I know I’ve had my own emotional posts in the past. I am past those. What I’m seeing right now is different. The news may not be covering it all, but there have been a rash of shootings lately. Our country is screaming for an emotional “out,” and the only one being offered is more anger.
The posts I’m sharing, the website I’ve built—this is my attempt to offer a different path. It is a neutral, calm space to get people talking again, to remember our shared humanity, to learn some empathy. It’s my attempt to be the voice I wish I was hearing.
Someone out there needs to hear exactly this message, in exactly this way.
So now, I’m asking for a favor. If you’re understanding of the intent, could you do me a solid? Sharing this work isn’t just a favor to me; it’s a necessary act in our shared mission for a better conversation. It is a vote for calm over chaos.
There’s no money in this for me. It’s just a guy trying to get others to breathe. I have made it through to the other side and regained control after a few years of fighting. If I can do what I went through, others can too.
I am telling stories with emotion, and I want that emotion to replace the anger I hear everywhere. I am sure you do, too.
We don’t have that unifying force that brings us together without a tragedy. We are waiting for another horrible event to remind us of what’s important. I am trying to remind us now, before the next one comes.
And what is it we need to remember?
It’s us. Our differences, our cultures, our colors, our foods, our languages.
WE are what united us. Once. And we are the only thing that can do it again.
-Shawn