many believe it crossed the line of protest and riot into domestic terrorism, with a leader that lit the match. The upcoming inauguration brings with it an unnerving fear seldom experienced in our country, and make no mistake, the world is watching.

Why it happened

What is it that made people who view themselves as patriotic, think that storming the Capitol was not only acceptable, but their duty to take action to stand up for their country? People from all statures around the country are being tracked down and arrested for taking part. There has been an observation that had it been protesters from the Black Lives Matter movement, it would have gone a different way. Indeed, it would have. The reason it was not handled the same way however, was not because they were white, but because too many in control of the actions needed to stop it, believed themselves that the election was stolen. A belief that has been shot down in multiple courts, even those with conservative judges. The facts have spoken. Our leaders need to accept that and voice it, in order to lead. The denial of that has proven to lead to chaos that can literally crumble our democracy as a whole.

What’s behind our democracy

The split in our country is as deep as the Grand Canyon and large enough to call it a great divide. The 2016 election was one that left one side stating “not my president”. Investigations were launched concerning the process and results. We were divided, yes, but we did not crumble. The other side said “we’ll show you how it’s done”. Their hopes were of making America great. Do you believe the last four years have been a good example of what you envisioned it would become? Now it is the other side coming about this week. They are now saying “let us show you what we can do”. Do they not have the same right to show you? That is simply how democracy works.

Who’s voice do we need

Now more than ever we need the right, especially Trump supporters, to stand up and lead with an example as a united nation to say let’s work together. You are the ones that will be listened to. You are the ones whose voice of calm can stop the storm that is brewing in our country. The extremists who descended on our Capitol will not listen to anything the left has to say. But you, can make a difference and we need you to do just that.

Show the world the integrity and character you pride yourself on, that we can work together, left and right; for there is no better way to eliminate your enemy then to make them your friend. We need you to show just what being The United States of America really means.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Today is a holiday of our making to celebrate one of the greatest leaders our country has produced. His voice still echoes through our land in quotes with dreams for a better future. “I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.” Many years later, although we are not there yet, we have come far enough to put a black man as president that the world respected as a great leader (whether you agree or not) for not just one term, but both he was limited to hold. We still have a long way to go to fulfill our pledge of justice for all, but we have taken steps in that direction.

For those waving your confederate flags and feeling a spark of pride in the label white supremacist, make no mistake – we will not be going back. You have been defeated before and your attempt to create a civil war is simply treason, not patriotic. You need to examine who and what you are willing to sacrifice because if nothing else, history shows a civil war brings suffering to the majority of the country and brings about devastating destruction. That is not the vision of a great America.

The World is watching

The world is watching what we do next and this goes way beyond politics to the very core of what we are about. What will your actions say about the legacy you leave behind? Isn’t the duty of a true American to show we can come together united? We need to unite today rather than crumble tomorrow. John F. Kennedy was quoted as saying “Ask not what your country can do for you, but rather what you can do for your country”. What is your message for your country going to be?

Today we take note of a dream. Let’s keep working on that instead of crumbling tomorrow. You matter. Make your example count. For together we stand, divided we fall.

Written By Melody Belliveau

No sugar coating….

No sugar coating, many people are hurting this year for Thanksgiving. The dark clouds of the struggles are the main thoughts in much of America today. The celebrations will undoubtedly be different, some by the absence of those who have passed, some from sheer lack of money for the food traditions serves, and most from following safety guidelines that prevent them from holding large traditional gatherings. You can probably relate to at least one of these scenario’s.

“Accept the things I cannot change”

There are still Blessings. The loss of a loved one can bring awareness of how those that still remain really matter to you. It makes you appreciate that connection you have with them. We are made painfully aware that tomorrow is not promised. Words that once would have sounded corny upon expressing, now seem vital to say. That is a serious Blessing. It is an opportunity to change this for the better and eliminate regrets later on.

“The courage to change the things I can”

Mindset is the basis of your actions. Will you emit overwhelming sadness and despair today, or will you focus on and express appreciation for the Blessings that remain?

“The wisdom to know the difference”

We can’t always change the circumstances of our lives, but we can choose how to react to them and we can make today count in the moments that turn into memories forever locked in our hearts. Today is that opportunity to feel the serenity of love that surrounds you still. Notice the Blessings and soak them in. Love one another. Happy Thanksgiving and God Bless!

The Serenity Prayer

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference – Reinhold Niebuhr

Melody Belliveau

In society frequently….

The phrase is used in society frequently to bring awareness to those who have been overlooked that would otherwise go unnoticed. During this pandemic, there is such a group that have indeed fallen through the cracks. They need our support now, more than ever. Instead, they have been pushed even more into isolation.

The difficult skill of reading lips….

Our hearing-impaired community have been plunged into an even more silent world. After they have learned the difficult skill of reading lips, they are now facing a world of masks. The mandates of face coverings for safety of the public due to the pandemic now leave them with not only an issue of hearing, but one of sight as well. Many are no longer able to venture out and function in the world. It is no longer a place of adapted communication. The majority of those they see are now unreadable.

Sign language is….

Although sign language is something we have all heard of, unless you have frequent direct contact with someone that is hearing impaired, you probably would not have learned any of it. In general, schools do not usually offer it, never mind mandate it, like math and English. This is in spite of the fact that, above all others, it is actually a universal language. Talk about falling through the cracks.

Fears and anxiety lead to….

They face hardships securing employment because of their special needs, as well as constant judgement and criticism over speech impediments that are the result of the hearing loss. They often feel alone and insecure of themselves, trying to navigate through society. Fears and anxiety lead to mental health issues that are compacted by a lack of resources, such as interpreters and education in their communities. Many are forced to struggle with disability as the only way of survival after facing too many roadblocks in their attempts to be productive members of society.

Stereotyping of false beliefs….

They struggle with stereotyping of false beliefs that include thinking they have less mental capabilities, that they lack technology skills or are unable to drive a motor vehicle. Some make the mistake of believing that speaking loudly to them helps, when in reality it can lead to embarrassment when you have now loudly put their limitation on display

Each and every one of us has a purpose and they need the help of their community to fulfill theirs. We can all do our part in raising awareness in our communities through organizations and ways we can show our support.

It costs nothing….

We can learn some simple sign language words and phrases with an easy web search of YouTube videos or other free platforms and then teach them to others starting with family and friends. It costs nothing but a fraction of your time and attention.

You’re literally helping others….

Secondly, purchase face shields or clear face masks in support of those that have mastered lip reading. Some are so skilled at it, you may never have known they were hearing impaired. There are manufacturers who even donate a portion of their products in bulk to selected organizations. Simply purchasing from them literally helps others.

Encourage your community….

If you are an activist, maybe even encourage your community to set sign language as part of the school curriculum or even get others in your community to purchase clear masks as well. If your local library or other organization does webinars, perhaps they could include sign language as one to offer.

What will you do….

Now that you are aware, what will you do to help spread the awareness or show support for those in your community? We really are, all in this together!

Written by Melody Belliveau with inspiration from Ashley Grice #WeHearYou