Being angry, at someone, over anything, seems to be somewhat of a fad these days. I can’t put my finger on who instigated this fad, but it doesn’t have to be this way.

We don’t have to automatically dislike everyone who disagrees with us.

We don’t have to look for flaws to point out in others.

We don’t have to always be trying to prove another person wrong, or ourselves right.

We don’t have to pick a side.

We don’t have to attach negative labels to those who see things differently than us.

We don’t have to participate in the practice of attempting to shame others for their beliefs.

We don’t have to wake up each morning thinking that the world owes us something, and being bitter about it when it doesn’t produce what we expect.

We don’t have to live like this. We can choose another path; a better path.

We can choose to be kind to others, even when we don’t agree with them.

We can search for good in others, rather than seeking out their flaws.

We can choose to set an example for what we believe is right by the way we live rather than what we say.

We can accept the fact that not everyone sees things the same way we see them.

We can choose to stop believing the false narrative that we are superior, and that those who think differently than us must be ignorant, or worse.

We can choose to live humbly, seek peace with others, and recognize that we are not always right and they are not always wrong.

We can choose to fill our hearts and minds with positive, encouraging thoughts, rather than bitter ones.

We can choose to wake up each morning, filled with gratitude for our blessings, and an eagerness to find ways to bless others.

We do not have to accept hostility as a new way of life.

We can choose something better.

I choose joy, and I will not allow anyone to shame me out of it.