nursingforsocialjustice

There is a strange mismatch that happens sometimes when our values and beliefs do not match our words and actions. I catch myself in these moments of cognitive dissonance more and more, and sometimes it makes me confused about who I am and what I believe in, but most of the time it fuels my desire to make them match. Can I walk my talk?

I believe in humanity, and the importance of connection to other human beings in a way that we can share thoughts and beliefs without hating each other. Can we hurt without hate? Can hitting someone be an opportunity for personal growth as we work to resolve the pain? There is pain, inevitably, when I realize that those values and beliefs that I thought were true and morally right turn out not to be. There is pain, when I realize that my actions and need to push my agenda and accomplish my goal cane at the sacrifice of someone else’s wellbeing. How do I live with this?

I love people, I believe in the goodness of humanity, and I believe that compassion and kindness get help get us out of this metaphorical mess of a historical moment where the world seems to be struggling with opposing philosophical viewpoints, where we seem to want more and more but also understand that it is not possible without a massive sacrifice that might mean there is no literal tomorrow. So what do we do? What do I do? How do I get closer to my actions matching what I believe in my heart (my metaphorical heart centre) is good and right? I think that step one involves really thinking and reflecting on what lies at the foundation of what I believe is good.

I look at the world and I see transition, I see opportunity. When I look at the faces of my sweet little babies (none of whom are babies anymore) I want them to live in a world where people care about each other, and everyone is worth something, even if they do not share the exact same beliefs. I want go live in a world where people care for one another, and belief in the value of human beings, as a collective force.

Peace,

Michelle D.