Words often come across as being demanding and demeaning, even when they are not meant to be that way. Attitudes carry our words and often determine whether they will be heard or not. Some words are like keys though. If we cast them off in a time of insecurity, we may just miss a chance to walk through a door to success or healing later on that can bring us much good. We may never even know that door was there if we let old attitudes and unresolved conflicts get in the way.

Old attitudes and unresolved conflicts follow us around like a junkyard dog, guarding our pain and victimhood. We put up tall fences but people can see right through. These things become monuments and shrines of offense which we pay tribute to every day. That tribute can become very expensive. More expensive than the event itself. There is a cost to forgiveness, sure, but unforgiveness can bankrupt you.

Do not let past insecurities lead you around by the nose. They will lead you right past the answers you need. Forgive quickly before you have time to rehearse a thousand and one reasons not to. Just make a conscious effort to do so. You are better. Let it go.

Do not hitch your horses to a broken-down wagon that will take you nowhere. At some point it will become a hearse, carrying off your dreams and aspirations for life with it. Life is also about prevention. Preventing things later that don't have to happen. You are responsible for that part. You can't blame that part on anybody else. Forgive and live!

Along with this virus has come a 3 ring circus. Too many voices shouting at once.

Reports that some hospitals are pressured to give out false information. Distrust arises. Election season with many public figures more interested in promoting politics than telling the truth. 

Fear which naturally affects us at a time like this being primed to the point that it almost becomes more dangerous than the virus itself ... 

Wisdom is crying out, but you have to be still and listen to hear it.

Mask Etiquette: When sharing a meal it is best to remove your mask, or at least wear a washable one. LOL When entering a store, wear a friendly covering, avoid the "darker" look or you may unexpectedly be sporting a striped variety with matching cell block clothes.

If a masked person wearing glasses walks into a wall, try not to laugh. Warm breath and nose coverings tend to fog up glasses and make it hard to see where you are going. If you are in the eyewear business, stay honest. Don't use this time as an opportunity to sell more glasses … (O:

Just remember, many times our mouths, "over shoot", but our eyes don't lie. Mask or no mask people can still see your eyes. Be kind. The person across the room from you may have just lost a loved one to the virus. That could be why they are adamant about the need for face coverings. Would that change your thought process any?

Politics, media and large institutions deceive and give us reason to mistrust. Judge for yourselves what is right and wrong and don't let them tell you how to think. We are all responsible for who we listen to and where we go from there.

Everyone needs to understand that this is not all about "us" personally. It's hard to find a genuinely independent person. Most are simply, collectively independent … influenced by the larger group of their choice.

Gratitude, understanding and courage must lead. This virus is no respecter of persons. If it misses you, first be grateful. You will likely have an easier time moving forward. If you have been tragically touched by the trauma. It will be harder.

Attitudes lead us around like prisoners on a chain gang. Make sure they are based on truth and worth dying for because if they are not … change. Break free. Think for yourself and don't be deceived, we will never get to that point where the golden rule no longer applies:

Finally, treat others the way you want to be treated. Closed minds prolong the healing process. Hypocrites calling out hypocrites accomplish nothing. Both sides have to let heal in order to heal themselves

God bless America. May America also bless God.

1Nicole Walker

Walking my doggie Frank today.  Love to watch him hop along.  Reminds me a little of Hop Along Cassidy, except maybe, "Sniff Along Frankidy," would fit him better.  He is too busy sniffing to get anywhere!