We all have an opinion and perspective on the upcoming US election. As I write this, we are still in the warm-up phase of deciding who will be the next president of the United States. But this post ISN'T about politics or taking a stance—it’s about people; it’s about us.
Today, I want to share a few thoughts that stand out to me in this election cycle. These thoughts aren’t limited to politics; they touch on the core of humanity. I hope to emphasize the importance of being human.
It’s no secret that money influences our social norms, corporations, pharmaceutical companies, election campaigns, and countless other institutions. It blinds us as a society to the point that we forget we are humans. Money has come to determine our happiness, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. While it certainly makes life easier and meets our survival needs, it’s not what defines happiness
My goal here is to help differentiate the ease of life that money can provide from the happiness of being alive. For those who know me, my focus has always been on strengthening our happiness and our gratitude for life itself.
Let’s start with how our environment has drastically changed over the past few decades, driven by social media and advanced technology. Corporations have tapped into our minds, steering our wants and needs with tactics that amplify the fear of missing out (FOMO) and spending. Technology now brings us instant notifications and ads that entice us to buy, often leading to greater profits for corporations and less for our own well-being.
Then, there’s the information we receive from the media, including news outlets and social platforms. So often, information is framed or even skewed to exploit our vulnerabilities, fueling:
Fear
Distrust
When these forces lead us, it’s easy to make biased, reactive decisions instead of wise, grounded ones. Honest information is hard to find. In truth, there may not even be one clear answer since so much in life is complex, or perhaps what we’re being told isn’t aligned with their underlying goals.
So, what can we do with fear, distrust, and this flood of information? I have one answer:
AWARENESS
We need to strengthen our awareness and step out of our automated way of thinking—mindlessly following external nudges, no matter how good they make us feel in the moment.
I enjoy nice things, too. I indulge in the occasional splurge, scroll through reels, and fall into time-wasting tasks. But I ask myself, do I genuinely want to invest my time and money here, even if it’s “just a few dollars” or “just a few minutes”? Often, the answer is no. What if we took a little more time deciding if we really want to be swayed by ads, discounts, and short, time-consuming entertainment?
With awareness comes
CONNECTION
As we become more aware, we naturally seek real human connection. Fear and distrust often reveal a gap in genuine connection with others. I worry about where humanity is headed if we don’t refocus on what makes us human and where we can excel. Building this connection not only helps us thrive but also allows us to live happier lives.
Above all, we have an opportunity to build a new foundation on what “We the People” truly stands for—something that goes beyond politics, profit, and disagreement, something that revalues a sense of community rooted in love, our most basic human need.
#mindfulness #breathe #bepresent #compassion #love #connection #trust #awareness #thoughts #language #emotion #art #exploration #understanding #ease #peace
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