+++ Prayer so beautifully expressed via song, it is both poignant and pure as it pierces the heart and soul. +++

In recent news, Sharon Osbourne, co-host of the television gabfest show “THE TALK” and wife of rock star Ozzy, has entered into a firestorm of controversy regarding her support, comments and interaction with another co-host of the show, Ms. Sheryl Underwood. Mrs. Osbourne stood up for her friend, Piers Morgan and former co-host of Good Morning Britain, and his hateful and dare we say racist reaction to the interview between The Duke and Duchess of Sussex and Oprah Winfrey. Mrs. Osborne challenged Ms. Underwood’s perceptions about Mr. Morgan’s response to the royal couple in a disrespectful, dismissive, antagonistic and “Karen” like manner. 

Rehashing the specifics of the controversy is not my focus today even though there is a lot that one could say. I also had some criticism of the Oprah interview for a range of reasons but after my own recent  “the talk” moment, I felt compelled to express some of my thoughts as it pertains to how CHANGE can occur when people are able to freely express their views no matter how difficult, untrUthful, harsh or vulgar as long as there is opportunity for respectful debate of perspectives. Since consequences ultimately follow these types of discussions, it is precisely this type of conversation when one is often forced to look deeply within to examine issues (beliefs, actions and words) and their impact on others. They also tell about a lot about US personally whether we can admit it or not. Interestingly, it is in these very contentious moments when many are unable to “listen…Linda” to the other without harsh judgment or a negative reaction. 

At times, I have been able to listen and disagree without an emotional reaction or resorting to disrespectful language or conduct during “the talk”. For the sake of this blog, however, I must confess the occasional moments of losing my sh!T falling into passionate anger using all my favorite curse words with facts to make a point. Even if one has high moral ground for “the talk” once you start using profanity the focus often shifts in unintended ways. These moments have not been my proudest but I am still flawed and trying to be a better human. As a result, I learned some important lessons about strategies to deescalate conflicts especially if triggered or wounded (avoidance perhaps LOL) for the sake of peace or resolution if possible. During “the talk” encounters, one has to be ready or “prayed up” in order to be able to respond, not react, by acknowledging the perceptions and/or experiences of another with wisdom and understanding. One also has the right to review and assess any facts presented during these discussions for legitimacy including accuracy, relevancy and intention. Everything people express as their trUth may not be THE trUth. People are sometimes willingly ignorant, hateful, dishonest or completely blind to their own contributions to any conflict and how words or actions impact others. There is nothing one can do in this situation other than to let go of the outcome or the possibility of a harmonious resolution. 

Yet, “the talk”, even when a disagreement arrises and no matter how painful, gives US the opportunity to evaluate situations with more clarity for future interactions. With time and if we are able to “listen…Linda” with compassion and the need to gain understanding – – and not to be right – – we might learn something valuable about the person(s) we are dealing with, ourselves and our relationships. We definitely learn something about BOUNDARIES (see my definition in words matter) – – especially the wisdom to understand acceptable standards of behavior, communication and treatment as they relate to lines of respect. As humans, we have all been indoctrinated by our educational, familial and societal systems since childhood with beliefs and behaviors that might not serve US or others long term. Eventually, we are expected to grow into adulthood with information to navigate this world which includes how we view and treat people appropriately. Therefore, “the talk” gives everyone the chance to go within to tweak or completely CHANGE for the better – – or worse – –  if so desired. This applies to ALL parties  – –  mother, daughter, son, wife, husband, sister, brother, or friend (you get the point). Sadly, some life lessons were never taught correctly or learned so we carry forth inappropriate behaviors and beliefs that inhibit healthy relationships into adulthood.

Finally, some don’t like to mention this but when the “the talk” happens, humans sometimes decide that a relationship is not worth keeping. Relationships (family, romantic, occupational, friendships etc.) shouldn’t be consistently abusive mentally, emotionally and definitely not physically even though we occasionally hurt each other’s feelings. Sometimes the best thing one can do is to sever a relationship with forgiveness but not reconciliation. It is a very personal decision to do so but this is an example of CHANGE for the better as everyone involved is given an opportunity to grow from the experience without causing further pain. So let’s salute “THE TALK” for bringing this challenging human dynamic to the forefront once more. We now have an opportunity for more plain, frank, honest, loving, direct, hard&black trUthful talk with those we care for, with those we don’t or even with individuals who do not care to understand US. It is our choice to engage or not. At the very least, we will all gain wisdom about BOUNDARIES and more clearly OVER-stand where we truly STAND with the other.  

Change arrived in the Arena. Our citizenry has awakened to the actual conditions of our society. America  – – the land of the free, home of the brave – – is not so free for everyone or as courageous as we once thought. In 2020, people became fed up and despondent with the constant barrage of political shenanigans from our government and their attempts to maneuver within a pandemic along with its varied constraints. Even the constant bellowing from the mainstream media filling our heads with the latest political controversy and COVID-19 updates took an undeniable toll. America’s chickens came home to roost for the world to openly see indeed. While many still chose to rationalize, gaslight, or even mislead as facts and trUth were “unveiled”, those pesky bits of irrefutable evidence remained unwavering being too powerful to dismiss. We had to face “US” – – sometimes reluctantly – – as the wheels of change started to squeak forward.

Change arrived in the Arena. It happened second by second as the new wave of institutions, powerful individuals and societal dynamics and facades collapsed with the resulting energy cascading into our collective consciousness. This may be an over simplification for what occurred but there can be no doubt about the impact of this transformative knowledge on individuals – – for the better or worse. How we choose to process events will be left up to personal interpretation as your authentic self assigns meaning appropriate for you. Yet, any man or woman in the current ARENA – – fighting to evolve with a desire to make this world better should be acknowledged for the effort. Materialism, self hatred, guilt, shame and any of the “ism” can only stall change from happening. What will we embrace – – individually and as a society? All I know for certain is that the changes taking place must not be external only since it appears that the soul of this country needs some radical healing in order for “US” to live together peacefully and in harmony.

The Man in the Arena: “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”

Theodore Roosevelt – – 26th President of the United States,  Statesman, Conservationist, Naturalist, Historian and Writer

Change arrived in the Arena. Over the last two months, I have intentionally withheld publishing new posts while mentally detoxing and processing the changes emerging in my own life. Whatever happens going forward has altered my perspective in a lot of areas and perhaps the collective as well. Is it entirely for the better or will we continue falling into the bottomless abyss started in 2020? My hope is that we see some improvement beyond selfish interest, greed and individualism towards the common interest of humankind in general. This desire for a better world led me to ponder the underlying triggers for real change. It is really easy to use the word but much more difficult to complete a measurable degree of transformation. This kind of radical change is not superficial but goes to the root of the matter. It can happen incrementally or abruptly after severe angst and pain with set backs. Change can occur via profound enlightenment as well. As the process grinds forward, no one quite knows what the end result will be but occasionally we can get a vision and glimpse of possibilities for a future yet to be realized. 

The sound of change is here! It may seem unbelievable or even abstract but there are real shifts taking place. Yet, we must all remain cautiously optimistic as change happens. Is our democracy still in a crisis? Can we, individually and as a collective, control events enough to direct the eventuality of outcomes? Will we be able to coexist as one humanity? Can our vision for America be BIG enough to embrace diversity and substance over superficiality? My musings should come as no surprise to those who have really known me or followed my blogging journey. Judge if you must but understand we will not always agree or be on the same frequency. But, we are all in the ARENA together – – co-creating hopefully for a better tomorrow. My tribe will fully understand this sentiment. Final thought …. Some have suggested that the “antidote” is always present in the “poison“ as well! Now wouldn’t that be some unbelievable ish or lucky coincidence if the cure to our deep problems resided in some ancient and sacred ideals still resonating within the borders of this great experiment called the United States of America?