And So It Continues – Part 3 – Unrelated

Good evening from Osaka.

This post will have very little to do with any of my travel exploits, but more to do with some thoughts that have been developing in this stupid brain.  If you do not feel like reading this, I will understand.

The world is an extremely dark place right now.  Politics, globally, are reflecting a general shift to the more conservative side of things, and more worryingly, the more reactionary side.  All the good work (not that it’s ever been enough) that has been done seems to be coming undone. 

I am not someone who has many friends.  They, unfortunately, get fewer as time marches on.  I have, however, been very lucky to meet people that have challenged, and continue to challenge all of the things that have become internalised and ingrained over all my years living in this unkind world.  Friendships get fewer, but they do get deeper.

It has recently become more and more apparent to me how kindness is a rare thing.  It is no easy thing to be kind, especially when everything thrown at us teaches us to hate, ostracise, and dismiss.  Even more so when you are the receiver of the hate.  It is to be cherished.  If you find yourself around near a kind person, do your best to hold on as tightly as possible to such a person. 

I am (very slowly) learning to try and remind myself that I have things to learn.  That my perspective is limited.  That I am a product of media, my upbringing, and the things I am continuously bombarded with.  It’s a very difficult thing to grapple with the fact that some belief you have might be, not only wrong, but also harmful.  It’s liberating, and scary, and I wish it upon you (whether you want it or not).  “If you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong fucking room.”

As this world continues to treat the marginalised, different people like it’s crime for them to simply be alive, I have some hope that it will push us to form communities.  It is the only way I can see right now that might work, so maybe let’s give it a try?  I don’t know.  Find your kind people, try to be a kind person to someone else, and most importantly, to someone who doesn’t often receive kindness.  Let’s try make and foster safe places.  They are rare.

Sorry if any of this sounds preachy.  This has mostly just been a bout of textual diarrhea that has been floating around in my brain.

The last thing I need to say is that I am still learning, and I absolutely implore anyone reading this to please call me out on my bullshit whenever it needs calling out.  And to those that already have, and do, you have my undying gratitude.  For real.

Yours,

Very sincerely

Cam