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New Era

This week has been one of those ones that challenged my faith in humanity. It's no secret that in my perfect world we could all live our lives as we see fit as long as we don't interfere with the lives of others. Unfortunately, this requires a level of self-awareness and authenticity that few are able to achieve.

It all started when I asked a co-worker about her divorce. Her response ended with, "Thanks for pretending to care." I pointed out that my concern was genuine. She was a bit embarrassed, and so was I, but this feeling stemmed from different places. I can't surmise hers, but mine was the fact that we live in a world where someone might just pretend to show concern.

I often find myself in trouble because of my transparent emotions. It's no secret to those who know me that I say what I mean. I don't know any other way to exist. I love mysteries, and I'm a wickedly good detective, but I tire of sorting through veils of words and expressions and actions.

So why do we do it?
Why do we continue to judge each other?
Why can we not just embrace who we are?

This doesn't mean we have to accept everything or approve of everything. It just means that we let people be who they are.

I don't like the colors peach or coral. You will never see me willingly wear them. Yet, I don't look at someone in those colors  and question that person's integrity or value. I'm perfectly okay with not having those colors in my wardrobe.

Could we all agree to do the same with so-called morality issues?

I wish we could cultivate a world in which we are all free to be. To live. To love. To experience the wonders of this world.

Then perhaps we could all be real with each other.
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