How often do you find yourself arguing with someone, whether they’re present or not.  Have you ever found yourself arguing about some idea in your own head?

Maybe you think everyone should use their turn signals.  It could be that you have strong views about the need for socialized health care.

What is it that you need when you try to state your case?  What would it mean to you if you were not heard, or if your opinion were not received?  What if you did not feel like you needed to defend yourself, or even explain yourself?
What makes this all so personal?

What if you knew  that your truth is completely valid, and that others truths are too?  
What if you could see that each truth is simply a different color in a tapestry made up of every color imaginable,  all making up a greater truth?  

Your truth has value, as do you.  Each of us is worthy and deserving, and it is important that we remember this, not only for our own sake, but to the world around us, our family and our friends as well.

What's wrong with NEWS?

Most of us watch it, and many complain about it, but is there anything wrong with it?  No, not in and of itself.  It's information, albeit sometimes subjective, but nevertheless information.  The biggest problem I have is the type of information that is being focused on.

The other day Christopher Stevens, in a tragic attack on the US Embassy in Egypt, died, after protestors stormed the embassy following news that an anti-Mohammad movie was released or made.
What I would like to hear about besides this side of the story is what else happened.  I would like to hear about the Muslims that came to the aid of those in the Embassy.  I would like to hear of what others in the area are doing to discourage such senseless crimes.  I would like to hear about the moderates, the majority, the regular citizens that want a world where they can raise their children safely, and make a decent living.

Like with our own views and beliefs, there are always many sides to every story and truth that are also valid and need our attention. It is my premise that these areas need our attention at least as much as the main story here. 

As a Counselor I help clients each day to question their thoughts and beliefs, to look behind their thoughts to the meaning of what they are saying.  I ask them to to stop and question the truth of their statements, gently pushing them to see a greater truth, a bigger picture.

We can all do the same, and I would like to see this reflected more in our News programs as well.  It's too easy to focus on what is wrong, and who is wrong, or who did wrong, without stepping back and seeing the whole picture.

My prayers to all those hurt or killed in these senseless attacks.