UPDATE: Although the intention of this blog was about finding the positive in adversity, the story about Christina Santiago  about compelled me to write the blog was false. I chose to believe the article linked on Facebook rather than confirming it’s validity and I deeply apologize. CLICK HERE for the factual account.

As you know, I am the glass over flowering person, the sunny side up, and 98% of the day have a smile on my face. Each moment I offer positive solutions on how to live your best life and how to find the gem in the contrast as it’s truly there.

On a rare occasion, I have to dig deeper and deeper to find that positive spin on the ‘wrongs’ of the world. To keep that positive vibe going, I rarely watch the news or engage in fearful conversations. If I do get caught into a cycle of fear based news, I feel it and then look for the positive in it.

My news often comes from Facebook. I seldom open a link that wants to pull me into fear based reporting. Even if it’s from a well meaning friend. Today I was pulled into reading an article about a young woman who lost her life over the weekend with four others at the Indiana State Fair stage collapse tragedy. Five people and numerous others were hurt and lives will forever be changed.

Can I pull the positives from tragedies such as this? Yes. I can see how many people came together to rescue those hurt and how people felt a little closer to family and friends as the reminder of the preciousness of life was pulsating in the air. I can be sad for those gone too soon while fully believing and understanding the eternity of our souls.

What compelled me to write about this tragedy you ask? Well, one thing is writing allows me to clear my mind. Secondly, one of the people lost at the fair grounds, a woman I’ve never met or was even aware of until the tragedy, Christina Santiago, was a well loved woman in Chicago and the Manager of the Lesbian Community Care Project. Her partner was hurt as well and is still hospitalized. The Indiana Coroner won’t release Christina to her partner as she isn’t a legal family member. Tragedy occurred with this young woman’s death and continues to be spread through laws that serve through fear and hatred.

You won’t find me joining protests on these laws, or signing any petitions that continue to ‘fight against’ the ‘wrongs of the world’ as I am a believer that simply perpetuates the problem in the first place. Two quotes that I love that help me with my decisions basically say:

“I will never attend an anti-war rally; if you have a peace rally, invite me”. – Mother Teresa

“We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.” – Albert Einstein.

I know love is what saves people, heals people, and allows for forgiveness and compassion. I know that at my core. I weep for the people who are grieving, healing, and rebuilding their lives after this tragedy. I weep that I live in a society that won’t allow someone to take the person they love home because they aren’t ‘legally’ bound to each other.

My attempts at positivity seem trite at this moment. I find courage and positivity in knowing the VAST majority of people in this world feel as I do, a young woman regardless of her sexual orientation was gone too soon and those who love her deeply should be able to say goodbye with decency, respect and compassion.

That’s all I’ve got for today, tomorrow I’ll work towards positive solutions.

Big hugs and mucho love,

Carol

Positive Focus Founder & Vision Keeper