Kindness Makes us Strong

Hi everyone, and welcome back to reading my personal blog. Its been two years since I have written! Before I touch on issues in which I would like to bring a voice towards I wanted to just reintroduce myself. My name is Mandy Huggins (Tresham). I am a white women born in raised in Ontario Canada and currently reside in Alberta Canada. I have an amazing and supportive husband, our pup Jax and my son Caleb who is our entire world. Through conversations with my spouse, loved ones and friends I recognize that I have been so fortunate to be given materials and tools to make myself successful. However it does not mean I never was judged, bullied or ridiculed for the way I look or simply being who I am in which has resulted in my diagnosis of living with depression and anxiety. Currently the world is going through such a crisis. If you ask my opinion the worlds issue is not to do with skin colour or how much you wash your hands….it is hate and anger. 

     Now I know whom ever reads this blog may not agree with my statements as everyone is entitled to your own opinion, as this is the reason I have stayed silent this long as it seems everyone always has something to say and immediately judges or rips others apart online. I was always taught that when in conversation you are not to discuss religion, race or politics as it can start wars, but at this time I think I need to raise my voice as I am troubled at what our world has become. I hope whom ever reads this blog others may be able to relate and/or find comfort in. 

Between the COVID-19 pandemic my life had not changed too much because I have been on maternity leave and majority of all our loved ones live across the country so communicating via zoom, duo, skype etc. has been our norm over the last 5 years. I had fell into postpartum anxiety as I was terrified to have anything happen to myself or ones that I love. With that being said from my support network at home I was able to pull myself out of this seeking comfort in the positive takeaways from the pandemic. I found comfort in knowing that many people are able to slow down and enjoy the finer things in life. That the world was given a chance to start healing itself due to less pollution etc. Than started a race war. I have found myself not being able to sleep at night having come across and researching what is occurring in our world between the facts of the incident occurred, how people are responding to this issue and how social media is the main source for turning others against each other. It is a sad time to think of my little one being raised in a world full of hate and violence.

     Everyone has a lot to say and quick to react. Being a white female and my husband being a white male (Italian decent) we currently get looped into the “white privilege group”. Continuing to post comments like this divides people based on their race, allowing others to not agree with statements posted creating heated arguments and bashing one another. The world has divided itself which has created an uproar in riots, murders and violent acts. I do not understand what it is like to be in anyone else’s shoes or what its like to be of a different skin colour, but I also didn’t choose that life for me, the same way we all didn’t choose what skin colour when we were born. This morning I look at my son and I asked myself how can each one of us begin our lives so innocent, having dreams, making friendships, just wanting to love and be loved in return turn into people that are so violent and full of rage. I see posts like “if you aren’t angry than you are not listening” or “stop funding police stations, fund paramedics instead they don’t kill black people” this makes me very sad. 

     I like to look at the bigger picture here. The situation of George F. was terrible and resulted in a murder and I do understand/acknowledge there are people and parts of the world that have not advanced or progressed to creating a healthy mindset. From this incident we take a look at specific white Male officers involved, these individuals used their power of authority to restrain a man in an incorrect way. The actions of these unethical individuals does not pave the notion that all white persons or cops miss use their power of authority or are racists. Same notion that because George F. Is a well known criminal, does not mean people of his descent are all criminals either. The police force has always been viewed as people who you hope you can trust. The reality of the situation is every occupation of authority you will always find individuals that do not abide by ethical or moral decisions and have an unhealthy mind that go under the radar that should not be fit to work. You can find people like Derek C. and bystanders (see the bystander effect) in hospitals (Doctors, nurses etc.) Politicians, Correction officers and the list goes on. However this does not stand for every person, as people and the media are posting and portraying. I am in full support in protesters and anyone that had been effected by this incident however I do not stand for violent revenge, riots, bullying and racism of any sort that continues to take place. What I am getting at is that the world is so fixated on this incident that the world had retaliated back in making others just as bad as Derek C. Hate vs. hate does not create a solution it just creates more hate. What I think we should be refocusing on is spreading love, kindness and support into our personal lives and those around us. Lets continue to educate our selves and start with the notion we were taught at a young age… to treat others the way you want to be treated. Our world needs to heal internally and externally the same as the people in it. Lets seek to understand before being understood. Lets stop the fighting online of who’s opinion is right and who is wrong. Life is too short to have to come home feel like you don’t belong in this world, or that you don’t measure up. We don’t need to live in a world built on fear, as that is no life to live. I want and hope to create a life for my son and family that is full of love for ourselves and others. In labeling others or instilling assumptions/judgement based on stereotypes (race, size, religion, age, gender etc.) Is the main barrier that needs to be demolished. Let's celebrate individualism as there is no one like you out in the world but you! I will end this post on self reflection. Please reflect on how you act, speak to others. You will never know what others have been through based on how someone looks. Stop the prejudices comments and headlines online towards all individuals instead unite together and be kind to one another. 

"kindness is a vast colour that only your heart knows how to paint"