Like most people all over the world now, I am looking forward to the rest of the holiday season.

The gathering of family and friends, shopping for the perfect gifts for them, gorging on all the good food and catching up on everyone’s activities. But I also feel a tinge of unease because of what is happening in the Middle Eastern region, in China, Russia, and at our own southern border, etc. Even more, I’m concerned by the disunity in society.

The news that’s full of “fear porn,” uncertain facts, horrifying war photos and the agony of losing loved ones in the violence of war, has dampened my enthusiasm for Christmas. I’m always one to count my every blessing and I try to bring a smile to everyone I can each day. Maybe even a laugh.

Maybe its also the change in the weather but I’m uneasy and worried about what we may be facing in the coming days. People have become so uncivil, seeming to condone violence, not wanting to listen to other points of view. If I don’t agree with someone, I’ve become the enemy? When did ideology replace a faith in God or a higher power? When did “the” truth become “his/her” truth? When did facts become something to ignore if they made us feel “unsafe,” or offended? What is the current definition of “racist,” or “Nazi?” I’ve noticed more and more people are just angry, stressed or downright hostile, mad at the whole world and everyone around them. Crime in every community seems to just be accepted. More and more people are buying firearms because they no longer feel safe anywhere. So, what is wrong with our world?

And why are so many preoccupied with everyone else’s sex life? The bedroom is for consenting adults to do whatever they want to. I don’t need to know who you have sex with, or how, unless I am considering an intimate relationship with you. Flaunting your preferences and involving children in sexualized situations is not good sense or morally sound. Mental health is hard enough to maintain without being forced by peers and adults with an agenda to join the crowd, lest we be bullied.

Some of the voice over copy I get for auditions are often promotions for the very issues I can’t and will never support. I keep my politics and my sex life to myself as well as my faith in God. But now, I think those of us who are passive due to fear of being cancelled, must deeply examine our values, faith and principles, then dare to speak up to protect them. Not with character assassinations, destructive riots and physical violence! But with civility and respect and a steel spine of faith in our values. This blog is my step toward having the courage to perhaps make a difference in stopping the bullying and violence and maybe bringing more of us to the mirror to see if we like who we see.

I have a couple of questions. Are you truly happy, overall, with your life and are your dreams still alive? Are you always angry because you think life is unfair or out of your control? I’ve learned that our lives are accurate reflections of what we manifest in our minds and hearts.

It seems like so much of our world is angry and lashing out due to perceived betrayal, jealousy, self hate and greed. But I think it all comes down to a single deeper emotion-FEAR. I believe all negative emotions ultimately come from deep fear. The opposite of fear is love, where confidence, faith, joy, empathy for others and all positive emotions emanate.

Let’s all celebrate the holiday season with our treasured loved ones, and in 2024, let’s also vow to be fearless in standing up with class and dignity to speak up for what we stand for with courage, love and Prayer.

A very merry and bright Christmas to everyone.

Joyous and safe holidays and happy days ahead to you!