Give Up Political Debates
The simple truth is I cannot change the way others think, or what they believe politically. I can only control my thoughts and feelings, and debating politics can be a drain. This is what I have been telling myself lately.
Today is the day to give up debating politics. After the last election cycle, I concluded that most every debate and argument I have ever engaged in was a waste of my time. Even the non-political ones were a waste, but the political ones were far more draining. I still have my political opinions and all that, but I am done talking about it online. Politics has always been a point of contention, but I am not getting a high off discussing these things anymore. Now when it comes to the religion thing, I never got my kicks off discussing that because I believe what I believe, and who cares what someone else thinks? I always felt a bit more comfortable discussing political and social issues because these are secular topics in nature, and I am a big proponent of the separation of church and state. Religion, or the lack thereof, just seems like such a private thing to me, sort of like the underwear you wear. No one needs to know the details, but some feel the need to share more than others. Even though I believe in God, I would feel too weird to tell someone I am praying for them. Usually, I just think good thoughts for someone instead, but that is just my take on it.
I never understood how the religionists and atheists could go at it day and night sparring with each other, but I guess they feel the same way about those issues as I used to about debating politics. Like I said still have my opinions and all that, but now I do not want to engage with anyone about it at length. There has always been swirling debate and heated discussion in this arena, but none of what I believe or think will change the world. A veil was lifted when I reached political discourse overload, and I just decided it was time to move on.
What do I care about more today? I care about writing my novel, working on my artwork, taking pictures, and enjoying walks in the San Bernardino Mountains. With all the tragedy in the world, I think we as Americans - and we as humans - need to find more reasons to get along with each other. Even what can be considered healthy and thoughtful debate can easily cross over to hurtful and mean-spirited spars. The world will never change because two people decided to debate about religion or politics. No Republican, Democrat, Libertarian, Labour Party member, Tory, religionist, or atheist has all the answers. My sister is an introverted and wise person who grasped this years ago; she sees no point in debating what she thinks about issues because it will never make things better. We all have our different beliefs and opinions, but really, all the thrill of debating has left me. I see no point anymore. I was always sensitive all along and whereas I engaged in some of those online discussions, I feel drained after even reading some of the swirling debates going on lately. Guess I lost some of the passion I had for it, but that is okay. I have plenty of passion and authenticity for other aspects of life; things that are less confrontational as it were.
I suppose many people get a thrill or rush off debate, but I know being an introvert my energies have been re-centered. I am focusing more on my art, writing, and nature. So, you may engage in debate with people online, but are they your real friends? Some are, but many will never wonder about you if you do not show up the next day to post something. Well, they might wonder in passing, but they do not care about you like your family and friends in real life do. Sometimes it is good to put all this in perspective when we are getting into our "I know everything in the world" debates and just shut off the computer for a while. Call your sister, play with your kids, or go for a walk. There are better things in the world than always debating with each other.
