Toxic Texters

No one wants stress. Well, other than Type As: whatever that means. What I find stressful is people, certain people. I love being around people. That's not the problem. It's how the people I am around are behaving that affects me. And I am sure it does you, too. There was a time when I was a worker and had to be with, at times, those who were rather toxic and it wasn't comfortable. One had to find a way to be tolerant. I must admit that some of them likely found me toxic, too. The world will not change because we don't like what's happening around us, therefore, we have to make the adjustment as best we can. If it gets too toxic, the only solution is to leave the area. But creatively. I think, it's called "ghosting" or some such other word popular amongst the texting bunch. Actually, I find them toxic. For example, to me, there is nothing more stupid than a group of people staring at a tiny bit of plastic, flipping their thumbs for no particular reason at all. What they are doing, I hear, is communicating. I don't need to be communicating constantly because even though I hear the thinly veiled insult "you think too much", I enjoy quiet thinking moments and around me, clear, peaceful space. I don't want my space filled up with background small talk that is so insignificant, it's a waste of air space. If one needs to be in constant stress, constant cell phone communication is the answer. Along with the toxic communication that is really pointless and inane for the most part, is the language, or lack of it, thereof. I do not find it "cool" or "cute" to see single capital letters as language. It isn't. It's shorthand to be sure, but should be called "short-brained" because it indicates "I am too lazy or stupid to use actual words". If what you need to say is important and must be done in an emergency, such as your location or a need you have that can't be met any other way, fine. Use short hand. Any other time, it's downright rude. In case you've been charmed by a teenager into thinking it is "modern" and you are "old fashioned", stand up for your rights and ideas.  A friend of mine who has young grandchildren has become ho-hum "young again" having her  cell phone constantly in hand and texting with capital letters I could care less about translating into real language. The greatest insult, I found once, was HNY on my computer e mail right at the end of a person's note. HNY, I learned later was Happy New Year.  That kind of greeting is a delete. It is not only foolish, it's downright insulting. Then again, since when is rude anyone's concern these days. I heard recently that encouraging people to lie to get out of what they don't want to do was"but everyone lies and the better you are at it, the better it works". Business is particularly good at it. Sales folk learn how to do it to make their living. There are times when I want simply, to step off the world and find somewhere that makes sense. Or it is only me? Back to toxic people. I have to say that people can be what they want to be, and it isn't my job to try and fix them. I will just not be around them if they are toxic. They create chaos and stress.  If you are a peaceful space seeker, and want to escape toxicity, we get each other and that's comforting. Give me the good and the true and the beautiful. Beauty is not air brushing or make-up or possessions or labels or texting; it's truth and kindness and conversation with human others. 

Ideal, Not Impossible?

 What if suddenly all governments became one globally, elected wholly by individual citizens of the world who studied each person to represent their area. Passports would be of no need, nor visas nor any other kind of identification other than one single number assigned each individual living on the planet. There would be a global currency and all funds would be distributed according to effort and contribution to the rest of society. All the money used to fund military operations and weapons would be used to provide education, housing for those needing it and food also. Languages and cultures would be encouraged and laws would include those against the rights of others with no discrimination. There would be no war because there would be no steadfast political identity since there would be only one party and one government. Kindness and consideration would rule in the treatment of those who broke the laws that were now common in the world. People with mental challenges would be accommodated appropriately and since policing was advising that there is little need to rob or scam or lie because the lines of rich and poor, the haves and have nots would disappear making it pointless to effect a crime.  Good health and happiness in natural ways would be the key. Wars would be needless because political divisions  disappeared. The arts would become the major goal toward ambition and physical education, a like striving for the best one could be on a personal basis. The aim would be for the enjoyment of sports not in the opposition of teams but for the enjoyment of individual talents that are the reward in audience appreciation rather than golden trophies. Children in schools would learn, as usual, how to read and write and learn sciences but they would also study how to behave with other persons in respect and harmony to make the world a wiser and better place. Food costs would not be for profit nor would any other item purchased because all commercial competition would end and the product that starred would be the one that worked best and it only would be offered. Sales competitiveness would end. Since currency would be only credits easily accommodated on line on devices supplied to everyone alike. Brand names and that kind of vying would be ended. News and information would be available on the devices for all and the laws would not permit negative uses against society of any kind. Treatment for offenders would be available and the goal would be to find a way for them to reenter society after a "time out" in a good place, with personal daily guidance provided until the offender is able to function once again normally. There would be a normal, but the normal would be broadly sweeping to accommodate all. The removal of lines of any kind that separate one from another would be encouraged to keep a solid peace. Offensive behaviors would be treated along with any kind of damaging entity of any kind, with the goal to further the peaceful nature of the planet. Religions could practice but would  be open and non political. No one would be turned away from attending them if interested.  Disruptive persons in gatherings would be brought to a place where treatment would be given to change their inappropriate actions and turn them into contributing ones. Loving care would happen for those who needed it most such as the aging, the ill, the troubled. The aim would be a life of peaceful enjoyment. But after this dream, we wake up to our world today, and wonder.