This Just Makes ME Want to Pack My Bags!

Friends, family and colleagues,

While I make a conscious choice to not politicize my website or pages, I am compelled to respond to the recent Brussels attacks, first by saying how sad I am for all those involved in this tragedy. No one should ever have to experience such pain or violent loss of loved ones.

Additionally, I have to say, I ABHOR bullies and any person or group whose goal is to force me to live in fear. There has been bully-ing since man first walked upright, I imagine. Only the tools have changed; man has not.

But I can choose my own response, which is one of (strange as it may seem) non-response. I will not give in to the fear that our media seems focused on force-feeding us at regularly-scheduled intervals. Life is going on. Everywhere. If in doubt, check out your local BBC news channel. Fear is one of the media’s biggest sales hammers; it is, and has been used on us at every turn, whether we recognize it or not.

I  like what world-traveler and owner of Europe Thru the Back Door, Rick Steves  says: “About the right response to terrorism, I believe we owe it to the victims of this act not to let the terrorist win by being terrorized. That’s exactly the response they are hoping for. Sure, it’s natural for our emotions to get the best of us. But, especially given the impact of sensational media coverage, we need to respond intelligently and rationally.”

My point is this: I choose to live my life with my passion, purpose, and vision as my primary focus. While I will be aware and diligently attentive while out in the world, no one (and I mean NO one!) has the permission to make me bow down in fear. There are already a million ways that I could die tomorrow and not even see it coming, hel-LO! Do I live in fear of those things…those just as dangerous, and maybe even more-likely-of-happening things?

We have so many more important things to do…and even worry about…like, “did I hug my child as he or she left for school today?” Or, “did I tell my partner  I loved him/her?”  Or, “did I create something beautiful today because of that amazing sunrise I saw?” [Fill in your own most important question here.]

Just yesterday, Rick blogged the following: “Brussels is the capital of Europe — an experiment in pluralism more open and determined than anywhere in the world. And not surprisingly, forces against freedom and pluralism have attacked it. In a world of soft targets, easy access to explosives, and vivid media, terrorism is here to stay. And our challenge to maintain a free and open society is here to stay, as well. Europe is strong. It will pursue both safety and the bad guys. And, as a matter of principle, its people will continue to embrace freedom. As a matter of principle, I will keep on traveling. How about you”

We all have to do what is “best” for us, and for each of us that will no doubt look a little different. But I guarantee you, living in fear of bullies who have no regard for themselves or others, is NOT best for you in any way. Fear is the most silent and deadly of all killers. That’s why those bad guys like to be called “Terror”-ists. Fight them with a weapon they cannot even comprehend: Live Your Life as Large as You Can for as Long as You Can. I love you all.

(Quotes taken from Rick Steves Blog)